Glass News February 2022 by Christina Shaw

Bi-folding Doors

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25/01/2022 14:00

Chris Champion, Editor The Government has announced changes to Part L of the Building Regulations which will come into force from June 15th, 2022. These are designed to reduce the carbon emissions of our buildings and will have significant implications for the design and construction of buildings – including window and façade systems.

WHAT DO THE CHANGES MEAN? By 2025 the Future Homes Standard will demand new buildings produce at least

THE RIGHT PEOPLE READ GLASS NEWS Issue 131 | February 2022

SEE PAGE 46

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

John McComb

75% less carbon emissions when compared to current levels. To ease the way the Government has introduced new Part L regulations as an interim measure, in which all new buildings will need to generate 31% fewer CO2 emissions than the current regulations allow. This interim measure comes into force on June 15th, 2022. The new legislation means the thermal regulations for windows and openings are changing. The current U-values for the thermal transmittance of windows and openings into all settings (new and existing buildings) are to be upgraded.

IS !! TH NTH MO

The changes to Part L of the Building Regulations are significant and have implications for the design and construction of buildings - including windows and façade systems. John McComb, Director of Technical Services at Reynaers Aluminium, talked of the implications for our industry at the Glazing Summit and now explains the steps that Reynaers has taken, over the last year, to prepare and to ensure their customers can be reassured that their products are fully compliant with the updated regulations.

THE UK’S LEADING TRADE NEWSPAPER FOR WINDOWS, DOORS AND CONSERVATORIES

IS !! TH NTH MO

REYNAERS HELP TO EXPLAIN THE COMING CHANGES TO PART L OF THE BUILDING REGULATIONS

SEE PAGE 60

HARDWARE

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FEBRUARY 2022

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

REALITY, REGRETTABLY, BUT THEN THERE IS VIRTUAL REALITY! Honesty is the best policy. Thomas Jefferson said, “Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom”, while William Shakespeare wrote, “Honesty is the best policy. If I lose mine honour, I lose myself ”. Winston Churchill got in on the act by quoting, “The first step is to be honest, and then to be noble” whereas Mother Teresa uttered the words, “Honesty and transparency makes you vulnerable. Be honest and transparent anyway”. With all that’s happening in the world it’s a bit frightening to think that we were all brought up to value honesty and to do our best to be honest in all things. Perhaps sometimes we slip: a little white lie here or there; an exaggeration perhaps or even we have not told the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Why is the old boy rambling on about this you may well ask? It is just because it has made me think back to people’s perception of our industry: the doubleglazing salesman and all that has been said about the window trade and how it has found its way into comedy sketches and comments over many, many, years. I look at our industry now, the demand for our products and the millions of satisfied customers who have secured quality windows and doors at attractive, or some may say, too inexpensive prices, and think there is far more honesty in an industry that has suffered being the butt of jokes than most other occupations. I know you were wondering where the reality bit came in – well here it is: the reality is, that in this day and age, one doesn’t need to look very far to identify dishonest people in every walk of life. The news is full of it! Politicians with parties while the rest of us were trying to keep businesses going and trying to see and help our loved ones. Obeying the rules that the politicians made while thinking that their own rules didn’t apply to them. World class sportsmen lying about obeying isolation rules; civil servants pretending they were testing their car out when they were visiting relatives, hundreds of miles away; royalty losing privileges owing to alleged murky goings on; sports governing bodies manipulating rules to provide ‘entertainment’ as opposed to true sport and

all reported by national broadcasters that have shown that they have their own share of dishonesty. The examples are endless, and I could go on and on, but it is interesting that it is all coming to the surface, now. Have no doubt that despite the jokes and innuendo, compared to some industries, professions, and those who purport to be better than us, the fenestration industry is as pure as the driven snow and I’m proud to be a part of it! Inflation and fuel prices apart, things are looking pretty good. Unseasonably good weather has blessed us so far this winter such that outdoor fenestration and building works are continuing apace. Despite budgetary constraints on the part of the homeowner and risks of ever higher prices for everything, demand for home improvements continue. It seems that the supply chain issues have improved considerably although no one will be counting their chickens on that one. The world is definitely a place of unrest, currently, and how that may impact on us in the future, is unknown. There is, however, an upbeat feeling within fenestration, generally. Just following LinkedIn indicates the positivity that abounds with product launches, openings of showrooms and new factories, and lots of new technology, it all bodes well for the future. The cynics among us may just put it all down to good PR but I genuinely feel 2022 has started as it will go on: successfully. There is much to look forward to and I’m sure it’s not just my diary that is filling up with launches, appointments and visits. While good old Zoom will still have its place and provide the opportunity to record interviews and save time and money for all, it is getting close to the time to get the car down off its blocks, pump up the tyres, charge up the battery and take to the open road! Mind you, that’s a joke in itself. Petrol and diesel prices, potholed roads and neverending motorway closures and tailbacks is not a great incentive to start travelling again as we once did! I mentioned technology and, as it happens, I have just returned from a trip over the Pennines, risking the custom post and armed guards that separate Yorkshire from Lancashire, and experienced Virtual Reality for the first time. You’re in for a treat when you visit the FIT Show and try RPS Software’s RoofWright application that will be demonstrating the incorporation of VR. Their application is a serious tool to help the installer sell roofs, conservatories, orangeries and garden rooms and with VR is ground breaking. Seriously impressive even for a technophobe like me! And that’s the link between Reality and Virtual Reality that’s mentioned in the title.

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

www.glassnews.co.uk | February 2022

January 2021 crossword solution:

CONTENTS 4 Face To Face 6 Trade News 8 Case Study 10 Windows 10 Software & IT 14 Front Page Story

‘TIME OUT’WINNERS – JANUARY! Sudoku: Mrs W McHarg, Selby, North Yorkshire Eye Spy: Deby Crittall, Crowborough, East Sussex Spot the Difference: Mr Bharat Patel, Sai Windows, Southall, Middlesex Crossword: C Hill, Rotherham, South Yorkshire Congratulations to all our winners! Good luck in this months Time Out pages!

14 Trade News 36 FIT Show 2022 Preview 40 Coloured Products 42 Recycling 44 A Window Into Aluminium 46 Energy Efficiency 50 What Door? 54 Cold Calling 56 Product Search 58 BMBI 58 Machinery Focus 60 Hardware 70 Careers & Qualifications in Fenestration 72 Time Out! 73 Find A Supplier

@GlassnewsMag

Christina Shaw

/GlassNews

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.

CONTACT DETAILS Christina Shaw Managing Director / Advertising Enquiries M: 07805 051322 E: christina@glassnews.co.uk Emma Champion Advertising Manager M: 07508 263262 E: emma@glassnews.co.uk Justin Lazenby Finance Director / Press Release Enquiries M: 07711 828710 E: justin@glassnews.co.uk Chris Champion Editor / Editorial Enquiries M: 07850 267223 E: chris@glassnews.co.uk Kate Carnall Graphic Design E: kate@glassnews.co.uk Deadline for copy: 16th of each month

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Please recycle this newspaper so we can continue to use recycling in our effort to help the environment.

bi-fold door

GNK02 Patented clip bead delivering the fastest glazing time. Trickle vents positioned in frame - no need for extenders! Full bearings and stainless steel hardware for the smoothest glide every time. All with a 10 year manufacturer’s guarantee.

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FACE TO FACE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

THIS MONTH: Aidan Harte, Freefoam CEO Aidan Harte joined Freefoam as Financial Controller in 1993 and was appointed CEO in 2009. A self-confessed sports enthusiast with a love of Italian food, Aidan has been at the helm of Freefoam during its significant growth across the UK, Ireland and Continental Europe.

IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU... Where you were born and live currently I was born in Cork, Ireland and have lived there all my life.

Your education and the subject or activity in which you excelled I always had a good head for numbers and after leaving school I trained as a qualified accountant. I joined Freefoam as Financial Controller but I eventually moved towards the commercial side of the business. Tony Walsh, Freefoam Chairman has natural flair for the technical side of the business and we’ve found our different strengths complement each other perfectly.

Your favorite sports or interests I’m a sports fanatic and I have a huge interest in Munster and Irish Rugby. Being from Cork, I have an obvious affinity with Gaelic Games which are part of our national identity. I also enjoy cycling in my spare time. A few years ago, I cycled the length of Ireland, from Mizen Head in the South to Malin Head in the North. It was a challenge, but I felt a great sense of accomplishment when I finished.

Your biggest regret in life Looking back, we could have been more ambitious for Freefoam in the early days. We were, perhaps, a little later than we should have been to make big business decisions. Maybe it was the accountant in me that didn’t allow me to be braver at times.

The temptation you can’t resist… A great Italian meal. Whenever I go to London - for business or pleasure - I always try to book a table at Cecconi’s in Burlington Gardens. There’s a great buzz whatever time of the day you visit, and the food is always great.

Someone or something that inspires you We’re fortunate to have a talented, dedicated team at Freefoam so I’d say my colleagues inspire me. In a broader business context, I have great admiration for what Bill Gates has achieved with Microsoft. It can’t be ignored that he created one of the largest companies in the world by market capitalisation. In obviously difficult circumstances, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation continues to do so much to tackle poverty and improve healthcare around the world.

YOUR CAREER... When and how you joined the industry I joined Freefoam in 1993 as Financial Controller. We’re an independent manufacturer of roofline and rainwater systems, PVC cladding and interior wall panels. At that time, it was a small business with about 25 employees and a couple of extrusion lines supplying the Irish market. Freefoam expanded rapidly and now most of our sales come from the UK, France and other European countries.

The job you do I became CEO of Freefoam in 2009. Since I joined Freefoam, we’ve grown to a team of 320 across Europe, with 14 extrusion lines in Cork and 18 lines in the UK. I’m based in our Cork head office but I take an active role in all of our markets. I’ve been unable to travel much over the past two years, but thanks to video calls and emails I’m still having regular catch-ups with the teams in production, operations, finance and sales to ensure I’m up-to-speed with all areas of the business.

Your greatest achievement I am so proud of everything we’ve achieved at Freefoam. One of the best decisions we made was making a commitment to the UK market by investing in a modern, integrated manufacturing plant to include extrusion, mixing and distribution. This site in St. James, Northampton now has 18 extrusion lines for foam and rigid product and employs 160 people.

Our growth throughout Continental Europe is another great achievement for Freefoam. Around 10-15 years ago, we started to put a greater emphasis on these markets, and we now have a strong presence in France with continued growth in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. We have also broadened our core roofline offering with a growing cladding range in the UK and across Europe.

AND YOUR FUTURE... What would you like to do if you weren’t in this industry? If I wasn’t so committed to Freefoam I could definitely see myself spending my time playing golf on the Costa del Sol. I enjoy a round of golf and it’s all the better in the sunshine!

A particular ambition We’ve built the Freefoam brand around quality, product choice and customer service and we work closely with customers to give them the products they say they need to sell more in their markets. My ambition is to consolidate our position as the leading independent manufacturer to help customers grow. The past 18 months have been challenging for everyone, but our ethos is to continue to offer the best support and guidance to customers. With hard work and close partnership with customers, we’re confident about the future.

The way you want to be remembered As someone who worked hard, was wellrespected and made many friends in the industry along the way.

If you would like to appear in ‘Face to Face’, or would like to nominate someone else to be featured, simply email chris@glassnews.co.uk. 4

February 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

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THE TRISYS® GLAZING CASSETTE FROM ODL EUROPE JUST GOT EVEN MORE VALUABLE ODL Europe has just announced that the full length TriSYS® glazing cassette in anthracite grey is now available from stock. The 0764 glazing cassette is an essential component in creating contemporary composite door designs. Ian Glenister, Technical Sales Manager at ODL Europe, said: “Our customers have seen a sharp upturn in demand for contemporary anthracite grey composite doors and the full-length glazing cassette. We listen to the voice of the customer to deliver the products they need so having our popular 0764 TriSYS® glazing cassette in anthracite grey available from stock will allow us to turn orders around more quickly.” ODL Europe has been able to make this commitment because it took control of its door cassette production last year. Ian commented: “We invested in machinery that gave us control over our TriSYS® cassette production and means we aren’t reliant on third parties. It means we are able to make decisions like this that support our customers to help them fulfil consumer demand.” The TriSYS® glazing cassette is the marketleading composite door glazing system because it’s packed with features that means installers can fit with confidence, knowing they are fitting the very best. The outer frame and inner cassette screw together

to hold the door glass into place and the inner frame then simply snaps on. No preparation, no adhesion promoter and no special primers are needed. The cassette’s innovative clip system also eliminates screw hole covers, giving a more attractive finish. The system meets all PAS24:2016 and Secured by Design requirements. Ian said: “Our TriSYS® three-part glazing system is an intelligent and uncomplicated cassette system that comes with a tried and trusted pedigree because it’s been fitted in millions of doors worldwide.” The decision to add the 0764 TriSYS® cassette in anthracite grey to stock helps fabricators and installers meet the trend for modern designs that support consumer demand for natural light. The cassette perfectly complements ODL’s anthracite grey door slabs for a cohesive, streamlined look across a choice of door styles. Ian concluded: “Our global purpose is to make people’s lives better with everything we do and every product we make. By making this cassette available from stock, we’re helping consumers achieve more attractive, more secure homes – and helping our customers add value to their businesses at the same time.” Tel: 0151 933 0299 www.odl.com/europe.htm

RENOLIT CRAMLINGTON LTD ANNOUNCE NEWLY APPOINTED BUSINESS MANAGER EXTERIOR SOLUTIONS UK & IRELAND All designs are Document L & Q compliant Available in any thickness up to 52mm Call 0161 946 1164 to request your hard copy RegaLead Limited | Columbus House | Altrincham Road Sharston | Manchester | M22 9AF

Telephone: 0161 946 1164 Email: sales@regalead.co.uk | Web: www.regalead.co.uk

We are delighted to inform you that James Callan has been appointed as Business Manager in the UK and Ireland to lead the Exterior Solutions sales team.

For further information please contact RENOLIT Cramlington Ltd (renolit. cramlington@renolit.com) or phone on 01670 718222.

James brings with him seven years’ experience from our RENOLIT Interior Surfaces business and previously worked in the fenestration industry. James’ combined knowledge of both RENOLIT and the exterior market places him in an ideal position to take over this important role and to guide our exterior business for 2022 and beyond. He will continue to be supported in the market by Account Manager John Gray. James is looking forward to meeting you all in the coming months when restrictions allow and talking to you by phone in the meantime.

February 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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CASE STUDY

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

IS THE FULLEX KINETICA+ K4 THE MOST FEATURE-PACKED 3* CYLINDER EVER MADE? With so many of us working from home over the past couple of years, figures for domestic break-ins have gone down during the pandemic. But, as things go back to normal, it will be the quality of security measures, rather than lack of opportunity, that keeps intruders at bay once again.

keying alike, ensuring spare key availability and affordability.

EASIER TO INSTALL Kinetica+ K4 has been designed to offer ease of installation alongside enhanced security. The lock has been designed with no ring on the cam, which makes installation faster and easier, without compromising on the level of protection provided. A single sacrificial cut-line on the outside of the cylinder ensures a more robust and durable lock with improved protection from moisture and dust ingress, while aiding ease of installation. Supplied in plastic-free packaging in a choice of polished brass, polished chrome or satin nickel, the Kinetica+ K4 is available with a choice of key or thumbturn internal locking. The thumbturn variant has been designed with the Fullex, patent pending, Helix TT; a highly durable thumbturn that is extremely easy and smooth to use, with no need to push before turning. This not only makes it more convenient for a wider array of end users, but also safeguards against the thumbturn being left in any position other than the correct, vertical alignment.

A BSI 3* Kitemarked, Secured by Design approved and Sold Secure Diamond Standard accredited locking system, UAP’s new Fullex Kinetica+ K4 has been developed to tackle the risk of break-ins and has been tested to 100,000 operations to prove the cylinder’s security effectiveness and smooth operation over years of use.

HARDER TO BREAK IN The Kinetica+ K4 has been designed with the patent-pending Fullex attack system, which prevents would-be intruders from manipulating the cam to gain access. The cylinder has been constructed to break during an attack, protecting the lock from the outside while keeping the door locked and enabling the cylinder to remain functioning on the inside. Once the cylinder snaps, the drive bar springs forward at high speed, while dual attack rods fire sideways to prevent the drive bar from moving past a given point. The rotating cam also moves forwards independently and comes to an abrupt stop when the outer defence ring of the Kinetica cam hits the defence ring on the side of the barrel. Once these protections have been activated, the intruder my attempt to release the cam by pushing the drive bar backwards. However, regardless of the tools in his kit or the amount of force he uses, the amount

GAME CHANGER

“The cylinder has been designed to resist various forms of attack. A strengthening bar reinforces the cylinder’s core for added protection against snapping.”

The cylinder has been designed to prevent access by drilling too, with hardened steel anti-drill pins located either side of the key/ key cylinder, providing extra protection against lock manipulation, and on the exterior side of the key/ thumbturn cylinder. Anti-pick pins on each side of the cylinder also make it extremely difficult to gain access by picking the cylinder.

of movement is limited by the two attack rods, so the cam cannot be released in this way. He may then try to grab the drive bar, but the shaped end of the drive bar makes it virtually impossible to grab it using mould grips or plyers, because they will simply slip off the tapered ends, pushing it backwards inside the cam wall, rather than teasing it forwards. As a result, the intruder cannot manipulate or remove the cam to gain access.

SAFETY CONSCIOUS

The cylinder has been designed to resist various forms of attack. A strengthening bar reinforces the cylinder’s core for added protection against snapping. Kinetica+ K4 has also been designed to overcome the risk of bumping. UAP has designed the cylinder with the patented Fullex anti-bump system, which has nickelplated, hardened steel anti-bump pins to interrupt the timing of the locking pins when the cylinder is bumped.

A game changer for the home security market, Kinetica+ K4 from Fullex, powered by UAP, is a best in class solution that responds to known vulnerabilities while anticipating potential criminal techniques and offering ease of installation and excellent performance for the end user. www.uapcorporate.com

Alongside the innovative approach to combining security features in a single 3* cylinder, UAP has incorporated hygiene into the Kinetica+ K4. The global pandemic has highlighted how quickly and easy germs and viruses can be transferred by contact so UAP has utilised biocidal technology to protect against infection and bacteria with Bio+ keys, which combine a conventional metal blade with a chunky, thermoplastic polymer bow. The bow has been treated using a biocidal additive that impregnates the grip and UAP’s Bio+ keys have been tested to ISO 22196:2011 and shown to reduce Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia Coli. They have also been tested to ISO 21702:2019 and shown to reduce SARS-CoV-2. Each Kinetica+ K4 cylinder is supplied with three Bio+ keys and the lock has been designed as a one key solution for easy

February 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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WINDOWS

SOFTWARE & IT

TOMMY TRINDER LAUNCH ‘ULTIMATE’ TIMBER SALES TOOL

VICTORIAN SLIDERS CELEBRATES £10M TURNOVER INCREASE Sash window manufacturer Victorian Sliders is celebrating its most successful year on record. It has seen turnover soar by an incredible £10m over the last twelve months. After experiencing unprecedented demand for its ECOSlide sash windows, the manufacturer has implemented extra shifts, expanded office locations, hired dozens of new employees, and significantly expanded its transportation fleet to keep pace with demand. Having reached this momentous milestone, Victorian Sliders is now in an excellent position to continue to thrive and grow into 2022 and beyond. Chief Finance Officer Ian Cunningham comments: “The incredible success we’ve experienced in 2021 is a direct result of Victorian Sliders’ long legacy of investment. “Under the leadership of CEO Scot Starkey, we’ve continually invested in expanding our productive capacity, improving our products, and bringing everything from profile extrusion to recycling under one roof. Today, we stand out as the UK’s only vertically integrated PVCu sash window manufacturer.” CEO Scot Starkey comments: “We’re absolutely delighted with the growth we’ve seen over the past twelve months. I want to take this opportunity to thank our staff for all their hard work over the last year, and the thousands of customers we serve right around the UK, without whom none of this would’ve been possible. Thank you to all our customers for their continued support and I wish them a successful new year.” For more information visit www.victoriansliders.co.uk or call 01269 846200.

Selling wooden windows and doors just got a whole lot easier with the launch of a suite of specialist timber features on Tommy Trinder’s Framepoint® app. “Timber is close to our hearts,” says CEO Chris Brunsdon, “It’s great to be able to leverage the power of Framepoint® to make quoting and selling wooden products quick, easy and fun!” Chris, a former director of The Performance Timber Products Group and founder of TimberWindows.Com, has brought his extensive knowledge of the timber market to bear in the design of the new module: “Coming from a timber background, I know that details matter. The challenge was to keep things fast, simple and easy to use whilst providing the ability to showcase all the features that make wooden windows and doors special. We’re so chuffed with the results!” As with PVCu and aluminium products, Tommy Trinder’s patented Framepoint® Technology allows users to free draw timber windows and doors with your finger or mouse, just like sketching on a pad. Frame and sash depths can be easily customised; it’s one touch to add deeper head sections, or traditionally proportioned deep bottom rails to flush casements or sash windows. And a raft of timber specific details - such as lambs tongue mouldings, raised and field panels, cill nosings, single glazing, and sash horns - can be visualised and priced in a tap. Allowing clients to see how their wooden windows and doors will look in a full range of colourways is also important. Says Chris: “Nowadays white windows and doors account for less than 50% of the domestic timber replacement market, so we’ve made sure that a full range of colour and stains are available for selection; over 32 stain choices and 300 paint finishes, including all the ever-popular Farrow and Ball colour options. The colour of all items in the quote can be changed in one click and being able to instantly see the effect on the elevation is really powerful.” In tandem with expanding the range of finish options, the team have carried out intensive work on the graphical representations of timber items to allow the subtle swirls and whorls of timber to come through in on screen visualisations and customer quotes in full photo-realistic quality. A legion of timber orientated ironmongery has also been uploaded to Framepoint® in preparation for launch of the timber suite, including an extensive range from specialist ironmonger, Coastal – leading supplier of classic and contemporary handles and fittings to the joinery market. “I must say there is a real wow moment when you touch and add a Coastal peg stay to a window in Framepoint®, “says Chris. “it’s the pièce de résistance!” Installers interested in discussing how Framepoint® can help sell timber products can book a free demo at tommytrinder.com.

