Glass News October 2022

Glass and glazing’s finest will once again descend on Edgbaston Stadium and Conference Centre to help shape the future of the fenestration industry.

The fourth Glazing Summit, and the third at the legendary cricket venue, takes place on Tuesday, October 18 – and more than 400 of business leaders from across the whole supply chain will come together to discuss the biggest, and most current issues.

After last year’s sell-out, Glazing Summit Founder, and of industry heavyweights Insight data and Purplex Marketing, Andrew Scott, is determined to raise the bar again.

“Getting through the pandemic and the last two years was just the beginning, and the roller-coaster ride in the glazing industry continues,” said Andrew, who will be revealing the facts and figures of how the industry has fared from the Insight Data ‘State of the Industry’ Report and providing his view on the future of the industry.

“After the boom in home improvements, business has slowed, and fenestration is facing huge challenges. There will, however, be opportunities for companies to grow and I’m looking forward to welcoming attendees to Edgbaston for a phenomenal day of insight, debate and discussion.

“Last year’s Glazing Summit came at a pivotal moment after the pandemic and this year’s event is no less important and will be crucial in seeing how we move forward as an industry.”

Continued on page 24....

HARDWARE

I had been considering the subject matter that I might write about in my Page 3 editorial for October’s edition of Glass News when it became clear that Her Majesty the Queen’s health concerns were very serious and, shortly after, there came the sad announcement of her passing.

So much has been said about her reign and about both her service and devotion to this country of ours, and its people. She was, however, a person in her own right with a sense of fun and a great sense of humour. Amongst all the stories about her long reign the one I like the best is of how she handled an encounter with an American hiker who did not recognise her. It was recounted by a former bodyguard who was with her that day and revealed the fun-loving side of her personality that the public rarely saw.

The monarch was out in the hills near her Scottish castle at Balmoral when two U.S. tourists on a walking holiday approached and one of them engaged her in conversation, said former royal protection officer Richard Griffin, known as Dick.

The hiker asked the Queen where she lived, so she said London, adding that she had a holiday home just over the hill and had been visiting the area for more than 80 years since she was a little girl. She did not say she was referring to Balmoral.

Aware that the castle was in the vicinity, the hiker then asked her if she had ever met the Queen, Griffin said.

“Quick as a flash she said: ‘I haven’t, but Dick here meets her regularly’,” Griffin recounted on Sky News during celebrations of Elizabeth’s 70 years on the throne earlier this year.

The hiker than asked Griffin what the monarch was like in person.

“Because I was with her a long time and I knew I could pull her leg, I said ‘Oh, she can be very cantankerous at times, but she’s got a lovely sense of humour’,” Griffin said.

Delighted, the hiker then put his arm around Griffin’s shoulder and asked if he could have a picture of the two of them together.

“Before I could see what was happening, he gets his camera and gives it to the Queen and says, ‘can you take a picture of us?’”

The Queen obliged, and then Griffin took the camera and took a picture of her with the pair of hikers.

Later, Griffin said, the Queen told him: “I’d love to be a fly on the wall when he shows those photographs to friends in America and hopefully someone tells him who I am.”

Regrettably I cannot claim to have met Her Majesty although I did, literally, run into her in 1958 when as a family we went to Badminton Horse Trials. I had dashed off into a marquee ahead of my parents only to bump into this lady who was coming out – yes, it was the Queen!

I had expected to be writing about the energy crisis, inflation and interest rates, and the effect it will have on both households and businesses, and how the ever-mounting national debt would soon be greater than that of World War 2. Although help has been announced concerning energy prices, the accrued debt together with that from Covid will be a burden our grandchildren will be saddled with long after we’re gone! It took until 2006 to pay off WW2’s debt and, surprisingly, 2015 before the final payment for WW1 debt was made!

As far as our industry is concerned, we must trust that it is recognised how important business is to the welfare of all in this country. Without support we shall lose businesses as well as shops in our high streets and, without commerce of all kinds, the revenue to service debt – let alone repay it – will not exist.

The Prime Minister has much on her plate and we all now await hearing the government’s plans and how we can recover and thrive in the future. No doubt we shall hear more thoughts on how our industry and our country will move forward, in these troubled times, at the Glazing Summit which is only a few weeks away. We shall look forward to seeing everyone in Birmingham and having the opportunity to discuss the issues that are most important to our industry and those who work within it.

September 2022 crossword solution:

CONTENTS

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Leading aluminium bifold hardware supplier

AT Precision has invested £110K in new machinery, in a bid to ramp up production and keep up with growing demand.

The Durham-based company has bought in a CNC vertical machining centre, an 8-head tapping machine, as well as three new saws.

Sales Director Michael Hewitt comments: “We’ve seen an increased demand for aluminium products across the board, especially for bi-folds and patio doors, meaning demand for our products has also soared.

“Future proofing the business by investing in new machinery is a vital step in meeting this demand and continuing to deliver the best quality

products our customers are used to, matched with excellent service and competitive lead times.”

Serving to over 100 fabricators across the country, AT Precision manufactures the Everglide range of bi-fold hardware, which includes rollers, top guides, pull handles, hinges, cleats and shootbolt handles, as well as the Everseal range of wedge, captive, flipper and bubble gaskets.

Both ranges are compatible with all major systems, and because they’re manufactured in-house, come at a very affordable rate.

The new suite of machinery is the latest in a series of investments at AT Precision, following the addition of plastic ancillaries, espagnolette window handles, security

hardware, as well as aluminium profile, to its wide range.

Michael concludes: “As a leading aluminium bi-fold hardware manufacturer, we pride ourselves on being a reliable supplier that fabricators can trust, and so it’s vital that we’re able to keep up with customer demand.

“Buying in a host of new machinery will significantly boost our production speed and capacity to allow us to do just that, and has been an extremely worthwhile investment.”

www.atprecision.co.uk

SAVE TIME WITH HAFFNER

Leading machinery innovators, Haffner Ltd has reported an increase in demand for their KT Assembly tables which are helping fabricators improve their efficiencies and delivering some impressive time savings too. Matt Thomas, Managing Director of Haffner, explains: “We know that automated machines provide the ability to achieve more output with less skilled manpower, which means they are a powerful way for fabricators to adapt to the current worker shortage in addition to increasing their output. But their timesaving properties cannot be overlooked as confirmed by two major industry fabricators who recently purchased our KT Assembly Tables.”

a tilt and turn sash in under 4 minutes too which has dramatically improved the speed of their output.

Just as important is that the machines are fully automated, so they do not need to be operated by a skilled operator.” Even more impressive is the fabricator confirmed that the tables had saved the time of around four people, which is hugely beneficial for fabricators struggling to find skilled labour.

also drilled automatically without an operative needing to measure for the location. The automatic screwing unit includes height adjustment for espagnolette and scissor hinges.

Roseview Windows, the UK’s leading vertical slider manufacturer, has just taken delivery of a second SBA-4 VS PVC-U Profile Machining Centre from Haffner.

Mike Bygrave, Sales & Marketing Director at Roseview Windows, commented: “Roseview has witnessed a sharp upturn in demand in the past 18 months as a result of the continued popularity of feature-rich sash windows. Our investment in this new machine will give us a big increase in capacity and further support our continued strategy for growth.”

The second machine arrives on the shop floor just 12 months after the business took receipt of their first Haffner VS machining centre. Mike commented: “We invested in our first SBA-4 VS machining centre to replace an ageing machine and upgrade efficiencies across the shop floor. It made such a huge difference to our fabrication capabilities we had no hesitation in ordering a second machine to

support our business growth trajectory and maintain our quality sash window output.”

The Roseview team had no hesitation in working with Haffner again either. Mike said: “We have a trusted partnership with Haffner based on cooperation and support. There was no reason to go anywhere else.”

The SBA-4 VS PVC-U Profile Machining Centre is driven by technical innovation and highperformance accuracy, which makes it ideal for manufacturing both standard and mechanically jointed vertical sliders.

For a company such as Roseview, which is renowned for the quality of its product and the efficiency of its operations, it is the perfect choice.

Like all Roseview’s fabrication machines, the new SBA-4 VS PVC-U Profile Machining Centre has been given a name to make it easy to identify in production meetings.

Mike commented: “We name all our machines after Nintendo characters. The

first machine we purchased from Haffner is called Bowser. This new one is Yoshi. We also have a Mario, Luigi and Super Mario.”

Serving the trade market, Roseview Windows was established in 1977 and has grown year-on-year. In 1985 it was the first company in the UK to specialise in manufacturing PVC-U vertical sliders.

Based in Buckinghamshire, the company currently manufactures around 700 windows a week, with plans in place to increase output to 1,000 windows per week. With the arrival of Yoshi, or its second SBA-4 VS PVC-U Profile Machining Centre, it is well equipped to achieve this.

Tel: 01785 222421

www.haffnerltd.com

On first glance, the assembly tables are able to transform the speed of manufacture with minimal skilled manpower, but they can deliver a lot more. Matt said: “One fabricator confirmed that the automated door table can prep three hinges on a door in under 3 minutes. This has saved them around 40 minutes on each set of French Doors. They also confirmed that their new tilt and turn table will prep

The KT Assembly Tables are designed for use on single and tilt-andturn window systems and door sashes of various dimensions. The intelligently designed machines optimise sash assembly by combining several processes at one table. And by taking these operations off a conventional machining centre means you will further increase the output of your existing machines too.

They have triple drilling for handles and milling for the espagnolette channel with easy positioning of the tools. There is a punch unit for cropping the single or tilt-and-turn espagnolettes, as well as scissor hinges, which is all done according to sash dimension and without requiring measuring. Hinge holes are

The accuracy is far superior to traditional methods of a tape measure and jig too. CNC positioning of the frame and sash ensures all hinges are in the correct place, leaving little adjustment on the finished door. This unique measurement system allows for tolerances in welded frames and also reduces the time needed to check and adjust each door on the bench which further improves production output.

Matt concluded: “We have always highlighted the benefits of automation across our various PVC-U and aluminium fabrication machines. Those benefits haven’t changed – but in the current market they’ve become even more central to fabricators’ success. So, if you’re looking for a solution to your current worker shortages, improve your output and save considerable time, our machines are the tried and tested solutions you need”.

Tel: 01785 222421

www.haffnerltd.com

STREAMLINING WHERE IT MATTERS

Rhonda Ridge of AdminBase, the installer management system from Ab Initio, highlights how an increasing number of installation companies are looking to streamline their business by switching up their software, and implores anyone who hasn’t yet acted, to follow suit before it’s too late.

Industry has been exposed to unrelenting uncertainty for a long time now thanks to a multitude of social, economic, environmental, and political factors. Businesses have found it hard and are overdue some serious support from Government. At the time of writing the new PM has just been appointed and the right noises have been made about easing the pressure on household energy bills, but businesses are yet to receive the same assurances. Whether the support comes or not, one thing is for sure, maximising

efficiencies has never been more important.

Organisations are investing in automation to streamline their operations in these more challenging times, and computerisation is not just for the manufacturing realm.

Installation businesses should be looking at a similar approach to save time and money, while improving customer service and productivity. We have already seen evidence that this realisation has taken hold with an increase in the number of home improvement companies looking to streamline their business with management software. And this looks set to

continue into the foreseeable future.

BRINGING A BUSINESS TOGETHER

AdminBase is an allencompassing system that helps to bring an entire operation together because information from every department is kept in one central system that anyone can access anytime. It allows installation businesses to keep abreast of the whole business, to see what is working well and what isn’t, and how to maximise resources. The automated system allows communication

to flow far more easily around the organisation as well as externally with customers though the system’s Customer Portal.

The AdminBase Customer Portal lets homeowners access their account 24/7 to confirm appointments, pay invoices, and report any snagging issues when the job is complete. All information on each project is kept in one place and is easily accessible by anyone in the business that needs it. This saves time because there are less pieces of paper to sift through and misplace and reduces the chance of human error with automatic reminders and notifications.

AUTOMATE TO ACCUMULATE

The automation starts from the very beginning of the sales process too thanks to the PricepointTM Sales feature at the front end of the AdminBase system. It ensures a smooth online user experience from the first point of contact and is simple and intuitive to use with endless product types featured and professional high-definition images used. It creates customised quotations, and if a homeowner opts for a product combination that isn’t possible due to manufacturing restrictions, the system will highlight it before the order is placed, thanks to its clever built-in Manufacturing IntelligenceTM. Ultimately,

PricepointTM is an efficient way to improve sales conversions via a high-quality frontend user interface.

The efficiencies possible through AdminBase don’t end with the client relationship either. For example, the recent addition of a barcoding facility to the system allows for faster tracking of products into and out of the factory or warehouse. Meanwhile, the My AdminBase diary feature, and fully integrated reporting systems, collectively keep track of where time could be better spent, how marketing spend could be better distributed, and which actions within the business need to be prioritised.

The term ‘unprecedented times’ has been used a lot over the last couple of years, but understandably so with the continuum of challenges that industry and consumers are facing. That is why it is so important to streamline operations. To make life easier for homeowner customers through improved customer service, and to support employees through improved communication and reduced admin. We have seen such a boost in enquiries for this new way of working that I can honestly say, any installation company who doesn’t have this level of efficiency at its foundation will soon start to struggle, if they’re not already.

Rhonda Ridge

Best,

it’s as

as

a demo

APPRECIATING THE FENTRADE DIFFERENCE

Oxford’s New Garden Room Company, part of the New Home Improvement Group, has chosen aluminium fabricator Fentrade as its bifold and casement window supplier. Darren Field, Founder and Group Managing Director, said: “We’ve worked with larger aluminium manufacturers, but we changed to Fentrade because we needed a much more personal service tailored to our requirements. Fentrade has delivered in a way the bigger companies didn’t.”

Darren highlights two key reasons why Fentrade is different – both of which have helped his company to grow.

First is the quality of the range. Darren said: “The build quality of the products is second to none, as is the versatility. Our rooms are bespoke and Fentrade has numerous colour options so customers can personalise their windows and doors. They can also opt for enclosed blinds, which give a sophisticated finishing touch.”

Second is the willingness to provide a bespoke service. For example, Fentrade has created specific paperwork that New Garden Room Company can use with customers to make the ordering process easier. Darren says: “Our customers expect a high standard of service. Little details like

this add value to their experience and help us provide a premium offering.”

The level of product and service New Garden Room Company has received from Fentrade means it is diversifying into the refurbishment market, where it will be supplying the AluK range of Document L-compliant residential products. Darren comments: “Our confidence in Fentrade has allowed us to think bigger and expand into new areas. These are exciting times and we are looking forward to deepening our relationship with Fentrade as we grow.”

Fentrade, which is based in Newport, Wales, is an award-winning fabricator and a member of the Council for Aluminium in Building. It prides itself on maintaining the highest standards in every area of its business, with an unwavering commitment to its customers.

New Garden Room Company grew out of the shift to home working as a result of the pandemic. The company offers the outstanding products and high-quality customer service its Oxford catchment area demands. And in Fentrade, it has a manufacturing partner able to meet those expectations.

Tel: 01633 547787

fentradealuminium.co.uk

GQA IN BESPOKE QUALS COLLABORATION WITH BALUSTRADE & BALCONY SUPPLIERS & INSTALLERS ASSOCIATION

Collaboration currently underway with a new trade association is demonstrating the practicality of GQA's 'Bespoke Qualification Service'. GQA, the awarding and qualifications-writing organisation is assisting The Balustrade and Balcony Suppliers and Installers Association (BABSI), a new body fully launched in May 2022.

GQA's Bespoke Qualification Service is aimed at employers who wish to be able to offer those staff undertaking very specific roles the opportunity to work towards gaining a qualification where one does not already exist. The service is perfect for niche, specialist areas, which do not lend themselves to meeting the required content of a standard regulated qualification.

In close consultation with BABSI, GQA is developing three one-day essential knowledge courses leading to a GQA/ BABSI skills card in addition to a new NVQ Level 2 in Balustrading and Railings. The three courses include:

• Essential Knowledge of Balustrading Installation

• Supervising Balustrading Installation Projects

• Designing & Specifying Balustrading Installation Projects

The Essential Knowledge of Balustrading Installation course will cover topics such as an overview of the industry; product range; quality standards; building regulations relating to the industry; installing the product; and identifying problems with installations.

Representing designers, manufacturers, installers, raw material suppliers, distributors, contractors, component and specialist product and service suppliers throughout the sector, BABSI's mission is to be the recognised voice of the balustrade and balcony sector. The organisation aims to establish stringent standards of quality and service in order to set a professional benchmark for the industry.

Commenting on the collaboration with GQA, BABSI's CEO, Justin Ratcliffe said: "Qualifications are a standard against which everyone can be benchmarked equally. GQA's Bespoke Qualification Service is helping us to prove competency not just through the development of specialist courses, but through the end-of-course testing procedure. We are anticipating that the new, bespoke qualifications will be available from quarter four this year.

"By joining BABSI and getting involved in the courses and the qualifications they offer, members are demonstrating their commitment to best practice, collaboration and improving the quality and understanding of the value of balustrades and balconies for their customers."

Commenting on the Bespoke Qualification Service, GQA's EQA/Technical Officer, Martin Sadler says: "It is disappointing when people in specific, specialist job functions are not able to develop their careers by working towards achieving a qualification because a relevant regulated option is not available. This is where our Bespoke Qualification Service can help. Developing a qualification tailored specifically to them, which carries the approval of GQA, means that employees can fully prove their competency, and employers can put into place for them a career progression route. Once developed, the qualification is exclusive to the employers concerned.

Mick Clayton CEO of GQA Qualifications added "Both our Accredited Training and Bespoke Qualification services are proving extremely popular. They demonstrate the need for a flexible approach to training. Here at GQA we have close to 200 qualifications covering a broad variety of sectors. The balustrade and balcony industry, just like any other, needs training solutions tailored to its specific needs. I'm proud that we are helping to facilitate this and contributing to raising standards and assisting in shaping careers."

More information on GQA is available at www.gqaqualifications.com.

JOHN LEWIS DIRECTOR TO SPEAK AT GLAZING SUMMIT

One of the UK’s most dynamic business leaders will speak at the Glazing Summit on 18th October.

With eight years as Director of Customer Experience at John Lewis and Waitrose, and 10 years as the business partner of TV celebrity Mary Portas - dubbed the ‘queen of retail’ - Peter Cross is a world-renowned expert on consumer behaviour, retail and customer experience.

Peter will share insights on the future of shopping, and how the home improvement industry can become irresistible to its target customers.

Andrew Scott, Founder of the Glazing Summit commented: “Peter is known for his charismatic, inspiring and straighttalking style. Having worked with some of the world’s most iconic brands, he is looking forward to sharing his trusted techniques with the glazing industry.

“With economic uncertainties, and consumer confidence at an all-time low, I’m sure he will leave Glazing Summit delegates with a clear sense of what the future of retail

ATLAS LAUNCHES

UPDATED WEBSITE AS COMPANY OFFER FIVEDAY DELIVERY TO SITE ON 19 LANTERN SIZES

Atlas Roof Solutions has launched an updated website with increased information for installers, as its range of 19 lanterns with five-day delivery including glass proves a hit with installers.

www.atlasroofsolutions.co.uk includes a new trade area where installers can find all the technical downloads for lantern products, information on Atlas’ response to the recent changes to building regulations, marketing support and an updated range of easy to use contact forms.

Atlas Roof Solution’s attention to detail and commitment to design has produced some of the most beautifully engineered products for homes across Britain.

All Atlas Roofs products are built to exacting standards, with ultra-slim sightlines, exceptionally high-quality aluminium, and attention to detail that only comes with years of crafting expertise. This delivers a beautifully installed, technically outstanding glazed roof, that proves excellent value for money.

Customers looking for a new conservatory/ lantern may be focussing on the energy efficiency of their chosen product – and Atlas is best placed to help with that.

might have in store, some of his golden rules for customer service, and actionable insights to help companies stand out and succeed at a higher level. It is definitely not one to miss!”

The annual one-day conference is taking place at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham, and is expected to again attract more than 400 industry leaders and business owners from across the glass and glazing sector.

A host of expert and keynote speakers will discuss the major issues facing the industry and share ideas and solutions.

Tickets are selling fast so don’t miss out on booking your place and taking advantage of a day of informative discussions, debates and networking.

For tickets, visit www.glazingsummit.co.uk, call 01934 808293 or email hello@glazingsummit.co.uk.

CRANKING CUSTOMER SERVICE UP TO EXCEPTIONAL WITH ADMINBASE

Jack Brunsdon & Son, manufacturer of handcrafted wooden windows and doors, has been delivering high quality products since the 1940’s, but attributes much of its success and longevity to exceptional customer service, which AdminBase has helped it achieve.

“Jack Brunsdon & Son has always placed a firm focus on quality and accuracy in the products we make and the service we provide,” explains Charlotte Whelan, Managing Director. “To achieve that, we use the very best materials, machinery, and workmanship, but as customer service has risen in importance, software has also become an integral part of delivering high standards.

“We started using the AdminBase system from Ab Initio 20 years ago to ensure our service levels and our communication with customers was exceptional. As any manufacturing and installation business will know, the day to day working environment is busy, which can make it hard to keep track of all the incoming and outgoing information in the business. But thanks to AdminBase, our small team can easily access every customer record at any time. This means if a customer calls for an update

on their order, anyone can answer that call and get to the information they need quickly and efficiently. It’s invaluable having all notes and documents pertaining to each customer safely stored in one place, as well as all the relevant financial information for each order.

“In an increasingly competitive and challenging marketplace, window and door suppliers must not only offer the very best products, but the very best service too. AdminBase has helped us to achieve this for the last 20 years and as it continuously improves its offering with helpful amendments, we look forward to further expanding our use of the system soon.”

For more information go to: https://www.abinitiosoftware.co.uk.

DIRECT TRADE WINDOWS SEES RECORD 12 MONTHS

Following a challenging period for the industry, leading trade supplier Direct Trade Windows has achieved a recent £2 million turnover, marking the past 12 months its most successful yet.

Director AJ Hassanali attributes the success to increased demand for premium products across the country, matched with the exceptional customer support the company offers.

“Demand for home improvement products was at an ultimate high last year, with more and more homeowners wanting to transform their properties with high-end products,” he says.

range, Smart AluSpace interior doors, VS600 aluminium vertical sash windows, Smart EcoFutural commercial windows, as well as Visofold 6000 slim bi-folds.

The company also manufactures a wide range of Cortizo products, including casement windows, lift and slide and vertical sliding windows, and sliding doors.

Given the potential heat-loss from a glazed roof, it is worth advising customers to look for the roofing systems which demonstrate the maximum heat efficiency to give the reassurance of knowing that they aren’t losing heat – and money.

Upgrading to a triple glazed conservatory or lantern roof will result in even more savings on energy bills over the lifetime of the installation – providing that the triple glazing is specified correctly and has the optimum spacer size.

Atlas now has a range of 19 stock roofs ready for dispatch, with roof and glazing delivered in one vehicle by our dedicated fleet, providing complete care and offering installers assurance that they can complete jobs on time, in budget.

“At Direct Trade Windows, we managed to meet that demand, successfully manufacturing and supplying installers with high-quality windows and doors, and we’re now well on track to more than doubling our turnover by the end of this year.”

Serving installers across the country, Direct Trade Windows manufactures and supplies a wide range of premium products, including the Smart Alitherm Heritage

In addition to a wide range of products, Direct Trade Windows has also invested in state-of-the-art machinery in order to secure reliable and streamlined production, as well as unique software solutions to provide installers with sales support and infrastructure, by sharing both leads and technical support with their customers, and also ensuring speedy product delivery and reliability.

AJ continues: “Despite the continued challenges faced across the industry over the past two and a half years, our products and services have been in high demand, and we’ve managed to maintain a high level of service across the board, providing outstanding products and a smooth and reliable sales process for all our trade customers.

“The hard work of everyone across the business has ensured that Direct Trade Windows experienced a very successful past 12 months, I’m incredibly proud of our whole team, and very much look forward to seeing a successful rest of the year and beyond.”

Visit www.directtradewindows.co.uk.

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INNOVATE, DON’T IMITATE WITH A KORNICHE LANTERN ROOF

Designed brighter, engineered better; why the Korniche Lantern roof is still the product to which others are compared in terms of security, construction, aesthetics and ease of installation.

