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PART F
THE RIGHT PEOPLE READ GLASS NEWS Issue 135 | June 2022
Mike Parczuk, Sternfenster’s Managing Director, talks about Part F and the problems facing reputable companies… We’ve seen a lot of discussion about Part F. How it appears to contradict Part L and reinforce the perception that government and those writing the building regulations are completely disjointed and disconnected from reality. And it’s reality that I want to pick up on for a moment because this is how it’s going go: ‘Reputable Business A’ sits down with the homeowner and says ‘you now need trickle vents on your windows’. The homeowner says, ‘but I don’t like them and I don’t want them’. The salesman for ‘Reputable Business A’ says, ‘we understand but we need to make sure that what we fit is compliant with building regulations, so we’ve got to fit them’. ‘Disreputable Business B’ follows in behind. They have the same conversation, but they tell the homeowner ‘don’t worry about it, you don’t need them – and I tell you what, because you don’t need them we’re £100 cheaper’. You don’t need me to spell out what the homeowner is going to do. We know that not everyone in our industry plays by the same rules and we have customers who are genuinely concerned that they will lose business. Everyone knows those companies just down the road who don’t care about building regulations, the ones who will say that Part F doesn’t apply or get the homeowner to sign a waiver – something we know isn’t worth the paper that it’s written on. It’s going to happen. You know it. I know it. And this is my issue. It’s not the contradiction between Part L and Part F. Ventilation is important, and until someone invents a costeffective form of mechanical ventilation, I guess trickle vents are here to stay. What frustrates me is the issue of enforcement. Because how can Part F be enforced? We’ve
IS !! TH NTH MO
IS !! TH NTH MO
COWBOYS AND CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS
THE UK’S LEADING TRADE NEWSPAPER FOR WINDOWS, DOORS AND CONSERVATORIES
SEE PAGE 36
been asked if we will do unrouted, ‘stick on trickle vents’. Presumably because the intention is that they can be removed after inspection? People will bend the rules.
SEE PAGE 46
HARDWARE
FIT SHOW REVIEW
How will competent persons schemes, Fensa, Certass, really know? Even if they fail an installation, it’s then down to the building control inspectorate to pursue that company and, even if the Government is successful in recruiting a further 1,000 inspectors, that line remains pretty thin. No - the reality is that if you are a decent business, that plays by the rules, you will lose business in the next 12-months to companies that don’t. So, what can you do? You can, and you should, report those companies that don’t install to the regulations. We’re grown-ups, it’s business. It’s not about telling tales, it’s about driving up standards throughout our industry, something we should be doing. And we can educate the homeowner. We can communicate the benefits and emphasise the importance of effective ventilation – even if it is a little bit ugly and increases your costs! Things aren’t going to change, Part F is here. The only thing we can get now is a commitment from our competent persons schemes, Certass, Fensa (and others) to call out those companies who exist within their memberships, who don’t think the rules apply to them. Cowboy traders who sit outside those schemes are going to be more difficult to deal with. We can do little but put our faith in those new building control inspectors, and the hope that consumers are more switched on and know that buying from companies outside those schemes comes with risks not worth taking.
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JUNE 2022
The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper
A BUSY MONTH LEADING TO A BUSY SUMMER, I SUSPECT Despite nursing a post FIT Show cold, a legacy presumably of air conditioning and crowds of people, I can only look back on the show with great pleasure. I was fully prepared to turn up at the NEC for purely a social event that got everyone together after a long break from interpersonal interaction. How wrong was I. The renewing of relationships with friends and acquaintances and the chance to meet new people was only part of the success that was FIT 2021 – you see what I did there? A reminder that this was the delayed 2021 show, hence FIT 2023 next year to put it back on track for its bi-annual appearance. The social aspect was only part of this year’s event. It surprised me how many new products were on display and being launched – the industry has been anything but inactive during the past couple of years. Part of that very pleasant surprise was that business was being done. Yes, actual orders being taken and visitors actively seeking out new products to enhance their sales portfolios. I didn’t come across anyone who complained of lack of footfall or that their investment in a stand hadn’t been worthwhile. It seems that most people were pleasantly surprised with how much business there was to be done. Our FIT Show Round-Up covers a lot of what went on over the three days but what must be emphasised is that the cynics amongst us who said Day Two would be the big day, and the only day that was worthwhile, were very wrong indeed. Even Day Three, the day that is notorious for being quiet, was anything but! Those who thought they may be able to shut up shop at around 2pm and start packing stuff away found that there was plenty of interest being shown right up to closing time. Although there were noticeable absences amongst the exhibitors the show had something for everyone and, I suspect, some of those absentees who became visitors this year may well be thinking of returning to the fold next year. The one issue is whether those who have invested in 2021 (or was it 2022…anyway you know what I mean) will reckon on reinvesting one year on. I guess that depends on just how well it went for them this year. Some may look at the whole exercise and expect a return on investment whereas others may look at it as a marketing exercise. However, I suspect that most
May 2021 crossword solution:
4 Trade News
companies look at getting a bit of both. Will 2023 be a success? Now that’s a burning question. Three halls are planned and reservations for stands are going well but, of course, there’s a long time until next May and who knows what trials and tribulations we shall face in the meantime. Talking of trials and tribulations, inflation is hardly going to be anyone’s friend and how that will affect purchasing for products in our sector is an unknown. There was confidence in the future being shown in many ways at the Show but the one that struck me was, when in conversation with profine’s owner, Dr Peter Mrosik, about the huge investment they are making, worldwide, I questioned his confidence bearing in mind the parlous state of many economies. Dr Mrosik was adamant that there would be no serious fall off in demand for another 8 years. I can only say that I hope he’s right, for all our sakes.
20 Letters 22 Sustainability 24 Software & IT 26 Glass 26 What Door?
‘TIME OUT’ WINNERS – MAY! Sudoku: Darren Barraclough, Leeds Eye Spy: Gillian Shields, Belle Isle, Leeds Spot the Difference: Mr T McGoldrick, Dumfries Crossword: Helen Kempton, Crowborough, East Sussex Congratulations to all our winners! Good luck in this months Time Out pages!
I mention in my Round-Up that technology was a large part of the show. Although the ‘smart’ element is not new now, it has become an important part of the product mix. However, it’s not just ‘smart’ but other software that makes selling easier, whether by integrating systems such that sales are managed through production and through to the administrative systems. What seems to be happening now is partnerships to combine one facility with another such as Business Pilot with FENSA or REHAU with Roseview Windows. There are many partnerships and the number is growing all the time. And it’s not just in technology but in other sectors of our industry. Regalead’s Guy Hubble said that they, more and more, are working with hardware suppliers to suite glass with handles, letterplates and so on. I’m sure people will say that the old duffer is a bit behind the times and co-operation of this kind is nothing new. That may be true, but I believe there is evidence that this ‘working together’ is growing quickly. Being somewhat of an elderly technophobe, and before we leave the subject of technology and smart implementation, I was reading recently that there are as many as 2.2 million smart homes in the UK and throughout Europe and North America, there are a staggering 105 million smart homes, with the global market expected to increase by 13.86 per cent annually. Oh! And another little snippet: according to a survey by Co-Op, 89 per cent of burglars in the UK admitted that they would be deterred by a smart home. Now that’s encouraging!
www.glassnews.co.uk | June 2022
36 Hardware 40 Tech Talk 42 Machinery 42 Windows 46 FIT Show Review 2022 62 Voice of the Industry 70 Cold Calling 71 Industry Awards 72 BMBI 73 Charity News 74 Careers & Qualifications in Fenestration 79 Find A Supplier
@GlassnewsMag @GlassNewsmag
Christina Shaw @Glass News
@GlassNewsMag /GlassNews
bi-folding door
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. The paper we use is 100% recycled.
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 Please recycle this newspaper so we can continue to use recycling in our effort to help the environment.
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31 Roofing, Renovations & New Build
78 Time Out!
It has been a busy month and by the way the invitations are coming in for visits and Editor Days, it’s now looking very much like business as usual. I’m starting to get worried about being able to sneak off for 18 holes with my pals!
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CONTENTS
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TRADE NEWS
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BREATHE EASY WITH REHAU’S TRICKLE VENT SOLUTION Building regulations covering ventilation are due to alter the fenestration landscape from 15th June 2022 onwards. Malcolm Taylor, Commercial Product Manager at REHAU Windows, discusses how industry professionals must be ready to navigate the key changes and meet requirements. Absence of quality ventilation has the potential to ’lock in‘ poor environments with many consequences - such as impacting the health of building occupants. In fact, the recent public health crisis has exacerbated the need for good air quality. To make matters worse, home working is creating further problems for those who reside in low-quality housing, as well as areas with poor air quality.
LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENTS Due to these longstanding concerns, regulatory updates are now being implemented to instigate a step change through building regulations compliance. Indeed, both naturally ventilated homes and those with continuous mechanical extracts fell short of provisions laid out in Approved Document F (ADF). Yet, with the current climate simultaneously highlighting and exacerbating the need for good air quality, the spotlight has fallen on
4
With this in mind, REHAU has partnered with plastic injection moulder, Glazpart, to expand its frame accessory selection to include the Link Vent Range. Need for the Link Vent 5000 EQA trickle vents is expected to increase, while the 2500 EQA trickle vents continue to enjoy growing demand. As appearance remains key for homeowners, enhancing trickle vent design is a necessary step. REHAU and Glazpart’s new trickle vent is a prime example of this approach in action. Malcolm Taylor, Commercial Product Manager at REHAU Windows
the aerodynamic performance of windows. To protect the health of building occupants, changes to the Building Regulations will be implemented June 2022 in England, with Wales set to follow suit shortly after. Specifically, trickle vents installed in all new dwellings and replacement windows will need to be compliant with ventilation requirements laid out in Approved Document F.
TRICKLE IN Trickle ventilators (vents) are simple to install and provide control for adequate means of ventilation. As such, they are suitable for use in houses and many flats or apartments with multiple façades. Overall requirements have changed from free area to equivalent area (EQA), with the inclusion of replacement windows. Consequently, it is vital that organisations come together to help fenestration professionals be fully prepared to meet changing ventilation building regulations and better navigate this new regulatory landscape.
The latest finishes are less obtrusive, with no compromise on air-flow efficiency. It is also worth considering trickle vents that are designed with a specific profile in mind. For example REHAU’s trickle vent comes complete with an optional easy-to-install clip and a selection of colours to match your REHAU profile. An innovative “link” is another design facet that allows the closure plate to be positioned to reduce draughts with the benefit of directing air away from occupants.
CAREFUL CONSIDERATION At the same time, fenestration professionals will need to understand how to implement products in line with regulatory requirements. For new dwellings, habitable rooms and kitchens should contain trickle ventilators of minimum 8000 mm2 EQA (single store 10,000mm ) and bathrooms should have minimum 4000 mm2 EQA. There are also other facts to consider during building design. In new build properties, there are minimum requirements on the number of trickle vents used, with open plan layouts needing a minimum of three ventilators. If the building has more than
one façade, then same size vents should be fitted opposite to allow improved cross-flow ventilation. For replacement windows in existing dwellings, solutions must be ‘at the minimum like for like’. Replacement windows must include trickle ventilators no smaller in geometric open area than those previously fitted. If the geometric area is not known, habitable rooms and kitchens should contain trickle ventilators of minimum 8000 mm2 EQA and bathrooms should have minimum 4000 mm2 EQA. They must also be controllable either automatically or by the occupant. New reporting, compliance, and certification to dwelling owners from installers and their supply chain will also be necessary from 15th June 2022. Here, compliance with building regulations must be demonstrated at point of installation, with the ability to show conformance with an auditable trail.
WHAT NEXT? For effective rollout of trickle vents on all new and replacement windows, it is critical to review and understand the approved documents to assure compliance. Preserving the health and safety of the end user must remain the common goal for all those working in the construction industry. As such, appropriate consideration will remain important in providing adequate ventilation provisions. Here, REHAU looks to play its part, by supplying appropriate solutions that can futureproof frames against the shifting legislative landscape. Find out more here: https://bit.ly/38wkTAl
June 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk
Breathe Easy With Breathe Easy With Our New Trickle Vent Our New Trickle Vent Solution
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Marking another step towards a purely authentic REHAU window solution, we have partnered with Glazpart to offertowards a future-proof trickle authentic vent ideally Marking another step a purely suited for your REHAU profile. Our customers will REHAU window solution, we have partnered be fully prepared to meet changing ventilationwith Glazpart to offerregulations a future-proof vent ideally building with ourtrickle new offering; with anprofile. optional easy install clip and a suited for complete your REHAU Ourtocustomers will selection of colours to match your REHAU profile.
be fully prepared to meet changing ventilation rehau.uk/trickle-vents building regulations with our new offering; complete with an optional easy to install clip and a selection of colours to match your REHAU profile. rehau.uk/trickle-vents
Key Features
Key Features • The innovative “link” allows the closure plate to be positioned to reduce draughts with benefit of directing air away fromthe closure • the The innovative “link” allows occupants. •
plate to be positioned to reduce draughts withinthe ofEQA directing air away from Developed twobenefit sizes 5000 and 2500 occupants. EQA.
• Excellent UV colour stability. •
• Developed in two sizes 5000 EQA and 2500 EQA. The Link-vent 5000 closure plate is split to allow for partial (50%) opening and further ease opening of the ventilator.
• Excellent UV colour stability.
• Available in either screw or clip in fixing types for fast and simple5000 installation. • The Link-vent closure plate is split to
allow for partial (50%) opening and further ease opening of the ventilator.
• Zero maintenance required.
• Available in either screw or clip in fixing types for fast and simple installation. • Zero maintenance required.
TRADE NEWS
The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper
STERNFENSTER’S CONTINUED INVESTMENT PLANS Sternfenster has committed to a £600K-plus investment for a new Schirmer cutting and machining centre for its PVC-U fabrication line, which will benefit customers with reduced lead times and improved product quality. This new machine, which will come online during the first quarter of 2023, is part of a wider capital expenditure by the Lincoln-based fabricator that will result in efficiencies across all aspects of the business, including IGU manufacture, window and door production, and delivery. “What we learned during the pandemic is that companies that stood still were the first to fall as the demand on production exceeded expectations,” Managing Director Mike Parczuk explained. “We’ve seen other fabricators sweat their assets to the point of destruction as they’ve pushed their factories to the limit to keep on top of the increased demand experienced across the window and door industry. This has resulted in poor-quality products and unpredictable lead times. “As that demand is now starting to drop away, we are seeing companies deciding to sit tight and see where the market is heading before committing to investment in infrastructure. Or they weren’t as profitable as they expected to be, and they are holding on to the cash. Either way, quality of product and service could suffer.”
The Schirmer cutting and machining centre is designed with efficiency in mind. A high-speed gripper transports the full-length profiles – or re-useable off-cuts – through the machine with vastly improved accuracy, and a six-axis tooling module performs all necessary routing in a single pass. A three-axis milling unit allows Sternfenster to endmill the profile online – rather than as a separate process – again improving accuracy, speeding up production and reducing damage to profiles thanks to reduced handling. “The Schirmer machine is a serious bit of kit, which helps us to realise our ambition to fabricate windows and doors quickly, accurately, and with as little handling as possible,” Mike said. “This way, human error is reduced, and we can concentrate on quality control and freeing up bottle-necks in our production.” Sternfenster is also looking to improve PVC-U production further with a new welder and corner cleaner, while the glass processing division will soon receive a new glass cutting table. Plans are also being drawn up to invest heavily in a new IGU line, which would realise significant benefits through the business, including improved production speeds, reduced errors, and sustainability gains. Ongoing investment in the fabricator’s fleet will see a £200K outlay for two new trucks, which will replace two of the company’s older vehicles next year. This follows the £500K-plus outlay on four new 18-tonne lorries, alongside the refurbishment of older vehicles, Sternfenster made in March this year. For more information visit www.sternfenster.com email sales@sternfenster.co.uk or call 01522 512525.
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June 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk
TRADE NEWS
The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper
MILESTONE YEAR FOR PATIOMASTER SOUTH EAST This year, PatioMaster South East is celebrating 20 years as a PatioMaster dealer with Epwin Window Systems. Simon Spiers, Director of PatioMaster South East, said: “We are extremely proud of what PatioMaster South East has achieved in the past 20 years. During this time, we have seen various industry and economic peaks and troughs, but our business has always remained steadfast and adapted well to market conditions. Back in 2002, we could see the market-leading credentials of the PatioMaster door and two decades later, the product remains as popular as ever.” PatioMaster South East’s success is the perfect example of a business with a laser-focussed determination to deliver the best in sliding patio door supply. Simon said: “We have become the specialist patio experts in our field which is something our customers appreciate. The quality of our doors, the ease of fitting and years of trouble-free use are second to none. Plus, our customers appreciate our level of service and the hands-on knowledge our specialist team provides.” As the go-to patio partner of choice for installers, builders and DIY enthusiasts throughout London and the South East, PatioMaster South East has built a strong reputation that has seen the business steadily expand and it now manufactures 100 sliding patios doors per week from its factory in New Romney, Kent. Simon said: “We work very closely with our customers to ensure we deliver on their expectations. The design of the PatioMaster door is the best in the industry and was ahead of its time at the start and remains so today.” While the PatioMaster product has stood the test of time, Simon is keen to highlight the trends in the industry during his tenure. He said: “When we first started it was all about
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white sliding patio doors but colour is now an increasingly important theme for customers. Grey is a particular favourite with colour now accounting for 30-40% of our business.” Another notable trend is the requirement for wider aperture openings, reflected in a strong upturn in sales of PatioMaster’s Triple-track system. Simon comments: “The Triple-track system is a great alternative to a bi-folding door, offering wide openings with fewer panels to interrupt the view. Homeowners also benefit from an opening that’s up to 25% bigger than a conventional patio door and we have seen a steady upturn in demand for the product.” He continues: “PatioMaster doors give homeowners the aesthetics they want. They deliver for installers too because the system is straightforward to install thanks to features such as edge-located rollers that mean they are easy to adjust.” PatioMaster South East serves customers in London, Kent, Brighton and the surrounding areas. It offers rapid order turnaround, outstanding technical and product support and, of course, the bespoke, precision-made doors for which PatioMaster is renowned. To mark the anniversary, Katrina Earl, Sales Director at Epwin Window Systems and Paul Hinds, Head of Sales at Safeware, presented PatioMaster South East with a commemorative plaque. Katrina commented: “We have worked closely with the PatioMaster South East team for two decades and have seen the business flourish. It’s a strong relationship that continues to thrive and we are delighted to celebrate this milestone anniversary with them. Many congratulations to the PatioMaster South East team.”
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From left to right - Paul Hinds, Epwin Window Systems - Simon Spiers, PatioMaster SE - Suzanne Spiers, PatioMaster SE - Katrina Earl, Epwin Window Systems
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0845 340 3968 www.glassnews.co.uk | June 2022
7
TRADE NEWS
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QUICKSLIDE’S NEW TRAINING SESSIONS PROVE A HIT WITH INSTALLERS
It was Benjamin Franklin who famously said: “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” And it's a sentiment that’s very much behind Quickslide’s new training sessions for installers.
products gives installers an enhanced product insight that can be passed on to their customers and improve the fitting process.
Run by engineers who deliver them on site, the training sessions are designed to enable installers to sell and fit Quickslide’s range of sash and casement windows and bi‐folding and sliding doors with confidence.
Senior Engineer Dave Laverick led a recent training session for West Yorkshire Windows, along with Quickslide’s Customer Care Manager Marie Bowman who said: “Everything we do at Quickslide is designed to provide value to our customers, to drive continuous improvement and organic growth. Our training sessions
Receiving this hands‐on and detailed product knowledge directly from the people behind the
A more thorough explanation of the range also means installers have a greater understanding of the various Quickslide solutions which might suit them best, so they can provide an all‐round more professional and informed service to their customers. Plus, it gives installers the chance to ask Quickslide all those questions they might have – and get the answer to others they hadn’t even thought of.
help with this by giving installers the know‐how and professionalism on‐site that will give homeowners a more positive experience and benefit their business as well as ours. “Installers come away from our training sessions having a greater understanding of our products, including their various benefits and how they are installed. They can then pass this confidence on to their customers. “Being better equipped for more efficient installation will also mean projects can be completed quicker and more effectively and talking through any dos and don’ts in turn reduces the need for return visits to a property. “With more product knowledge comes more confidence, and we hope installers who make use of our training sessions will also be better placed to offer suitable upgrades and spot and take advantage of opportunities to upsell.” Matt Grafton, Managing Director of West Yorkshire Windows said: “The training session recently provided for us by Dave Laverick was excellent. It is crucial that our personnel continue to improve their knowledge so that we can always offer the very best service to our customers. His professional insight and tuition of the system was invaluable for our team, giving them the knowledge to confidently address any issues. I would like to thank the Quickslide team for their time and this superb training session.” www.quickslide.co.uk
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SEKURA COMMERCIAL LTD SIGNS A NEW THREE-YEAR EXCLUSIVE SUPPLY AGREEMENT WITH EPWIN WINDOW SYSTEMS Specialist social housing and new build fabricator Sekura Commercial Ltd has signed an exclusive new three-year supply agreement with Epwin Window Systems. Sekura Commercial has been partnering with the systems house since 2004 and fabricates the popular Optima PVC-U window and door system. The newly signed agreement extends the longstanding partnership. Charles Hill, Managing Director of Sekura Commercial, said: “The quality of the Optima system is exceptional and there is no doubt that the strength of our relationship with Epwin Window Systems adds value to our business at every level.”
manufacturer, supplier and installer of PVC-U windows, doors and GRP composite doors for social housing and new build contracts. Its clients range from local authorities, ALMOs, property developers and registered social landlords to specialist contractors who value the product excellence, knowledge and experience the fabricator offers. The award-winning Optima from Epwin Window Systems is the most widely specified window and door system in the UK. It is an efficient to fabricate and easy-to-fit system designed and made in Britain for the British market. It is used on projects of all sizes and across all sectors, and its qualities help give Sekura Commercial a clear competitive advantage in the demanding social housing and new build sectors in which it operates. Over the years, Sekura Commercial have worked closely with the experienced Epwin Window Systems’ internal and external teams and the synergy between the two businesses has remained strong. It’s why the company has been partnering with the systems house since for nearly two decades and why it has signed the exclusive supply agreement to extend the relationship.” Tel: 0845 340 3968 www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk
“We are delighted to have agreed this exclusive supply agreement extension. The strength of our partnership is reflected in the length of time Sekura Commercial has been an Epwin Window Systems fabricator. We’re looking forward to supporting the team as they continue their impressive growth.”
Katrina Earl, Head of Sales of Epwin Window Systems, said: “We are delighted to have agreed this exclusive supply agreement extension. The strength of our partnership is reflected in the length of time Sekura Commercial has been an Epwin Window Systems fabricator. We’re looking forward to supporting the team as they continue their impressive growth.” Sekura Commercial Ltd has gone from strength to strength over the years. It recently opened a new 50,000 sq ft manufacturing centre in Houghton Le Spring, Tyne & Wear, from where it manufactures around 1,000 frames per week. It is the North East’s leading specialist
June 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk
DON’T BUY AN UNVENTILATED ROOF SYSTEM... BUY ICOTHERM Our pitched roofs are designed to be ventilated, to prevent condensation and moisture.
For a quote, please call us on 01204 773040, or email us on sales@icotherm.co.uk
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FASCIAWISE BENEFIT FROM STOCKIST AND MANUFACTURER WORKING TOGETHER Freefoam have launched another new video to highlight the strong connections and the practical support they provide to roofline installers around the UK. Working with Nottingham based Freefoam Registered Installer company Fasciawise, the interview with owners Stuart Columbine and Ricky Gill, showcases a long-standing successful
business specialising in all aspects of roofline replacement, including fascia, soffit and gutter installations.
together with our stockists and installers on a daily basis to sustain and grow their businesses.
Commercial Director Colin St John explained “We are strongly committed to working and supporting our independent stockist and installer network. Its something we are passionate about! This latest film is a great example of how we work
The strength of these relationships is demonstrated by the fact Fasciawise have been using Freefoam Products since they started trading 17 years ago.” Fasciawise have been trading since 2005 and cover a large area from Doncaster to Leicester including Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire. Over that time they have established and grown their business, doubling the number of their installation teams. First set up to focus on roofline replacement, the business has gradually diversified to now include external cladding. Stuart explained “We’ve always used Freefoam, they are far better than other products. Homeowners like the fact that we are consistent in what we do, specializing in fascia and soffit, so we get a lot of work from referral. We also fit Freefoam cladding and have seen a big increase in Fortex cladding
Stuart Columbine, Fasciawise
Ricky Gill, Fasciawise
as people wanting to use it on ‘man caves’ and outside bars, with the colour options being especially attractive, and greys being the top favourite.” Consistent and on-time supply of materials is essential for the success of any installation business. A committed, knowledgeable stockist is a vital part of this relationship, and a dependable, experienced manufacturer is a also an integral element. Fasciawise are seeing the advantages of a powerful supply chain that works together, from the reliability of Jayplas Building Supplies to the stability and consistency of Freefoam Building Products. Stuart commented “We have a very good working relationship with Jaime at Jayplas and have become good friends. We have always used Freefoam products and will continue to do so.”
ENHANCING THE ‘TIMBER ALTERNATIVE’ MODPLAN’S TRAINING ACADEMY OPENS SALES EXPERIENCE – NEW FEATURES NOW LIVE ON FRAMEPOINT® Tommy Trinder, pioneers of Framepoint Technology®, have launched a range of features to make it easier for installers present the features and benefits of ‘timber alternative’ windows & doors. “Customer experience matters when you’re selling at the top end,” says founder and CEO of Tommy Trinder,” Chris Brunsdon. “Being able to touch and instantly show clients the visual difference between a premium timber alternative window, compared to their cheaper counterparts is compelling and impressive. And, of course, ultimately it helps justify the higher price tag.” The ability to touch and show pegstays, both working and dummy, is part of this latest
release, and the range of traditionally styled ironmongery including teardrop, peardrop and shepherd’s crook handles has also been expanded. The collection of foils available to show off on Framepoint® is ever-increasing too; currently installers can set up their range from more than 230 finishes. “Customers love to play with combinations of foil finishes and ironmongery options and see the results in real time; it’s fun and engaging and in step with the way consumers like to buy.” In one touch installers can also switch between mechanical and welded joints, add deep timber look cills, and swap from standard to deep bottom rails on flush casement windows. “Timber alternative customers are inherently concerned about getting the look and feel just right, which makes Framepoint® the perfect tool for the job. There are always plenty of oohhs and aahhs as homeowners see their new windows & doors come to life in full, photo-realistic detail. And when you overlay the client’s new windows onto an image of their home – it’s a real wow moment!” Installers interested in discussing how Framepoint® can help sell timber alternative products can book a free demo at tommytrinder.com.
