Glass News April 2023 by Christina Shaw

ARE YOU READY FOR THE RIGHT PEOPLE READ GLASS NEWS THE FIFTH SUMMIT? THE UK’S LEADING TRADE NEWSPAPER FOR WINDOWS, DOORS AND CONSERVATORIES

Issue 145 | April 2023

Organised by industry leaders Purplex Marketing and Insight Data, the Glazing Summit brings together business owners and leaders to share experience and best practice, connect with other industry leaders and gain new ideas. Glazing Summit founder and CEO of Purplex Marketing and Insight Data Andrew Scott said: “To be celebrating five years is fantastic and smashing our attendance record with almost 500 delegates

SEE PAGE 22

SOFTWARE & IT shows how much the industry values the Glazing Summit and it has firmly become one of the key dates in the glazing events calendar. “When I came up with the concept for the Glazing Summit in 2017 it was to provide an annual space for glazing professionals from across the whole supply chain to get together to debate and discuss the challenges and help shape the future of the industry. “The first Glazing Summit in 2018 really set the tone and moving to Edgbaston Stadium in 2019 took the event up another level.” Continued on page 4...

IS !! TH NTH MO

Taking place at regular venue Edgbaston Stadium and Conference Centre in Birmingham, the Summit, headline sponsored by Yale, is the must-attend event for professionals, and tackles head-on the important issues facing the fenestration industry with a no-nonsense mix of discussion, industry insights and trends, dynamic debates and opinion from expert panellists and speakers.

IS !! TH NTH MO

The Glazing Summit returns for its fifth year on Thursday October 12, and the leading one-day industry conference is expected to attract around 500 fenestration leaders once again.

SEE PAGE 30

FIT SHOW PREVIEW

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APRIL 2023

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

IT’S ALMOST LIKE REAL JOURNALISM It’s been a strange month. Almost investigative journalism: although that sounds a bit grand for an old hack rummaging around for information! There’s been the ongoing issue of how long UPVC can last and how many times it can be recycled before it finally gives up the ghost. Recycling has been big on my radar over the past year and I’ve been fortunate to visit recycling plants at Deceuninck, Rehau and Veka, all of which were immensely impressive and all emphasised the number of times UPVC can be recycled thus putting it firmly in the ‘sustainable’ quarter. As I mentioned last month, I’ve been trying to find out just how many times it can be recycled. 10 is the number most quoted and using a variety of multipliers its lifespan comes out at between 300 and 350 years. Being slightly on the cynical side, that’s a good number to be quoting on the basis that no one will be around to prove or disprove it! Unless, of course, your name is Methuselah. In that case you may well be able to confirm or deny the longevity of UPVC given that according to the Book of Genesis he lived to be 969. The one snag is that I’m not sure plastics figured much in buildings back in 687AM to 1656AM! Having failed to make contact with Methuselah I thought I’d check up with that other oracle: Google. A simple question on how many times UPVC can be recycled brings up a range of claims from 8 times to 15 times although most stick to the 10 times most often quoted. As I mentioned last month, I’ve been emailing around the world trying to find out where this number came from and how it was calculated and, as luck would have it, my search on Google led me to Eurocell who quote that the Building Research Establishment at Watford was the source. Happy days! Now, having tried to speak with someone at BRE about this, I’m waiting on a return call which will, hopefully, bring this mission to a satisfactory close. Watch this space! I’ve also had a range of emails and discussions with a variety of system houses, fabricators and installers on the subject of U values. It has largely split into two different issues. Firstly, concerning where the responsibility lies for providing the certification of the U value for doors and windows…is it the fabricator or installer? It appears that the answer depends on how products are sourced. We all know

that system houses and manufacturers go to a great deal of trouble and expense in providing indicative U values for a multitude of configurations involving their products such that fabricators can calculate the U value for the finished product. The installer is then in the position to assure the homeowner knows that their windows or doors are compliant with Building Regulations. Where it becomes more complicated is if products are sourced from different companies, for instance a prepped door from one supplier, an outer frame from a fabricator and, maybe, even hardware being added by the installer. Where does the responsibility lie for calculating the U value? It seems, in this case, to be on the installer’s shoulders to provide the calculation and that may well be difficult to do. In my discussions on the subject of a door set it really does seem that an installer would be well advised to buy the complete door set from a fabricator. Of course, one can understand that it may be attractive from a cost point of view to source components and put the package together but good luck being the one to calculate the finished U value! Secondly, my discussions have included the issue of claims being made for the U values that can be achieved using various outer frames, reinforcement and glass configurations. It’s clear that Building Regulations in 2025 is going to demand pretty low U values for doors and windows at around 1.2 w/m2/k for retrofit, which is currently 1.4, and possibly as low as 0.8 for new build. But with claims being made of low U values, is it a level playing field? I started asking around about the basis for the indicative centre pane U values that are issued by systems houses and manufacturers from whence the fabricator can calculate the final U value of the product and, having heard from one source that a very high percentage of IGUs are air filled and from another that well over 90% were argon filled, I was getting a bit confused! A ‘phone call to my go-to on testing, ex Build Check and now with BFRC, Richard Bate, he was able to put me straight. He showed me that an IGU with a normal 4-20-4 configuration, with a good soft coat, warm edge spacer bar and argon filling gives a centre pane U-value of 1.1. This in turn could return a window U-value of 1.4 and an A energy rating. Whereas air filled IGUs would give a centre pane U-value of 1.4, this could easily drop the window U-value to 1.5 or 1.6 and the energy rating to a C. Could air filled IGUs be passed off as argon filled? Unlikely. A percentage of installations are inspected and with the use of a non-destructive method, or simply breaking out an IGU for testing, would show up any attempts at slipping in an air filled unit instead of one that’s argon filled!

March 2023 crossword solution:

‘TIME OUT’ WINNERS – MARCH! Sudoku: Simon Hughes, Coventry, West Midlands Eye Spy: Mrs B Potter, Ampthill, Bedfordshire Spot the Difference: Mr K Mannifield, Gloucester Crossword: A Healy, Doncaster, South Yorkshire Congratulations to all our winners! Good luck in this months Time Out pages!