Lighting the project and leading the way since 2016; the Korniche Roof Lantern was not only catapulted straight to the top of the desirability stakes for flat roof glazing at launch, but its game-changing engineering-led design - backed up by experience derived from the motorsport and automotive sectors – means that this Korniche product still remains a giant leap ahead in terms of construction.

Requested by name from homeowners, the benefits of a Korniche lantern are clear to see for the consumer, with ultra-slim profiles that maximise natural light to flood the living space, yet with significant timesaving attributes for the installer. Whilst similar products may look to offer some of the benefits of that reduced installation time, it is the beauty of the design you can’t see that hammers home Korniche and parent company Made For Trade’s unique approach to fenestration - nothing comes close to matching a Korniche under the skin.

The industry-leading product stands by its impressive ability to be ‘fitted in minutes and glazed in seconds’; something that is by virtue of its design from the outset using methods and design practices that are often an alien concept to the fenestration industry. These details might not be on show behind the narrow sightlines and hidden fasteners, but the unitary construction, fastening system and glazing components prevent anything from coming close to the same security, weather-tightness and market-leading structural integrity.

There are no visible fixings on show for example on a Korniche and all joints are seamless; whilst this means perfect aesthetics as it meets the eye, it also hints at the ‘clean sheet’ method of design and construction behind. The number, grade and size of the carefully specified bolts on the Korniche for example have been optimised for security and rigidity compared with typical self-tapping screw fixings, whilst intricate details such as ridge bosses using anti-crush tubes for perfect installation torque provide a superior, more precise fit than traditional glazing fittings such as flat plate.

Made For Trade’s investment is not just in the fasteners themselves; Korniche kits use a selection of aluminium components such as end caps and ridge bosses that have been uniquely die cast to suit, enabling greater accuracy and tighter tolerances to be achieved to the benefit of the structure.

During installation of a Korniche Roof Lantern, installers will see a system that bolts together as a unitary structure rather than box sections and plates that flex or distort to the detriment of security, structural integrity and weatherproofing. Matching the installation speed of the

Korniche might almost appear feasible, but when specifying a glazed product that relies on strength and security, that speed needs to be backed up with assurances that it is derived from clever engineering from the outset, rather than any simplification of construction.

Meticulously engineered to be the strongest and stiffest on the market, the lantern supports industry-leading maximum glass sizes without the need for additional rafters, and the cunning design details mean that glazing the structure is free of tapes and messy sealants. That’s not all, in these days where the thermal efficiency of a home is of the utmost priority, the thermally-broken profiles work alongside a wealth of design features to reduce heat transfer, and lower heating bills as a result.

Finally, any benefits are soon lost if the quality and consistency is not there for each and every item; from order through to installation. Whilst the term ‘quality’ is often seen to represent the fit/finish or longevity of a product, in engineering terms it is concerned with the principles and practice of quality assurance and control for both the product and service. Made For Trade recently gained the hugely enviable ISO9001 certification - based on continually improving and optimising all stages of how the company operates, allowing MFT to remain at the forefront of manufacturing and efficiency in the fenestration industry. This NQA Certification sets MFT and the Korniche Roof Lantern apart as a result, thanks to the precise repeatability of every single aspect of how a Made For Trade product is designed, sold and manufactured.

DEKKO JOINS IN 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS FOR DROYLSDEN GLASS CDW SYSTEMS RECEIVES GREEN AWARD FROM HYDRO

Leading aluminium fabricator CDW Systems has been recognised for its contribution towards a greener and more sustainable future.

The Gloucester-based business, along with its sister company Clearway Doors & Windows, received an award from its main profile supplier Technal UK (Hydro Building Systems). Having ordered 44 tonnes to date of Circal 75R, Hydro’s high quality 75% recycled aluminium profiles CDW has helped save 378 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

CDW’s Group Chairman Jeremy Phillips, who received the award on behalf of both companies from Hydro’s Managing Director Allan Barr and its UK Customer Services Manager Mark Graham, said: “Technal UK enables us to provide our customers with a viable green and sustainable option and we are proud to receive this prestigious award from them. It’s really pleasing that in using Technal Profiles that utilize Circal 75R alloy as much as possible we can contribute towards reducing our carbon footprint. We have been able to work closely with Technal (Hydro) whose UK HQ is only a few miles away from both CDW and Clearway at Tewkesbury.

“This reinforces the sustainability credentials of aluminium. We are also looking at more efficient ways that both our factory waste and post-consumer waste can be recycled.”

CDW Systems, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, specialises in the trade supply of aluminium window, door, and curtain wall products from the leading aluminium systems houses in the UK.

Allan Barr, Managing Director of Hydro, commented: “It’s great pleasure to recognise the work CDW Systems has done to lower their carbon emissions by using Technal Profiles that are sourced using Hydro Circal 75R alloy and we are looking forward to this sustainable partnership continuing well into the future. Great achievement by all at CDW Systems.”

Established in 1992, CDW Systems is one of the UK’s longest running aluminium specialists. For more information visit www.cdwsystems.co.uk or call 01452 414853.

With a continued commitment to helping its customers grow and reach new markets, leading trade fabricator Dekko Window Systems is proud to celebrate the 40th anniversary of one of its most loyal customers – Droylsden Glass.

Since 1982, the leading family-run installation business has supplied homeowners across greater Manchester with quality products, and is this year commemorating four decades of reliable service and customer care.

In recent years, the company has also supplied Dekko’s premium Infinity collection of seamless windows and doors, helping homeowners enhance their properties with state-of-the-art timber-like corner joints.

Dekko Sales Director Kurt Greatrex comments: “In today’s competitive market, installers need to have a strong and diverse product range, and we’ve been proud to supply Droylsden Glass with our premium Infinity range.

“Three years ago, we were also more than happy to help Droylsden Glass revamp their new showroom, supplying the company with state-of-the-art flush sash windows, casement windows, as well as a lift and slide patio door from Räum, our luxury aluminium range.

“At Dekko, we consider our customers to be valued partners, and so it’s important that

IT’S GO, GO, GO AT GLASSBUILD AMERICA

GlassBuild America will include a British Pavilion with four UK companies united under one banner. Georgian Bar Company, UAP Limited, Ciilock and EDM Limited make up the British quartet.

“It’s likely to be a busy stand,” says Sarah Ball, Organiser of People in Glazing Society and Joint MD at Balls2 Marketing. “We have wanted to do something within the halls as we have close ties with the management at GlassBuild America , but the pandemic had scuppered the last 2 years. It makes it even sweeter to know that we have managed to get a space on the floorplan this year.”

The British Pavilion will also be hosting an afternoon soiree, sponsored by Quickslide, just before PIGS on 19 October.

Phil Dewhurst Jr from Georgian Bar Company is an experienced exhibitor at the show. He says: “Sarah and I discussed the idea of bringing together potential U.K. exhibitors at Glassbuild in a ‘pavilion’ 3 years ago, I’m glad that we persevered with it to bring it to Vegas this year.

Sarah had decided after two previous successful PiGs events at Glassbuild Atlanta and Vegas that this one should be the best one yet. With what’s planned and the British Pavilion at the show I’m sure it won’t disappoint and both will provide an excellent opportunity for British companies looking at the vast opportunities the US market has to offer.”

The ‘L’ shaped stand is in the first hall and is designed to show the best of British. It will attract US companies

looking further afield to UK experts, and serve as an ideal meeting point for UK visitors.

For People In Glazing Society members, GlassBuild America has generously offered FREE tickets to encourage more visitors to the show. Sarah adds: “If it’s anything like previous years, there will be lots to see for Glazing Geeks. The make up of the US supply chain is significantly different to the UK model, which makes it massively interesting and can offer big opportunities for componentry and service led products.

Barry Halpin, National Sales Director for UAP, says: “UAP has ambitious growth plans both within the UK and overseas. Exhibiting at GlassBuild America is a chance for us to learn more about entering the US market and will enable us to identify key trends, opportunities and challenges. The event also provides an ideal platform for us to demonstrate the breadth and quality of our range. We’re hoping to speak with potential distributors to explore how we could work together and what UAP products could meet the needs of their customers now and in the future.”

Sarah adds: “Vegas is a popular location. We are expecting a big crowd to the networking event we are running alongside GlassBuild America. We have booked an English pub, the Crown and Anchor on W Spring Mountain Road, people in the glazing industry on both sides of the Atlantic are welcome. As ever, we can only run these events

we cater for their needs and provide them with the support they need to grow.

“It was an honour to help Droylsden Glass fit out their showroom, and in the past three years, we’ve seen first-hand how successful the showroom – and the business as a whole – has been.

“We want to wish Droylsden Glass a very happy 40th anniversary, and we look forward to working with them for many successful years to come.”

Droylsden Glass Managing Director Kevin Thackeray comments: “Since partnering with Dekko, they’ve been an invaluable support in helping us grow, thanks to their premium product range and unwavering showroom support.

“We’re delighted to be celebrating our 40th anniversary this year, and we’d like to say a huge thank you to Dekko for their support.”

Visit www.dekkowindows.com and www.droylsdenglass.co.uk.

through the generosity of sponsors, and we would welcome more sponsors for our PIGS in Vegas networking.

“As ever, thanks go to our wonderful sponsors, who at the time of writing are: Georgian Bar Company, Wintech, UAP Limited, Ciilock, EDM, The Consultancy, Quickslide, Extrudaseal, RegaLead, Emplas, Supalite, Yale DWS, Inagas and Glass Build America organisers, the National Glass Association.”

For more info or to sponsor, call Sarah on 07540 049655 or email sarah@balls2marketing.co.uk.

L-R - Mark Graham, Jeremy Phillips, Allan Barr

COMPLIANCE BY DESIGN & ONE-DROP DELIVERY

– NEW FEATURES FROM MADE FOR TRADE

Renowned for being one step ahead in fenestration design and engineering, MFT’s award-winning Korniche products have been designed from the outset to comply with revised building regulations, and are now joined by a leading new delivery service.

Future-proofing a home renovation, extension or build project is always a key consideration, and that same key carefullyconsidered ethos is also applied to the design of all Made For Trade’s Korniche products.

New building legislation which came into force in June means that bi-fold doors are now generally required to have background ventilation when used in renovation projects and new or self builds. These regulation changes to Approved Documents F are to incorporate ventilation via the use of trickle vents, but the updates were well planned for at Made For Trade, with the Korniche bi-folding door system fully compliant in a way that - true to MFT form - is one step ahead of the competition.

The addition of mandatory ventilation can often mean additional cost and unsightly features, but the Korniche door was designed from the very beginning in such a way that there is no additional requirement for an extender profile to house the trickle vent. The vent was instead designed by MFT ‘s engineers to be incorporated into the head, allowing for a 17mm clearance from the top of the inside of the door and 12.5mm from the outside top. Integrating such a feature at the engineering phase means two things for the trade partner and consumer:

Firstly, the sleek and slim profile of the Korniche bi-folding door is maintained with no unsightly additions or protrusions as part of a secondary component; the original market-leading aesthetics are preserved. Secondly though, the lack of additional frame parts - typically around £75 per door plus VAT - and no requirement

“This significant investment allows MFT to offer a Document L-compliant glazed product at a much-reduced cost and increased convenience compared to having the glass delivered by a third party.”

for installation on site ultimately means a notable saving for the supplier and customer.

Thanks to early planning for compliancy this means that MFT are delighted to further cement their promise of the Best Products with the Best Service at the Best Price by providing greater convenience, and greater cost saving with the ventilation update.

Also in focus this month when it comes to cost saving and convenience for trade partners is a ‘One-Drop Delivery’ service.

Having invested in excess of £400,000 over the last 18 months in its fleet of delivery vehicles based at their Wynyard HQ, MFT now not only offer crane offloading for maximum ease and safety on site, but is proud to showcase a one-drop service that includes both the door system and glazing together on the same truck.

This significant investment allows MFT to offer a Document L-compliant glazed product at a much-reduced cost and increased convenience compared to having the glass delivered by a third party.

Customers can now save up to 20% on previously advertised glazing prices as a result, with the glass delivered direct to site via MFT. What’s more, the One-Drop delivery saves downtime on site dealing with deliveries and glass that could typically arrive a day or two either side of the door system. The upshot is that installation of a Korniche product is now even quicker and more efficient; saving installers time and money and further reducing disruption for the homeowner.

For more information on Made For Trade services and Korniche products please visit www.madefortrade.co.

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REHAU LOOKS OUTWARDS WITH NEW RIO FRENCH DOOR

Specialist polymer manufacturer, REHAU has added to its Rio collection with the introduction of the Rio flush fit French door.

The new door uses REHAU’s Deep Bottom Rail, which was developed to complement the original window system. Consequently, installers and fabricators do not need a new door sash, further streamlining fitting.

“Our Rio range boasts TOTAL70 compatibility, allowing for a seamless and simple installation,” says Clare Higgins, Senior Product Manager at REHAU. “Alongside this benefit for fitters, we feel this next addition to the range, an openoutward French door providing views out to gardens, is an important expansion to this product family. Yet alongside appealing as an independent option, it will be of interest to homeowners looking for a consistent look across their house from windows to doors.

“The slimmer sightlines enabled by its flush fit design, combined with REHAU’s discreet butt hinge hardware, means the Rio French door will continue the range’s reputation for visually pleasing frames. Additionally, the fact the door is compatible with our range of foils, from Simply White to traditional, wood-equivalent Turner Oak and the contemporary look offered by Anthracite

“Our Rio range boasts TOTAL70 compatibility, allowing for a seamless and simple installation.”

Grey, demonstrates its applicability across multiple home types. The fact that fabricators in the North West of England and South Wales have already started manufacturing the frame so soon after its launch further underlines this adaptability,”

The new door has been certified to the PAS 24 security standard, having been tested at its maximum size – 1900mm x 2250mm. These credentials require the product to meet requirements set out by Secured by Design (SBD), ensuring a further level of security that further boosts the door’s appeal for homeowners.

“The new Rio flush fit French door has been designed to allow installers and fabricators the opportunity to expand the appeal of the popular window system with door options,” Clare concludes. “Yet as well as this distinct, appealing, and bespoke look, the door also provides the durability, energy efficiency and security benefits associated with the window frame. Fenestration professionals can therefore offer this French door solution with peace-of-mind that it is not only easy to fit and aesthetically pleasing, but also provides leading performance levels too.”

For more information, visit: www.rehau.com/uk-en/rio-french-door

Rio French Door

REHAU have expanded their Rio product range to include the Flush Fit French Door. We have taken the design elements of our Rio Flush Fit Window and developed a complimentary French Door that allows you to apply its unique clean aesthetic to every element at home.

Windows. Reinvented for modern life. www.rehau.uk/rio enquiries@rehau.com Tel: 01989 762600

MOMENTUM BUILDING FOR GLAZING SUMMIT

– have you booked your place yet?

In the space of just a few years, the Glazing Summit has become one of the biggest and most anticipated fixtures in the fenestration industry calendar.

It’s an unmissable opportunity to hear key decisionmakers, opinion-shapers and sector experts tackle the hottest topics facing the sector, along with 400 other senior figures from throughout the industry.

Be a part of the conversation, and help shape the future of UK fenestration- book your ticket now!

BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER:

World-class keynote speakers

The biggest issues facing the sector

Incredible networking opportunities 400+ attendees from across the industry

YOUR TICKETS TODAY

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The Glazing Summit Organised by

FRONT PAGE STORY

Continued from page 1...

Once again, an action-packed agenda has been put together for a 20-plus strong line-up of expert panellists to debate and discuss.

Andrew said: “Material shortages plagued the industry during the pandemic, but with skyrocketing price increases and the threat of energy shortages, some industry leaders fear the worst is yet to come. Our first debate, ‘New Supply Chain Crisis,’ will discuss whether the industry has recovered lead-times and customer service levels, and the likely impact of the energy crisis.

“Our people and skills debate follows and, with the world changing, for the glazing industry to attract quality staff, build trust with customers and raise business standards we must embrace new thinking and attitudes. We will ask whether the industry is doing enough to encourage women into the sector, and challenge taboo perceptions around mental health and well-being.

“Then, with legislation driving change across the industry, our last debate of the morning will discuss the latest regulations including Part L and Part F of the building regs, Document Q and other changes on the radar. We’ll also ask how the industry is responding across the supply chain, and how we tackle those failing to comply.

“With the industry responding to changing consumer trends and advances in technology, the first debate of the afternoon will ask what the future of innovation looks like, discuss the latest product innovations, and ask what opportunities

there are for the industry to diversify and add value to avoid the ‘race to the bottom’ on price.

“And with economic uncertainty and rising costs ready to take their toll, the final debate looks at how business owners and company directors can navigate through the fog. For some, economic uncertainty and rising costs will take their toll, particularly those servicing mounting debt, while for others, the future may present new opportunities to invest in growth or even acquire customers, suppliers or competitors.”

INSPIRATIONAL

As always, the Glazing Summit features dynamic keynote speakers to inspire.

William Hobbs, Chief Investment Officer for Barclays Wealth Management & Investments, and frequent contributor of economic insight to Bloomberg, CNBC, and many other media outlets, will share his views on the economic outlook and what the road ahead may look like for UK business.

William, who has a master’s in international business and Economics from the University of London, leads the team focused on investment strategy and, as previous Head of Investment Strategy for Barclays UK, has also covered the global consumer sector.

Legendary retail and customer experience expert Peter Cross, who was director of John Lewis and Waitrose for eight years and business partner of Mary Portas for 10, will also take to the stage and share his insights

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

on the future of shopping and how the home improvement industry can become irresistible to its target customers.

“While the Glazing Summit is meant to inform and provide delegates with the right information, I also want those in attendance to be inspired and enthused, and to have the top man at Barclays Investments and a fabulous customer experience expert on stage this year is fantastic. Both keynotes will be hugely interesting and not to be missed,” said Andrew.

THE BIGGEST NAMES

Some of the biggest names are once again sponsoring and supporting the event, from industry giants Yale, who are headline

sponsors, down, with Unique Window Systems sponsoring the Glazing Summit Dinner and Winkhaus as lanyard sponsors.

Other big names include Reynaers, MACO, Edgetech, Dekko, Window ware, Glazpart, Shelforce, Carl F Groupco, Exlabesa, Cotswold Architectural Products, Caribbean Blinds, Hurst, UL Solutions, RW Simon, Chase Taylor Recruitment and Business Pilot.

Andrew said: “Backing for the Glazing Summit gets stronger every year and having these big names from across the industry supporting us really does show the calibre of the event and the standing of it. The industry continues to see the value of the event.

A PERFECT EVENING

While there are numerous opportunities throughout the day to network, the evening sees the Glazing Summit dinner.

A champagne drinks reception, three course gala dinner and a spectacular after dinner speaker is the perfect backdrop to bring more than 200 of the industry’s most influential business owners, directors and key decision makers together.

Held in the plush Edgbaston Banqueting Suite, it’s the perfect setting to relax, meet with colleagues, connect with potential customers, and key players from across the whole industry.

“Backing for the Glazing Summit gets stronger every year and having these big names from across the industry supporting us really does show the calibre of the event."

Spaces are limited, and delegates are welcome to attend the Glazing Summit, the Dinner or both. A local taxi service is also available.

Andrew added: “After a day of discussion and debate, the Glazing Summit dinner is a fantastic evening of informal dining, great conversation and networking, and the perfect end to the day.”

MARK CARVER

Mark was a hugely valued employee at Rotherham based Connaught Conservatories and will be sorely missed.

I know many of you will have had dealings with Mark over many years in the industry. He sadly passed away last week after a valiant fight against a short illness. Our thoughts go out to Dee and the whole of his family at this sad time.

HERITAGE TRADE FAMES SIGNS NEW FIVE-YEAR SUPPLY AGREEMENT WITH EPWIN WINDOW SYSTEMS DOORCO ANNOUNCES HEADLINE SPONSORSHIP OF G-AWARDS

Heritage Trade Frames has signed a new five-year supply agreement with Epwin Window Systems. Paul Culshaw, Managing Director of Heritage Trade Frames, said: “We have worked with Epwin Window Systems for the past 28 years and enjoy an excellent relationship with them. Their awardwinning systems allow us to manufacture a comprehensive product portfolio which is well valued by our customers. We are delighted to have agreed to a further fiveyear agreement.”

Reflecting the value both companies place on long term supply partnerships, Clare Bailey, Managing Director at Epwin Window Systems said: “Heritage Trade Frames and Epwin

Window Systems have developed a strong business relationship for nearly three decades and we are delighted that our two companies have now entered into a new agreement. They are a very successful business that offers quality products and a strong service commitment. We have developed a mutual understanding of each other’s businesses and value the strength and longevity of our relationship.”

Bolton-based Heritage Trade Frames manufactures a comprehensive range of Epwin Window Systems’ products. This includes the award-winning Optima PVC-U system, the popular PatioMaster sliding patio door system and the multi-award-winning Stellar aluminium system. Paul said: “Epwin Window Systems’ commitment to quality, service and product evolution mirrors our own company ideology. It has been these three pillars, in addition to the strong relationship that has developed over time with the team at Epwin, that led me to the conclusion that a five-year supply agreement would provide us with the peace of mind that a major part of our supply chain was secured, for what could be a potentially challenging next few years for our industry.”

Heritage Trade Frames is one of the North West’s leading trade fabricators. Founded in the late 1980’s the business set out a clear objective to manufacture and supply quality PVC-U and aluminium windows, doors and conservatories.

Thirty years later, with over a million products successfully supplied and installed in homes and offices around the North West, this commitment remains as strong.

Paul concluded: “The quality and service we provide for our customers is what sets us apart from our competitors.

A significant factor in achieving this is by selecting strong supply chain partners whose company strategies align with our own. We chose Epwin 28 years ago and it is a decision that has enabled Heritage Trade Frames to develop into one of the most respected largescale fabricators in our industry today. We are looking forward to many good years trading ahead with our friends at Epwin Window Systems.”

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

FINALIST STATUS CONFIRMED FOR HAFFNER

Leading machinery innovator, Haffner Ltd has been confirmed as a finalist in the new Machinery Supplier of the Year category at the prestigious G22 Awards.

Dave Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of Haffner, said: “Everyone at Haffner is delighted to have been shortlisted for the Machinery Supplier of the Year award. Over the years we have continued to invest across the business and we are now the industry’s leading machinery supplier thanks to the dedication and commitment of our team. To reach finalist status is a huge achievement and celebrates the hard work and efforts of everyone at Haffner.”

Haffner has seen an impressive transformation, along with a package of sizeable investments,

in the past three years. This has included the company doubling the size of its Staffordshire headquarters, commissioning a new 37,000 sqm purpose-built factory in Istanbul, Turkey, building a new showroom facility and restructuring its senior management team to support its continued growth trajectory.

Dave said: “Haffner has seen exponential growth in the past few years thanks to our outstanding machinery offering and team of industry and technical experts who are committed to adding value to all customers’ businesses.”

Haffner offers the largest and most comprehensive machine

portfolio in the industry, which makes it a go-to supplier for fabricators of all sizes. It’s the exclusive UK supply partner of Graf Synergy, which offers world class seamless welding technology and patented welding techniques. It is the sole UK agent of Haffner Machinery and it also supplies a range of fabrication machines from FOM Industrie, which holds an international reputation for quality machinery that combines the latest technology with skilled engineering and competitive prices.

Dave concludes: “The G Awards promotes the best in the industry and we are looking forward to joining our fellow finalists on the night.”

Tel: 01785 222421 www.haffnerltd.com

Following on from DoorCo’s success at the G-Awards last year, with their win of Best Promotional Campaign for the launch of FLiP & GRiPCORE, the leading composite door supplier is delighted to announce they will continue as headline sponsor for this year’s event in November, underlining their position the UK’s most innovative composite door manufacturer.

Dan Sullivan, DoorCo MD, comments: “The G-Awards is one of the highlights of the industry’s calendar and the most coveted awards as they are dedicated to celebrating and rewarding excellence in the UK’s fenestration sector. For any business, to achieve a G-Award is a big achievement, and we were thrilled to have won our first one last year for Best Promotion Campaign. Continuing as one of the headline sponsors this year was an easy decision as we always want to champion excellence within our industry.”