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Leading trade fabricator Modplan has just opened an on-site Training Academy at its Newport headquarters. Heidi Sachs, Modplan’s Managing Director, said: “We’ve always taken training very seriously and our Training Academy is an investment in the future of our business and the wider industry. It gives us a dedicated space where we can provide training for the staff in our business and allows us to offer training opportunities to our customers too.” The Training Academy gives Modplan a dedicated space to train personnel from across its business from NVQ level through to management training. Customer product training is always available too. Heidi commented: ”The Academy will help us build on our commitment to developing talent from within and provide a cohesive career path for growth and progression throughout the business. It’s an approach
that means we have great staff retention – many key members of the Modplan team have been with us for decades. It will also help us continue to attract local employees keen to further their career with a company that cares about their development.” As well as supporting its own staff, the Training Academy is also available to Modplan’s customers, offering both officebased skills development and hands-on fabrication training. This includes a complete training programme on the popular Leka roofing system for both internal and external customers.
Heidi said: “We all know that the industry is facing a skills shortage. Our programme of Open Days has always helped our customers build skills in their own business. The Training Academy takes training and development to the next level. It also means we will be playing our part in helping to develop a new generation of talent that plugs the gaps and showcases the value our industry has to offer people wanting to build a long-term, sustainable career.” Modplan has always been a company focused on building strong partnerships by offering exceptional products and service. Its Training Academy shows that its commitment runs very deep. By investing in upskilling its own workforce, it will continue to deliver the best for its customers. It will also help address the issues facing the wider industry. Tel: 01495 246844 – www.modplan.co.uk
June 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk
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PREMIER ARCHES BOLSTERS CUSTOMER LOYALTY WITH NONCOMPETING PRODUCT OFFERING Why buy arched frames from a competitor, when you could have a loyal partner in Premier Arches? When it comes to manufacturing standard square window and door frames, most PVC fabricators have no hassle at all following tried and tested processes that have been their bread and butter for decades. But when it comes to arched frames, you’re looking at a different ball game altogether. It’s a time-consuming and complex manufacturing technique that many fabricators simply aren’t equipped for, meaning many often choose to buy in their arched frames rather than manufacturing them themselves. But there are only a handful of arched frame manufacturers out there, and because of increased consolidation throughout the market in recent years, some of these manufacturers are actually part of groups that also sell other products – like standard square frames.
a shift in the market, where many small, independently run businesses with one product or service focus have been purchased and consolidated into bigger businesses. “Because of this shift, many of these businesses are now part of groups that offer multiple products or services, which adds another layer of complexity when trying to trade fairly and honestly with their customers.
“We’re not part of a wider group offering other products that our customers also manufacture or sell themselves – we will never compete with our customers, we are proud to enjoy loyalty from them in return, and we believe this is the correct and most ethical approach to business.”
Of course ordinarily, no business owner would choose to purposefully line the pockets of one of their competitors, but for some fabricators, it’s their only way of accessing the specialised arched frames they need to keep up with customer demand.
The company manufactures and supplies arched, angled, gable, circular and entirely bespoke windows and doors in a range of seven stocked systems including Residence 9, plus another five non-stocked systems, offering a full service to fabricators, trade counters, installers and local builders.
The St Helens-based company specialises solely in arched and angled frames, meaning their fabricator customers are sourcing their products from a truly independent partner. Managing Director Sean Greenall comments: “In recent years, we’ve seen
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High quality product offering Aside from the obvious benefit of buying arched and angled frames from an independent fabricator, Premier Arches customers also benefit from truly market leading products.
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“Unlike other arched frame manufacturers who belong to a group that also happens to make other products, at Premier Arches, we focus on just one type of product – bespoke angled and arched frames that our customers don’t want to make themselves – meaning we aren’t competing for our customers’ core business.
Unfortunately, this means that when looking to buy in arched frames, many fabricators end up sourcing these specialised products from companies that are actually competing with them.
An ethical approach to business
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The company has also seen more customers choosing to order fully fabricated frames, including sashes, accessories, glass and composite door slabs. Sean continues: “Specialising in one particular offering has really enabled us to refine and improve our products to a level that our competitors simply can’t match. “At Premier Arches, we operate on three core values – exceptional manufacturing quality, a ‘make life easier’ offering, and clear and honest customer service – and customer loyalty plays a huge part in that. “I would advise any fabricator looking to buy arched or angled frames to not source them from a competitor – not only will they be potentially stealing your trade customers, but they simply won’t be able to match the quality and service of an independent – and loyal – specialist like Premier Arches.”
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www.glassnews.co.uk | June 2022
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PREMIER ARCHES: THE RELIABLE SUPPLIER YOU CAN TRUST In today’s post-pandemic trading climate fraught with lingering supply chain issues and subsequent price increases, all fabricators are looking for reliable suppliers who won’t compromise on quality. It’s one reason why when it comes to manufacturing arched frames in particular, PVC fabricators often opt to buy them in rather then become caught up in the complicated and time consuming processes it takes to make them. And one company that promises competitive pricing matched with exceptional quality is arched and angled frame manufacturer Premier Arches. Based in St Helens, the company manufactures arched, angled, gable, circular and entirely bespoke windows and doors in a range of seven stocked systems including Residence 9, plus another five non-stocked systems, offering a full service to fabricators, trade counters, installers and local builders. The company is of course amongst a host of arched frame manufacturers across the country – so what makes Premier Arches stand out from the competition?
EXCEPTIONAL MANUFACTURING QUALITY
streamlining our processes and ensuring we produce the best quality products possible.”
OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE Even the best products need exceptional customer service to back them up, and at Premier Arches, this is paramount. “Our team has a passion for getting the product and service right for our customers, and we’re well aware that with the complicated process of manufacturing arched frames, things can go wrong. But we always strive to be open and honest with our customers – if something goes wrong, or is delayed, we will tell them,” Sean explains. It’s clear that customer service goes a long way, too, as shown in a recent online customer survey Premier Arches carried out, in which they scored top marks for finished manufactured product quality, customer service, product turnaround speed, value for money, and easiness to deal with.
MAKING LIFE EASIER Because arched and angled frames are in themselves complicated and time consuming to manufacture, by focusing solely on these products, Premier Arches aims to make fabricators’ lives easier. “When it comes to profile bending, most PVC fabricators simply don’t have the time, the tools, or the expertise to
Managing Director Sean Greenall comments: “Premier Arches was founded six years ago by myself and my two brothers, Thomas and Daniel, after all three of us found ourselves frustrated with the messiness of the arched frame sector. “Tired of being let down, we decided to go it alone, and today, we operate on three core principles – exceptional manufacturing processes and quality control, clear and honest customer service, and a ‘make life easier’ offering. “Manufacturing arched frames requires particular skills and precise machinery, and in the past two years, in addition to relocating to a 10,000 square foot manufacturing facility, we’ve invested in new state-of-the-art machinery, thereby
carry this out in-house, and so our goal with Premier Arches is to make that entire process simpler and pain-free, and supply the awkward products that others don’t want to make,” says Sean. “We’re also seeing more and more of our existing customers choosing to order fully fabricated frames from us, including sashes, accessories, glass and composite door slabs. This offering means our busy fabricator customers don’t need to mess around with glass templates or finishing arched frames in their own streamlined factories that are set up for speed.” Yet another important way Premier Arches helps to make life easier is with their new pricing and online ordering platform, allowing fabricators to get quotes within seconds, compared to what can often be a several day wait for quotes and order acknowledgements. “Pricing and ordering arched and angled frames has been a complex and time consuming job for years, but our custom built revolutionary online pricing and ordering platform has changed this,” says Sean. “Waiting days for arched window and door quotes can cost fabricators the job, but we’ve seen first-hand the impact this platform has had on streamlining our customers’ processes.”
AHEAD OF THE CURVE Premier Arches is certainly ahead of the curve when it comes to providing the specific products fabricators need, when they need them, and it’s all thanks to their three core principles. Sean concludes: “Everything we do, change or introduce at Premier Arches links back to one of these principles, and practicing what we preach is what makes us such an attractive option for arched, angled, and difficult to manufacture frames. “If you’re on the lookout for a reliable arched frame manufacturer you can trust, give us a call today – we’d love to hear from you.” Visit www.premierarches.co.uk
VEKA PLC NAMES KRONOS LTD ‘SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR’ KRONOS has secured the ‘top spot’ as VEKA plc’s 2021 Supplier of the Year. The manufacturer of the most effective whitening agent in the world – titanium dioxide – was named as the overall winner from this year’s supplier list. VEKA plc uses only the highest quality raw materials and components for its industry leading PVC-U systems and the company is proud to celebrate the suppliers that go above and beyond in both product and service. VEKA’s Procurement & Mixing Plant Manager Nicola Woods said: “VEKA Group is the industry’s leading manufacturer of PVC-U profile systems and has a reputation for quality and reliability, which could not be maintained without the support of our suppliers.”
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The selection process to become a VEKA supplier is rigorous, their carefully chosen partners also undergo continuous, stringent monitoring to ensure standards are upheld. Nicola continued, “Key suppliers are provided with a monthly ‘vendor rating report’ which outlines how we have judged their performance. They are graded on quantitative data such as number of non-conformances and ‘on time in full’ deliveries, but also on qualitative data such as customer service, flexibility, and timely responses to queries.” This means that VEKA can closely monitor their supply chain and continue to provide an excellent customer experience. Suppliers must meet or exceed expectations each month in order to remain on VEKA’s approved supplier list. This data also enables the hard work of top suppliers to be recognised and celebrated. KRONOS
achieved the maximum possible points in 2021, meaning that they couldn’t possibly have provided a better service. Sven Hartmann, Key Account Manager at KRONOS said “We are honoured and feel grateful for this Award! Furthermore,
we are pleased to know VEKA plc is on our side as a long term and loyal partner and will continue focusing on maintaining the well-known service and further grow the partnership. VEKA were, are and will remain an important part of our business and strategic partner in the future.”
June 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk
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EPWIN WINDOW SYSTEMS BECOMES A MEMBER OF THE GGF FEDERATION Epwin Window Systems, the UK’s largest systems supplier, has announced its membership of the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF). On joining the GGF, Martin Althorpe, Epwin Window Systems’ Technical Director, said: “We take our responsibilities towards the sector we work in very seriously and it is important that we align our brand with all major industry federations. As the industry leading authority, the GGF promotes best practice and we are delighted to have joined this influential community that’s committed to driving standards and professionalism across our sector.” The GGF is the main representative organisation for companies involved in all aspects of fenestration manufacture both in the UK and internationally. Its mission helps shape the highest technical and health and safety standards across the sector. The GGF is recognised by government and plays a large part in influencing new standards and regulations, such as the Building Regulations, the rules that govern and control the way buildings are constructed in the UK.
Martin said: “With the regulatory changes across our sector, it makes sense to become members of the GGF and have access to the latest information on Building Regulations and wider industry standards to support our customers and ensure we remain ahead of the curve. We will be aiming to fully participate in relevant industry and technical meetings and share and gain knowledge in addition to networking with other member companies.” As well as the GGF, Epwin Window Systems holds several other industry memberships and is proactive across many associations. These include a longstanding relationship with the British Plastics Federation Windows Group (BPFWG) since its formation in 1981. Martin Althorpe served as President of the British Plastics Federation (BPF) from 2019 to 2021. The company became members of the Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB) in 2019 following the launch of the multi-award-winning Stellar aluminium system. It continues to build on this relationship with Paul Booth, Design Director [aluminium] at Epwin Windows Systems appointed Chair of the CAB Technical Committee in 2021.
The systems house is also a member of ALFED Aluminium Federation, which represents businesses across the aluminium sector. It is also proactively involved in FENSA, the government-authorised scheme that monitors building regulation compliance for replacement windows and doors. Martin Althorpe is a Board Member of FENSA, representing the BPF. As an industry-leading systems house, Epwin Windows Systems takes its responsibility to the sector very seriously. It’s membership of the GGF is just the latest example of this commitment. Tel: 0845 340 3968 – www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk
SIKAPLAN ROOFPRO SINGLE PLY ROOF MEMBRANE PERFECT SOLUTION FOR INSTALLER Roof Assured by Sika installer, Jones Flat Roofing installed the Sikaplan RoofPro single ply roofing membrane on the 22m2 roof of a single storey extension at a home in Somerset.
premium flat roof membrane from the global Sika brand. The Sikaplan RoofPro membrane was bought direct from my nearest stockist, Raven Roofing. This means I can offer customers good lead times, cost effective pricing and material guarantees. I will always choose the Sika membranes over other off the shelf options.” The Sika RoofPro range of roof waterproofing technologies have been developed to appeal to homeowners but also to give installers a range of premium, low maintenance, flat roofing membranes to offer customers the highest level of product installation.
The homeowners contacted the installer via Facebook and agreed that the Sikaplan single ply membrane, with material guarantees and BBA certification, was the best product to protect the roof of their new extension. The lead grey, single ply membrane was mechanically installed onto the insulated warm roof and around the upstands of the two rooflights. Ben Jones, owner Jones Flat Roofing said: “I have worked with Sika for over 15 years
The Sikaplan Roof Pro single ply membrane provides an all-weather seal and is compatible with virtually all commonly used substrates in new build and refurbishment projects, Sikaplan RoofPro has a life expectancy of more than 35 years (BBA Certificate 09/4668), is ETA accredited and comes with 10/15 and 20 year material guarantees. Additional benefits include resistance to permanent UV and wind exposure and a high water vapour permeability. A great combination of a high performance product and professional installation. which means I can offer homeowners the very best installation matched with a
If you are interested in becoming a Roof Assured installer find out more at: http://www.roofassured.co.uk/installers/become_an_installer/
EDGETECH CELEBRATES
15 YEARS OF UK MANUFACTURING Warm-edge spacer specialists Edgetech, a Quanex company, are marking the 15th anniversary of the opening of their first manufacturing facility in the UK. In 2007, the company invested £2.5m to create the Coventry site that still serves as Edgetech’s main UK headquarters today – which at the time was Britain’s first ever dedicated warm-edge manufacturing facility. By 2011, Edgetech’s impressive growth had caught the eye of global building products giant Quanex, who acquired the firm, and together the two businesses have gone from strength to strength in the decade since.
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“Five years ago, marking our tenth anniversary of manufacturing in the UK, we invited long-standing customers and friends from right around the industry to an event to celebrate,” comments Edgetech Head of Marketing and CX Charlotte Hawkes. “Honestly, that feels just like yesterday – but in the 5 years since, we’ve come such a long way. We’ve continued to develop even more innovative and efficient spacer solutions, transformed the way we deal with our customers with new initiatives like e-commerce, and taken strides to make the business more community focused, and committed to sustainability, ethical conduct and supporting worthy causes. “Later this year, we’re hoping to do something to mark this latest key milestone – so keep an eye out for more information in the weeks ahead!” For more information, please call 02476 639931 or visit www.edgetechig.co.uk.
June 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk
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A WINDOW ON THE FUTURE – CHANGES TO PART L BUILDING REGS
AN INTERVIEW WITH LIAM WILLIAMSON, MARKETING SEGMENT MANAGER AT GUARDIAN GLASS The long-awaited changes to the UK Building Regulations were finally published in December 2021 and will come into force on 15th June 2022. These changes focus on greater fabric performance and reduced energy demand, with the ultimate aim of cutting carbon emissions from new homes by around 30%. One of the five new Approved Documents, Part L (‘Conservation of Fuel and Power’), will have a significant impact on glass and glazing products, particularly for new dwellings. This article will discuss the changes to Part L and how these will affect the UK glass industry, including their impact on glazing products for new dwellings.
WHAT HAS CHANGED? The 2021 edition of Approved Document L, Volume 1, introduces new minimum efficiency standards (backstop values) for both new and replacement thermal elements, windows and doors. New build schemes will be assessed under the new SAP 10 (Standard Assessment Procedure) method. Most types of new window, including roof windows and glazed doors, must now achieve an improved U-value of 1.6 W/m2K compared to 2.0 W/m2K previously. However, the U-value of the glass will have to be much lower than this to enable a new dwelling to achieve its targets for primary energy, carbon emissions and fabric energy efficiency rates.
Windows
1.0 W/m2K, or choosing only 1.0 Ug-value product that can cover both existing builds and new builds as well.
HIGH LEVEL ENERGY PERFORMANCE WITH IMPROVED AESTHETICS In order to achieve a Ug-value of 1.0 W/ m2K, Guardian Glass has taken a very different approach, believing that the glass should help bring as much natural daylight as possible into people’s homes, with clearer, less reflective view. Thanks to Guardian knowledge in coated glass innovation ClimaGuard Neutral 1.0 is more colourneutral with a lower reflection.
Liam Williamson, Marketing Segment Manager at Guardian Glass
still now be used to meet the new Part L regulations for existing dwellings. As for new dwellings, the U-value for glazing has been tightened to a notional target of 1.2 [W/m2K], compared to 1.4 in the previous edition. This means glass manufacturers need to provide products that have a Ug-value of 1.0 in order to meet the new regulations. This is because the complete window system including its frame, sealant and spacer bar must be considered when calculating the U-value. In order to achieve a notional UW-value of 1.2, housebuilders and architects will need to specify glass products with a Ug-value of 1.0 W/m2K.
HOW DOES THIS AFFECT THE UK GLASS INDUSTRY? What’s particularly interesting here is the impact these changes will have on the type
Notional U-valueTarget [W/m2K]
Notional U-value Target [W/m2K]
Backstop U-value/ maximum [W/m2K]
Backstop U-value/ maximum [W/m2K]
SAP 2012
SAP 10
SAP 2012
SAP 10
1.4
1.2
2.0
1.6
ClimaGuard Neutral 1.0 achieves 74% light transmission for a double IGU 4-16-4 panel (coating on surface #3, 90% argon fill), 14% light reflection and a solar factor of 52%.
WHAT ABOUT HEAT TREATMENT AND STOCKING? Guardian ClimaGuard Neutral 1.0 will be supplied annealed as standard to the glass processor, who can then heat treat the glass for safety applications if needed. In both cases the product meets the 1.0 Ug-value requirement. This means glass processors don’t need to stock two different glass products (a heat treatable version and an annealed version) to meet the demand from window makers.
IS TRIPLE GLAZING THE FUTURE? The changes to Part L aim to fill the void before the UK Government’s ‘Future Homes Standard’ comes into play in 2025. One of the aims of Part L over the last few years has been to try to push the building industry towards the use of triple glazing. In the UK, only 2-3% of builds utilise triple glazing.
“We know the industry and regulations are moving towards more energy efficient buildings and so triple glazing will have a key role to play here. We obviously need to wait for 2025 to see what happens to the regulations but rest assured that Guardian Glass will work with glass processors to develop the best possible economical solution to meet the applicable requirements.” The UK climate doesn’t really require triple glazing everywhere as we are not subjected to extremes of hot and cold. Currently the U-values for windows are 1.4 and 1.2 W/m2K. If the Building Regulations are moved down to 1.0 or below, double glazing would no longer be able to meet these tighter regulations. A move towards increased use of triple glazing is therefore inevitable. We know the industry and regulations are moving towards more energy efficient buildings and so triple glazing will have a key role to play here. We obviously need to wait for 2025 to see what happens to the regulations but rest assured that Guardian Glass will work with glass processors to develop the best possible economical solution to meet the applicable requirements. If you have any questions about the new Part L Building Regulations and how these affect glass and glazing products, please contact your local Guardian Glass expert.
Notional and backstop values in SAP 10
The changes to Part L concern both new and existing dwellings. For existing dwellings, nothing has really changed in terms of the glazing requirements. The previous Part L document and the new version both allow housebuilders to use the same glass to achieve building regulations for existing homes. For example, Guardian ClimaGuard A+ thermal insulating glass was applicable to the previous Part L regulations for ‘existing dwellings’ and can
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of glass products housebuilders can use and which glass products glass processors and window makers will choose to stock. In the previous Part L edition, a glass product with a 1.2 Ug-value could be used for windows in both new and existing dwellings. However, with the new Part L regulations, glass processors will now need to consider having either two type of Ug-value product in their offer – 1.2 and
Guardian Glass introduces ClimaGuard® Neutral 1.0: developed to meet the new Part L UK Building Regulations for windows in new and existing residential builds
June 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk
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The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper
GOVERNMENT AGREES TO CHANGES IN DOC L DOOR CALCULATIONS FOLLOWING GGF EXPERTISE The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), has agreed to changes proposed by the Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF) to Approved Document L of the new Building Regulations that come into force on 15th June. Following representations by a number of members, the GGF’s Technical Team, in consultation with members of the Systems House and Aluminium Groups, highlighted an issue to DLUHC regarding the way that U Value calculations were to be made for ‘non-standard’ Doors, especially bi-folding and sliding glass doors. Under the new Approved Document L, the GGF highlighted that it would be impossible for some larger multi-pane doors to comply with the uplifted regulations, due to conflicts in the proposals to calculate U values. After discussions took place with DLUHC, the government department agreed to amend the basis for calculating U Values for non-standard doors, in particular larger bi-folding and sliding patio types. These include a further door size of 2000 x 2180 for multi leaf doors, together with a tolerance of 25% on the sizes that can be used. The amendments bring the calculations more in line with BS EN 14351. Speaking for the GGF, Kevin Jones, Technical Officer for the GGF Said: “It would have been impossible for some larger multipane doors to comply with the uplifted regulations if they had to calculate them at the smaller standard size, as the glass to frame ratio would have been far from what was actually installed, and thereby not accurately reflecting energy in use. In
Kevin Jones, Technical Officer, GGF
some cases it would have been impossible to calculate a figure. I am delighted that the DLUHC have been very responsive to our proposals and have moved to make the amendments to the calculation formular as quickly as it was possible to do so.” This is to date the only major change that has been made to any of the Approved Documents published in December 2021 and this change will have a significant positive impact for GGF Members and the wider industry. It once again exhibits the influence the GGF and its Members have in representing a significant proportion of the industry. Chris Beedel, Head of Government Advocacy & Stakeholder Relations said: “This change to Building Regulations is a testament to the excellent work undertaken by the GGF Technical Department and the strong relations we have built with key government personnel. It is another example of the influence that the GGF and its members have in representing a significant proportion of the industry.”
EPWIN WINDOW SYSTEMS PUBLISHES GUIDE TO THE CHANGES TO PART F Epwin Window Systems has just published a guide to the changes to Part F of Building Regulations, which come into effect on 15 June 2022. Gerald Allen, Head of Marketing at Epwin Window Systems, commented: “15 June will mark the biggest update to Building Regulations in England for a number of years. Rest assured, we’re here to help our customers get to grips with the new regulations so they can be confident in their compliance.” Part F of Building Regulations sets the standards for the ventilation of new and existing buildings. It has been updated to ensure that sufficient levels of ventilation are still provided in light of changes to Part L, which covers conservation of fuel and power. As the UK’s largest manufacturer and supplier of award-winning PVC-U and aluminium window and door systems, Epwin Window Systems have a range of compliant trickle vents available via their Safeware hardware brand. The new guide follows closely on from the guidance the systems company produced on the changes to Part L on the conservation of fuel and power. Both guides are available on to all its customers on the company’s Connect digital portal.
To further support customers, Epwin Window Systems’ Connect digital portal has a forum where fabricators and installers can find answers to frequently asked questions. They can also submit their own questions to Epwin Window Systems’ technical experts. Gerald commented: “These are big changes and we know our customers will want to get everything right. They can check their understanding and ask for more detail from our in-house experts, who will be happy to help give clarity.” Epwin Window Systems retains its status at the forefront of the industry because it leads the way in award-winning products and intelligent support. It’s something that’s perfectly demonstrated in its proactive response to the upcoming changes to Building Regulations. Tel: 0845 340 3968 www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk
SUPER SPACER® SG BRINGS STUNNING MOL CAMPUS TO LIFE Edgetech spacer technology has yet again played a vital part in completing a striking, inspiring and highly sustainable new building project.
Oil and gas suppliers MOL are setting their sights on a net zero future, and preparing for the huge transition that will entail.
The MOL Campus in Budapest is the work of worldrenowned façade expert Agnes Koltay and famed architects Foster and Partners.
As part of that process, they envisioned a cutting-edge new headquarters designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent and LEED Platinum certification. The resulting landmark is a 29-storey, 86,000 square-metre tower able to house 2,500 workers.
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would have been almost impossible to realize with rigid spacers. “In addition, small tolerance deviations can occur at the edges of the curved glass during the manufacturing process. The structural foam compensates for this with its ability to deform and adapt to the space between the panes.
It’s been designed to maximise natural light, rain is collected to water plants and flush toilets, and heating and cooling is provided using renewable energy.
Super Spacer® is an extensively tried and tested system. “The Opus” by Zaha Hadid and the spectacular Killa-designed “Museum of the Future” in Dubai are just two of the most prestigious free-form facades designed by Koltay Façades and that have benefitted from its exceptional performance.
Its elegantly sweeping glass façade seamlessly blends a fivestorey section housing restaurants and conference halls with the main tower.
Edgetech Managing Director Chris Alderson comments: “Free-form, organic facades are one of the most important architectural trends of recent years.
Around 14,000 square metres of insulating glass, and over 500 cylindrically curved panes went into bringing the ambitious design to life.
“Without world-class flexible components like the Super Spacer®, they would be extremely complex, slow and expensive to implement.
A mixture of 16mm and 18mm Super Spacer® SG warmedge spacers were used to provide outstanding stability, flexibility and performance.
“We’re delighted that Super Spacer® continues to allow some of the world’s best architects and designers to explore creativity without limits.”
Agnes Koltay comments: “The decision to use Super Spacer® was driven by the curved insulating glass façade, which
For more information, please call 02476 639931 or visit www.edgetechig.co.uk.