@GlassnewsMag @GlassNewsmag

Christina Shaw @Glass News

@GlassNewsMag /GlassNews

CONTENTS 4

Front Cover Story

Trade News

Colour

BMBI

Software & IT

FIT Show 2023 Preview

Machinery

Glass News Interview: Sheerline

Installer Support

Face To Face

Hardware

Tech Talk

What Door?

Cotswold Corner

Windows

Trade News

Charity News

Sustainability

Cold Calling

Marketing

Careers & Qualifications in Fenestration

Time Out!

Find A Supplier

glassnews™ is a registered Trademark. The views contained herein are not necessarily those of glassnews™ and whilst every effort is made to ensure information throughout is correct, glassnews™ does not accept liability for errors. The views expressed by contributors and the content of letters, are not necessarily those of glassnews™ and therefore cannot take responsibility. The paper we use is 100% recycled.

CONTACT DETAILS Christina Shaw Managing Director / Advertising Enquiries M: 07805 051322 E: christina@glassnews.co.uk Emma Champion Advertising Manager M: 07508 263262 E: emma@glassnews.co.uk Justin Lazenby Finance Director / Press Release Enquiries M: 07711 828710 E: justin@glassnews.co.uk Chris Champion Editor / Editorial Enquiries M: 07850 267223 E: chris@glassnews.co.uk Kate Carnall Graphic Design E: kate@glassnews.co.uk Deadline for copy: 16th of each month Please recycle this newspaper so we can continue to use recycling in our effort to help the environment.

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

www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2023

FRONT COVER STORY

TRADE NEWS Eurocell, Linar, Shelforce, Reynaers, MACO Edgetech and Glazpart. There is plenty of time for businesses to join the increasing line-up of worldclass sponsors and align their brand with industry leadership, innovation and professional standards. There are a range of sponsorship opportunities and the chance to book a popup exhibitor stand and sponsors can take advantage of high-profile marketing and promotion.

Continued from page 1...

GET INVOLVED Preparations are underway and organisers keen to hear from individuals on the issues they think should feature on the agenda. What are the jugular issues you want to highlight, debate or learn about? Organisers will then compile the most important ones to help shape the conference content. Glazing Summit organisers are also on the lookout for panellists. Do you, or one of your team, have expert knowledge on key industry issues and want to share that invaluable experience by joining one of the events informative panel discussions? If so, then email organisers with details of your experience.

BIG NAME SPONSORS The Glazing Summit is supported by the industry’s leading suppliers and, as well as industry giants and headline sponsors Yale, there are already plenty of bigname sponsors from across the industry on board, including technical sponsors GQA Qualifications, who will be joined by Building Our Skills, and the likes of

"Do you, or one of your team, have expert knowledge on key industry issues and want to share that invaluable experience by joining one of the events informative panel discussions? If so, then email organisers with details of your experience."

AN OPPORTUNITY NOT TO BE MISSED With expert opinion, world-class keynote speakers, business networking, exhibitor stands, and hundreds of CEOs, business leaders and key decision makers from leading companies in the sector under one roof for the whole day, the Glazing Summit is not to be missed. Lunch and refreshments are provided, and the evening features the optional Glazing Summit gala dinner, which takes place in the Edgbaston Banqueting Suite. “As the annual conference for glazing industry professionals, the Glazing Summit is the perfect opportunity to share experience, connect with other industry leaders, help raise industry standards, gain new ideas and help shape the future of the fenestration industry,” added Andrew. “Delegates leave better informed, inspired, connected and ready to take advantage of the opportunities ahead and we are focussing on making this year’s event memorable once again.” For sponsorship opportunities, tickets and speaker opportunities visit www.glazingsummit.co.uk, call 01934 808293. You can also email your topics and suggestions for the agenda to hello@glazingsummit.co.uk.

ROCKDOOR & WARMLIGHT WINDOWS BUILD ON SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP Warmlight Windows, one of Rockdoor’s largest Trusted Installers in the North West, have recently been taken over by a new dedicated management team led by Matt Janicki. Matt, who has an extensive background in the fenestration sector gained with many industry leading brands, took the opportunity to purchase Warmlight Windows who had built a reputation for excellence across Leigh in Greater Manchester, and surrounding areas. Whilst Warmlight Windows already boast one of the largest showrooms of Rockdoors in the UK, Matt and the team are keen to build on a solid platform, taking their business to the next level. The transition has already started, with new showroom doors and signage being installed to upgrade their showroom to better reflect the Rockdoor brand and promote all the sales advantages a Rockdoor boasts over rival GRP foam and timber composite doors. Of particular interest to customers visiting their extensive showroom, will be the new Rockdoor – the Dune, which has been installed together with new and eye-catching point of sale. This new door style features a stunning new skin texture and will undoubtedly become a firm favourite amongst Warmlight’s customers. Mark Simm of Rockdoor commented: “It’s great to be able to support Matt as he looks

Matt of Warmlight Windows added: “Myself and the dedicated team here are looking forward to further developing our relationship with Rockdoor and we can’t wait to show new and existing customers some of Rockdoor’s latest innovations and designs.”