EPWIN WINDOW SYSTEMS’ CONNECT PLATFORM PROVING VALUABLE FOR INSTALLERS Epwin Window Systems’ Connect integrated digital platform is proving popular with installers with over 200 new installer registrations being made in the last four months. Connect brings together all the vast value-added benefits available to Epwin Window Systems’ customers offering what is arguably the industry’s most extensive range of support. Intended for use by both fabricators and installers, Connect has been purposely designed to support businesses of all sizes. Installers enjoying the many benefits that Connect delivers include Matthew Dunne Smith of Oswestry Window and Doors. He says: “Having access to the widest range of marketing, digital, technical and PR support is incredible and is something we would never haven been able to achieve ourselves. Connect is another level of support for us to tap into – it’s a hugely impressive platform that is bringing us great advantages.” Gerald Allen, Head of Marketing at Epwin Window Systems, says: “Installers everywhere are busier than ever, so they need to maximise efficiency and effectiveness. Connect brings together our complete support offering, which means everything our customers need is available in the same place, saving them time and money.” There are sections that bring together all the marketing support that is available, including everything from image and video libraries to bespoke creative services and brochure downloads. Technical documentation is available on all Epwin Window Systems’ products as well as a dedicated section for commercial installers. There are details on the various affiliate programs and exclusive discounts that customers can tap into from Epwin Windows Systems’ approved industry partners. These include free access to Barbour ABI, the leading provider of building project leads, an exclusive partnership with innovative telecoms provider ConXhub, which delivers a flexible and streamlined telecom solution, and training packages from industry experts T3 Training & Development. Gerald concludes: “Only a company with the size and scale of Epwin Window Systems can offer such a comprehensive package of support. As the feedback shows, it’s a package that continues to deliver a competitive edge.” Tel: 0845 340 3968 - www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk

February 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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SOFTWARE & IT

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

ARC DESIGN: THE NEW SOFTWARE SET TO REVOLUTIONISE THE CONSERVATORY MARKET Andy Clear, COO and Cofounder of Augmented Reality Creations (ARC) shares how ARC Design, the company’s new tech innovation, is set to transform the conservatory market… With house prices at an all-time high, today’s homeowners are much more likely to improve their homes than put their property on the market, while a rising trend of permanent home working has also boosted the need for home improvements as Brits invest in transforming their working spaces.

Once they’ve finalised their design, customers have two choices – they can either submit their design to the installer to get an informed quote, or they can use the innovative augmented reality software of ARC Design to project a virtual, explorable, life-size 3D model of their conservatory onto their home via a smartphone or tablet, allowing them to visualise and explore where it would end up in real life. ARC COO and Co-founder Andy Clear comments: “Unlike other conservatory design software, ARC Design requires no training for use by sales reps – the software

has been crucially designed for use by homeowners with no previous design experience or product knowledge. “Sitting within an installer’s website, ARC Design enables homeowners to play with their options on their own time, not the installer’s, further enabling the acceleration of in-house sales calls on any smart device.”

KEY BENEFITS ARC Design improves conservatory sales performance in three key areas: sales speed, sales price, and lead generation.

As a result, the industry has seen a huge spike in demand for things like garden rooms and extensions, but by far one of the most popular home improvement investments is a conservatory.

“All the homeowner’s design preferences and contact details are automatically delivered to the installer, eliminating the frustrating back and forth process between clients and sales reps.

In today’s market, with technology at our fingertips, it’s become more difficult for installers to sell conservatories using generic images from a brochure or online – thanks to smartphones and access to websites like Pinterest, homeowners understand the market better than ever, meaning they’re less likely to commit to a big investment without first clearly seeing the value of their purchase.

“A sales rep’s first interaction with a prospect can then be highly informed and enable easy demonstration of expertise, giving a faster route to sale and opening the door for a higher price.” For word of mouth and other more traditional leads, ARC Design is in a league of its own.

As a result, more and more installers are looking for new, modern ways to help them win more sales, and that’s where ARC Design comes in.

Installers can send links for pre-configured designs to potential customers to explore at their own leisure, meaning when a house call is necessary, the experience is accelerated with rapid designing and cutting edge augmented reality walkthroughs.

Created by AR tech company Augmented Reality Creations (ARC), ARC Design is a web-based 3D design and visualisation software which allows homeowners to easily design their own conservatory within an installer’s website, request a quote, and then use the unique augmented reality features to view their design while walking around their garden.

ARC Design’s instant augmented reality visualisations can place a conservatory on to any house, allowing clients to explore their new space to scale and in lifelike detail. Andy concludes: “With ARC Design, conservatory installers can add a real wow factor to their sales visits, giving potential customers more control over their investments, increasing their conversion rates and potentially growing their business.

And, after significant backing from investment firm Knightstone Capital, headed up by Purplex Marketing founder Andrew Scott, the new technology is set to take the conservatory market by storm.

“The software is set to revolutionise the conservatory market, helping installers grow and improve as we move towards a new digital world.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Andy explains: “Browsing web traffic is a huge and often untapped source of clients. With ARC Design, customers are hooked in on an installer’s website with a simple and engaging design experience. “They play with, and educate themselves about, their options, and the time spent doing so is fully associated with an installer’s brand, positioning that installer as a frontrunner for the installation.

It’s no surprise then that there are over 9,000 conservatory installers across the UK – but of course that also means that competition is tough.

With ARC Design, potential customers can design their dream conservatory directly within an installer’s website, choosing their preferred style, shape, and materials, as well as doors, windows, roof, and any other decorative extras.

ARC COO and Co-founder Andrew Clear

“The installer with the best sales experience will always command the highest prices – upgrade yours with ARC Design today.” Andy Clear (L) and Zack Tuff (R), co-founders of Augmented Reality Creations (ARC), and Purplex Marketing founder Andrew Scott (centre)

For more information or to request a free demo, visit www.arc-solutions.co.uk.

February 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

”I save 30 hours a month on quoting with Framepoint” Liam Best, Kalico Home Improvements

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FRONT PAGE STORY

TRADE NEWS

Continued from page 1...

65% OF ALL LEADS NOW BOOKED APPOINTMENTS FOR LEADS 2 TRADE

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO We’d urge specifiers, contractors, fabricators, and installers to start to prepare now - June 2022 will be with us before we know it. We recommend you familiarise yourself with the New Part L of the Building Regulations and ensure you understand implications for window systems as well as other parts of the building envelope. Also consult with specialists to understand how the change in U-value requirements will impact the aesthetics and cost of façade systems. This will enable you to begin planning future specifications and installations so you can select the most suitable products, that are fully compliant and meet the clients design requirements.

RIGOROUS EVALUATION AND TESTING Over the last year we’ve rigorously benchmarked the new U-values against our current products and planned new products to ensure they comply. This involved a detailed FEA analysis using specific thermal modelling software to calculate the thermal performance, as well as carrying out additional analysis associated with the BFRC (British Fenestration Rating Council) which is a labelling system for window and doors products, to give our customers the utmost confidence in their purchasing decision. Reynaers has a comprehensive range of products - windows, doors, sliding doors, folding doors, and curtain walls – that fully comply with the new regulations. Some of our products also exceed the new U-value requirement, providing additional thermal performance and making them future proof, in lieu of additional regulatory changes in the future.

BE REASSURED WITH REYNAERS We’ve been preparing for these changes for well over a year to ensure we can provide our customers with absolute reassurance that when they specify or install Reynaers products they are fully compliant with the updated regulations. As a company, we’ve been closely involved in the development of the new regulations. I myself have been a member of the Council for Aluminium Building for more than 20 years and sit on various committees. The company is also a member of the Curtain Walling and Cladding Technology (CWCT) group and is actively involved working in collaboration with trade bodies and the Government. To help support the industry, in the coming months we’ll be announcing a series of online events as well as a range of guidance materials to make it as easy as possible for our customers to choose products that comply with the new Part L and meet the right performance and aesthetic standards.

Booked appointments are now topping the list for leads generated by the UK’s leading provider of double qualified sales leads for companies operating in the home improvement industry. A whopping 65% of all leads are now booked appointments for Leads 2 Trade as both consumers and installers take advantage of the benefits they offer. For installers, Leads 2 Trade’s guaranteed booked appointments mean less hassle and more chance of winning the work, with the lead only delivered to only one other company. Installers also only pay for the lead if they sit and pitch it, saving both time and money. For consumers, it means no having to arrange appointments with up to four companies, just two companies in their home, and they are guided through the whole process, with an email confirming the first appointment, then to see whether they need the second appointment or not. Andy Royle, co-founder and Director of Leads2trade, said: “We pride ourselves on delivering what our members want from a lead and how that lead is delivered, and while we originally launched the booked appointment service in 2020 in response to the pandemic, we always knew it would be popular and it’s no surprise that 65% of all leads are now confirmed appointments. “A fixed appointment with a 50% chance of winning work coupled with no pitch, no fee is so attractive for installers, while consumers still get the comparison service they’re looking for, but it’s more controlled.” With things set to slowly get back to normal in 2022, Leads 2 Trade’s confirmed booked appointment service will be vital, according to Andy. “While demand will remain buoyant, some installers are reporting a definite drop off in enquiries from their self-generated efforts, so demand for sales leads from installers will increase to ensure that current volumes can be maintained in the short and medium term. Our booked appointments will provide them with a greater chance of getting that work.” For more information telephone 0800 124 4308 or visit https://bit.ly/33Ns3O0

TIMBER IS (NOT) SO LAST CENTURY!

With Cop26 and the growing climate crisis, is it time for installers to open their doors more widely to timber? According to the ONS (Office for National Statistics), households in the UK remain the highest contributors to the country’s overall greenhouse gas emissions. Long before things like Cop26 became headline news, people had been starting to recognise the need to protect our environment and the Government’s intention to “build back greener” will impact on us all.

As a manufacturer that’s been making windows and doors on the same site since 1884 and has only ever worked with timber, obviously I don’t need convincing about the benefits of sustainability and greener building materials. However, it would seem that the wider fenestration community, those we rely on the go out and promote our products to consumers, are not always quite so comfortable working with it. There seem to be a number of reasons for this, not least the perception that timber is a much more technical sale, is more difficult to install and costs a fortune. Added to this, the legacy of rotten wooden windows still hangs over many consumers and it’s often easier for installers to agree with them rather than attempt to overcome their outdated objections with new evidence. In fact, the introduction of engineered timber and the latest state of the art manufacturing techniques have extended the life of timber products massively. Most products will now last at least 60 years* with minimal maintenance and there is ample independent research to support this. When it comes to the sale being more complex due to the extensive range of options available with timber, this is easily addressed. All you need to know is what type of window or door you want, whether it is a property that is in a conservation area or is listed and a decent manufacturer can advise you on precisely what you need. They also supply comprehensive

Tom Wright, Managing Director, George Barnsdale Limited

sales materials including options manuals, samples and case studies to help you support customers in making their choices as well as support with pricing and technical data. In terms of being expensive, it is undeniable that the initial cost up front is a bit more, but so are the margins! Moreover, the lifetime cost is considerably less because timber windows last at least twice as long as uPVC and of course are much kinder to the environment. Our most successful Approved Partners deal solely in timber windows and doors and report making much better margins as a result and often spend less on marketing by gaining more word of mouth business than some of our mixed material partners. However, those selling mixed materials also see major benefits as a way of extending their offering for more environmentally conscious clients and those restricted by planning and conservation rules. Both types of partner appreciate the benefits of modern engineered timber windows including better thermal properties of wood, the ability to customise and match to original design in the lucrative period property market and the environmental advantages that consumers are often prepared to pay more for. They also recognise that today’s products are very different to many of the wooden windows produced cheaply in the second half of the 20th century which were poorly designed and led to uPVC gaining such a gigantic foothold in the fenestration world. Maybe now is the time for more installers to open their doors (and minds) to timber, even just a little bit! After all we are all going to have to change to meet the commitments made at Cop26! *Wood Window Alliance research carried out by Heriot-Watt University shows that modern timber frames can last up to four times longer than uPVC frames. If you are an installer looking to enhance your timber window and door offering contact us – call us on 01775 823000 or by email: contactus@georgebarnsdale.co.uk.

February 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

Benefits without compromise with TOTAL70 Our TOTAL70 window and door system achieves the highest possible energy ratings and performance. With two aesthetic options to choose from, TOTAL70c (chamfered) and TOTAL70s (sculptured), REHAU opens up a world of choice to complement any style of property. Windows. Reinvented for modern life. www.rehau.uk/windows

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PREMIER ARCHES: THE HASSLE-FREE SUPPLIER FOR ALL YOUR PROFILE BENDING NEEDS For PVC fabricators, manufacturing square window and door frames is a process that could be done with their eyes closed – after all, it’s something they’ve perfected over decades. But when it comes to arched frames, investment in new profile bending machinery is needed, not to mention the years of expertise required to perfect the process. It’s a time-consuming and complex manufacturing technique that many fabricators simply aren’t equipped for, meaning many choose to turn down bespoke and potentially very lucrative jobs because of the headache they bring. But thanks to leading arched frame manufacturer Premier Arches, they don’t have to. The St Helens-based company manufactures and supplies the awkward products that others don’t want to make. This includes arched, angled, gable, circular and entirely bespoke windows and doors in a range of 7 stocked systems including Residence 9, plus another 5 non-stocked systems, offering a full service to fabricators, trade counters, installers and local builders, and saving them both time and money. Established in 2015 by three brothers – Sean, Thomas and Daniel – who were frustrated by the messiness of the arched frame sector, Premier Arches has grown significantly in the past six years, and today serves over 600 customers across the UK.

Managing Director Sean Greenall comments: “My brothers and I saw a real gap in the market when it comes to arched frames and profile bending – most PVC fabricators simply don’t have the tools or the expertise for it, and so our goal with Premier Arches is to transform an often daunting market into a simple and pain-free process. “Arched frames quickly led to customers selecting us to manufacture angled and other complex frames too, leaving them to focus on the simpler, faster processes that their efficient factories are built for.

Sean concludes: “From a smooth online pricing and ordering service through to a fully manufactured offering of a wide range of window and door systems, Premier Arches is here to take away those complicated processes, helping you win more lucrative jobs and ultimately boosting your sales. “If you’re on the lookout for quality arched and angled frames and a hassle-free and reliable service, give us a call today – we’d love to hear from you.” For more information, email info@premierarches.co.uk.

“When it comes to arched frames, many fabricators manufacture the square sash themselves and outsource the outer frame to a specialist frame bending company. However, we’ve started to see a rise in fabricators turning to us to manufacture the complete product instead. “We’ve seen more and more fabricators go down this route, thanks to our reliable, hassle-free service, and the fact that we can manufacture frames in a range of 7 stocked systems including Residence 9, plus another 5 non-stocked systems. We also offer a range of hardware, meaning we can easily match up to the standard frames on the job.” At Premier Arches, bespoke and complex frames are always accompanied by outstanding customer service, a principle ingrained in a 20-strong manufacturing team. In addition, the company boasts a self-developed online pricing and ordering platform, making it easy for customers to get instant quotes, place orders and track jobs, eliminating the need for paperwork.

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February 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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£100,000 DIGITAL MARKETING INVESTMENT BUILDS ON

SALES BOOM FOR CONSERVATORY OUTLET

A leading home improvement product supplier has pressed the button on an £100,000 digital marketing drive to help its UK-wide network of retailers enjoy a strong 2022. Wakefield-based Conservatory Outlet is working with DigitalKOG to develop the latest lead generation focused websites that will be tailored to all 27 retailers that exclusively sell their conservatories, extensions, doors, windows, and orangeries. These sites will feature enhanced product collections, improved navigation to support the customer journey and a clearer insight into company values, including what makes them different, quality standards, manufacturing processes and helpful guides.

“Last year, our collaboration with DigitalKOG and our retailers generated over 46,500 enquiries, a 7% rise on 2020 and a massive 150% increase on 2019. Website hits also registered 1.8million for the first time in our history, as more consumers decided to spend their time and disposable income on improving their homes. “Interestingly and proving that people still crave human interaction (especially during Covid-19), over 73,035 potential sales calls were received, whilst showroom visits were also significantly up.” She continued: “You can’t stand still in our industry. We wanted to build on 2021’s momentum by investing £100,000 into our next digital marketing campaign. This will create new websites for all 27 firms in our network, and we’re

They will also have a dedicated ‘careers’ section that will help the sector overcome the significant recruitment issues it is facing. “The pandemic has really highlighted how important digital marketing can be to our business, with more than a third of our £28m sales generated through email or website enquiries for our network,” explained Karen Clough, Marketing Director of Conservatory Outlet.

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also facilitating a major marketing event in Manchester in February to develop strategies for the next twelve months.” Conservatory Outlet, which recently secured the ‘We Invest in People’ accreditation for the first time, focused on seasonal offers and specific dealer advantages, such as new products, showrooms, finance and living experience case studies. Individual customer brands were also strengthened, whilst social media campaigns explored Instagram more and split tested different Facebook approaches, including lifestyle animations and real-life video case studies. Karen went on to add: “We firmly believe that leads are best generated directly and exclusively for our individual customers, as opposed to being passed on from a central source. It’s all about building strong brands that make an impact in their own right.” “The past two years have taught people that their homes are more important than ever, and for that reason they’re willing to spend on improving them. “We believe this trend will continue. Although the industry has been hit with multiple significant price increases and extended lead times, people are still very willing to purchase… it’s all about buying from the right company, so trust and service are very important.” For further information, please visit www.conservatoryoutlet.co.uk or follow @conservatoryuk.

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February 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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FABRICATOR WORKING FOR YOU?

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

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

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NEW WINDOWS JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED FOR TWO SCOTTISH HOSPITALS Advances in window manufacturing meant that over 350 timber windows at Victoria and Lynebank hospitals were no longer the most efficient option. For this reason, contractors M&S Windows were tasked with sourcing a more appropriate solution for the NHS properties, as well as minimising downtime while a new £1.3m MRI scanner was carefully transported through the aperture. Working in collaboration with REHAU and DP Windows, the perfect remedy was provided. Located in Kirkcaldy and operated by NHS Fife, Victoria Hospital provides a wide range of services to patients across the region including Accident & Emergency and Minor Injuries Services. The hospital contains approximately 300 staffed beds and has a full range of healthcare specialties. Meanwhile, Lynebank, which is also run by NHS Fife, was established as a specialist hospital for people with learning disabilities. In order to address issues with some of the old windows, NHS Fife enlisted M&S Windows to find a suitable solution following a number of successful projects upgrading various healthcare buildings within its jurisdiction. This demanding healthcare environment required expert consideration from a specialist contractor and therefore M&S Windows was selected for both projects based on the team’s familiarity with the sector’s nuances. “24 years working with health organisations has given us a sound understanding of how hospitals work and we appreciate there is no room for error. The health and safety of staff and patients is paramount and therefore minimising disruption to day-to-day

operations, during building maintenance, is crucial. With recent global health events further highlighting the UK population’s reliance on the NHS and its hospitals, it is more important now than ever that healthcare buildings and facilities are of the highest of standards.” explains Derek Sinclair, Director at M&S Windows.

A CONCOCTION OF CHALLENGES Derek initially visited both hospital sites with the estate managers to assess the issues. It soon became apparent that an upgrade from the existing timber windows was required - they were installed in 1965, were making the buildings inefficient, and demanded additional maintenance. Both properties had specific areas of concern, with around 50 windows needed in the main canteen at Victoria Hospital, and 300 new windows for the offices and Learning Disabilities Services wing at Lynebank Hospital.

Access to the wards and canteen also presented a unique challenge. Specifically, safety and security were of high importance to Victoria Hospital due to the purchase of a new MRI scanner worth over £1.3 million. Additionally, Lynebank hospital unearthed a potential asbestos presence in the old windows which posed a health risk. As such the building owners recognised their duty to manage the asbestos problem as outlined in the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

FRAMING A REMEDY Working with REHAU fabricator DP Windows based in Fife, M&S Windows specified, manufactured and installed c.350 of REHAU’s Total 70C casement windows in white across the two buildings. The versatile window solution was acknowledged for its ability to deliver on each of the hospital’s needs to a market-leading standard. For example, the double-glazed sealed units were able to considerably reduce outdoor noise levels which was critical for units where sensitive procedures and conversations were occurring. With hospital costs regularly making news headlines – the most recent NHS energy spend estimated to be near £500m last year – any energy saving measures are most welcome in this sector. Again, the REHAU TOTAL70 system has excellent thermal properties achieving an A rating, the highest possible Window Energy Rating (WER) for thermal efficiency, and so suited this application perfectly. Additionally, the profiles contain a unique compound with a smooth gloss finish,

guaranteeing to retain their pristine appearance and never warp, rot or need painting. This was a welcome update for the estates teams as capacity restrictions meant they needed to be able to focus their time and efforts on other areas of the hospitals when it came to maintenance. As well as keeping maintenance teams happy, the REHAU TOTAL70 window system promised to provide all staff and patients with peace of mind in regards to safety and security. This is achieved through the British Standard BS7950 and PAS 23/24 security standards. Derek was particularly proud of how smoothly the two projects went. “40 years of fitting windows has shown us that each job is different and that we need to respond to the specific needs of building occupiers. With support from DP Windows, REHAU and the estate teams, we worked up a phased programme with the staff to ensure facilities downtime was minimised,” says Derek. “Because the Total 70 profile is so easy to work with due to the 70mm depth, it means there’s no requirement for additional trimming when replacing old timber frames. This meant we could get the job done efficiently without compromising on install quality,” continues Derek.