June 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk
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YOUR LETTERS
LETTERS
The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper
OPEN LETTER: PRODUCT AND SERVICE Dear Chris, The window and door industry never fails to surprise me. I see stuff and have conversations with suppliers and customers every day that you wouldn’t think would happen - but they do. So, with that in mind, I find myself half expecting to be surprised again this year by what comes next. As unlikely as it seemed at its start, we saw a global pandemic drive exponential growth in consumer demand for two-years. So, what war, inflation and an energy crisis will do to window and door sales now is not a foregone conclusion some sort of a slowdown, is, however likely. So where does that leave fabricators and installers? For me, in the midst of a lot of market complexity and challenge - and I don’t think I’m over-simplifying things - it comes back to product and service. For the last two years, suppliers have been able to get away with a less than exemplary level of service (and at the odd moment, I’m big enough to admit, that that’s included us), because demand has been so high, it really hasn’t mattered. The same goes for product. There has been a distinct lack of innovation, particularly at systems level for the past two-years. That’s understandable
Feel free to get in touch with your views on the industry, legislation, government, or even the newspaper. Contact Chris: chris@glassnews.co.uk
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Actually, they never stopped mattering. We’ve always been an innovator. In 2017 we pioneered the development of a non-glassbonded 90° jointed R9 window inside and out using Timberweld®. We now offer the complete Residence Collection in a 90° joint on both sides of a welded sash, adding the new 70mm Kömmerling Flush casement to our range this year. None of that is easy to do, but we’ve done it because puts us in a place which we believe reflects the direction of travel in the market. It’s not only product but the model. We took a decision to stop volume manufacture at the start of this year and focus on our specialist PVC-U flush and aluminium offers. We supply installers but also other fabricators. It’s about moving forwards in what we offer as an industry and how we do it - and that’s what we need to do now, if, as we expect, the market becomes less forgiving. Service and product - in my humble opinion as Yorkshireman, those things still count and consumers, (at least the ones you want to deal with), are still prepared to pay for them.
People will pay more for a flush window with a 90° joint on both sides, because it looks so much better on their home. They’ll pay more for a door that matches it, and they’ll pay more for a colourmatched aluminium bi-fold. That those products need to be energy efficient is a given because it’s what homeowners want, and in the current climate, with average household energy bills at the £2,000 mark, it’s not only more important to them, but also offers faster pay back. It’s about product, service and particularly in retail, how we communicate that. In short, how we sell. The smart installers get that. Those who don’t are going to find the next few months a wake-up call. For more information email s ales@hwlwindows.co.uk call 0113 2449006 or log on at www.hwlwindows.co.uk. Mark Haley, Managing Director, HWL Windows
ENERGY EFFICIENCY. FRONT AND CENTRE. Dear Chris,
This puts energy efficiency front and centre of the social - and political agendas.
So, according to Business Pilot, retail saw a slowdown in April, with fewer sales and fewer leads. This was attributed to economic uncertainty and the cost-of-living crisis, something driven by hikes seen in energy prices in April.
Rising energy prices make energy efficient home improvements a priority for homeowners. The question is can they afford them?
That analysis is pretty much on the money. The bubble was going to burst at some point, and things were going to slowdown. Inflation - forecast to hit 10% by the end of this year - plus rising interest rates was always going to take some of the heat out of what was an over-heated market.
WHAT’S YOUR OPINION?
given the context of Covid, and it’s been ok because demand has been there - but now both these things do matter again.
Things are going to be tougher, but they couldn’t always be so easy. And the key driver of inflation - the raising of the energy price cap in April – generates opportunity. Forecast to rise by a further 47% in October, average fuel bills could hit £2,900 a year. Analysts at investment bank Goldman Sachs predicted in the press last weekend [15/5/22], that rising energy prices were delivering a shift in consumer behaviour, doing more to drive the UK’s journey to Net Zero than anything agreed at last November’s Cop26 climate conference. This is borne out in new figures from the National Audit Office, which reported that 40% of homeowners had noticed higher costs and were turning down thermostats and driving their cars less.
And clearly many won’t be able to. The ‘care-free furlough-fuelled’ spending on home improvements that we saw in 2020 and 2021, is behind us. The future is about home energy efficiency. Something that in the immediate term will be driven less by regulatory change despite Part L, but more by consumer pressure. The cost-of-living crisis will narrow our market, but core markets will still make purchases - the impetus for them to do so is greater than ever. (It’s worth noting that higher energy prices also make payback on energy efficient home improvements faster). And because, homes account for around 14% of UK greenhouse gas emissions; and because failure to address the cost-of-living crisis will cost the Government votes; energy efficiency is also front and centre of the political agenda. Emissions from UK homes need to fall by at least 24% by 2030 from 1990 levels. Still way off track and with no meaningful successor to the Green Deal, in place, Government will also have to deliver longer term initiatives to support homeowners and landlords in improving the energy efficiency of existing stock.
The cost-of-living crisis is real, and society must make sure that vulnerable households don’t slip through the net and into fuel poverty. For others, those that have a choice to invest in new windows and doors, the argument for doing so, becomes more compelling. We simply have to connect the dots in the homeowner’s mind. Rob McGlennon Managing Director, Deceuninck
June 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk
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SUSTAINABILITY
The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper
EMBRACING EU GREEN DEAL AMBITIONS:
VINYLPLUS EXCEEDS 810,000 TONNES OF PVC RECYCLING VinylPlus® announced today the results of the first year of its 2030 Commitment at the 10th VinylPlus Sustainability Forum (#VSF2022). Livestreamed from Brussels, #VSF2022 gathered online around 500 participants from 40 countries. Under the theme ‘Embracing EU Green Deal Ambitions’, perspectives and scenarios generated by the current EU policy landscape were discussed, as well as their impact on the plastics and PVC industry. The VinylPlus 2030 Commitment to sustainable development aims to proactively contribute to addressing priorities at the European and global levels. Three Pathways and twelve action areas have been identified through an open process of stakeholder consultations. They embrace the PVC value chain’s circularity, its advancement towards carbon neutrality, minimisation of the environmental footprint of the PVC production and products, and its engagement with stakeholders and global coalitions. “With our Commitment to 2030 – states Brigitte Dero, Managing Director of VinylPlus – we aim to contribute to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with a particular focus on sustainable consumption and production, climate change and partnerships. This, in full alignment with relevant EU policies under the European Green Deal, such as the EU Circular Economy Action Plan and the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability.” Despite the difficult economic conditions, 810,775 tonnes of PVC waste were recycled and used in new products within the VinylPlus framework, which represents around 26.9% of the total PVC waste generated in 2021 in the EU-27, Norway, Switzerland and the UK. VinylPlus’ recycling rate is above the 23.1% recycling rate estimated by AMI Consulting for the overall plastics recycling in Europe in 2021. In line with the EU Circular Plastics Alliance’s (CPA) principles, VinylPlus is committed to ensuring the proper traceability of waste. In 2021, Recovinyl® launched RecoTraceTM to further enhance its recording and tracing schemes for recycling volumes and the uptake of recyclates in new products. RecoTraceTM is the first system to comply with the CPA’s monitoring requirements. Commenting VinylPlus’ achievements in advancing its circularity ambitions, Stefan Sommer, Chair of VinylPlus, states: “We have taken responsibility for accelerating
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the transition of the European PVC value chain to a more sustainable and circular industry. Our ambition is to be pacesetters in innovation and collaboration by acting at the forefront of the circular economy and sustainable development in the plastics sector. Once again, I would like to emphasise the efforts made to scaling up PVC value chain circularity. These have allowed us to recycle close to 7.3 million tonnes of PVC into new products since 2000, preventing the release of more than 14.5 million tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere.” Other VinylPlus flagship initiatives are represented by the Additive Sustainability Footprint® (ASF) methodology, which was developed as a voluntary, Europeanwide approach to assess and promote the sustainable production and use of additives in PVC products; and the VinylPlus® Product Label, the first certification scheme for plastic building and construction products that has been recognised as Responsible Sourcing Certification Scheme within BREEAM® – the world’s most widely used green building standard. In
addition, two new sustainability schemes, the VinylPlus® Supplier Certificates (VSC) for additive producers and compounders, will now allow raw material suppliers to demonstrate their sustainability efforts and facilitate converters in obtaining the VinylPlus® Product Label. The #VSF2022 was also the opportunity to discuss how the European PVC industry will continue to work together to address circularity challenges, foster sustainable innovation and advance towards carbon neutrality, in the framework of the evolving policies under the EU Green Deal. Analysing upcoming impacts of changing EU legislation on the PVC industry, Michael Ulbrich, Managing Director of Accenture, highlighted how the increasing level of regulatory pressure might pose even harder challenges, which VinylPlus should face through a careful choice of priorities and continuing to deliver concrete and sciencebased results and solutions. Advancing circularity in the healthcare sector, VinylPlus® Med represents the full
spirit of the 2030 Commitment, being a perfect example of interconnection between different Pathways. Launched in 2021, the project aims at recycling discarded single-use PVC medical devices through a partnership among hospitals, waste management companies, recyclers, and the PVC industry. Initially launched in Belgium at the Europe Hospitals, VinylPlus® Med currently has more than 29 hospitals on the waiting list. “For a recycling company such as Raff Plastics, projects like VinylPlus® Med are important, as we assume that everything starts with a good collection. According to us, there are unfortunately still many materials that could be recycled but, due to unfavourable circumstances, are sent to landfill or incineration. A project such as VinylPlus® Med ensures that everyone becomes aware and committed to working together for the renewal of raw materials” states Caroline Van Der Perre, Co-Owner and Manager of Raff Plastics. The VinylPlus® Product Label Awards Ceremony concluded the event, celebrating the five VinylPlus partner companies that were awarded the Label in 2021 and 2022. “With its 10-year Commitment towards 2030 – concludes Brigitte Dero, Managing Director of VinylPlus – VinylPlus confirms again the united European PVC value chain’s dedication to creating a sustainable future and to ensuring that PVC remains a safe and circular material, fit for the circular economy. We are confident that the work we are doing, including with the other plastics sectors within the CPA, and in partnerships with institutions and stakeholders, can be recognised as a proactive contribution to the EU Green Deal.”
June 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk
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SOFTWARE & IT
The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper
SEEING IS BELIEVING ‘Makeovers’ are on the rise as more and more customers opt to try before they buy… ‘Makeovers’, where customers receive a render of their new windows and doors super-imposed over an image of their property, are fast becoming a staple part of the quoting process according to latest analysis of quotes prepared by installers on Tommy Trinder’s Framepoint® platform.
REPLACING THE REPLACEMENTS Upgrading ‘shiny white’ PVCu windows to sophisticated, modern alternatives frequently calls for a makeover, according to the Tommy Trinder analysis. Says Chris: “Customers find it hard to envisage what a difference dummy vents, or varying bar layouts will make to the look of the house.
The firm reports that in recent months over 60% of all quotes prepared for homeowners are accompanied by a visualisation, compared to just 25% two years ago.
“And when it comes to premium features such as flush sashes, deep bottom rails and timber look cills a quality visual will invariably help justify the uplift in cost.”
“When you consider the ease with which consumers are able to model other significant purchases like cars or kitchens, it feels inevitable that offering the client a visual of their new windows and doors in situ will become the norm,” says Chris Brunsdon, founder and CEO of Tommy Trinder. “And makeovers make sound business for installers too – not only does an impressive visual wow customers and win orders, but being clear about what you are going to fit at the quoting stage reduces error and rules out misunderstanding from the get-go.”
“It goes without saying that if customers are considering changing colour, Framepoint® subscribers will invariably provide a makeover – it helps get to a final decision quicker.”
Crunching the data from nearly ten thousand visualisations that have been prepared on the Framepoint® platform so far in 2022, Tommy Trinder have identified a number of trending applications for the makeover – here are their top three.
PUTTING BACK SASH WINDOWS Well-designed sash windows can make a real difference to a period property’s curb appeal over cheaper replacement options, but sometimes all customers see is the cost. Not surprising, then, that a frequent use of makeovers is to demonstrate the value that can be added by restoring a property to its former glory with correctly proportioned vertical sliders.
BRICKWORK CUT-OUTS Makeovers lend themselves to showing clients how a façade can be improved by installing sliders and bifolds in place of windows. “It’s a real wow when you show such a huge transformation in a few clicks – homeowners are blown away.” Installer’s interested in finding out more about Tommy Trinder’s Framepoint® platform can book a free demo at https://www.tommytrinder.com/demo
OUR BUSINESS WOULD BE LOST WITHOUT ADMINBASE AdminBase is a web-based intuitive business management tool that, over the last 20 years, has become one of the most popular management systems for window and door installers, transforming the way businesses operate – as home improvement specialists Peninsula Windows can attest. “We’ve been using Adminbase for a number of years now and to say we’d be lost without it is an understatement!” said Peninsula Windows’ Sales Director Dylan Hulse. Peninsula started life almost 40 years ago during the emergence of the fledgling PVCu windows industry and has since expanded to include a range of home improvements specialisms, including windows, doors, conservatories and more, from its base in North Wales. And AdminBase now plays a crucial role in its success. “From diary planning to invoicing, job costings to essential contract documents, we rely heavily on the system,” explained Dylan. AdminBase, by Ab Initio, fully integrates all processes from potential leads to installation and beyond, incorporating the latest mobile technology. Its innovative and seamless approach means every department, and every job, is kept up-to-date in real-time, streamlining and speeding up admin processes and reducing the risk of errors. For example, My AdminBase Diary app logs and displays all appointments across the whole team, who can also share documents, photos and voice notes, so even when work takes your team the length of the UK, you know your business is all in one place. Meanwhile the award-winning customer portal enables customers to track orders, make and confirm appointments and settle invoices 24/7, benefiting both homeowners and installers.
AdminBase can also help streamline and manage your suppliers too, keeping track of what materials are needed for which job and when, while its easy-to-read Dashboard feature provides records of your business, showing what’s working well and highlighting what can be improved. Designed specifically with installation businesses in mind, AdminBase takes its lead from installers themselves, developing new systems and intuitive apps based on what they need and want. Like using Google Maps to match customer enquiries to the nearest salesperson while the caller is still on the line, helping turn more enquiries into potential sales. “It’s a system that is always evolving to meet the changing demands of our industry,” said Dylan. “And the team in the office are always there to help and support. “I can’t honestly imagine running our company without it.” For more information go to: https://www.abinitiosoftware.co.uk
WINDOW DESIGNER COULD MAKE YOU FIVE TIMES QUICKER Using Window Designer to design and fabricate your aluminium windows and doors could make you up to five times more efficient, First Degree Systems has announced. “The profitability of aluminium has grown tremendously,” Greg Beachim, Sales Manager at First Degree Systems, said. “But what hasn’t really come along the same way is the software capabilities of some of the aluminium systems. The potentially cumbersome or time-consuming software products that are given away free of charge don’t cut the additional processes that are needed for this expanding market. “Fabricators are also more likely to be running more than one aluminium system through the factory, so it makes no sense to be running multiple pieces of software alongside each other.”
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Greg said that even those third-party software platforms, which incorporate the technical data from multiple systems, tend to be architectural, and are thus slow when processing products and require a high degree of technical understanding. Window Designer, on the other hand, is a configurator, which can work with any profile product, be it PVC, aluminium, or timber, allowing you to centralise all processing and benefit from its wider functionality. “If we look at meeting the general highvolume domestic needs of the market, what you’ve got is a product that goes into an aperture,” he said. “It’s normally a domestic product, and not a commercial application. It’s not going into a skyrise block; it’s going into a normal household application. So, it’s been pre-configured to a business’s needs: you select the product, you select the style,
you select the size, and it will give you a price. If that meets your needs, you can then send it straight to manufacture. “The permutations, such as bead or colour options, are simple: just click and go. Whereas, traditional aluminium processing can be much more cumbersome: swapping out parts can be long winded. The actual processing might take you much longer. So, Window Designer gives direct wins as far as the speed of the actual processing is concerned. In fact, it is up to five times quicker than software specially designed for aluminium fabrication.” Another key saving for window fabricators is that they only need one piece of software across all production lines. “If you can get that centralised team to work on product using the same software, then
it’s a win-win situation,” Greg said. “You are reducing overheads, you are reducing the number of people processing products, and you’re moving into a situation where you’re much more flexible, and able to meet the mounting demands of the market while adding value to your bottom line.” To find out more please visit www.firstdegreesystems.com, email info@firstdegreesystems.com,
June 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk
MARKETING
The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper
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www.glassnews.co.uk | June 2022
25 HOOK-A-DUCK - 61.75MM X 156MM.indd 1
26/02/2018 19:15
GLASS
INFINITE DESIGN POSSIBILITIES, WITH PYROGUARD’S NEW INFINITY BROCHURE Recognising the emphasis on light and open interior spaces, Pyroguard is pleased to announce the publication of its new Pyroguard Infinity brochure, designed to provide architects and specifiers with all the information they need on its range of fire safety glass for butt-joint applications. With the design trend for light, open and contemporary spaces continuing to grow in popularity, fire safety glass installed in butt-joint applications can be key in helping architects to balance building safety with this aesthetic demand. Compatible with a range of steel and timber applications, Pyroguard Infinity is a high-performance
fire safety glass that eliminates the need for vertical frame profiles, providing visually appealing seamless partitions. The new brochure, available to download from the Pyroguard website, is designed to be an informative and inspirational resource for architects and specifiers. Featuring a high-end design and containing all of the latest product information – including datasheets and technical drawings for both structural wall systems and glass-to-glass partitioning applications - the brochure also features a selection of architectural case studies. In addition to the fire protection and architectural capabilities of Pyroguard Infinity, the brochure also serves to promote the multi-functional options with Pyroguard’s SMART Solutions in fire safety glass, from decorative finishes and switchable glass to acoustic performance and high impact resistance. Speaking about the brochure, Andy Lake, Sales Director UK & IRE at Pyroguard, said: “We’ve been helping architects to create safe and beautiful living and working spaces for over 30 years. At the core of this is our large portfolio of high-performance, high-quality fire safety glass solutions combined with our wealth of technical support and expertise. “We always ensure that architects and specifiers are armed with all the information they need to make the right decision when it comes to passive fire protection, and this new Pyroguard Infinity brochure is just one example of this support, there to inform and inspire.” Part of the Technical Fire Safety Group, Pyroguard is the world’s leading independent provider for fire safety glass for timber, steel and aluminium applications. For more information about Pyroguard and to download the brochure, please visit: www.pyroguard.eu.
ROOM WITH A VIEW When a homeowner is lucky enough to have stunning views across the Welsh countryside, they need an equally stunning balustrade solution that will let them make the most of it. Which is where leading safety glass specialists TuffX can help.
TuffX supplied 25m2 of 17.5mm toughened and laminated glass for the frameless glass balustrade and staircase, to create a safe and elegant additional outdoor space for the property that also gives some protection from the elements. The seventeen individual panels – a combination of rectangular and CNC shaped parallelogram panels, all with polished edges and dubbed corners – were delivered direct to the site in Anglesey. Near-invisible frameless glass balustrades mean even when the weather really is too bad to be outside, views from inside remain unimpeded, with no railings or bars interrupting the sightlines. The finished balustrade brings an easy-to-maintain modern update to the home, while the panels’ smooth polished edges ensure comfort too. Accessible both from the first floor of the property and from the
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LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE STILL HAMPERS COMPOSITES, SAYS ENDURANCE
garden, the resulting space brings the whole of the outside and inside together, with views across three of the four directions from the house. “We love seeing finished projects like this as it’s what we specialise in,” said Paul Higgins, TuffX’s Commercial Director. “Whatever your project requirements, we can deliver nationwide and pride ourselves on always maintaining the highest standards of service and quality.” www.tuffxglass.co.uk
With summer just around the corner, the performance of composite doors will again come under the spotlight says Endurance Doors. Rising temperatures will lead to a notable rise in heat on the surface of composite doors, with the risk of delamination, cracking and splitting when inferior door skins are utilised. It’s the time of year when remedials start to increase for some installers, hampering new sales and also forcing the postponement of installation dates for new jobs. There’s also the increased risk of slabs bowing, causing problems with locking mechanisms and cylinders, something that Endurance has seen first-hand in the market with failed doorsets from others. Endurance have reported several bowed, delaminated, cracked and even blackened doors that have been replaced by their Installer Partners and investigations show that material specification and not installation are to blame. Stephen Nadin, managing director of Endurance Doors explains the issues further and commented: ‘Heat can affect composite door performance over the long-term and that’s why we specify CoolSkin door skins and a proven construction grade Kerto LVL solid timber core. We believe we’re also the only company in the sector to implement a 3-step wet glazing process too, while our Moisture Barrier System is a proven addition to the Endurance proposition’. He continued: ‘Sun and water can have an effect on overall composite door performance over the years as our tests have shown. But our Installer Partners specify Endurance for a promise of worryfree long-term performance and a 3mm bowing guarantee further backs this up. The trade demand better and we’ve also got a duty to consumers to offer a product fit for the long-term.’ Endurance are now in the process of implementing a new, streamlined credit return process reducing the evidence required from installers for any product or warranty queries, though numbers are remarkably low, increasing the speed that each replacement will take and therefore improving end user satisfaction. Endurance’s team of experienced service engineers also fit any replacement parts or doors, so the installer can concentrate on their own business requirements. For further information on the Endurance Solid and Secure composite door range please call the sales office on 01652 659259, visit https://endurancedoors.co.uk, or e-mail marketing@endurancedoors.co.uk. You can also follow us on Twitter @EnduranceDoors.
June 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk
Oh so MODERN Our 120,000 sq ft manufacturing site is home to our new, state-of-the-art, fully-automated production line. A unique manufacturing process provides a quick and efficient turn-around, whilst our new paint line enables your customers to choose a bespoke colour from the widest RAL availability in the market. And with our Quality Control Team following the process from start to finish, it’s Oh So much more than a factory.
There’s Oh So much more to discover, contact sales@virtuoso-doors.co.uk or visit virtuoso-doors.co.uk/modern Nationwide Coverage. Competitive Lead Times. Unlimited Colour Choice.
The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper
OPEN THE DOOR TO THE COMPLETE ALUMINIUM LOOK Sheerline have released the latest addition to their aluminium window and door range, the Prestige Composite Door Frame. Designed to allow installers and fabricators to offer ‘whole-house’ aluminium solutions, where all frames are perfectly matched across a project. With consistent styling, colours, performance and guarantees across the house, right down to the frames around the composite doors. A choice of two aluminium outer frames that fit both 44 and 48/49mm door blanks are all ready to help doorsets meet the new requirements of Part L coming into force on June 15th this year, with Sheerline’s unique Thermlock® thermal breaks delivering outstanding thermal efficiency as always. With an outer frame that is 16x more rigid than reinforced PVC-u, installers can now offer a truly premium feeling door ‘experience’ that matches homeowners’ expectations of aluminium. The ultra-sturdy frame combines strength and durability and virtually eliminates door ‘bounce’. Choosing Sheerline ensures every window, bi-fold and entrance door across a project is supplied to the same high-quality standards, ready to wow discerning homeowners.
Introducing the Prestige Composite Door Frame
are configured with sidelights. All designed to match seamlessly with the rest of Sheerline’s Prestige and Classic range.
Created with installers in mind, features such as threshold cover strips that conceal fixings and universal sealable end caps, mean that delivering quality installations using the Prestige Composite Door Frame couldn’t be easier, perfect for busy installation teams.
Sheerline believes that homeowners should not have to compromise between style, function or keeping heating bills under control on any fenestration product. From ultra-slim 59mm sightline windows to bi-folds and roof lanterns everything is cohesive, sharing many common components to not only deliver perfectly matched looks, but also to help streamline the manufacturing process. Delivered on the same agile lead-times and available in bespoke and dual colour options, Sheerline’s newest addition to their Prestige range, underlines their commitment to offering installers and fabricators the very best ‘whole house’ aluminium solution.
The systems two low threshold options, tested to the requirements of Part M, can be run continuously under sidelights if required for improved aesthetics. With both thresholds able to accommodate a mechanically jointed ‘T’ transom/mullion, providing slimmer sightlines when doors
To learn more about the Sheerline Composite Door Frame visit www.sheerline.com or www.sheerlinevideo.com. You can also call 01332 978000 or email info@sheerline.com. Follow @SheerlineSystem and @GarnalexSystems for the latest news and updates.
DISTINCTION DOORS UNVEILS LATEST ADDITION TO NXT-GEN RANGE Distinction Doors is proud to introduce the latest addition to its nxt-gen range, the nxtgen Craftsman. This one-ofa-kind door style is exclusive to the UK’s largest supplier of composite doors. Evocative of 1930s, inter-war door designs, the nxt-gen Craftsman launches in two size – 838mm and 914mm. The glazing area can be enhanced with five decorative glass designs – Aspen, Edwardian, Kara Brass, Monza and Palma. The new door style is available in White, Distinction Anthracite Grey and colours from the Distinction Doors bespoke colour palette, including six new colours.
Hugely beneficial to Distinction fabrication customers, this range has the competitive edge requiring significantly less glazing time and consumables. Distinction Doors associate sales director, Andy Grogan, says: “We have seen continuous growth in nxt-gen door sales since launching the range four years ago. This tallies with rising consumer demand for flush products. With the launch of the nxt-gen Craftsman we hope to capitalise on this further still. “In strengthening the offering for our fabrication customers, we are giving home improvement and installation companies the advantage – they can offer consumers more of what they want. I am pleased to say that initial feedback from our customers is already extremely positive.”
The nxt-gen Craftsman is available to order through the company’s customer online ordering platform. It has been added to the popular sales tool – the door-designer.co.uk, and features in the new product brochure.
The launch of the nxt-gen Craftsman follows several important announcements in recent months, including the introduction of a new brand identity, a new product brochure designed to enhance the consumer experience, and the inclusion of six new colours into the company’s bespoke paint palette.
With this new addition, the Distinction Doors nxt-gen range now includes seven door styles all with the company’s exclusive flush-fitted beaded system and moulding.
If you wish to reap the reward from these investments and explore the benefits of the nxt-gen range, then get in touch with the UK’s premium composite door supplier.
