20 minute read
Trade News
STRENGTHEN YOUR ADMIN BACKBONE
On the surface of it, admin isn’t the most exciting of topics, but what a difference it makes to the success or failure of any business! We talk to Rhonda Ridge of AdminBase about just how important it is for installation businesses to get their admin house in order.
It is easy to underestimate the importance of admin in a business. You could be forgiven for thinking that it isn’t that important, requires an inordinate amount of time to stay on top of, and quite frankly is a bore to complete. Even the management teams that rely so heavily on the data created by admin to aid decision making, can find it hard to maintain a solid system of communication and data input. We may all start with the best of intentions, but the day to day running of the business almost always takes precedence over completing forms or updating colleagues. However, admin is the backbone of an organisation, and when done well, the entire business can run more smoothly and efficiently, making everyone’s lives easier, as Rhonda explains: “I designed the AdminBase installer management system having worked in an installation business for many years. I understand the pressure teams are under in this sector and how when things are busy, internal communication falls by the wayside. It doesn’t seem important at the time that you scribble a note for a colleague, but then in no time at all, a misunderstanding has spread, and precious time has been wasted. AdminBase allows installation businesses to input data quickly with intuitive interfaces that are easy to use. As soon as data in input, it is live for all users to refer to, ensuring no-one is caught short by misinformation or lack of information when talking to a customer, or colleague.
SUPPORT FROM START TO FINISH
“AdminBase supports installation businesses across their entire operation too, including customer service, sales, marketing, accounts, and time management. Our recent partnership with PricepointTM Sales – an online system that helps installers sell their products – has enhanced our offering further, with more support for sales teams selling in the home. PricepointTM is a great fit for AdminBase because it is also simple and intuitive to use. The system holds endless product types and uses professional highdefinition images to support a professional sales pitch. Installation sales teams can even use the system without an internet connection saving any embarrassing down time trying to connect to Wi-Fi. The system also boasts Manufacturing IntelligenceTM, highlighting any restrictions
AdminBase - Ab Initio Managing Director, Rhonda Ridge
that may occur with certain product combinations. And when the final selection has been made, it creates customised quotations to leave with the homeowner. “Of course, the sale is just the beginning of admin for home improvement companies and because AdminBase was designed specifically for installation businesses, the system drives the admin requirements of all departments at every stage of the process. The system allows you to gather confirmation signatures electronically; gives homeowners access to a Customer Portal to confirm appointments, pay invoices and report snagging issues; assists the tracking of materials into and out of the warehouse or factory with an integrated barcode scanning facility; and enables reporting on key aspects of the business. And if any action is incomplete or running behind deadline it is flagged in the easy-to-read reporting systems that use a traffic light system to help identify priorities. With all these features and more, the AdminBase installer management system genuinely supports the entire business. “Admin is an age-old bug bear, but this doesn’t have to be its fate. AdminBase is a fully integrated management system that is tried and tested and is proven to offer internal efficiencies as well as benefits to the consumer. It supports installation businesses at every step of the way so they can spend less time on behind the scenes admin, and more time doing what they do best – installing great products.”
AUTOMATION TECH HELPS SAPPHIRE OFFER FIRSTCLASS QUALITY FOR LESS
Leicestershire’s respected Sapphire Glass Merchants have become the latest fast-growing firm to invest in automated Super Spacer® application technology.
The Hinckley-based company has been using Super Spacer to provide superb quality IGUs to trade and retail customers around the region for over 15 years. However, by 2021, Sapphire had reached the point where the many benefits of embracing automation were becoming increasingly hard to ignore, as Director Stefan O’Meara explains. “We’ve seen huge success with Super Spacer and the outstanding IGUs it’s allowed us to offer.
“However, we began to realise we were reaching the limit of what we could achieve with the spacer application process we’d been using. “We knew automation made sense – it would allow us to do more, more quickly and efficiently, and to an even higher standard. Ian Pickard, Director of Operations added: “Automation technology can be a major investment. That’s why we decided to acquire a pre-used, refurbished automated line – which has allowed us to benefit from all those advantages, but at a fraction of the cost.”
Edgetech Head of Sales Tony Palmer comments: “By far, automation is the best long-term strategy for boosting productivity and improving quality in IGU production. “Switching to a highspeed automated Super Spacer line can yield major savings, and increase output by 18%. “We’re delighted that a manufacturer as respected and committed to quality as Sapphire Glass Merchants have seen the many benefits of automating their spacerapplication process, and decided to invest.
“We look forward to working with them as they continue to provide quality products backed with excellent service.”
For more information, please call 02476 639931 or visit www.edgetechig.co.uk
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MILA MAINTAINS SUPPLY FROM UKRAINE
Mila has made clear its ongoing support for Axor, its tilt and turn hardware partner based in Ukraine. Axor is located in the eastern city of Dnipro, which was the target of Russian attacks early on in the conflict.