G-Awards organiser, Tony Higgin, comments: “DoorCo is a serious player in the UK composite door market, and as such I’m delighted that they are continuing as one of our main sponsors this year. It’s great to have such an innovative company support the Awards.”

For more information on DoorCo, call: 01625 428955 or visit: www.door-co.com.

The UK’s

OBITUARY

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we have to inform all our colleagues and friends in the industry of the loss of a valued and loyal friend and member of our staff for many years, Mark Carver.

DGCOS is looking to launch the first dedicated self care toolkit

The startling and emotional statistics from our Glass and Glazing Industry Mental Health Survey have prompted us to take a proactive approach to support those affected. We’d like to provide installers with items to help practice self care, including headphones and therapeutic items to aid exercise, relaxation and sleep.

We’d like to hear from you

We’re interested to hear what you’d like to see included in our toolkit that can be used during your day to day life to help lower stress levels and ease tension.

DGCOS is a consumer protection scheme for the installation of double glazing products. Being a member of DGCOS shows that as an installer you are committed to complying with high standards of consumer protection.

more:

A RESURGENCE LIKE NO OTHER

Pearl Windows has become one of the most widely renowned PVCu window and door fabricators in the industry. This exceptional reputation is all thanks to its forward-thinking nature, highquality products and its commitment to go above and beyond for customers. One of the early adopters of the Liniar system, Pearl Windows has always been on the front foot for fabricating new products from Liniar’s Design and Development department.

Resurgence, launched in 2019 was the UK’s first PVCu double-rebated flush sash system – and Pearl Windows was one of the first fabricators to grab the opportunity to manufacture this revolutionary product.

“Resurgence is a beautifully designed product. With the additional superb manufacturing finish which is provided by our Timberweld® machinery, it’s easily the most attractive window available on the market today,” comments Pearl Windows’ Managing Director Jeff Walsh.

EXCELLENCE IN MANUFACTURING

With an efficient manufacturing process set up and in place,

“We’re proud to say that we believe we were the first Liniar fabricator to achieve Secured by Design accreditation for Resurgence,” Jeff states.

“We followed the same stringent testing as we did with the original Liniar casement window, which has given us a pass first time. This was all possible because of Liniar’s high-quality design, enabling us to manufacture a fullrecommended by Liniar’s Design and Development team.”

RELIABLE, HIGH-QUALITY PRODUCTS

Westhoughton, Bolton, delivering products to installers, trade outlets, building sites and businesses

“We offer the full range of Liniar windows, doors and conservatory roofs, and for us, Liniar’s products are the best there are on the market. They tick all the boxes when it comes to quality, energy efficiency and security. On top of that, Liniar is a company which is both socially and environmentally conscious, something that is close to our hearts,” comments Jeff.

“Everyone here at Pearl Windows has Liniar products installed in our homes and it’s what we recommend to our families and friends when they are looking to replace one of their fenestration products.”

ACHIEVING QUALITY RESULTS

Resurgence is available in a wide range of solid colour and woodgrain foiled finishes. With four fabrication options, including the highly recommended Timberweld® solution, this product fits well within both modern and character properties. For installation companies looking for reliable supply of the new Resurgence system, backed up by exceptional customer service, Pearl Windows is an excellent choice. Learn more about the products and services the company offers by visiting https://www.pearlwindows.co.uk/.

Window Systems (GROUP) LTD

like

• 80mm Frame

• Multi-Chambered Design

• A+ rated windows

• External Flush Finish

• No Overlap

• Triple Glazing Ready

• Achieves U-values as low as 0.9 W/m2K

• Fully Foiled Glazing on Outer Frame and Transom

• Timberweld® Welded

• Full Renolit range of colour choices, available on request

Greater efficiency, better quality and a raft of new customers are just some of the benefits respected IGU manufacturers Sapphire Glass Merchants have enjoyed after investing in automated Super Spacer® application technology.

At the end of 2021, the Hinckley-based firm acquired a refurbished automated line to take their business to the next level – and it’s proving to be a fantastic investment.

“We opted to embrace automation because we’d realised we were reaching the limits of what we could achieve doing things the traditional way,” comments Managing Director Stefan O’Meara.

“We’d always prided ourselves on quality, but maintaining those high standards while keeping up with demand was proving increasingly difficult.

“In that respect, investing in automation has been an absolute positive. Now we’re able to produce 500-600 units a shift just on the line alone.

“It’s also allowed us to focus our resources on other areas. One of our specialities has always been slimline heritage units. Before automation, we were producing 1,000 a week - now we have more time to exceed our targets.”

The firm’s choice to invest in a refurbished line has let it embrace automation while also upgrading other areas of its operation.

“We’ve been able to extend our main building, and bring in a new software system that’s revolutionising the way we operate, as well as implementing barcode tracking right across the business.

“The refurbished machine, the extension, and the software investment cost less money combined than a new machine would.”

Best of all, the newly automated Sapphire Glass Merchants has proved a hit with customers, and brought a raft of new enquiries.

“Both our existing customers and new prospects have been extremely impressed with the new line,” Stefan continues. “Everyone wants to come and see it in operation, and we’ve gained positive steps to reduce our carbon footprint directly off the back of our investment in automation.

Ian Pickard, Sapphire’s Director of Operations, concludes: “All in all, it’s been a fantastic boost for our business. I’d highly recommend it to any IGU manufacturer looking to grow.”

For more information, please call 02476 639931 or visit www.edgetechig.co.uk.

MOODLE CHOSEN AS PLATFORM FOR FUTURE GGF TRAINING PROGRAMMES

The Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF) has chosen the world’s most widely used learning platform, Moodle, as the basis for delivering its increasingly ambitious and diverse online training programme. Used globally by more than 213 million users and by a wide cross-section of organisations, including the Open University, London School of Economics and Microsoft, Moodle was felt by the GGF’s Technical Department as being the ideal solution to deliver its training courses online.

Moodle was chosen by the GGF, who are working with GQA Qualifications and training partners Total Support Training, to deliver its Skilled Pathways Scheme to provide the next generation of skilled workers for the glazing and glass processing sectors. In the development of this, an area for concern was not only how technical information would be delivered, but how to assess and record knowledge, skills and behaviours in a way that could be externally assessed and avoid bias. Moodle was felt to satisfy all of these concerns.

With Moodle now in place, the platform will be utilised to deliver a number of existing NVQ assessment modules as well as a total of 41 modules in development, that will provide up-to-date information on technical, health, safety environmental and behavioural practices amongst others. The GGF recognises the disruption that training can place on a company’s manufacturing or installation programmes and Moodle will allow all schemes and modules to be accessed with ease and online, providing flexibility. The system can be accessed

by mobile, PC, Mac or tablet providing the trainee with the opportunity to use it while travelling to and from their workplace or site, for example.

For the GGF, chief development officer Anda Gregory said: “The GGF is providing its most ambitious training and skills development programme ever and we needed a platform that would allow us to deliver this successfully but in ways that allowed flexibility to the trainees and their employers and for us to reach as many individuals and as quickly as possible. Moodle is perfect for that.”

GGF Members signed up to the Skilled Pathways Scheme are already taking advantage of the facility and enjoying the benefits of employees with enhanced skills and job satisfaction.

Yorkshire-based stockists Building Plastics

Direct says Freefoam has helped them and their installer customers grow.

With two branches in Barnsley and Castleford and a thriving online business, Building Plastics Direct supplies fascias, soffits, cladding, guttering and other PVC products to customers across Yorkshire and beyond. For husband-and-wife team, Scott and Nikki Whitelam, Freefoam is a brand they trust.

Scott says: “We started off just stocking Freefoam’s fascias, soffits and guttering. We have since added different ranges, and we now stock Geo-panel and Fortex cladding in five different colours. As we’ve expanded the range, we’ve increased our range of customers as well.

“A lot of customers will buy off us just for Freefoam. We have quite a few registered installers that work with us and insist on Freefoam products. It’s been nice we’ve been able to support them. If we try and do the best for our customers, they’re always going to come us.

“Freefoam want us to grow, and we see a positive future. We’ve been with Freefoam for a number of years now and I can’t see that changing anytime soon.”

Nikki adds: “In the building trade, Freefoam is just one of those logos you know you can trust.”

Building Plastics Direct has been supplying Freefoam products to Barnsley-based Freefoam Registered Installer, C&S Fascias, for years.

C&S Fascias is run by Steve Jubb and his business partner, Steve Bray. Steve Bray says: “Freefoam offers a massive range of products and colours. We get loads of support and if we’ve got any technical queries, they’re always there for us.

“They support us with guarantees that gets us a hell of a lot of work. The products are great to work with. Even the joints and corner trims make a big difference and look good. We don’t get that with any other manufacturer.”

Colin St John, Commercial Director at Freefoam, says: “We support all of our customers, and building strong and lasting relationships with them is so important to us. We want to help our customers grow and flourish with Freefoam’s support. It’s great to see Building Plastics Direct and C&S Fascias doing just that.”

Learn more about Freefoam’s products, service and support by visiting www.freefoam.com or calling 0800 002 9903. Follow @freefoam.

For more information about Building Plastics Direct, visit www.buildingplasticsdirect.co.uk and to learn more and C&S Fascias visit the company’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/candsfascias.

Or watch a video about the two companies and their relationship with Freefoam by visiting: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B8r3yOdvHM

With energy bills soaring, when it comes to home improvements, consumers are looking for one thing more than any other – energy efficiency.

ECOSlide has always led the way in sustainability –but now, it’s more energy efficient than ever.

A+ rated as standard, and delivering U Values of just 1.4, it’s the perfect choice when your clients want timeless style and twenty-first century performance.

TOP 3 MARKETING TIPS TO SUCCESSFULLY TARGET SMALL BUILDERS

Alex Tremlett, Operations Manager at leading data specialist Insight Data, discusses top marketing tips to target small builders using data intelligence.

With industry predictions highlighting that the market is likely to dip, it’s more important now than ever that companies consider new avenues to generate a steady stream of business.

Even though installers are the most obvious and more traditional route to market for trade fabricators, diversifying and exploring alternative routes to market is a great option –and small builders could be the perfect solution.

In the same way that window companies have diversified in recent years, by becoming much more than window specialists, small builders have also evolved to keep up with the rapidly changing demands of consumers. As a result, many small builders now buy and fit windows and doors themselves, making them the ideal prospects for suppliers to target.

However, small builders are known for operating under the radar and can be notoriously hard to track down.

Developing a concise and focused marketing strategy is a great tactic that can make a significant difference when targeting small builders.

Here are three top tips to successfully market to small builders.

1: BUILD A ROBUST MARKETING STRATEGY AND BRAND

A builder entering the glazing market may not be aware of the wide range of trade suppliers operating in the industry. So, a company must clearly and concisely outline its main offering and unique selling points to get ahead of its competitors.

A great way to do this is with an effective marketing strategy and robust brand as it allows a company to highlight how they operate, where they supply to and how they support their customers – which demonstrates to small builders that their business is worth connecting with as a supplier.

2: CAPTIVATE AND ENGAGE THE AUDIENCE

Once a company has an effective market strategy, it’ll then need to turn its attention to how it’ll captivate this particular audience.

With small builders, the most effective marketing methods are likely to be those that reach them directly including email marketing campaigns and direct mail.

Whether a company chooses to opt for a more traditional or digital tactic, to have the biggest impact, all direct marketing campaigns must be engaging and attention-grabbing to successfully stand out from the competition.

Creating unique content with an impressive design, concise copy and a clear call to action will increase the chances of appealing to the prospect and resulting in a lead.

3: GAIN ACCESS TO FRESH INSIGHTS

One of the most effective ways to target prospective customers is by accessing the most relevant and reliable market intelligence, particularly for such a hard-to-reach audience like small builders.

Utilising valuable tools and resources to unlock key prospect data will help to provide a steady flow of new leads and enquiries.

ACCESS SMALL BUILDERS WITH INSIGHT

To help trade suppliers who are looking for small builders, the expert research team at Insight Data has worked tremendously hard to pull together a specialist database of small builders from across the UK.

The list contains over 21,000 general builders and contractors and is the most comprehensive and detailed marketing data of its kind.

Accessed online through the specialist Insight Data CRM platform Salestracker, the Local Builders database can be split by category, region or postcode so suppliers can create bespoke contact lists, email marketing campaigns, and direct mail campaigns or call lists for in-house sales teams.

Providing the contact details of small builders is just one of the benefits of this database. In fact, the data also contains all the valuable business and financial information a supplier will need to check if a company is a worthwhile prospect, helping companies to make informed business decisions.

Ultimately, the database gives suppliers unprecedented market intelligence and the Salestracker platform simplifies how they can track prospects, manage leads and drive sales activity.

For more information on Insight Data and its impressive small builders marketing data and CRM software visit: https://www.insightdata.co.uk/

Alex Tremlett

NO MATTER WHAT DOOR IT IS, OURS ARE ALWAYS OPEN.

Whether it’s a GRP composite, timber entrance door, Passivhaus or our high performance fire doors, we’ve got you covered.

Come on in and discover our extensive range of doors designed to suit any application, with a wide selection of door styles, colour options, and hardware to suit.

To learn more, visit our website or place your order directly through our online ordering portal.

the ordering portal: portal.solarcalibre.co.uk

Search: solarcalibredoors

PYROGUARD LAUNCHES NEW ONLINE PRODUCT SELECTOR

Pyroguard, part of the Technical Fire Safety Group and the leading independent provider of fire safety glass, is pleased to announce the launch of its new Product Selector, providing a fast, easy to use and more efficient online user experience.

Freely available for use on the fire safety glass manufacturer’s website, this new online tool saves customers and specifiers time, provides instant access to results and ensures that the right product is chosen for the intended application.

Users can easily search via a range of options and parameters, including the required classification, configuration, system frame type and application.

The intelligent portal then generates a selection of suitable products, along with its corresponding information, ready for downloading. Regularly updated with the latest technical and product data, customers can be sure that they’re getting the most up to date information.

Speaking on the launch of the tool, Charline Adams, Marketing Communications Manager at Pyroguard said: "Following the launch of our new website earlier this year, the new Product Selector is our latest online

development, providing our customers all over the world with a handy resource that generates instant results.

“We fully appreciate that sometimes selecting the correct fire safety glass and system can be tricky – and so a fundamental part of the brief was to develop a tool that was helpful yet quick and easy to use.

Plus, you can also download the results for future reference or before talking to us for additional technical support or advice. We’re delighted to bring this additional functionality to our website.”

The Product Selector incorporates Pyroguard’s complete range of cuttable and toughened fire safety glass solutions, including Pyroguard Rapide, Pyroguard Protect, Pyroguard Firesafe, Pyroguard Infinity and the recently launched Pyroguard Balustrade.

For more information, or to try out the Product Selector, please visit: www.pyroguard.eu/product-selector-get-started/.

PREMIUM QUALITY AT PREMIER ARCHES DRIVES THRIVING PARTNERSHIP WITH LISTERS ESSEX

Thanks to excellent product quality matched with unwavering customer service, leading arched and angle frame manufacturer Premier Arches has maintained a long list of fabricators wanting to benefit from the company’s unique product offering, one of which is Listers Essex, part of the GJB Group.

The company is a leading trade supplier of PVC, aluminium and timber alternative flush sash windows, doors and conservatories, with a particular focus on product quality.

Managing Director Roy Frost comments: “Manufacturing quality arched and angle frames requires specific technical expertise, and Premier Arches was the ideal supplier to help us meet increased customer demand for these premium products. We partnered

with them back in November 2019, and for nearly three years, they’ve delivered consistent quality, reliability, and service.

“At Listers Essex, we have a strong focus on professionalism, product quality, organisation, and order flow management, qualities that are certainly mirrored by the team at Premier Arches. This is matched with on-time and in-full deliveries every time, as well as clear and honest communication, which is something quite hard to find in today’s market.

“Premier Arches has certainly made our lives easier, we’re extremely happy with their service, and we very much look forward to a long and prosperous partnership ahead.”

Premier Arches Managing Director Sean Greenall comments: “At Premier Arches, we pride ourselves on manufacturing arched,

angled, gable, circular and entirely bespoke windows and doors in a range of systems, transforming the often daunting procedure of profile bending into a simple and pain-free process, saving fabricators time and hassle.

“We’re very proud of the partnership we have with Listers Essex, and to supply them with all their arch frame requirements. The company has a reputation for quality and professionalism – we in turn are happy to deliver consistent and reliable service to them, and very much look forward to growing this trusted relationship with them in the future.”

For more information, visit www.premierarches.co.uk.

SYSTEMS READY

Offering the largest choice of Part L Compliant 2022, award-winning window and door systems on the market today, in both PVC-U and Aluminium. Ready to talk?

Optima PVC-U Window & Door System

Spectus PVC-U Window & Door System

INAGAS CONFIRMED OFFICIAL UK DISTRIBUTOR FOR SPARKLIKE

Inagas, the industry leaders for manual gas filling and testing equipment for the IGU market, is delighted to announce that they are now the official distributor in the UK & Ireland for Sparklike – the world’s leading expert for measuring the gas content of insulating glass.

Chris Kemp, Inagas’ director comments: “Sparklike is recognised across the world as the leading manufacturer of noninvasive gas testing devices and offering the Sparklike range to our UK and Irish client base, is a natural evolution of what we do. We already know their devices very well. In fact, I have used a Sparklike Handheld and its predecessor as part of my sales demonstration for the last 20 years. Therefore, to be appointed as the official UK & Ireland distributor is a great fit for our business and a fantastic opportunity to work with such a globally recognised brand.

“Sparklike’s mission is to improve quality and competitiveness in the IGU market, which is perfectly aligned with our own objectives. With the global focus on decarbonisation and the industry under pressure to deliver lower U-Values and better performing window and door products, energy efficiency is a hot topic. The gas content in an IGU makes a significant contribution to the energy

performance of a window so, to be able to conduct testing to ensure manufacturing processes are effective, the product quality is good and that IG units are performing as they should, has never been more in demand.

“Sparklike is the only company in the world to have developed a range of nondestructive gas testers. The technology is either laser (TDLAS) or plasma emission spectroscopy (a high voltage spark) in the Handheld to test the concentration of Argon and/ or Krypton levels in an IGU. There are three devices: Sparklike Handheld™, for testing double glazed units containing one clear glass panel; and Sparklike Laser Portable™ and Sparklike Laser Integrated™ which allow manufacturers to test double and triple glazed units through coated and laminated glass at varying stages of production without any damage or waste. And, because quality control stretches throughout the product life cycle and product liability can last for several years, the mobility of two of the devices means that testing can be delivered onsite at installers or on units that have already been installed.

“At the end of the day, energy loss always leads to unwanted and unnecessary costs for any business. Our mission is to

support IGU manufacturers to maintain their commitment to high quality and performance standards with reliable gas filling and testing equipment, as well as specialist advice and practical solutions for gas filling with Argon, Krypton and Xenon, for any type of spacer bar and sealant combination. Demand for non-destructive gas testing solutions is a growing market, as the spotlight on IG construction grows ever brighter. I’m delighted that Ingas together with Sparklike are in the perfect position to meet this growing demand.”

Antti Koski, Sales Manager, from Sparklike comments on the appointment: “We are

happy to establish the official cooperation with Inagas and appreciate their proactive attitude and dedicated team. Close cooperation between a device manufacturer and a distributor is a key point to success and Sparklike is engaged to give the best support to our new partner. We wish Inagas the best of luck.”

Inagas will be supporting Sparklike at Glasstec 2022 on 20 -23 September in Düsseldorf, Germany. If you are attending, come along to Hall 14 G17 to find out more, or contact Chris Kemp directly on 07879 446924.

www.inagas.com

Patiomaster

DECEUNINCK UNVEILS LIGHT-COMMERCIAL

CURTAIN WALLING SYSTEM

Deceuninck Aluminium has continued the rapid expansion of its product offer, with the launch of the new Decalu F50 Curtain Walling System.

Expanding its reach in the commercial sector alongside its’ pre-existing range of energy-efficient window and door options,

the ultra-energy efficient Decalu F50, is optimised for light commercial applications.

Suitable for applications of up to 18m high and with elegant 50mm equal sightlines, it achieves u-values of as low as 0.78 W/m²K, also maximising design flexibility without the need for reinforcement.

Nigel Headford, Director, Deceuninck Aluminium said: “The F50 is a dedicated light commercial application and because of that, it does what it does, very well.

“So, you get a massive amount of design flexibility because it’s so highly engineered with very high inertia values for low crosssectional areas, which means you can achieve larger glass divisions without reinforcement.

“It also uses smaller profiles, while still achieving the same spans as competitor systems. That maximises the footprint of the building adding value on projects.”

Nigel Headford

Suitable for office, retail and other public buildings, the Decalu F50 Façade system is also fully compatible with a range of vents and brise soleil systems and fully integrated with its window and door systems. This features reversible and tilt-and-turn options, in addition to a standard casement,

including the ultra-energy efficient Decalu101 Scand, which offers U-values as low as 0.89W/m2k plus the fully PAS24 tested Decalu88 bi-folding door; Decalu163 lift-and-slide.

Decalu maximises design flexibility while lowering stock holding across its window systems offer, through the use of a single outer frame and sash with identical middle section and slim sightline profiles; fully integrated thermal insulation; and most significantly, the use of co-extruded, preassembled gasket.

“To date we’ve only pushed our retail offer but our product ranges deliver substantial advantages in commercial and specification sectors too”, continued Nigel. “This includes our reversible and tilt-and-turn, window ranges, which deliver key advantages.

“We have new products planned for early next year, which have been designed and developed here in the UK with our customers and technical team and will further build on that, giving us a comprehensive offer across retail and commercial sectors.”

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

“To date we’ve only pushed our retail offer but our product ranges deliver substantial advantages in commercial and specification sectors too.”

Secondary glazing is simplicity itself.

It’s simple to sell, survey and install. It offers great acoustic and thermal performance. It has great profit margins. And it gets you into projects you couldn’t normally get into.

So why make it more complicated? Call Roseview today and ask about adding Incarnation secondary glazing to your range.

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

JULIETTE AND PARIS BALCONY SYSTEMS ARE AS SAFE AS HOUSES WITH CRL

In urban and rural dwellings, the trend for balconies that fill interiors with natural light and make the most of views externally is on the rise. Juliette and Paris balconies are a particularly popular option where space is at a premium The latest systems from CRL make light work of installation and maintenance wile always focusing on safety first.

Increasingly being specified for new buildings and added to existing dwellings, for practical and decorative purposes, Juliette balconies provide a safety barrier by means of the balustrades or railings.

Available in a brushed or polished finish, the CRL Juliette Balcony System is made from 316 stainless steel for durability and strength. Designed for use with 12mm toughened glass or 13.52mm toughened laminated glass, the top and bottom rail provide reassurance and safety should the glass fail.

Creating a streamlined finish with its frameless design and offering an uninterrupted view from a balcony, the CRL Paris Balcony system is designed to be used with 13.52mm, 17.52mm & 21,52mm toughened laminated glass. The 1200mm long profiles can be face fixed or reveal fixed to brickwork, concrete or steel and can be chosen in a grey or white finish. A top cap rail is not required as the toughened laminated glass offers extra protection if one single pane fails.

Both the CRL Paris and Juliette Balcony Systems are tested to comply with building and safety regulations, including BS6180:2011.

For more details call CRL on 01706 863600, or visit www.crlaurence.co.uk.

‘CRUCIAL’ AGENDA ANNOUNCED FOR GLAZING SUMMIT

Excitement is building for the Glazing Summit with the announcement of this year’s packed agenda.

Taking place on Tuesday, October 18 at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham, the industry’s leading one-day conference is expected to attract more than 400 business leaders from across the sector.

This year organisers asked the industry to have its say on the current, biggest, issues and, with the help of that feedback, have put together a powerful agenda to tackle them.

Following the ‘State of the Industry’ report by Insight Data’s Managing Director and Glazing Summit founder Andrew Scott, five debates and discussions will take place throughout the day with respected industry leaders on stage.

The first is on the supply chain and whether the industry has recovered lead-times and customer service levels, and the likely impact of the energy crisis. This will be followed by a debate on people and skills, when we ask whether the industry is doing enough to encourage women into the sector, and challenge taboo perceptions around mental health and well-being.