PYRAMID ALUMINIUM LAUNCH NEW RETAIL BROCHURE Pyramid Aluminium has showed its level of support for customers by releasing a new retail brochure for its Purelight range. Featuring sliding doors and windows, as well as their new energy saving SlimFold bi-fold door, the range offers a full suite of aluminium products, and the brochure will help installers increase sales. Paul Bailey, Managing Director at Pyramid Aluminium, says: “We created the Purelight system to make life easier for installers, making aluminium glazing easier to fit and easier to sell. The new glossy retail brochure offers another reason to choose Purelight.
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“The entire range is built with slim profiles to offer more glass for eye-catching aesthetics, as well as fantastic thermal efficiency. By designing and manufacturing the system in-house, we were able to develop Purelight with installers in mind and offer a huge list of benefits, including easy installation.”
made them easy to fit, with clip-in glazing bead and predelivery inspections to save time on site.” To download the latest Purelight brochure, visit www.pyramid-profiles.co.uk.
Included in the Purelight range is the new SlimFold bi-fold door, which features 100mm interlocking sightlines and low U-values to meet upcoming changes to Document L. “We’re really excited about SlimFold,” adds Paul. “There’s always been a demand for slim frames and we’re happy that we’ve managed to achieve one of the slimmest sightlines on the market without compromising on performance. Our customers were apprehensive about finding products which met the new building regulations, so we knew we had to create a door which complied with the changes. “All of the benefits of SlimFold and our other aluminium products came from speaking to our customers. We’ve even
June 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk
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The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper
SCHÜCO LAUNCHES NEW AND IMPROVED
AS FD BI-FOLD DOOR SYSTEM
Schüco is proud to announce the launch of its new AS FD bi-fold door system. It delivers the largest maximum leaf size on the market, slim profiles and simplified fabrication and installation. The AS FD 75 launched in May 2022 and the AS FD 90.HI will be available from September. The doors provide the company’s slimmest bi-fold sightlines yet at 90mm. A maximum leaf width of 1500mm and height of 3500mm offer customers greater views with minimal obstruction, while the option of a new 3-point handle operated lock provides more familiar operation. Installation is made easier with an 8mm +/- adjustment profile and integrated rebate profiles reduce the production time compared to previous models. Integrated profiles and a reinforced outer frame profile reduce assembly and replacement time. The new AS FD range features improved performance qualities compared to previous Schüco bi-fold doors. Increased airtightness enables the AS FD 75/90.HI to achieve U-values as low as 1.0, ensuring compliance with the new Part L building regulations. New locking options and four drainage levels in two gasket profiles make the doors more watertight. They also run quietly thanks to a new roller carriage and solid tracks. Moreover, the AS FD 75/90.HI are adaptable, stable and reliable thanks to adjustment profiles, a guide carrier with greater tolerance and strengthened outer frame profiles.
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All the necessary software for CNC machining is in place and the system is already available on SchüCal and LogiKal for Schüco partners. In September 2022, Schüco will be rolling out the new AS FD bi-fold doors in more opening configurations with additional barrier-free threshold options, giving customers the ability to customise the door opening to meet their needs. Find out more by visiting: www.schueco.uk/asfd.
“The new AS FD range features improved performance qualities compared to previous Schüco bi-fold doors.” June 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk
ROOFING, RENOVATIONS & NEW BUILD
ULTRA-PREMIUM AVANTAL DOOR NOW IN PRINT With high levels of enquiries from consumers and for showroom doors from Installer Partners, Endurance Doors have now published a luxurious 40-page brochure for their new ultra-premium Avantal door range. Following an 18-month development programme of testing and evaluation, Avantal has been received to great acclaim as a next generation door, using the finest components and materials. Based on the proven Endurance solid timber chassis, Avantal features ultra-premium foils, which provide the smooth aesthetic offered by aluminium doors and a satin white internal face and edgeband. There are five initial designs that also showcase the very best hardware and a 3-Star ABS cylinder as standard.
LEKA WARM ROOF TRANSFORMS PLYMOUTH CARE HOME CONSERVATORY
Claire Heywood, Owner of The Door Company Stafford has been enthusiastic about Avantal right from day one and commented: ‘This is a true next generation door and something that little bit special to inspire consumers who want a luxurious product with a point of differentiation. It’s a door that looks and feels a premium proposition and we even sold one from our storeroom prior to unveiling it in the showroom and so this brochure will ignite further interest no doubt.’ Scott Foster, Head of Group Sales and Marketing for Endurance Doors added: ‘This new brochure has a distinct premium feel about it and for good reason, Avantal is a game changer for the sector given the fact that we’ve spent 18 months developing, testing and refining the end product. We’re super excited about the potential for this door and in time we’ll be adding new designs, finishes and other exclusive options.’ For further information on the Avantal composite door, 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.
Endless possibilities.
Endless possibilities. FL AT GRAIN ED CASSET TE
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Our doors are a canvas that comes in all shapes and sizes
Leka Systems fabricator Boringdon Plastics has recently completed the fabrication of an impressive 16.5m by 4.2m Leka Warm Roof for a conservatory refurbishment project at Torr Home, a premier care home in Plymouth, Devon. Torr Home is set in a substantial 19th century country mansion in the highest part of the city of Plymouth. The building has extensive grounds and enjoys panoramic views over the city of Plymouth, as well as Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor. One of the best places to enjoy the views is in the home’s large conservatory. However, like many ageing conservatories, it was too cold in winter and too hot in summer. It was also reaching the end of its useable life and had started to leak, which meant it couldn’t be used by the home’s residents. A Leka Warm Roof provided the perfect solution. The largescale roof was 16.5m wide with a 4.2m projection which backed into the existing recess. It was manufactured by Leka approved fabricator Boringdon Plastics and fitted by a local builder. Tom Henwood of Boringdon Plastics said: “The size and scale of the replacement roof was exacting and we worked closely with the builder to ensure everything ran smoothly. The new Leka roof has
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transformed Torr Home’s conservatory. It is now is a year-round habitable room where residents can enjoy the impressive views at a constant, ambient temperature.” Boringdon Plastics was an early adopter of the Leka roofing system and is the exclusive fabricator for the county of Devon. Tom says the roofing system’s qualities are second to none. “Leka roofs are suitable for both domestic projects and commercial projects like Torr Home. The flexibility of the roof ’s design and its high-end properties mean it can support all retrofit and new build applications, even largescale projects as this one.” As well as bringing clear benefits to the end user, Leka products also bring benefits to installers. They offer a lightweight and modular system that is fast to fit, saving time on site. Tel: 0800 773 4040 – www.lekasystems.co.uk
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www.glassnews.co.uk | June 2022
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ROOFING, RENOVATIONS & NEW BUILD
The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper
SUNSQUARE’S NEW AERO PITCH SKYLIGHT IS PITCHED ROOF PERFECT UNVEILING THE WORLD’S MOST ADVANCED, THERMALLY EFFICIENT SKYLIGHT FOR 20-60° ROOFS Rooflight pioneer Sunsquare has launched Aero Pitch – the world’s most advanced and thermally efficient skylight for 20-60° tiled roofs. Making its first appearance at Grand Designs Live (ExCeL London, 30th April – 8th May 22), Aero Pitch is not only fully automated; it’s condensation free, holds a BSI Kitemark for its safety and quality and is incredibly easy to install, with one universal flashing kit to fit any roof.
ROOF LANTERNS MADE THE WAY THEY SHOULD BE When the experienced team at AluFold Direct set out to design a brand-new contemporary aluminium roof lantern, they knew it had to be better than the best already out there in the market in order to make an impact. With the launch of Xenlite, they are confident they have achieved that.
Xenlite is the first brand new product to be launched by AluFold Direct since Managing Director Russell Yates joined the team from AluK. Russell led the design team responsible for all of AluK’s most familiar products, including the iconic BSF70 bifold, and he has ensured that the new lantern is just as fitter and fabricator friendly.
Strong, slim, safe, and competitively priced, Xenlite gives installers everything they need in terms of sales appeal for homeowners and developers and incorporates lots of clever design and engineering features which make it safer, simpler, and quicker to install, with no worries about call backs.
Russell said: “Xenlite is made the way that we believe roof lanterns should be and addresses all the things that installers told us they don’t like about the competition. Everything, from the four-sided glass retention to the profileshaped cover caps, has been designed to suit the needs of the installer. It’s not just about making the product easy to fit, it’s about protecting installer margins by minimising time on site and eliminating costly call backs.”
When it comes to sightlines, Xenlite is amongst the slimmest lanterns on the market with a 38mm frame, but there are no compromises being made on strength or performance. With thermally broken hip beams, it meets the requirements of the new Part L which comes into force in June, and it has been designed with high performance seals to ensure optimum air and weather performance. What really sets Xenlite apart though is the ease of installation. It has been designed so that the glazing clicks into the flange on one side of the ring beam as soon as it placed into position, with no danger of the glass slipping while the other three sides are secured. A pressure plate with integrated cover caps then makes it easy for one person to clip in the glazing all the way round so there is no need to reach across or around the roof to screw in the fixings. Neat, fast-fit end caps are simply screwed on to complete the installation. The lantern comes with a fixed 25° pitch regardless of size so there is never any obstruction to the outlook from the floor above. This ensures that it fits perfectly into the mainstream home extension and orangery market and gives customers already fitting aluminium bifolds, sliders or windows an exciting opportunity to upsell.
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Xenlite is supplied in kit form, with standard stock sizes available on a fast 5-day lead time and bespoke sizes available to order in around 2 weeks. It is being manufactured on a dedicated assembly line at AluFold Direct’s state of the art, highly automated factory in Blackburn using brand new machinery which delivers a consistent, precision output every single time. For installers who already buy bifolds or sliders from AluFold, it represents a great opportunity to source more of their aluminium products from one proven supplier. Russell Yates added: “Xenlite is the first opportunity we’ve had to really show our customers the benefits of our investments in industrialised fabrication and in-house design. Essentially, we’ve been able to develop a truly innovative product manufactured to precision quality standards but with a competitive price tag – and that is all down to the scale and efficiency of our factory.” More details on Xenlite, including sizes, colours, and ordering options, are available at: https://www.xenlite.co.uk/
“We’ve been flat-roof skylight specialists for 18 years and this is our very first model specifically designed for 20-60° roofs,” says Justin Seldis, MD at Sunsquare. “Using our pioneering design experience, we wanted to address all the common issues people face with pitched roof skylights, such as thermal performance, condensation, safety and usability, and we’ve ended up with the most advanced skylight out there. “But that wasn’t our only focus, we wanted to make it as straight forward as possible for installers too. That’s why we developed a universal flashing kit that will suit any tiled roof, from 20-60°. Our kit has everything you’ll ever need with no hidden extras needed, even for bespoke sizes. In fact, the skylight, flashing kit and upstand all come as part of the package, so installers always have everything they need to get the job done easily.” As with all Sunsquare’s skylights, Aero Pitch offers unrivalled thermal performance and is completely thermally broken, providing an effective barrier between internal and external temperatures. It offers U values as low as 0.5 W/m2K and is completely condensation free. It keeps rooms warm, dry and more energy efficient all year round, cutting energy bills and reducing the building’s carbon footprint too. Aero Pitch also comes with Smartsquare, the world’s first smart switch as standard. This allows users to open or close the
skylight wherever they are at the touch of a smart phone button or through smart speakers. They can even programme it to automatically open and close based on weather conditions, humidity, inside temperature, sunrise or sunset, or even their proximity to the building. Safety is another key feature. Aero Pitch uses shatter-proof laminated glass and is top hinged for extra security. It’s also the first pitched roof skylight to hold a BSI Kitemark – a globally renowned stamp of quality. This means it’s been independently tested to destruction to ensure ultimate durability and endurance levels, giving people complete peace of mind. “On top of everything, we wanted to give people a skylight that was as flexible and as aesthetically pleasing as possible,” adds Justin. “Aero Pitch is sleek and stylish and can be tailor-made to suit any design. It comes in fixed and bespoke sizes, double and triple glazing, it’s compatible with any blind system and its aluminium frame can be powder-coated in any RAL colour to match any decor. It’s even available in a conservation format to complement more traditional architecture. With Aero Pitch, people have full design control.” Aero Pitch is available to buy online in seven fixed sizes, and bespoke sizes are available on request. Any order is backed by a ten-year insurance warranty, including a two-year guarantee on any necessary electronics. Visitors to Grand Designs Live (30th April – 8th May 22, ExCeL London) will be able to have an exclusive look at the new Aero Pitch rooflight on stand Q80, where a number of Sunsquare’s other market-leading flat-roof models will also be on show. For more information call 01284 848 792 or email sales@sunsquare.co.uk.
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ROOFING, RENOVATIONS & NEW BUILD
The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper
EXPLAINING PLANNING AND BUILDING CONTROL CERTIFICATION TO THE HOMEOWNER Panel Ridge Timber (notched for ventilation)
Ridge Tile
Ridge Batten
Ventilation Protector
Solid Timber Ridge
7" x 2" C24 Graded Timber
Metal Roof Tile Tile Spacer / Packer (not needed for slate)
High Performance Breathable Membrane
11.5mm OSB 3 Board
25mm Over Fascia Ventilator
Premium Eaves Protector
155mm Plustherm Insulation
NOW supplied 37.5mm Insulated Plasterboard Plustherm Insulation Glulam Eaves Beam
Ogee Gutter 150mm Fascia Board
2.5mm Plaster Skim Panel Eaves Timber
With Building Regulations now giving more specific guidelines on what should be happening in new thermal layers (such as a solid roof), it is all the more important that the right advice is provided to homeowners when it comes to having extension work carried out on their property. As it is their legal responsibility to ensure that any work carried out on their property meets the current regulations, below as some guidelines on how to explain how it works. MFA, Icotherm’s partners for Building Control inspections, explain it as follows.
In many instances you can add an additional extension to your property under permitted development without planning consent, however this will depend on several factors: • Have you already extended your property? • Is the addition to be built on the rear, side or front of the property? • Is your home in an area of outstanding natural beauty? • Is the property listed as being of importance such as grade 1 or grade 2? Your local planning authority will be able to advise you if planning consent is required, and it is best to check before work begins.
BUILDING REGULATIONS These are a separate matter to planning permission and are there to ensure that the alteration or addition meet with safety standards, thermal values and the
design has been verified that it meets with prevailing legislation. Whilst older type lean-to conservatories were regarded as a greenhouse type structure and exempt from building regulations, modern conservatories with heating elements etc., which are used as an extension from the house do require building regulation approval. Your home insurance policy requires that extensions to your property meet with building regulations, otherwise they may not be covered by your policy and in addition should you wish to sell your property in the future you will need to provide your Solicitor with a copy of the building regulations final certificate for the sale to proceed.
ICOTHERM – THE 0.15 U-VALUE ROOF Because the Icotherm roof was already performing at 0.16, as proven by official BRE test reports, we did not have a difficult R&D journey to reach the now required 0.15. Our customers will find that minimal adjustment to the roof itself will be required, and is, quite simply the addition of a 37.5mm insulated plasterboard, which will be supplied with the roof. For more information visit www.icotherm.co.uk or contact us on info@icotherm.co.uk.
The June 2022 revisions to the building regulations mean more emphasis on thermal efficiency and thus any changes to `controlled elements` such as roofs or replacing doors/windows for example, will be subject to building regulation compliance.
PLANNING PERMISSION AND BUILDING REGULATIONS These can often be confusing when considering building a new addition to your property, but it is important that your investment meets with the relevant approval processes.
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June 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk
Elevate Lantern Roof
A LU M I N I U M C O N ST R U CT I O N WITH PVCU THERMAL P E R FO R M A N C E Aluminium construction with slim internal sight lines Highly energy efficient with PVCu EnergyPlus caps Patented dam for supreme weather performance
Available in 9 colours with up to 36 colour combinations: Bespoke sizes to fit your exact requirements
External:
Solar control and/or self-cleaning glazing options White
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White Foil
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Cream Foil
Chartwell Green
Irish Oak
Rosewood
7016 Grey
Fast assembly and installation White
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The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper
UAP PLAYS A KEY ROLE IN
COMPLIANT DOOR PRODUCTION
Expensive and portable tech, car keys, bank cards and even correspondence from which thieves can harvest data are all lucrative reasons for the criminal fraternity to keep developing techniques for breaking into others’ homes. To help protect home owners and tenants, the Government introduced Approved Document Q: Security, Dwellings in 2015; statutory building regulations guidance which outlines the standards required for doors and windows in new properties to protect the occupier from the threat of burglary. To comply with Document Q, doors installed in new homes must pass PAS 24 testing, a rigorous testing process that requires the fully-finished door, including all hardware and locks, to withstand attempt to gain access. Builder’s merchants need to be certain that all doors being sold to customers have passed these rigorous tests and UAP is working collaboratively with door manufacturers to help them pass first time, helping them get products to market faster and more cost-effectively. Barry Halpin, sales director at UAP Ltd explains: “Mandatory testing is integral to product development costs for door manufacturers and any door that does not pass first time must be re-tested until it meets the required standard. Consequently, any element of the door that does not pass, no matter what it might be, can cause the whole door to fail, incurring the costs associated with re-testing and delays in bringing the finished door to market. “UAP’s approach is to work in partnership with door manufacturers to provide a complete set of door hardware and the locking system, combining products that have already
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undergone substantial testing and quality assurance, to enable a first time pass for newly developed doors. We also ensure that the hardware we provide delivers a co-ordinated aesthetic, aligned to the design of the door, and provide full technical support and guidance during production selection, installation and throughout the testing process.”
MULTIPLE TESTS One of the UK door manufacturers that has benefitted from this approach is PDS Doorsets, a specialist in composite doors and fire doors for residential properties. UAP supports PDS’ R&D and testing regimes by providing complete sets of hardware as test samples, including Fullex multipoint locks TS008 Soterian letterplates, Duo door handles and Kinetica 3* cylinders. For fire door products, UAP provides locks and hardware from its Firemongery range of fire safety products, which have already been thoroughly tested and certified for fire-rated installations. Ben Davies, testing compliance manager at PDS comments: “The hardware elements installed in a door are often the most vulnerable points for burglars seeking to gain access. While the lock is the obvious focus for security, the letterplate and other fixtures could also be a potential weakness. “When we work with UAP, we are dealing with a company that has worked in the sector for 25 years and is constantly investing in new product development. PAS 24 involves destructive testing, so having a partner that will provide us with enough complete sets of samples to put the required number of doors through their paces to prove compliance is a big help. It also means we can be confident of avoiding spiralling costs and delays due to re-testing.” The PAS 24 testing process includes scrutiny of both robust door fabrication and the hardware. The test procedures include a manipulation test and a security hardware and cylinder test. This testing process includes attempts to
Ben Davies
Barry Halpin
remove, dislodge or gain access to the cylinder, attempts to break or defeat the cylinder by applying a twisting or bending force and, should access to the internal workings of the cylinder be achieved, it also includes attempts to defeat the lock and gain access by operating any accessible mechanism. The door furniture and cylinder also have to remain intact and firmly fixed in place during a series of loading and impact tests designed to ensure the door can withstand various forms of attack.
FIRE SAFETY UAP also provides products, support and guidance to door manufacturers in preparation for fire door testing, offering complete sets of hardware samples for the tests along with the company’s expertise. This includes UAP’s TS008 compliant Soterian letterplates, which includes Certifire certified products designed specifically for use in fire doors, along with its Firemongery range of Document Q compliant fire rated hardware. Barry continues: “The boom in multi-occupancy residential developments and student accommodation means there is an increasing demand for domestic fire doors and our range is designed to prevent fire and smoke from spreading into individual dwellings from common areas, as well as the other way around. “Certifire approved TS008 letterplates can be fitted to timber fire doors with no further testing, whereas composite or steel fire doors must be tested as part of a complete door configuration prior to approval of the door’s fire rating. Consequently, timber fire doors and the Certifire approved Soterian TS 008 letterplate are an ideal combination for sale through the builder’s merchant channel.”
June 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk
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HARDWARE
GENIUS PVC TRADE FRAMES SEES THE BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH TOTAL HARDWARE Trade fabricator Genius PVC Trade Frames was founded by industry stalwarts Peter Dyson and David Eagle in 2019. Their hardware partner of choice from the start has been Total Hardware – and it’s a choice both Peter and David are delighted with. Peter commented: “Genius was set up to provide high quality products to our customers so our choice of hardware partner was crucial. We’d worked with Total Hardware in previous businesses so knew from experience what they had to offer. We had no hesitation in partnering with them when we set up Genius.” Peter highlights several benefits of working with Total Hardware. “They have
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LETTERPLATES SHOULDN’T BE AN AFTERTHOUGHT an impressive breadth and depth of hardware ranges, as well as the quality our customer demographic needs.” Genius purchases Yale doorlocks and shootbolts from Total Hardware as well as Total’s Quantum range of premium hardware. Total’s robust stock levels and next day delivery service also offer benefits. Peter comments: “It’s an offer that is able to support a proactive and ambitious trade business like ours, and it’s proving invaluable as we target growth.” Genius, a national supplier of windows and doors, has adopted an ambitious growth strategy and plans to reach 2,500 frames per week in just a matter of years. Its key points of differentiation are quality, product design and outstanding customer service credentials – an
offer that is proving extremely popular. The company has recently taken occupancy of a third 9,000 sq ft manufacturing facility at its headquarters in Norwich to help it keep pace with demand. Peter comments: “Total Hardware has invested heavily in its business to strengthen its offer, even in the face of supply chain uncertainty. It’s a proactive approach that echoes our own and it’s resulted in an extremely strong partnership.”
Letterplates are a vital piece of door furniture but they are often its weakest link thanks to security and fire safety risks. It’s something that John Crittenden, Managing Director of independent hardware distributor Carl F Groupco, is keen to highlight. “It’s very easy to focus on the aesthetics of a letterplate. They’re important, of course, but it’s vital to remember safety and security too. We have a range of letterplates that tick all the boxes.” The security risks of letterplates came into focus with the introduction of the Door and Hardware Federation’s TS008: 2015 security standard. All Carl F Groupco’s stocked letterplates meet the requirements of TS008 as a minimum. The range includes the Yale Postmaster Professional TS008 letterplate, which will fit on any PAS 24 accredited door to meet the requirements of TS008 without the need to retest. It features a telescopic sleeve to suit
He concludes: “We have a great relationship with all the Total Hardware team and we work very much in partnership with them. They certainly add value to our business.”
a variety of composite and PVC-U door thicknesses, ranging from 40mm – 75mm. There’s also a fire rated variant with intumescent material available. When tested as part of a doorset, Yale’s Postmaster Professional TS008 letterplate not only exceeded the FD60 time test by an additional 25%, but also successfully passed the smoke leakage test. Elsewhere in Carl F Groupco’s range, there’s the Soterian Slim TS008 Letterplate, which boasts features that set it apart from other TS008 letterplates on the market – and take it beyond TS008 for the ultimate in security. It features serrated stays, which are foldable to achieve compactness for transit and storage, biased to stay open to aid fitting and serrated to frustrate thumbturn or handle manipulation by strap/cord. Designed for 44mm – 70mm composite, timber and PVC-U doors, installation involves simply eight screws and a hinge rod. Carl F Groupco’s range of letterplates offers everything you’d expect from a company that is approaching 70 years in business. As John concludes: “The devil is always in the detail. We work hard to pay attention to that detail so our customers can have peace of mind that we offer a range of letterplates that meet and exceed high security and fire safety standards.” Tel: 01733 393 330 www.carlfgroupco.co.uk www.smartsecure.co.uk www.carlfdirect.co.uk
Tel: 0113 243 2255 www.totalhardwareltd.co.uk
Q-SECURE; A TEMPTING CARROT
Hardware expert VBH, the company behind the popular greenteQ range of hardware and furniture, has reported a steep rise in registrations for its Q-secure consumer security guarantee. Q-secure guarantees the security of windows, doors and patio doors up to a potential £8000 payout, which is paid direct to the end user in the event of a break in through a registered product. Installations must have been carried out by an approved Q-secure installer and registered direct with VBH. VBH advise that registrations in the first quarter of 2022 are 87% up on those in the final 3 months of 2021.
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Marketing Manager Gary Gleeson says, “A near doubling of registrations is really encouraging and shows that our guarantee
is proving a hit with our customers, who find it to be a real help in closing deals. Q-secure Network members have a
valuable, but free, extra carrot to dangle now that sales people once again have to work hard to achieve new business.” VBH help by generating free leads for the Network with advertising and other activities direct to the general public.
Gary adds, “We are talking to quite a few potential new customers who are interested in switching to VBH so they can offer Q-secure either direct or through their installer base. We expect to be reporting another big rise after Q2 as more people realise that Q-secure is beneficial to everyone in the supply chain, and just needs to be offered by the salesperson at the sharp end. It’s a no-brainer, really.” Manufacturers and installers interested in joining the Network are advised to contact VBH via the contact form at www.qsecure.co.uk or by emailing VBH direct at info@vbhgb.com.