A HEALTHY OUTCOME Most importantly, the estates teams and end-users have seen a significant improvement to the building environments and have realised beneficial savings in energy costs due to the installation of the new efficient windows. And, upon completion of the projects, many of the staff and patients were complimentary of the two hospitals’ window transformations according to Estates Manager, David Lowe. He commented: “When it comes to prioritising health and safety of our staff and patients, we had to ensure the project ran smoothly. M&S Windows went above and beyond our expectations, even working over weekends when required, so that our facilities could be kept open as much as possible. We are really pleased with the outcome and believe that the REHAU products installed really solved our challenges.” For more information on REHAU’s commercial window solutions, visit: www.rehau.com/uk-en/pvcu-rehau-windows

February 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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PREMIER ARCHES SEES RECORD BREAKING YEAR

ENTRIES FOR THE NINTH ANNUAL SCHÜCO EXCELLENCE AWARDS ARE NOW OPEN The ninth annual Schüco Excellence Awards will take place this summer, for which project applications are now officially being accepted. The well-established Schüco Excellence Awards for Design and Innovation, run in association with Architecture Today, recognise exceptional projects completed with Schüco systems all over the UK and Ireland. The deadline for entries is 27th April 2022. Architectural designer and television presenter, Charlie Luxton will reprise his role as host for the awards event at The Banqueting House in London’s Whitehall on Thursday 30th June 2022. The Awards receive recognition across the industry, as was demonstrated by the landslide amount of entries for the 2021 Awards, increasing the number of entries for the second year running. Winning entries demonstrate the very best contributions from design and specialist contractor teams, and the Schüco façade, window and door systems used in the project.

Entries are judged on creativity, innovation, technical expertise and collaboration to deliver architectural intent. This year’s judges comprise esteemed past judges and previous award winners, including Ingrid Petit, Associate at Feilden Fowles; Steve Mudie, Partner at Alinea Consulting; Fiona Scott, Director at Gort Scott; Carol Patterson, Director at OMA; Harry Montrésor, Partner at the Montrésor Partnership; Pankaj Patel, Director at Patel Taylor; Innes Johnston, Senior Partner at Max Fordham; and Architecture Today Editor Isabel Allen, who will Chair the judging. The ten categories for the 2022 Schüco Excellence Awards, which have been updated since last year, are: Commercial and Mixed Use development; Cultural building; Education, Health and Leisure building; Refurbishment and Adaptive Reuse project; Individual house; Individual house improvement; Residential development; Specialist contractor, Steel project and Sustainability. Visit the awards platform to enter a project into the Schüco Excellence Awards 2022: excellence-awards.awardsplatform.com/

Despite a challenging trading period for the industry, leading arched frame manufacturer Premier Arches has seen a 94% sales uplift in the past 12 months, marking 2021 its most successful year yet. Managing Director Sean Greenall attributes this success to an increased demand for bespoke arched and angled frames across the country, matched with the unique and specialised service the company offers, taking the hassle away from the complicated and time-consuming process of profile bending. “Since opening our doors in 2015, we’ve grown significantly, with the past 12 months being our most successful yet,” he says. “Demand for home improvements has skyrocketed in the past two years, with more and more homeowners wanting to transform their properties with bespoke arched and angled windows and doors. “At Premier Arches, we’ve managed to meet that demand, successfully manufacturing and supplying fabricators, trade counters, installers and local builders with highquality, bespoke arched, angled and generally complex frames in almost any shape and in almost any PVC system on the market.” Serving to over 600 customers across the UK, the St Helens-based company manufactures and supplies the awkward products that others don’t want to make. This includes arched, angled, gable, circular and entirely bespoke windows and doors in a range of 7 stocked systems including Residence 9, plus another 5 non-stocked systems. Sean continues: “When it comes to profile bending, most PVC fabricators simply don’t have the time, the tools, or the expertise to carry this out in-house, and so our goal

with Premier Arches is to make that entire process simpler. “When manufacturing arched frames, fabricators traditionally manufacture the square sash themselves and then outsource the arched outer frame to a specialist frame bending company. However, we’ve started to see more and more fabricators turning to us to manufacture the complete product, and it’s thanks to our reliable, hassle-free service that many of them have chosen that easier route. “We also offer a fully glazed option, which saves time and eliminates errors caused by glass templating. We’re a one-stop-shop for anything difficult to make. “Despite the continued challenges faced across the industry over the past two years, our products and services have been in high demand, and we’ve managed to maintain a high level of service across the board, providing outstanding products and a smooth and reliable sales process for all our customers. “The hard work of everyone across the business has ensured that Premier Arches experienced an extremely successful past 12 months, and I’m incredibly proud of our whole team. “We’ll now be working just as hard to deliver an exceptional service in the new year, and will continue to transform the world of arched and angled frames into a simple and pain-free process.” For more information, email info@premierarches.co.uk.

TUFFX: HISTORY IN THE MAKING TuffX has supplied 60m2 of specialist toughened glass for a large property development project at an historic site in Bristol. The Carriageworks, at the heart of Bristol’s vibrant Stokes Croft neighbourhood, has been converted into 145 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, with retail space below. Designed by award-winning architects Stride Treglown, it has been developed by the Bristol-based PG Group, whose ethos centres on developing excellent buildings which look and feel inspirational both inside and out.

The original Carriageworks factory began operations in 1804, but has sat empty since the early 80s. The Grade II listed building is a masterpiece of high Victorian commercial architecture, and the new development has been designed to reflect this historic setting, with materials for the build chosen specifically to complement the traditional styles while celebrating the industrial heritage of the site. TuffX delivered to site 49 individual panels of 15mm toughened monolithic glass with polished edges and dubbed corners for the apartment balconies, which overlook a new

public marketplace that has been designed as a central local hub for the community, enabling residents to enjoy their safe, secure private outdoor space without missing out on the action. The glass balustrades also ensure that, inside, the open-plan apartments and penthouses remain light and airy. Altogether, the focus is on comfortable, top-spec city living which looks good inside and out and which will breathe new life into the historic hub. “We’re delighted to be chosen for this ambitious project that brings an important

historical site back to life in a modern way, enhancing both its indoor and outdoor spaces with the clever use of contemporary glass products,” said TuffX’s Commercial Director Paul Higgins. www.tuffxglass.co.uk

February 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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STOP WASTING TIME! As the industry hits the ground running after the Christmas break, Ab Initio’s Rhonda Ridge suggests it is worthwhile installers hitting pause to ensure they have everything in place to achieve their best year yet and explains why installer management systems should be the number one change to implement in 2022. It is often only national holidays that give business leaders genuine down time to stop and reflect. When everyone else has closed their doors too, business owners are afforded a little more time and space to consider the big picture. That is why many businesses implement change in the first quarter of a new year and it’s true that to start the year strong, usually means ending the year the same way. It is not an easy thing to do when the market is so fantastically busy – who has time to stop and think? But those that delay taking action could get left behind. So, if you own an installation business and you haven’t already taken time out to consider ways to make your life easier in 2022, now is the time to do just that.

DON’T GET CAUGHT IN THE COMPLEXITY TRAP All installers want a successful business. Whatever ‘successful’ means to you, whether it’s a fantastic local reputation, sales growth, or improved profitability, as a business develops, it changes. Processes across the organisation become more complicated and involved. More installers than ever have witnessed this firsthand in the last couple of years as the industry rides its latest high. More customers mean

more paperwork, more incoming calls, more queries, and more appointments. You get caught up in a complexity trap where processes are slowing you down. There is a way to avoid this pitfall however and that is to ensure that as your business grows, you simplify processes wherever possible.

GIVE CUSTOMERS WHAT THEY WANT “We honestly believe that the right installer management system can release installers from this complexity trap,” says Rhonda Ridge of AdminBase. “Our AdminBase system has been designed specifically with installers in mind, with a lot of input from installers themselves. It has grown and developed over time, as we have received more feedback from new and existing customers, with innovative apps added to simplify even more processes. We have taken the work out of pinpointing areas that drain installers’ time and resources and designed a solution in the form of a sleek, easy to use management system. Installers can manage their business and make improvements across the board with features to assist with customer service and gaining useful business insights, to name just two.

HAPPY HOMEOWNER, HAPPY INSTALLER “The customer portal in AdminBase for example allows homeowners to use an Amazon style self service facility to track orders, confirm survey and installation appointments, and even settle invoices. All available 24/7. Homeowners prefer

communicating with suppliers this way, but it also has clear advantages for installers too. With an online system streamlining this customer contact, busy fitters can free up personnel for other important tasks. “As an extension of keeping track of appointments online, Ab Initio also offer the My AdminBase Diary app. This facility keeps a log of all current and future appointments and displays full details of those appointments to the entire team. With so

Rhonda Ridge

much of an installer’s day spent out and about at various locations, this has proved to be an invaluable tool. It also has the additional benefit of eliminating wasteful paper usage as documents, pictures and voice notes can all be shared via the same diary system.”

INVALUABLE BUSINESS INTEL, AT A GLANCE The benefits don’t end there though as Rhonda explains: “When installers need to assess what’s working well in the business and what needs improvement, the AdminBase Dashboard displays crucial information in an easy-to-read format. Installers can quickly see live sales leads, each accompanied with a checklist that uses a traffic light system to identify the lead’s progress. KPI reports are also available, displayed in graph format to make it quick and easy to use.” Rhonda concludes: “It’s a challenging time to implement change when business is busy, but our AdminBase management system can change how an entire installation business is run for the better. It can create efficiencies installers do not even know are possible, while simultaneously improving customer satisfaction. We think AdminBase is so good it should be the number one thing that installers change in their business in 2022.”

February 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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ALUMINIUM DAY – COMING SOON TO A SCREEN NEAR YOU! Now in its fourth year, Senior Architectural Systems will be once again celebrating all things aluminium as part of its annual #AluminiumDay event. Taking place on the 13th March 2022, the leading aluminium fenestration systems supplier will be once again dedicating its social media channels to raising awareness of the benefits and different uses of aluminium and this year, there’s a special plot twist! Proving that aluminium really is one of the most adaptable materials around, the theme for the next event will be ‘aluminium at the movies’, with Senior sharing some fun facts and trivia about the metal’s different film ‘roles’ as well as showcasing the company’s own installations at various cinemas and entertainment venues across the UK. In the run up to the event on Sunday 13th March 2021, Senior will be running a special #AlumininumDay giveaway,

with the chance to win cinema vouchers. More information on how to enter the competition will be available on Senior’s website and social media channels.

about aluminium but even we were a little surprised to learn that James Bond’s famous DB5 Aston Martin featured an allaluminium six-cylinder engine!

As always, the day will also provide the chance for all those who work with aluminium to celebrate their own products and work across the construction sector and beyond. Contributions from companies and individuals are welcome and you can join in the conversation by simply posting using the #AluminiumDay hashtag.

“We were inspired to take a closer look at aluminium’s role on the silver screen and we hope that lots of other aluminium fans and movie buffs will join in on the day to help raise awareness of this truly versatile material, and hopefully also a few smiles along the way.”

Commenting, Mark Wadsworth, managing director or Senior Architectural Systems said: “We’re proud of our #AluminiumDay and as the 2022 event falls on a weekend, we thought we would have a little fun! As a manufacturer who’s been working with aluminium to create doors, windows and curtain wall systems for over 30 years, there’s not much we don’t know

Launched in 2019, #AluminiumDay was created by Senior Architectural Systems to raise awareness of the versatility of the metal, from its popularity as a building material and use within the food manufacturing industry to its role in transport and aerospace design, as well as celebrating the success and skills of those who work with the material. The date itself, the 13th day of the third month, gives a nod

NEW YEAR, NEW WEBSITE FOR PYROGUARD Pyroguard, part of the Technical Fire Safety Group, is excited to kick-start 2022 with the launch of its new website. Boasting a fresh, modern look and designed to provide the ultimate user-friendly experience, the new website allows visitors to easily browse and research products from across Pyroguard’s comprehensive portfolio. Reflecting Pyroguard’s rapid growth and presence in markets worldwide, the new website is designed to serve as a one-stop resource for visitors wishing to learn more about Pyroguard’s range of fire safety glass solutions. The site is also now available in Spanish, German and Italian, as well as English, Dutch and French. In addition to the new, modern look and available languages, the website has been

revamped to include a whole host of user-friendly features, offering improved navigation and functionality. For example, visitors can now benefit from the ability to easily filter and search for products depending on application (such as doors, windows, curtain walling or partition walls), performance classification or sector, with the website forming a key part of the customer’s journey in choosing the right fire safety glass for their individual requirements. The website also offers access to an updated project questionnaire, which can be completed online. Visitors can benefit from having quick and easy access to Pyroguard’s online resources, with dedicated ‘Downloads’ and ‘Resources’ zones. Here, visitors can view and download

to the fact that aluminium is the third most abundant metal in the world and its atomic number is 13. Look out for the dedicated Aluminium Day content on Sunday 13th March 2022 across Senior’s Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram and join the conversation using the #AluminiumDay hashtag. For more information, visit www.seniorarchitecturalsystems.co.uk or search for Senior Architectural Systems on Twitter, LinkedIn andFacebook.

Global expertise. Local focus.

all of the latest content, including updated product literature, datasheets, technical product guides and case studies. Charline Adams, Marketing Communications Manager at Pyroguard commented: “We are thrilled to finally be able to unveil our new and improved website and we hope everyone loves it as much as we do. We wanted to ensure that the new website offered our customers and visitors a modern, user-friendly and ultimately valuable experience, providing them with all the information and resources they need. “At Pyroguard, we pride ourselves on our market-leading technical expertise and support that we offer to all of our customers and this new website is just one such example of this.”

www.pyroguard.eu

The world’s leading independent provider of fire safety glass for timber, steel and aluminium applications, Pyroguard has been helping architects, contractors and installers to deliver safe and beautiful living and working spaces for over 30 years. To visit Pyroguard’s new website and learn more about its range of fire safety glass solutions, please visit www.pyroguard.eu.

A SHOWROOM TO SHOW OFF FOR EPWIN WINDOW SYSTEMS’ INSTALLER L PEARCE HOME IMPROVEMENTS L Pearce Home Improvements, an Epwin Window Systems’ installer, has just opened a stunning new showroom in a Grade II-listed building which was previously an old pump house in Rhoson-Sea, North Wales. The extensively refurbished building now showcases a wide range of Epwin Window Systems products including a selection of Optima PVC-U windows and doors, Stellar aluminium windows and doors and PatioMaster sliding doors. Taking centre stage is a 3.5 metre Stellar aluminium bifolding door which opens up to a kitchen bar area, demonstrating the open plan appeal that bifolding doors deliver. Despite the building’s historical heritage, the showroom has been purposely refurbished with a modern contemporary interior that has a fresh open appeal and complements the cutting-edge products on display. Its opening marks the next stage of the company’s impressive three-year growth

months ago. The aesthetics of the products is second to none and offer huge appeal to homeowners. Similarly, the quality and reliability of the products allow us to fit with confidence knowing we are not going to get any call backs. This protects our margins and our reputation.”

which has seen the business develop from a one man start up to a successful, established installation business. While the business has flourished due to the upturn in the domestic market as a result of the pandemic, founder Luke Pearce is clear that the products from Epwin Window Systems have played a crucial part. He said: “We have been fitting Optima and Patiomaster products since we started the business and introduced the Stellar aluminium range to our portfolio nine

The showroom, which opened in January 2022, exudes quality at every level. Luke said: “As soon as customers drive up to the building there is an immediate wow factor. This opens the business up to a different demographic of customer and starts a first-class customer journey. Once inside, the showroom demonstrates the vast range and diversity of our offer in a clean, contemporary environment. This design approach was quite deliberate and capitalises on current design principles towards smoother, cleaner lines and less cluttered living. We are delighted with the end result and it’s proving very popular with customers both existing and new.”

L Pearce Home Improvements is one of North Wales’ specialist installers of highquality PVC-U and aluminium products. All products are manufactured by Heritage Trade Frames, a longstanding Epwin Window Systems fabricator. A showroom can act as a silent sales person and it should be treated as a valuable asset to the business. Gerald Allen, Head of Marketing at Epwin Window Systems commented: “The showroom is your window to the outside world but can be a severely underexploited resource. The quality of L Pearce Home Improvements’ showroom perfectly showcases our products in a clean, contemporary setting. The attention to detail is evident at every level and we are delighted that it is already proving successful for them.” Tel: 0845 300 9356 www.stellaraluminiun.co.uk

February 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

RECOGNISING YOU NEED HELP IS NOT A WEAKNESS Allan Ensor, Owner and MD of the Bifold Network and Vision Trade Frames, talks to Glass News’ Editor, Chris Champion, about his realisation that change was needed at his manufacturing facility and he needed help to do it. Where did he turn to for help? You own and are running a successful business. You’re a fabricator, majoring on aluminium but with a proportion of PVCu, too. The business has a team of loyal and experienced employees many of which have been with you for between 20 and 30 years. You also have a fitting team that looks after installations on a local basis. Things are going well: certainly well enough to allow you some well-deserved holidays and we’re not talking Skegness or Morecambe – try Jamaica!

Allan Ensor with Paul Molloy

Attention to detail is key

supportive and pointed me at a firm of consultants. I’m guessing that you thought that’s exactly what she would do and further thought that this was a recipe for paying out big cash to someone who was going to tell me what I knew already – the old ‘here’s my watch: now tell me the time’ syndrome!

With this background I believe it takes a lot of confidence to go to your bank manager and say: “Help!” This could ring alarm bells throughout the hallowed halls of the banking institution and backfire on you, badly. But no, that’s exactly what Allan Ensor, owner and MD of the Bifold Network and Vision Trade Frames, did.

“I realised I needed help and I wasn’t too proud to go and look for it,” says Allan. “We had started out as a PVCu fabricator and then moved into aluminium but then customer demand made us offer PVCu as an option, again. I realised space was at a premium and as the business progressed, we, like many others I suspect, added machinery in vacant spaces, added mezzanine floors to make more storage room until it became obvious that we were not being efficient in our manufacturing. I knew something had to happen or our inefficiency would increase rather than diminish. My first stop was to our bank manager and I was, basically, asking where I could look for help in re-organising the business to improve throughput while still carrying on fabricating and serving our customers. Our bank manager was

Showing off the machining centre

Working on one of the two aluminium lines

Aluminium assembly

Do you want more? More in the form of turnover and, hopefully profit, or is it more about streamlining your business and looking to the future?

To be fair there is always that risk and reorganisation of any sort takes time and money and I’m sure we have all come across various charlatans during our careers who have happily taken wads of cash and contributed little to the good of the company they’ve been employed to help. Allan certainly wasn’t going to buy a pig in a poke and did his own due diligence on the company recommended. He was well aware that once committed to taking the company on it wouldn’t be just a short few weeks of involvement: it would be a matter

of months, and even a year or so, for them to understand his business and, virtually, live within the business. They would be part of the team for a considerable time. That integration into the workforce at Bifold Network and Vision could be problematic in itself. How would a workforce, who had been together for a considerable time, take to a team of consultants roaming the shopfloor with stop watches and sheafs of papers, watching everything that was going on? And also knowing that change was coming? We are creatures of habit and, generally, like the status quo. What does change mean and, more importantly, what does change mean for us, individually? In practice, the integration of the team from Fleure, a Rawdon, Leeds, based consultancy, was relatively smooth. Of course, it took some time for them to be

February 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Routing PVCu

accepted and for them to be recognised as being there to help. That’s only natural when no one knows what the outcome of any investigation might be. Am I under the spotlight and is this a way to reduce the number of employees? There will always be suspicions and with a team of strangers on the shopfloor noting everything that’s happening but no immediate changes being made, that feeling of unease can increase.