The last debate of the morning will look at how legislation is driving change across the industry, how it is responding across the supply chain to the latest regulations, and how we tackle those failing to comply.

In the afternoon, a discussion will take place on what the future of innovation looks like, the latest product innovations, and what opportunities there are for the industry to diversify, while the final debate of the day looks at how business owners and company directors will navigate the economic uncertainty, rising costs and new opportunities over the next few years.

Two keynote speakers, not to be missed, will also take centre stage. William Hobbs, Chief Investment

STELLAR GROWTH FOR CLEARVIEW GLAZIERS

Clearview Glaziers has reported an impressive year-on-year growth since fabricating Stellar, the multi-awardwinning aluminium window and door system from Epwin Window Systems. The company was the first fabricator to sign up to the system when it made its market debut at Fit Show 2019, and it’s proved to be a wise decision. Robin Squibb, Clearview’s Director, commented: “We knew when we first saw Stellar that it was a step-change in aluminium system design and we haven’t been disappointed. We continue to see year-on-year growth and it’s a trend we are confident will continue.”

He continued: “Stellar is proving very popular with our customers because it’s the complete package. Consumers love the high-end aesthetics that can transform their properties with its flush, contemporary styling. And our installing customers appreciate the speed and ease of fitting high-quality aluminium products.”

Clearview Glaziers is based in Peterborough and works in the domestic, trade and commercial sectors. It manufactures the complete Stellar portfolio including the newly launched Sellar Flush Tilt & Turn window and the Stellar Slimline bifold door. Robin said: “The Flush Tilt & Turn and Slimline bifold door are the latest additions to the range and they’re already proving valuable additions.”

Growth has been so healthy that the fabricator has recently invested in a new CNC machine that will increase production output by a further 20%. Robin said: “The new investment will support our growth strategy while continuing to deliver the exceptional quality we are known for.”

Stellar is aimed at the domestic and light commercial sectors and, as Clearview knows, has everything those markets

Officer for Barclays Wealth Management & Investments, will share his views on the economic outlook and what the road ahead may look like for UK business.

And legendary retail and customer experience expert Peter Cross, who was director of John Lewis and Waitrose for eight years and business partner of Mary Portas for 10, will share his insights on the future of shopping and how the

demand. Neil Smith, Head of Sales (aluminium) at Epwin Window Systems said: “Stellar was designed to offer exceptional aesthetics and it has the slimmest sightlines on the market. For installers, features such as patented knockin beads speed up glazing and leave a higher quality finish. Add in thermal efficiency that meets new Part L of building regulations as standard, and you have a winning package.”

Clearview is also benefiting from the support Epwin Window Systems offers. Robin says: “We’ve been an Optima fabricator for four years, so we always knew the quality of the product, service and support we would receive. For example, we had two members of the Epwin Window Systems’ team supporting us at our recent open days. It helped show prospects the level of commitment they could expect to receive right the way up the supply chain, which added even more value to our offer.”

Stellar has won multiple industry awards since its launch. But perhaps even more important is the growth customers such as Clearview are seeing. It proves that the system impresses the industry and it impresses customer too. It is, quite simply, Stellar.

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

home improvement industry can become irresistible to its target customers.

“The Glazing Summit is meant to inform and provide delegates with the right information, but it is very much the industry’s event, which was why we reached out to installers, fabricators and systems companies on what they wanted to discuss this year to help shape the agenda,” commented Andrew.

“Last year’s event came at a pivotal moment after the pandemic and this year is no less important, with our agenda crucial to seeing how we move forward as an industry.”

With the day also including networking, lunch, a champagne reception and the exclusive Glazing Summit Dinner in the evening, the event is not to be missed.

For tickets, visit https://glazingsummit.co.uk/ , call 01934 808293 or email hello@glazingsummit.co.uk.

Full agenda: https://glazingsummit. co.uk/2022-agenda/

Glass

ALL SYSTEMS GO AT SELECTA!

What we have learnt over the last few years, is that many events have had, and continue to have, an impact on the way we live and do business. In light of all this, Sales Director Andy Green says it’s “all systems go” at Selecta, explaining the planned systematic approach to future proofing the business and the benefits of using a family and independently owned, UK based PVCu systems company.

There have been plenty of highs and lows within our industry over the last few years and there certainly seems to be further challenges ahead for all, from both a business and consumer point of view. The majority of the industry have experienced increased and record sales, which in-turn has led to many discussions anticipating when the bubble would burst. There is no doubt that the current bout of ‘party’ politics, inflation and soaring costs will have an impact on some within our industry.

SO, HOW WELL PREPARED ARE YOU, YOUR BUSINESS AND YOUR KEY SUPPLIERS?

For Selecta, the continued success of the last few years have enabled ourselves to invest further within the business and bring forward expansion and improvement plans. The objective being, to provide a strong and solid business for all of our customers and employees for years to come.

We’ve strengthened and further improved our extrusion facility, it’s capabilities and

“We’ve strengthened and further improved our extrusion facility, it’s capabilities and capacities. New and replacement extrusion lines have been installed, improving production quality, facilities and output. New tools and dies have been purchased for key product lines, again improving quality and capabilities.”

capacities. New and replacement extrusion lines have been installed, improving production quality, facilities and output. New tools and dies have been purchased for key product lines, again improving quality and capabilities. New silos have increased raw material storage and increased end product storage space enables more bar length material stock holding.

We have seen an additional new high speed lamination machine installed, with investment in staff recruitment increasing the number of shifts within the area. This has increased coloured profile stock holdings, as colour continues to grow. A business restructure has seen the lamination area benefitting from increased profile storage space.

Transport and logistics has also seen large investments in its infrastructure. New trucks have been added to our fleet and our recruitment drive has seen us almost double the number of drivers on our

books, providing ourselves with far greater flexibility when it comes to delivery options. There are also a further three brand new trucks on order, which with the current situation of delivery timescales, will be arriving in the new year.

Our marketing support has gone from strength-to-strength with an array of new brochures, materials and literature, whilst a new Selecta website is just on the horizon. This will be further supported by a homeowner based website, together with a find a fabricator / installer function to further support our customers and used as a sales generation tool. We also have another innovative feature up our sleeve, again with the aim of supporting and strengthening our relationship with our customer base further.

Connect, our online customer support portal is currently undergoing a re-vamp with some exciting new features being added. This will enable customers to ‘stay connected’ at all times, thus developing our communication channels.

It’s these kind of developments and investments that demonstrate our continued commitment to strengthening our position in the market, whilst providing a range of quality products, service and support package that customers expect. Being family and independently owned has meant that we could re-invest and expand areas within the business quickly – no backwards and forwards with a huge board of directors, shareholders or investors! Being a UK based extrusion and distribution systems company has also taken away the logistics and complexities of dealing outside of the UK!

Why am I telling you all of this? Putting it quite simply and as you know, your supply chain is an extension of your business. They fail, you fail. Whether that’s product, service or support related, your supplier is a reflection of you and your business. In good and bad times you need to be able to rely on and trust your suppliers. At Selecta we believe we have future proofed the business, for the benefit of our customers and employees. At Selecta, it’s all systems go…

Andy Green

Additional

material silos being installed

Installation of a new high speed lamination machine end of 2021

Additional extrusion line being installed August 2022

THERMLOCK® V POLYAMIDE, THE DIFFERENCE IS CLEAR

When the foundations for the Sheerline system were laid, one of the weaknesses of existing aluminium systems that needed addressing was the sectors reliance on polyamide thermal breaks.

While polyamide did create a ‘thermal barrier’ that met older thermal efficiency standards, the material struggled to meet the improved standards required by the UK’s carbon reduction commitments. This need to improve the energy efficiency of the nation’s homes has never been clearer than it is right now, with the average household energy bill set to rise to a staggering £3,549 this year, with further increases forecast in 2023.

From the start it was clear that a better solution was required, a thermal break designed for more stringent legislation, that also overcame some of the other inherent limitations of polyamide. It was this need that led to Thermlock®, one of the eureka moments for Roger Hartshorn and his R&D team, when they created the Sheerline system in 2018/2019.

Thermlock® multi-chambered thermal breaks are unique to Sheerline and sit at the heart of every Sheerline product. Made from a special high melting point formulation, which is almost half as thermally conductive as polyamide, Thermlock® allows for wider, integrated one-piece designs that add rigidity to profiles, eliminating the distortion that can occur with separate top and bottom polyamide thermal breaks. This means that every Sheerline product meets the new Part L standards with regular double glazing – helping customers supply high performance products without adding cost. With Sheerline, Part L compliance comes as standard.

While other systems companies are busy trying to shoehorn solutions into their legacy systems, either adding cost via foam inserts

or forcing customers to ‘upgrade’ to expensive triple glazing, or much wider systems to meet these new standards, Sheerline customers are left with a competitive advantage and a clear easy to understand, and perfectly matched product offer.

Drawing on their years of experience within the fenestration industry the Sheerline team also knew Thermlock® needed to be as fabricator and installer friendly as possible and its improved screw retention over polyamide helped Sheerline systems pass the most rigorous of tests with ease.

Having already invested over £1million in tooling for its own in-house produced Thermlock® thermal breaks, Sheerline and its customers are already benefiting from the clear advantages this technology brings with better performance and integrated on-site manufacture minimising the risk of third-party supply issues. Coupled to the ability to react quickly to any future tightening of thermal requirements, Sheerline customers can be confident they’ll be ready once again to succeed in an everchanging marketplace.

To give yourself the Thermlock® advantage and discover more about Sheerline’s innovative aluminium range contact us on 01332 978000 or email info@sheerline.com.

Alternatively visit www.sheerline.com for more information.

OPEN DAY SUCCESS FOR CLEARVIEW GLAZIERS

A recent open day held by Epwin Window Systems’ fabricator Clearview Glaziers has proved very successful. Robin Squibb, Clearview’s Director, said: “The aim was to attract new installers and cement existing relationships. We more than achieved these aims and we’ve secured several new customers as a result.”

The open day showed off Clearview Glaziers’ exceptional offer to its customers.

Taking centre stage was Clearview’s full range of Stellar products, the multi awardwinning aluminium system from Epwin Window Systems. The company was the first fabricator to manufacture the system and it recently invested in a new aluminium CNC machine to increase its production output by an additional 20% and keep pace with demand. Robin commented: “The aesthetics of Stellar are an instant draw for our customers with its flush slim sightlines. Plus, it is very easy to install, so when installers fit Stellar for the first time they never look back. As expected, the Stellar products attracted a great deal of interest and we signed up several new customers on the day.”

Also on display was Optima from Epwin Window Systems. Clearview has been manufacturing the award-winning PVC-U system for four years and Robin says it’s always a popular choice. “Our PVC-U sales continue to grow year on year because it’s the system that ticks all the boxes for our customers.”

Neil Smith and Paul Hinds from Epwin Window Systems were on hand throughout the day. Neil commented: “Providing our customers with the support they need to

build their businesses is central to Epwin Window Systems’ offering. It was great to meet some of Clearview’s customers and prospects and help to further build ongoing relationships.”

Clearview Glaziers is based in Peterborough and has operated in the domestic, trade and commercial sectors for over twenty years.

It has a thriving trade counter serving local installers and the open day was part of a wider strategy to build this side of the business. Robin commented: “We have a comprehensive range of products so we can be a one stop shop for installers. Add in a commitment to quality, service and support and we have a powerful offering.”

As feedback and results from the open day confirm, it’s an offer that is very appealing and it was clear to see just how much the company has to offer. So much so, a second open day has been arranged for 30 August.

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

DOORCO SHORTLISTED FOR DOUBLE G-AWARDS

Leading composite door supplier, DoorCo is delighted to have been shortlisted in two categories in this year’s G-Awards – Best Component Supplier and Best Promotional Campaign.

Dan Sullivan, DoorCo MD comments: “We are thrilled to have been shortlisted once again in the G-Awards for Best Component Supplier and following on our win last year, Best Promotional Campaign.

“Both categories are important to DoorCo. Last year was a rollercoaster, but DoorCo’s agility and boldness prevailed. The brave decisions we took during this difficult time enabled us to continue our growth and

investment plans, deliver restructuring and strengthening of the business, and make a marked improvement in delivery. Most importantly, we have remained true to our roots as an independently owned composite door component supplier and continued the effective delivery of a product range and service focused on making our customers’ lives easier.

“FIT Show was the perfect platform to bring this all together and demonstrate to our customers and the wider market that we are in control and moving forward. The marketing team put their all into making the event a success for DoorCo, from the

showstopping stand to the best party of the exhibition. I am extremely proud that their efforts have once again been recognised by the judges.

“The awards are certainly a highlight on the industry’s calendar. They are dedicated to honouring and rewarding excellence in the UK’s fenestration sector and to be shortlisted is a great endorsement to the continued hard work of the DoorCo team. We are very much looking forward to celebrating with everyone in November.”

For more information on DoorCo, call: 01625 428955 or visit: www.door-co.com.

From left to right: Neil Smith - Epwin Window Systems, Robin Squibb - Clearview Glaziers

Sheerline’s Thermlock® technology v’s polyamide, the difference is clear

TECH TALK with Strafford Cooke, Technical Director, Mila

NO NEW ADQ – FOR NOW... BUT DON’T IGNORE THE PAS24: 2022 UPDATE

The new and updated version of security standard PAS24: 2022 should be published any day. While the updates are expected to be fairly minimal from a fabrication and installation perspective – higher basic specs for window hardware and additional requirements for doors such as security chains and spy holes – there will be more extensive adaptations required by testing houses, including Mila.

The reason why there is so much attention being paid to PAS24: 2022, and why I’ve been getting regular calls from customers asking for news, is that we all expected it to be referenced in a new Approved Document Q in the summer of next year. However, the fact that much of government seemed to be virtually on hold while the conservative leadership contest was underway means it now seems unlikely that we will see a new Part Q much before 2024.

That will come as a huge relief I’m sure to all those fabricators still coming to terms

with the costs and requirements of the new Parts L, F and O of the Building Regs. A new ADQ will arguably involve even more upheaval than any of those three Docs, because it will probably be extended from just new build and change of use projects into the mainstream replacement market as well. Once that happens, all accessible windows and doors will have to have PAS24 security accreditation, triggering a mass upgrade of hardware and all the associated testing and accreditation that will go along with it.

It might also include a requirement for doorsets, side panels and possibly all accessible windows to include at least one pane of Class P1A laminated glass and that would put huge pressure on the glass market – almost certainly another factor in the delay of the update.

Even without a new ADQ though, fabricators can’t overlook PAS24: 2022 entirely. It will still have implications for certain sectors of the market –most significantly Secured by Design installations.

Strafford Cooke, Technical Director, Mila

Approved Document Q might be lagging behind when it comes to security hardware specifications – it is still stuck on PAS24: 2012, never mind the most recent 2016 version, but Secured by Design always uses the latest PAS24 update.

Fabricators targeting SBD projects or claiming SBD accreditation on their products will have to make the switch to PAS24: 2022 as soon as possible. When it comes to specifications, Mila is already reviewing our SBD product range to make sure it will still comply, and we will be updating customers if any changes or testing updates are required.

A new ADQ might have been shelved for now, but that obviously doesn’t mean security isn’t still high on the list of what homeowners want when they are purchasing double glazing. Energy efficiency is understandably centre stage given the rises in energy costs, but security almost invariably comes in the top two or three reasons homeowners give for choosing new windows and doors, regardless of the wider economic situation.

That’s why upgrading to PAS24 tested hardware on windows, and particularly on doors, will always give fabricators and installers a great opportunity to upsell buyers and increase their margins. The feedback we get from customers is that a few pounds extra spent on high security versions of hardware will pay for itself several times over.

www.mila.co.uk

By Strafford Cooke, Technical Director, Mila

DEMAND FOR PULL BAR HANDLES

Leading independent hardware supplier

Carl F Groupco has reported that sales of its pull bar handle ranges have doubled in the past year. John Crittenden, the company’s Managing Director, said: “Contemporary designs are a clear trend in doors at the moment. We see this reflected in sales of our pull bar handles, which make a strong contemporary style statement.”

Carl F Groupco is renowned for having the strong product inventory needed to meet all product trends. John commented: “We have long-standing relationships with Europe’s most innovative manufacturers. It means we have the flexibility and competence to ensure our ranges always reflect current market trends in this dynamic industry, as the increase in demand for our pull bar handle shows.”

The company offers Yale Elite T-Bar Pull Handle. Manufactured to the highest possible standards using 316 stainless steel, the handle suites perfectly with the Elite Escutcheon and Elite Central Knob for a seamless design solution. The handle is available

in two fixing versions, back-to-back fix or bolt fix.

A cranked design is also available for applications where increased frame and hand clearance is required.

The product comes with a 25 year anti-corrosion guarantee (subject to correct installation and maintenance) and a 10 year mechanical guarantee.

Also available are Hoppe ARRONE Pull Handles.

With a stylish brushed stainless steel finish, the handles are available in inline and offset (cranked) variations and 700mm, 1400mm or 2000mm bar

lengths. Bolt through or back-to-back fixing options are available to suit the application, with all fixing screws supplied as required to suit timber doors. The range stocked by Carl F Groupco covers door thicknesses of 44 – 54mm in a variety of lengths to suit the desired look. The handles suite with key wind up or automatic door locks such as the FUHR 833 or Yale AutoEngage.

Carl F Groupco is one of the fenestration industry’s longest-standing hardware suppliers. With distribution centres in Peterborough and Cumbernauld, it operates nationally, including the Scottish Highlands and offshore islands. Its customers appreciates that the business goes beyond order processing and is a proactive hardware partner focused on solving problems, offering advice and finding solutions. Of course, at the heart of its offering is a reliably impressive product range that gives customers what they need. Its range of pull bar handles is the perfect example.

Tel: 01733 393 330 www.carlfgroupco.co.uk www.smartsecure.co.uk www.carlfdirect.co.uk

Q-SMART TAKE UP GROWS

Hardware manufacturer VBH, the company behind the greenteQ brand, has announced that customers who have added the Q-Smart electronic door handle to their door furniture options have seen increased sales recently.

Q-Smart is a stand-alone product that enables the user to gain entry to their home without the need of a traditional key. Instead, they can use their fingerprint, contact card or a phone app to gain entry. Locking is carried out by simply lifting the lever.

Temporary or permanent ‘keys’ can be sent to anyone from anywhere via the smartphone app, which is ideal for granting access to carers, or when family members need to be let in unexpectedly.

Companies who buy Q-Smart have the option of joining the Q-Smart Network, which is a list of companies that end users are directed to if they contact VBH for a Q-Smart quote or installation.

VBH advise that they have invested in direct marketing of Q-Smart to help provide free leads to the network’s members.

Activities have included localised advertising

and telesales campaigns, advertising in well-known national consumer titles, and even sponsorship in the 2022 British Touring Car Championship.

Gary Gleeson, marketing manager at VBH says: “The vast majority of our products mean absolutely nothing to the general public as they are just components on a window or door. Q-Smart is an exception, though, as it is a stand-alone item, and anyone can easily see what it does and what benefits it brings.

“With that in mind we decided to support our customer base by carrying out some B2C marketing, in a similar way to what

we do with our Q-secure consumer security guarantee. We have picked up quite a few sales as a result, which is great for us and great for the members of the Q-Smart Network.

“Many customers have built on the work that we are doing, and have installed a Q-Smart in their own showroom. They are reporting that Q-Smart really is an attention grabber. We would recommend that installers talk to us about getting a sample in place as soon as possible.”

Companies wishing to join the Q-Smart Network should email VBH at marketing@vbhgb.com or send them a Tweet @vbhgb.

QUICKSLIDE’S LEGACY GROWS WITH EXCLUSIVE VS TRICKLE VENT SOLUTION

Since its launch in line with the revised Building Regulations earlier this year, Quickslide’s exclusive new trickle vent solution for sash windows has become the preferred method for Document F compliance across the fabricator’s marketleading range of Legacy vertical sliders.

The Glazpart modular vent - that allows for full compliance in one sash window - is exclusive to Quickslide, who were heavily involved in its design to ensure it fully complements the heritage aesthetic the leading window and door fabricator’s name is synonymous with.

“The Legacy VS carries all the beauty of a traditional design, combined with modern industry thinking that enables us to offer a cost effective, compliant window that doesn’t compromise on aesthetics,” said Managing Director Ben Weber. “We’ve worked tirelessly and have done amazing work designing our Legacy VS with features such as run-

through sash horns, timber-looking joints, astragal bars and a deep bottom rail. But the requirement for compliance to the revised Document F meant that we then had to develop a new vent solution to complement all of this. One that avoids use of multiple individual trickle vents, which would quickly spoil our windows’ heritage aesthetic, or placing vents in the head of the outer frame to avoid the associated issues that would bring.

We’re pleased to say that the new modular vent offered by Quickslide comfortably fulfils the brief on both looks and compliance.”

To provide installers across the nation with a compliant product that will prove attractive to buyers, the vents are woodgrain and colour-matched as standard. Even bespoke coloured windows will come with matching vents. For comfort, a unique closing mechanism on the internal side allows for adjustable ventilation.

“At Quickslide we’re committed to providing our customers with world-class products and so being involved in the design and application of this vent and being the first to be able to offer it to our customers gives us a real sense of pride,” said Ben. "We believe this new trickle vent is the only continuous vent out there that allows for full compliance in one sash window. We’d certainly challenge installers to ask their VS manufacturer if their windows do the same?”

Since the beginning of July trickle vents have been included as standard in all Quickslide’s vertical sliders, providing Trade Partners with the means to comply with the new Building Regulation requirements for ventilation at no extra cost.

“For those customers who are willing to pay more for VS windows for the right visual impact, we don’t want to only meet them half-way by supplying a product that

adheres to regulations but doesn’t look the part,” Ben explained.

“As a result, all our welded vertical sliders over 775mm in width now comply with the new requirement to achieve 8000 EA in one single window, and we’re really excited to be leading the way with this.”

www.quickslide.co.uk

SlotVents

Slim,

ventilation.

to comply with the new building regulations

Choose from 10 colours and 3 sizes, with standard, noise reducing and fly screen options.

Ventilation requirements to maintain indoor air quality.

See the Yale SlotVent range at mila.co.uk/slotvents

UAP TO LAUNCH ULTRA-SECURE ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCK

Following five years of research and development, UAP is gearing up to launch an ultra-secure electronic door lock, enabling access via a smartphone App.

Manufactured for timber, aluminium and composite doors, the IONIC is the first in a series of ‘smart’ products set to be launched under UAP’s Fullex-ai brand. Simple to install and easy to use, the electronic lock is suitable for domestic properties, student accommodation and social housing.

Ideal for factory fitting, the IONIC can be adjusted to different door sizes with a design based on the Fullex Crimebeater lock, which is engineered to provide longterm reliability and security.

Featuring an integrated power supply and wireless charging, the IONIC enables a door to be opened and closed using Bluetooth on a mobile phone. To provide flexibility for users, the lock can also be opened

using a fob, a push button on the inside, a thumb turn, or an override key if there is an emergency.

To allow even easier door access, the fob can be paired with the App and offers the most advanced security encryption on the market.

“We know that many people are concerned about keyless car theft and could have similar worries about an electronic door lock,” said David Jennings, Chief Executive Officer at UAP. “To overcome this, the IONIC fobs can’t be cloned, and the codes can’t be stolen by intercepting the signal.

We achieved this by manufacturing every fob with two million rolling codes, which means that every transmission is unique and there are more than four billion unique codes.

“We’ve also built additional security authentication into the App with face recognition so if a user loses their phone, no one can access it.”

Further enhancing security, door access logins can be managed via a mobile phone and the App enables users to see who has

opened the door. An infinite number of door openings can be registered by the App and up to 1,500 on the lock itself.

With a simple interface that hides complex technology, the App has several access functions. In addition to large, bright buttons for unlock and lock, the operator can set up new users and a wide range of time settings.

“If regular access is required for a cleaner or carer for example, the homeowner can set the other user’s App to open the lock between certain times,” explained David. “It’s also possible to set up one-time-only access for workmen and to add and delete users at the press of a button.

“These customisable settings provide a very simple and flexible solution, especially for owners of rented holiday accommodation such as Airbnb properties.”