WIN BIG WITH CUSTOMADE’S WIN-BACK PRIZE DRAW Customers of marketleading fenestration business Customade Group have the chance to win back the price of their order with the group’s new Win-Back Prize Draw. As part of the prize draw, Customade Group is giving away an order for free every month to one lucky customer. Simply place an order as normal at any point

to move Warmlight forward, and we look forward to supporting him in doing so in the coming months ahead. We’re delighted to support them by helping them become one of the first installers in the UK to showcase our fantastic new door style called the Dune, which has already become a talking point by everyone that sees it.”

throughout the month. On the last day of each month a customer will be randomly selected via the prize draw to receive one of their orders for free. Beautifully crafted products and systems from Polyframe, Virtuoso Doors, REAL Aluminium or Atlas, are all part of the competition. So, whatever you need in aluminium doors, windows or glazed roof systems and

in aluminium, PVCu or composite, you have an even bigger choice to win big! Tel: 01453 707272 www.customade.co.uk

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

EPWIN WINDOW SYSTEMS LAUNCHES NEW SUITE OF TRADE LITERATURE Epwin Window Systems has launched a new suite of trade marketing literature across its comprehensive range of PVC-U window and door systems. The twelve new brochures provide fabricators with informative product information and inspiring new imagery to demonstrate the architectural scope of their impressive multi-system offering. Commenting on the introduction of the new brochures, Gerald Allen, Head of Marketing at Epwin Window Systems, said: “Our new trade literature showcases the breadth and strength of our multiple PVC-U systems and highlights the quality each system offers. Whilst the trade brochure collection has a uniform identity, we are home to some of the best-known systems in the sector, so each brochure has been purposely designed to highlight its own system strengths and brand characteristics.”

Two-Part Cill, Curtain Walling System and the heritage-favourite PVC-U Vertical Sliding Sash System. Completing the line up is the market-leading PatioMaster PVC-U Sliding Patio Door System. Gerald commented: “Whilst each of the brochures presents the technical and design excellence of each system, it also focusses on the advantages of working with Epwin Window Systems, the UK’s largest systems house. These include design flexibility, industry-leading innovation, impressive thermal efficiency, futureproofed performance and a longstanding commitment to sustainability.” The brochures are available upon request from ready@epwinwindowsystems.co.uk or can be downloaded from the company’s Connect digital resource platform. Tel: 0845 340 3968 www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk

Within this new brochure portfolio is the popular 70mm Spectus System with a choice of bevelled or ovolo options, along with the award-winning 70mm PVC-U Optima Window and Door System which is available in chamfered and sculptured variations. Also available is the Flush Tilt & Turn Window System, Fully Reversible Window System, Flush Casement Window System, Composite Door Frame System,

Established in April 1988, the company, which manufactures Halo System 10 and Rustique profile systems, believe that the key to a successful business is keeping customers satisfied. Its unique customer offer including welcome packs, cleaning kits and maintenance guides, sets it apart from the competition, meaning that a huge 98% of its business comes from recommendations. Michael Hagan, Director of Aztec Windows said, “Reputation is key. Which is why we work with VEKA plc. Not only is Halo a trusted brand, but VEKA supply high quality products that are designed to last. Teamed with comprehensive support and an unrivalled service, we know that we are in safe hands.” Michael continued, “This sense of security is something that we also offer to our own customers. Our 46-page guide leaves our customers fully informed on how to operate

CLADDING IS KING Colin St John, Freefoam Commercial Director, says cladding is the one to watch this Spring. It sounds crazy that as we clear the snow from our paths and driveways our customer’s thoughts will swing towards all the little maintenance jobs that need doing to the outside of their houses and gardens. For some, the focus will be on larger Home Improvement Projects.

AZTEC WINDOWS CELEBRATES 35 YEARS IN BUSINESS Aztec Windows, who supply a range of PVCu windows and doors across the West Midlands, is celebrating 35 years in business.

Fortex Weatherboard cladding, Misty Grey

and maintain their new windows and doors. We also listen to homeowners from the outset and design our product lines around them.” With custom foiling offered as standard, Aztec Windows is also able to achieve beautifully unique results for those homeowners seeking something a little different. Neil Evans, Managing Director, VEKA plc commented, “It has been a pleasure working alongside Aztec Windows for so many years. Michael and his team continue to raise the bar for quality and service, and I look forward to working with them for many years to come.” www.veka.co.uk

According to recent research by Rated People, Cladding is King when it comes to Home Improvement. That trend had already been in play for a couple of years and was certainly accelerated by the impact of Covid lock downs and the shift to working from home creating the race for space through extensions, garden rooms and Home offices. The report analyses 1.1 million actual home improvement jobs posted on the Rated People website last year compared to 2021. It also includes the results of a nationally representative survey of 2,003 homeowners and a separate survey of 315 UK based tradespeople. By any measure, that’s as authoritative as it gets. Among the Top 20, Door replacement came in at No 13 with strong +29% growth over the previous year. Electric car charging point installation was 6th with even stronger +169% growth, while way out in front at No 1, Cladding grew by a stonking +743%. This was certainly confirmed by our own experience as demand for our cladding ranges has soared in the last two years.

CLADDING IS THE ONE TO WATCH As we move into 2023 research suggests that the demand for smaller repairs and maintenance work may get kicked into the long grass this year. The appetite for transformational Home Improvement products will continue.

SO WHAT IS BEHIND THIS ONGOING TREND? Essentially, the report finds that as the pandemic effect comes to an end and the housing market calms down, many homeowners’ priorities have shifted from maximising space to optimising budgets to mitigate the effects of the cost of living crisis. However, it is reported that 1 in 6 homeowners intend to improve their existing home, and 1 in 7 homeowners, who missed out on buying their ‘ideal’ home last year, are looking at purchasing a property with a renovation project instead. So whether they are improving not moving, or creating their ideal home instead of buying, it will result in more opportunities for manufacturers and more work for tradespeople in the home improvement market. And Freefoam believes that Cladding is the ideal transformation product. Colin St John Freefoam Commercial Director explained “We’ve always had a traditional shiplap cladding board as part of our core fascia and gutter range in the UK. Looking at trends in Europe we could see that a retrofit cladding product was the next big thing and over the years have successfully developed a range of Claddings for the continental European markets. “And with the growing trend in the UK towards replacing old, cracked render, or tired hanging-tiles PVC cladding has become the ultimate visual make over, offering a quick fix transformative solution. Benefiting from long life, low maintenance credentials, PVC cladding is a cost efficient choice, allowing homeowners to maximise the investment potential and add value to a property. Freefoam has developed and manufactures an extensive range of attractive cladding products, maintaining our tradition of providing homeowners with choice, and giving our installers and stockists the opportunity to win business.” www.freefoam.com

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

The Decalu88 Flush Casement. The future of aluminium in the making. U-VALUE OF 1.2W/M2K – MEETS PART L NEWBUILD REQUIREMENTS DOUBLE-GLAZED! U-VALUES OF AS LOW AS 0.8W/M2K TRIPLE GLAZED – FUTURE HOMES READY

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*Assumes a centre pane u-value of 1.0w/m2k. Achieves 1.4w/m2k with a centre pane u-value of 1.2w/m2k.