June 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk
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TECH TALK
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TECH TALK with Strafford Cooke, Technical Director, Mila
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD ON APPROVED DOCUMENT Q If you’re just getting to grips with the upcoming changes to Part L and Part F of the Building Regs – and wondering what Part O even means – you probably won’t want to think about any more legislative changes which might impact on your business. Strafford Cooke, Technical Director, Mila
However, I want to sound the alarm that the consultation on PAS24: 2022 has just closed, and a new updated security standard is definitely on the way. I hope as many people as possible had the chance to make their thoughts known, because, as we all know, once the consultation on a new standard is over, it’s too late to complain about the implications. The significance of the updated PAS24: 2022 is that it will be referenced in the new Approved Document Q, which we could expect to see implemented as early as Summer next year. And, while we have all got used to Approved Document Q requiring PAS24: 2012 in new builds and change of use installations, the expectation seems to be that, from 2023, ADQ will require PAS24 2022 accreditation for the replacement market as well. Within the consultation document are higher specifications for hardware and additional requirements for doors such as security chains and spy holes. And what looks like a reinforcement of the requirement for doorsets, coupled side panels and accessible windows to include at least one pane of Class P1A laminated glass. I’ve read the proposed standard several times and, like others who have responded to the consultation, I’ve asked for clarification on whether the requirement is for laminated glass in ALL vulnerable windows or just for windows next to doors. If it is all accessible windows, then there is currently not enough capacity in the glass market to meet that scale of demand for laminated glass and there will need to be huge investments made in production to avoid massive bottlenecks. Even if it is only windows adjacent to doors, then consideration will still need to be given to the negative impact a switch to laminated glass would have on the thermal performance of those products. We’re already seeing a situation where the thermal efficiency of windows which meet the requirements of the new Part L is being
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product which doesn’t actually comply to any industry standard. There needs to be a broader understanding of the fact that security is not just about the locking hardware that is fitted but about the overall performance of the window or doorset. Certainly, for those whose offerings aren’t PAS24 accredited, there is likely to be a race to upgrade their products, get their windows and doors tested and accredited, and hopefully start the process of educating the wider market. compromised by the addition of trickle vents in line with Part F; and we could potentially face another situation where two parts of the Building Regs are seemingly in conflict with each other. I’ve said many times that there is too much emphasis in the Building Regs on energy ratings and ventilation and not enough on security. I’m sure Mr and Mrs Jones would prioritise security over efficiency – particularly when they learn that even a top
A rated window will have to have a slot cut in it to allow air to flow through! Some fabricators will obviously welcome the extension of PAS24 testing into the replacement market as they will see it as levelling the playing field. They have been supplying PAS24 complaint windows and doors into the replacement market for several years but have seen themselves being undercut on price by others who are selling an advertised security locking
At Mila, we are very confident that our security hardware options will provide our customers with everything they need to comply with higher specifications. Our security range includes 1* cylinders and accompanying 2* handles, 3* cylinders, and TS008 compliant anti-fishing letterplates, so fabricators who buy from us can relax knowing that they are in safe hands. But, as I see it, the challenge for the market is not in complying with new hardware specifications, but rather in a potentially industry-wide switch to the Class P1A laminate glass. Until we get the results of the PAS24: 2022 consultation and have chance to review the proposed new ADQ, it’s impossible to get a clear view. However, I would urge everyone who feels disappointed or frustrated by the apparent contradictions between Part L and Part F to engage with the regulatory process as soon as the option becomes available. We need to make sure that the voice of the industry is heard loud and clear this time around when it comes to security. More details at: www.mila.co.uk By Strafford Cooke Technical Director, Mila
June 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk
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DEKKO WINDOW SYSTEMS SIGNS MULTI-MILLIONPOUND MACHINERY DEAL WITH HAFFNER
40 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
Dekko Window Systems has signed a multimillion-pound machinery deal with Haffner to invest in Graf Synergy’s world first fully seamless window fabrication set up. Dekko Sales Director Kurt Greatrex said: “Following the success of our Infinity range of PVC-U windows, we’ve improved our offering to manufacture a window with a fully seamless weld. It’s a world first from Dekko, and we would not have been able to make it happen without the Graf Synergy machines from Haffner. The innovative smooth corner weld design of this new window is stylish and attractive, perfectly replicating authentic timber frames, and the perfect choice for adding charm and character to any property.” He added: “Dekko is the first company in the UK to offer this unique window, and we were delighted to showcase what it has to offer with Haffner at this year’s FIT Show.” Matt Thomas, Managing Director of Haffner, said: “Graf Synergy seamless welding technology is a gamechanger for the industry. The patented technology delivers a transformational difference in product quality and we are delighted that Dekko Window Systems have invested in this latest technology.”
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This year, Central Window Systems is celebrating an important milestone – four decades of quality products, reliable service, and outstanding customer care. It’s not every day you turn 40, and for a business that’s grown from a small PVCu fabricator to a company with an annual turnover of over £13 million, it’s not just a milestone, but quite an achievement too. Among other notable events, 1982 welcomed the Queen’s Pearl Jubilee and the birth of Prince William, as well as the introduction of the first 20p coin into circulation. And while Duran Duran, The Cure, and Roxy Music were topping the UK charts, a small fabricator that would become Central Window Systems was being founded in the Midlands. “Central Window Systems has a long and rich history, and to reach 40 years is an incredible milestone for the company and everyone that’s been involved throughout that time,” comments CEO Gary Morton.
LONG HISTORY Marking the beginning of a successful journey, the company started off as Reliant Products Limited (RPL), a small but growing fabricator, and since then, it’s certainly come a long way. Back in 2015, Gary started up a West Midlands fenestration manufacturing group, the Boing Boing Group, with a plan to build one of the UK’s best fabricators. And one of the first acts of the Boing Boing Group was to buy RPL.
Graf Synergy’s range offers solutions for fabricators of all sizes. The patented machines are suitable for fabricators manufacturing feature-rich products and they are equally appropriate for high volume casement output because they deliver high levels of automation throughout the entire fabrication process.
“For many years, PVCu has been a very basic, functional product, but it has since come on leaps and bounds. We were starting to see more of a demand for premium quality PVCu windows and doors, and so through Central RPL, we wanted to help installers make the most of these products,” Gary explains.
Matt concluded: “The Graf Synergy patented technology delivers a serious competitive advantage for fabricators of all sizes. However, I also think that as the seamless technology becomes more widespread, it will become standard in the industry. Dekko Window Systems has really seized the initiative with their investment and I’d advise fabricators not to miss the opportunity to investigate the options for themselves.”
Not long after, Gary saw a similar gap in the aluminium market – installers were looking for high-end products, and aluminium fabricators were in short supply.
Tel: 01785 222421 – www.haffnerltd.com
The company also put a lot of time and effort into streamlining processes, talking to customers, and focusing on exactly what they wanted to see from a fabricator.
As a result, in early 2017, Central ASL was born, focusing exclusively on quality aluminium products, from bi-folds and patio doors, to casement and sash windows. Just four years later, in early 2021, RPL and ASL merged into Central Window Systems, giving customers access to the best of both worlds. Gary explains: “RPL and ASL were both excellent businesses offering a wide range of market-leading products, but we found that many of our customers who bought PVCu products from us struggled to make the connection to our aluminium offering, and vice versa. “Merging the two just made sense, and really allowed us to provide a better, more streamlined service, helping installers benefit from the full extent of an entire product range.”
“For many years, PVCu has been a very basic, functional product, but it has since come on leaps and bounds. We were starting to see more of a demand for premium quality PVCu windows and doors, and so through Central RPL, we wanted to help installers make the most of these products." 42
Photo: L-R: Sales and Marketing Director Martyn Elwell, PVCu Operations Director Matthew Kelly, CEO Gary Morton, Group Finance Director Kristie Hughes, and Aluminium Division Director Paul Woods
“Merging the two just made sense, and really allowed us to provide a better, more streamlined service.” LOOKING TO THE FUTURE Since then, Central Window Systems has gone from strength to strength, with decades of experience helping the company navigate through two years of a pandemic – the most challenging period the industry has ever seen. And today, Central is only looking to the future. In the past year, as part of its overall growth strategy, the company expanded its aluminium service into the domestic market, growing both its product portfolio and customer base. This investment came after a factory expansion to a total of 52,000 square feet, allowing for capacity to manufacture up to 1,500 frames per week, as well as for additional storage space in which to keep more stock, thus ensuring lead times are kept to a minimum. The past few months also saw Central invest over £400K in new machinery in order to meet growing demand and improve its manufacturing capability. In addition, the company has introduced a new Warehouse and Logistics Manager, Commercial Estimator, and expanded both its senior management and customer service teams. Gary concludes: “Since 1982, we’ve seen it all – recessions, economic booms, regulatory changes, Brexit, and a global pandemic. Through a steadfast commitment to delivering high-quality products and services, we’ve thrived over the past 40 years, something we would not have achieved without the support of our valued customers, suppliers and colleagues. “We are incredibly proud to have reached this milestone – it’s a testament to our hard work and dedication, and a poignant time for Central, marking not only the company’s rich past, but the start of what I believe will be a very bright future ahead.” For more information, visit www.centralwindowsystems.co.uk.
June 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk
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CREATING BRIGHT FUTURES
FIT SHOW 2022 REVIEW
The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper
ODL EUROPE IS ONE OF THE FIRST TO SIGN UP FOR FIT 2023 Following an exceptional FIT 2022, ODL Europe has become one of the first companies to sign up to exhibit at the show next year. FIT 2022 was the first for the company’s new Managing Director, Bryan Bultema, who said: “This was a great show for ODL Europe, with a high-quality footfall and a large pipeline of new business opportunities. It was a great opportunity to meet customers and potential customers, as well as network with industry peers. It was the first time the industry had got back together for a face-to-face exhibition, so there was a great atmosphere – it was a fantastic business event.”
was particularly notable, in particular the quality and reliability of the world-leading Capstone composite door slab. Also attracting a great deal of attention was the Guardsman Fire Door, the game changing door that won Best New Product of the Year at the G21 Awards.
ODL Europe’s stand showcased its strength as a business that adds value to building products. The depth of its door offering
Nickie West, FIT Show’s Managing Director, commented: “ODL Europe put on a brilliant display for our visitors this May and I
The company was happy to sign up for FIT 2023 at the end of the first day. Bryan explained: “The FIT Show is the UK’s leading trade exhibition for the industry, so it made good business sense to sign up at the earliest opportunity. We had a great first day and it was clear the show was going to be a success so we had no hesitation in signing up for next year.”
FENTRADE SEES FIT SHOW SUCCESS Specialist aluminium fabricator Fentrade’s first time exhibiting at the FIT Show has seen it secure a strong pipeline of potential new work. Chris Reeks, Fentrade’s Director, said: “We were delighted to have a presence at FIT this year and to have secured so many new enquiries. It was great to see customers face-toface and to meet many potential new customers too.” The trade fabricator’s stand showcased the newest addition to the company’s range, the Concept Patio® 130 slide and lift-slide system from Reynaers. Chris commented: “The
Reynaers CP 130 system attracted the attention we knew it would. It’s an incredibly versatile door system that offers a multitude of ways to deliver the large glazed expanses today’s homeowners are looking for.” Also drawing visitors to Fentrade’s stand was the prize draw to win an overnight stay for two people at Celtic Manor Resort in Newport with a round of golf as well. Chris said: “Fentrade is a proudly Welsh business based in Newport and near to the Celtic Manor, which is one of Europe’s finest golfing destinations. It was a championship
prize and it attracted the level of attention I knew it would! The prize was won by Kevin Stallard of Saje Upvc Limited” Fentrade is a young company but its team has a wealth of industry experience and it has a rapidly growing reputation as a customerfocused business. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of products from renowned industry brands such as AluK, Reynaers and Kestrel Aluminium, all manufactured at its state-of-the-art facilities in Newport. It backs this up with exceptional customer service based on proactive communication and attention to detail. Chris concluded: “We very much enjoyed speaking to visitors about what makes us different and the value we can bring as a supply partner. It was a great event that has more than delivered on expectations for us. Having such a successful inaugural show for Fentrade with a strong return on investment, we had no hesitation in signing up for FIT 2023.” Tel: 01633 547787 fentradealuminium.co.uk
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am delighted that they will be joining the exhibitor line-up for 2023. Our visitors flocked to the ODL Europe stand with high expectations for both the breadth and quality of products on display and they were not disappointed. I’m excited to see how ODL Europe builds on its 2022 success at FIT Show next May.” Bryan concluded: “The professionalism of the show was amazing. I’d like to thank all the organisers for working on such an impressive event. A huge thank you must also go to the ODL Europe team and our marketing support partner for an exceptional stand that showcased our range of doors so well. We’re already looking forward to next year!” Tel: 0151 933 0299 www.odleurope.com
THE SMARTEST SHOWING FROM KUBU Kubu Smart made a remarkable impression at this year’s FIT Show, providing the industry with a complete smart home solution, regardless of handle or cylinder preference. A complete range of window and door smart sensors were presented, backed with a unique, smart security guarantee, alongside new Avantis multi-point locks that ‘Work with Kubu’.
The emergence of smart tech for the industry cannot be underestimated, explained an enthusiastic Ryan Bromley, co-founder of Kubu Smart. He explained: ‘FIT Show 2022 was a game changer for us, with the industry’s first smart solutions for windows, doors and the retro-fit market all ready for launch. We’re fully tooled and actively in production, with stocks of sensors and Avantis hardware available just a matter of weeks after the show. Feedback from visitors was nothing short of exceptional. He continued: ‘The partnerships we have in place are a testament to the confidence people have in Kubu, with many more in the pipeline too. As a global business we’ve got over 12 years’ experience in smart-sensor design, development, and manufacturing. With over 120 million active sensors, for some of the world’s best-known brands, in consumer’s homes worldwide, you can trust in our experience and reliability. Kubu Smart Security technology is ready now, with some consumers already enjoying a connected smarthome with sensors on all of their windows and doors.’ For information about becoming a manufacturing partner or Kubu Pro Installer then please visit kubu-home.com/ trade, e-mail support@kubu-home.com or call 0330 555 9545 for a free information pack. Please also follow them on all leading social media platforms @GetKubu.
From the outset Kubu has been developed for any cylinder and any handle, but the company has aligned itself with Avocet and ABS as their cylinder partner. Other partnerships with Locket for home insurance, Dekko, DoorCo, Garnalex/Sheerline, Haffner, KÖMMERLING, and Listers were represented across the FIT Show, while meetings were held with other global smart-tech giants across the three days.
June 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk
FIT SHOW 2022 REVIEW
The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! THE WINDOW AND DOOR INDUSTRY HAS NOW BEEN INTRODUCED TO GERDA RESIDENTIAL DOORS With this year’s recent FIT Show now widely acknowledged as an unequivocal success, Pioneer Trading’s Managing Director Danny Williams has also joined in the accolades being heaped on the event by declaring it: ‘The Best FIT Ever!’ “I have attended every previous FIT Show, three times as an exhibitor,” said Danny, “and this was the best that I have been to, this time with a substantial stand through which we launched a brand and product, Gerda residential doors, that is completely new to the UK home improvement market. And it was successful beyond any expectations,” declared Danny.
Stylish, elegant and with an emphasis on high security with superior thermal performance across all of its products, Gerda Doors are superbly engineered using the finest steel and aluminium door construction techniques. With high performance levels and unique construction methods and materials, Gerda Doors are an effective alternative to conventional composite doors and it was hoped by Danny that a launch at the FIT Show would quickly establish Gerda as a strong, prestigious brand in the UK.
‘Mission accomplished,” said Danny. “Of the hundreds of visitors to our stand we took 198 detailed contact forms from people that had examined the Gerda doors and who want to know more. These came from every area in the UK, and an impressive number from the Irish Republic too. We have enquiries from Scotland, the Channel Islands and every area of England and Wales, to the point where we can now begin calculating transport drops throughout the UK,” he explained.
In fact, continued Danny, he was a little apprehensive in the build-up to the event: “We have been through some very unusual and quite nervous times and circumstances and these continue to be challenging,” he said. “Would people be worried about Covid, would they take time to attend with the market still busy…had people got out of the ‘FIT habit’? – all of these were issues. But we need not have worried.” Pioneer Trading used the FIT Show to launch a unique range of Gerda steel and aluminium front entrance doors in the UK.
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The real work begins now, concluded Danny: “Our launch at FIT Show exceeded every hope that we had. But we are already visiting the people that we met at the show and the first GERDA residential doors will be installed in British homes within the next few weeks.” All enquiries to: Tina Beal, Gerda Doors at Pioneer, 01245 362236 www.gerdadoors.co.uk. NB: Gerda Doors in Partnership with Pioneer Trading, should not be confused with Gerda Security Products Ltd, of Bury St Edmunds
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The FIT Show also worked in another crucial, though unexpected way, observed Danny: “Our partnership with Gerda has been very positive and their investment in our stand and launch in the UK is impressive. But the FIT Show showed the Gerda owners and executives just how vibrant and exciting the home improvement sector is in Britain and Ireland, how professional and dynamic we are as an industry, and the high esteem in which Pioneer is held as a company. It cemented our relationship and made them even more committed to the market.”
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www.glassnews.co.uk | June 2022
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FIT SHOW 2022 REVIEW
The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper
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VEKA TAKE HOME ‘30 UNDER 30’ AWARD AT THIS YEAR’S FIT SHOW VEKA ended the industry-leading FIT show event on a high with the Head of Commercial Support, Khaleel Mahmood, winning the prestigious ’30 under 30’ award. The 30 Under 30 award by FIT Show recognises and rewards the next generation of industry leaders, the people who are making waves and pushing boundaries in fenestration or going that extra mile every day to make a difference. A strong category from entrants across the industry, 28-year-old Khaleel’s entry shone through, Khaleel said ‘It was an honour to be nominated let alone win, it’s humbling to be acknowledged by the industry for the work I do but none of that would be possible without the opportunities provided by VEKA and the support of my colleagues’. What stood out about Khaleel wasn’t just his impeccable high standards; adept problemsolving skills; or an infectious positive attitude. It's the fact that from the moment he stepped through VEKA's doors five years ago, he has approached every day as an opportunity to better himself, personally and professionally. Not long after Khaleel joined VEKA in 2017, he began a whirlwind tour of the business. Rather than keeping him in the job for which he’d successfully applied, his manager decided to ask the business and economics graduate to take on a series of projects designed to test his leadership skills. The first saw him complete a major health and safety project, managing a team of experienced staff and a budget of £200,000. He rose to the challenge, delivering on time and under budget. He was then parachuted into the packaging department, where he devised a way of clearing a major bottleneck. From here,
the lamination department, where to gain a better understanding of the job, he went on to shifts for four months, before helping during a period of restructure. Each new role has brought with it the chance to learn, and evolve, as both an employee and as a leader. True to VEKA’s culture and values, Khaleel has seized these opportunities with both hands, demonstrating a desire to work outside of his comfort zone, while helping those around him fulfil their potential. Khaleel is as ambitious as he is dedicated and applied for the job of Commercial Manager in 2020. He is now Head of the growing Commercial Support Team. Inspired by Khaleel’s story? VEKA are currently recruiting for a Commercial Advisor, join Khaleel’s team by visiting www.veka.co.uk/careers
FIT SHOWED ‘OUR INDUSTRY AT ITS BEST’ Quickslide’s Chairman Adrian Barraclough hailed this year’s FIT Show as one for the people, and said the industry coming together face-to-face again was the highlight of the event. “One of the things I love most about our industry is the charisma, character and camaraderie of the people,” said Adrian, “and this year the FIT Show reminded us all just how important and impressive that is. “Quickslide took a last-minute large space at the show so, as well as showing off our flagship Legacy Vertical Slider, we were lucky to benefit from a generous casual seating area, encouraging many new and familiar faces to come and sit down for a chat with the Quickslide team. “It was great just to be together again and talk. Plus, we have various new and exciting products and solutions launching, so seeing visitors on-stand was a great opportunity to discuss how these can help Quickslide and its trade partners grow together going forward.”
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For Adrian, everything about the FIT Show was right this year; the exhibitors, the audience, the location, not to mention the timing, as it came at the end of a recent whistlestop tour of several Quickslide customers, which he documented in video posts on social media. “It has been so uplifting getting back out to see customers again. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it and the FIT Show was the icing on the cake,” he said. “There was so much energy and positivity on display, along with plenty of innovation.” This year’s show, Adrian concluded, was: “the perfect opportunity for the fenestration industry to put the past two years behind us and get back to what we’ve been missing: the way we bounce off each other for the benefit of us all. “It really did show the best of our industry.” www.quickslide.co.uk
June 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk
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FIT SHOW 2022 REVIEW
The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper
WE MIND & KELLY MATTERS CHARITY FIT SHOW VISITORS HUNGRY HAILS FIT SHOW STAND SUCCESS FOR INFORMATION
Mental health charity, We Mind & Kelly Matters (WM&KM) used this year’s FIT Show to officially launch their latest charity challenge - nicknamed ‘The Loneliest Road’ - to the industry.
WM&KM was founded in 2019 by former Glazerite UK Group Chairman, John Hewitt, following the death of his daughter, Kelly. John and supporters of the charity hosted a stand at the show to highlight the work the charity does to raise awareness of mental health issues and support those who have been bereaved by suicide. John says: “We had two exercise bikes on the stand and asked visitors to have a go at cycling 2.5 miles as part of our forthcoming ‘Loneliest Road’ challenge, which will see our fundraising team, Kelly’s Heroes, cycle across Europe and the USA. We timed the efforts of those who took part in the fastest lap challenge, and I’m pleased to say Andy Parry of Everglade UK was the quickest, with a time of 5 minutes and 42 seconds! He was closely followed by Brisant’s Gareth Turner, Made for Trade’s Chris Wann, and John Armstrong of Armstrong Industries.”
John was delighted with the response to the charity’s presence at the show, which was warmly welcomed by those who visited it during the three-day event. John adds: “Many people were telling us it was their favourite stand. We were also able to sign up some additional riders and 11 new kit sponsors for the Loneliest Road, which we are so excited about and grateful for. Thank you to all of those who have thrown their support behind us so far.” The charity was also able to use its stand to discuss mental health and the importance of talking and listening. John adds: “We’ve seen that more employers are beginning to understand how someone’s mental wellbeing is just as important as their physical health. “One chap who visited us by chance to borrow a phone charger really opened up about his own struggles and that of his child. It was an emotional conversation, and we were mutually appreciative of each other’s situation and the opportunity to talk. It just goes to show you never know what the person standing or sitting next to you has or is going through and being there at the show just to be able to reach out to this gentleman really made our presence worthwhile. We can all work together to show people they are not alone, and that’s one of the reasons why we are undertaking the Loneliest Road challenge later this year.” The Loneliest Road, sponsored by VEKA Group, starts in Spain on 10th September 2022 (World Suicide Prevention Day) and finishes in the USA on 10th October 2022 (World Mental health Day). To find out how you can support Kelly’s Heroes in the build-up to and during the challenge, visit wemindandkellymatters.org.uk or https://youtu.be/12yI2dnozig.
HAFFNER CELEBRATES FIT 2022 SUCCESS – AND SIGNS UP FOR FIT 2023 Haffner is celebrating an outstanding FIT 2022 and has already signed up for FIT 2023. Speaking after the show, Haffner CEO Dave Thomas said: “FIT 2022 was an amazing success. The quality of the footfall was tremendous, with numerous six-figure machinery packages sold directly from the stand from day one. We broke our own record for the amount of new business we secured and we have a large pipeline of potential new business too.” Haffner’s stand stood out for several reasons. The first was its size – it was the largest stand in the show’s history and was memorably described on FIT TV as ‘less stand, more zone’. It also attracted attention as the home of the world’s first fully seamless window fabrication demonstration thanks to Graf Synergy technology. Dave commented: “Graf seamless welding technology is a gamechanger for the industry and this is
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reflected in the number of patents its machinery has. We were delighted to host Dekko Window Systems who recently signed a multimillion-pound machinery deal with Haffner to invest in Graf Synergy’s fully seamless window fabrication set up. Live demonstrations ran every two hours throughout the show which attracted much attention.” There was a general buzz throughout the three-day
show, which was the first since 2019. Dave commented: “It’s clear the industry has missed being able to get together face-to-face and especially the ability to see a vast range of machinery for themselves. Fabricators of all sizes in both aluminium and PVC-U were able to discuss the packages that were right for their business. Our stand was busy throughout the three days and even though we had the largest stand in the FIT Show history,
the return on investment was evident right from the start. We had no hesitation in signing up for next year.” Nickie West, FIT Show event director, commented: ”We are absolutely thrilled that Haffner has become one of our first exhibitor signings for FIT Show 2023. “Their presence at FIT Show this May was a huge success and we are excited to see what they have planned for next year. Being able to showcase running machinery on the scale that Haffner did at FIT Show 22 was a big draw for visitors. We’re excited to build on this, alongside Haffner, for FIT Show 2023.”
SAYS GGF & FENSA
The Glass & Glazing Federation and FENSA are delighted to announce a successful FIT Show for both organisations who offered industry peers a bank of information on areas such as recruiting new talent, upskilling, winning new business, and changes to building regulations. Anda Gregory, Chief Development Officer at the GGF explains: “Visitors to the FIT Show were evidently hungry for more information on many issues. It was clear to see from the number of visitors coming to see us during the show that companies want to apply best practice and do the right thing but are struggling to find all the answers they need. It was great to share our expertise and knowledge on both of our stands, but also at the series of talks we gave throughout the show. The seminars were packed out and were well received by all who attended. “The GGF’s Skilled Pathways Scheme and training offering also went down a storm at the show because companies could see that it has everything they need to attract new talent and offer full training programmes to employees. Similarly, the FENSA stand was inundated with people keen to learn more about the changes to Building Regulations. We had a mixture of visitors to both stands too – a vast number of members looking for more advice and guidance, as well as many more new faces looking to become members. Anda continues: “Despite the many challenges we have ahead, as we all anticipated, the show brought with it an immense sense of positivity, which was great to see. Meeting with industry peers, both members and non-members, face to face again was a wonderful reminder of how well we can all work together. Both the GGF and FENSA enjoyed catching up with colleagues in person to provide the trusted expertise that the industry was clearly so hungry for, but we are also looking forward to working with all aspects of the industry to offer our support on an ongoing basis.”
Dave concluded: “Congratulations to everyone involved in the superb organisation of the FIT Show this year. We’ll look forward to May 2023 and to another great year!’ Tel: 01785 222421 www.haffnermurat.com
June 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk
The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper
GLAZING SUMMIT LAUNCH GOES DOWN A STORM AT FIT
COMMUNITY SPIRIT AT FIT SHOW 2022 Business Pilot has reported a successful FIT Show 2022, with contracts signed on the stand during the three-day event at the NEC in May far exceeding expectations, driven in part by the firm’s biggest-ever giveaway: a show-exclusive three months’ unlimited use, for unlimited users, for just £1 a month. The business management tool provider’s stand was a hive of activity, with a Partner Zone handed over to partner companies and organisations; representatives from FENSA, CERTASS, Tommy Trinder, Windowlink, Everglade, Listers and Window Ware were on hand to discuss their own offering and the benefits of working with Business Pilot and with each other. Everglade also hosted a light-night cocktail party on the stand from 5pm on the Wednesday, where guests networked with mojitos and espresso martinis.