However, with the Ukrainian government urging businesses there to stay open as much as possible to help support the ravaged economy, Axor has largely been able to maintain production at its extensive purpose-built factory. Richard Gyde, Mila’s Managing Director, said: “I’ve visited the team in Dnipro several times since we added their hardware to our range in 2018, and I’ve only ever been impressed by the whole business set up and by the warmth and welcome they’ve shown to everyone at Mila. “We offered our unconditional support to them from the outset. In line with that, we have been continuing to place orders and have facilitated new shipping and delivery routes via a massively expanded warehouse they have set up in Poland to ensure continuity of supply to our customers in the UK. “We knew that fabricators would support us and, while we have made it clear to them that we have contingency plans in place to offer alternative tilt and turn hardware if supply is disrupted in the long term, all our customers buying Axor products have welcomed our approach.” Melton Mowbray-based PVC-U fabricator TruFrame is one of the biggest users of Axor tilt and turn hardware in the UK and its Project Director Patrick Firmager added: “We’re really pleased that Mila has made it possible for us to continue buying from Axor. We give our wholehearted support to the incredible team in Ukraine who are working tirelessly to continue operating, in spite of the incomprehensibly difficult situation their country is facing. “We’re very impressed with how Mila has managed the supply chain, which has not only ensured a continuous flow of product but has also mitigated risk further by safeguarding back-up stocks in case of future interruption to supply. There’s very little risk that our customers will notice any drop in service levels which, given the circumstances, is a tremendous accomplishment.” AXOR’s cost-effective tilt and turn hardware range is suitable for windows from 400mm to 1520mm wide and 370mm to 2390mm high and includes heavy duty hinges with a weight capacity of 130kg as standard. Fully quality tested and performance and security accredited, it is ideal for the price sensitive social housing sector and comes with a 10year mechanical operation guarantee. More details on the range at: www.mila.co.uk.
HAPPY 40TH, VBH!
Hardware specialist VBH (GB) turns 40 this July.
After originally supplying British fabricators direct from Germany, Peter Kinze, of VBH group company Heinz Wagner GmbH, persuaded the board that a local company was needed to capitalise fully on the riches that the fledgling UK market could bring. Peter recruited two experienced industry professionals, Graham Organ and Barry Amey, and Heinz Wagner (GB) Ltd opened in Rochester on 7th July 1982. This company was to change its name to VBH (GB) Ltd in 2009. CES, Gege, BSW, Hautau, Wehag, and Fuhr. Wagner even sold door panels for a while. Although many of the brands have disappeared from the range, some, such as Roto and Deventer, are still very much part of VBH’s product portfolio alongside the company’s own greenteQ brand. None of the original staff members is still at VBH, but there are a number who joined soon after. These include Commercial Manager Robb Crampton, who joined in 1984, and the class of 1985, Lesley Mills and Lee Pollard. 2009 was a milestone year. Not only was there a name change, but the year also heralded the launch of the company’s own greenteQ brand of hardware and ancillaries. This marked the shift from VBH being ‘just’ a distributor of other people’s products to being a hardware manufacturer in their own right. greenteQ has since grown hugely as the New product Development team has brought in a stream of exciting products dictated by the tastes and trends of the British market. greenteQ is now recognised as a top quality hardware brand, with products for windows, resi-doors, and patio doors, including the Clearspan bifold system. The VBH team celebrated in style with a dinner/dance at Leeds Castle in Kent in May. Staff from all three UK sites got together to remember old colleagues and, in many cases, to meet new ones.
MERCURY SPECIALIST FRAMES ADDS SMARTS’ ALUSPACE SYSTEM TO ITS PORTFOLIO
Mercury Specialist Frames has just added the Aluspace System from Smart Systems to its portfolio. Steve Cross, Director at Mercury, said: “We are the first UK fabricator to complete our manufacturing training on this new internal door and screening system and we’re delighted to be giving our customers a competitive advantage by adding it to our portfolio. It’s the perfect system for fabricators and installers looking to make the most of the growth in high-end aluminium products.”
The AluSpace Interior Screening System has been developed to create light and airy internal environments. The system’s sleek and elegant lines perfectly complement the Smart Systems window and door ranges that Mercury manufactures.
AluSpace can be used to divide or delineate both residential and commercial spaces of any shape and size, while at the same time providing an effective acoustic barrier. Mercury will be manufacturing the system with sliding door and hinged door options. With a range of width, glazing, hinge and furniture options, the doors can be configured to suit any design theme, from traditional to minimalist and contemporary to industrial.