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

OPEN UP BUILDING SUPERSTORE’S NEW WINDOW RANGE

DGCOS MEMBERS CAN REGISTER WITH FENSA The Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS) insurance broker is back on the approved insurance providers list for FENSA, which brings with it a host of benefits for installers.

Following a recent rebrand, the UK’s largest online-only builders’ merchant CMO Trade has now become Building Superstore. With a new name and a new look, Building Superstore has also extended its product offering to include a selection of stylish, energy-efficient A rated uPVC windows. Building Superstore provides busy trade professionals with access to over 100,000 different building materials and supplies, with the newly launched uPVC windows complementing its established timber window range and its extensive collection of internal, external, and fire-rated doors. Partnering with leading manufacturer Crystal, the new uPVC window range includes a variety of opening styles, unit sizes, glazing types and frame finishes. A wide selection of hardware and accessories is also available. Building Superstore offers short lead times and reliable nationwide delivery, making it easier than ever to order large or multiple products without having to worry about transportation to site. By opening a trade account with Building Superstore, builders and professional contractors can also enjoy access to the full suite of products from across CMO’s eight specialist superstores, including roofing materials, insulation, first and second fix plumbing supplies, drainage and landscaping solutions, tiles and flooring.

Account holders can also take advantage of ordering on the go via the dedicated Building Superstore app, which also offers additional benefits such as special offers and exclusive discounts on larger orders. Just like when ordering online, users of the app will be supported by the merchant’s awardwinning customer service, with advisors on hand by phone or live chat to assist with orders from start to finish, including producing invoices for trade users to send to their own customers. A Building Superstore Trade Account can either be cash or credit and as all the merchant’s products come directly from the supplier, the best and most competitive prices can aways be guaranteed. The real value however comes from Building Superstore’s commitment to offering the best service possible, with each customer allocated their own account manager who will oversee their orders from start to finish. To find out more about Building Superstore and the benefits of a trade account, please visitwww.buildingsuperstore.co.uk.

ALUK GOES VIRTUAL AluK has just launched a virtual tour of its impressive Chepstow showroom – giving trade and retail customers the opportunity to see the complete AluK product range on screen. The tour is available to view via the trade and retail websites at: https://uk.aluk.com/ en-gb/aluk-virtual-tour-nbsp. Online visitors navigate around the showroom just by following the on-screen arrows and then click wherever they see an information symbol to access full details of individual products, and a demo from one of the AluK team. Antoniya Stoycheva, AluK’s Digital Marketing and Communications Manager said the tour is set to become a key part of AluK’s support package for customers: “We get great feedback from anyone who visits our showrooms here in Chepstow and at our Design Studio in London in real life, so I know this will be a really popular addition to the website. “We’ve replicated the visitor experience as closely as possible, and even included extra options such as downloadable datasheets on all the products featured.”

The virtual tour includes iconic AluK products such as the BSF70 bifold, the F82 bifold and the Infinium slider. There are also close ups of all the options in the popular 58BW window and 58BD door systems, as well as the 77IW and C70S window systems. Trade customers can screen the tour in their own showrooms or as part of remote or in-home sales presentations just by adding a link to the AluK website. They can also of course still arrange in person visits to either of the AluK showrooms for themselves or for installers, developers or homeowners. More info is available from AluK via: info.uk@aluk.com or: 01291 639739.

Faisal Hussain, Chief Executive of DGCOS comments: “The insurance broker for DGCOS, UWC, who brokers our Insurance Back Guarantee (IBG) offering to our members to support their customers should they cease trading, has been reappointed as an approved provider by FENSA. This in turn means that DGCOS members can now nominate FENSA as their Competent Person’s Scheme through us, to support compliance with building regulations for the work they carry out. Each time a job is registered and completed with DGCOS, an IBG is issued and now we can notify FENSA on the member’s behalf so there is no need for duplication, saving administration time and around £1.80 per registration.

“The aim of both organisations is to ensure quality in windows and doors. FENSA is a government-authorised scheme that monitors building regulation compliance for replacement windows and doors. DGCOS supports a network of installers, working in the retail sector, who have been accredited by our strict accreditation process for the product (or products) they sell. The collaboration is a positive for both organisations.” Tom Butler, Head of Sales & Marketing at the GGF comments: “As the largest community in the glazing industry, it’s important that FENSA Approved Installers have a wide range of IBG providers available to them. We look forward to working with them”. Faisal concludes: “DGCOS offers more than just IBGs and the now streamlined benefits of registering work under a CPS on your behalf. We support installers at every stage of the journey, from set up and business management assistance, to alternative dispute resolution and ombudsman services, as well as a range of other insurances that protect both our members and their consumer customers. DGCOS is about all round business support, supporting the work that FENSA does in the industry and this collaboration provides a huge bonus for installer business to tie the two services together.” Find out more about DGCOS installer benefits here: https://installers.dgcos.org.uk/

MOVING ON UP There’s more investment happening at the Business Micros Group, as group companies The Consultancy and Glazing Vault move into bigger, self-contained premises near Stockton-on-Tees. They have relocated from a shared office space in Hartlepool to a modern, 2000 sq ft facility in Billingham, where there is plenty of room to expand and keep pace with the surge in demand for their web development, online ordering and configurator solutions. One of the key drivers behind the move through is the roll out of the Business Micros end-to-end TOUCH software platform. The teams at The Consultancy and Glazing Vault have been responsible for all the front-end programming work on both the TOUCH Portal and TOUCH Vendor online quoting and ordering systems and are now working on installing the software at fabricators across the UK. TOUCH Portal is already in place at CompDoor and Universal, and there is an impressive list of big-name fabricators whose systems will be going live over the next few months. Paul Callaghan, Managing Director of The Consultancy, commented: “TOUCH