Excitement is building for this year’s Glazing Summit after its launch event at the FIT Show. To celebrate the launch of this year’s event, which takes place on Tuesday, October 18, at Edgbaston Stadium and Conference Centre, Glazing Summit organisers Insight Data and Purplex Marketing hosted an exclusive cocktail party at their joint stand. Visitors, including industry VIPs, Glazing Summit speakers, sponsors and guests enjoyed a selection of special cocktails produced fresh by a team of mixologists, a DJ and an evening of networking. Andrew Scott, Glazing Summit founder, said: “Our cocktail party was the perfect appetiser to Glazing Summit 2022 and it was brilliant to welcome everyone who attended and dropped in. There was a real buzz at the event and excitement is really building to October now.” One of the biggest events in the industry calendar, the Glazing Summit brings together glass and glazing’s most influential decision makers for a packed day of insight, debate and discussion on the biggest industry issues with expert panellists and keynote speakers, concluding in the evening with the exclusive Glazing Summit Dinner in the Edgbaston Banqueting Suite. Big-names already onboard include headline sponsors Yale and the likes of Unique Window Systems, MACO, Exlabesa, Window Ware, Edgetech, Glazpart, Carl F Groupco Limited, Shelforce, Caribbean Blinds, Business Pilot and Chase Taylor Recruitment.
FIT SHOW 2022 REVIEW
“We always believed that FIT Show 2022 would be successful, because we launched Business Pilot at the same event in 2019, and we knew that face-to-face meetings in an exhibition setting is a great way to do business,” Managing Director Elton Boocock said. “However, we weren’t quite expecting the numbers we entertained, and the lots of new business we signed. In fact, contracts with new customers were still being signed as the show was closing on the Thursday afternoon.”
A key new development that installers were keen to praise (even though it had only been launched less than a week before the show) was the integration with the FENSA portal, which allows window companies to register their installations with the governmentauthorised scheme with a click of a button, reducing the possibility of errors, and saving time and money. “We had Anda Gregory from the GGF speaking to editors about the new integration, and one of them asked how it had been received by customers,” Elton said. “Anda said was too early to say because it hadn’t been out for very long. But then one of our customers, who had been listening in, chipped in to say that they had started using the function immediately and that they were over the moon with it. We couldn’t have planned it!”
Business Pilot came away from the FIT Show with more than double the number of leads than were captured during FIT Show 2019. However, significant new business was actually signed at this year’s event, the value of which would pay for exhibiting at the show within three to four months, Elton said.
Away from the stand, Business Pilot was visible across the whole show: Business Pilot-sponsored bags were handed out to visitors as they entered the halls; representatives took part in the lively seminar programme across the three days; and Elton was interviewed by FIT Show TV, which can be viewed online at https://youtu.be/6zpWSx8F894.
It was also a great opportunity for the team to meet existing customers to find out how Business Pilot is making their lives easier, and how they are making the most of all the new features.
“We’ve always believed Business Pilot is a community rather than just a piece of software,” Elton said. “And our experience at FIT Show 2022 has proved that. We’ve already looking forward to FIT Show 2023, and revealing the new developments we already have in the pipeline.”
Product development had shifted up a gear leading up to the show, and the team behind Business Pilot demoed significant new features that save time, reduce errors, and ultimately make companies more profitable.
To find out more please visit www.businesspilot.co.uk, email info@businesspilot.co.uk or call 0333 050 7560.
A FIT-TING WAY TO CELEBRATE 125 YEARS KÖMMERLING celebrated the 125-year anniversary of the brand in style at this year’s FIT Show with a stunning stand bursting with product innovation, large scale AV production and featuring a large central bar made from the company’s KomaCel sheet.
which were both very well received. There were also WarmCore bi-folding and patio doors on show, along with several product cross sections from the system, all of which provide significantly better energy efficiency credentials than typical aluminium systems.
Inspired by their Fensterbau stands from recent years, this year’s stand was a showcase of the power of the KÖMMERLING brand, backed by an unsurpassed product range that included their latest 70mm flush sash window which achieves a U-value of 1.2 (W/ m2K) with a standard double-glazed unit. Elsewhere on the stand were other windows from the KÖMMERLING 70 and System 76 platforms, along with a feature packed PremiLine Pro patio door and the lift and slide PremiDoor.
Dr Peter Mrosik, owner and CEO of profine Group, was also at the show for most of the three days as he did in 2017 and 2019 and reiterated the group’s commitment to a £multi-million investment programme in Huthwaite to make it a world class facility worthy of the KÖMMERLING name. Goodies were passed out to visitors, along with a premium hard-backed celebratory brand book, copies of which we also signed by Dr Mrosik.
“We are expecting more than 400 leaders, directors, CEOs and senior managers from across the industry at this year’s Glazing Summit, and tickets are selling fast,” added Andrew. “Make sure you’re on board.”
Kevin Warner, sales and marketing director for profine UK and KÖMMERLING was rightly enthusiastic and commented: ‘Right from the show opening our stand was busy with existing customers and prospects, but despite the challenges that the industry has faced recently, there was a great deal of positivity throughout the show. We have a great and expanded product range and a commitment from the group and ultimately the owner to build this great brand further in the years to come and the FIT Show has certainly laid the foundations for us to do so.’
For more information on the Glazing Summit, sponsorship opportunities and tickets visit www.glazingsummit.co.uk, call 01934 808293 or email hello@glazingsummit.co.uk.
For further information please visit www.profine-uk.com, e-mail enquiries@profine-uk.com or phone 01623 579200. There’s also a dedicated site for KÖMMERLING at www.kommerling.co.uk. You can also follow them on social media platforms including Twitter @ profineuk and @kommerling_uk.
www.glassnews.co.uk | June 2022
A Legend brand window including cut through section with head vent and cavity closer featured as did the new KÖMMERLING VS
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FIT SHOW 2022 REVIEW
The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper
SIZE REALLY DOESN’T MATTER Now that was a FIT Show! Maybe it’s because the 2021 show has been a long time coming or simply because it has been a long time since we were all together, but being together at the NEC was a joy. I seem to remember someone referring to an Olympics or a Commonwealth Games as being the ‘friendly’ games, well this was certainly a friendly FIT Show. Nickie West, FIT Show Event Director, said: “I’m still absolutely buzzing after returning from a very successful three days of FIT Show. We were anticipating strong visitor numbers based on our pre-registration data, but I don’t think anything could quite prepare us for the atmosphere, goodwill and camaraderie in the halls throughout the show.”
show. Indeed, there were some big names missing as exhibitors but many of them were there as visitors and it felt like one of the best FIT Shows, ever. Will more exhibitors commit to the show taking place on 23 - 25 May, 2023, bringing it back in line for the biennial event it was meant to be with the next being in 2025? Well, it’s already looking like three Halls for next year although, understandably, there will be some exhibitors from this year that may feel another next year is too much from a budget point of view. However, the success of 2022 may just persuade them that 2023 could be worthwhile. Event Director for the FIT Show, Nickie West talks with Glass News’ Chris Champion
“Our exhibitors were consistently busy, our seminars reached capacity on more than one occasion and our late night parties saw people quite literally dancing in the aisles. It was everything the team and I hoped that it would be, and more.” And that’s very well put. Yes, it was two halls, wide aisles, and some filler stands, but none of that was to the detriment of the
And the band played on…at Kubu
The Purplex Party
Certass’ Party
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There were many highlights throughout the show. Certainly, the late night opening ‘Party Night’ on the Wednesday was a roaring success. There were parties all over the place but special mention must go to Kubu and DOORCO who, between them, took the party scene by storm. With the band on the Kubu stand and the ‘000s of bottles of beer on the DOORCO stand the party went on until the NEC had to call it a night! PIGS was also a popular destination and it was interesting to see how the partygoers kept moving around to the various stands which included, Certass, Purplex and I’m sure there were others too. Another highlight was the technology on display. ‘Smart’ was the name of the game and much of it was ready to use now, not just products in the development stage. One
The crowd at PIGS enjoying the band
June 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk
The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper
Roseview’s Mike Bygrave demonstrates Rehau’s smart system
Rehau/Roseview: The red light indicates proximity detection with warning sent to your ‘phone
surprise was on Roseview’s stand where a smart product from Rehau was being shown on their vertical slider. Rehau’s system boasted opening detection, breaking and entering detection but also close vicinity detection. Very impressive. Kubu’s smart system was also impressive and the vertical integration with Avantis hardware is an advantage. What I hadn’t appreciated is that Mark Bromley has been into sensors in a big way, and for a long time. These aren’t just sensors for windows and doors but for sectors of all kinds from pharmaceuticals to those sensors you have in a Brita Water Filter Jug. The company is supplying over 1 million sensors per month to industries of all kinds. RPS Software was showing their Roofwright software for visualisation of conservatories and extensions on PCs, tablets and VR headsets. And Business Pilot were showing their cloud-based installation company ERP / CRM system that provides tools to manage an entire business with the focus on driving profits whilst reducing hassle. The system allows you to manage every aspect from leads, sales, contracts, installations, finance, remedials/service and more. It connects with your other business tools and becomes the hub of your business. Elton Boocock demonstrated the system and showed
FIT SHOW 2022 REVIEW
Kubu stand
how FENSA had integrated with their software in an exclusive partnership that saves installers’ time. AdminBase were also showing their popular installer management system with developments that include a series of mobile, tabletbased apps written specifically for the key sales, survey, installation, and remedial services functions, and which connect directly with a company’s central AdminBase system. There is also a web-based version of AdminBase that allows the system to be used anywhere and on almost any device connected to the Internet. The advanced Dashboard allows a full status assessment of every department and function, at a glance and has Google Maps that show the location of every sales/survey/installation/remedial call at a glance. Machinery is always an important part of the FIT Show and Haffner were there with a vast stand. Haffner are experienced and an award-winning machinery supplier who offer an extensive range of industry-leading PVC-U and aluminium machines. They have a supply partnership with Graf Synergy and also with Form Industrie.
Ryan Bromley demonstrates Kubu Smart
Business Pilot
Elton Boocock demonstrates Business Pilot
RPS Software stand
The Roofwright software being displayed at RPS Software
www.glassnews.co.uk | June 2022
GGF’s Anda Gregory shows how FENSA has integrated with Business Pilot
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FIT SHOW 2022 REVIEW
The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper
Haffner’s Dave Thomas with Glass News’ Christina Shaw
Just part of Haffner’s vast stand
Demonstrations at Haffner
A customer is shown the Emmegi products
Korean food on the DOORCO stand
Stuga was there showing their leadingedge automated machinery that simplifies complex tasks and reduces end-user operating costs. They are always striving to stay ahead in quality, innovation, customer service and value and their recent acquisition by the Stürtz Group has allowed Stuga to benefit from the operational and technological synergies to add value to its customers.
profiles. Founded in 1970 near Modena in Italy, the company now produces a comprehensive range of market leading machines and ancillary equipment and has sales operations in more than 50 countries worldwide.
doors in every colour imaginable but the Gripcore with its solid inner core engineered from hybrid materials; their FLiP glazing cassette system as well as their Firecore product and all on a fabulous stand complete with Korean food being cooked and distributed – the pork, rice chillies etc. were delicious! The special mention is for the hospitality they offered to all and not just on the party night. They also appeared to sponsor many items and have supported the FIT Show organisers to the hilt. Good for them.
Emmegi (UK) is part of one of the world’s leading manufacturers of systems for machining aluminium, PVC, iron and steel
Lots of activity at Stuga
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There was, of course, a multitude of stands offering a wide variety of products and services, so many that it would be impossible to mention them all in this FIT Round-UP, however, one needs special mention and that’s DOORCO. Not only were they showing their GRP composite
Stuga was showing a robot – quick and easy window making!
DOORCO’s Dan Sullivan waxes lyrical to the Trade Press
Another stand that stood out was Roseview Windows, well known for their PVCu vertical sliding sashes. The stand was always busy and there was much to see with their trickle venting that they have worked on with Glazpart, a new and very stylish horn named the Seahorse for obvious reasons, plus a new covering for that channel that can get dirty with sash windows….very clever and very neat. Oh, and you could ride an arcade motorbike and see Leon Day’s trials bike, too.
Stuga’s Steve Haines with Glass News’ Emma Champion
June 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk
The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper
The internal workings of DOORCO’s Gripcore door
Not many system houses this year but Kommerling was there and showing, amongst other things, their flush window. To quote Kevin Warner, Sales Director, “It’s sometimes good to come late to the party!” There was also the C70, O70 window and door systems representating outstanding product innovation and all boasting a U-value of 1.2 W/(m2K) as standard. Lots to see at Kommerling and owner Dr Peter Mrosik was there to see that the cocktails were up to par. I’m not sure whether you classify Made For Trade as a system house or a manufacturer
FIT SHOW 2022 REVIEW
DOORCO’s FLiP glazing cassette systemdoor
“Lots to see at Kommerling and owner Dr Peter Mrosik was there to see that the cocktails were up to par.” but, whatever the answer, as usual their stand was a hit. Busy throughout and not surprisingly with their new Speedbead in their Korniche Bi-Folding Door and the Korniche Lantern which is all about speed and installation too. Everything is beautifully engineered.
It’s drinks all round as Dr Peter Mrosik, owner and CEO of profine group, oversees the cocktails
Yes. A busy time at Roseview
That groove in a sliding sash…now you see it: now you don’t
www.glassnews.co.uk | June 2022
The news Seahorse horn from Roseview
Kommerling’s Kevin Warner shows off the new flush window
The draw takes place at Made For Trade with Andy Jones, Richard Gaunt and ably assisted by Nickie West
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FIT SHOW 2022 REVIEW
The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper
Glazpart’s Dean Bradley showing the range of trickle vents so important in the new Building Regulations
faces was Glazpart who continue to lead the UK fenestration market for the supply of window system components, setting and distance blocks and trickle ventilation. Glazpart continue to develop new products especially within their ventilation product ranges with new and improved colour matches and solutions for the latest changes in building regulations for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Made For Trade’s show team line up for a pic
Ashley and Bradley Gaunt, the engineers behind the Korniche products
Veka, the world’s largest manufacturer of extruded PVCu products, has subsidiaries in over 40 locations across Europe, Asia, America and Russia. Their stand at FIT was very cool and, cleverly, they sponsored the VIP lounge opposite and had their own comfortable area to entertain their guests. Very nice! They were showing their exclusive Spectral finish and demonstrating their WinDoPlan software, a key tool for fabricators, specifiers and installers navigating the new complex buildings regulations that will come in to place in June. They were also making clear through their Black and White promise, that they can match the requirements of Part L. Joining them was Veka recycling, an important part of the Veka organisation. FIT Show stalwarts Selecta Systems are celebrating 40 years as one of the UK’s leading extruders of PVCu window and door systems. They have their popular ADVANCE 70 Window and Door System but, importantly, they wanted fabricators to come along and help them celebrate with a well-earned drink!
The Veka stand
One of the busiest stands and probably the one that had staff with biggest grins on their
Karen Lund Head of Partner Programmes at Veka’s Independent Network makes good use of the VIP facility
Selecta Systems’ popular bar
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Selecta’s Andy Green celebrating their 40 year anniversary
Solar Calibre supplies GRP composite and timber doors to the trade, new build and commercial sectors. They were showing the Benchmark and Craftsman door, offering an extremely broad range of style, colour and glazing options to suit a range of different periods of property installation requirements. In addition, Solar Calibre Doors also manufacture and supply GRP and timber fire doors. Alutech Systems is an aluminium systems house that supplies fabricators across the UK. The aluminium products, such as the BF73 Bifold System are fast becoming renowned for the quality and ease of manufacture and fit. Alutech Systems is the UK supplier for the Alutech Group who design, extrude and deliver architectural systems with a manufacturing facility of 35,000 sqm and capacity of 45,000 tons per
Solar Calibre’s Gareth Jones looks as if he would be comfortable behind a bar! Instead he’s showing the Ukraine coloured Craftsman door.
The trade press is shown Alutech’s products
June 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk
FIT SHOW 2022 REVIEW
The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper
Alutech hosts the trade press at their stand
RegaLead’s stand
Viewing Alutech’s products
The black Inox glazing cassette
Rose leading to match the hardware
Trade press visit Comp Door
On the Comp Door stand
Ultraframe
supplies decorative glass overlays, colour and coatings, decorative door glass, framing systems and much more to more than 80 countries worldwide.
composite doors from the outset. The result is a top-quality, high-performance door that has already gained the praise of installers.
latched at all times over the full height of the door. It requires no homeowner intervention as with a single latch and lift lever, thus eliminating the chance of the door not being secured properly.
year making it one of the largest aluminium extruders in the world. RegaLead were showing their glass range as well as their paint systems for composite doors. The black Inox glazing cassette caught the eye as did the rose leading that matched the Rose Gold hardware. Much of RegaLead’s work now is in association with hardware manufacturers to suite products to meet the buyers demands. The company
Demonstrating Alutech products
www.glassnews.co.uk | June 2022
Comp Door in Staffordshire began manufacturing from its impressive 46,000 sq ft factory in March. The company was formed by industry experts with the aim of engineering out the most common issues of
It has a premium cross-laminated Albasia Falcata timber core and meets the new regulations that are coming into force on the 15th June this year. Its auto-fire lock features four self-locking deadbolt latches for maximum security and keeps the door
There was so much to see as you travelled the halls but three days is actually limiting when it comes to seeing them all. Here’s a few you might remember…
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FIT SHOW 2022 REVIEW
The GGF stand
Hormann Gerda Doors
The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper
Hodgson Sealants
Avocet
FENSA
Brisant Secure
It seems that the series of seminars and talks at the FIT Show Theatre were an important and popular part of the show and seemed to attract good audiences even to the point of people standing outside and watching proceedings!
Just one of the many seminars
Just one of the many seminars – ‘What the publicist said to the editor’ was chaired and steered by Vast PR’s Paul Godwin with Glass Times’ Luke Wood, Glass News’ Chris Champion and GGP’s Charissa King in the hot seats! Everyone left the theatre without any serious fights breaking out and with very little blood drawn. Then, of course, there were people to meet as you circulated or went on the stands.
Sue Davenport and Charlotte Curtis from Liniar….just visiting on this occasion
Nationwide Windows’ John Whalley, Daryl Cashmore and Dave Gomersall
Just visiting. Universal Composite Doors’ Haydon Statham and Neil Peck
Glass News
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Lots of visitors….and happy to see them!
Glass News’ Emma Champion caught Tommy Trinder’s Chris Brunsdon as he looked around the FIT Show
June 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk
FIT SHOW 2022 REVIEW
The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper
Quickslide’s Adrian Barraclough and John Hoyl
Leka’s David Cheetham with Glass News’ Christina Shaw
Schubert’s Mark Schubert with Emplas’ Kush Patel
Emplas’ Ryan Johnson and Jody Vincent with RegaLead’s Paul Edwards
Liniar’s Nigel Bishop and Charlotte Curtis
Leon Day (right) must be talking about his motorbike on the Roseview stand!
Profile Systems I.E.’s Peter Kenny, Ryan Lugg from Flair Windows, Kommerling’s Kevin Warner and Profile Systems I.E.’s Paul McCarthy
Glass News’s Christina Shaw with Nationwide’s Daryl Cashmore
www.glassnews.co.uk | June 2022
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FIT SHOW 2022 REVIEW
The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper
Quickslide stand….a late entry!
Partying at PIGS
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June 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk
The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper
You’re away for a couple of minutes and you come back to a full blown cocktail party…
FIT SHOW 2022 REVIEW
Liniar’s Charlotte Curtis finds an admirer!
The FIT Show team have plenty of smiles
And well might they smile! The FIT Show was excellent and, whether it was just my imagination but even the NEC staff were happy to see us and very helpful. Long gone are the days when you were in deep trouble if you picked up a screwdriver! No. All in all it would be difficult to fault the show and it even gave me something
www.glassnews.co.uk | June 2022
to remember it by…a streaming cold. Mind you I was relieved that a test confirmed it wasn’t Covid although I hear that dreaded disease was circulating the halls! It was good to see everyone and, I for one, am looking forward to the FIT Show 2023.
Christina tries his handle…
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VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY
The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper
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SO, HOW WAS IT FOR YOU?
The long awaited FIT Show has come, and gone, and Glass News is asking how it was for you? Whether an exhibitor or visitor, a former exhibitor who gave it a miss this time but came for a look anyway or an installer who gave up valuable fitting time to see what other products were new to the market. Perhaps you are from a system house, a hardware manufacturer, a machinery company or involved in glass in some way, shape, or form. You could be from a multitude of other disciplines within the fenestration industry such as paint, adhesives, testing or even a humble PR company or journalist. Perhaps you had travelled from overseas to visit the show or happen to work just round the corner from the NEC. Whatever. We want to know about your experience at FIT 2022, how important the show is to you and your business, and what you would like to see at the next show. Did something or someone stick out in your mind when you visited or would you simply like to reinforce the message you were aiming to get over to visitors to the show? Tell us all about it!
Andy Clear COO and Co-founder, Augmented Reality Creations Thanks to significant backing from Purplex Marketing, we were privileged to showcase Augmented Reality Creations (ARC) on the leading agency’s FIT Show stand this year. Visitors loved our demos of ARC Design, our new augmented reality software that’s changing how conservatory installers do business and transforming how homeowners design and buy conservatories. The easiest and fastest design tool adds a real wow factor to sales visits and increases both sales and conversion rates. There was a great buzz the FIT Show, and if there’s one thing that was clear to me, is that installers are looking for new ways to sell – competition is fierce out there, and as a result, business owners are ready to embrace new technology and digitalisation to get ahead and bring the industry forward. To have the opportunity to showcase ARC design and to introduce industry leaders and potential customers to the software was an honour, and it was fantastic to be part of the show.
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Gareth Jones Managing Director, Solar Calibre Doors
Kurt Greatrex Sales Director, Dekko Window Systems
Bradley Gaunt Made For Trade, Managing Director
Sarah Ball Balls2 Marketing, Organiser of PiGs
The industry was obviously very ready for a live event and a lot of people were keen to exchange experiences and expectations, after the challenges of the last few years. We are all facing a market downturn, but this is where high end products that offer great margins will help avoid that pricing race to the bottom, that we so often see in this industry.
It was so good to see the FIT Show up and running again, and this year was a huge success for Dekko.
For MFT, FIT 2022 was for all intents and purposes, the ‘mighty mite’ of shows.
What a night we had! More than 250 people descended on the Certass stand for FIT Show’s Late Night Wednesday as PiGs proved the place to be – once again showing how the glazing industry can party.
We received a lot of interest in our higher end products, notably the Craftsman timber door as well as our specialist doors, and were really pleased by the reaction to our new Portium range, which we showcased at FIT. Similarly, our new Passivhaus solution was a head-turner, because of the growing demand for high performing, energy efficient products. This was something of a test bed for us, and the response endorsed our own confidence in these specialist products, as well as in our GRP and timber fire rated doors, which we are able to offer in partnership with our sister company Fire Doors by Solar.
At the show, we were showcasing the UK’s first fully seamless reverse butt welded window, which was on display at Haffner’s stand. Haffner is the sole distributor of Graf Synergy machinery in the UK, the game changing technology that we utilised in the production of our new window, and which was also on display at FIT. The new window was also on display at Kubu’s stand, thanks to a partnership with the company – so not only is it fully seamless, but it can also feature Kubu Smart Security Sensors, providing security and smart alerts through the dedicated Kubu app. I was really encouraged by the turnout at this year’s Show – after two years of uncertainty, the industry has certainly bounced back. At Dekko, we’re very much looking forward to launching our world first window and bringing the industry up to date with the latest in smart tech.
Amiss for 4 years we should have witnessed the biggest and best supported industry event on the calendar and yet the effects of a pandemic, major supply chain issues, world events and the very real risk of a recession, resulted in a slimmed down show in terms of exhibitors. This, however, was in stark contrast to the footfall we witnessed, at least on the MFT stand. The intensity and quality of the interest for our products was incredibly humbling and the positivity, especially for our new Korniche Bi-folding Door made the whole journey to develop it (twice) and take it to market, completely worth it. One USP, MFT’s new clip in bead, ‘Speedbead’, quite literally left people’s jaws hanging after they’d seen first-hand just how much time it would save on site. The Korniche Lantern is all about speed and ease of installation and this statement is also certainly true for the new door too.
With more than 1,500 drinks served up over the course of three-hour get together and a live band, guests were literally dancing in the aisles as a truly memorable evening was had by all. Balls2 Marketing is happy to organise these events for our industry and it never ceases to amaze me how much fun they are. I’d like to say a special thank you to all our wonderful sponsors whose ongoing support makes PiGs possible, and a big thanks to Certass for hosting. All sponsorship money goes towards the evening’s expenses on food, drink and entertainment. We also sold PiGs badges and slippers throughout the show to raise funds for We Mind and Kelly Matters and the glazing industry once again showed just how incredibly generous it is as we raised more than £845!
June 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk
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Chris Byers Managing Director, ExtrudaSeal
Michael Hewitt Sales Director, AT Precision
Sam Nuckey Managing Director, Window Ware
FIT Show made us realise that the number of fabricators who have issues with their gaskets stretching is even more than we thought. It was a major topic of conversation which meant that PremaSeal was the most popular product with visitors to our stand.
Having visited the FIT Show in previous years, I was fairly sure of what to expect, but as the first year exhibiting AT Precision, I can confidently say that it was a huge success for our business.
In our industry, we rely heavily on face-to-face interactions to build relationships, so the absence of the Fit Show has been felt.
Featuring anti-stretch technology which helps the seal stay in place, it offers fabricators a solution they can fit and forget without worrying about shrinking. This results in reduced site call backs to re-fit the gasket which not only makes windows and doors last longer, but it also significantly reduces waste. Customers in the past have explained how they’ve had to cut gaskets longer to account for shrinkage, but with PremaSeal you don’t have to do that, saving fabricators around 14 metres of gasket per 100 sashes, which is a phenomenal reduction. Our Se-Lon foam seals and corner gaskets also attracted attention, but overall, it was just great to see everyone again, especially at PiGs on the Wednesday night which we are always very happy to sponsor!