A wireless unit, which fits easily to a door frame, connects to a control system, which is used to power the IONIC. Customers can either use a USB wire with a plug or a power pack to charge the lock via this system. If there was a power cut, a charged lock can operate for up to four weeks without a power supply.

Available in anthracite grey, chrome and white, the IONIC has been designed with a

modern and minimalist appearance. UAP has also created a mechanism which enables the lock to be paired with rose handles further improving aesthetics and allowing handles to be matched inside a property.

Specialist doorset company, PDS, is the first company to test the IONIC. Ben Davies, Technical Compliance Manager, said: “The IONIC is really simple to use and that's one of the major positives about it. The App is easy to download and it’s very simple to set up the users and the fobs.

“More people are opting for modern door designs and specifying lever on rose door handles where the lever is fixed to a circular plate. As the IONIC is compatible with this design, architects, interior designers and homeowners have much more choice and flexibility when opting for an electronic lock.”

Concluded David: “The IONIC is just the start of UAP’s Fullex-ai journey and we’re excited about its potential. We’re confident that its unique, patented design will become the standard for all electronic multipoint locks and in the long term, could even set the benchmark for all locks that go into solid frame doors.”

The IONIC is scheduled to be available by the end of the year.

The UK’s Leading Glass

DOOR WITH THE

OF YOUR

UAP LTD TAKES THE RISK OUT OF SELECTING FIRE-RATED IRONMONGERY WITH NEW FIREMONGERY RANGE AND POS

UAP Ltd, the UK’s foremost independent supplier of ironmongery products and door locking systems, has launched a complete range of Firemongery fire door products designed to help customers select the right certified solutions in three easy steps.

Firemongery is the UAP brand that specialises in

fully-tested and certified ironmongery and locking products for use in compliant fire door installation. The new range is designed specifically for builder’s merchants, trade counters and wholesalers as a complete solution, with a fully-stocked POS (point of sale) unit. The unit features a unique ‘Pack Selector’ decision tree, providing customers with all the information they need to select and purchase the right items, and UAP has also created an interactive Pack Selector tool for the range on the company’s website. Restocking across the range is available with next day delivery.

David Jennings, CEO of UAP Ltd explains: “We have designed this Firemongery range specifically for builder’s merchants and

trader counters, enabling them to provide both the products and guidance their customers need to take the risk out of selecting fire-rated ironmongery with our innovative Pack Selector.

“Whether a builder is installing fire doors across several properties or a homeowner is upgrading a single door, ensuring that the ironmongery meets both the relevant compliance requirements and the practical needs of the occupier is very important. This range has been developed as a pick-up-and-go solution for builder’s merchant environments, with right first time product selection.

The accompanying POS is both eye-catching and informative to help inform customers and attract sales.”

Comprising robust, fully tested products selected by UAP’s experts, the Firemongery range includes eight different packs, six of which are boxed with the remaining two in Euro Card/poly bag packaging.

The compact, easy-toassemble POS display unit has been designed to accommodate four units of each pack and UAP is offering a fully stocked POS for almost half the retail value of the products, with informative leaflets and a counter-top display unit included in the price.

David Jennings continues: “Both professional tradespeople and DIYers are extremely nervous about selecting the right fire rated products so there is a real opportunity for builder’s merchants and trade counters to help them select the right products and have confidence in their choices with our new point of sale and Pack selector approach.

“We have designed the Firemongery POS to be both practical and

“This range has been developed as a pick-upand-go solution for builder’s merchant environments.”

informative. With a mixture of shelves, hooks and a leaflet dispenser, everything fits neatly on the robust unit. Meanwhile, the question and answer Pack Selector means that product selection is straightforward. And, of course, the Firemongery products offer the quality, value and compliance customers expect from a UAP brand.”

www.uapcorporate.com

New Part L Building Regulations Compliant.

Oh so

New from Virtuoso, the ‘Sweet’ range of stylishly simple, exquisitely designed hardware, offering additional choice in style and aesthetics. Letterplates, knockers and handles are available in three colour options – Rose Gold, Stainless Steel and Chrome. They are all tested against corrosion thirty times more than the required corrosion standard. Because of this, ‘Sweet’ has the confidence to offer your homeowner customers an extended 20-year guarantee*. And of course, alongside our existing range of hardware**, it provides an even wider choice for an Oh So perfect finish.

There’s Oh So much more to discover, contact sales@virtuoso-doors.co.uk or visit virtuoso-doors.co.uk/sweet

Nationwide Coverage. Competitive Lead Times. Unlimited Colour Choice.

BY

*Subject to registration with ‘Sweet’ by the homeowners.

**Hardware must be maintained as per our manufacturer’s guide.

TOTAL HARDWARE DELIVER ON THE LATEST DESIGN TRENDS

With the trends in composite doors moving towards contemporary aesthetics, installers are seeking out hardware that supports the shift. The Superior 25 Stainless Steel Pull Bars from Total Hardware tick all the boxes.

Chris Pell, General Manager at Total Hardware, said: “Hardware is an integral part of the aesthetic of an installation.

When it comes to contemporary composite door designs, our Stainless Steel Pull Bars are the perfect finishing touch.”

The Superior 25 Stainless Steel Pull Bars have a contemporary ergonomic design. Plus, as part of the Superior 25 range, they are part of a range of fully suited hardware, enabling fabricators and installers to deliver a sleek and coordinated installation.

They are versatile too. There are three fixing options: single through fixing, single face fixing and paired fixings. There are also inline, offset and square variations and they come in six lengths from 400mm to 1800mm. Chris comments: “Customers are increasingly choosing the single face fixing option, which opens up opportunities for different handle styles on the interior and exterior of doors.”

The Superior 25 Stainless Steel Pull Bars benefit from Total Hardware’s commitment to quality. They are made from high quality, 316 grade stainless steel for superior corrosion resistance. The coating has been tested to BS.EN: 2007 Grade 5 and they have a 25 year coating guarantee.

The Superior 25 Stainless Steel Pull Bars are part of Total Hardware’s comprehensive range of products across all price points, which includes its own high-quality hardware ranges. Alongside its Superior 25 range, which is aimed at the premium end of the domestic door market, there is the Quantum range, which is aimed at installers

that want to differentiate their own product range. The company also stock a 1200mm inline pair of square effect pull handles for next level aesthetics.

Customers also benefit from Total Hardware’s commitment to service. It works hard to maintain high stock levels to ensure it can keep pace with demand. The company also invests to ensure it can offer rapid turnaround times from quotation to despatch. This includes reliable next day deliveries nationwide.

Chris concludes: “As trends move away from traditional composite door designs to more contemporary styles, it is vital to ensure your portfolio delivers what your customers need. Our Superior 25 Stainless Steel Pull Bars combine sleek contemporary aesthetics with the quality and durability these handles demand. They are the perfect addition to any contemporary door portfolio.”

Tel: 0113 243 2255 www.totalhardwareltd.co.uk

STAINLESS STEEL BEATS ZINC IN CARBON FOOTPRINT ANALYSIS

New independent analysis commissioned by Mila has revealed that not only is stainless steel door hardware more durable than zinc diecast, but it also has a lower carbon footprint.

That, Mila says, is a powerful message for fabricators and installers to take to all those retail customers who want to buy more sustainably, and to the commercial market, where there is so often a requirement to achieve carbon reduction targets.

The analysis, carried out by consultants Tunley Engineering, revealed that annual carbon emissions for a Mila stainless steel door handle are only 17% that of a Mila zinc die cast equivalent.

In part, that is because stainless steel products have a lifespan which is typically five times longer than zinc, meaning that the carbon emissions can be averaged out over a longer period. But, more significantly

it comes from the fact that the emission factors for producing zinc are 60+% higher than they are for steel, and there are more energy intensive processes required to manufacture in zinc rather than in steel.

Richard Gyde, Mila’s Managing Director, says the figures support the company’s ongoing efforts to encourage as many customers as possible to migrate from buying and fitting zinc to buying and fitting stainless steel. He said: “We’ve massively expanded our range of Supa™ stainless steel hardware products over the past three years and we’ve seen sales almost treble as a result, to a point where they now account for more than 45% of all the door hardware we sell.

“Obviously, stainless steel has long been the first choice at the upper end of the retail market for composite, timber and aluminium doors, and increasingly in the commercial and social housing sectors

where the enhanced durability can guarantee fewer costly remedials, But we’d like to see it become the default option for all doors so that remedials and hardware replacements because of failures in finishes essentially become a thing of the past.

“As well as the environmental and durability benefits, we’ve worked hard to bring down costs on our Supa™ range. As a result, for lots of customers, the price differential between this and zinc will be negligible.”

Mila’s Supa™ stainless steel hardware includes door handles, letterplates, pull bars, escutcheons and door knockers –the vast majority of which are available in either SS304 extreme or SS316 marine grade material for coastal and high pollution areas. The entire range has been independently performance tested for corrosion resistance to BSEN1670 Grade 5 and has sailed through more than 1000 hours in a salt spray test, enabling

CLEARSLIDE PATIO DOOR GEAR IS SET TO GROW

Hardware manufacturer VBH, the company behind the greenteQ brand, has forged a strong reputation as a supplier to specialist patio door manufacturers. The greenteQ range includes hardware and furniture solutions for aluminium bi-fold and lift/slide patio doors and, most recently, PVCu inline sliding doors.

VBH advise that the greenteQ Clearslide lock has been well received by manufacturers of Deceuninck, Kömmerling, Rehau and Veka PVCu sliders since its launch. The lock and keep are manufactured from hardwearing

stainless steel, and both are covered by a 10-year guarantee.

Eight sliding hooks and two anti-lift pins ensure that Clearslide locks provide a very strong connection to the frame. The lock meets the requirements of all relevant security standards, and is covered by Kitemark KM727991 (Building Hardware used in Windows & Doorsets.

As a consequence of this, VBH have added Clearslide to the Approved Hardware list for its Q-secure PREMIUM consumer guarantee. This means that Q-secure

installers can offer a guarantee of up to £8000 on their sliding doors.

Clearslide can be operated by the greenteQ standard Alpha Patio P-Handle with its 10year guarantee, or by the Coastline stainless steel handle set that is supplied with a 25-year surface guarantee. The handles are interchangeable so upgrading when required is easy.

VBH Business Development Director, Rob Norman, says; “We do great business with Clearslide on the four profiles that we launched with, and have had many requests from users of

Mila to offer a 25-year surface finish and mechanical operation guarantee. The choice of suited finishes includes polished or brushed stainless, and polished or brushed PVD gold to suit virtually any contemporary or traditional door design.

For details and a quotation on Mila’s Supa™ range, visit: www.mila.co.uk/the-stainless-steel-edit/

other PVCu systems who want to use the lock on their doors. We’re busy developing further solutions that will satisfy these requests and expand Clearslide’s reach. Watch this space.”

Get in contact with VBH on 01634 263263, email info@vbhgb.com or send them a Tweet @vbhgb.

A range of hardware solutions supplied by Carl F Groupco has been used on a new prestigious holiday park development. The project carried out by trade, retail and commercial fabricator Total Window Services in Hull involved the installation of new windows and doors in the reception, convenience store and restaurant buildings at the High Farm Holiday Park in Yorkshire.

The windows and doors in the reception and convenience store were straightforward but, with its four large door apertures, the newly constructed on-site restaurant needed something different.

Jonathan Neale, General Manager at Total Window Services, explains: “Our customer required a solution that was easy to use and offered exceptional security. They thought bifold doors would be the answer, but, when they saw the Smart-Slide patio door from Aluplast, which utilises the Roto Inowa Sliding Door Hardware System, they changed their minds.”

He continued: “The innovative Smart-Slide doors were designed to accommodate wide door apertures so could easily accommodate the 3.5-metre-wide openings on this project. The Roto Inowa Sliding Door Hardware System meant the doors would be straightforward to operate, something that was particularly important as many of the client’s guests are elderly. Security and functionality are also excellent and, overall, the Smart-Slide doors have more than delivered on this high-end project.”

The Roto Inowa Sliding Door Hardware System was supplied by hardware distributors Carl F Groupco who added the system to its impressive stocked range in 2020. Total Window Services has worked exclusively with Carl F Groupco for their hardware requirements since January 2021 and, in that time, has developed a mutually strong relationship.

Carl F Groupco is a major stockist of Roto hardware, and Julie Warner, Carl F Groupco’s Roto product manager, said: “The Roto

Patio Inowa range is a prevalent choice for new build installations like this one. It meets the stringent requirements of the BS EN 13126-17 rain and air impermeability tests and can achieve PAS 24 compliance with its secure locking points in the mullion, V-locking cams and its lockable handle with drilling protection.”

The hardware solution also offers exceptional functionality which made it ideal for this project. It comfortably slides sash weights of up to 200kg with minimum effort as the sash movement is perpendicular to the frame profile. Furthermore, roller bearings mean that it is not necessary to lift the sash. Soft functionality also gently brakes the sash when stopping in the open or closed positions, ensuring safe operation every time.

Jonathan concluded: “The customer is delighted with the finished results and they’ve had great feedback from their guests too. They appreciate how smoothly the doors run and are pleased with the weatherproofing provided by the unique closing mechanism.”

The Total Window Services team pride themselves on attention to detail on every project, something their 100% customer satisfaction attests to. As the feedback shows, the company’s exacting attention to detail was more than evident at High Farm Holiday Park thanks to Carl F Groupco and the innovative Roto Inowa Sliding Door Hardware System.

Tel: 01733 393 330 www.carlfgroupco.co.uk www.smartsecure.co.uk www.carlfdirect.co.uk

SMART TECHNOLOGY FOR DOORS

MADE SIMPLE, SAYS COASTAL

Hardware manufacturer

Coastal Group says incorporating smart technology into homes is becoming more and more sought after by the end user, starting at the front entrance door.

Coastal’s BLU-e smart access system has been designed to make doors smart without the worry of difficult and time-consuming configuration and installation.

Combining the company’s HAB15 316 stainless steel pull handles with ekey’s dLine smart access technology, customers can now

be offered ‘a new age of entrance doors’, says Coastal.

This intelligent access system allows the door to be opened in the following ways:

• Fingerprint - The Austrian-made ekey system allows only authorised persons access to a property.

• Remotely - The ekey bionyx app allows front entrance doors to be unlocked whilst away from home using a smartphone.

• Alexa Voice Command – The system also allows doors to be opened by voice command. And to ensure maximum security, confirmation of a 4-digit code is required.

Coastal says this provides numerous benefits to the homeowner: maximum security provided by a fingerprint scanner system and smart experience, with no worries over lost, stolen or forged keys; the convenience of opening the door from any location remotely; and simple touch operation means it only takes one hand to unlock and open the door. Ideal for when the homeowner has their hands full with shopping bags.

Loren Jenner, Coastal’s managing director, said: “We’ve made installation of the BLU-e system simple. It’s delivered as a complete ‘pre-wired’ package with all the components

required to connect to the power supply. Housing the scanner unit within the Pull Handle means you don’t have to find an additional location for it on the door, speeding up fitting time.”

Coastal’s ML3120 (Winkhaus AV3 premium autoLock) works in conjunction with the BLU-e pull handle set, activating as soon as the door shuts. The system is flexible, allowing you to choose whether to put pull handles on both sides of the door or a pull handle on the outside and a lever handle on the inside.

BLU-e is part of a suited range of door furniture, allowing a consistent aesthetic across doors and windows.

For more information or a free live video demonstration, call 01726 871 025 or email marketing@coastal-group.com.

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Open plan kitchens are hugely popular as they allow more natural light into the space. However, there’s a lot to be said for separate spaces, so the development of broken plan kitchens arrived. Steel windows incorporate the best of both worlds with internal partitions to break up the space, as well as external windows that maximise the area for light to enter the kitchen.

External steel windows can be amalgamated into kitchen extensions as a replacement for exterior walls. This is a perfect way to bring light into the home and create the illusion of a larger room, blending the indoors with the outside. Steel windows come in a range of sizes allowing for the option of large glass panes spanning across the space of an

external wall which will not obstruct the view of the garden (as pictured).

To convert existing open plan areas to the new trend of broken plan kitchen design, and create separate spaces, the same

W20 steel profiles can be used as internal partitions bringing through the external design aesthetics to the internal space. This can be a small partition to separate an open pantry or utility room from the

rest of the kitchen, or a large partition can take the place of an interior non-weight bearing wall. It’s the perfect solution to stylishly bring a broken plan scheme into the kitchen.

Steel partitions complement various interior schemes from mid-century modern designs to Scandi-styles with black steel windows reflecting a striking contrast to pale kitchen cabinetry.

Not only are steel windows incredibly stylish, the strong W20 steel sections allow for double glazed windows with thermally efficient units so kitchens can stay beautiful and warm.

Members of the Steel Window Association offer a UK wide service for the repair and replacement of various types of old metal windows, doors and screens, as well as being able to manufacture new fenestration which fully meets building regulations.

Choosing an SWA member to manufacture and install your steel windows and doors ensures that you are receiving the highest standard of fabrication, installation and customer service.

For further information on the Steel Window Association or if you’re interested in becoming a member, please visit www.steel-window-association.co.uk.

We’ve steadily increased the range of hardware we buy from Carl F Groupco over the last 16 years. Their product range, service level and support has proven them to be our preferred hardware supplier…”

We’ve steadily increased the range of hardware we buy from Carl F Groupco over the last 16 years. Their product range, service level and support has proven them to be our preferred hardware supplier…”

We’ve steadily increased the range of hardware we buy from Carl F Groupco over the last 16 years. Their product range, service level and support has proven them to be our preferred hardware supplier…”

years. Their product range, service level and support has proven them to be our preferred hardware supplier…”

Scott

Scott

Group

Carl F Groupco

Scott Dowling Cairngorm Group

Scott Dowling Cairngorm Group

Windows by Steel Window Association member, Perla Windows

ENTER THE VAULT!

Pearl Window Systems are leading the way, yet again, with their recent investment in a ‘next generation’ integration strategy, rebranding their existing ‘Portal’ with an all singing, all dancing customer portal, now branded as The Vault.

The Vault allows for order tracking and delivery monitoring including Google Map pin tracking of data, POD’s and invoice downloads. With many advanced features, The Vault allows customers to make huge steps in streamlining their operations, helping both Pearl and their customers save operational time and money.

Customers are able to barcode their own facility, giving full visibility of warehouse stock, track exactly where their order is enroute, download all available media and marketing support, access and download current and historical invoice data, make a payment and check balances. In the event of any returns being made, The Vault allows you to track this with an e-paper trail, for all concerned. You can even access customer support via The Vault, should you need assistance in any way.

Customers who have already taken advantage of The Vault are saving huge amounts of precious time, as everything you could ever need, is all accessed via The Vault. Of course, if you want to speak to someone, there is always someone available. But for busy installers wanting to crack on with their work during the day, The Vault is an invaluable tool which is available 24 hours a day, meaning paper work can be handled at any time. The delivery tracking system is also an invaluable part of the features of The Vault, meaning its super quick to see exactly where your delivery is and who needs to be on hand to receive it.

Commenting on the recent investment, Jeff Walsh, Pearl’s Chairman: ‘Launching The Vault allows our customers to make huge steps in streamlining their operations, helping both partners to save operational time and money. Our new ‘Home’ page is the entry to the backroom data, helping customers navigate their way through the options, accessing day to day tasks with ease.”

The Vault is just another reason why choosing Pearl as your trade partner makes sense. Pearl constantly strive to go above and beyond, to give customers what they need, staying ahead of the competition.

Pearl Windows has become one of the most widely renowned PVCu window and door fabricators in the industry. This exceptional reputation is all

thanks to its forward-thinking nature, high-quality products and its commitment to customers. One of the early adopters of the Liniar system, Pearl Windows has always been on the front foot for fabricating new products from Liniar’s Design and Development department.

For installation companies looking for reliable supply of products, coupled with innovative support, backed up by exceptional customer service, Pearl Windows is an excellent choice. Learn more about the products and services the company offers by visiting https://www.pearlwindows.co.uk/.

Window Systems LTD

Welcome to

Saving our customers time and money

• Next Generation Customer Integration for Strategy and Synchronisation

• Customer Portal for order tracking

• Track your own deliveries

• Google Map pin tracking for data & POD’s

• Download invoices

• Streamline your operations

• The Vault helps you save time and money

• Access day to day tasks

• Barcode your own facility with full visibility of your warehouse stock

• Available exclusively to Pearl customers at no extra cost

The 2011 Energy Follow-Up Survey (EFUS) showed that 4 million homes had a conservatory in the UK. From this sample, 88% of households with conservatories reported that they keep their conservatory door closed in winter so they can prevent heat loss from the adjoining room1. Fast forward to 2022 and 63% of homeowners have plans to make energy improvements on their homes over the next 10 years2

Add the second energy price cap rise from October this year and with an increase in hybrid working, it’s no wonder people are opting to improve the weakest link of their properties - which in many homes is the conservatory. Homebuyers and owners are looking for ways to better utilise the conservatory as they become more redundant and unfit for purpose in a modern home. A clear choice is to replace the conservatory roof as it is a cheaper and more sustainable option than demolishing it. However, choosing a suitable system depends on how efficiently the initial conservatory problems - such as temperature regulation - will be solved.

TOO MANY TO TRUST

With so many home improvement systems in the market now, it can be difficult for homeowners to know what to invest in. Rising costs put added pressure on deciding what system to put money on, and most importantly, whom to trust. Consequently, the most sought-after systems for extensions or conservatories roofs are ones that will solve daily living issues, save homeowners money each year and provide peace of mind that the company and system they choose will not let them down years later.

UNDERSTANDING U-VALUES

The most common issue for homeowners with conservatories is maintaining an

ambient temperature at a reduced cost. The energy-efficient Guardian™ Warm Roof is a conservatory roof replacement of unmatched quality when it comes to thermal performance. This prefabricated system has been developed to achieve a new lower U-value of 0.15 W/m2K , while only increasing the roof structure thickness by 35mm. This change is verified by the BRE to be compliant with the June 2022 Part L U-value limitations of 0.16 W/m2K for refurbished roofs on residential extensions and conservatories. A lower roof U-value means less heat loss and gain transferring through the roof structure. Thus, reducing the need to use heating or cooling appliances in the room as temperature regulation is more efficient. Overall, this provides a winning solution for homeowners as they look for home improvements that will cut annual living costs amidst the rising energy price caps.

IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT TESTING

Maintaining a strong reputation, Guardian Building Systems produce the highestquality systems and testing is an integral part of the development of each component involved. As Director Ross Darcy explains, “Independent testing gives a fresh, unbiased perspective on how well the system performs. This determines the validity of our work and whether we have reached the highest standard before bringing it to the market.”.

The Building Research Establishment (BRE) is known nationally for its excellent independent testing practices, across the building industry. The BRE is so reputable that the UK government has also used them for housing reports. “We instructed the BRE to analyse the heat loss for the Guardian Warm Roof as we knew they would give us an impartial report”. The BRE tested

the heat loss in the Guardian Warm Roof across four configurations, comprising two insulation types and whether the roof is ventilated or unventilated. The final BRE reports (August 2022) confirm that Guardian Warm Roof configurations achieve a maximum U-value of 0.15 W/m2K. Additionally, the BRE condensation risk analysis in line with EN15026, confirms that moisture content in the Guardian Warm Roof does not increase year on year.

(The BRE reports on Guardian Warm Roof U-value calculations and condensation risk are available on request).

CREDIBILITY IN CONSTRUCTION

Choosing a conservatory roof replacement or conservatory rebuild is no quick feat, and as a big investment, also puts a greater responsibility on the part of the fabricators and installers. Guardian Building Systems are the originators in the conservatory warm roof industry and have always set a precedent for quality innovation and legitimacy. Working to maintain these standards, Guardian Building Systems provides the following assurances:

1 Trustworthy installers

According to the 2022 Home Improvement Trends Report3, “in addition to increasing prices, homeowners found it hard to get hold of tradespeople that were available to do the work in 2021”. Nevertheless,

with the Guardian Warm Roof, homeowners are matched to fully trained Guardian Certified Installers nationwide by a dedicated customer service team and installer credentials can be checked on the website.

2 Stress-free experience

Taking the hassle out of dealing with building control, the Guardian Warm Roof was the first conservatory roof system to be approved by local authority partners. Today, the Guardian Warm Roof is also the only conservatory roof replacement system in the UK to be independently tested and verified by the BRE on U-value heat analysis on condensation risk.