Portal will be the biggest thing to happen in the software market in 2023 so, with the backing of the Business Micros Group, we’ve made the investments we need to be able to increase staff numbers, upgrade our IT infrastructure and provide more space for customer demos and meetings. “The new premises show just how far we’ve come since we became part of the Business Micros Group in 2020 and how ambitious we are to grow even further.” Fabricators and installers can meet the teams from all the Business Micros Group companies at the FIT Show in May on Stand T32. More info at: https://www.theconsultancy.co.uk/ and https://store.bm-touch.co.uk/

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

CARL F GROUPCO TO SPONSOR THE GLAZING SUMMIT FOR THE THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR Independent hardware distributor Carl F Groupco has announced it is to sponsor the Glazing Summit for the third consecutive year. John Crittenden, Managing Director of Carl F Groupco, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the Glazing Summit again this year. The event attracts an extremely high calibre of people from across the industry because it’s a great opportunity to discuss the issues that matter in a safe space.” This year’s Glazing Summit will be held on 12 October at the Edgbaston Stadium and Conference Centre, Birmingham. It will be the industry’s biggest ever conference and will attract over 400 leaders from across the glass and glazing industry with combined UK sales of over £2 billion. John commented: “From tackling the supply-chain crisis and labour shortages to threats from upcoming regulatory changes, the industry is facing unprecedented challenge post-Brexit and post-pandemic. The safe space of the Glazing Summit is the perfect opportunity to map out the future of the industry.”

expert speakers. It ends with a Gala Dinner, which provides the perfect finish to a day of discussion and debate. John said: “We’ve attended the Glazing Summit every year since 2018 so we know first-hand know how valuable the sessions are. I have no hesitation in saying it will be the same again this year.” Carl F Groupco is one of the industry’s longest-established names. It supplies an extensive range of premium quality window and door hardware and has long-standing relationships with Europe’s most innovative manufacturers. The company is renowned for its proactive approach and for taking the lead on the topics that matter. For example, it was instrumental in raising awareness of the requirements of the new Part F of Building Regulations last year and it supported a more honest and transparent debate around post-pandemic supply chain challenges. As such, it’s a valuable sponsor of the Glazing Summit. Tel: 01733 393 330 - www.carlfgroupco.co.uk www.smartsecure.co.uk - www.carlfdirect.co.uk

Andrew Scott, founder of the Glazing Summit, said: “The Glazing Summit aims to inform, inspire and raise standards across the fenestration industry, and it is great to have a world-class company such as Carl F Groupco share these values and support this year’s Conference.”

FENTRADE ALUMINIUM ADDS NEW INTERNAL SCREENING SYSTEM TO ITS RANGE Fentrade Aluminium has added the ID30 Internal Door and Screening System to its growing aluminium product range. Chris Reeks, Director at Fentrade, said: “The ID30 Internal Door and fixed glazing system is the ideal product for creating bespoke glazed interior partitions, dividers or walls of glass. It’s the perfect solution for installers, builders and specifiers looking to make the most of high-end aluminium products and tap into the trend for open-plan room aesthetics.” Suitable for residential and commercial projects, the ID30 Internal Door and Screening System has been developed to create light internal environments. ID30 can be used to divide or delineate both residential and commercial spaces with a range of inset door options for easy access. Door options included hinged, pivot, sliding and bifolding door configurations. Chris said: ”The system has been intelligently designed and its slim sightlines are perfect for creating light-filled spaces with a choice of heritage or contemporary aesthetics.” Like all Fentrade’s aluminium products, the screening system will be manufactured at the company’s Newport headquarters. High quality manufacture ensures exceptional product quality and Fentrade’s servicecentric focus allows its customers to make

The day will consider seven major industry topics and attendees will hear from 24

the most of the market opportunities. The new ID30 Internal Door and Screening System will take centre stage on Fentrade’s stand S33 at the FIT Show which runs from 23rd-25th May, 2023. Chris said: “FIT Show 2023 was the perfect platform for us to introduce the product to existing and potential new customers. Our experienced team will be available throughout the show’s three days to discuss the product in more detail and demonstrate the depth and breadth of our overall offer.” The addition of the ID30 Internal Door Screening System to Fentrade’s aluminium range is the latest in a series of new product introductions for the award-winning fabricator. Chris said: “Our company ethos has always been to offer the products that today’s installers and commercial contractors need which is why we continually evaluate and, where necessary, expand our range.” Chris continued: “If you’re planning a visit to the FIT show, please come and see us on stand S33 and discover how Fentrade can add value to your business.” Tel: 01633 547787 fentradealuminium.co.uk

DGCOS CONTINUES TO CAMPAIGN FOR BETTER MENTAL HEALTH BY SUPPORTING 3 CHARITIES The Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS) launched a campaign last year to promote better mental health in the window and door industry, starting with a donation to MIND following a Blue Monday campaign and the industry’s first mental health survey. A year on, campaigning continues with the announcement that the organisation intends to work with different wellbeing charities this year: Band of Builders, the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, (Lighthouse Club) and Mates in Mind. Faisal Hussain, Chief Executive of DGCOS comments: “DGCOS is never afraid to address issues that others may prefer to sweep under the carpet, and unfortunately, this time last year, mental health was one such topic. Over the past 12 months, we’ve dug deeper into the issue with the Glass and Glazing Mental Health Survey and delivered proactive solutions such as the Self Care toolkit, which is designed to support installers to adopt a self care

routine that can reduce or eliminate anxiety and depression, reduce stress, increase happiness, and more. “As part of our journey, we engaged with charities that are trying to make a difference in the wider construction industry and started a conversation with Band of Builders, the Lighthouse Club and Mates in Mind to see how we can deliver support