The Show provided a unique opportunity to show off our Everglide range of aluminium bi-fold hardware, our Everseal range of gaskets, and our range of handles, locks and other ancillaries. It was also a perfect opportunity to discuss the company’s upcoming plans, including a full aluminium profile offering and an imminent factory expansion. Meeting face to face with existing customers as well as networking with potential customers and industry leaders has been incredibly valuable to the business, and I was delighted to welcome visitors to the stand, giving them the unique chance to see our products up close and to learn more about their specific requirements. It was a privilege to see so much interest in our product ranges, and the Show overall was very much well worth attending.
www.glassnews.co.uk | June 2022
It was brilliant to be back on familiar territory again and we were delighted to be able to support the Business Pilot Partner Zone, which proved to be a real magnet for a wide range of organisations and a prime meeting point for all our key contacts. It was also fantastic to see a selection of our products displayed on KÖMMERLING’s popular stand. These included our Regal Hardware handles on their flush sash windows, alongside Glide Hardware components on their PremiLine patio door. Unsurprisingly, trickle ventilation and the imminent changes to build regs were hot topics, but Window Ware is ready to provide customers with exactly the hardware provision and support they’ll need to comply. As one of the UK’s largest and most trusted hardware distributors, boasting longstanding partnerships with many of the industry’s biggest brands, there’s simply no way we would have missed FIT Show 2022.
Andy Royle Co-founder and Managing Director, Leads 2 Trade We have never previously exhibited at FIT Show, but as it was the first show in three years due to the pandemic we thought it would be the perfect time to break our duck. It was a very positive three days, with Wednesday particularly busy, and it was great to see some of our installer members face to face. We had lots of interest from installers in our premium lead, no pitch no fee confirmed appointment service, which reinforces what we are hearing in terms of installers seeing a definite shift to receiving fewer enquiries from their self-generated efforts. It also provided us with the opportunity to introduce our new 25% cashback offer for consumers to the market, which installers can offer to prospects to give them a unique USP over the competition – and double their conversion rates. We believe this is going to be a game-changer for the way installers pitch and convert leads and initial interest is certainly there.
Luke Piper Director, The Joinery Network
Mark Handley Partnerships Manager, Building Our Skills
Our new range of Lignum timber entrance doors proved to be a real star attraction at the FIT Show, getting lots of interest at not one, but three stands throughout the event.
The FIT Show was my first week in my new role as Partnerships Manager for Building Our Skills, and what a great first week. I’m from the industry and joining Building Our Skills to play a major part in campaigning to help the industry bridge its skills gap is an opportunity I have really embraced.
Featuring on the stands of affiliates RegaLead and International Timber as well as our own, the stunning real wood doors grabbed the attention of installers and fabricators looking to add timber doors to their product offering. The interest in timber is now higher than ever before and FIT Show was the perfect opportunity to show just how easy it is to add Lignum doors, and our window range, into the product mix that installation companies and manufacturers already offer. The doors on display at the show proved to be real attention grabbers. Not only are they engineered to be highly insulated and extremely stable, the feedback we received was that it was the look and feel of the doors that impressed the most. You can feel that a Lignum door is real wood and that’s what homeowners want.
Having an immediate opportunity to meet up with many people I already know to explain my new role, and meeting lots of new people who I can now follow up with to explain the work of Building Our Skills was the perfect start. So for me the FIT Show was a great success, and generally I think the feel of the show was really positive. We certainly benefitted from our attendance, and I hope everybody else did too. It’s a big commitment to attend an exhibition, but it gives the industry the best opportunity to meet, and celebrate the many incredible products and businesses that thrive within it. We will certainly be back next year.
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Alan Calverley Director, Department of Marketing It was great to see clients, as both exhibitors and visitors, and friends from the industry after so long. It was particularly nice to meet new contacts whom we only knew through video calls, in real life! Arriving on day one for opening time, we were pleased to see the aisles quickly fill up. However, after lunch it was noticeably quieter. We also sat in on a seminar discussing the skills crisis which had poor attendance. The good weather and high temperatures may have had more than a little to do with this though! My main observation was just how many aluminium products were on display, compared to PVC. Reflecting market trends, no doubt. As an experienced exhibitor and stand manager, I thought the layout of hall three worked well and there were many professional stands – proving people’s commitment to the show and desire for face-to-face engagement. Will moving to every year work? I had numerous conversations about this, and the general feeling was that bi-annually worked better.
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Kevin Warner Sales and Marketing Director, profine UK and KÖMMERLING As an industry it was difficult to predict how successful this year’s FIT Show would be and yet from our perspective it was a revelation. We invested heavily in the stand and supporting activities, and it was a joy to see so many positive customers. We also generated a considerable number of new enquiries from installers and fabricators keen to make the change to KÖMMERLING. The show was also an opportunity for us to celebrate the 125-year anniversary of the KÖMMERLING name, a business founded in 1897 by Karl Kommerling. We produced an anniversary book to celebrate this milestone and with the owner and CEO of profine Group, Dr Peter Mrosik over, copies were signed and distributed. As is the KÖMMERLING way, a number of technically advanced products were on show including the new flush sash which achieves a U-value of 1.2 (W/m2K) with a standard doubleglazed unit. There was also considerable interest in our vertical sliding sash window, WarmCore system, PremiLine Pro and lift and slide PremiDoor. But what a great show for us!
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Ryan Bromley Co-founder, Kubu Smart Without question we had a wonderful show. Having the opportunity to present our Kubu Smart Security products to thousands of people was a big plus. We’ve had the door solution out in the marketplace for 2 years now and we’ve added to this with the launch of the window and retro-fit sensors which are ready to order now, taking us and our partners firmly into the wider smart home market. The fact that Kubu is endorsed by smart insurance provider Locket and that we are fully vertically integrated also resonated well with visitors to the stand, as did the launch of the industry’s first smart security guarantee. Our rapid development programme has been underpinned by the mechanical expertise of Avantis with an expanded new lock range, combined with our software and firmware engineering teams. We were virtually everywhere across the show, featuring on various partners stands, including: Avocet/ABS, DoorCo, Kommerling, Dekko & Haffner. FIT Show 2022 was a watershed moment for Smart in our industry and it is clear that Kubu now leads the way by quite some margin.
Tracey Jackson Business Development Manager, Howells Patent Glazing We’ve waited quite a while for the return of the FIT Show and I’m sorry to say that I don’t think it was worth it. Like many in the industry I was excited to return to the NEC. This time was different as I had the luxury of visiting rather than the stress of being an exhibitor. I enjoyed spending time looking at what the industry had to offer, from door manufacturers to flooring suppliers! It was particularly interesting to see what new releases were out there. There were lots of topical seminars and presentations, of which I was proud to be a part, but I didn’t feel the buzz was the same as in previous years. There seemed to be less people, and as a result, less energy in the room. It was always going to be difficult to return after all the disruption and change, but let’s hope the industry rallies for 2023.
Katie Bregazzi Operations Director, Balls2 Marketing As a new face to the industry, my first experience at the FIT Show was one to remember. I was unsure of what to expect, but I loved immersing myself and learning more about the glass and glazing industry. Having previously attended exhibitions in other sectors, it was amazing to learn about all the latest products on the market and I even managed to book myself in for a few factory tours to improve my understanding. One of the things that struck me most however was how close and tightknit this industry is. It was so refreshing to see everyone get on so well and even competitors were able to have a good time together without business getting in the way. Attending my first PiGs event on Wednesday was also a great experience and the chance to meet new people was fantastic. Everybody was very welcoming and I’m looking forward to the next one in Bristol in June!
Andy Meakin Head of Sales & Customer Service, ODL Europe FIT 2022 was a great show for ODL Europe, with a high-quality footfall and a large pipeline of new business secured. It was a great opportunity to meet customers and potential customers, as well as network with industry peers. It was the first time the industry had got back together for a face-to-face exhibition, so there was a great atmosphere – it was a fantastic business event. Our stand showcased our strength as a business and the depth of our door offering was particularly notable, in particular the quality and reliability of the world-leading Capstone composite door slab. Also attracting a great deal of attention was the Guardsman Fire Door, the game changing door that won Best New Product of the Year at the G21 Awards. As the UK’s leading trade exhibition for the industry, it made good business sense to sign up at the earliest opportunity. We had a great first day and it was clear the show was going to be a success so we had no hesitation in signing up for next year.
June 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk
VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY
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Cath Wright Director of Operations, RPS Software
Mick Clayton CEO, GQA Qualifications
Dave Thomas CEO, Haffner Ltd
It was very much a return to the FIT Show for us following a few years away, and amid the uncertainty of the pandemic and the potential audience size, it had been a big decision. I have to say we were delighted overall.
We have always felt that engagement face to face with the industry is the surest way of being able to showcase all the services GQA Qualifications offers, and the FIT Show delivered that opportunity perfectly.
FIT 2022 was an amazing success for Haffner and the quality of the footfall was tremendous. We broke our own record for the amount of new business we secured from the show.
We have been developing a huge programme of market leading conservatory, orangery and garden room design software and the FIT Show was the perfect opportunity for us to launch these to the market in a face to face environment.
Like everybody else we didn’t know quite what to expect, but it is to the credit of the FIT Show team that they were able to put on such a good show against the background of uncertainty that had been such a major part of all of our lives over the past couple of years.
It is clear from the conversations we had that the conservatory market remains as vibrant as ever, and an understanding that using 3D, AR and VR products to help sell them to homeowners was truly evident. The more installers can engage their customers in the design process, the greater the chance of converting the enquiry into a sale, and the RPS RoofWright software suite certainly supports them every step of the way in that regard. Congratulations to the FIT Show on a job really well done!
The team at GQA are delighted that we were able to re-engage with so many people we already know in the industry, meet new people, and have the opportunity for our staff to update themselves with the products in the market and attend key seminars to gain knowledge of market changes. Our partnership with the FIT Show has been strong from day one, and this year’s event has cemented that even further.
www.glassnews.co.uk | June 2022
We showcased the world’s first fully seamless window fabrication thanks to Graf Synergy technology which is a gamechanger for the industry. And with live demonstrations running every two hours, it attracted much attention. There was a general buzz throughout the show and its clear the industry has missed being able to get together and see a vast range of machinery for themselves. Fabricators of all sizes in both aluminium and PVC-U were able to discuss the packages that were right for their business. Our stand was busy throughout the show and even though we had the largest stand in the FIT Show’s history, the return on investment was evident right from the start. We had no hesitation in signing up for next year. Congratulations to everyone involved in the superb organisation. We’ll look forward to May 2023.
Steve Haines Sales Director, Stuga Fit 2022 was the first show for Stuga Machinery Ltd since its acquisition by the Sturtz machinery group and it was a great opportunity to show how the two companies share a quality range of machinery for the demanding fabricator. Stuga now has the full range of Sturtz welding and cleaning equipment to offer as well as sorting systems complete with Robotics. On stand were featured a vertical four head welder that demonstrated the strength and quality of the Sturtz range, a six axis robot that showed how it could select and fit window hardware and the rotary tooling module from the heart of a Stuga Flowline which depicts the secret behind the amazing flexibility and versatility of Stuga sawing & machining centres. Like Stuga Sturtz prides itself on quality products with exceptional back-up and with Stuga engineers already training on Sturtz machines the brand will be fully backed-up directly by the Stuga workforce. Numerous sales leads are being followed up on all products in the Sturtz and Stuga range.
Jeff Dunn, Group Sales & Marketing Director, Glazerite UK Group Business is all about building relationships and it was clear to see at this year’s FIT Show that face-to-face interaction had been missed and was very much welcomed on its return. FIT Show 2022 did not disappoint, and it was a great opportunity to meet with old faces, make new contacts, and network in a relaxed environment. The FIT Show is a key industry event and the ideal platform to showcase new products. We had worked with DoorCo to fabricate the doors they were showcasing on their stand, and it was great to see the new Flip cassettes and GRiPCORE doors. A real highlight for me were the advancements in Smart technology from Avantis and Brisant, which will help differentiate our installers. The atmosphere across the three days was positive and friendly, with a lot of energy considering what a tough couple of years it has been. The after-show party was also great fun after a busy day. Thank you to the organisers, and everyone who took part, for making it such a fantastic event.
Chris Reeks Director, Fentrade Aluminium Building Products Ltd FIT Show 2022 was our debut exhibition and we were delighted to have secured so many new enquiries. It was great to see customers face-toface and to meet many potential new customers too. Our stand showcased the newest addition to our range, the Concept Patio® 130 slide and lift-slide system from Reynaers. It attracted the attention we knew it would with a large pipeline of potential new business enquiries to follow up. Similarly, enquiries for all our aluminium products were very strong especially for our aluminium curtain walling and shop front system. The quality and calibre of the footfall was exceptional and the meaningful business conversations we had were very encouraging. The team enjoyed speaking to visitors about what makes us different and the value we can bring as a supply partner. It was a great event that has more than delivered on expectations for us. Having such a successful inaugural show with a strong return on investment, we had no hesitation in signing up for FIT 2023.
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VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY
The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper
The FIT Show PR and reporting was excellent, and the stats may say it was busy, but it didn’t feel as busy as previous years, and it was a smaller show. Were some people avoiding crowds? Does the increase in better websites, digital alternatives, and familiarity with zoom, remote working and selling, make it less critical to be there in person? As ever, there were striking stands and innovative new products to remember. Some were dotted around the edges. That’s a shame because many visitors never make it to see them on the periphery.
Toby Aiken Account Director, MRA Marketing
When several systems companies take big stands, shows buzz. When they’re absent they are missed. With only three PVC-U systems companies, it was an aluminium and smart security show. It’s always good to be at the show, but is the absence of PVC-U systems companies telling us something about the future of PVC-U? Do systems companies have an obligation to lead the industry that feeds them?”
Andy Green Sales Director, Selecta
Mark Walker Marketing & Design Manager, Selecta
Alex Tremlett Operations Manager, Insight Data
John Hewitt Founder, We Mind & Kelly Matters
Guy Hubble Joint Managing Director, Regalead
Firstly, I must say what a great event FIT Show 2022 was and it felt so good to get back to a bit of normality! I must admit, we went there with an air of trepidation hanging over us, after three years of no shows, to find there was a very positive, upbeat and relaxed atmosphere about the place, one that delivered on all fronts for ourselves.
Having exhibited at every previous FIT Show, and Glassex before that, it was never in doubt that Selecta would be there, especially in our 40th anniversary year!
The FIT Show creates the perfect opportunity for the industry to come together, and this year was no different. It was a fantastic few days where we could network and chat with our customers and colleagues.
It was our first time exhibiting at the FIT Show as a charity, and we’re so pleased we did. As a mental health and suicide prevention charity, we have seen first-hand how tough the last two years or so have been on people’s mental health, so to be able to meet with people face to face again; to talk, to listen, and to share at such an important industry event was great.
FIT Show was an exceptionally busy few days, I think partially because of the three-year break we’ve had since the last show, which meant there were lots of people keen to see new products.
The FIT Show proved to be the ideal platform to celebrate our 40th anniversary with customers, industry friends and colleagues and it certainly didn’t disappoint! We had a good number of visitors to the stand, not only to celebrate our momentous achievement, but we saw a large volume of fabricators looking to be part of the Selecta family. There was certainly a consistent undertone to their reasoning for this and the FIT Show undoubtedly provided them with the opportunity to have that friendly chat. The quantity of quality of leads certainly surpassed our expectations! So much so, we’ve already booked up a prime position for FIT Show 2023, keeping up our proud record of exhibiting at every show to date!
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Our main objective going into the show was to celebrate 40 years of Selecta, with our stand dressed purely for hospitality, complete with a bar to serve celebratory drinks. With no products on show it created a relaxed, friendly, and welcoming environment for all, and we were very pleased with the steady footfall over the three days. What we found was that having no products on show eliminated the ‘tyre kickers’ and those that wanted to ‘do business’ with Selecta visited our stand for that purpose, resulting in us leaving the show with a very strong book of leads! It was also good to get to back to normality, meet with people face-to-face and speak with old and new industry friends. The FIT Show was the perfect platform for this, whilst helping us to celebrate 40 years and chat to the next batch of fabricators who want to #bepartofthefamily.
Not only did we launch the latest State of the Industry report but we also gave a sneak preview of our trade directory and product finder for the glass and glazing industry – Insight Index. During our business building seminars, we shared some of the key stats from our window, door and glazing industry report, including how we’ve seen almost 2000 firms removed from the market in recent years. With the volatility of the market, it’s incredibly valuable to share this industry knowledge with the FIT Show audience, and we received great responses from everyone in attendance. We have been regular exhibitors of the FIT Show for several years now and it continues to be a great event and one we’re proud to be involved in. Thank you to the FIT Show team for putting on a fantastic exhibition.
It was a chance to thank those who have supported our charity so far and to share this year’s fundraising plans. In September, a group of us will undertake a bike ride across Europe and the United States to raise money for We Mind & Kelly Matters. The FIT Show gave us the chance to showcase the challenge, and we were even able to recruit some new riders and sponsors. It was a great show, and it allowed us to talk to people, not only about what we do but also to check in with visitors on their own mental health.
Dan Sullivan MD, DoorCo Ltd
As a company whose range is sold on its aesthetic value, it was great to be able to get our Decorative Door Products back in front of the industry, so they could see up close the stunning detail of our glass designs and vibrancy of our ColorSpray coatings. Thanks to a very strong presence from the composite door market, RegaLead products featured on a number of other stands around the show too. Eight of our top ten customers visited the stand, which was great to see and is testament to the number of industry leaders that were at the show and there was a good mixture of smaller fabricators and installers there too. We’ve exhibited at every FIT Show, which I think proves the importance of the event, for both our business and the industry.
For DoorCo, our return to FIT was extremely positive and we achieved exactly what we set out to do – demonstrate to the industry what DoorCo 2022 looks like. Bringing together our house of brands, new innovations and technology certainly gave visitors insight into the world of DoorCo and cemented our position as the UK’s leading composite door manufacturer. GRiPCORE and FLiP generated a lot of interest, as well as the latest trends in design, PAiNT colour and GLAZiNG. However, the true DoorCo experience goes beyond the product offering. DoorCo is a family run, independently owned business; we’re agile, flexible and able to make decisions that benefit all stakeholders, quickly. This versatility was apparent and appreciated during many conversations throughout the exhibition. Compared to previous years, the scale of the show was disappointing but in terms of visitors and engagement on the stand, there was a good mix of serious business and fun. The DoorCo X Kubu party was definitely the place to be on Wednesday night and people were literally queuing around the block to sample the authentic Korean tapas we served throughout the show. All in all, for DoorCo, the FIT Show was a resounding success!
June 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk
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Jon Vanstone Chair, Certass Ltd FIT Show is one of the best opportunities for Certass to connect face-to-face with our members. We have built a great online community through our award-winning Facebook forum, but there is nothing quite like having a chat over a coffee. Much of my time at the show was spent talking to installers about the looming date of the new Building Regulations, getting genuine feedback on the Certass support offer and finding out what issues are affecting members most so that I can take that information back to my Government discussions. I think what was most striking about the exhibition overall was how busy it was. So many installers had made the decision to take a day off the tools, not an easy choice when you consider that many of our installers have order books filled until late summer. It was also great to see so many new software and systems on show, that are making it easier for installers to run their businesses.
Jay Patel Director, Everglade Windows
Cassie Watters Sales and Marketing Manager, SupaLite
Andrew Scott CEO and Founder, Purplex Marketing
Everglade Windows joined our friends at Business Pilot on their stand as a partner for the duration of the show and I’m so glad we didn’t miss out.
It was great to be back exhibiting at the FIT Show where we caught up with our existing and prospective customers face-to-face.
After so long away from exhibitions, we were pleasantly surprised to see so many visitors at the show – it was a really busy few days and great to see installers and industry peers taking time out of their hectic schedules to look at new products and services that will help to develop their business.
Events like this create the perfect opportunity for us to demonstrate our full portfolio of products, launch brand new systems and announce the latest innovations to our existing range.
Exhibiting at the FIT Show has always been an important date in the calendar for us at Purplex and it was amazing to finally be back after so many years.
FIT Show offers a great opportunity to meet new people from the industry, but it also offers an ideal opportunity for us to reconnect with customers and suppliers – particularly on Late Night Wednesday, when Everglade Windows hosted a cocktail party on the Business Pilot stand. What really stuck out at the show was how much smart technology products were being demonstrated and I think that’s a good sign of the way our market is headed.
We’ve been a long-standing supporter of the FIT Show, but this year was a particularly special one for us because it marked ten years since SupaLite launched into the retrofit and new conservatory market. It may have also been the first time many installers would have seen our brand-new flat roof orangery system – ILite. As a company that is driven to design and develop first-class products for our customers, it was fantastic to see the reaction and interest we received during the exhibition. In fact, we had lots of really positive conversations with potential new customers. It was great to see the return of the FIT Show, and we’re extremely proud to be among the other incredible companies who exhibited this year.
www.glassnews.co.uk | June 2022
The 2022 event was bigger and better than before. Yes, we did lots of business but it was also great to catch-up with clients, colleagues and old friends and spend time with my team. The glazing industry is 100% a people industry and it’s so amazing that live events are finally back. The market is getting tougher, so our expert team delivered informative seminars and interactive demos to showcase the very best marketing techniques and tools to successfully build a business and generate leads. Visitors were also introduced to Purplex Partners Augmented Reality Creations (ARC) and Pricepoint innovative software systems. A huge well done to Nickie West, Jess Hardisty and the entire FIT Show team for a fantastic event. I can’t wait for the Glazing Summit 2022 conference in October, where the industry will come together once again.
David Thornton Chair, The Window Company (Contracts) Ltd If you’re judging the success of a show by the business it generates, then the good news is that we have placed orders with two companies we met for the first time this year at FIT and are in negotiation with a third. Of course, it was also good to be able to catch up and talk product with people we already knew (even if some had changed companies since FIT in 2019) and see how some of the fledging start-ups from the last show had really grown in the interim. We made some good contacts with first time exhibitors too. For us, it was a very useful few days and there seemed to a general consensus amongst all the companies I spoke to that it was a worthwhile event. Credit is certainly due to the organisers for their tenacity in making it all happen. It would be good to see the return of some of the big profile suppliers and more of the foreign exhibitors next year, but we will certainly be back!
Mike Winters Managing Director, Pricepoint Nothing matches the value of meeting face to face with potential customers, and the FIT Show certainly allowed us to do just that. Thanks to a partnership with Purplex Marketing, Pricepoint was on display at the leading agency’s stand, showcasing the unique window and door designer, pricing and quoting tool, and full CRM and lead management system that’s already proving a success with installers across the country. Pricepoint was also on show at AdminBase’s stand to demonstrate how the software can integrate with a customer’s Adminbase CRM. FIT provided us with a brilliant launchpad to showcase Pricepoint, and to respond to valuable enquiries. I also enjoyed seeing the vast range of other fantastic products on display – the FIT Show has always been a great way to show the industry what’s new, giving us an opportunity to reflect on current trends and adapt our offering accordingly to meet customer demand. It was a fantastic show, and I’m already looking forward to seeing what FIT 2023 has to offer.
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VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY
The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper
VEKA Recycling attended the FIT Show as guests of our sister company VEKA PLC and alongside the Independent Network, the support network for VEKA installers. This gave us direct access to fabricators and more importantly, retail installers, which enabled us to gauge attitudes towards recycling from a range of perspectives, including those of homeowners.
Simon Scholes Managing Director, VEKA Recycling
Although anecdotal – we are undertaking research amongst retail installers to gain insights into their attitudes towards recycling of PVC-U – we learned that installers who recycle old PVC-U frames are becoming more proactive in promoting this to homeowners; and that homeowners are increasingly demanding to know what happens to the windows being replaced in their homes. This is hugely encouraging.
Mike Bygrave Director, Roseview Windows
Rhonda Ridge Managing Director, AdminBase
Adrian Barraclough Chairman, Quickslide
Anda Gregory Chief Development Officer, GGF / FENSA
It’s a week since the FIT Show finished and my feet haven’t touched the ground. Which is lucky, as they’re still sore.
We experienced the perfect demonstration of why we go to exhibitions: as I was talking to someone who was showing interest for the first time, I had an existing customer recommending that he sign up as AdminBase had been such a success for them. But we also had a great many very happy customers visit us, which was also very rewarding. As a substantially onlinebased business, FIT Show provided us with the opportunity to meet people personally when usually and especially in the past couple of years, it has all been online.
We took the opportunity very late in the day to exhibit at FIT…and we are so pleased that we did! We wanted to re-connect with people and that was what our stand was about: open, with plenty of seating, and very little product. And it worked incredibly well as we met so many customers that we have not yet been able to get round to see and many more who we met for the first time.
For both GGF and FENSA, the FIT Show was a very successful week. We had huge numbers visiting both stands, consisting of existing members asking for guidance and advice alongside a raft of companies applying to join. The seminars we gave on Building Regulations throughout the week were packed out and extremely well received. Those conversations continued on our stands as visitors to the show sought out the expertise required to help their company adapt to the changes coming on 15th June.
It’s customary for exhibitors like us to say how great the show was. But I think this time we all approached it with a little trepidation. We didn’t know how things would go or how many people would turn up. We weren’t sure what to expect. Fortunately, thanks to the incredible efforts of the FIT Show team and ALL the exhibitors, the show was a real success. The show may have been smaller than usual, but our stand was busy throughout. The buzz was back. With my Roseview hat on, we saw a great mix of existing customers and potential new ones. Everything we showed went down very well and we had some great conversations. In particular, our smart technology collaboration with REHAU was particularly well received. With my industry hat on, it was just nice to be back; meeting, talking and showing – just like we used to.
We set the stand up to be open and welcoming, with as many demonstration points as possible and that proved incredibly successful, especially our new tie in with PricePoint, which offers superb graphics and features to support salespeople in their presentations to homeowners; again, being at a live exhibition allowed us to show this to so many more people than we would otherwise have reached in such a short time. Visitors LOVED it! For us, FIT Show was a gamechanger!
Everywhere you turned at FIT Show you saw innovation, great characters, positive people, and there was a tremendous energy. Visitors to our stand found the show valuable and full of new and exciting products and solutions and were impressed by the variety. The people behind the ‘We Mind and Kelly Matters’ cycle challenge which is raising awareness of mental health, to Haffner’s hugely impressive array of complex machines, showed the diversity of what could be found at FIT this year. We have booked for FIT Show next year without any hesitation; this was a great event.
The overall atmosphere across the week felt incredibly positive. The industry hasn’t had a chance to come together since the pandemic and it felt fantastic to see so many friendly faces and colleagues who we hadn’t seen in such a long time. The opportunity for us to engage with members across the industry on this scale is always welcomed and we came away from the week knowing that while the industry has challenges ahead the very best people are in place to tackle them head on.