Four headed welder in action

www.glassnews.co.uk | February 2022

Machining PVCu

Fluere, or Flow, for those latin scholars amongst the fenestration industry, are well aware of how their company and staff may be viewed, but their tackling the problems that Allan Ensor has flagged is no different to the many companies that they have helped, and in many different industries. Whether it’s manufacturing, public and service sectors or more, Fluere is in existence to help processes flow. Companies benefit from a range of expert solutions, tailored to the precise needs of an organisation, from start-up to established facility, from the smallest problems to the largest transformations. Each project goes through stages that comprise assessment, diagnostics, recommendations and then implementation and realisation of the benefits and savings. Importantly, and this was key for Allan Ensor, Fluere recognise that while any work is taking place, Bifold Network and Vision must continue with the ‘business as usual’ sign clearly displayed. The fact that Fluere work ‘with you’, as part of your team, is key. It was clear from visiting the Sheffield based factory that Paul Molloy, Director of Fluere, and others from his team had been fully accepted into the workforce. True, when Glass News visited, many of the recommendations and changes had been implemented and the workforce and management could see the benefits. Those changes had not been inconsiderable, nor

cheap. They involved moving of machinery, removing a mezzanine floor and creating three separate flow lines, two for for aluminium and one line for PVCu products and, managing to do that within a 12,500 sq foot shopfloor is no mean feat. To look at the layout it pretty much resembles any other fabricator shopfloor but when Paul Molloy takes you round the facility and you see how efficiencies have been incorporated, it truly makes sense. Just the movement of a product through the manufacturing process emphasises the reduction in time wasted and energy expended. How they’ve made good use of a limited area is impressive and that has translated into vastly increased profits so it is not surprising that Allan is so buoyant and very happy for us to talk to Paul and his team from Fluere. Could Allan have done all this himself and saved the fees paid to Fluere? For a down to earth Yorkshire fabricator to take the advice of an outside consultancy and be prepared to pay for the privilege may seem to fly in the face of all we expect of a gritty Yorkshireman! The fact is Allan recognised he needed help. Did he look to reinforce his management team by looking for a senior manager to join him or use the expertise of specialists who would, dispassionately, look at the problem, analyse it and work out how to implement a solution for efficiency and profit? For Allan, the taking on of Fluere has been money well spent….actually, not well spent: invested. This has been an investment

Fluere’s Paul Molloy shows the individual pods that take each job down the production line

in the future success of the Bifold Network and Vision Trade Frames, and it has already paid off. It has been an 18 month process and actually started with a Health Check of the business back in 2018. There has also been investment in machinery with CNCs and saws and 4 and 5 head welders and the split between Aluminium and PVCu products is now at 70%:30%. Of that 70% aluminium, 30% represents special orders and powder coating for these specials is done locally while the largest proportion of the aluminium is good old 7016 Anthracite Grey and that is a stock item from Smarts. What of the future? Allan is pleased that he has taken on PVCu again after purely specialising in Aluminium, as there is a market for both. Composite doors are also an important product and taking on Kommerling’s Flush Sash window will add to the portfolio. Allan is buoyant about the future. He has an excellent product range and a factory that is operating both efficiently and very profitably and, importantly, happily. He says that his cry for help and admitting that he couldn’t do everything himself was the best thing he has ever done. He is effusive about the help and expertise that Paul Molloy and his team from Fluere has brought to the Bifold Network and Vision Trade Frames and, I suspect, he probably wishes he had done it earlier!

Allan Ensor shows the Glass News' Christina Shaw the new layout of the factory floor

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

FAST-FITTING EPWIN WINDOW SYSTEMS PRODUCTS TRANSFORM ARTS-AND-CRAFTS-STYLE DETACHED HOUSE Epwin Window Systems fast-fitting products have helped to transform a stunning arts-and-crafts-style detached house in Conwy, Wales as part of an extensive property refurbishment. The project was undertaken by local installer L Pearce Home Improvements and was completed as part of a comprehensive contemporary refurbishment so the choice of products was crucial. The detached property has views towards the Conwy mountains and Anglsey and the homeowner wanted to make the most of the landscape with products able to deliver high-end, clean aesthetics and maximise the glass area. The refurbishment included fitting eight new Optima windows in addition to a 2.5

metre picture window that help to frame the views. A large PatioMaster sliding door with shaped frame gives access to the balcony over the garage and a 6.5 metre Stellar Aluminium Bifold Door was installed to the rear of the property. To deliver on the brief for streamlined contemporary aesthetics, all products were manufactured in black with white internally. All products were manufactured by longstanding Epwin Window Systems’ fabricator Heritage Trade Frames. L Pearce Home Improvements has been fitting PatioMaster and Optima products since the company was formed three years ago. The company introduced Stellar aluminium products nine months ago and hasn’t looked back.

Founder Luke Pearce commented: “The quality of Epwin Window Systems products allows us to capitalise on high-end projects and has helped take our business to the next level. They are superior products that we can trust to deliver so you don’t get callbacks. This protects our margins and reputation and has allowed us to build an enviable reputation for quality throughout the business.” He added: “The Stellar Aluminium Bifold Door is a gamechanger in aluminium product design. Previously, it would take us a day or more to fit an aluminium bifold door but with Stellar it only takes half a day. The pre-gasketed knock in beads and the exceptionally neat finish every time makes a big difference to our business.”

Epwin Window Systems offers the most comprehensive range of systems in a choice of aluminium and PVC-U to allow customers to deliver the products the market needs. And when you get a high-quality installer working with these high-quality products, the results are outstanding. Tel: 0845 340 3968 www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk

FENTRADE REPORTS STRONG START FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS IN 2022 Specialist aluminium fabricator Fentrade reports that there’s been a strong start to 2022 for commercial products. Chris Reeks, Fentrade’s Director, commented: “Since we returned from the Christmas break, we’ve got a large pipeline of orders for our commercial products. It’s very encouraging to see because it reflects wider confidence in the commercial sector.” For businesses looking to capitalise on the opportunities in the commercial sector, Fentrade makes an ideal partner. Chris said: “Our customers tell us they value our product range, our commitment to service and our attention to detail. They’re qualities that are valuable for every sector, but they’re especially important for businesses pursuing commercial contracts where future work depends to a large extent on past results.”

Fentrade offers an impressive product range for all sectors, including commercial. It manufactures a full range of aluminium windows, doors, bifolds, inline sliders, GFT commercial screens, shopfronts and curtain walling products from renowned industry brands such as AluK and VBH Greenteq. All are manufactured using state-of-the-art machinery to deliver outstanding quality every time. Fentrade is a young company but its team has a wealth of industry experience that means it understands what customers need to succeed. Quotes are turned round in 24 hours, phone calls are always returned and there’s a commitment to clear and open communication at every level. Chris commented: “Customers appreciate transparency and reliability because it

makes running their business easier. That’s what we aim to provide.” Attention to detail is also a priority for the company. Chis said: “Every area of our offer is important to us and we always want to deliver above and beyond. When we deliver exceptional service, our customers can too.” Fentrade is based in Newport, Wales, and works with trade and retail customers throughout Wales and the West and along the M4, M5 and M6 corridors. The company’s turnover was up 40% year-on-year last year. And with a strong start to 2022 in its commercial offer, things are already looking bright for this year too. Chris concluded: “We’re definitely benefiting from a strong market but we always remember that customers have

a choice. They choose to work with us because we give them the products and service they need. Continuing to do this will always be our focus.” Tel: 01633 547787 fentradealuminium.co.uk

EPWIN WINDOW SYSTEMS PRODUCTS DELIVER ON THE TRANSFORMATION OF INDIVIDUALLY-DESIGNED DETACHED HOME Optima and PatioMaster products from Epwin Window Systems have been fitted in a six-week installation project as part of a complete refurbishment and upgrade of an individually-designed detached home in Conwy, Wales.

Luke Pearce, founder of L Pearce Home Improvements, said: “The slimline profile and large glass area of the PatioMaster sliding doors and the superior aesthetics of Optima were perfect for this project because they maximise the views.”

And in installations like this one, customers can also see what a transformational difference high quality products manufactured by an experienced fabricator and fitted by a specialist installer can make.

The high-end domestic project, undertaken by L Pearce Home Improvements, involved transforming a bungalow into a two-storey home. The property has panoramic views over beautiful countryside and the homeowners were keen to make the most of the vista while still retaining the character of the building.

He added: “The homeowners are delighted, as are we. We’ve been installing Optima and PatioMaster since the business opened three years ago. They are high-quality systems that allow us to capitalise on high-end domestic projects with exacting standards like this project.”

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

L Pearce Home Improvements installed four sets of PatioMaster doors including a largescale 4 pane sliding door with arched top on an upper floor balcony. The refurbishment was completed with Optima casement windows and doors along with a stand-out three metre 4-pane picture window to the front elevation. All products were manufactured in Antique Oak to fit the traditional character of the home and fabricated by longstanding Epwin Window Systems’ fabricator Heritage Trade Frames.

He explained: “The products are easy-to-fit, which saves us time on site. Homeowners are always impressed with the quality too. Product operation, especially on the sliding doors, is very high-end and delivers on exacting expectations.” L Pearce Home Improvements is one of North Wales’ specialist installers of high-quality PVC-U and aluminium products. The company has just opened a showroom in Rhos-on-Sea in North Wales where customers can see the quality of the products for themselves.

February 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

YALE LAUNCHES SLOTVENT TRICKLE VENTS FOR ENHANCED WINDOW VENTILATION

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

KOLORSEAL LAUNCHES ‘DE-STRESS WITH GERI KIT’ FOR CUSTOMERS

Yale has announced the launch of its new SlotVent range of trickle vents for windows, providing ventilation to homes without the need to open a window. Grant Stratford, Technical Director for window hardware at Yale, comments: “Trickle vents are openings in a window that allow a small amount of air to pass through, helping to remove stale air and reduce condensation and mould, as well as enabling people in cities or near busy roads to benefit from ventilation without having to open their windows. “Trickle vents are a requirement under the Building Regulation, England and Wales Approved Document F1 and Scottish building regulation 3.14. With our new SlotVent range, we are enabling fabricators and installers to meet this requirement with a highquality solution that offers several outstanding features.”

2021 has once again proved a very stressful year for many, with work, Covid and Brexit all taking their toll.

The SlotVent range offers a choice of three variants – 2500EA (Equivalent Area), 4000EA, and 5000EA – each providing a different level of ventilation, depending on requirements. The product is made up of an internal vent that can be tilted 30, 60, or 90 degrees and includes the option of a foam gasket that reduces noise and drafts; as well as an external hood and a fly screen for the overframe.

In a recent 2021 Mental health poll researchers concluded one in three people (29%) had taken time off work for mental health reasons. Interestingly, the survey showed fidgeting may provide more relief for men in high pressure situations.

The vents are available in a wide range of colours – from Black and White to Agate Grey, Chartwell Green, and Irish Oak – inners and outers can be ordered as a set or separately to suit the window aesthetics and specification. Easy to fit, they are attached to the window using pre-fitted clips, or can alternatively be fixed using the screw-holes provided in the clips. All products in the SlotVent range have been thoroughly tested at BRE in accordance with EN13141-1:2019, confirming their suitability for residential building ventilation, and BS EN ISO 101401, testifying to their ability to insulate against airborne sound. “The SlotVent range offers fabricators and installers a solution that not only ensures they meet the regulations – but provides a series of features and capabilities that genuinely enhances the window, making it a more attractive proposition to customers,” concludes Grant. “The range comes with our 10-year mechanical guarantee, as you expect from Yale which means that we will replace the product free-of-charge if it fails to function correctly due to manufacturing defects in that period. For more information about the SlotVent range from Yale Door and Window Solutions, please visit https://bit.ly/3I3DT57.

For Deborah Hendry, Managing Director at Kolorseal Ltd, it is an issue that should be raised and monitored with solutions or support offered. For this reason the ‘De-stress With Geri’ kit has been launched, for customers and installers who use Kolorseal services. A selection of Kolorseal fidget toys and stress reducing gifts have been been designed as a light-hearted way to tackle this serious issue, that for some is hard to deal with on a daily basis. Fidget toys have gained a lot of recognition in recent years, as a release from nervous anxiety, stress and restlessness. These help those who have built-up tension inside or who experience suppressed feelings of anger or frustration. Deborah comments, “Ongoing worry and dread is a large issue for those who suffer from stress, with some people unable to cope with emotions that may interfere with their daily work activities. This can lead to depression amongst other stress related issues. The idea behind Geri’s fidget toys is that they not only help to alleviate stress but can also improve concentration.” It has been stated that fidgeting can stimulate and help to engage areas in the brain associated with attention. Repeating movements can help to quickly relieve stress as the objects are tactile and can be easily carried around in pockets. The ‘De-stress With Geri’ Kit offers a fidget or squeezing object that may help improve hand-eye co-ordination, concentration and can help to reduce anxiety.

Epwin Window Systems is synonymous with offering the industry’s largest range of award-winning window and door systems in a choice of product materials. The depth and breadth of their product offer has proved popular with installers who have multiple options at their disposal to capitalise on the domestic trends. This was evident in a recent project near Shrewsbury where an ageing outhouse was replaced by a new build extension using multiple Epwin Window System products. The contract was won by Oswestry Window and Doors Ltd. Owner, Matthew Dunne-Smith explains: “The homeowner wanted a new extension across the back of the home to open up the space and maximise the light into the property. As an Epwin Window Systems installer, we were able to offer a choice of products in both PVC-U and aluminium to meet the homeowner’s vision and deliver the contemporary aesthetics needed for this project.” The property was fitted with several Optima casement windows in anthracite grey and an aluminium Stellar bifold door complemented the modern, streamlined design. Matt said, “Having fitted Optima windows for many years we recently added Stellar aluminium products into our market offer. The demand in aluminium products, in particular bifold doors, in the domestic sector has been incredible in the past few years and the quality and aesthetics of Stellar are superb.” Having introduced Stellar aluminium products to their portfolio, Oswestry Windows and Doors are equally impressed with the speed and accuracy of fitting. Matt said: “Because Stellar is installed like PVC-U products, with knock in, pre-gasketed beads, the speed of installation is incredible and leaves an extremely neat finish which was important on this design-led project. Having award-winning products such as Optima and Stellar in our portfolio allows us to capitalise on more high-end domestic projects.”

To claim a ‘De-stress With Geri’ Kit, customers or installers can send in a recent photo of products fully built up in the factory ready to despatch; or shots of windows or doors in situ, that have been ‘Kolorsealed’.

Shropshire-based Oswestry Windows and Doors has been fitting aluminium and PVC-U windows, doors and conservatories for several years and delivers attention to detail at every level. Matt concludes: “As a business built on a reputation for quality installations, having both Optima and Stellar products in our portfolio has allowed us to secure several high-end domestic projects as the products never fail to impress the homeowner.”

For more information on the Kolorseal range of colours or services, please visit the website www.kolorseal.co.uk.

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

Deborah concludes, “We really hope that this will be a useful, albeit light-hearted method to help those who may need to reduce their stress levels.”

EPWIN WINDOW SYSTEMS’ PRODUCT CHOICE HELPS INSTALLER CLOSE THE SALE

February 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

YOUR IN-DEPTH GUIDE TO INTEGRAL BLINDS

(INTEGRATED BLINDS, SCREEN LINE BLINDS, WINDOWS WITH INTEGRATED BLINDS, DOUBLE GLAZING WITH INTEGRAL BLINDS, MAGNETIC INTEGRAL BLINDS) If you are considering the shading and privacy options for your windows and doors, integrated blinds could be the perfect

This article by Uni-Blinds® provides the ideal starting point. We’ll explain the basics of integrated blinds, the different types available, the options for operating mechanisms and the benefits versus standard blinds, shutters and curtains.

solution. But how much do you know about this relatively new

FIRSTLY, WHAT ARE INTEGRATED BLINDS OR SCREEN LINE BLINDS?

type of blinds and where do you start when it comes to choosing and buying them? 34

Integrated blinds – also referred to as integral blinds, ‘blinds in glass’ or ‘between glass blinds’ – are blinds that are fitted inside the cavity of the double or triple glazed unit of a window or door.

February 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

“Integrated blinds are designed to be permanently encapsulated within the sealed glass unit which means it will never require any cleaning or maintenance of the internal components. On the external face of the glass and window or door frame all you will see is the operating mechanism, which will vary according to the type of blinds you choose.” They were developed in the early 1990s by Italian company Pellini, who continue to be regarded as the global leader in integral blinds through their range of ScreenLine systems. There are, of course, numerous other types of integrated blinds available nowadays, but they do vary significantly in quality. ScreenLine systems represent premium European-engineered quality which is important when you want your blinds to stand the test of time. This is why every Uni-Blinds® integrated blind unit is built using ScreenLine – lasting quality you can depend on. Integrated blinds are designed to be permanently encapsulated within the sealed glass unit which means it will never require any cleaning or maintenance of the internal components. On the external face of the glass and window or door frame all you will see is the operating mechanism, which will vary according to the type of blinds you choose.

WHAT TYPES OF BLINDS CAN YOU HAVE WITH INTEGRATED BLINDS? With the Uni-Blinds® range you can choose from Venetian or pleated integrated blinds, all of which incorporate ScreenLine® blind systems from Pellini. The Venetian option is available to fit standard sized double and triple glazing as well as slimmer sealed units with a cavity of 16mm. This is the size of glass unit that many older windows and doors are fitted with, which makes it an ideal solution if you are looking to upgrade what you currently have. Integrated pleated blinds are also available in a blackout version. This is ideal for rooms where you want total darkness on demand, thanks to a design which eliminates light ‘bleed’ around the edges of the window and along the vertical cords.

HOW DO YOU OPERATE INTEGRATED BLINDS? Uni-Blinds® integral blinds use the advanced screen line (ScreenLine) systems to offer five different operating systems.

www.glassnews.co.uk | February 2022

The one you choose will depend on your requirements – do you, for example, want to integrate the blinds in your smart home system, or do you prefer the simplicity of a manual blind? The five options are: • Corded integrated blind (C System) With the corded system, an elegantly designed cord and winder is mounted on the external face of the glass, and it works just like a traditional Venetian, pleated or roller blind. Pull one of the cords and the blind raises up, pull the other cord and it can be lowered. A slight pull on the cord allows the slats on the Venetian integral blind to be tilted. • Cordless slider integral blind (SV System) This is a manually operated sliding Venetian blind featuring a single, cleverly designed magnetic slider to control the whole operation. This is positioned on a narrow slide guide on the edge of the sealed unit along which the cordless slider is moved to enable the blind to be raised, lowered and tilted with ease – all completely cord free. • Integral blind with a magnetic slider (S System) • For pleated integrated blinds, this system allows for the blind to be moved by a magnetic device positioned centrally on the outer surface of the internal pane of glass, sliding across the glass surface. The movement works by the external magnet interfacing with a similar internal magnet located in the movable headrail to absorb possible glass deflections. • Solar powered integrated blind (W Smart) This solar powered between glass blind combines technology with simplicity. It is a battery operated, motorised integral blind for a Venetian integral blind that is raised, tilted or lowered using a small control device attached to the window or by remote control. It’s eco-friendly too, using standard, long-life rechargeable batteries which are charged by energy from the sun through a cleverly designed externally mounted solar panel. • Motorised integral blind (MB System) With motorised integral blinds, a quiet brushless motor raises, lowers and tilts the integral Venetian blinds at the push of a wall-mounted button or using a remote control. It is perfect for smart homes as it integrates with all the main home automation systems including Loxone, allowing for simultaneous and synchronised operation of up to 12 blinds.

HOW ARE INTEGRATED BLINDS FITTED? Any competent window and door installer will be able to fit integrated blind units

with relative ease. With retrofitting, the beading that holds the sealed units in place is detached which allows the sealed units to be removed. New double glazed units – or triple glazed – complete with the integral blinds inside the glass are then placed in the frame for the beading to be re-fitted. The operating mechanism is then fitted to the insidefacing glass and frame of the window as necessary. The motorised integral blind system (MB System) will require a little more work by the installer, but this is made as simple as possible thanks to a control unit supplied with the blind. This is relatively easy to connect to the property’s mains electricity supply. For integration into a home automation system, simply refer to the operating instructions to set-up the blinds alongside other devices.

DO INTEGRATED BLINDS NEED TO BE CLEANED OR MAINTAINED? One of the best things about integrated blinds is that once they are sealed within a double or triple glazed unit, there is no way they can gather dust, become marked or attract dirt. This means that the blinds stay in pristine condition for years. All five of the operating devices/ mechanisms are designed for a long, hasslefree service life, manufactured from durable materials and components which means they are built to last. In the unlikely event of any maintenance being required, the externally mounted elements such as cord winders and sliders can be replaced without impacting on the blinds inside the glass. Slider controls, remote control units and other operating devices that we need to touch to operate the blinds will simply need an occasional wipe over as part of your general cleaning routine. So, the upshot is that integrated blinds need pretty much zero cleaning or maintenance!

WHERE CAN INTEGRATED BLINDS BE USED? Integral blinds are suitable for doors and windows throughout the home, from standard casement windows and bi-fold doors to vertically sliding sashes and composite doors. They are renowned for being particularly well suited to bi-fold doors and French doors. This is because the integrated blinds are self-contained within each door leaf which means they move with it – nothing to get in the way of the concertina style opening and closing of bi-folds.

“Slider controls, remote control units and other operating devices that we need to touch to operate the blinds will simply need an occasional wipe over as part of your general cleaning routine.”

WHAT SIZE WINDOWS ARE SUITABLE FOR INTEGRATED BLINDS? Unless you have particularly large or small glazing, or windows that are exceptionally narrow, you should be able to fit UniBlinds® integral blinds in any window or door. Most straightforward windows and doors will allow for the integral blinds to be installed with ease, but a Uni-Blinds® installer will be able to confirm the suitability of your dimensions.

WHAT COLOURS AND FINISHES CAN I HAVE WITH INTEGRATED BLINDS? Like standard blinds, shutters, curtains and window dressings, between glass blinds are available in an excellent range of colours. Uni-Blinds® Venetian integrated blinds come in 10 colours including an exclusive anthracite grey for a stunning contemporary look. With pleated integral blinds, the options are slightly wider – 12 colours are available in the Uni-Blinds® range of vanity pleated blinds from neutral tones though to bolder blues, red and yellow. For pleated blackout integral blinds, there is a choice of eight colours on the interior face. Whilst you can certainly have a black pleated blackout, you don’t have to – this innovative integrated blind is also available in various shades right down to white. How much do integral blinds cost? Every integrated blind installation is made to order so just like when ordering any bespoke blinds, the cost will depend on: • the size of the window • the type of operating mechanism • the type of blind (Venetian, pleated or pleated blackout) • the colour or finish • the window or door frames that the blinds are being fitted into This makes it difficult to get an estimate without knowing more about the proposed location for installation. However, remember that once installed, double glazing with integral blinds will not require any upgrades for many years – so your upfront investment will payback extremely well over time.