services that are tailored to our industry. “Each charity offers different support. For example, Band of Builders runs the Big Brew, which we are hoping to roll out to trade counters and fabricators; the Lighthouse Club offers a huge variety of emotional, financial and physical wellbeing issues to the construction community, including a free and confidential 24/7

helpline, text support service (text HARDHAT to 85258 to access) and Self Support App. Mates in Mind raises awareness, understanding and supports organisations take a proactive approach through learning and education, which we’re hoping to develop into bespoke learning on the pressures of working in fenestration. DGCOS is now a Lighthouse Club Company Supporter and has already made a further donation of £250 to each charity, following our second Blue Monday campaign in January. “It is fantastic to see that today, mental health and wellbeing are not so taboo and are on the agenda for many industry events. But more needs to be done and by partnering with these three charities, DGCOS will be delivering a range of tools to help businesses, employers and individuals to combat any mental health issues they may be facing.” Find out more about DGCOS: https://installers.dgcos.org.uk/

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

WARWICK NORTH WEST MARKS 25TH ANNIVERSARY ASTON Leading trade supplier Warwick North West is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, marking an important achievement for the Merseyside company. But it’s not just a quarter of a century that’s being celebrated – following 25 years of expertly manufacturing uPVC windows and doors, the company has made a milestone decision to manufacture aluminium products too, offering a wider choice to its installer customers. Director Greg Johnson comments: “‘Warwick North West’ is a brand name for our company Warwick Development North West Ltd., which opened its doors back in 1998. In early 2000, we moved to a larger premises, and in 2002 we made a great decision to start manufacturing Eurocell uPVC products. We are a very proud Eurocell manufacturer, and to this day, we have a great relationship with them, and their company motto ‘All together better’ is 100% true.

important to choose the correct partnerships and systems company for our offering. “We had dipped our toe into aluminium in 2018 by manufacturing bi-folds, but we have now recently invested in a new factory unit, a separate production line, additional staff, as well as new state-of-the-art machinery in order to successfully deliver a new aluminium offering from both Garnalex and Cortizo.

ARCHITECTURAL ALUMINIUM CELEBRATES 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

“The great innovation from these product ranges, the investment and proven success of the people have all been driving forces behind our decision, and with fabricator and installer friendly designs, they are a perfect fit for us.”

Award-winning family-run fabricator, Aston Architectural Aluminium, is marking its tenth anniversary this year, celebrating a key milestone for the company.

important to us. With this in mind, over the last ten years we have focused on investing in both stock and staff training, to make our processes as efficient as possible.

Warwick North West now proudly manufactures Garnalex’s Sheerline casement window and roof lantern, as well as high-quality bi-folds and sliding patio doors from Cortizo.

Set up by Managing Director Jaykishan Gorasia in 2013, Aston Architectural moved to its purpose-built 10,000 sq ft headquarters and factory in Watford in September that same year, and has made significant developments to its service and product offerings since.

“Many of our staff have been with us from the start of our journey. We support our fabricators in completing their lean manufacturing diplomas, and because of this we are able to maintain a small, close-knit workforce, which we promote from within.”

The company also has its own IGU manufacturing unit, delivering fully manufactured glass units alongside both aluminium and uPVC frames, saving installers time and hassle. Greg continues: “To mark 25 years in the industry is a huge achievement, and what better way to celebrate than by branching out and expanding what we can offer our valued customers. “I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all our customers over the past 25 years, our fantastic staff, some of whom have been with us from day one, and our supplier network who continually help us to strive for a very high standard. Here’s to the next 25 years of success!” For more information, call 0151 933 3030 or visit www.warwicknorthwest.co.uk.

“Supplier relationships have been key to the business’ success over the years, which is why when we chose to branch out into aluminium, it was

In 2019, the company invested heavily in machinery, meaning output was doubled and orders could be facilitated much quicker. Aston puts its own unique stamp on windows and doors manufactured using the Smarts, Schüco and JSP Aluminium systems, with additional features which make them stand out from the competition. With a standard turnaround time of one week and a rush order time of 24 hours, Aston Architectural works to ensure its customers lead times are always met, no matter how tight. To assist with this, the company has invested in stock, maintaining six months’ minimum to avoid delays caused by supply shortages, and has implemented a ‘traffic light’ system in its factory to consistently monitor stock levels. Jaykishan Gorasia, Managing Director for Aston Architectural Aluminium, commented: “It is a huge achievement for us to be celebrating our tenth anniversary surrounded by loyal customers and staff. At Aston, clients’ lead times are hugely

Recent developments at Aston Architectural have focused on improving installers’ experiences. These have included the production of short video clips to clearly demonstrate how to install each of Aston’s products, streamlining the installation process, and the development of its own automated order process for installers, ensuring that order deadlines aren’t missed and shortening lead times. Jaykishan said: “We are always looking for ways to make our customers’ lives easier, both during and after their purchasing experience with us, which is why we have grown such a loyal customer base over the last decade. “Following a successful ten years of trading, this is something we hope to expand and build on going forward. We are excited to continue bringing top quality products and customer service to installers, fabricators and builders nationwide.” To find out more information on Aston Architectural Aluminium and its products, visit: https://www.astonaa.co.uk/

GLAZING SUMMIT RETURNS FOR FIFTH EVENT Thursday October 12 sees the return of the Glazing Summit, the annual conference for glazing professionals across the whole supply chain. Featuring a mix of industry debates on the most important issues in fenestration, expert opinion, insights and trends, world class keynote speakers, business networking and exhibitor stands, the Glazing Summit has become a must attend event. Last year the event smashed its attendance record with almost 500 delegates in attendance and Glazing Summit founder and CEO of organisers Purplex Marketing and Insight Data Andrew Scott said: “To be celebrating five years really is fantastic. We started the Glazing Summit to provide a space for the whole industry to get together to debate and discuss the challenges and help shape its future, and the growing numbers every year show the desire for the industry to come together to share ideas and best practice. “We are focussing on making this year’s event memorable once again and I’m really looking forward to another equally important Glazing Summit in October.”