Steve commented: “This system is perfect for taking the trend for slim sightlines and airy, light-filled spaces to the next level. We’re excited by the opportunities it offers our customers.” Like all Mercury’s aluminium products, the AluSpace Interior Screening System will be manufactured by skilled operatives at the company’s new dedicated aluminium manufacturing centre in Gloucester to ensure exceptional product quality every time. The addition of the AluSpace Interior Screening System to Mercury’s range is the latest stage in its business development and growth strategy that has seen the company double its turnover since 2020. And with intelligent, forward-thinking moves such as being first-tomarket on training up for the AluSpace Interior Screening System, it remains well on track to continue to meet its growth strategy over the next four years. Tel: 01452 383 344 www.mercuryglazing.co.uk
RECORD YEAR AND NEW JOBS AS SPEEDY HOME IMPROVEMENTS TURNS 35
2022 is set to be a major year for a Worthingbased father and daughter team, who are celebrating 35 years in business.
Greg and Leighanne Cox are marking their big anniversary in style as well, with the opening of a dedicated new showroom twelve months ago driving a doubling in sales to £2.5m and the creation of six new jobs with five more on the way. It has given the duo a modern base for its Speedy Home Improvements business and a place where it can engage customers with six different living spaces and extensive doors and windows range. The facility, which is located on Foundry Lane in Horsham, is one year old this month and the company are marking the event by giving clients who purchase products whilst visiting the showroom a £250 discount. This will be in place until the end of June. “It was a brave decision to invest £100,000 during the Covid-19 pandemic, but it has really transformed the way we operate and given new customers the confidence we deliver what we say we are going to,” explained Leighanne, who joined the business in 2011. “The showroom was purpose-built to really showcase the improvements we can deliver, with visitors able to see a contemporary flat roof kitchen extension, both tiled roof and hybrid roof home extensions, a stunning orangery, beautiful glass roof conservatory and a home bar.” year already - so much has happened in those twelve months and we wanted to say thank you to the people of Worthing and Horsham by holding a month-long promotion.” At the heart of Speedy Home Improvements is its ‘SpeedyBase’ system, which reduces the need for traditional wet foundations and construction time by up to four weeks. The business’ personal approach to customer service has always been in place and this was complemented with a new CRM system and a switch to digital marketing when it became one of the newest members of the Conservatory Outlet in 2020.
This has seen enquiries increase by 50% and the greater visibility of operations has also helped the duo to plan installations better, freeing up valuable time to take on new projects. Greg Cox went on to add: “Leighanne and I really wanted to push the business forward, but we weren’t sure how to do that whilst jugging all our other activities. One of the biggest benefits we’ve gained from Conservatory Outlet is the breadth of its support that has really given us the confidence and backing to ‘go for it’. “We’ve never worked with another supplier that has put its arms around us. It’s also been a great support being able to visit the showrooms of other members for advice and tips.” Conservatory Outlet is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of home improvement products, supplying exclusively to an established network of retailers that specialise in conservatories, extensions, doors, windows and orangeries. Karen Clough, Marketing Director, concluded: “Greg and Leighanne were full of passion and ambition to grow, they just needed a steer on how to take things to the next level
“We’ve also been delighted to support them with investment and marketing support to launch their brand new 5000 sq ft showroom in Horsham, and in helping them recruit and train the new fourstrong sales team. “They are now comfortable selling more complex product offerings that add value to their sales margin and broaden their consumer reach”.
For further information, please visit www.speedybuild.co.uk or follow the company on Facebook.
Leighanne and Greg Cox
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PART L COMPLIANT ALUMINIUM AS STANDARD WITH SHEERLINE
Tougher Part L requirements don’t need to be a cause of concern for suppliers of aluminium products. In fact, if you choose the correct system supplier – these tighter standards can help give you an edge in a market that’s set to become more competitive as the cost of living ‘crisis‘ begins to encompass more middle income households.
With an ever-expanding range of Part L compliant aluminium windows, doors, bi-folds and roof lanterns – Sheerline’s customers are reaping the benefits of choosing a modern aluminium system. Designed around Sheerline’s innovative Thermlock® technology, which sits at the heart of every product, Thermlock® multi-chambered thermal breaks are made from a material that is almost half as thermally conductive as Polyamide. This coupled with their increased size means that Sheerline meets the new standards with standard double glazing – helping customers continue to sell the same spec of products, without adding cost. With Sheerline, an aluminium U-value of 1.4 comes as standard.
While other systems companies are busy trying to shoehorn a solution into their legacy systems, either adding cost via foam inserts or forcing customers to ‘upgrade’ to expensive triple glazing to meet these new standards, Sheerline customers are left with a competitive advantage and a clear easy to understand product offer. Sheerline customers can also be confident that when thermal requirements tighten even further in 2025 as part of the Future Homes and Buildings Standards – they’ll be ready once again to succeed in an ever-changing marketplace. To put yourself ahead of your competition and to remove the headache of the new Part L regulations contact us on 01332 978000 or email info@sheerline.com. Alternatively visit www.sheerline.com/ready for more information.