FIND OUT MORE Hopefully this article has answered some of the basic questions you would have when choosing integrated blinds for your home. However, there may well be much more that you would like to know before you decide whether integral blinds are right for you. Talk to any Uni-Blinds® installer to get more guidance or take a look at the options in more detail at https://www.morleyglass.co.uk.

TRADE NEWS

FIT SHOW 2022 PREVIEW

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY ONLY WAY TO GET LEAD VALUE

SOLAR CALIBRE DOORS TO MAKE AN ENTRANCE AT FIT SHOW 2022 Solar Calibre Doors, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of GRP and timber composite doors, as well as GRP and timber fire rated doors, will be showcasing its Benchmark, Craftsman and Warden ranges at FIT Show 2022 (10th – 12th May).

Andy Royle, co-founder and Managing Director of Leads 2 Trade, the UK’s leading provider of double-qualified sales leads to installers operating in the home improvement sector, says that dispelling the myths around cheap sales leads will lead to significant business growth in 2022. With some installers reporting a definite shift to receiving fewer enquiries from their selfgenerated efforts, but demand set to remain buoyant, winning work will not be quite as easy this year. And with many installers used to feasting out on unprecedented demand last year, maintaining those levels won’t be easy, and it’s the reason why our members use us to help generate the leads they want. Some installers see leads generated from a third-party lead generation company as cheap, lacking substance, time consuming and, because the lead invariably goes to three other installers, much harder to convert. While many installers play the numbers game, the intention shouldn’t be about buying cheap sales leads in volume. You phone 10 leads, and you might win one or two of them, but how about getting five leads and winning four of them? Installers will have to work harder to convert leads into business this year and, instead of volume, the questions they need to ask are how many get converted to a survey or quote, how many of those quotes get converted into an order, and what’s the true cost of sale from that lead source? That’s why at Leads 2 Trade it’s not about the price of a

lead, it’s about how many sales achieved from them, and we are focussing on working with our installer members to find out what an acceptable cost of sale is for them and helping them to achieve it. Our appointment booking, no pitch no fee premium lead service provides members with the best double qualified sales leads at the best value to grow their business. Instead of a sales lead, installers are buying a confirmed appointment, which means no more time calling leads up multiple times only to get a belated response that they’ve gone with someone else, and no need to worry about getting onto a lead as soon as you receive, which is not always possible. We call the consumer, book, and confirm the appointment, and all our member has to do is turn up and sell. And to make things easier, the lead is only sold to one other company, so there is more chance of winning the work. A no pitch no fee booked appointment lead provides a cost of sale that’s almost three times less on average than for a standard double qualified lead. We have always looked to provide a better quality of service and a better quality of lead, and over the last 15 years we have consistently listened and worked with our members and changed the way we generate and deliver our leads to meet their needs. It’s why we’re much more than just a lead provider. For more information on joining the Leads 2 Trade network, telephone 0800 124 4308 or visit https://bit.ly/3G2c5Nb

The three brands encompass the wider market, including the social housing/Local Authority sector, trade market and high-end new build. Gareth Jones, Managing Director, said: “I’ve always been a huge advocate of FIT Show so it will be great to get back to doing what we do best in May. We’re looking forward to bringing our latest product ranges to FIT Show, but we’re especially excited about being able to speak to our customers and prospects, who will be under the same roof for the first time in three years. “A key strength of the wider Solar group of companies is our extensive supply chain and the capability that this affords us in servicing customers. We’ve got excellent access to materials, production and distribution across the UK – something which many companies have been blighted by over the course of the pandemic. I’d urge anyone who is seeking a new supplier in 2022 or beyond to come and chat with our team of experts on the Solar Calibre Doors stand.” The Solar group of companies operates from 12 sites across the UK, employing over 250 people, fabricating, supplying and installing window and door products for social housing providers and local authorities and for new-build developers, trade and commercial installers. Nickie West, FIT Show event director adds: “It’s an exciting time for Solar Calibre Doors, with a new MD at the helm and with a business model that has thrived through the challenges of the last two years. We’re excited to see the full range of Solar Calibre Doors products on offer and know that our visitors will benefit from being able to speak to the team firsthand at the show. Nothing beats face-to-face, after all.”

CR LAURENCE TO SHOWCASE ‘GLASS ROOMS’ AT FIT SHOW 22 CR Laurence (CRL), one of the leading wholesale distributors to the glazing, industrial, construction, architectural, hardware and automotive industries, had signed up to exhibit at FIT Show 2022. FIT Show, the UK’s leading event for the glazing industry, returns to the NEC Birmingham from May 10 12. CRL will utilise FIT Show as a platform to showcase its range of glazed solutions to fabricators and installers. Speaking about its decision to exhibit at FIT Show 22, Simon Boocock, MD of CRL Europe comments: “FIT Show offers a very effective way for us to introduce our brand and range of solutions to new customers within the glass and glazing industry, as well as to highlight new products to existing customers and gain their feedback. “The event attracts everyone from fabricators and installers through to architects and specifiers, giving us a unique opportunity to engage with a wide yet appropriate audience.”

views. With an intelligent modular design, the aluminium structure means very few supports are needed even over large areas. “The innovative connectors give a high degree of flexibility with many variations possible, while optional extras including sliding doors, vertical blinds and roof blinds makes it simple to create a unique space that can be enjoyed throughout the seasons.” The brand has long supported FIT Show, having exhibited in 2016, 2017 and 2019. Speaking about the return of CR Laurence, FIT Show event director Nickie West said: “CR Laurence is a brilliant brand for our visitors, of which installers and fabricators make up the majority, to be able to see at FIT Show 22. “Like many companies, CRL has experienced a surge in demand on the back of the pandemic and we are excited to see their fantastic products, including the amazing Glass Rooms, up close at FIT Show.”

ngst the products FIT Show visitors will be able to see is CRL’s Glass Room solution. Simon continues: “A highlight of the CRL stand at FIT Show 2022 will be our Glass Rooms, which enable homeowners to make the most of their outdoor space whatever the weather.

Simon concludes: “Visitors to FIT can visit CRL on Stand A51 to find out more about this innovative system, at a time when homeowners are investing in the creation of such indoor/outdoor spaces and installers need a solution that is simple to install and offers a great deal of flexibility.”

“CRL Glass Rooms are simple to construct, providing shelter from the elements and providing unobstructed

For more information call CRL on 01706 863600, email crl@crlaurence.co.uk, or visit www.crlaurence.co.uk.

February 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

Only the sky’s the limit •

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You can have a range of lanterns, flat rooflights, skyrooms, conservatories, verandas or lean-tos

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Lanterns available in a number of options, including our new square version

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To see more, talk to our Technical Team at atlasroofsolutions.co.uk/sky

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Lean-tos

FIT SHOW 2022 PREVIEW

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

EMMEGI (UK) CONFIRMED FOR FIT 2022

Emmegi (UK) has just announced that it will be back exhibiting at the FIT Show in May, with a stand showcasing a mix of its newest and most popular machines. After 3 years away, it will be a chance for new and existing customers to chat to the team and enjoy some classic Italian-style hospitality.

up close really does create lots of buzz and excitement on the show floor. Emmegi’s showcase is a prime example of how a trip to FIT really does connect and engage the market on a scale like no other marketing medium. We’re in for a treat!” Ian added: “I’d like to think the whole industry will come out and support FIT this year – either as exhibitors or as visitors. It’s a really valuable asset to the market and, if we don’t all support it, we’re in danger of losing it and regretting it in the future.”

Managing Director Ian Latimer, said: “Since the beginning, FIT has been a really successful show for us – not just in terms of generating enquiries for new machines, but as a great place to meet up with customers and friends. With momentum building for the 2022 event, we didn’t want to miss out. “Machinery is always a good draw for fabricators at exhibitions, so I hope the fact that there’s now another machinery company on the floorplan will encourage even more people to register.”

FIT Show’s Event Director Nickie West agreed: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Emmegi back to FIT Show.

Emmegi has supported every single FIT Show, growing its presence show-onshow. Being able to see working machinery

More details of the machines to be featured, and the offers and promotions which visitors can expect, will be released ahead of the show in May. More details at: www.emmegi.com and www.fitshow.co.uk.

CHECKATRADE TO MAKE DEBUT APPEARANCE AT FIT SHOW 2022 Checkatrade is set to make its debut at FIT Show, which is returning to the NEC between 10 - 12 May 2022. Checkatrade is the UK’s number one website for finding a tradesperson, with 44,000 trade members across the UK. It will be exhibiting at FIT Show to raise awareness of the benefits of membership and to talk to installers about the demand it is currently seeing within the trade industry. The business was founded in 1998 after a tornado hit a West Sussex village, causing rogue trades to flood in and rip off the locals. Checkatrade launched in order to

help local people avoid these rogue trades, with its founder personally meeting and vetting every member. Today Checkatrade continues to carry out 12 checks on every member who wants to join, in turn giving quality tradespeople a unrivalled platform to promote their services to over 2 million homeowners each month. Alex Cubitt, Chief Growth Officer at Checkatrade, comments: “Over the past two years the home improvement market has experienced exceptionally strong growth, bolstered by the increased amount of time we’ve all spent at home during the pandemic. We’re always on the lookout for great trades who can help us meet

the intense demand we’re seeing from homeowners. Exhibiting at FIT Show gives us the opportunity to speak directly to tradespeople about how Checkatrade can support them both now and in the future. 8 of 10 consumers would choose a Checkatrade endorsed trade and so there’s a great opportunity for us to help trades make the most of the current market conditions.” Speaking about Checkatrade’s presence at FIT Show 2022, event director Nickie West said: “Checkatrade is a huge household name, and one that we are delighted to be able to bring to FIT Show 2022. We are committed to driving quality

across the glass and glazing industry trust and transparency, as embodied by Checkatrade, is a huge part of this. “Our visitors will be able to tap into the wide-ranging expertise of the Checkatrade team who will be on hand to offer advice and support about better promoting their businesses to homeowners. Any platform that promotes quality and connects installers with homeowners can only be a good thing.”

HAFFNER SAYS SIZE DOES MATTER! Haffner’s stand at this year’s FIT Show was already set to be the biggest stand in the show’s history. But the company has confirmed that it’s just got even bigger – the new space will be 610sqm. Dave Thomas, Managing Director of Haffner, said: “Our space at the FIT Show will be a must-visit for any fabricator. It will be first ever fully seamless machinery stand in the UK because it will showcase our complete Graf Synergy range, as well as machinery from our Haffner and FOM ranges.” Haffner took the decision to extend the stand because of a rapid increase in demand and a stream of orders for fully seamless set-ups. Dave commented: “Fabricators are increasingly looking to use the latest technologies to deliver outstanding quality that feature-rich products demand. The

Graf Synergy range is the only range for this. It delivers world class seamless welding technology and patented welding techniques, increasing fabrication efficiencies and delivering superior product quality. By showcasing the entire range on our stand, we’ll be able to show more fabricators what it has to offer.” Haffner is the exclusive UK supply partner of Graf Synergy and its FIT Show stand will showcase machines capable of welding seamless corners, transoms, reverse butts, cruciforms and cills, showing how far the state-of-the-art machinery innovation has come. But the Graf Synergy range is only the start of what Haffner’s stand will have to offer. The company will be showcasing the largest and most comprehensive machine portfolio

in the industry that makes it a go-to supplier for fabricators of all sizes. It is the sole UK agent of Haffner Machinery, which designs innovative and high-quality engineered products at competitive industry prices. It also supplies a range of aluminium fabrication machines from FOM Industries, who hold an international reputation for quality machinery that combine the latest technology with skilled engineering and competitive prices. Dave concluded: “This year’s FIT Show is probably the most eagerly anticipated ever because it marks the return of face-to-face exhibitions. We look forward to welcoming customers old and new to our stand and show them exactly how Haffner can help them take their manufacturing to the next level.”

The FIT Show runs 10-12 May 2022 at the NEC in Birmingham. Tel: 01785 222421 – www.haffnermurat.com

February 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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COLOURED PRODUCTS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

ONLY 58% OF PVCU WINDOWS ARE SMOOTH WHITE Analysis of over 88,000 PVCu casements quoted by installers via Tommy Trinder’s Framepoint® platform in 2021 underscores the decline of the ‘smooth white’ window; only 58% of PVC casements quoted in the year were un-foiled. Anthracite grey (8%) and White Grain (6%) continued to prove popular colour choices in 2021, but on the whole the Tommy Trinder data paints a picture of a highly fragmented colour pallet with installers presenting a dizzying array of choices to homeowners. “Long gone are the days when windows were white and handles were gold,” says Tommy Trinder’s CEO Chris Brunsdon. “The activity from Framepoint® users in 2021 suggests we have truly become a rainbow nation when it comes to fenestration; over 1000 different colour combinations were quoted on PVCu Casements during the year.” Traditional woodgrains were largely in decline also. Only Rosewood (4%) and Golden Oak (1%) made it into the top 10 most popular foils. Mahogany, an old favourite, was notable by its absence. And oaks such as Irish Oak, English Oak and Natural Oak whilst trending upwards, also failed to make the top tier. “Such vast choice is wonderful for the homeowner, but it does mean great complexity for the installers,” says Chris. “Framepoint® users tell us that being able to touch and instantly show clients

“Framepoint® users tell us that being able to touch and instantly show clients exactly how a window will look in a variety of colourways has become a vital part of their sales process.” exactly how a window will look in a variety of colourways has become a vital part of their sales process. Modelling a window on the house in full photo-realistic quality, then backing that up with full colour, photo-realistic inside and outside views of the product on quotes and contracts not only wows customers, it also removes any room for error.” The Tommy Trinder survey also highlights the growing popularity of flush casements; In 2021 around a quarter (24%) of PVCu windows quoted by installers had flush sashes, says Chris: “The data from 2021 suggests flush casements are rising in popularity and now play a significant part in an installers product mix. Unsurprisingly in the quest to emulate period features, nearly half (47%) of all flush casements quoted have mechanical joints, compared to just 1% of standard PVCu

casements. And when it comes to ironmongery monkey tails and other period handles such as teardrops and pear drops outsell standard fasteners and are vital add-ons.” Smooth White was even less popular as a finish on PVCu Flush Casements accounting for just 22% of all windows quoted. A quarter of all flush casements were foiled white or cream. And Agate Grey (13%) was almost twice as popular as Anthracite (7%) in the more traditional window form. Commenting on the scope and accuracy of the data, says Chris: “Use of the app is growing rapidly. We have around 1150 active users of Framepoint® from over 360 window firms so it’s solid representation of the market. However, it’s likely that our typical subscriber’s product mix is somewhat skewed towards the top end. Upselling occurs naturally when it’s quick and easy to show off premium features, such as foils, dual colours, dummy vents, mechanical joints, flush casements, surface mounted bars etc. It stands to reason that Framepoint® users will sell more of these value-added products.” Looking at the Tommy Trinder data, has Chris got any insights to trends tip for 2022? “That’s easy,” he says. “The future is…Basalt Grey!”

KOLORSEAL ADVISES: KNOW YOUR KOLORS! For Deborah Hendry, Managing Director at Kolorseal Ltd, the entrance to a home helps to reflect lifestyle choices. It is viewed as the focal point for any property and it is now being used by consumers to reflect lifestyles and individual personalities. Getting the colour right is essential. “Choosing the right colour is more difficult than people may realise, which is something installers should consider when approaching the end user about door renovation or installation projects. First impressions are absolutely everything when it comes to property, and homeowners have grown bolder in their colour preferences. A beautifully colour coated front door makes all the difference, and today, there are pretty much no limits,” Deborah comments. For fabricators and installers it is all about providing as much choice as possible, and the Kolorseal team understands this. Giving a broad range of colour coating options enables them to offer homeowners the design and overall appeal they want for their property. Getting the colour right will depend on a few considerations, including whether there are any colour restrictions on the property. Some listed buildings or new builds could have covenants or restrictions which dictate the colour palettes that can be used on an entrance door, in order to keep an aesthetic continuity within a particular area.

When it comes to helping end users choose the right colour then red and black are always timeless classics. For consumers who are very into the design and aesthetic of their home then a shade of red is probably the most powerful colour to install. It reflects power and in feng-shui terms it provides protection, passion and is considered the luckiest colour of them all. Certainly, a bright red front door will be noticed. Deborah concludes, “Knowing what colours signify could be very important to some people, so for installers who understand this then it could be the difference between making the sale or not. There are some simple things to consider when choosing a shade, but probably the most important is complementing the tones and materials that are already there, in the property. Advise homeowners to evaluate their surroundings and to coordinate to get the best from the colours chosen. For fabricators looking to add a little more choice to their business, then increasing their colour portfolio on windows, doors or rainwater products will be very advantageous.” Anyone wishing to discuss colour coating options please call the Kolorseal team on 01924 454856 or visit the website www.kolorseal.co.uk.

One of the key factors to consider when talking to consumers, is the overall existing look from the outside. Additionally, it is important to evaluate the exact colour shade of a front door when standing outside. Deborah continues, ‘It is probably wise to have narrowed down some colour options that will match with an existing house aesthetic. To simplify this, look at the colour of the windows and any other primary colour coated products such as gutters and fascias.” There may also be some considerations people might want to give to colour choice based on how that particular shade might reflect on them as people. A composite door that has been colour sprayed yellow suggests warmth with friendly occupants. Alternatively for those homeowners into feng-shui then a blue sprayed front door suggests peace and tranquility while green generates feelings associated with safety and security.

February 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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RECYCLING

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

REAPING REWARDS WITH RESPONSIBLE RECYCLING PVC-U is one of fenestration’s biggest assets when it comes to sustainability, but only if it’s recycled responsibly, says VEKA Recycling’s MD, Simon Scholes. From global collaborations such as COP26, to the relentless campaigning of individuals like Greta Thunberg, society, as a whole, is becoming increasingly concerned by climate change. Efforts to protect the earth, and its flora and fauna, include an international drive to limit the impact of plastic waste on the environment, with the material largely falling out of favour with the public, certainly in the UK. As a result, many consumer-facing companies have found alternatives when it comes to packaging, and even the products they offer, because morals and ethics aside, sustainability sells. When it comes to fenestration, it is clear there is more to be done to educate homeowners on the virtues of PVC-U. Too many remain unaware that the material used to make their windows and doors, unlike the single-use plastic polluting our oceans, is a valuable resource that can be recycled many times over. The knowledge that, as part of a new window or door installation, the old PVC-U frames will be removed from a home, transported to a specialist recycling facility and reprocessed to eventually create brand new products that can be recycled again at the end of their lives, is an attractive proposition for the ecoconscious consumer.

Recycling PVC-U frames diverts them from landfill and reduces the amount of virgin material used in the manufacture of fenestration products. This not only reduces carbon emissions. Remanufacturing a product to extend its service life by decades, or even centuries, also makes PVC-U arguably one of the most sustainable building product materials on the planet. In order to make the most of this significant selling point, it is crucial that installers use credible and authentic recycling companies – not only to collect old frames but also to process them. After all, the sustainable potential of PVC-U cannot be achieved if it is not recycled and repurposed properly. Some waste removal companies advertising ‘recycling’ services may only have the infrastructure to collect post-consumer product or waste materials. This means these materials may be passed on to a thirdparty for processing, diluting accountability. While an installer may believe, in good

faith, that the products have been taken away to be recycled, once they have been passed on to a third-party, there is often no way of knowing their true fate. If window and door waste is not disposed of lawfully, the homeowner is liable for prosecution and for this reason, using an installer that is associated with a trusted waste disposal or recycling company is a must for homeowners’ peace of mind. VEKA Recycling collects and processes post-consumer frames at its specialist PVC-U window and door frame recycling site in Wellingborough, and is therefore able to guarantee that recycling standards and legal guidelines will be upheld at every stage. As a result, installers who use VEKA Recycling’s services are able to demonstrate their commitment to responsible recycling to their homeowner customers, irradicating any fear of prosecution due to incorrect or illegal disposal.

fully operational last year, and with other fenestration brands continuing to invest millions of pounds in recycling facilities in the UK, the commercial value of PVC-U is clear. But it’s time the focus shifted away from pounds and pence. Over the decades, PVC-U windows and doors have been sold overwhelmingly on price, backed up by advances in performance and aesthetics in recent years. But as society shifts towards a greener agenda, the time has come to remarket PVC-U as the highly effective and sustainable framing material that it can be. If recycled responsibly, PVC-U can meet its full potential as the ultimate eco-friendly fenestration material and reap the associated rewards, but only by using the right channels can we, as an industry, ensure this is the case. We all have a role to play. https://veka-recycling.co.uk/

But it’s not just installers who can benefit from responsible recycling. Fabricators should also ensure they employ the services of a trusted recycling specialist when it comes to the processing of off-cuts and flawed frames. Not only as a selling point for them, but to ensure that the whole supply chain is doing its bit to minimise environmental damage and ensure that material does not go to waste. And considering the polymer shortages in recent months, the preservation of such a valuable resource is perhaps more important now than ever. VEKA Recycling’s Wellingborough plant – the most advanced in Europe – became

February 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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MURRAY CENTRE, DOWNE HOUSE SCHOOL To create educational spaces which meet the needs of all students, quality is something that mustn’t be compromised. Spaces must have the flexibility for various types of study, inspire students by putting their needs at the forefront of design specification and, perhaps most importantly, provide the environment in which individuals can thrive and perform to their fullest.

House on their educational journey towards college, university and beyond. Richard Rose-Casemore, Design Engine Founding Director said, “This project represents the culmination of a four-year relationship with Downe House, during which time we have been able to design and deliver the Murray Centre as the School’s community centrepiece as part of a 10 year vision for the campus.” Reynaers has been designing cutting-edge glazing solutions for schools, commercial buildings, and some of the most iconic buildings in the world. Alongside its standard aluminium glazing products, the business develops tailor-made solutions for every industry that meet stringent demands of comfort, security, design and energyefficiency. The CS 77 selected for this project provides a high-quality flush door system, which meets European standards for schools regarding thermal insulation, stability and security. The system has been tested for burglar resistance, bullet resistance and panic situations.