Headline sponsored by industry giants Yale, it brings together hundreds of CEOs, business leaders and key decision makers from leading companies in the sector to share experience, connect with other industry leaders and gain new ideas. Delegates leave better informed, inspired, connected and ready to take advantage of the opportunities ahead, with the evening featuring the optional Glazing Summit gala dinner. Preparations are underway, with organisers keen to here from individuals on the issues they think should feature on the agenda and those who would like to join one of the informative panel discussions to share their knowledge and experiences on those key industry issues. As well as Yale, other big name sponsors already on board include GQA Qualifications, Techincal sponsor, Eurocell, Linar, Shelforce, Reynaers, MACO Edgetech and Glazpart.

For sponsorship opportunities, tickets and speaker opportunities visit www.glazingsummit.co.uk, call 01934 808293 or email hello@glazingsummit.co.uk. You can also email your topics and suggestions for the agenda to hello@glazingsummit.co.uk.

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

AN ENERGY EFFICIENT IDEAL HOME When Toby Clamp and his partner Maria were looking for their ideal new build home, the property’s energy performance was an important consideration. They wanted year-round comfort and warmth without excessive heating and cooling costs and felt a home with a reduced carbon footprint would best suit their lifestyle choices. Having narrowed the search down to two potential purchases, it was the Liniar windows featured on one that sealed the deal and led to the couple making an offer. Toby explains, “One house had almost everything we wanted, but was fitted with standard casement windows. The other had Liniar’s EnergyPlus window system, which the developer assured us made a significant contribution to improving the energy efficiency rating of the property. “This was confirmed by the Energy performance certificate (EPC) which gives the property a B rating with the windows and high-performance glazing achieving the highest possible rating of ‘very good (most efficient).’ The house also has

potential to achieve an A rating by upgrading to solar water heating and photovoltaic panels.” The windows were installed by fabricator-installer Rooms & Views (R&V), one of the UK’s largest installers of windows and doors into new build properties, and a Liniar Approved fabricator. The latter accreditation means they use 100% Liniar components and adhere to Liniar’s stringent fabrication guidelines, which ensures their windows and doors are manufactured to an exacting standard and perform precisely as they were designed to. Commenting on the Liniar system, R&V’s Installations Director Carl Cheney says, “We take advantage of innovation at every opportunity and Liniar has a highly developed, thermally efficient PVCu profile. Construction is a very regulation-driven industry and Liniar provides options that make compliance easier for its customers.” He continues, “Liniar also takes time to ensure a comprehensive ancillary range is available to fully complement its window profiles, such as frame extensions, head vents and glazing packers, all of which are just as well designed as their primary products.” With the offer accepted the couple moved into their new four-bedroomed Derbyshire home in October 2022 and

“We’re extremely happy here and more than satisfied we made the right decision when choosing our ideal new build home. If you want to come back in the summer and see how we’re coping with the seasonal weather you’re more than welcome.” were immediately impressed by the ease of maintaining a cosy ambient temperature. Maria describes how, “October was a mild month, but the temperature dropped considerably towards the end of November. However, we are finding the house really easy to heat, as it gets warm quickly and retains heat very well. Also, we could see that condensation was forming on the outside of the windows, but we’ve learned this shows the windows are doing their job properly and is a good sign.

throughout the day and given that extreme heat is becoming more common in the summer we asked the developer if this was likely to mean the house will get uncomfortably hot. “However, he explained the insulation delivered by the Liniar EnergyPlus windows and doors not only retains heat when its cold, but also helps keep out excessive heat during hot weather, so we’re confident we won’t be hit with needlessly expensive energy bills in either winter or summer.”

With the couple settled into their new home, Toby concludes by saying, “We’re extremely happy here and more than satisfied we made the right decision when choosing our ideal new build home. If you want to come back in the summer and see how we’re coping with the seasonal weather you’re more than welcome.” Liniar has earned a reputation for designing the most energy efficient, stylish, and secure PVCu window and door systems on the market. In addition, the company prides itself on developing sustainable products and manufacturing methods and is on a journey towards Net Zero as well as helping others on theirs. To find out more about the full range visit https://www.liniar.co.uk/

“The living room and master bedroom each have bay windows, which open up the rooms and make them feel very spacious with plenty of natural light flooding into the house on sunny days as well.” Toby adds, “The back of the property features French doors which give us seamless access to the garden and we’re really looking forward to the coming warmer weather. “The back of the house is south facing and gets a lot of direct sun

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

A SYSTEMS COMPANY FIRST

– HELPING FABRICATORS & INSTALLERS WIN NEW BUSINESS Family and independently owned PVCu systems company, Selecta Systems, have always focused on providing fabricators and installers with a fully comprehensive and bespoke service and support package. Marketing Manager Mark Walker provides us with the details of their latest innovative support package, designed to help fabricators and installers win new business, in what he describes as a systems company first!

TWO NEW WEBSITES Firstly, we are launching two brand new websites, one for the trade and one for the homeowner. Our current all-encompassing website generates approximately 20-25 homeowner enquiries per week, with the content striving to reflect the requirements of all types of visitors. An internal review of the website left us with the ideology that we had tried to suit all visitors requirements, but ended up confusing some visitors. Therefore, we felt that separating the websites would enable ourselves to manage, control and promote specifics better with each target audience. Another reason for separating the websites was to enable ourselves to promote the ADVANCE 70 brand direct to the homeowner. We feel that this is an important factor in providing the consumer with the information that they require to ensue confidence in the product, with the aim of supporting our fabricator base by directing enquiries to them. Sitting upon the homeowners website will be two fabulous new features. The first being a ‘Find a Fabricator / Installer’ feature, where all of our approved fabricators and

installers will be available within a simplistic search engine. A homeowner can search a specific area, define how far away they want to search and also select which Selecta product or range of products that they are looking to enquire about or purchase. A list of their local fabricators and installers will show up alongside a Google map, where all of their contact details, direct link to their website and also email address is available. This enables a homeowner to contact a local fabricator / installer at their own convenience.