3 Long-term system reliability

The Guardian Warm Roof includes partnerships with the reputable VELUX® and Metrotile. On completion of Guardian Certified Installer projects, homeowners receive a Homeowner Promise with a 10 year guarantee, and a Certificate of Authenticity for their Guardian Warm Roof.

Providing the Guardian Warm Roof system means certified fabricators and installers can present the above points to their prospects. Not only will they stand out from competitors, but their customers will have the confidence that they’ll receive the best system and service in the industry.

Continuing to set industry firsts with confirmed energy-efficient home improvements is what makes Guardian Building Systems an industry leader. With a Guardian Warm Roof, homeowners can make their homes more liveable with complete peace of mind.

Give homeowners a reason to choose you and get in touch today.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_ data/file/274775/6_Conservatories.pdf

Greener

Attitude

July 2022: https://www.natwest. com/content/dam/natwest/personal/mortgages/documents/natwest-greener-homes-attitiudetracker-q2-2022.pdf

Report: https://www.ratedpeople.com/blog/home-improvementtrends-report-2022-home-improvement-boom

HISTORIC CHARACTER WITH CONTEMPORARY BENEFITS

Liniar windows and doors have been designed to be highly versatile and wellsuited to enhancing the energy performance and look of both modern and traditional properties whilst maintaining the character of a building in its unique setting.

Based in Lancashire, Nationwide Frame Services is an established installer of PVCu windows and doors. Committed to supplying high-quality materials and providing excellent service, the team have been using Liniar products for over 10 years and ensure all their fitters hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card. They have formed a close working relationship with Pearl Windows, a trusted fabricator which adheres to Liniar’s detailed fabrication instructions, ensuring everything is constructed exactly the way it was designed to be.

Nationwide is no stranger to the new-build marketplace, having worked with developers such as Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes. However, the company also works on domestic refurbishments, and a recent project demonstrates the team’s ability to breathe new life into a period home.

A PICTURESQUE SETTING

The project in the idyllic town of Blackrod saw Nationwide replacing over 25 dilapidated, traditional oak windows which were known for being high maintenance, in a building over 100 years old. Sitting west of the West Pennine Moors the town is steeped in history, as are many of the homes it comprises. The area gets typical British weather with bouts of heavy rain and strong winds but being high up and close to moorlands means it is quite exposed.

This called for robust windows capable of providing exceptional weather protection, without diminishing the home’s heritage and upsetting its quaint surroundings.

To achieve this, Nationwide Managing Director John King chose leading UK PVCu systems company Liniar’s Resurgence range.

Commenting on the decision John states, “We knew flush sash windows would be best suited to keeping the period look and feel of the property. As Resurgence is the UK’s only PVCu double-rebated flush system, it was the obvious choice, since I knew from experience the windows would more than stand up to any weather the Pennines could throw at them.”

THE SPECIFICATIONS

Resurgence is an 80mm flush sash, timber alternative window available in a wide range of colours. Pearl offers the Timberweld® method of jointing on Resurgence frames as standard, which gives an authentic timber-effect finish instead of the usual PVCu corner welds – perfect for this period property.

The Anteak foil fully complements the building’s stone construction and made it an ideal choice for this project. Furthermore, the flush fit delivers sleek aesthetics, blending in for a contemporary yet unobtrusive take on traditional timber windows. Staying true to the original style of the house was a key objective for the upgrade, which is what set the features of Resurgence windows apart from alternative products. The system also offers exceptional energy performance, another priority of the customer.

John explains, “They wanted a lower-maintenance alternative to wood, and the combined money-saving and environmental benefits offered by today’s window technology made the upgrade a no-brainer, while the sheer number of windows that needed replacing swayed the decision to choose PVCu as a cost-effective material.”

THE RESULT

The building has retained its elegant characteristics now enhanced by the Resurgence windows which provide both functional and aesthetic improvements. Commenting

on the finished project, John said, “The installation went very smoothly. We removed several stone mullions to accommodate the widest frames possible, providing the interior of the property with the maximum amount of natural light and taking full advantage of the incredible views.”

As well as being satisfied, the homeowner is looking forward to reduced energy bills. John continued, “The project looks gorgeous! Our customer sees the work not only as an investment in their comfort and wellbeing, but also as a way of helping tackle climate change by reducing their carbon footprint. They also said it will be nice for them not having to get the frames renovated periodically too, which was an inconvenient, time-consuming, and costly process.”

“We pride ourselves on our professional reputation and installing Liniar’s Resurgence windows enhances this. Between the quality of the workmanship and products, the customer was more than satisfied they made the right choice. We’re happy to have lived up to our name.”

For more information on the Resurgence window system, visit https://www.liniar.co.uk/upvc-windows/resurgence

MASTERING THE ART OF CONSISTENCY PREMIER ARCHES SCOOPS FINALIST SPOT IN PRESTIGIOUS SCALE-UP AWARDS

This could be a tough year ahead for the whole of the windows and doors market. The cost-of-living crisis means lots of consumers are already cutting back on their discretionary spending and there’s no sign yet of inflation peaking. It’s true that the aluminium market is likely to be better protected than PVC-U, given that buyers generally tend to be more affluent and aspirational, but I think we will see things get even more competitive – and not necessarily just on price.

It’s by no means all doom and gloom though. There are still plenty of opportunities out there for companies with the right product offering and with a proposition which represents consistent quality and value. Today’s tech savvy consumers research virtually everything online before they make any kind of purchase, and they want certainty that they are spending their money wisely –whether the driver for their investment is better energy efficiency, more natural light, improved security, or aesthetics.

As I’ve said before, having an effective website and digital marketing campaign, which increases understanding of your business and builds trust in your brand and the quality of your products and service, is absolutely key to generating enquiries.

When it comes to winning that business though, there was already a shift taking place away from old pricing models based around discounting of inflated list prices towards non-negotiable pricing with discounts based almost exclusively around order size and economies of scale – and that is accelerating.

Love them or hate them, we could probably all learn a lot from the likes of McDonalds

and IKEA who have absolutely mastered the art of consistency – with the added attraction of transparent pricing and reliable customer service. When you go into one of their outlets, you know exactly what you will be getting and (if you can resist the IKEA tealights) how much you will be spending.

In the second-hand car market too, big names such as Cinch and Cazoo have pioneered a transparent pricing model, and we have all very quickly come to expect that – whatever we are buying.

For years, I think there’s been far too much smoke and mirrors in our industry around pricing – from the systems company all the way to the installer and the homeowner and that just won’t be sustainable in the current market. Buyers at every point in the supply chain simply want suppliers to offer their best price based on consistent quality and optimum service efficiency, and there’s certainly a competitive advantage available right now to companies who are quick to recognise that.

By Wayne Heath, Sales Director, AluK

More info at: https://uk.aluk.com/

Following a record breaking year, arched and angled frame specialists Premier Arches has been named a finalist in the prestigious Scale-Up Awards.

The St Helens-based company has been nominated for the ‘Manufacturing Excellence’ Award, a highly coveted category that recognises businesses with a worldclass manufacturing ethos, outstanding productivity, and business performance to match.

Organised by Business Leader, a leading media company for entrepreneurs, CEOs and investors, the Scale-Up Awards celebrate high-growth companies, and are overseen by an independent panel of judges that includes Dragon’s Den investor Touker Suleyman, PensionBee Co-founder Jonathan Lister Parsons, and many other esteemed business figures.

The nomination follows a record breaking year for Premier Arches, with increasing demand across its entire product range,

which includes arched, angled, gable, circular and entirely bespoke windows and doors in a range of systems.

To support this rising demand, Premier Arches has made several investments in the past 12 months, and has stuck by its three core business principles of outstanding quality, clear and honest customer service, and a make life easier offering.

Managing Director Sean Greenall comments: “We are absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted in the ScaleUp Awards’ Manufacturing Excellence category. It’s a real testament to the dedication of our entire team, as well as the commitment and loyalty of our valued customers.

“Despite a challenging time for the industry as a whole, we’ve seen our most successful year yet, thanks to both our unique product offering which takes the hassle out of profile bending, and our commitment to delivering the highestquality products matched with unwavering customer service.

“It’s incredibly humbling to see Premier Arches being recognised by leading investors and the wider business community, and I’d like to take this opportunity to wish our fellow finalists the very best of luck.”

Winners of the Scale-Up Awards will be announced at a gala dinner on the 3rd of November at London’s Tobacco Dock.

Visit www.premierarches.co.uk and www.businessleader.co.uk.

FENSA OFFERS RESOLUTION TO HISTORICAL IT SYSTEM FAILURES

The directors of FENSA, the UK window and door industry’s leading competent persons scheme, have reported the discovery of two historical system anomalies that have been found during the process of reviewing and overhauling the organisation’s IT-based administration systems. These anomalies concern the issue of IBGs (Insurance Backed Guarantees) to homeowners, whilst a second matter relates to the duplication of a number of sales invoices created for certificate registration fees issued to Approved Installers.

During the review, it was found that the computerised process by which IBG providers should have been automatically advised to create a policy for a homeowner, had not operated as it should. FENSA says that approximately 35,000 installations have been affected since mandatory IBGs became a requirement for competent person schemes in 2014.

Although there have been no claims by homeowners to whom IBG policies should

have been issued, an appropriate fund has been set aside for any historical claims that may be revealed through a process designed to allow homeowners to make a claim.

Any remedial work required as a result of claims being supported will be carried out in line with standard IBG policy terms and conditions.

The review also revealed that a number of FENSA certificate registrations had been duplicated. These relate to fees charged to FENSA Approved Installers for the registration of completed installations and issue of FENSA certificates to homeowners.

The duplication of invoices will be simply resolved through a credit note of the sums duplicated, with the total number of duplications being less than 0.2% of registrations completed since FENSA was established - being returned to the FENSA Approved Installers affected.

Anda Gregory, Chief Development Officer for the GGF Group, says that both problems originated in the IT system

that had been in place since FENSA was established, and which were revealed by the present management team as they started to overhaul the organisation’s systems: “FENSA has processed more than 15 million records since the organisation was created. When discovered, the team immediately took steps to resolve the problems and provide appropriate support for homeowners and FENSA Approved Installers. Ensuring that no homeowner should be disadvantaged by this has been of the utmost importance to both the management team and the Board throughout this process and we’re confident that our remedial fund means that will absolutely be the case. New system processes have been put in place to address the matters pertaining duplicates and IBG’s as set out above. FENSA is a not-for-profit organisation that operates under a licence issued by the government and as such is financially secure, with safeguards in place to cover its responsibilities.”

Anda continued: “FENSA is managed to ensure that it has sufficient funds to cover all and any claims made by homeowners and we will be issuing notices on the FENSA website and through other channels to ensure that any claims will be fully investigated and resolved as required. All duplicated fees have been clearly identified and automatic refunds will be made as a matter of course.

“The management team that discovered the anomalies has also introduced fixes and checks to the existing system while work continues on building new systems that will prevent a recurrence of these issues,” said Anda.

“With more than 40,000 registrations each month I am satisfied that FENSA continues to offer outstanding protection for homeowners and unrivalled support for Approved Installers, with independent governance and oversight provided by UKAS.”

Wayne Heath Sales Director, AluK

‘ONE DAY AWAY FROM YOUR BUSINESS COULD MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE’: DON’T MISS OUT; BOOK YOUR FREE BBSA SHOW 2022 TICKET TODAY

TV’s Kevin McCloud will take part in a Q&A session at the UK’s only blind, shutter and awning show which is FREE to attend and returns this month!

Following a summer of extremely high temperatures across many parts of the UK and reports recommending the use of solar shading products to prevent overheating, now is the time to make sure you’re cluedup on the latest innovations from the shading industry.

And what better place to learn more than at the BBSA Show which will be returning to Coventry this month, with more than 60 brilliant exhibitors, 20 expert speakers, in excess of 3,000 visitors and one special celebrity guest!

Exhibitors specialising in the design, manufacture, and sales of blinds, shutters, awnings, and textiles will be there, alongside businesses focusing

“It’s so important people understand that just one day away from their business could make all the difference, be it a new product they see or something they learn from one of our speakers.”

on machinery, software, and other innovative tools and products for the shading industry.

They’ll all be showcasing their newest products and have invested an estimated £10 million to show you what they can do.

And when you fancy a break from the busy exhibition floor, you’ll be able to head to the

seminar theatre where expert speakers will be sharing their knowledge on the benefits of solar shading, handling consumer complaints, among other key topics.

As if all that wasn’t enough to entice you book your free tickets, popular TV host and building design expert Kevin McCloud will be attending the exhibition on Monday, October 24.

Kevin will be sharing his knowledge and insights on design, architecture, shading and much more during a Q&A session, before presenting the winners of the BBSA Show awards with their prizes.

Ben Kirsch, chairman of the BBSA’s exhibition working group, said: “It’s quite simple - if you’re not at the BBSA Show in October, you’re missing out.

www.bbsashow.co.uk

“The show takes place over three days and only comes around once every few years, so there’s no excuse not to be there! We can’t wait to see everyone in Coventry.”

“It’s so important people understand that just one day away from their business could make all the difference, be it a new product they see or something they learn from one of our speakers.

“The show takes place over three days and only comes around once every few years, so there’s no excuse not to be there! We can’t wait to see everyone in Coventry.”

Plus, our prize draw means one lucky visitor will win £1,000 on each day of the show! So, book your free ticket at www.bbsashow.co.uk today!

The BBSA Show 2022 will take place from October 23-25 at the Coventry Building Society Arena with Kevin McCloud attending on October 24.

Follow the BBSA Show on Instagram (@bbsashow), Facebook (BBSA Show 2022) and Twitter (@BBSAshow22).

Freefoam has demonstrated what partnership looks like through its support of builders’ merchant Huws Gray.

Huws Gray is the UK’s largest independent builders’ merchants supplying building materials to both trade and DIY customers. The company has grown significantly over the past five years and has recently acquired the Buildbase business, more than doubling Huws Gray’s branch network.

Huws Gray initially chose Freefoam as a supplier as it believed the company’s route to market suited its model best. Working closely with merchants, independent suppliers and installers is vital to Freefoam. And the company has continued to prove that through its ongoing, strong relationship with Huws Gray.

Kris Jones, Category Manger for Flat Roofing, Building Products and External Cladding at Huws Gray, says: “Freefoam offer the complete package in terms of what we need for a

roofline partner. The Freefoam product range is superb. Key to our success is having a strong stock range in the branches, we try and stock a broad range of Freefoam products. Since we started doing that, we have seen a significant increase in sales. Colour sales makes up a significant part of our roofline business now. Whenever we put new products into a branch, there’s always a representative from Freefoam there to do staff training and help merchandise the products.

“We’ve recently brought in Freefoam’s Fortex range of cladding products. We see cladding as a real boom sector for us, sales are really strong and we felt that having it in a PVC option would really add to our range. The customer feedback we’ve had regarding the Fortex range is just how easy it is to work with, it’s very light, installation is a lot quicker – its been a really successful product for us.

“Freefoam has been really supportive of our expansion and it’s been really important to have a partner we have grown with. We’ve got a great relationship with Freefoam, whether it be with the directors, or the sales reps and the guys in the office who look after us really well.”

Colin St John, Commercial Director at Freefoam, says: “Our roofline and cladding products are a perfect addition to a merchant’s portfolio and it’s great to see our customers grow and flourish with the help of Freefoam.

“We support our customers – their growth is our growth – and building strong and lasting relationships with our customers, like Huws Gray, is crucial to our business.”

Learn more about Freefoam’s products, service and support by visiting www.freefoam.com or calling 0800 002 9903. Follow @freefoam.

For more information about Huws Gray, visit www.huwsgray.co.uk, or watch our video about Huws Gray and its relationship with Freefoam.

Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8piOHcPFJRY

STELLAR BRINGS THE PERFECT AESTHETIC TO A HIGH-END HOME EXTENSION

Stellar, the multi-award-winning retail aluminium system from Epwin Window Systems, has just been used in a stunning cedar-clad domestic extension in Aberporth, West Wales.

The property is situated on a coastal hilltop so the glazing solution needed to make the most of the stunning views as well as be able to withstand the harshest of weather conditions. The homeowners were also keen to create a high-end finish, so the aesthetics were key.

The homeowners contacted experienced local fabricator and installer GD Windows for advice. For Gwyn Davies, Director at GD Windows, there was only once choice: Stellar from Epwin Window Systems. He said: “We began manufacturing Stellar aluminium in September 2021 and it has all the high-end credentials this project demanded. The homeowners were delighted with the superb flush aesthetics and performance standards of the products.”

GD Windows manufactured and installed six Stellar aluminium windows and one Stellar door with side screens in the extension to the property. This included two 3755 mm wide large-scale Stellar casement windows on the front elevation to capitalise on the outstanding vistas across the bay. All the windows and doors were flush on the internal and external faces to create the sophisticated high-end aesthetics required on the project.

The project ran quickly and efficiently thanks to the experience of the GD Windows team coupled with intelligent design of the Stellar system. Gwyn commented: “You cannot underestimate just how quick and easy Stellar is to fit. Even the homeowners commented on how quickly everything was installed. The pregasketed knock-in beads make fitting very

straightforward and leave the neatest finish we have seen on aluminium products. You cannot underplay the importance of this difference – there is nothing else like it on the market.”

Stellar windows and doors have helped to create a stunning, high-end extension that more than lives up to expectations and the homeowners are delighted with the results. The products’ performance is more than delivering too. Gwyn said: “We completed the installation before the storms that hit Wales in February so the products were tested to the max. The homeowners got in touch to say they were thrilled by the strength and security of the products in the worst of weathers.”

As this project shows, Stellar offers an unbeatable combination for fabricators and installers looking to secure lucrative high-end projects. Outstanding aesthetics, straightforward installation and impressive performance. It truly is the star performer in aluminium window and door systems.

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

PROFINE ANNOUNCES NEW GROUP ENERGY VENTURE

profine Group and the Wirth Group have founded a joint energy service provider, profine Energy GmbH, based in Waghäusel, Germany.

The task of profine Energy is to make the 29 locations of the profine Group in 23 countries largely independent of current electricity price developments and the large energy companies who operate their own photovoltaic systems. This significantly increases the reliability of supply and helps reduce the cost base for these locations. At the same time, the companies of the profine Group will make a significant contribution to active climate protection through renewables.

profine Energy will be involved in national and international energy projects. The goal of the company is to provide services in

the field of renewable energies in Germany and abroad. This includes the project planning, development, construction and operation of photovoltaic systems along with battery storage and systems for regenerative energy production from wind

and biomass. Specific projects and services for partner companies are also planned. The customers of profine Group can also benefit from the know-how of this group energy service provider and can design their own energy future in an

environmentally and climate-friendly way through joint projects with profine Energy.

Dr. Peter Mrosik, owner and CEO of profine Group commented: ‘profine stands for sustainability and the circular economy and we have a clear attitude and vision for this. Hence, the founding of profine Energy GmbH and investments in renewable energies are another logical step. We invite all our partners to join us on our journey.’

Markus Wirth, Wirth Group concluded: ‘The goal is an overall strategy with which all international locations are converted to green energies. We have developed a professional plan for this. We bring the expertise from numerous solar projects to the partnership and will develop challenging projects.’

15 YEARS OF HISTORY MADE WITH INSIGHT DATA

extra time, effort and resources needed to do this manually. So, just four years after launching, we transformed the Salestracker system into the worlds-first fully functioning CRM, providing up-to-date industry data live and in real-time.

There were more than 2,400 fabricators operating across the UK but no reliable means of knowing company names, locations, or who the senior decisionmakers were. It’s no surprise this would have caused difficulties for suppliers who would instead rely on outdated methods to target prospects and generate new leads.

One businessman who spotted how beneficial this type of market intelligence would be to the industry was Andrew Scott, founder and managing director of an award-winning data specialist company.

“With previous experience acquiring, building and selling several window companies, I saw first-hand that the industry desperately needed something which offered a clear overview of the sector,” explained Andrew.

“Suppliers needed a system that could transform their existing sales and marketing strategies, so I launched Insight Data.”

Introduced to the industry in 2007, Insight Data was the first market research company dedicated to collecting in-depth information about the window, door and conservatory industry.

“When we initially launched, we had a dedicated telephone research team who provided data to our clients on spreadsheets,” adds Andrew.

“We quickly became inundated with more and more suppliers wanting access to this fenestration data, and so we took advantage of an opportunity to evolve the product further.

“In fact, within the first year we developed a software platform,

known as Salestracker, that enabled customers to access the data in real-time.”

Always keen to adapt and evolve the product to meet customer demand, the Insight Data team continuously trialled, tested and improved the software throughout the years, as Andrew explains.

“During the early days, our clients would access the data we supplied but then export it themselves for direct mail campaigns, email marketing, creating contact lists for telesales teams, conducting market research or even industry analysis.

“We needed to develop a new system that would simplify this process and reduce the

“Our system was a real revolution and something that dramatically changed suppliers’ sales and marketing strategies. For the first time, data was updated automatically in real-time, offering customers unrivalled market intelligence.”

THE POWER OF SALESTRACKER

With Salestracker, companies can create more targeted sales and marketing campaigns as Andrew explains.

“Rather than using a blanket marketing approach or relying on search engines, where records are often out of date, companies can pinpoint their perfect target audience using the simplest most effective method.

“Not only does Salestracker help to connect customers with their ideal prospects, but it also helps companies to save time and money with their marketing activity.”

As a fully integrated sales and marketing platform, Salestracker also features a builtin CRM that includes additional capabilities like credit profiling, email marketing, Google map integration and document storage.

SALESTRACKER TODAY

Over the last 15 years Salestracker has continued to grow and evolve and today it has over 700 users including major systems companies, fabricators, and component suppliers. All of these can use the data to

create highly targeted marketing campaigns for prospective customers, helping to build a more successful, profitable, and valuable business.

The Insight Data team remains incredibly passionate and has ambitious plans for Salestracker in the future.

Earlier this year the team achieved the coveted ISO9001 certification meaning Insight Data has firmly cemented its position as the market-leading supplier of prospect data to the glazing and wider construction industry.

“This achievement, which is recognised as an international standard, is testament that the whole team is incredibly driven and determined to deliver a great service for our customers,” adds Andrew.

“We’re still as passionate about providing the most relevant business data as we were 15 years ago, and our in-house research team works tirelessly making 20,000 calls a month to enhance the data so it’s accurate and reliable.

“With the current uncertainty of the market, it’s more important than ever that we continue to evolve at Insight Data so that we’re supplying the best data to help our customers grow their company and generate a steady stream of new business.

“Hundreds of people are using Salestracker to pinpoint their ideal customers and if you haven’t already, it’s time to find out more about this incredibly powerful and effective tool.”

To learn how Insight Data can help o fuel your business’ growth, visit: www.insightdata.co.uk/salestracker/

Rewind the clock to 2007 and you’ll find the fenestration industry has no clear-cut way to gather and share market intelligence about the sector.

Andrew Scott

“Not only does Salestracker help to connect customers with their ideal prospects, but it also helps companies to save time and money with their marketing activity.”

For a quote, please call us on 01204 773040, or email us on sales@icotherm.co.uk

For a quote, please call us on 01204 773040, or email us on sales@icotherm.co.uk

For a quote, please call us on 01204 773040, or email us on sales@icotherm.co.uk

For a quote, please call us on 01204 773040, or email us on sales@icotherm.co.uk

a quote, please call us on 01204 773040, or

us on

For a quote, please call us on 01204 773040, or email us on sales@icotherm.co.uk

your needs.

your needs.

LEKA LAUNCHES NEW CARPORT & CANOPY SYSTEM

Leka Systems has launched its latest product innovation, the new Leka Carport & Canopy System. Rhys Hoddinott, the company’s Managing Director, says: “The Leka Carport & Canopy System provides a durable, lightweight and rapid construction alternative to more traditional carport systems. It’s packed with features and benefits that homeowners and installers will welcome.”

Like all Leka product solutions, the Leka Carport & Canopy System has compelling appeal and adds value to any portfolio. It can be installed on an existing load-bearing surface or concrete pads, which saves time, mess and stress.