Aluminium glazing systems play a role in providing these integral learning environments for the Murray Centre of Downe House, a private boarding school in Berkshire. Following an invited design competition, West-Midlands based architect Design Engine was commissioned to create proposals for a visually and experimentally inspired building that would become the heart of the campus which houses key learning spaces for students. This central hub included a library, auditorium, teaching spaces, shop, cafe, social space, offices and a sixth form support space. All in all, the building would act as the ideal stepping stone for students on their journey to Higher Education. The original brief was for the building to become the “heart and soul” of the school. The location of the centre played a crucial role in how it influenced the design and give it a truly unique feel. Its placement at the entrance of the school, at the end of its main driveway, means its simple form responds well to the distinctive character of Downe House and the woodland that surrounds the campus. The use of Reynaers capped glass curtain walling on the east elevation gives the building a spectacular physical and visual draw to all visitors on campus - and

accentuates the building’s connection with the natural environment that surrounds it. Specifically designed to connect with the woodland on its grounds, resplendent views are achieved, alongside elevated levels of natural light, which maximise the impact of the main learning spaces by providing a catalyst for the cognitive performance and concentration of its pupils. The building itself is arranged over three storeys, featuring a lower ground floor partially set into natural site levels. This allowed a two-storey main entrance foyer to be created, giving generous spaces inside while creating strong physical and visual connections both internally and with the rest of the campus. The design uses Reynaers’ CS77 doors, which provide superior year-round thermal insulation with the stability and

security required of a school building, where occupant safety is paramount. The characteristics of Reynaers’ systems also ensure strong acoustic performance for the benefit of students — reducing the penetration of outdoor noise and distractions. Through the inclusion of Reynaers’ CP130 lift and slide patio doors, Downe House has been able to achieve the required levels of accessibility which are vital to modern educational environments for the full inclusivity of all students. Alongside this functionality, the system serves to frame the surrounding woodland views, making them a focus of the overall design. This combination of aluminium glazing solutions from Reynaers has helped to create an enriching and productive environment for the students of Downe

The CP 130 system, featuring the same safety and security benefits above, is compatible with the CS 77 with a low threshold option available making it perfect for building accessibility. Ideal for rooms with a view, it has also has the option for a corner solution makes it possible to open up spaces without a fixed corner element, creating better connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Emma McKendrick, Downe House Headmistress said, “The original vision for this project was that it would be a space for the whole community to come together to work and enjoy each other’s company in a well-equipped and welcoming space. It has been super to see the way in which the girls have used the building already. I think that all those who have visited will testify to what a wonderful resource it is.” Discover how aluminium glazing solutions from Reynaers are defining modern buildings by exploring other projects. www.reynaers.co.uk

February 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

CHANGING MINDSETS ON SUSTAINABILITY WITH LINIAR Sustainability. It’s a hot topic of conversation right now, with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reporting a ‘code red’ alert for our planet. The topic is also gaining traction in our industry, with our own trade press calling for fenestration companies to take action. Chris Armes, Design & Development Director at innovative PVCu systems company Liniar discusses his views on sustainability across our often-complex supply chain.

A MINDSET CHANGE “I’ve been looking at sustainability for a number of years and have come to the conclusion that if our industry is going to become more sustainable, we need a fundamental mindset change to occur,” says Chris. “Does our wider industry consider recycled windows as valuable items? We know there’s a huge amount of investment required to change the tooling, plant and machinery necessary to manage and process different materials – but if we as an industry don’t see recycled PVCu as a valuable commodity, those who could make a big impact will continue to be reluctant to invest.

“We can all help to change this mindset both at work and in our everyday lives - by consciously bringing sustainability to the top of our own agenda and promoting it at every opportunity. PVCu is a valuable commodity if it’s treated and re-used correctly – the challenge is to educate consumers and trade customers on the environmental benefits.

Chris explains, “We’ve designed many products with sustainability in mind. We believe our scrap rates are the lowest in the industry at 2%, and every single bit of PVCu waste is recycled at our on-site plant, meaning we’ve never needed to send any production waste to landfill since the site opened in 2007.

“However, there is a noticeable shift in the mind set of customers, with a demand for not only environmentally positive products but a call for sustainable practices throughout the supply chain”.

“We’ve always been focused on creating thermally efficient products to help save energy in all types of buildings, as reducing energy consumption and sustainability go hand in hand. The original Liniar window system launched in 2008 was the most technically advanced on the market.

Chris continues, “Liniar hasn’t needed an excuse or a reason to push forward with sustainable initiatives – it’s at the forefront of everything we do – but we understand that other companies might. The more the subject of sustainability comes to the top of everyone’s agenda, the more it will help all companies, including Liniar, to continue on the path to Zero Carbon.”

DESIGNED FOR SUSTAINABILITY Liniar has been recycling PVCu since 1993 (over 28 years ago now!) – in fact, its fencing and decking ranges were designed specifically to use recycled PVCu. Its piling and retention system is made from 100% recycled PVCu and is used by the Environment Agency and the National Trust as a sustainable, lightweight solution for many wildlife projects.

“Liniar also designed the UK’s first Passive House accredited PVCu window system, EnergyPlus90. This system was way ahead of its time when we launched it in 2017. We have exciting plans for it in 2022, although I can’t give too much away!”

RECYCLING FOCUS “We have many recycled products across the Liniar range in addition to our Outdoor ranges. The patented Screw Retainer, which reduces the steel required in Liniar windows, has always been made from recycled PVC, as has our patented Thermal Dam – both helping with thermal efficiency. Our 125mm Cill is made from a recycled core with a ‘virgin’ skin, and recycled PVCu reinforcement can be used to replace steel in certain Liniar profiles.

Chris Armes

“All of these innovations not only make the Liniar system easier to fabricate and handle, they’re manufactured from recycled PVCu in our own facilities, which helps to lower our carbon footprint.”

MAKE POSITIVE CHANGES Chris comments, “I’m aware not everyone is lucky enough to have a purpose-built single site with a recycling facility or underground water chambers to recycle the billions of gallons of water required in an extrusion operation … but there are plenty of other opportunities to make positive changes. “I honestly believe that any company of any size can become more sustainable,” says Chris. “It really is about having that mindset change and raising it to the top of the agenda internally. Liniar may be a large company compared to some, but this isn’t a sudden move for us - we’ve made lots of changes over the years that keep moving us closer towards Net Zero carbon. We’d love the whole industry to do the same.” “Whether it’s recycling at home, raising the awareness that plastic can be a valuable commodity when collected and recycled in the right way, or asking your suppliers about their own sustainability practices, we can all do something. In many cases, you could save money by making more sustainable choices – and if everyone does their bit, it will benefit us all in the long term.” Liniar holds ISO 14001 Environmental Management accreditation at its site in Derbyshire, and is currently 54% of its Climate Change Agreement target for 2021. Read more at www.liniar.co.uk/sustainability.

“We know there’s a huge amount of investment required to change the tooling, plant and machinery necessary to manage and process different materials – but if we as an industry don’t see recycled PVCu as a valuable commodity, those who could make a big impact will continue to be reluctant to invest.” 46

February 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

KÖMMERLING SETS A 1.2 U-VALUE AS STANDARD With an enviable reputation for product innovation and performance, KÖMMERLING have now stated that their C70, O70 and new 70mm flush sash systems all meet a U-value of 1.2 W/(m2k) as standard. In an era where some window and door systems are still based on dated three and four chambered platforms, this important achievement for KÖMMERLING and their respective manufacturing and installation partners ensures that all of their 70mm window and door systems will meet the

2022 building regulations for replacement and new build projects as standard. As the demand for better energy efficient windows and doors gathers pace, product performance has never been so critical as Andrew Charlesworth, technical director of profine UK and KÖMMERLING explains. He said: ‘Given the considerable resources here in the UK and in Germany we’ve been able to further develop our 70mm platform to improve energy efficiency credentials. This is in addition to our KOMMERLING 76 open out system and the Passivhaus

standard System 88 tilt and turn window, which uses material technologies from BASF.’ He continued: ‘Building regulations will again change in the years to come and sooner than we think. So now is the time to partner wisely with a company that’s committed to product innovation and sustainability, thanks also to our recycling initiatives in the UK and across Europe.’ For further information please visit www. profine-uk.com, e-mail enquiries@profineuk.com or phone 01623 579200. There’s

also a dedicated site for KÖMMERLING at www.kommerling.co.uk. You can also follow them on social media platforms including Twitter @profineuk and @kommerling_uk.

EDGETECH: A RELIABLE SUPPLIER THROUGH CHALLENGING TIMES In addition to offering high-quality warmedge spacer bar products, Edgetech, a subsidiary of Quanex, always strives to offer the best customer service. And one company that’s benefitted from this great service for over 13 years is Euramax Solutions. The Barnsley-based company is a leading manufacturer and supplier of uPVC windows and doors to the off-site and modular construction, DIY and home improvement, new build and holiday home markets. Euramax Solutions Managing Director Nick Cowley comments: “We started working with Edgetech in 2008, and since then, they’ve been supplying us with their very high-quality Super Spacer® warm-edge spacer bars, which we use in the glass units for all our products across our holiday home, DIY, and modular ranges.

“During the first Covid-19 lockdown in March 2020, we stopped manufacturing altogether, but when we returned, Edgetech was just as reliable as ever, helping to keep our production line going during a very challenging period rife with supply chain disruptions. “Today we’re making around 4,000 frames per week, and in order to make that happen, our manufacturing process needs to be as efficient as possible. “Edgetech’s Super Spacer doesn’t need to be cut into bar length form, doesn’t need to have a PIB primary seal applied, and doesn’t need to be filled with desiccant, allowing us to really streamline our processes.” Super Spacer is one of the best IGU perimeter insulators on the market, preventing heat loss and ensuring windows and doors achieve high energy ratings

and lower energy costs, thanks to its low conductivity. The dual seal insulating glass spacer system uses high-performance acrylic adhesive, and is backed by a multi-layer moisture vapour seal, reducing window u-values by up to 0.2W/m²K and noise pollution by up to 2dB. Edgetech Managing Director Chris Alderson comments: “Since partnering with Euramax Solutions, we’ve been delighted to supply such an innovative company in the industry with our products, and we were proud to have supported them through the challenges of lockdown. “We’re delighted that the company is happy with the service they’ve received from us – it’s a testament to our commitment to delivering fantastic products at affordable prices, while maintaining great customer relations.

“We hope to continue this level of service with Euramax Solutions – and all our customers – for many years to come.” For more information, please call 02476 639931 or visit www.edgetechig.co.uk.

NEW YORK ICONS REVITALISED WITH SUPER SPACER® T-SPACER® SG High-performance Super Spacer® T-Spacer® SG from Edgetech, a subsidiary of Quanex, has helped revitalise three historic features of the New York skyline. 660 Fifth Avenue, Two Bryant Park and the Summit at One Vanderbilt have all undergone extensive refurbishment work involving the use of state-of-the-art Edgetech technology. Built in 1957 on the site of a mansion designed for multimillionaire William H. Vanderbilt, the first of this trio of Manhattan landmarks has received 2,000 panes of glass as part of its dramatic renovation. Internationally renowned glass manufacturer AGC INTERPANE supplied around 25,000 square metres of insulating glass, equipped with 20mm T-Spacer® SG, for use on the 39-storey tower. Two Bryant Park is even older – built in 1906 as a six storey dwelling in the Beaux Arts style, but gradually extended over the

course of a century to the point it’s now 15-storeys tall.

light-grey T-Spacer® SG, and sealed with grey silicone.

Again supplied by AGC INTERPANE, the project received 9,000 square-metres of insulating glass, some of it ipasol Platin 46/31 solar glass with high daylight transmission.

The third project was the 77-storey, 427-metre One Vanderbilt – the fourth tallest building in New York.

The 450 tons of insulated glass used in the refurbishment was manufactured with

AGC INTERPANE supplied the glazing for the four floors of “The Summit” observation deck at a height of 335 meters, home to a digital art installation,

a restaurant, and the glazed elevators that rise from the city’s iconic Grand Central Station below. Super Spacer® T-Spacer® SG is a metal-free, silicone-based warm edge spacer made of structural foam with integrated desiccant, that’s been designed for the toughest commercial applications. On demanding glazing projects using extra-large glass panes, its extremely durable edge seal guarantees decades of exceptional performance and stability. Edgetech Managing Director Chris Alderson comments: “Edgetech spacers have been used in landmark buildings all around the world. It’s hugely gratifying to see our products incorporated in outstanding projects as a permanent part of the New York skyline, and with them, these iconic buildings will go on to offer exceptional performance for decades to come.” For more information, please visit www.edgetechig.co.uk.

February 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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FLIP IS READY AND WAITING Dan Sullivan, MD of DoorCo gives Glass News an insight into the benefits that DoorCo’s door fabricator customers are finding particularly useful about FLiP, their new glazing cassette system. FLiP® is the revolutionary glazing cassette system launched by DoorCo last year. Designed for performance and aesthetics, FLiP is now the standard glazing cassette system used across the entire DoorCo range and it is transforming door glazing for our customers thanks to its numerous benefits that have simplified fabrication and enhanced door designs. Right from day one, FLiP made a significant impact. We developed FLiP to give us greater control over the supply chain of one of our major door components. This really came into play last year by ultimately allowing us to offer better customer service because we could react faster and keep up with demand, as well as being able to invest in physical stock on the shelves when we needed to.

MADE IN THE UK Working with oversees partners to deliver our everyday products has always been a challenge. Material supply, currency fluctuations and shipping costs are a balancing act for procurement and budgets, even before last year’s shipping crisis and the unmanageable costs we’re still facing. Overcoming this was a key consideration during FLiP’s R&D so we chose to partner with a large, experienced injection moulding specialist. When issues with our existing supplier of door glazing were causing a bottle neck in production and pushing up lead times, we accelerated FLiP’s launch to provide a solution. As there has been little disruption to FLiP’s production from the shipping crisis, a good supply of FLiP cassettes was established quickly and effectively. We were able to boost our stock holding of all types of cassettes to fulfil the backlog and reassure customers by demonstrating the large amount of stock

we are able to maintain. This supply has not faltered, in fact we’ve already made further investment in this area to increase production with the addition of an in-house foaming machine which applies FLiP’s unique Foam in Place® technology.

FOAM IN PLACE® TECHNOLOGY FLiP’s Foam in Place (FiP) technology is a foam seal applied by machine to the outer frame during manufacture to deliver a superior seal and negate the need for hand applying glazing tape. The investment by DoorCo on FiP is significant, totalling half a million pounds into an on site robot line to apply FiP tech, to save customers time and cost a painstaking stage in the door glazing process, and something our door fabricator customers asked us to address during our market research. FiP saves on average 3 minutes per cassette installation and removes that additional component cost. It performs better too as it eliminates the risk of gaps, particularly in the corners where water ingress is often an issue. FiP’s uniform seal prevents any water ingress. This was proven during testing. FLiP performed exceptionally well, easily meeting the BS6375-2015 and EN1027 standards, and most impressively, achieving over 1000pa through the glazing aperture during weather testing. This is further supported by DoorCo’s extended 10-year warranty. The rest of the installation process is simple and quick too. The mechanism inside FLiP clips and screws together, with a screwdriver being the only tool needed to

install it. The structural connectors have a unique pivoting head that adjusts to the thickness of the glass, an angled corner protector to reduce corner flare and support heavy units, with an optional component for larger apertures for even more security. The result is a glazing cassette that sits flush to the door.

AESTHETIC APPEAL As well as delivering outstanding performance, FLiP has the most design options on the market. In the range there are two unique profiles, two new surface textures that have been painstakingly matched to our door finishes, three overall designs, and 23 style variations. From clean, modern profiles through to traditional bevels, there is an option for any style of composite door, whether it’s traditional, contemporary, or even designer. Although creating a contemporarystyled cassette that matched our doors and performed well was a priority for FLiP, customers are also delighted with the reinvigorated bevelled design of our traditional choice, FLiP Standard.

FLIP STANDARD With a woodgrain finish, Ovalo shape and 14 different options, FLiP Standard fits perfectly with our wide range of traditional door styles. Initially, we launched FLiP with designs that suited our current doors, but we have already started adding new styles like the 4-Grid range. There are currently three choices of Grid cassettes – Merion, Lytham and Gleneagles, with plans to widen

Dan Sullivan, MD, DoorCo

this further. Available from early February, we will be adding Turnberry, a half glazed arched design to the FLiP Standard range.

CONTEMPORARY DESIGNS FLiP has two contemporary product finishes that have a modern squaredoff flat profile and finished in either a woodgrain finish to partner with our Flush and Monza II doors, or stipple finish that perfectly matches the smooth, etched texture of Links, our composite aluminium alternative. Each FLiP Flat option has 4 styles that help form our contemporary and designer range of doors.

THROUGH COLOUR TECHNOLOGY When it comes to colour, customers are delighted that we’ve matched FLiP’s standard colour range with our doors’ standard colours. FLiP’s standard colours are applied as part of the injection moulding process, delivering a quality of colour that customers can trust to match and removing the need for additional cassette painting. And if a bespoke colour has been chosen, both door and cassette can be painted to match either in-house or using our flexible painting service. FLiP is delivering a world of choice to our customers, from our wide range of styles for traditional, contemporary and designer composite doors, its well thoughtout design that is improving weather performance and production efficiencies, and most importantly, a good level of stock on the shelves, supported by a consistent and reliable supply that is under DoorCo’s control. It’s time to FLiP: Talk to us today about enhancing your composite door offering with FLiP by calling 01625 428955, or visit: www.door-co.com/flip

February 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

INTRODUCING THE NEW CORTIZO ALUMINIUM PATIO DOOR FROM MERCURY INTRODUCTORY OFFER – JUST £500 PER PANE

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The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

ALUMINIUM DOORS

WITHOUT THE ALUMINIUM

The trend for aluminium continues, says Managing Director of Apeer, Asa McGillian, but you do not need to sell aluminium to take advantage of the opportunities in this sector. The trend for aluminium windows and doors has been on the up for some time now, and the desire for these modern, sleek products is showing no signs of slowing down. Despite its already phenomenal growth, the global aluminium windows and doors market size is still growing and is set to register a compound annual growth rate of 3% to 2026. In 2026 the value of the market is predicted to be approximately

$70 million. But there is a gap in this market, that is set to see exponential growth. Products that are in the style of aluminium are proving as successful as the material itself. In fact, the more accessible and affordable nature of the aluminium alternatives available are taking the residential market by storm.

AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT PROPOSITION In the last 10 or 15 years, we have seen multiple fabricators attempting to add aluminium to their range because of its huge popularity. But as many of them found, it is not an easy thing to do. Aluminium requires different machinery, different expertise, and an entirely different way of approaching the market to that of PVC-U. That is why there are only a small number of fabricators of the many that tried, that managed to make it work.

But installers can make the most of the trend towards aluminium, without buying aluminium, according to Asa. “We developed our Silka range of doors to meet the demand for aluminium in a new and unique way,” he explains. “Silka has all the smooth, sleek lines and architectural style of aluminium, without the associated high costs. Silka not only looks like aluminium it also has all the benefits of a double rebate, triple glazed 70mm composite door, one that is also inherently more robust than aluminium skinned doors. When we designed Silka, we wanted to produce a style that would suit homes that were being fitted with aluminium windows. Aluminium entrance doors were expensive and limited in choice so we thought we would add something into the range that filled the gap. From the huge demand we have seen for Silka, we have hit the nail on the head and are able to precisely offer the right product for the current market.

INVESTING ON BEHALF OF THE MARKET “Just because Silka is not an aluminium door, doesn’t mean it was easy to design and manufacture. We knew which designs we wanted to offer early on, so our R&D

team spent more than a year working on the development of the fibreglass skin. It was a complex process to get the finish exactly right and involved several trips to the mould manufacturer and experimentation with paints. As a result, we use a new, unique paint finish that means that Silka doors are air dried, rather than processed in our usual infrared lines.” The commitment to the market doesn’t end in the factory either, as Asa goes on to explain: “The Silka range is proving popular with consumers looking for a new composite door, but it is also attracting buyers that have previously bought aluminium. This market has a separate set of expectations when it comes to consistency of product and the service they receive from their suppliers, so in addition to a dedicated factory, we also invested in a dedicated team to manage this range. Investing in this sector has paid off, as Silka continues to hit the mark repeatedly.

A HIGH-END MIDDLE GROUND “Our Silka range offers installers and homeowners alike a robust composite door that looks and feels like aluminium. It is an aspirational product with high-end craftmanship, but without the prohibitive price tag. Silka levels the playing field for consumers wanting the aluminium look and makes it a reality for their current homes. This in turn offers installers a real opportunity for 2022 to sell an utterly unique product that gives homeowners the property transformation they’re looking for.”

February 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

ENDURANCE ARE IN TOUCH WITH NEXT GEN DOOR DESIGNER Endurance Doors have just unveiled their next gen Touch Portal and Door Designer that’s been developed with software partner Business Micros, after a carefully and well thought out development programme.

