BROADENING HORIZONS WITH TUFFX

If you’re lucky enough to own a property that offers you stunning sunsets over the sea, you're going to want to make the most of the views. And, for the developers of a low-rise block of premium apartments in Devon with just this outlook, TuffX provided the perfect solution for how to achieve it.

TuffX supplied 69 units comprising 21.5mm and 17.5mm toughened and laminated glass panels, each 1200mm in height. As well as clear glass units, TuffX also supplied panels with a satin privacy finish so that each apartment could enjoy unimpeded balcony views of the ocean to the front of them while also retaining privacy from their neighbours to the side, who would no doubt be doing the same.

Edgetech, a Quanex company, have been spreading festive cheer by supporting a series of charitable initiatives which aid both local and global communities.

Edgetech and Quanex are committed to championing education and the next generation. Therefore, they were delighted to donate school supplies to Walsgrave Academy, a Coventry primary school.

Edgetech is also passionate about helping to tackle hunger in the UK, especially in the current climate when people are struggling to afford basic necessities. Consequently, their generous staff contributed 197 items to Coventry Food Bank as part of a global food drive organised by Quanex. Each item was matched by a £5 donation by Quanex, totalling £985.

I think we need to be level-headed about recession. That doesn’t mean denying reality – we’re in one, and it’s likely to be painful for many.

But it also means resisting the doom and gloom narrative that’s being enthusiastically pushed by much of the media.

That kind of scaremongering and negativity is entirely self-defeating. We’ve been through recessions before. We’ll go through them again.

They’re unpleasant, and require businesses to think creatively and sometimes take difficult decisions to overcome.

But they can also provide opportunities to innovate, improve, and come out of the other end stronger and more resilient than they went in.

A More Challenging Market

So what are the practical implications for glass and glazing, and the construction sector more generally?

First, consumer demand is likely to drop. Commercial projects are likely to be less effected, but new project starts may slow. Second, the market will become more competitive. The same number of businesses will be chasing a smaller number of projects and sales.

And third, as a result, companies will have to work harder, and be more exceptional, if they want to be the ones that end up winning the business.

Customers Will Expect Outstanding

I’m obviously biased, but I think the key to achieving all three will be working with an outstanding supplier.

What does outstanding look like? Firstly, it requires an uncompromising commitment to quality.

Whether a supplier is providing you with hardware or any other type of product, in the coming year quality is going to be more important than ever.

Faced with recession, clients are going to become more demanding, and expect the very best for their money. Those expectations will extend to service more generally, too.

To stay competitive, suppliers will have to strive to maximise efficiency in every aspect of their businesses.

Innovation And Versatility Will Be Key To Success

Finally, I think flexibility and versatility will become increasingly vital for business success.

I know that, at Cotswold, it’s our ability to work with a client to produce bespoke hardware solutions that’s proved critical to our success, and become one of our most valuable USPs.

I suspect that it’ll be companies that can innovate to better meet the needs of their customers that will continue to thrive in the years ahead.

Coming Out Stronger

The construction sector will come through 2023 to enjoy the big opportunities that lie ahead of it. With hard work, flexibility and creative thinking, it may even come out of a challenging period even stronger.

For more information, call 01242 233993 or visit www.cotswoldap.com.

In total, TuffX delivered 155m2 of specialist glass to the site in Exeter. The near-invisible frameless glass balustrades completed the outside space for each apartment, which have full-width floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors for access. Which means, whether the occupants are outside on the balcony or inside with the doors closed, the same unbroken stunning sea views can be enjoyed across the bay.

Paul Higgins, TuffX’s Commercial Director said of the finished result: “Only toughed glass balustrades can give homeowners lucky enough to have views like this the ability to really make the most of them, plus a solution for privacy where it's needed too when you have close neighbours.

“We’re delighted to put our name to this impressive project, which shows how versatile glass really is when it comes to marrying practicalities and aesthetics, and provides a stunning finish to this high-end build.” www.tuffxglass.co.uk

The company delved into the holiday spirit by supporting the Samaritan’s Purse’s Operation Christmas Child campaign, which provides disadvantaged children with a box of gifts. Employees were given time off to volunteer at their local Operation Christmas Child processing centre, where they organised and packed gift boxes to be sent to recipients all around the world. Edgetech have also continued their annual support for industry charity initiatives, including purchasing the Christmas Hope House Children’s Hospice print from GM Fundraising and donating to the present drive in aid of CATCH Leeds organised by NFA’s Lee Clarke.

Edgetech’s Head of Marketing Charlotte Hawkes comments: “This year, Quanex launched a new initiative: “a part of something bigger. As a company, we know we’re part of a much bigger society and community. We are very cognisant of the fact that everything we do has an impact on thousands if not millions of people across the globe and we’re focused on making that impact a positive one.

“As part of that, we’re committed to helping our local area, as well as worthwhile causes worldwide. We hope these donations will bring some happiness and security to people who may be struggling during this especially challenging year.”

If you’re interested in learning more, we’d be delighted to hear from you – don’t hesitate to contact Edgetech on 02476 639931 or visit www.edgetechig.co.uk.

The CRASH 2022 Christmas Card Appeal has been a great success. The generous donations from these companies will help CRASH refurbish and construct places that care for people when they are at their most vulnerable, supporting homelessness charities and those who need hospice care.