Rhys says: “Before, if a homeowner wanted a carport or canopy, they were looking at weeks of disruption to their home. With the Leka Carport & Canopy System, it’s a simple and easy decision that can transform their home in just a couple of days.”

The Leka Carport & Canopy System features Leka’s renowned lightweight, structurally sound GRP framework that means no thermal bridging or moisture absorption. It means the system is incredibly robust and built to stand the test of time.

Installation involves just five simple steps. In most cases, it takes a day or two, with no heavy ground works, mess or weeks of build time. Firstly, GRP adjustable posts are installed into the correct locations, using feet if necessary, to

“With the Leka Carport & Canopy System, it’s a simple and easy decision that can transform their home in just a couple of days.”

secure into place. Next the main GRP ring beam and roof structure are installed into position, creating a strong, robust framework. Then, highly engineered, lightweight and load bearing outer sheets are installed, ensuring fewer roof bars and quicker installation. A high-quality shingle or lightweight slate tile finish is then applied. Lastly, a cladding colour of choice is applied to the underside of the roof and supporting posts. Optional lighting can also be installed if required.

Each section is modular, pre-fabricated and highly engineered. This gives peace of mind that every piece has been factory-tested before delivery, ensuring a smooth and straightforward installation.

Leka has a reputation for innovative products that revolutionise their market sector. From the lightweight Leka Warm Roof and Leka Orangery Roof to the Leka Xi modular conservatory, the products boost turnover because they combine exceptional consumer appeal with impressive ease of installation. With the Leka Carport & Canopy System, it seems clear the company has done it again.

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

DOORCO IMPLEMENTS AUGMENTED REALITY VISUALISER FOR GRIPCORE

Leading composite door supplier has implemented a leading-edge Augmented Reality visualiser as part of their GRiPCORE marketing portfolio to assist customers with selling the perfect door.

Ben Aspinall, DoorCo’s Head of Technology & Marketing, explains more: “DoorCo is driven by innovation, not just in our products but our services too. Marketing is an essential

“When purchasing a new door, we believe it’s important that you can see how a product will look in a home before making a purchase and in turn, homeowners will be more likely to be satisfied with the new entrance to their home."

part of our customer support package, offering multiple assets to assist our customers to sell doors more easily. Our door designer has always been a key offering in the portfolio, and you have long been able to showcase a new door design on a property using a static image. The DoorCo marketing and technology team has taken this a step further by implementing Augmented Reality. The technology is currently being trialled ahead of release of the next edition of the dedicated GRiPCORE brochure, with one hero door design available now to use.

“Augmented Reality (AR) is a system that combines real and virtual worlds, using real time interaction. To put this into context, the existing DoorCo designer allows you to upload a photo of your house to get a visual of the door you have designed, overlaying the new door design to create a totally artificial environment. AR takes this a step further by overlaying computer-generated images over the real world. In other words, through a mobile phone camera, you can now overlay the property’s existing door with the DoorCo door of choice to visualise exactly what that door will look like once it is installed. The technology will be activated

in the new brochure via a QR code programmed with a GRiPCORE door design of choice from the collection.

“When purchasing a new door, we believe it’s important that you can see how a product will look in a home before making a purchase and in turn, homeowners will be more likely to be satisfied with the new entrance to their home. AR has an extremely positive affect on decision-making by reducing confusion, frustrations, and subsequent returns.

“This is the first sales tool of its kind for our industry and an exciting development. The new tool is being launched to support sales of GRiPCORE but will soon be rolled out across our wider product portfolio.

For more information and to try it out for yourself, look out for our latest advert which includes a QR code linked to this new feature, or visit:

https://www.door-co.com/gripcore-monza-ii-inox-nice/”

For more information on DoorCo call: 01625 428955 or visit: www.door-co.com.

DANNY WILLIAMS ‘COLD CALLING’

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

With the energy bills and other massive increases in costs, I can’t see how my business can survive. Can you honestly see how any business can get through this?

RT Worcestershire

I have to pick you up immediately RT: Rising costs will not, in themselves, take a business out. If you don’t pass on those increases to your customers, then yes indeed, you will go pop. This is hardly a new problem: every time price increases are proposed, especially for PVC-U resin it seems, then the industry goes into meltdown though admittedly, this is on another scale. And I am amazed that despite cost increases being pan-industry, so many fabricators fear passing the costs on for fear of losing business, preferring to sell windows and doors at low margin and even, inexplicably, at a loss.

You will be faced with increases in your costs of course (I have looked at your website and you have a showroom and, presumably premises at which you store stock in prep for installation and so forth, though I do not know how many teams you employ or how many people in total) and it seems that your greatest fear is the increasing cost of the windows and doors that you sell. I have no idea who you buy your products from, but your website is first rate and your image is professional. From these meagre clues I also assume that you buy product from a reputable fabricator. On that basis, it is fair to assume that your fabricator is a decent outfit, although in my recent experience, even some of the bigger firms sell windows at little or no margin just to keep their factories rolling, something that is bizarre to me. I can only assume from the tone of your letter however, that price rises have been discussed.

The options are that you can stay with your current supplier(s) and pass the rises on to your customers; or you can go out into the market and look for cheaper suppliers (we don’t serve your area, sorry). They are out there,

companies that will bite your arm off to get you on board, even if they are slicing their margin to do so, but some top outfits too.

One of the things that has baffled me throughout the past couple of years especially, is the Tourette’s-like obsession that some firms have, at every level of the industry, to give margin away. When homeowners were being told if they wanted windows and doors they’d have to wait 12 to 16 weeks to have them fitted, trade fabricators were still going in with hefty discounts, often selling frames at a loss, to take business from their competitors. And some pretty big brands at it too. I know, they have tried to do it to me. But why should you worry? Take the deal and hope that you are not switching again because they’ve gone bust in a few months’ time…

Every single one of us is affected by the energy crisis currently and it’s not going to go away any time soon. If one company is selling its products – any products –significantly cheaper than others, there has to be a reason for it. They can talk about scale, efficiency, buying power but those can only account for so much: most of the time they are running on slim or non-existent margins RT, so something eventually has to give; it’s not rocket science.

What we are facing RT, is a period of immense difficulty. But look at what we have collectively had to deal with during the past two years, and still you are in business; why is this any different? It’s just the trials and tribulations of being a business owner. The last two years have been a huge test: from the mind warping scenario of being ordered, effectively, to shut up shop in March 2020, for a tsunami of sales to engulf us just four months later and crazy demand until just a few months ago. We have all been hanging on for dear life though mostly, it has to be said, juggling mindboggling demand against product availability.

Now, of course the fear is that sales will fall off a cliff and the feast that sustained us for the past 18 months or so, will become a famine. We do not know how demand will be affected for home improvements over the forthcoming months: the mad energy bills will serve as a driver for many homeowners, with even ‘payback’ figures for windows and doors now looking reasonable with the latest frames producing some decent energy savings even when replacing frames installed just 15 years ago. But as I repeatedly observe, demand is less to do with the pound in peoples’

pockets, than the confidence to spend it. And confidence is as low as I can remember it.

You have taken the time to write in which, at the risk of blowing smoke up your proverbial, tells me that you are smarter than most. And as such, you will take the care and time and training and investment in people and marketing and all the things that the top 20% do and continue presenting to your customers professionally and thoughtfully and manage their expectations; about the dangers of paying too little for their products, how you will still be around in 10 years’ time to support them if required and how you can do the job better than a firm that is slashing costs beyond what is reasonable.

And if you buy your trade frames right, you can also have the confidence that your key supplier will also be around to provide you with the backing that you will occasionally need…it works at every level.

Whilst increases must ultimately be passed on, we can all make adjustments to minimise the impact along the supply chain: manufacturing is power hungry and the latest kit will be more efficient of course; compressors are especially important in this mix. But capital investment takes time and there are efficiencies that we can make, including rearranging shift patterns into more condensed production cycles, manufacturing in four days instead of five for example. And deliveries of course: maybe premiums charged for the shortest lead times and the creation of mutually agreed delivery schedules that consolidate orders. Offering realistic lead times to homeowners whilst explaining that taking a week longer is designed to offset carbon/reduce costs, will get most onside.

Understanding and communicating the realities of a situation will usually be understood and appreciated by most homeowners. My advice therefore JT is this: turn the current situation to your advantage by showing your customers and potential customers that you are a thinking, caring business that has its customers’ wellbeing at heart, with care extending way further than selling them a few windows and doors. Most of them will sign on the line. And their friends will come with them.

Stick with it: we’ve been through worse.

* 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.

REVOLUTIONARY FLUSH SASH

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

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

Stocked in range of modern colours, Liniar’s most recent addition to its window suite delivers patented perfection.

A UK first, with double co-extruded bubble gaskets and an external seal discreetly mounted out of sight, Resurgence looks as beautifully as it performs.

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LINIAR’S OUTDOOR RANGE

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

As we progress through post-lockdown life, consumer enquiries for PVCu decking and fencing have skyrocketed – don’t miss out on the chance to provide homeowners with just what they want.

Find out more: https://www.liniar.co.uk/outdoor-range/.

SOLID ROOFS – WHAT ARE THEY? THE ICOTHERM PERSPECTIVE

Although the solid roof offering has been around for well over a decade - and has seen several companies launch their own version of the product, either as an extension to their existing glazed roofs range, or as a dedicated solution like Icotherm’s - there is one thing that we all have in common. Unlike most products in the home improvement or construction industry, solid roofs (also called warm roofs) have very little in terms of official standards to guide their design and manufacture and ensure they meet not just a set of official specifications and performance criteria, but also protect the homeowner should these roofs not comply.

Although there are building regulations guidelines that specify when a solid roof installation requires building control certification – and that can be a little vague - building inspectors are mostly left to their own devices when assessing an installation for the purpose of certification.

Of course most manufacturers will have structural calculations available and will publish a U-Value performance.

However, as Anne-Marie Busch, Commercial Manager, comments: “Building inspectors find themselves having to interpret how to apply Building Regulations when assessing the solid roof, to

come up with what they believe is acceptable. This is a direct result of the fact that they do not have an official solid roof standard to work with.”

Again, most systems work with a building control specialist to help make up for.

15TH JUNE

As we are all aware, since 15th June 2022, U-Value (the rate of heat transfer through a structure like a wall, a glazed unit, a roof…) is now an official performance target a solid roof needs to achieve. This has seen all manufacturers, including Icotherm, having to change their roof design to achieve 0.15 W/ m²K.

It has resulted in what can be described as “interesting” changes to specifications.

Icotherm’s U-value performance was already officially 0.16, as demonstrated by our original BRE test results reports. Already designed to be the simplest roof to install, our priority was to maintain this when achieving the new target (a very reasonable improvement of 0.01 W/m²K).

Thanks to the fact that we use timber, which has little thermal bridging, we were very pleased to be able to offer our roof with just the addition of a 37.5mm insulated plasterboard (with EPS, to match our main insulation).

And still, we are keeping it as a fully ventilated system.

In comparison, other systems have had to introduce plasterboard with much thicker insulation, 75mm or more, making installation difficult: heavy to manoeuvre, a bit of a guess work to screw into the framework, bulky to transport. The resulting roofs are also much deeper, affecting the roofline when replacing a glazed conservatory roof

ICOTHERM’S STAND

With things being as they are we keep working to ensure our roofs carry on fulfilling our customers’ expectations with a fitter friendly, performing roof, with probably the most flexible design options on the market.

Icotherm will support any move from government bodies to put in place official standards that all solid roof systems can be assessed against.

It would be beneficial for trade and homeowner alike.

For more information visit www.icotherm.co.uk or contact us on info@icotherm.co.uk.

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STELLAR DELIVERS ON NEW BEACHFRONT CAFÉ PROJECT

Stellar aluminium bifold doors have been manufactured and installed on a new beachfront café refurbishment project in Aberporth in Cardigan Bay. The newly-launched Caffi Driftwood underwent a total building transformation into a modern dogfriendly café which is proving popular with tourists, walkers and local residents.

The manufacture and installation of the 5-leaf and 3-leaf Stellar bifold doors was awarded to experienced Stellar fabricator, GD Windows. Tristan Jones of GD Windows explains: “The former public house closed as a result of the effects of the pandemic and its new owners wanted to remodel the building into a chic, modern beachside café. The brief was to open up the front and rear aspect of the building to allow al fresco dining and make the most of the impressive views across Cardigan Bay. Full height, Stellar aluminium bifold doors in anthracite grey were the perfect choice and with their slim, flush sightlines were able to create the dramatic transformation the café owners required.”

As the Stellar doors are situated in a coastal location, the finish of the doors was important. Tristan said: “Stellar is manufactured with marine grade powder coating as standard and comes with a 25-year guarantee against peeling, powdering and blistering, which allowed us to manufacture and fit with confidence. And as the bifold doors are part of the Stellar portfolio, every component has been subjected to rigorous testing to ensure the products can withstand the harshest of elements and comply with all building regulations.”

Thanks to the quick-fitting properties of Stellar, the project was completed on schedule and the new café was able to open in April to capitalise on the start of the busy tourist season. Tristan said: “Replacing the original front and rear elevations with a floor to ceiling Stellar bifold door has transformed the premises. This project has proven a great success and is more than living up to the expectations of the café owners.”

Experienced Stellar fabricator GD Windows has over 30 years’ experience of window and door manufacture and installation. Based in the county of Ceredigion in West Wales, the fabricator works across all the local counties including Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire delivering high-end residential and commercial projects.

The company was an early adopter of the multi-award-winning Stellar aluminium system, a decision that has more than exceeded their expectations. Tristan concluded: “Stellar is an exceptional aluminium system that has allowed us to secure several lucrative domestic and light commercial contracts. Its slim flush aesthetics, impressive performance credentials and ease of installation are a gamechanger in aluminium system design and give our business a competitive edge in an ever-tightening market.”

VIRTUOSO DOORS LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE

The new site showcases the complete range of composite doors and accessories, in both traditional and contemporary styles.

It also includes the design-a-door portal, an easy-to-use service which allows you to create the perfect door for your project in just a few clicks.

Professional users have the option to create an account using Virtuoso’s trade log in function to streamline the order process.

David Wheatcroft, Managing Director of Virtuoso Doors, said: “We have been making improvements to the quality and choice of our products – so it’s great to be able to demonstrate this quality with a new website.

“The design-a-door portal offers you the opportunity to build your customer the perfect door for their requirements - whether it’s a different choice of door design, glass, hardware or one our extensive colour options.”

Virtuoso Doors manufactures high quality composite doors and PVCu door panels through a mix of precision engineering and workshop finishing supplying doors with stunning detail and unrivalled quality.

For more information visit www.virtuoso-doors.co.uk.

PINK DOOR DONATIONS EXCEED £3000

When leading composite door supplier DoorCo created The Pink Range, they pledged a proportion of sales would be donated to We Mind & Kelly Matters, the industry charity they champion. Just ahead of MD Dan Sullivan’s participation in the charity’s The Loneliest Road challenge, DoorCo is delighted to announce that donations from sales of pink doors have reached £3124.50.

Dan Sullivan, DoorCo MD comments: “We Mind & Kelly Matters is a charity close to our hearts at DoorCo. We had a close working relationship with Kelly Hewitt, who sadly took her own life in 2018 at just 24 years old.

When we heard her father John Hewitt, The Glazerite Group Chairman, set up a charity in her name to help raise awareness of mental health and prevent suicide, we promised to do anything we could do support them.

“In 2020, to support growing trend of pink doors, inspired by home improvement influencer Mrs Hinch, DoorCo created an exclusive collection of four pink doors, with four new shades of pink, coordinating

pink glass designs and the stunning Rose Gold Sweet hardware from Brisant. Pink was Kelly’s favourite colour so we dedicated the collection to her, pledging to donate 20% of all door blank sales to We Mind & Kelly Matters to support the cause. We are absolutely delighted that donations have exceeded £3000, especially just before I am about to embark on the USA leg of the charity’s The Loneliest Road challenge.”

In support of Dan’s campaign to help raise awareness on breaking the stigma around mental health and prevent suicide, DoorCo has teamed up with RegaLead Ltd, Kubu Smart Security and Brisant Secure to create a special edition Bright Pink Lytham door depicting the cyclists.

Dan continues: “When We Mind & Kelly Matters announced the cycling challenge, it was something I wanted to get involved with. Sporting events aren’t really my thing, but I love a challenge, and with 3,343 miles and climbing 145,427ft cycling from New York to San Francisco in just 17 days, this is certainly a big one! Training is well underway as the start is just weeks away.

I am exceeding 100 miles a week in training, combing some hill climbing with flat fast miles. I am really looking forward to the challenge now.

“I am also determined to reach the £15,000 fundraising challenge I have set myself. The work Mind & Kelly Matters does is so important in trying to break the stigma around mental health and prevent suicide. Please spare a few minutes to read my story and donate if you can: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/danielsullivan16”

For more information on DoorCo’s Pink Range, visit: https://www.door-co.com/pink-door-range/

For more information on We Mind & Kelly Matters visit: http://www.wemindandkellymatters.co.uk/

Leading composite door manufacturer Virtuoso Doors has launched an updated website featuring a new ‘designa-door’ portal.

Endurance Doors have launched a new trade website within their overall web platform, to provide exceptional levels of support to their nationwide network of Installer Partners, whilst still providing a world-class consumer experience at https://endurancedoors.co.uk.

Within the new trade website are marketing, customer and technical hubs, packed with content and downloads, including the latest photography and video assets. There’s also the facility to study educational topics and book online training courses on various topics, from sales to installation. This is all part of the forthcoming Endurance Training Academy and there’s already training courses scheduled for the powerful new Touch Portal.

But there’s much more than just trade specific information on the website as Scott Foster, Head of Group Sales and Marketing for Endurance Doors said: ‘Not only have we built a next generation digital platform for the trade, but we’ve added great functionality, useful content and a unique ticketing system for customer queries under the AMICUS CRM system’.

He added: ‘This will mean that each customer query will be responded to in the most efficient and timely manner by one of our dedicated customer service executives. As it’s a software-led platform, we can streamline queries, respond to them quicker and ultimately give our Installer Partners a far better customer experience with first class communication channels.’

This is another investment from Endurance Doors as they look to become the perfect composite door partner and with several new product innovations in the pipeline, there’s never been a better time in which to be an Installer Partner. As Managing Director, Stephen Nadin points out: ‘As an owner-managed and independent business, we’re free to make executive decisions quickly, and the trade website has been a carefully thought-out project with the customer in mind. We’re not just investing for the short-term within the business, but we have firm objectives for the long-term with our strategic vision to be the ultimate door company.’

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.

SHELFORCE TO HIT 200 FIRE DOORS A WEEK

Leading Birmingham window and door manufacturer Shelforce is having to increase capacity for its fully compliant Fireshel 30-minute fire, smoke and security resistant door.

By the beginning of September its Erdington factory has been geared up for producing 200 doors a week to cope with rising demand.

After launching the Fireshel into the market in 2020, Shelforce was manufacturing 70 fire doors a week from a standing start, with an increase in capacity to produce 130 doors a week at the start of this year.

Howard Trotter, Business Manager at Shelforce, said: “It doesn’t seem that long ago when we had to hit 130 doors a week, and the demand for our Fireshel has just continued to rise. We are getting busier and busier and have had to create more full-time jobs as a result.

“We recently welcomed a couple of competitors to come and have a look around our factory to see our employment model and the way we do things, and in the end one asked us if we could make the doors for them. We also have five tower blocks in the city to get stuck into from this month onwards, for both fire doors and windows.”

Those include 6,000 fire doors for energy and regeneration specialists EQUANS and 2,500 for Fortem, which provides specialist property solutions.

Shelforce leads the way in inclusivity when it comes to training and employment opportunities in the glazing industry, with 75% of its workforce disabled, and Howard added: “We have a packed last quarter of 2022 and are looking forward to helping to deliver important refurbishment projects within Birmingham.”

The Fireshel is the perfect solution for local authorities who need fully EN tested 3rd Party Accredited, replacement Fire Door sets that are compliant with the latest 2020 MHCLG Annex A recommendations. All Fireshel fire doors have been fire and smoke tested from both the inside and outside and PAS 024 Security tested.

Shelforce specialises in providing highquality PVCu and aluminium products to local authority building projects. To find out more, call Shelforce on 0121 603 5262 or visit www.shelforce.com.

YOUR LETTERS

Dear Editor,

With the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, I have seen ‘Be the Best’ slogans around the city during the successful event and it made me think –what does the best look like in our industry, and how do we measure that?

They say that turnover is vanity while net margin is sanity, but is that any more important than customer service and customer satisfaction? Is it all about reviews, or accreditations for meeting standards? What about fully automated factories?

If we’re serious about improving as an industry how do, we do that and measure that success? We still suffer as an industry in terms of credibility, and it still has a certain, White Gold, perception in the general public’s eyes. The Grenfell tragedy also, quite rightly, shone a negative spotlight on fire doors, and we must challenge these things and shine a positive light on the industry.

The Grenfell tragedy has taught the industry the importance of certification and the all-round safety of the products we make. These products save people’s lives as well as keeping them secure and warm.

If we want our industry to be the best, we must set the benchmark, and that can’t be turnover, it must be built on certification and standards. Hitting

those standards is how we measure quality, and what should set you aside from others.

Most decent, reputable companies have got International Standards ISO 9001 for quality management and ISO 14001 for our responsibility to the environment, it’s how we measure quality.

The problem with our industry is that installation companies or even fabricators can spring up overnight without any business credentials whatsoever and not put any time into all the certification that reputable companies do.

If we know what we need to do to be the best, and where we sit in that, then we can improve and I do think we can learn a lot from other companies in the industry, be it competitors or suppliers.

At Shelforce I always invite businesses in our industry to our factory to look at how we do things because I want them to adopt the same employment model as us. I know, however, that our business performance is what will convince others to adopt it.

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it,” and our industry should be about improvement and how we can challenge ourselves to make us better.

Yours sincerely, Howard Trotter Business Manager, Shelforce.

WHAT’S YOUR OPINION?

Feel free to get in touch with your views on the industry, legislation, government, or even the newspaper.

Contact Chris: chris@glassnews.co.uk

HOW DO WE MEASURE THE ‘BEST’ IN THE GLAZING INDUSTRY?

REACTION TO THE RAISING OF THE ENERGY PRICE CAP BUY NOW OR PAY LATER

WHY WE NEED TO CUT VAT ON ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Dear Editor,

As OFGEM put it, ‘the good news is’ that the Energy Price Guarantee, means that energy bills will not now top £3,500 as they had been expected to do from the start of October.

As it somewhat more mutedly acknowledges, the new upper limit on average household energy bills still represents an increase of more than £1,000 on where bills were, prior to the lifting of the energy price cap in April this year.

In short, the Energy Price Guarantee is something that will be of only limited comfort to the millions of UK households struggling to heat their homes this winter.

The energy crisis has served to highlight our over-

reliance on fossil fuels - and just as predictably, the inherent energy inefficiency of the UK’s housing stock, which accounts for around 14% of UK carbon emissions.

Despite this the Government scrapped its flagship Green Homes Grant Scheme in March 2021 – only six-months after it was launched. And it has form in this area.

The Green Deal was axed in 2015 only a little over two years in. Window companies barely qualifying either scheme and offering only very limited returns for those companies that did.

Learning from the mistakes of the past will be important if, as many suggest, the Government is to move forward with a new green home improvement scheme for the UK.

Most importantly, it must be simple. Simple for homeowners to understand and simple for companies to subscribe to.

Energy prices give people a real incentive to enhance the thermal efficiency of their homes. This helps the Government to hit its commitment to reduce CO2 and it stimulates the economy at a time when without wishing to talk it down, things appear fragile.

There are many homeowners who will commit to improve the energy efficiency of their properties without government support.

The cut in stamp duty on the first £250,000 of the sale price and £425,000 for first time buyers seen at the end of last week [23/9/22], should at the very least, hold house prices firm, giving people the confidence to invest.

Higher energy prices are forecast to be with us longer term - the Energy Price Guarantee will run out in 2024 after only twoyears (something that you may wish to point out to retail prospects who need a nudge to take the plunge!).

Others will, however, need Government stimulus and support to help cover the costs of improvements and to access finance.