For installer partners, there’s also much added functionality to the Door Designer process and office back end. It’s a far easy platform for navigation when ordering online with the facility to view and amend orders and quotes, and it also allows for automatically building in markup and fitting costs, helping to generate

professionally branded quotations effortlessly. The Touch Portal also does much more than a typical door designer, as it helps manage the lead generation process in one place, helping to turn enquiries into quotes and firm orders. Additional users can be added to the platform, while

The new platform which is soon to be live on the Endurance Doors website, is fully mobile responsive and can also facilitate a Virtual Home. This functionality allows for multiple external and internal images to be uploaded on to a desktop, laptop, tablet or phone onto which a bespoke high-resolution Endurance Door generated by the software can be added, to provide a scaled visual representation for any door project.

direct access to online resources allows for brochures and marketing materials to be sent to homeowners quickly. It's been a co-operative project as Bret Park of Business Micros commented: ‘The Touch Portal is a game changer for the door industry given the additional functionality and overall customer

experience. Endurance have also proven to be the perfect launch partner for us given their excellent reputation and knowledge across the industry.’ Scott Foster, Head of Group Sales and Marketing for Endurance Doors added: ‘This new investment from us will further improve the customer experience, something that we’re constantly looking to develop further as an innovative and forward-thinking brand in the composite door sector. With the new Avantal door now launched, it’s also a rewarding time to be a business partner of Endurance Doors.’ For further information on the Endurance Solid and Secure composite door range, including the latest colours and finishes, please call the sales office on 01652 659259, visit https://endurancedoors.co.uk, or e-mail marketing@endurancedoors.co.uk. You can also add to the Twitter following @EnduranceDoors.

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www.glassnews.co.uk | February 2022

COLD CALLING

SCHÜCO LAUNCHES NEXT GENERATION

ADS 65 HD DOOR SYSTEM

Schüco has released a new generation of its tried-and-tested ADS 65 HD door system for entrances and exits subject to heavy use in residential and commercial buildings. The second generation of the aluminium door system combines increased weathertightness and thermal insulation with complete ease of operation and high stability. Its compatibility with the Schüco modular system, and its different fitting options, offers flexibility in terms of application and design for both newbuilds and renovation projects. Thanks to its new centre gasket system and large insulation chambers, the Schüco ADS 65 HD Gen2 can achieve watertightness to Class 7A, air permeability to Class 4 and wind load resistance to Class C2. Its U-value has been reduced from 2.2 in the previous model to 1.4 W/(m2K) ensuring the door system is compliant with the new Part L building regulations due to come into force in June 2022. The ADS 65 HD Gen2 door system also benefits from a barrier-free level threshold with surface water drainage providing tripfree access. Smart building components, such as Schüco Fingerprint Easy and fully automated electric locks, can also be integrated into the profile system. In terms of fabrication and installation, no new machinery or training is required. The upgraded door system follows virtually the same process as the first-generation door enabling easy, economical fabrication and fast installation. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3AAzbsY

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

DANNY WILLIAMS

‘COLD CALLING’ Each month our special correspondent Danny Williams* replies to a reader’s letter... “I see a lot in the press and online about the new Building Regulations. To save me going through it all Danny, anything I should worry about?” JC South London Our focus as an industry is primarily on Approved Document L ‘Conservation of Fuel and Power’ which in the context of our industry determines the energy efficiency – through U values - of the windows, doors and other fenestrationrelated products that may be installed in new and existing properties.

improvements as well? To say that it’s a wasted opportunity is an understatement.

We have waited a long time for this and if you were waiting for something radical to happen, it hasn’t. From your point of view JC, if you buy your windows and doors from a decent fabricator (we just happen to serve your area!) then you should not have to worry about the compliance of the products under the Building Regs.

And so strong is the feeling that many of the Big Names are talking about boycotting the compulsory installation of trickle vents as they say homeowners will not buy windows and doors with them fitted, mostly because they look rubbish. The key issue however, is that by compulsorily cutting a hole in the frame, we are of course letting cold air in. Not to say, noise and dirt too.

As far as the new numbers go, we (and most other frame makers) will already be making frames to the new minimum performance figures, which call for a dip from 1.6 W/m2K, to 1.4 W/m2K. And whilst I know that the new regs were developed before the huge increases in energy costs that we are all experiencing, the point was to reduce the amount of energy used, irrespective of cost. The figures for new build require a dip from 1.4 W/m2K to 1.2 W/m2K; and as most fabricators will also manufacture windows for the new build sector and have to achieve this, why not apply it to home

But, as far as window and door performance goes JC, don’t worry, we – and whoever supplies you – have got this covered.

HAVING SAID THAT… …I see trouble ahead. There is a storm brewing regarding another part of the revised Building Regs. ‘Part F – Ventilation’ is currently causing many in the industry to, erm, hyperventilate, as it imposes changes in the installation of ‘background ventilation’ - trickle vents to you and me - that many in the industry are saying homeowners will not want and actually technically, are counter intuitive to the advances in Part L.

The mandated inclusion of tickle vents is intended to provide ventilation in a house, as we continue to insulate them and seal up all the holes and gaps for the sake of comfort and energy efficiency. But to take a broad-brush approach by insisting on the inclusion of trickle vents in all replaced windows, does seem like a step too far. Some research carried early in 2021 actually suggests that the vast majority of homeowners object to trickle vents on replacement windows, with more than 80% of installers saying they will lose work if

they become mandatory. Really? I wonder how many homeowners were actually asked? Rather, I suspect that the figure was arrived at by installers simply making assumptions, because it all sounds a tad hysterical to me. But that is not to say that I believe a blanket inclusion of trickle vents is the right answer either. Whilst appropriate ventilation in new properties can be regulated by taking a balanced approach that considers the whole house, to have a ‘one size fits all’ rule for windows being replaced in houses that might range from a hundred years old to those built in the ‘Nineties, is patently silly. That is the issue and I do not believe there is a simple solution to the problem, other than to allow the homeowner to regulate according to their specific and personal needs. This kerfuffle is all a bit overblown, especially when I remember back to the early ‘Noughties when it was first mooted that home improvement replacement windows would be included in the Building Regulations for the first time. Back then, this was going to bring about an end to the industry. And when it was was passed and quite rightly too, with our sector regulated for the very first time, it all passed without a murmur. And since then of course, we have gone from strength to strength. The representatives of our wonderful industry will, no doubt, make full representations on behalf of us all and do their best to find a balanced solution to the problem. But let’s not get carried away in the meantime, eh? The upshot JC, is that us fabricators have got your back, OK?

* 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.

February 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

Oh so BEAUTIFUL It’s beautiful just to behold the precision and detail that goes into every Virtuoso composite door. Each one is painstakingly designed to represent the authentic look of natural timber or the contemporary finish of powder-coated aluminium. The finished result is Virtuoso beautiful.

There’s oh so much more to discover at virtuoso-doors.co.uk/oh-so-beautiful

PRODUCT SEARCH

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PRODUCT SEARCH BrouHappy Green Buildings Podcast

REVOLUTIONARY FLUSH SASH NFA New Product of the Year, the revolutionary double-rebated flush sash Resurgence window from Liniar offers all the charm of a traditional timber window with the benefits of exceptional modern energy efficiency.

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Resurgence is designed with a range of fabrication options, from mechanically jointed to Timberweld® and is simple to install, with no glass bonding.

ROOFING SYSTEMS

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

Homeowner demand is set to continue Ensure your portfolio offers an extensive range of roofing systems WE FABRICATE:

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

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

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February 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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BMBI

MACHINERY FOCUS

BUILDERS MERCHANT BUILDING INDEX

BMBI REVEALS STRONG BUILDERS’ MERCHANT NOVEMBER SALES

The latest figures from the Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI), published in January, reveal that total value sales by builders’ merchants across Great Britain were 17.4% higher in November 2021 compared to the same month in 2020, with one more trading day in 2021. It was a significant month for a number of categories. Timber & Joinery Products (+30.2%) recorded its 15th consecutive month of yearon-year growth, Kitchens & Bathrooms (+14.5%) had its highest-ever monthly BMBI turnover and Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (+13.8%) had its best month of 2021. Compared to November 2019, a pre-pandemic year, total merchant value sales were up 28.0% in November 2021, with one more trading day in 2021. Eleven of the 12 categories sold more with Landscaping (+51.4%) and Timber & Joinery Products (+51.3%) still leading the pack.

LAST THREE MONTHS Total sales in the three months September to November 2021 were up 14.5% on the same period last year. Eleven of the twelve categories sold more, with Timber & Joinery Products (+32.4%) continuing to strongly outperform the total market.

MONTH-ONMONTH Month-on-month total merchant sales were 3.2% up on October 2021, helped by one more trading day in November. Renewables & Water Saving (+15.9%) performed best, followed by Workwear & Safetywear (+13.4%) and Kitchens & Bathrooms (+12.5%).

YEAR-TO-DATE Total value sales January to November 2021 were up 31.5% compared with the

same 11 months in 2020, with two less trading days in 2021. Year-to-date sales were also up 15.9% on January to November 2019, again with two less trading days in 2021. For the full report, including comments from the BMBI’s panel of leading industry Experts, please visit www.bmbi.co.uk. GfK’s Builders Merchant Panel GfK’s Merchant Panel includes national, multi-regional and regional merchants such as Buildbase, Jewson, Travis Perkins, EH Smith, Gibbs & Dandy, MKM and Bradfords. GfK’s Builders’ Merchant Point of Sale Tracking Data represents more than 80% of the value of the builders’ merchant market. GfK insights can trace product group performance and track relevant features. GfK can also produce robust like-for-like market comparability, tailored to the requirements of an individual business. The Builders Merchant Building Index Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) appears every month, in print and online. A full quarterly report is published every three months. The BMBI is a brand of the Builders Merchant Federation. Launched and produced by MRA Research, it uses sales-out data from GfK’s Builders Merchant Panel. BMBI includes a panel of leading industry Experts, who speak exclusively for their markets.

JADE ENGINEERING DEVELOPS BESPOKE CUTTING/WELDING FOR SERIAL INNOVATOR Sean Preson is a serial inventor and innovator. The energetic head of Leicester-based Eco Plastic Wood Ltd is a committed environmentalist and through his firm offers a range of garden products, including benches, gates, sheds and other outbuildings, all manufactured using recycled plastics. So when Sean decided to manufacture a range of outbuildings using fence panels manufactured using recycled, lead-free PVC-U that replicate tongue and grooved planks, welded together to produce larger sections for the buildings, he needed a fast, reliable solution for an application that simply did not exist.

Jade Engineering liked a challenge,” added Sean mischievously. After Sean fabricated a steel frame onto which the mitre saws were mounted, Jade designed and manufactured the clamps to secure the panels during cutting. The welding, however, required more significant input, explains Jade Engineering’s Adam Jones: “Initially we considered using a standard single head welder from our SALtech range. However, the size of the panels to be welded required a solution that was almost bespoke.” Jade therefore developed and manufactured oversized clamps and heater plates to weld the combined panels together, with the SALtech welder heavily re-engineered to perform repeat welds, accurately and reliably. The result, says Sean Preson,

"Jade have done a superb job. They understood what I wanted to do, realised issues that would be encountered in executing such an unusual task and produced an ideal solution. It works perfectly, every time.” works superbly: “Jade have done a superb job. They understood what I wanted to do, realised issues that would be encountered in executing such an unusual task and produced an ideal solution. It works perfectly, every time.”

He called in Coventrybased Jade Engineering, with whom Sean had a previous relationship as suppliers of machine tools for Sean’s frame manufacturing business. He presented the challenge to them: “I had this idea of cutting then welding multiple fence panels together using existing V-notch saws, that could be combined together to cut left and right-hand mitres without having to re-position the panels each time,” explained Sean. “And then to present the panels together for welding into larger sections. But I needed someone with the expertise to make this work. And I knew that

February 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

HARDWARE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

MILA PARTNERS ERA KICKSTARTS 2022 WITH NEW ENGINEERING APPOINTMENT WITH EYG ON ERA, one of the UK’s leading home security and fenestration component providers, has extended its commitment to product and customer service excellence, with the appointment of a new Head of Engineering. Matthew King, who has over 10 years’ experience in engineering management, will be responsible for further enhancing ERA’s design and manufacturing capabilities, to help drive sustained business growth throughout the fenestration, distribution, specification and consumer markets. Leading ERA’s team of engineering experts, Matthew will be implementing dedicated strategies in conjunction with ERA’s design and customer service teams to improve approaches to customer application, product development and engineering project management. This will include the expansion of ERA’s bespoke manufacturing capabilities, as it continues to work in partnership with leading door and window manufacturers to develop hardware and security solutions that set the standard for quality and performance.

“Throughout 2022, ERA will be continuing to invest in core areas of the business to ensure it continuously improves and expands its comprehensive product offering in order to successfully meet the needs of its customers, and I am extremely proud to be playing a central role in achieving this. The engineering team and I are already working hard to achieve these objectives and I look forward to the year ahead.” As part of his role, Matthew will also be working in partnership with ERA’s UKAS accredited test house at its headquarters near Birmingham to ensure every single product is designed, manufactured and tested to the highest possible standards. For further information on ERA’s diverse portfolio of security products, including its smart home offering, visit www.eraeverywhere.com or contact the sales team on 01922 490 000 or email info@eraeverywhere.com.

STYLISH NEW PVC-U DOOR RANGE

Mila’s long-standing partnership with EYG, one of the UK’s leading trade, retail and commercial fabricators, is going from strength to strength, with Mila’s SupaSecure handles and TS008 compliant stainless steel letterplates featuring on EYG’s new range of PVC-U front doors. EYG’s Kingston range has been developed to give buyers a stylish alternative to composite doors, with similar aesthetics and high levels of security, but at a much more competitive price. Crucially, because these doors are produced in house at EYG’s state of the art factory in Hull, they are available without any of the supply chain delays which have plagued the composite market for many months. EYG has been consistently buying from Mila since 2003 and, during that time, Mila has proven its ability to supply on time and in full, even during the worst of the pandemic.

Matthew joins ERA from ZF Group, where he was Engineering Manager for Customer Products and Projects. Starting his career as an Engineer at BMW UK, Matthew was previously a Project Manager for Ford Motor Company in Germany and has extensive experience in product development, cost negotiation and project management. Speaking of his new role, Matthew said: “ERA is renowned throughout the industry for not only setting the standard for product quality but meeting the most demanding bespoke specifications.

and mechanically jointed with perfectly proportioned glass panels. They come in a vast range of stable colours and lots of traditional and contemporary design options to suit any style or age of property. “The inclusion of the Mila stainless steel products helps to emphasise the quality feel of the doors, and the combination of ProSecure handle, Mila cylinder and TS008 compliant letterplate mean they can achieve the Secured by Design Accreditation which so many retail buyers are looking for.”

This supply chain security was part of the reason for choosing the Mila stainless steel range for the Kingston doors, along with the proven quality of Mila’s Supa stainless steel products, which all come with a 25-year surface finish guarantee.

Richard Gyde, Mila’s Managing Director, added: “We’re widening our range of stainless steel products all the time as demand increases right across the doors market. Customers like EYG tell us they like the aesthetics, the clever design features and of course the reassuring Mila quality.”

John Waugh, EYG’s Domestic Sales Director, commented: “The Kingston range has all the premium features which retail buyers want, but without the premium price tag. Each one is handmade

All of Mila’s stainless steel products are available from stock. More details are at: http://www.mila.co.uk/supa-stars. More details on EYG’s Kingston PVC-U door range are at: https://bit.ly/32zptuC.

PAMELA PATERSON PACKS A PUNCH

Hardware specialist VBH has promoted Pamela Paterson to the position of Operations Manager for the company’s East Kilbride facility.

The East Kilbride site deals with VBH’s customers in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland, as well as some in the English northern counties. The growing number of customers within these areas, coupled with the increased workload brought about by record sales levels, have resulted in Pamela assuming more responsibilities for the day-to-day running of the site. Allan Price, General Manager for Scotland & Northern Ireland was quick to recognise this fact and offer the promotion.

Pamela, who joined VBH in 2002 as an internal sales co-ordinator, is the main internal customer contact at East Kilbride and also liaises with local colleagues and those from VBH’s other sites to ensure that the correct stocks are in place and that customer orders are processed quickly and accurately. Pamela says, “I’m very pleased that my efforts have been recognised by this promotion. The team here at VBH EK is very tight knit and we always strive to do our best for our customers and for VBH.

“We may be small in number but we pack a punch where it comes to customer service. This is reflected in the fact that two of our warehouse team, Jonny Torley and Cameron

Cole each received enough nominations from our customers that they both reached a final shortlist in November’s National Fenestration Awards.”

Allan Price concludes with “VBH Scotland and the customers that we serve have always been a major factor in the success of VBH and that continues to this day. It is vital that the day to day running of the depot is in safe hands, and that’s precisely what Pamela gives us.” To find out more about VBH’s products and services and to get in touch with the team at VBH East Kilbride visit www.vbhgb.com, email sales@vbhgb.com, or call 01355 263 326.

February 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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HARDWARE

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Drastic changes to customers’ ordering patterns gave rise to some head scratching at VBH’s sales and distribution centre in Swansea recently.

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The Swansea centre serves VBH’s customers in Wales and South West England, and it had become apparent that more stock needed to be held locally to help react most efficiently to the requirements of customers whose hardware uptake had rapidly increased or, in some cases, had become erratic.

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The focus was to ensure that sales orders from Welsh and South Western customers in 2022 and beyond would be supplied complete first time from Swansea, without the need to ship part orders from other VBH sites. Floor area was at maximum capacity so Dave Prout, VBH Operations Manager Swansea, and his team decided that the only way was up!

picker to be used in the narrow aisle design layout. The picker is capable of reaching all levels of racking and is computer guided to allow for safe working in narrow aisles.

They designed and installed high level picking spaces and pallet racking to take full advantage of the building height.

Dave told us “The whole changeover was carried out in just two weeks and we are happy to say that disruption to the depot’s customers was kept to an absolute minimum. In fact, we are very proud to say we never missed one consignment throughout the whole process.”

The re-design has allowed for a deeper stock holding of VBH Swansea’s most popular lines, including those from the greenteQ brand, and has created an extra 120 pallet spaces with no loss of picking shelves for smaller, slower moving products. As part of the warehouse upgrade VBH have also invested in a new high-level order

Name:

Tel:

Address:

To find out more about VBH’s products and services and to get in touch with the team at Julie Warner VBH Swansea visit www.vbhgb.com, email Email: Product Manager sales@vbhgb.com, or call 01792 794 556. Julie Warner Carl F Groupco Product Manager Julie Warner Carl F Groupco Product Manager Carl F Groupco Julie Warner Product Manager Carl F Groupco

Experts in Experts in Experts in Hardware Experts in Hardware Hardware Hardware

“ We’ve steadily increased the We’ve steadily increased the we buy from range of hardware increased the last “ We’ve ange of hardware we buy from Carlincreased Fsteadily Groupco over the We’ve steadily the rangeover of hardware we buy from arl F of Groupco the last 16 years. Their product range, ange hardware we buy from Carl F Groupco over the last 6arlyears. Their product service and F Groupco overlevel therange, last support 16 years. Their product range, ervice level and support has proven them to 6 years. Their product range, service level and supportbe our as proven them to be ourto be our proven them preferred hardware supplier…” ervice levelhas and support preferred referred supplier…” as provenhardware them to hardware be our supplier…” Scott Dowling referred hardware supplier…”

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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 62

February 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

SUPA STARS TM

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GAME CHANGING MILA LETTERPLATE ENDORSED BY NOVA GROUP When Mila launched its new Kitemarked SupaSecure and ProSecure letterplates in the Summer of 2021, it called the product a ‘game changer’. The design of the letterplate means that it protects against opportunist thieves using the letterplate to ‘fish’ for keys and valuables or manipulate the locking system, but it is still as slim, leakproof (achieving BS6375-1) and easy to fit as a traditional letterplate. As a result, the response from the market has been exceptional, with both high and low volume customers making the switch to the SupaSecure stainless steel version in particular. One typical fabricator is the Altrincham based trade specialist Nova Group, which is now fitting the new Mila SupaSecure letterplate as standard on all its Secured by Design accredited residential doors. For Nova’s Managing Director Simon Felstein, the decision to choose Mila was easy. He said: “What’s clear from the design of the letterplate is that it’s got the fabricator firmly in mind. “Just like the Mila ProSecure door hinge which has been on our doors for a long time, it’s quick and easy to fit. It’s assembled and fitted just like a traditional letter plate in just a couple of minutes with no special screws or routing, and the fact that the two parts of the letterplate are packaged separately means we can mix and match finishes on dual colour doors if that’s what customers want. “The product obviously meets the Door and Hardware Federation’s TS008: 2015 security standard, and the updated PAS24:2016 required for SBD accreditation, which is

STRATEGIC INVESTMENT SEES AT PRECISION DOUBLE IN SIZE

a big USP for our trade customers, but it doesn’t have any of the bulky cowls or cumbersome add-ons that we’ve seen in SBD letterplates from other hardware companies. “It’s particularly slim, protruding just 45mm on the inside of the door and comes in a great range of high quality polished and brushed stainless steel finishes, all with the reassurance of a 25-year mechanical and surface finish warranty from Mila. “Nova was founded way back in 1971, and we’ve worked hard over those five decades to build a reputation for quality, service and product innovation. It’s no surprise then that we choose our products and our supply partners with extreme care, and the Mila TS008 letterplate is proving a great addition to our range.” The Mila TS008 letterplate is a patentpending design featuring anti-fishing fins which open with a smooth concertina action to allow mail to be posted through. Crucially though, the fins restrict the internal flap opening to 80° and this, in combination with an angled postal ramp which deflects items upwards, is what makes fishing impossible. More details are at: https://bit.ly/3Ku5Fdl and at https://bit.ly/3FAgXsz

Leading aluminium bifold hardware supplier AT Precision has doubled its turnover in the past 12 months, thanks to careful investments, expanded product ranges, and a continued dedication to excellent customer service despite a very challenging period for the industry. Sales Director Michael Hewitt comments: “In the summer, we’d seen a 342% sales increase since we opened our doors in February 2020, but in the past six months, we’ve gone above and beyond to double our turnover, and I’m extremely proud of how far the business has come, despite the many difficulties across the board.” Michael attributes the success to careful investments, which includes a factory expansion to 18,000 square feet, as well as the introduction of two new extrusion lines. This has enabled the Durham-based company to increase both production and capacity, meaning they are able to store at least three months’ worth of stock on their premises

at all times, ensuring customers always receive the products they need, when they need them. The last 12 months has also seen AT Precision expand its product range – in addition to the Everglide range of bi-fold hardware which includes door rollers, top guides, pull handles, cleats and shootbolt handles, they also offer the Everseal range of highquality gaskets. Both ranges are compatible with all major systems, and because they’re manufactured in-house, come at a very affordable rate, potentially saving aluminium fabricators thousands of pounds a year. 2021 also saw the company further expand its product portfolio with a range of plastic ancillaries, including injection-moulded cill end caps and adapter caps, available in black and anthracite grey.