Introducing the Prestige Composite Door Frame
PASSIVLUX WINDOWS SPECIFIES ISO CHEMIE FOAM SEALING FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE SEALING SOLUTIONS
A leading South East supplier of highperformance windows and doors has specified ISO-Chemie’s advanced window sealing tapes to provide improved levels of acoustic, thermal and energy insulation.
BLOCO ONE foam tapes are among various products supplied to support the installation of windows and doors designed and fitted by Whitstable-based Passivlux across all sectors of the commercial and residential construction industry in Kent. Providing long-term protection against wind-blown rain ingress as well as an effective acoustic and thermal seal, ISO Chemie’s sealant tapes have been used on a number of Passivlux projects over the years to comply with stringent sealing and quality requirements for triple glaze units and bifold doors installed in houses, apartments and conversion projects. The use of ‘smart’ foams impregnated with different substances to create a measurable U-Value as low as 0.6w/m2k, offer superb thermal insulation and can contribute to acoustic sound reduction by 63dB. As these installation tapes are completely weather tight against driving rain up to hurricane force wind speeds, installers can quickly apply them around the frame during initial fitting. This provides the assurance that they have completed a comprehensive ‘A’ rated installation rather than just supplying an ‘A’ rated window.
Furthermore, BLOCO ONE enables specifiers and installers to seal windows from inside the building and avoid the need to use time consuming and costly scaffolding and ladders among other external access systems. The tapes offer a single product ‘fit and forget’ solution for fast and effective sealing based around the European RAL principles of three level sealing - the inside seal area is more airtight than the external one, allowing any trapped moisture inside the joint, or within the wall, to escape outwards rather than into the building. Tom Holmes, business development manager at Passivlux, which is investing in a new Brighton branch this year to extend its range of windows and doors to a wider region, said: “ISO-Chemie tapes and sealants are specified to complement the window and doors high standards of quality and energy saving attributes. We ensure the products we use during our installations meet our stringent in-house testing procedure and offer our clients value for money without sacrificing quality or performance'. Andy Swift, country director at ISOChemie, said: “Passivlux use only the best thermally performing windows and our tapes and sealants ensure the installation is as good as the frame itself, as well as offering acoustic reduction, air-tightness and weather resistance. By working in partnership with ourselves, we create a perfect window with a highly efficient installation.”
Passivlux has specified ISO-Chemie’s advanced window sealing tapes to provide improved levels of acoustic, thermal and energy insulation.
NEW BUILDING REGULATIONS RESOURCE PAGE PERFECT FOR CDW CUSTOMERS
Leading aluminium specialist CDW Systems has made sure its customers know everything they need to about the imminent changes to Documents F and L of the building regulations.
The Gloucester-based company, which is celebrating its 30year anniversary this year in the trade supply of aluminium window, door, and curtain wall products, has created a new ‘Resources’ page on its website that includes summary documents that outline the key revisions to both. In advance of the upcoming new regulations, which come into force on June 15, CDW Systems’ data sheets will supplement the changes, and the company’s Group Chairman Jeremy Phillips said: “At CDW we have always made sure our customers have the very latest guidance on regulations so they can successfully navigate any changes. “With the imminent changes to Documents F, L and O of the Building Regulations, ultimately it’s the installers who are going to need to make sure they comply with the revisions. We know our customers will have questions relating to the changes, and these resources will help answer them.” From June 15, all new homes must produce 31% less CO2 emissions than what is currently acceptable in the present Part L regulations. Therefore, the construction of new dwellings must comply with the increased energy performance standards as set in the new regulations. Revisions to Part F see new ventilation requirements for new homes and existing ones come into force. It calls for greater air flow for new builds, while in the refurbishment market vents must be fitted as standard and if there are already vents, then the same sized vents can be fitted on the new windows. If the existing windows do not have vents, then the replacements must have vents fitted to meet the revised requirements. CDW Systems, which manufactures a range of unglazed products to suit most applications using profiles from some of the leading aluminium systems houses in the UK, is currently reviewing its product offering to ensure it can offer fully compliant windows and doors for all projects. Jeremy said: “Our customers can rest assured that we have everything in place to help them navigate through the changes as easy as possible and we can provide them with the right advice, and they can discuss any aspect with us.” The new ‘Resources’ page also features order forms and brochures for all CDW Systems products, from the likes of Aluk, Reynaers, Sapa and Smart Systems, as well as product updates, and Jeremy added: “We have always supported our customers with an evolving product range and expert advice, and we wanted to create a ‘Resources’ page to provide a single place where they can get that information.” To view CDW Systems new resources page, visit https://www.cdwsystems.co.uk/resource-centre/ or for more information call 01452 414853.