Danny Williams Managing Director, GERDA, in partnership with Pioneer
Stephen Beresford Marketing Director, Head of Marketing at REHAU UK
I admit that I was a little apprehensive about booking FIT Show this year: after Covid 19 would people attend, was it too soon, had industry habits altered? And it’s a significant investment. We had a new product from a brand - GERDA – that is new to the UK home improvement market. So despite my apprehensions, we had to be at FIT for people to see and try the products, which are steel and aluminium-faced, high quality residential doors, for themselves. You simply cannot convey the quality, finish and feel of such products by any other means. We comfortably exceeded every hope that I had for the show, taking just under 200 solid leads, which is more than we could have hoped for had we put a couple of reps on the road for two years. We saw installers from every area of the UK, including Scotland, Ireland and even the Channel Islands, which I might just follow up myself! There was such a positive buzz at FIT: It’s great to be back!
The pandemic changed an awful lot about how the industry works and networks, so it was great to see a return to normality with a very well-attended FIT Show. REHAU was showcasing its new integrated window and door alarm system, SMART GUARD, alongside one of our key fabricator partners, Roseview, and we very pleased to see pre-COVID levels of footfall around the Roseview stand. While it is possible to measure interest in a new product or solution through other means, nothing is more emphatic than actually seeing people interact with it, and offer their opinion. Feedback was very positive both for this new product and in general, and our team was able to get out and about to see new and existing contacts at the show. The seminars on offer at the show were also very informative – overall, it was an excellent event, and it was great to finally meet up with each other and establish or reinforce invaluable networks.
Roll on 2023!
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June 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk
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COLD CALLING
The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper
DANNY WILLIAMS
‘COLD CALLING’
Each month our special correspondent Danny Williams* replies to a reader’s letter...
I am an Exhibitionist…. Firstly, I must apologise to all of those whose Letters to Danny remain languishing at the bottom of Cold Calling’s extraordinarily large mail sack. Normal service will be resumed next month. The decision to resist the otherwise thoroughly rewarding monthly ritual of sorting through the post has been taken to allow me to express the pains and gains of taking part in a trade show. Not just any trade show but yes, you’ve guessed it, FIT Show, which took place last month at the NEC. The process that led towards blowing quite considerable sums of hard-earned began a couple of years ago in fact, when I decided that there must be an alternative to the generally parlous state of the composite door market in the UK. After yet another run-in with a supplier that, despite sending me a door that was faulty and which should never have left the factory had anyone bothered to even glance at it, and who decided to add insult to injury by treating me like a leper because I had the temerity to actually complain about the rubbish they had sent me in the first place, I decided to see if I could do my own thing. In fairness, there are some pretty decent composite door manufacturers out there and my beef, as usual, is with the larger firms for whom the words ‘service’ and ‘product quality’ have no bearing on their company offer these days. But even amongst the quality suppliers, there is very little product differentiation, perhaps other than price. And I have been there before with sash windows…when you’re one of dozens flogging white plastic sash windows in an area, the only obvious difference is going to be price. And that, as we all know, becomes a race to the bottom. So, I decided late in 2019 to have a look around for something that offered an obvious difference. I found that difference very early on in the form of Gerda, a Polish company that is well established in mainland Europe and a household name in its home market. Our own research, Gerda’s appraisal of us and the UK home improvement market and a little problem with a bug that decided to take the planet by storm, took us to within a few
nervous months of the FIT Show, which for me and my team was never in doubt as the only way to deliver such a product to the market… Anyone that has decided to launch a product at a trade show will have gone through the sometimes nerve shredding process of knitting everything together. Gerda is an incredibly well-run, privately-owned firm that, after apparently being bitten once or twice previously, showed a cautious response to our approach, which was initiated by our Production Director Ray, who had dealt with the firm previously. Astonishingly, they were unaware of the reputation and prominence in the industry of yours truly and they needed a little more detail. But we got there, and then the business of ensuring the product is aligned with the UK market had to take place. Visits to Poland followed and by their people to good old Blighty. Particularly memorable were the guided tours for their techies around various Essex housing estates, and much discussion, about such essential details as differing damp proof course heights, took us into the early hours sometimes…oh how we laughed! FIT Show was booked early in 2022 but we held back our partner’s name as some details were still up in the air. When we confirmed the stand we had just three months to plan and build it. Gerda set to work on the amazing pods that showed the doors to perfection and we did the rest. When FIT opened, it all looked fantastic…we had built it, but as everyone in the hall wondered…would they come? I am no FIT virgin, a statement that I am sure I will come to regret. It had been some years since I last threw money at it but it was everything that I had hoped for and then a great deal more. I had a shiny new product and brand that undoubtedly drew people in if only out of curiosity, many of them sharing my feelings about the product and service quality issues within the door market. The numbers were terrific: we had 198 people take the time to fill in our forensic enquiry form, that is so detailed we now know their inside leg measurement and sperm count. Since the event I have had people enquire through Facebook and Linked In and have missed calls from punters trying to track me down. We didn’t stop for the three days.
But this year’s FIT did far more for us: Our new partners from Poland had no prior experience of the UK home improvement market although their products have been available in social housing and other narrow sectors for some time. They were overwhelmed by the professionalism of the event and of the exhibitors, in terms of the stands, but also of the people and their enthusiasm. They now have an appreciation of the potential for their products here and learned about the commitment and enthusiasm of the people in the front line, the retail installers and the exhibitors and other supply partners to Pioneer that I managed to introduce our new friends to. As a result, whilst we thought we were receiving pretty decent treatment from Gerda before FIT, their experience at the show was a real game changer, with the UK now the number one priority for them. FIT Show enabled us to meet more people in three days than a bunch of reps would have brought in in two years, although now I have a serious need to recruit some decent people to follow up everything that we have begun (you know where to find me!). For me this FIT Show lit a fire in me that perhaps had cooled a little: we have all been through the strangest period that most of us will ever experience, now facing global conditions that not even the brightest and best informed could have predicted. Inflation, supply chain, recruitment, war (yes we have learned a great deal about the localised issues with Ukraine in the past few weeks) are just some of the torrent of problems being fired at us. But those three days at FIT reminded me of the qualities that are available wholesale throughout our industry and why I love it: professionalism, enthusiasm, commitment, drive…and actually, a unity that is rare in any other walk of life. We won’t be beaten nor dulled by a world that is currently an unpleasant place to be for many people and a tougher challenge than many of us have previously experienced. When our backs are against the wall, all we think about is how we can overcome the barriers and thrive. Thank you FIT: we couldn’t have done it without you. I have booked for next year.
* Danny Williams is managing director of Chelmsford based Pioneer Trading and has been involved with all aspects of the windows and doors industry for 35 years. His activities include manufacturing a full range of windows and doors in PVC-U and aluminium, an IGU facility, retailing and commercial contracting.
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June 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk
INDUSTRY AWARDS
The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper
PREMIER ARCHES UP FOR TWO NFA AWARDS VISTA REACHES THE NFA FINALS Premier Arches has been shortlisted in two National Fenestration Awards categories for the second year running, following an incredibly successful year for the leading arched and angled frame manufacturer. Launched in 2013, the NFAs are the industry’s fastest growing and most inclusive awards event, decided completely by the participation of the industry itself. This year, Premier Arches has been shortlisted in the both the Fabricator/ Manufacturer of the Year, and the PVC Fabricator of the Year categories. Based in St Helens, the company manufactures arched, angled, gable, circular and entirely bespoke windows and doors in a range of systems, offering a full service to fabricators, trade counters, installers and local builders. Premier Arches has grown significantly in the past six years, having achieved an impressive 94% sales uplift in the past 12-month period, and today boasts a 20-strong manufacturing team, serving over 600 customers across the UK.
Vista Panels has been named a finalist in the 2022 National Fenestration Awards. It comes after the leading composite door manufacturer was shortlisted in four categories last year, following wins in both 2016 and 2019. Launched in 2013, the NFAs are the industry’s fastest growing and most inclusive awards event, decided completely by the participation of the industry itself. Managing Director Sean Greenall comments: “It’s fantastic to see Premier Arches being nominated for not one, but two NFAs this year, and especially to see that we’re the only profile bending company on the list – we must be doing something right! “Making the finals is a real testament to our entire team, who put a lot of hard work into delivering excellent products and outstanding service to our valued customers.
Now hoping to add to their trophy cabinet, Vista has been shortlisted in the Composite Door Manufacturer of the Year category, thanks to the company’s production of over 1,200 XtremeDoor composite doors a week, in large part thanks to a 18,000 square foot factory expansion which significantly increased production capacity.
Ian Smith, Vista’s Business Development and Marketing Manager, comments: “Everyone at Vista is delighted to have been shortlisted in the NFAs once again. It’s a real testament to the hard work and efforts of our talented teams along with the continued support of our customers and suppliers. “I’d like to take this opportunity wish all our fellow finalists the very best of luck.” To place your vote, visit www.fenestrationawards.co.uk. Voting closes on 7th October, with winners announced at a ceremony on 5th November. For more information call 0151 608 1423 or visit www.vistapanels.co.uk.
“I’m so proud of everyone here at Premier Arches, and I’d like to wish our fellow finalists the very best of luck.” To place your vote, visit www.fenestrationawards.co.uk. Voting closes on 7th October, with winners announced at a ceremony on 5th November. For more information, email info@premierarches.co.uk.
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www.glassnews.co.uk | June 2022
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BMBI
The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper
BUILDERS MERCHANT BUILDING INDEX
BUMPER Q1 VALUE SALES BUT INCREASE DRIVEN MORE BY PRICE INFLATION THAN VOLUME The latest total value sales data from Britain’s Builders’ Merchants shows Q1 2022 was a bumper quarter thanks in part to a recordbreaking March, which clocked up the highest ever total sales in the history of the BMBI. However this was driven once again by price inflation more than volume growth. QUARTERLY SALES, YEAR-ON-YEAR Total value sales in Q1 2022 were 17.7% higher than Q1 2021, with no difference in trading days. The increase was driven by price inflation (+16.0%) more than volume growth (+1.5%). All bar one category sold more. Kitchens & Bathrooms (+26.3%), Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (+16.4%) and Miscellaneous (+12.8%) all had their best-ever quarterly sales.
“Compared to the same month three years ago, total value sales in March 2022 were 35.0% higher than March 2019, helped by two more trading days this year.” Comparing Q1 2022 with Q1 2019, a pre-pandemic year, total value sales were 24.7% higher, with no difference in trading days. All categories sold more.
QUARTER-ON-QUARTER Quarter-on-quarter, sales were up 11.4% in Q1 2022 compared to Q4 2021, helped by three more trading days in the most recent period. All categories sold more. Like-for-like sales were 6.1% higher than Q4 2021.
MARCH SALES, YEAR-ON-YEAR Compared to March 2021, when large parts of the country were again under Covid restrictions, total sales were 9.8% higher in March 2022 with no difference in trading days. This was driven entirely by price inflation (+18.5%) rather than volume (-7.3%). All bar one category sold more. Compared to the same month three years ago, total value sales in March 2022
were 35.0% higher than March 2019, helped by two more trading days this year.
MARCH SALES, MONTHON-MONTH Total merchant sales in March were 24.1% higher than February, boosted by three extra trading days in the most recent month. Seasonal category Landscaping (+47.2%) outperformed the other categories. Like-for-like sales were 7.9% higher.
LAST 12 MONTHS Sales in the 12 months from April 2021 to March 2022 were 30.6% higher than in the same 12 months a year earlier, with one less trading day this year. All categories sold more. Timber & Joinery Products (+47.9%), Renewables & Water Saving (+34.4%) and Kitchens & Bathrooms (32.1%) were the best performing categories.
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-forlike market comparability, tailored to the requirements of an individual business. The Builders Merchant Building Index The BMBI is published every month, in print and online. A full quarterly report is available every three months. The BMBI is a brand of the Builders Merchants 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.
For the full report, Expert comments and Round Table Debates, visit www.bmbi.co.uk.
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June 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk
CHARITY NEWS
The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper
When Barnsley based trade fabricator Euroglaze reached its £10K fundraising goal for Retina UK, who better to present the cheque to the sight loss charity than local footballing hero Bruce Dyer? Bruce, who spent five years at Barnsley FC in the late 90s and early 2000s, had the distinction of being the UK’s first £1m teenager when he signed for Crystal Palace in 1994. He now spends his time coaching youngsters across Yorkshire and running his own Love Life UK motivational soccer and sports camps.
! IZE PR
GOAL!!
WIN £10 CASH PRIZE!!
Circle three differences in the boxes below, fill in your contact details and send your competition entry to: FAO: Miss Christina Shaw, Glass News Competitions, 19 Heather Close, Tickhill, Doncaster, DN11 9UU or Email: christina@glassnews.co.uk. Entry deadline: 20/06/22.
The Euroglaze team set themselves the £10K goal to mark the company’s 40th anniversary, and achieved it through a mix of raffles, fun days, cake sales, and even a virtual John O’Groats to Land’s End cycling challenge. The sight loss charity Retina UK is especially close to everyone at the company’s heart because it helps to fund vital research into the kinds of eye diseases that caused Managing Director Martin Nettleton and his brother Simon to gradually lose their sight. Martin said: “We carried on fundraising even during the pandemic because we
knew just what an impact it was having on the income of smaller charities such as Retina UK. Nicky Park, our Sales and Customer Service Administrator, did an amazing job driving the whole effort and encouraging everyone to get involved. I’m incredibly grateful to her and to everyone who supported us – from staff to suppliers, customers and of course Bruce, and genuinely delighted to have been able to do our bit to help fund some potentially exciting new treatments.” More info at: www.euroglaze.co.uk
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www.glassnews.co.uk | June 2022
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CAREERS & QUALIFICATIONS IN FENESTRATION
The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper
SPONSORED BY GQA AND BUILDING OUR SKILLS GQA Qualifications is the only issuer of CSCS cards for the Glass and Fenestration industries. Building Our Skills is a strategic campaign designed to help bridge the growing skills gap in the Fenestration Industry
NEW APPOINTMENTS
NEW APPOINTMENTS
BEN WALLACE ANNOUNCED AS GGF HEAD OF MEMBERSHIP & CUSTOMER RELATIONS The Glass & Glazing Federation are pleased to announce that long standing employee, Ben Wallace, has been appointed as Head of Membership & Customer Relations. Ben has been with the GGF for 10 years and has extensive industry experience to bring to the role. Anda Gregory, Chief Development Officer of the GGF comments on Ben’s appointment: “It’s essential that our Head of Membership and Customer Relations has a deep understanding of the inner workings of the industry as well as the individual needs of our members. Ben’s experience perfectly matches this brief, so we are delighted that he is moving into this role.” Ben says: “I have been present at GGF meetings since 2012 listening to what is important to our members. With this knowledge I have worked with the team to successfully develop the GGF Technical Department to become even more of an asset to members. In my new role as the Group Head of Membership and Customer Relations I am excited to extend this even further, and with the help of the team make the GGF even stronger and more valuable to members. There is a lot of room for
“There is a lot of room for development, and we can bring the GGF even closer to members to help them to succeed in the industry.” 74
development, and we can bring the GGF even closer to members to help them to succeed in the industry.” After leaving the military, Ben worked for a PVC-U Manufacturer as a technical advisor to the trade. Upon joining the GGF in 2012 as a trainee Technical Officer, he carried out a two-year training programme, including shadowing some of the industry’s leading experts, to become a full Technical Officer. Since then, Ben has been involved in all elements of the glazing industry and has worked on some extremely high-profile glazing projects internationally. In 2015 Ben took over the Consultancy Department and turned it into an asset for the federation before being promoted in 2020 to Senior Technical Officer, heading up the Glazing Executive side of the Federation. Anda Gregory concludes: “The GGF is constantly evolving to suit the needs of our members and the ever-changing marketplace we are all a part of. This latest appointment is a fantastic development for the Federation, and we are confident that Ben’s wealth of experience is going to continue to benefit members in his new role.”
EPWIN WINDOW SYSTEMS’ KATRINA EARL PROMOTED TO SALES DIRECTOR Katrina Earl has been appointed Sales Director of Epwin Window Systems after seven years with the business. In her appointment, Katrina will report to Managing Director Clare Bailey [formerly O’Hara] and will be responsible for sales development across the PVC-U, Aluminium, Hardware and Commercial business divisions. Commenting on her appointment, Katrina said: “I am proud to be part of Epwin Window Systems and delighted to lead the sales function for the business. The quality and innovation of our award-winning window and door systems is second to none and is matched by the quality and commitment of our talented staff. I’m looking forward to working with our sales teams and customers to maximise the market opportunities.” Previously holding the post of Head of Sales, Katrina has been an integral part
Katrina Earl
of the Epwin Window Systems team. More recently, she has demonstrated her leadership qualities throughout the challenges bought on by the pandemic. Managing Director, Clare Bailey commented: “Katrina’s appointment reflects the strength of her leadership abilities and her commitment to the success of Epwin Window Systems. As we continue to strengthen our service and support offering, Katrina will be instrumental in helping drive business growth through existing and new business opportunities. Her commitment and strong customer focus will help us achieve our ambitions and targeted sales goals while also delivering a consistent customer experience to offer the best level of support in the industry.” As the UK’s largest manufacturer and supplier of PVC-U and aluminium window and door systems, Epwin Window Systems is able to attract and retain the best and brightest in the industry. It’s something that’s demonstrated in Katrina’s tenure at the company and her well-deserved promotion. Tel: 0845 340 3968 www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk
June 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk
The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper
CAREERS & QUALIFICATIONS IN FENESTRATION
CAREERS
BUILDING OUR SKILLS APPEALS FOR 50 VOLUNTEERS TO TAKE THE INDUSTRY TO THE EDUCATION SECTOR Underlining its commitment to bringing more youngsters into the fenestration industry, Building Our Skills - Making Fenestration, Glass and Glazing a Career of Choice has strengthened its collaboration with the Education and Employers Charity to promote their ‘Inspiring the Future’ programme. Inspiring The Future has been designed to connect young people with the world of work by encouraging volunteers to visit schools (in person or virtually) to help inform youngsters about the possibilities for their future careers and what they could achieve. The renewed collaboration is seen by Building Our Skills as key in helping to acquaint school age children, and their teachers with the fenestration industry, and to communicate to them the broad range of job roles and career paths it offers. The campaign connects volunteers to state primary and secondary schools via its free match-making platform. Volunteers are
asked to give at just one hour a year to the programme, although they can choose to do more if they would like to to help inspire children. The first step is to register on the Education and Employers or Building Our Skills websites and complete a very simple form. Teachers who have signed their schools up to the programme can see details of the volunteer, where they are based and the industry they are in, and then invite them to talk to their school about the job they do and the industry they do it in. Invitations for in person school visits are based around volunteers being local to the school in question, whereas virtual visits can be delivered from anywhere in the UK. Volunteers are supported by the Inspiring the Future team and are given access to training videos as well as training webinars and forums should they wish. Building Our Skills will provide key facts and figures for volunteers to use about the industry itself. Building Our Skills has highlighted the Education Sector as the single most important area for the industry to focus on to raise awareness of the opportunities it offers and to inspire future generations to look to Fenestration, Glass and Glazing as a career of choice. Ambassador for Building Our Skills, John Ogilvie, says: “I urge the fenestration industry to acknowledge the need to get more involved with schools and
colleges. Working with Inspiring The Future is a great approach to attracting new talent to the industry. It’s a fantastic opportunity to be able to show youngsters the vast range of career opportunities they could aspire to, long before they reach the age when they have to decide. Helping teachers and parents – who are key influencers in this process - to inspire young people to experience what future options are open to them is something that will benefit the fenestration industry greatly. We all recognise that the industry is facing a skills shortage, and this campaign is designed to offer a long-term solution. Katy Langham Director of Operations and Programmes for Inspiring the Future adds: “We’re delighted to have strengthened our partnership with Building Our Skills to get fenestration, glass and glazing sector volunteers out into schools and talking to young people about the exciting careers that it offers. I too would like to urge employers and employees in the sector to come forward and volunteer. It’s incredibly rewarding, and I can promise volunteers that they won’t regret it!” Building Our Skills’ immediate aim is to get 50 industry volunteers to sign up to support the campaign and to grow it from there. It is perfect for anybody in the industry, in whatever role, who wants to play a part in making a difference in raising the profile of the industry to make Fenestration, Glass and Glazing a Career of Choice for future generations. Those interested in volunteering can do so by clicking here https://buildingourskills. co.uk/campaigns/inspiring-the-future/ Or for more information on this campaign and Building Our Skills - Making Fenestration, Glass and Glazing a Career of Choice - visit www.buildingourskills.co.uk
www.glassnews.co.uk | June 2022
John Ogilvie
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CAREERS & QUALIFICATIONS IN FENESTRATION NEW APPOINTMENTS
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NEW APPOINTMENTS
THE TEAM MAKES VBH TICK MEET DEKKO’S PROMISING Hardware manufacturer VBH, the company behind the greenteQ brand, has been busy in 2022 recruiting new staff and giving existing team members new responsibilities where their proven skill-sets can be brought to the fore. Simon Monks, MD of VBH gave us the following overview of the ‘movers and shakers’ at the company. “We believe that we have the best team of any hardware company. It is a healthy mix of experience and youth, with all the benefits of both. We’ve had a reshuffle, carried out some promotions and brought in some new faces this year to enhance what was already a successful team. “Steve Thomas has moved from an internal position to become Area Sales Representative for South West England. His customers are already benefitting from Steve’s years of manufacturing experience. “His sales team colleagues Tyler Shutts, Earl Tate
NEW APPRENTICE
and Colin Thomas have all been promoted to Regional Manager, for Northern England, South East England, and Wales respectively, following exceptional long term performance. “In Scotland Pamela Paterson is now Operations Manager at our East Kilbride site, with responsibility for the day-today running of the depot. “Internally at the Gillingham HQ, Karen Campbell moves to the position of Internal SalesCo-ordinator, linking the activities of our sales and marketing teams, and we have bolstered our Customer Service team with the recruitment of Leah Organ and Georgia Rowlatt. Both are new to the industry but are already getting great reviews from customers. Most recently, Tom Nicholls joined our accounts team to help ensure that everything behind the scenes runs smoothly. “As well as promoting from within, we have been recruiting to ensure that
Leading trade fabricator Dekko Window Systems has recruited a new apprentice in a bid to renew the company’s commitment to upskilling young people and tackling the industry’s skills gap.
we continue to exceed customer expectations now we are faced with evermore challenges outside of the industry’s control. Simon Eshelby returns to VBH in the new position of Distribution & Systems House Manager, following six years away. It’s great to have Simon, and all his technical expertise, back at VBH. “We have just received news that we have been short listed in no less than 10 categories at the NFA awards. It’s the people that make our company tick, so this success is a tribute to the VBH Team.” Get in contact with VBH on 01634 263263, email info@vbhgb.com or send them a Tweet @vbhgb.
Liam Birch joins the company as a Digital Marketing Apprentice, and has been tasked with promoting and maintaining the Dekko brand through online social channels by creating unique content that reflects the business and the premium products and services it provides. “I’m primarily managing the company’s Swindon Trade Counter Facebook page and Instagram page, and I’m also responsible for finding sales leads on the social channels and referring them on to our sales team on a regular basis,” Liam comments.
Liam’s appointment is part of a wider scheme at Dekko which sees the company taking on young people and training them up. The company currently employs four apprentices across HR, manufacturing and engineering, and will soon be looking to recruit further. Sales Director Kurt Greatrex comments: “The skills gap is a huge issue facing the industry at the moment, and I predict for a long time to come.
“Liam is a very talented, personable young man, and I’ve been impressed with his skills in internal marketing, as well as his keen ability to track leads and opportunities for regular business.
“Apprenticeships are invaluable in tackling this ever-growing issue, and strengthening the industry as a whole, while also giving young people the opportunity to learn on the job and develop valuable skillsets.
“I’m delighted to welcome Liam to the Dekko team – he’s already proven his enthusiasm, talent, and willingness to learn, and I believe he has a very promising career ahead of him.”
“By taking them on, we can work towards achieving our long-term goal of growing and developing
Contact Dekko Window Systems on 0161 406 0055 or visit www.dekkowindows.com.
NEW APPOINTMENTS
ALUK APPOINTS RETAIL SPECIALIST IN NEW SALES DIRECTOR ROLE AluK has appointed retail sales specialist Wayne Heath as Sales Director for the trade and residential side of its operation. This is a new position and reflects AluK’s commitment to putting its fabrication and installation partners right at the heart of its business. Wayne has a long and successful track record with the likes of Everest and Anglian, including board level experience, and spent three years with the automotive giant We Buy Any Car, helping the business transform the way that consumers buy and sell in the second-hand car market. He will therefore be bringing broad knowledge of the changing retail landscape to AluK and helping customers understand how they can best respond to that through new sales and differentiation strategies and digital first offerings. Wayne said of his appointment: “It’s great to be back in the window and door market, especially with such a strong brand as AluK. AluK can already add a huge amount to our customers’ businesses through value added
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a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce to add to our already talented team.
services such as training, technical support, and testing, but we’re taking that up a level now with the launch of a new package of direct retail support under our AluK Home banner. “I’ll be out and about a good deal over the next few months meeting customers, introducing them to AluK Home and listening and understanding what more they want from us as their aluminium partner. “We all know the cost-of-living crisis is already starting to impact the economy, so my focus will be on making sure AluK responds quickly and intelligently to any tightening in the window and door market and that we stand side by side with our customers giving them all the support they need.” More details at: https://uk.aluk.com/
June 2022 | www.glassnews.co.uk
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LivinROOF
We can offer technical support, training and a full marketing package to help increase and develop your sales and more importantly increase your profits.
Find out exactly how we can help! Call either Ritchie, Ryan or Debbie on:
01709 710100 Lantern
You’ll be amazed at how affordable the superior Ultraframe products are – let us give you a quote today.
Probably the best prepped roof on the market - we do more so you do less! T: 01709 710100 E: info@connaughtconservatories.co.uk F: 01709 525262
www.connaughtroofs.com
Unit 3, Lloyd Street, Parkgate, Rotherham, S62 6JG