A cut in VAT to 5% (or less), and the availability of a new Government backed green finance package, would be as simple to understand and to administer, as it would in my view – and I know in the opinion of many others in our industry - as it would be successful.

We wait to see.

Ryan Johnson Managing Director, Emplas Group

Dear Editor,

On Friday [26/8/22] we learnt that we were all going to be a little less well off. Ofgem confirmed that the raising of the energy price cap will push average household energy bills to £3,549. To put that into context that’s around an 80% increase on what we were paying in April this year.

I’m going to come to the impact on business, and our industry specifically in a moment, but I want to start by saying that for lower income households, this is a genuine crisis point, people are stretched as it is – they can’t simply afford to absorb more increases and Government needs to act.

We’re doing what we can, we committed to £1,000 cost-of-living-allowance for our non-managerial team members in June. That, however, is a short-term fix. We need government and Ofgem as the energy regulator, to get a grip long term.

Wholesale energy prices show no sign of falling, and that is placing many households under extreme pressure.

The flip side of this is that energy efficiency is at the top of the political and social agenda in a way that it never has been previously, and it represents a massive opportunity for the window and door industry.

You may not know much about Google trends but as a simple definition, it tracks interest in a particular search term over time, scoring ‘interest’ in a particular search term out of a maximum of 100.

In the last two weeks of August, searches for ‘replacement windows and doors’ have been sitting at

‘100’ – the highest level it has been at any point this year. The last time it was there? March, just a few days before the energy price cap was last raised in April!

Searches for ‘home energy efficiency’ are also approaching a year-long high at ‘98’, while ‘doubleglazing’ is also climbing.

While a lot of people are simply wondering how they are going to make rent, others - those who can afford to – are exploring ways to lower their energy bills, long term.

It’s also worth reflecting for a moment on the fact that while house price inflation is slowing, the number of transactions remain at historically high levels.

Seasonally adjusted figures for July, for example put the number of residential transactions up almost 37% up on the same time in 2021 and 3.2% higher than June 2022, at more than 104,000 purchases. They are people who have bought houses in need of reservation, houses with windows that they just don’t like.

It is tough for a lot of people – but there are others who have the cash in reserve to continue to spend, to continue to make home improvements.

It’s about the right product offer and marketing it effectively. In retail very simply it has to be about

energy efficiency. If you can’t tick that box, you’re not going to get a foot in the door.

It’s also about ‘premium’ - because higher end products are those that appeal to the group in our society who have cash to spend.

Our range of Sheerline doors, bi-folds, windows; Residence Collection R9 and R7; our Timeless heritage window - they deliver on energy efficiency and aesthetics. We’re also committed to supporting our customers in marketing them effectively through our dedicated customer support programme.

I don’t believe we can count on Government support in the near future. Government grants for energy efficient home improvements would be an obvious step, but that is unlikely in immediate term given the change of leadership that we have just seen.

So for us, for our customers and the wider industry, it’s about digging in, working that little bit harder and making sure that we maximise the opportunities that increased homeowner awareness of energy prices delivers, while also doing what we can to support our people through what is a difficult time for many.

Roy Frost MD Listers

Dear Editor,

Post-pandemic, I’ve noticed a shift in the way that many fabricators frame their revised lead times, with the inference that trade customers are now more comfortable than they used to be with deliveries in 10 days rather than five.

That’s certainly true to a degree, as installers continue to work their way through busy order books. But despite what some big players in the market would have us believe; lead times really do still matter. Certainly, there’s very much a place for the kind of 3.5 day lead time that Euroglaze has restored for standard white frames in Rehau PVC-U.

Ordering from us before 3pm on Monday for delivery on Thursday means you can squeeze in extra jobs at short notice and eliminate the costly downtime which so often happens at the end of the week on three or four day installs.

We supply stockists and trade installers right across the UK, and the feedback they give us is that our reliable 3.5 day turnaround gives them the flexibility they need to maximise output on all five or even six days of the

week - therefore boosting their productivity and profitability.

With signs of a slowdown coming in the market, competition will obviously start to increase, and I think it’s inevitable that we will see much less tolerance in the trade and amongst homeowners for extended lead times and anything less than top notch customer service.

The whole market has been operating in a bubble for almost two years and there could be a rude awakening coming for companies who have taken their eye off the ball when it comes to efficiency or become a little too complacent in responding to customer demands.

The lean manufacturing environment here at Euroglaze means that frames pass through our shopfloor in hours rather than days and are right first time without wasteful re-works. As well as 3.5 days on white, that means we can also offer 7-day lead times on all our standard colours. It makes us a reliable and cost-effective partner and when things get tough, that will be more important than ever.

Martin Nettleton Managing Director, Euroglaze

FLAT BUILDERS MERCHANTS’ JULY SALES WITH VOLUME DOWN -12.8% AND INFLATION UP +15.0%

The latest figures from the Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI), published in September, reveal that builders’ merchants’ value sales were virtually flat (+0.2%) in July 2022 compared to the same month in 2021.

As in previous months, volume sales were down (-12.8%) yet price inflation remained high (+15.0%).

Ten of the twelve categories sold more in July 2022 compared to the previous year, including nine which outperformed Merchants overall. Renewables & Water Saving (+25.5%) Workwear & Safetywear (+20.2%), Kitchens & Bathrooms (+13.1%) and Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (+10.7%) did best. Only Landscaping (-4.6%) and Timber & Joinery Products (-14.4%) sold less.

Compared to July 2019, a more normal pre-pandemic year, total merchant value sales were +13.3% higher. With two less trading days this year, like-for-like sales were up +24.1%. Three categories did better than total Merchants: Timber & Joinery Products (+23.8%), Renewables & Water Saving (+18.6%) and Landscaping (+17.7%). Heavy Building Materials (+12.3%), Kitchens & Bathrooms (+11.3%) and Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (+2.9%) all grew more slowly.

LAST THREE MONTHS

Total sales in the three months May to July 2022, were +4.4% up on the same period last year, with price inflation of +16.5%, and volumes down -10.4%. There was no difference in trading days. Ten of the twelve categories sold more than the Merchants overall with Renewables & Water Saving (+20.0%), Kitchens & Bathrooms (+17.4%) and Workwear & Safetywear (+14.4%) doing best. Timber & Joinery Products (-7.2%) was weakest.

MONTH-ON-MONTH

Month-on-month, total merchant sales were down -2.6% in July compared to June 2022. Volume sales were down -5.2%. Prices rose +2.7%. With one more trading day in the most recent period, like-for-like sales were -7.3% lower. Renewables & Water Saving (+4.8%) was the strongest category month-on-month; Landscaping (-9.1%) was weakest.

ROLLING 12-MONTHS

Total Merchants sales in the 12 months August 2021 to July 2022 were +20.4% higher than in the same 12 months three years earlier (August 2018 to July 2019). Total like-for-like sales were +21.3% higher with two less trading days in the most recent period. Eleven of the twelve categories sold more with Timber & Joinery Products (+39.1%) and Landscaping (+36.1%) well out in front.

GfK’s Merchant Panel includes national, multi-regional and regional merchants such as Buildbase, Jewson, Travis Perkins, EH Smith, Gibbs & Dandy, MKM and Bradfords. GfK’s Builders’ Merchant Point of Sale Tracking Data represents more than 80% of the value of the builders’ merchant market. GfK insights can trace product group performance and track relevant features. GfK can also produce robust like-for-like market comparability, tailored to the requirements of an individual business.

The Builders Merchant Building Index Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) appears every month, in print and online. A full quarterly report is published every three months. The BMBI is a brand of the Builders Merchant Federation. Launched and produced by MRA Research, it uses sales-out data from GfK’s Builders Merchant Panel. BMBI includes a panel of leading industry Experts, who speak exclusively for their markets.

For the full report, including comments from the BMBI’s panel of leading industry Experts, please visit www.bmbi.co.uk.

GfK’s Builders Merchant Panel

LEADERSHIP SUCCESS FOR EPWIN WINDOW SYSTEMS’ EMPLOYEES

Epwin Window Systems’ commitment to investing in its workforce has been further demonstrated with twenty of its employees successfully completing the Managing Team Dynamics programme, as part of the company’s comprehensive Management Training and Development strategy.

The programme ran over several dedicated sessions and was delivered to a number of Team Leaders, Supervisors and Managers across the Telford-based business.

The Management Training programme was delivered by experienced Leadership Trainer David Scarfe from Quantum Leap Executive Development. The expert training provider specialises in Executive Coaching, Executive Mentoring, Leadership Development and Strategic Consultancy with a clear focus on creating future leaders and in doing so, helping them create their own highperformance teams.

Commenting on the success of the training programme, Clare Bailey, Managing Director at Epwin Window Systems said: “Our management training programme is not only designed to be stimulating and thoughtproving but practical and effective too. The skills

learnt are completely useable across the work environment and help further develop the necessary skills of our management and leadership teams.”

The Managing Team Dynamics programme covered a series of topics including culture and responsibility, behaviour and communication, team creation and coaching and mentoring. Clare said: “The high-impact motivational learning sessions are composed of a combination of purpose and goals to help develop the qualities of the employee and equip them with the skills needed to lead and manage a team successfully.”

Clare continues: “As a responsible business, we take the training and development of all our staff very seriously. By investing in their future, it means we are playing our part in helping to develop a new generation of talent that showcases the value our business has to offer people wanting to build long-term, sustainable careers.”

Further management courses are planned for later this year and into 2023 as part of the company’s overall strategy to develop its talent. Clare concluded: ”Our strategy for continuously improving our offer has always been to invest across the business and nowhere is this more important than in our employees. By developing the next generation of leaders, we are fostering an effective culture that helps us deliver on our commitment to our customers.”

Tel: 0845 340 3968

www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk

SURGE IN DEMAND FOR SOFTWARE SUPPORT

According to the latest figures from Business Micros, the industry is pouring time and resources into updating and enhancing its software at record rates. Calls to the company’s dedicated support team based at Penpont in Scotland are 9% up this year compared to 2021 and 20% up compared to 2020.

The majority of these calls are program requests from customers who are adding new product lines to their manufacturing set ups or machine enquiries when they are investing in new saws and CNCs. There are also growing numbers of customers calling for support in updating costings and pricing and making the most of efficiency focused features such as materials batching modules.

Jude Knowles, Business Micros’ Head of Operations, commented: “If you take these calls as a barometer of what’s happening in the industry, then there’s clearly plenty of growth and diversification going on as fabricators invest in products and machinery; but also a renewed determination to increase efficiency, which of course is what our EvoNET business management software is all about.

“Our core market for both EvoNET and our Evolution manufacturing and processing software is PVC-U fabricators. Calls were increasing in 2021 when the market was booming, and fabricators needed their software to help them to do more, and that has continued throughout 2022 when there have been signs of a tightening in the market and it has become more about optimising what our customers already have - in order to save on costs and protect margins.

“80% of our customers have a level of support contract with us because it gives access to our expert team on the phone, online or in person when they want to add functions or features to make the most of

their software. Only a tiny proportion of our support team’s time is spent solving problems for customers or fixing errors though – it’s all about helping them to use their software more effectively and get more value from their investment.

“We have different levels of support available depending on customers’ requirements. Some need online help with data changes, whereas others choose to have regular virtual meetings with us so that they can continually hone their software to make sure it keeps pace with their business.”

As demand increases, Business Micros is keen to point out that it has the biggest and most experienced support team in the industry, more than capable of handing the 1200+ calls a month it is currently receiving.

Jude added: “The resources within the Business Micros Group mean we can always scale our support to match demand. We have dedicated experts on hand for any type of request – whether that’s something simple like adding a new colour or hardware option or something more complex such as setting up a new machine link.

“We want every customer to view our support service as an investment and not a cost, so we make sure our team is easily accessible, knowledgeable and well trained. Our customers tell us how valuable our partnership and advice can be – and with calls increasing all the time, the industry clearly seems to agree.”

More info at:

https://www.businessmicros.co.uk/support/

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 SPONSORED BY GQA AND BUILDING OUR SKILLS

VIRTUOSO DOORS STRENGTHENS SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM

CAREERS

MARKETING DIRECTOR APPOINTED AT CUSTOMADE

Customade, the market-leading fenestration business, has strengthened its senior management team with the appointment of Rachel Smith as Group Marketing Director.

Leading composite door manufacturer Virtuoso Doors has strengthened its senior management team with the addition of a new Customer Service Manager and the appointment of a new Health, Safety and Environment Manager.

Tracy Jameson joins the business as Customer Service Manager, responsible for the continuous improvement of the Virtuoso customer experience. Tracy has more than 25 years’ experience, working across various industries including banking, energy suppliers and manufacturing, and will be adding her skills to the customer service team.

The Gateshead-based manufacturer of high-quality composite doors and PVCu door panels has also appointed Elliot Ord as the new Health, Safety and Environment Manager

Elliot, who has 14 years’ experience in health and safety including several years at Virtuoso Doors, will be ensuring that everyone at the Follingsby Park manufacturing site is meeting the highest safety standards.

David Wheatcroft, Managing Director of Virtuoso Doors, said: “We are very happy to welcome Tracy to the Virtuoso family, and congratulate Elliot for his further progress with the business. We are certain that their contributions to our growth will be significant.

“Their skills and experience will be of great benefit to our staff and customers alike at a very exciting time for the business.”

Virtuoso manufactures and supplies doors with stunning detail and unrivalled quality. For more information visit

www.virtuoso-doors.co.uk

NEW APPOINTMENTS

Rachel brings a wealth of marketing experience within the built environment sector with senior roles atPolypipe, Bristan Group and Aliaxis UK.

Rachel said: “I am very happy to be joining an innovative and forwardthinking business at a very exciting time. By conducting market research, closely monitoring trends and analysing new market opportunities, I aim to ensure our products and solutions remain at the cutting edge of the sector for the benefit of our valued customers .”

Nick Roberts, CEO of Customade said: “We are delighted to welcome Rachel to the Customade team. She brings unbeatable skills and experience which can only bring enormous benefits to the business as a whole.”

Founded in 1980, Customade Group has grown to become the well-respected market leading business it is today, delivering high-quality fenestration solutions to the construction industry.

Respected brands in the marketplace including: Fineline, Atlas, Real Aluminium, Stevenswood, Polyframe and Virtuoso Doors are all part of the Customade family.

Leading building materials and property PR agency, Brouha Marketing is delighted to welcome Claire Broxton to the team.

Managing Director Fiona Lund comments: “We’re delighted that Claire from well-respected One Shilling Marketing, is joining our team to add extra resource when it comes to the strategic communications we offer customers in the window and door, building materials, and housing markets. Claire hardly needs any introduction having been instrumental in making Glassex and GPT such successful trade shows and has remained a familiar face in our industry, working on a range of projects for clients

CAREERS

including the G Awards, Bohle and PIGS for ten years, to name but a few. Claire’s broad ranging marketing experience is a perfect fit and will help us continue to offer awardwinning communications to customers across the sectors in which we specialise. We are absolutely over the moon.”

Claire comments: “My breadth of experience dovetails perfectly with the services offered by Brouha. I look forward to extending the specialisms I offer through One Shilling Marketing to Brouha’s customers, supporting the team on marketing and business audits and plans, marketing communications including advertising, digital

marketing and PR and event and exhibition organisation. Joining the Brouha team will put me right back at the heart of what I love doing which is helping door, window and glass companies grow their businesses through innovative communication and marketing with a difference.”

www.brouhamarketing.com

MODPLAN’S COMMITMENT TO THE NEXT GENERATION IN FENESTRATION

One of biggest longer-term problems facing the modern fenestration industry is the shortage of skilled labour entering the workforce. Trade fabricator Modplan is taking steps to solve the problem. Heidi Sachs, Modplan’s Managing Director, said: “The shortage of skilled workers is a concern for everyone in the industry. It’s why here at Modplan we have a series of initiatives in place to tackle the issues.”

The Training Academy is a dedicated space that allows Modplan to train personnel from across its business from NVQ level through to management training. Heidi commented: ”The Academy helps build on our commitment to developing talent from within and provide a cohesive career path for growth and progression throughout the business.”

Modplan also focuses on nurturing the next generation of talent by working closely with local colleges to further encourage young people to look at fenestration as a career choice. Heidi said: “Fabricators need to remain proactive to build the

next generation of talent coming into the business and looking to build a career. By reaching out directly to our local colleges, we are taking that step for our own business.”

The commitment to training and development supports Modplan’s offering. Modplan’s mission is to continually exceed customers’ increasing expectations. It does this with a culture of quality that delivers the highest possible standards at all times. Heidi said: “We work hard to make sure every one of our employees has the skills needed to deliver an exceptional package to support our customers.”

Modplan’s approach makes a difference for the business. Heidi said: “We are proud to have a strong staff retention with many key members of the Modplan team having been with us for decades. It also helps us continue to attract local employees keen to further their career with a company that cares about their development. We want nothing less than to be the employer of choice both now and into the future. In turn, this helps us to be the fabricator of choice for our customers.”

As the Newport-based company approaches its 50th anniversary, Modplan is showing that it is as committed to excellence in all areas of its operations as it has always been.

It’s an approach that delivers appealing rewards for its employees and its customers alike.

Tel: 01495 246844 - www.modplan.co.uk

BROUHA WELCOMES CLAIRE BROXTON TO THE TEAM

CAREERS & QUALIFICATIONS IN FENESTRATION

CAREERS

LINIAR TEAM THE LATEST TO VOLUNTEER TO TAKE THE INDUSTRY TO THE EDUCATION SECTOR

Building Our SkillsMaking Fenestration, Glass and Glazing a Career of Choice has received another boost to its campaign to take the industry to the education sector as the starting point for creating a workforce for tomorrow. Six team members from systems company Liniar have enrolled to be a part of the ‘Inspiring the Future’ programme that Building Our Skills is promoting alongside the Education and Employers Charity.

Setting a great example to other employers in the industry, the group from the major manufacturer and supplier of PVCu products has signed up to support the campaign by volunteering to visit schools to help inform youngsters about the possibilities for their future careers, and what they could achieve if they join the Fenestration, Glass and Glazing industry.

Inspiring The Future has been designed to connect young people with the world of work through volunteers. It is seen by Building Our Skills as key in helping to acquaint school age children and their teachers with the 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 just one hour a year to the programme, although they can choose to do more if they wish in order to help inspire children. The first step is to register on the website of Building Our Skills and complete a very simple application 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. Virtual visits can also 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 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.

Sue Davenport, Liniar’s Group Marketing Director says: “Here at Liniar we’re big supporters of Building Our Skills and we’re proud to do our bit to help the campaign to bridge the skills gap. It’s a goal we share, having pioneered apprenticeships throughout Liniar’s history – and this initiative is a great idea to get youngsters enthused about the fenestration industry. The team has already started its school visits, and I understand the volunteers are very happy to be able to make a difference in this way. We’d encourage other employers in the industry to get on board, especially with the support that’s on offer for volunteers through Building Our Skills.”

Mark Handley, Building Our Skills’ Partnerships Manager, says: “A big thank you to Liniar for agreeing to support the Inspiring the Future campaign by volunteering. We’re now well on the way to achieving our primary objective of securing 50 industry volunteers. I’ve been very pleased with the response, but 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, and teaching youngsters about the sheer breadth of roles it has on offer. I think anyone volunteering would find it all very rewarding.”

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.

NEW APPOINTMENTSNEW APPOINTMENTS

ODL Europe has announced the promotion of Suzanne Nicholl to Head of Sales & Customer Service.

ODL Europe’s Managing Director, Bryan Bultema, said: “I am delighted to be announcing Suzanne’s promotion. We value our people and have a culture of rewarding excellence. Suzanne’s promotion reflects her continued commitment and outstanding work which has resulted in major business growth. She is a highly driven and a well-respected, member of the team and brings exceptional customer focus and proven leadership credentials that add value to our business.”

Suzanne commented: “I am delighted to accept this promotion. ODL Europe is a great business with exciting future plans. I’m looking forward to continuing to build my career with the team and further support our business efforts in line with our growth strategy.”

Suzanne has been with the business for over five years and is being promoted from her role as Business Development Manager. Bryan commented: “Our culture is always to nurture and develop talent where we see it – and we see it in Suzanne. In my time working with her, she has shown an impressive commitment to excellence.”

In her new role as Head of Sales & Customer Service, Suzanne will be responsible for the continued sales growth of ODL Europe and further developing the strong sales and customer service team. She will also head up the internal marketing function, working closely with ODL Europe’s external marketing partner, Team 4 Marketing.

ODL Europe is home to the high-quality core products that are an essential part of every portfolio plus the value-added products that provide powerful upselling opportunities.

It is the exclusive UK partner of Capstone Engineering Ltd, one of the world’s leading suppliers of composite doors. And it is also home to the award-winning Guardsman fire door, which provides impressive, consistent fire resistance.

ODL Europe is a company committed to product and customer excellence. In Suzanne’s promotion, it is demonstrating its promise to ensuring the best people are part of that commitment.

Tel: 0151 933 0299 - https://odleurope.com

VISTA APPOINTS NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Leading composite door manufacturer Vista Panels Ltd has strengthened its sales team with the appointment of a new Business Development Manager.

Andy Meakin is a well-known industry figure, having spent over two decades working for several high-profile businesses, and brings with him a wealth of customerfacing experience and in-depth industry knowledge.

“I am delighted to have joined Vista Panels – it’s a well-respected business and continues to gain market share with its professional set up and focus on service and quality,” Andy says.

“The company continues to invest in new machinery and training, and I am delighted to be part of a growing and innovative business.”

Vista Panels Managing Director Keith Sadler comments: “Andy will be an excellent addition to our sales team, thanks to his knowledge of the market and first-hand experience of the needs of fabricators and installers.

“We are delighted to have found a passionate and determined sales professional who will be tasked with ensuring we maintain our high levels of customer satisfaction and retention as we head into 2023 and more uncertain times in this turbulent period of business.”

Founded in 1995, Vista Panels Ltd specialises in composite and uPVC panels and doors, supplying to fabricators across the UK and Europe. For more information call 01516081423 or visit  www.vistapanels.co.uk.

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

ODL EUROPE ANNOUNCES PROMOTION OF SUZANNE NICHOLL

Pictured are Liniar’s Building Our Skills volunteers: (front left to right) Owen Attewell, Technical Support Apprentice; Oliver Marriott, Design & Development Draughtsperson; (back left to right) Chris Armes, Design and Development Director; Mark Wilcoxson, Technical Services Manager; Emma Musson, Marketing Executive; and Maria Brown, Marketing Executive.

Vista Panels Ltd Managing Director Keith Sadler and new Business Development Manager Andy Meakin

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in all the answers in the grid from the clues 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: 20/10/22.

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FAO: Miss Christina Shaw, Glass News Competitions, 19 Heather Close, Tickhill, Doncaster, DN11 9UU or Email: christina@glassnews.co.uk.

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FAO: Miss Christina Shaw, Glass News Competitions, 19 Heather Close, Tickhill, Doncaster, DN11 9UU or Email: christina@glassnews.co.uk.

20/10/22.

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British Plastics Federation (BPF)

Tel: 0207 457 5000

British Standards Institution (BSI)

– Standards & Publications

Tel: 0208 996 9001

BSI – Assessment & Certification

Tel: 0845 080 9000

Building Research Establishment (BRE)

Tel: 01923 664000

Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB)

Tel: 01453 828851 Dekura

Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS)

Tel: 0345 053 8975

Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme (FENSA)

Tel: 0207 645 3700

Get Britain Building (GBB) Tel: 0870 162 0936

Glass & Glazing Federation

Tel: 0207 939 9101

GQA Qualifications (formerly Glass Qualifications Authority)

Tel: 0114 2720033

Health & Safety Executive (HSE)

– Glass & Related Industries

Phil Smith, HM Principal Inspector Tel: 01782 602300

David Appleton, HM Inspector Tel: 0115 9712800

Proskills – Head Office Tel: 01235 833844

Proskills – Glass & Related Industries

Neil Robinson Tel: 07917 015 322

Recovinyl (via Axion Consulting)

Tel: 0161 355 7618

The Glazing Ombudsman (TGO)

Tel: 020 7397 7200

UK Green Building Council Tel: 0207 580 0623

Veka Recycling Tel: 01322 38721

Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP)

Tel: 01295 819 900

Wood Window Alliance (WWA) Tel: 0844 209 261