In addition, the company also recently invested £60K in a new high-quality range of espagnolette window handles designed to offer a modern look coupled with excellent quality and security. Michael concludes: “We’ve enjoyed considerable growth in the past 12 months, and while favourable market conditions have of course played a role in that, our success would not have been possible without the ongoing investment in our products and services. “It’s set to be another successful year for AT Precision, and with our high-quality ranges, we’re well equipped for even further growth in 2022.” For more information, call AT Precision on 0191 581 6508, email sales@atprecision.co.uk, or visit www.atprecision.co.uk.

TOTAL HARDWARE’S STRENGTH IN SUPPLY As fabricators look to capitalise and manage the opportunities that today’s buoyant market is offering, it’s never been more important to choose supply partners carefully. Chris Pell, General Manager at Total Hardware, said: “With the market buoyant across domestic, commercial and new build, it’s important to choose strong, reliable supply partners that can help you meet demand in all areas. This should include a large product range, strong stockholding and rapid order turnaround.” Total Hardware offers a comprehensive range of products across all price points, including its own high-quality hardware ranges. For example, its Quantum range of premium hardware for windows and doors is aimed at fabricators who want to

differentiate their own product range, while for customers working in the premium end of the domestic market the Superior 25 door hardware is a popular choice. Our investment last year and our increased stock levels continues to enhance the ability to support our customers The range will be extended this year too, as the company continues to offer the products its customers need. Chris said: “Hardware requirements are evolving all the time. Our role as hardware suppliers is to anticipate and reflect market trends.” The company’s independent status means it has been able to invest to ensure continuity of supply by further increasing the volume of product it stocks. It extended its Leeds

headquarters last year by 20%, which means it has increased stock levels to keep pace with demand. It also prides itself on its strong relationships with the leading worldwide hardware manufacturers, something that has never been more important. To maintain its fast delivery times, it has boosted staff numbers and purchased new operation machinery. As a result, Total Hardware customers enjoy rapid turnaround times from quotation to despatch. Chris said: “We’re proud to be able to offer reliable next day deliveries nationwide and we know it’s something our customers appreciate.” Total Hardware’s customer-focused approach means it saw impressive sales

growth in 2021, with some product lines up over 100%. Chris concluded: “If you’d like to join the many fabricators who know they can trust Total Hardware to deliver, get in touch today.” Tel: 0113 243 2255 www.totalhardwareltd.co.uk

February 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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ALUTECH CHOOSES NEWLY EXPANDED GREENTEQ OMEGA LETTERBOX FAMILY INGENIOUS FROM

MILA

Just a few months after hardware specialist Mila announced that it was adding the Ingenious range of multipoint door locks to its product line up, Alutech Systems has already adopted the Ingenious Duplex™ Professional lock as the default lock on its range of aluminium door systems. Alutech previously offered its aluminium systems with a three-hook multipoint lock as standard but has upgraded to Ingenious’ clever five-hook option Duplex™ because it offers higher levels of security, combined with better value. Alutech is providing its fabricators with a useful USP by branding the lock Alulock and focusing on the fact that it is the only model on the market to come with two pairs of high-security cast zinc hooks which work together in a pincer movement to protect against lifting. Alutech’s General Manager, Paul Hargreaves, explained some of the benefits: “Our previous three hook lock was starting to show its age and we wanted to switch to a more advanced option which we could still offer at a competitive price to our customers. “The Ingenious Duplex™ Professional ticked all the boxes for us, and it was made all the more attractive because it was available from Mila. That meant we could work with the Mila technical team to develop an exclusive keep which made it easier to fit into our door system, and we knew we could rely on great service from the Mila sales team.” He added: “The switchover from our previous locking system has been easy and painless – helped enormously by the fact that Mila has been able to guarantee good stock availability and next day delivery.” The Ingenious range available from Mila includes multipoint door locks for PVC-U and composite doors as well as aluminium and includes the Professional range of door locks and Autofire latches, all of which are well proven in the UK market and all Secured by Design accredited. More information is available at https://www.mila.co.uk/ingenious-door-locks/ and https://alutechsystems.co.uk/

The greenteQ Omega letterbox range from VBH has evolved to include both a remodelled standard sized box and a completely new 56mm Slim version to suit ultra slim transoms. Both versions feature the clean, contemporary styling that is so popular on doors of all styles and materials. The opening on Omega Slim is offset towards the bottom of the box’s frame. The greenteQ design team has calculated that this maximises the available aperture whilst ensuring that the letterbox doesn’t overhang the bead on even the slimmest sections.

Omega letterboxes feature attractive convex curved metal flaps that open to near vertical both inside and outside, ensuring that relatively thick packages can be put through the door without putting stress on the letterbox’s springs. There is no groove in the flap to allow it to open fully, leaving just the attractive curved surface. The frame ends are also metal, and are gently curved to continue the modern styling.

The letterboxes feature a strong, yet cushioned, closing action to stop rattling in windy conditions, and have an internal brush and an external foam seal to provide excellent draught and water protection. VBH Marketing Manager Gary Gleeson says, “The original Omega has been very popular but the redesign has given it a new lease of life and, possibly, a wider appeal. “We are really pleased to have added the Slim version to the greenteQ Suite now.

It was developed in response to requests from customers who have been desperate to fit greenteQ to their mid-rail doors, but Standard Omega was just too deep. With its contemporary good looks, we’re sure that Omega Slim will be a popular addition to the greenteQ range.” Both boxes are fully weather- and cycletested and are suitable for doors between 40-80mm thick. To find out more about the Omega family or any other VBH product, visit www.vbhgb.com, email sales@vbhgb.com, or call 01634 263263.

Omega has been tested to BS EN 13724 with a classification of 4241. This calls for 25,000 full ‘closed – fully open – closed’ cycles. Both versions are available in nine finishes of the greenteQ Suite, VBH’s expanding range of colour and style-matched window, residential door and patio door furniture that allows a full house installation to be seamlessly tied together.

CARL F GROUPCO SUCCESSFUL IN TAI TARIAN TENDER Leading hardware distributor, Carl F Groupco has successfully secured a tender to continue full hardware supply to one of the largest social housing providers in Wales, Tai Tarian. Having supplied window and door hardware for the past five years, the contract has recently been awarded for another three to five years. Servicing over 9000 properties in the Neath Port Talbot County Borough, Tai Tarian is one of the only housing associations in Wales that manufacturer PVC windows and doors for its own properties, leaseholders, and external clients. With exacting standards, the doors and windows supplied by Tai Tarian are fabricated to Secured by Design and PAS 24 security standards and provide Energy Rating Scheme certification. With a proven history supplying large scale projects, Carl F Groupco are well placed to continue hardware supply to Tai Tarian. As one of the only major independently owned distributors in the UK, Carl F Groupco’s access to leading hardware brands including Cotswold, FUHR, Hoppe, Kenrick, Rapier Star, Roto and Yale has been key in securing the tender. Commenting, Steve Meredith, Production Manager for Tai Tarian said: “Aside from

All finishes will exceed 480 hours salt spray testing to BS EN 1670 Grade 5.

“I’m immensely proud of the team for their efforts.”

Carl F Groupco continue hardware supply to Tai Tarian

the product range and delivery service, a big reason for Carl F Groupco being awarded the tender is down to their customer service levels. Especially Andrew Price, Nathalie McKee, Lyn Richards, Carlia Corras and Lorraine Robinson. They’ve all been exceptional, all period.” John Crittenden, Managing Director for Carl F Groupco added: “I’m immensely proud of the team for their efforts over the past five years working on this contract, and it just goes to show how important our emphasis on exceptional service is to our customers. We look forward to working with Tai Tarian over the coming years and I know our team will continue to exceed their expectations.”

Carl F Groupco supply a full range of window and door hardware to Tai Tarian, including Yale Lockmaster door locks, Platinum 3* cylinders, Sparta window handles, Hoppe Tokyo and Birmingham door handles, Kenrick Centurion shootbolt espagnolettes, Roto door hinges, Cotswold friction stays and Rapier Star screws. In addition to products supplied, Carl F Groupco are proud to support Tai Tarian’s Community Benefit Scheme, our donations funded many projects including numerous biodiversity projects, outdoor learning facilities, a freezer for a volunteer group distributing food to the elderly and vulnerable, and gifts for young carers through their Acts of Kindness funds. With a trading history dating back over 70 years, Carl F Groupco has a strong reputation for hardware expertise and the company prides itself on supplying it’s UK fabricator partners large and small. The team are always on hand to provide advice on the most appropriate hardware solutions for all projects. Carl F Groupco: www.carlfgroupco.co.uk SmartSecure: www.smartsecure.co.uk Carl F direct: www.carlfdirect.co.uk

February 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

R E G I O N A L I N STA L L E R , N AT I O N W I D E B R A N D I N G O R L E A D G E N E R AT I O N ? S O C I A L M E D I A & H O M E O W N E R M A R K E T I N G PA C K A G E - o n l y w i t h I m p ro v e ! I m p ro v e M a g a z i n e t a rg e t s h o m e o w n e r s a c ro s s t h e U K a n d i s d e d i c a t e d t o o u r i n d u s t r y.

Ta k e a l o o k a t t h e p a c k a g e w e a re o ff e r i n g :

We promote companies who sell windows, doors, conservatories and garden rooms to homeowners and we do this via our lifestyle magazine through email and social media.

• I m p ro v e M a g a z i n e - f u l l p a g e a d w i t h e d i t o r i a l f e a t u re

W i t h a F a c e b o o k re a c h o f o v e r 3 0 0 , 0 0 0 h o m e o w n e r s , w i t h i n t e re s t s i n h o m e s , D I Y a n d g a rd e n i n g , I m p ro v e i s t h e p e r f e c t p l a t f o r m t o a d v e r t i s e y o u r p ro d u c t s a n d s e r v i c e s . We a l s o u s e a t a rg e t e d e m a i l d a t a b a s e o f A B C 1 h o m e o w n e r s , t o g e t y o u r p ro d u c t s i n f ro n t o f p o t e n t i a l c u s t o m e r s . W h a t ’s m o re , w e d o a l l o f t h e w o r k f o r y o u , f ro m a d c o n c e p t to design, Facebook ads and social media posts.

• E d i t o r i a l f e a t u re c o n v e r t e d t o a Facebook ad and advertised w i t h i n y o u r p o s t a l re g i o n • Facebook ads link back to your a r t i c l e o n o u r l a n d i n g p a g e , w h e re c u s t o m e r s c a n e n q u i re • We b a d d re s s a n d y o u r c o n t a c t details also included on the l a n d i n g p a g e f o r d i re c t w e b t r a ff i c • We e k l y p o s t s o n s o c i a l m e d i a p l a t f o r m s : Tw i t t e r, I n s t a g r a m a n d P i n t e re s t • P ro m o t i o n l a s t s f o r a t h re e m o n t h period • A l l t h i s f o r j u s t £ 3 9 5 + VAT ( o n e invoice to cover a three month period)

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From the get-go, Glass News have taken the time to understand our business and ambitions, working closely with us to help craft our message and broadcast it far and wide throughout the trade. From video interviews and click through banners, to stand-out advertising and on point features about our product, people and performance, Glass News has become an indispensable voice for our brand. Communication is clear, pricing is no nonsense and service comes with a smile. Highly recommended.

Chris Brunsdon Founder & CEO Tommy Trinder.Com

What a lovely team to work with – in fact, it often doesn’t feel like work! Print, PR, social and digital offerings from Glass News all deliver great results for my clients. We enjoy working alongside the team at Glass News because they clearly care as much about our business as we do, always wanting to ensure they get everything right, and that our messages and the presentation of them are tailored perfectly for the audience receiving them. It is always a plus to receive a proof in advance of publication, not only to check any final details, but also to get a ‘wow’ from the way things are going to look. We know our clients really appreciate and benefit from this. The team has developed a really good mix of marketing tactics over the years, ensuring that the messages we want to send out are delivered through multiple channels to hit the widest possible audience. I would have no hesitation recommending the team at Glass News to anybody who is thinking about working with them; they deliver great value and are a pleasure to work with.

Chris Globe Director Inside The Box Marketing

Sarah Coupe Director Dialogue PR Ltd

Having worked with Christina and Kate and her team for over 17 years they have proved to be invaluable to our sales and marketing. The design briefs, quality of work, inspiration and creativity has helped us build a strong and well respected brand over the years, their communication work ethic and commitment to deliver on time is nothing but first class. I’d recommend anyone who is looking for outside inspiration, don’t search for long, you just need to contact Christina, the rest will take care of itself.

Jeff Walsh Chairman Pearl Window Systems Ltd

Full Service Marketing & All General Enquiries: christina@glassnews.co.uk

At Liniar and Avantek we’re extremely happy with the support we receive from the team at Glass News and its family of titles. Our editorial content is always presented to an excellent standard and style, whilst remaining cost effective – we feel the coverage provided enhances our brand strategy very well.

What has always captivated us at Selecta, whilst also being endearing, is that Glass News are unique in the industry, a bit like ourselves! The marketing mix is excellent and the relationship we have built up with the Glass News team, means they know exactly what works for them and more importantly what works for us on delivering results. We just love original content and it’s here where they tick all the right boxes. Everyone loves a candid interview with Chris and his camera! With quite a few glass and glazing magazines in our industry, Glass News has remained price competitive whilst being very easy to work with, accommodating and extremely flexible. We would certainly recommend them and their family of titles. For us, Glass News continues to stand out as one of the leading publications within our industry with Christina, Chris and the team very much feeling part of the extended Selecta family.

Sue Davenport Group Marketing Director Liniar

We use Glass News as part of our annual PR plans. Glass News run a good variety of features to engage readers throughout the year. We use these to communicate our messages and news to a relevant audience. We like the variety of print and online formats available from the Glass News titles, and are increasingly using digital formats to reach people.

Mark Walker Marketing & Design Manager Selecta Systems Ltd

Glass News is a popular and widely-read publication – the quality and variety of editorial content makes each issue relevant and engaging. Chris’ industry experience and understanding is reflected in the quality of his questions and his write-ups. MRA works closely with Glass News to get the right mix of content and exposure for our clients. The team – who have worked in the industry for many years – are always happy to help us get the best results.

Louise Sanderson Marketing Manager Freefoam Building Products

Glass News has successfully adapted its model to change in the media landscape. This includes the extension of its digital offer, creating a multi-media strategy combining print, online and social channels. This has meant that as a sector specialist marketing agency we’ve been able to not only tap into its direct audience reach, but also to amplify the reach of client-owned social and digital channels, through our relationships with it. We’re also big fans of the integration of video and the written word, something embraced by Glass News across its digital platforms.

Nadia Hall MRA Marketing Associate Director

• Interviews, Face to Face Articles and Editorial Features

• Print Advertising, Digital Advertising and Find A Supplier

• PR, Video, Weekly E-Newsletter and Website

• Yearly Packages with Full Service MultiMarketing Channels

The reach and influence that industry media exerts in the digital arena is often overlooked. Independent media titles are key ‘influencers’ online, print editions provide a further platform. In its proactive approach to bring those channels together, the team at Glass News have created a series of carefully considered media titles with a proven reach among trade and home improvement audiences. These extend beyond print to a comprehensive and integrated digital offering.

John Warren Director Lasco PR and Marketing

www.glassnews.co.uk

CAREERS & QUALIFICATIONS IN FENESTRATION

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SPONSORED BY GQA AND BUILDING OUR SKILLS GQA Qualifications is the only issuer of CSCS cards for the Glass and Fenestration industries. Building Our Skills is a strategic campaign designed to help bridge the growing skills gap in the Fenestration Industry

NEW APPOINTMENTS

SHEERLINE WELCOMES A WEALTH OF TECHNICAL EXPERTISE Derby-based aluminium systems company, Sheerline Aluminium Windows and Doors has experienced exponential growth over the past two years through the introduction of its Classic, Prestige and S1 lantern range of products, and to strengthen customer support three new technical roles have been created. Sheerline welcomes Robert Bell, Stephen Thomas and Aaron Housley to its team. No strangers to the fenestration industry or aluminium products, each brings with them a wealth of industry experience having worked closely with fabricators and installers for many years. These new roles will deliver technical support, training, and advice on a variety of window, door, and roof lantern related matters. Robert Bell is an expert in his field. He started out as a PVCu window fitter in the 1980’s and gained experience as a surveyor, contract manager and production manager, before joining Sheerline to provide technical training and support to fabricators based in Ireland. Upon his appointment as Technical Manager covering the South-West region, Stephen Thomas stated, “I have worked

nearly 40 years in similar roles, supporting fabricators and installers, but Sheerline strikes me as being different than other system companies. The pace of innovation and growth in the business is clear. Sheerline develops products that are suited for both the trade and for end-users. It’s incredibly forward thinking and ambitious, and everyone I’ve met are committed to delivering the best service and products possible.” Additionally, Aaron Housley joins to provide first line support for manufacturing software enquiries from Sheerline customers, being appointed as Manufacturing Software Support Engineer. Having previously served in similar roles at Synseal and Guardian, Aaron has extensive experience in the fenestration industry. He will also be key to keeping customer’s software up to date with Sheerline’s expanding product portfolio. Andy Russell, Technical Services Director for Garnalex, says, “Technical support is pivotal to our success. As a proactive company, we consistently ensure our customers’ needs are met, even before a problem arises. The new appointments are just the first of many planned over forthcoming months, and with our anticipated growth I’m expecting to see more

colleagues joining us in our manufacturing facilities and internal departments during 2022.” For more information regarding Sheerline products got to www.sheerline.com or if you are looking for a new career and fancy joining the team at Sheerline, contact Recruitment@garnalex.com.

NEW APPOINTMENTS

NEW GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR TO DRIVE GROWTH, EFFICIENCY AND INNOVATION AT VICTORIAN SLIDERS Sash window experts Victorian Sliders are laying the foundations for future growth with the appointment of a new Group Managing Director. Steve Winslet brings over two decades of manufacturing expertise to the awardwinning firm, and a track record of driving growth and improvement at some of construction’s leading brands. Initially, Steve will work under the guidance of company founder and CEO Scot Starkey, before gradually assuming responsibility for the day-to-day running of the business.

“We’re delighted to welcome someone with Steve’s skills and experience to the Victorian Sliders team,” Scot comments.

Steve Winslet comments: “I’m delighted to be joining Victorian Sliders at such an exciting time in its history.

“We’ve just enjoyed one of the most successful years in our history, demand for quality ECOSlide sash windows is at an alltime high – and we’ve still got big ambitions for the future.

“Scot and the team have done an incredible job over the last fifteen years, and created a manufacturing powerhouse with thousands of customers around the UK.

“Following a £14m investment from the BGF, we’ll be striving for further growth, innovation and operational efficiencies, and Steve will play a vital role in helping us achieve that.”

“Together, I’m certain we can achieve even bigger and better things in the years ahead.” For more information visit www.victoriansliders.co.uk or call 01269 846200.

Steve Winslet

February 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

! IZE PR

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Fill in all the answers in the grid from the clues below, fill in your contact details below and send your competition entry to: FAO: Miss Christina Shaw, Glass News Competitions, 19 Heather Close, Tickhill, Doncaster, DN11 9UU or Email: christina@glassnews.co.uk. Entry deadline: 20/02/22. Across

Down

7 Act in any way you wish - say use a poodle somehow (2,2,3,6 )

1 Exchange some fuel for a popular drink (4)

8 In a tonal frenzy countrywide (8))

3 Break in depot and be sharp! (7)

9 Sounds like it could be quite painful to fly (4)

4 To go for a job in cheap plywood (5)

10 Neat and tidy on command? (7)

5 It may be good sense to let out a snore (6)

12 For a prank put one of the workers in charge (5)

6 Pass mice around as a diversion! (8)

14 Think once more about that old cooking stove at home! (5) 16 Cut some slack in making an outfit (7) 19 Creating records can be a terrible slog (4) 20 It’s right to thank a good person bringing coal round say(8) 22 To follow a recipe obsessively? (4,1,4,2,2)

Name:

2 To hope for a high place in the church (6)

11 Anger about oil in the provinces (8) 13 A good person gathers fuel by the seashore (7) 15 Having problems with magazines? (6) 17 Some heartfelt remorse for a slight earthquake (6) 18 The way a politician may put his foot down (5) 21 Having a cuppa we hear at college, showing detachment (4) Tel:

Address: Postcode: Email:

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February 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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25/01/2021 17:40 February 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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Glass News February 2022

Articles inside

Careers & Qualifications in Fenestration

Coloured Products

Cold Calling

Case Study

What Door?

Recycling

A Window Into Aluminium

FIT Show 2022 Preview

Trade News