DESIGN YOUR OWN WINDOWS AND DOORS To go one further, a homeowner also has the option to design their own windows and doors with our fantastic Window and Door Designer! The designer has all of the Selecta range of products, from casement, flush sash and tilt and turn windows through to residential, French, patio and EASi-FOLD doors. We’ve also added in a range of composite doors, so that the homeowner has a good range of products, styles and configurations to choose from and improve their home. We have kept the design and enquiry process simple. The homeowner can select a number of window and door configurations and styles, the internal and external colour, hardware colour and other glazing options like Georgian bar or leaded glass. The real beauty of this is that they can also take

a photo of their property and drop the windows and doors on to their home to visualise how they would look! They can then submit their design as an enquiry for quoting. The whole point of this homeowner engagement is to generate sales leads for our customers. We have a brand new interface for our customer only portal, Connect, of which all enquiries will come directly in to our dealer network section. Once they land in our admin area of the portal, it will show us the nearest fabricator / installer to the enquiry. We can then send this enquiry direct to the fabricator / installer, through the portal, of which it will land directly in to the customers own section of Connect for follow up. The enquiry will have all the relevant product imagery, customer information and details, which are presented in a professional document that can be downloaded as a PDF. The fabricator / installer can then utilise the enquiry to contact the homeowner and carry out a survey.

A REAL GAMECHANGER AND SYSTEMS COMPANY FIRST As a fabricator or installer, we can also offer a branded version of the window and door designer for the customer to have embedded upon their own website! Fabricators and installers are then able to generate their own sales leads directly and have them land within their own admin

area of their version of the Connect portal. They can have their own logo and contact details contained within the package and also emblazoned on all the relevant paperwork. What’s also being added, is the ability to add prices and provide professional quotes for the homeowners. It really is a fantastic bit of marketing kit! We see this as a game changer for fabricators and installers, where in time it will be able to be used for both trade and retail. It’s the first of its kind to be launched by a systems company. It’s something you may have expected from a super fabricator, but it’s not been done previously by a systems company and that’s why we’re excited about this whole project. It takes our marketing support package to a completely new level and that’s always been our aim. This package certainly sets us apart from our competitors and delivers a marketing support package that will help our customers win new business. To compliment this, we can also offer a brand new themed and branded website to sit along the window and door designer. This takes away the headache of a website build, whilst also incorporating the ability to have the window and door designer embedded in to the site. This provides our customers with a professional website and excellent sales lead generation and presentation tool, whether its for trade or retail. The whole project has been in progress for almost two years, alongside our upgrade to Connect, our customer portal. Connect will have a brand new resource centre full of marketing and technical information and downloads. A fantastic Web2Print branded and bespoke brochure and marketing material creator and designer will also be featured within Connect. Being ‘part of the family’ is as exciting as ever and we can’t wait to unleash our brand new marketing support package at FIT Show 2023, on Stand M31 from 23-25 May.

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

COLOUR

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

KOLORSEAL SUPPORTING ARCHITECTS WITH BOLDER DESIGN OPTIONS

NEW BROCHURE FROM VISTA HIGHLIGHTS IMPRESSIVE COLOUR RANGE

Colour is a very potent tool for architects looking to enhance streamlined design. It is a popular method used to embellish new building design and when it comes to modern properties, colour provides a strong statement in properties that have been created as high end buildings. Architects and designers have always favoured subtle tones such as greys, pale greens and blues as well as the popular black and white when it comes to building design. Currently however, they have realised that a brighter, bolder colour can really help to make a building stand out in such a positive way - in particular when it comes to creating a feel-good factor about a city. Touches of colour in bolder blues and reds can now be seen in city renovation projects across the UK, which are adding to the attractiveness to cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool and Glasgow. Enhancing building or home design does not have to stop at the exterior, as architects are keen to explore balancing colour on the inside too….colour is an excellent way to enhance glass walls as beautiful detail on a project. Also, inspired by nature, the Kolorseal team has noticed how commercial and PSB projects are being influenced by the natural world. Universal associations with colours such as sky blue and heather purple and the yellow of the sun are all becoming increasingly popular on colour coating projects.

As nature blends so easily with green and blue hues, it is evident that some architectural companies are making their designs stand out creating a natural, soothing appearance for those viewing them. According to Deborah Hendry, Managing Director at Kolorseal, earth-driven elements in buildings, both externally and internally, by association have very positive psychological effects for occupants and visitors,. She comments, “Adding a touch of colour such as blue, sage green, dark green or even pink will all help to create a ‘mood’ for those visiting any building or property. They enhance the overall feel. Blue and pale green are colours which make people noticeably calm when exposed to them. People’s emotions can be affected by colours used and this can enhance a building’s use. For example, a gym is a dynamic colour that emboldens people who visit, which naturally explains its use and purpose to planners.” For architects, finding the right colour balance is essential and they are exploring new avenues with pastels such as pink and lilac to make dramatic statements in their design concepts. Deborah considers that experienced architects understand the power that colour specifications and the psychology of them have on building occupants. She concludes, “As an award winning company, with many years experience, Kolorseal is well versed in colourful ergonomics that are helping architects to make the right statements. We fully understand the perception of colours and how an architect will want to employ the choice of shade they opt for in their designs. We know that science and aesthetics will help to improve building design. With virtually any colour available, from RAL charts to Farrow & Ball and beyond, we aim to support architects and specifiers as they look to create visually stimulating concepts that will stand out in the best way.”

Leading composite door manufacturer Vista Panels has updated its XtremeDoor brochure with an extended range of colour options. Vista’s head social media co-ordinator Lauren Barnes comments: “An entrance door is integral in the first impression people make of a property, and so homeowners of course want theirs to make a statement. Over the years, colour has become one of the most important elements when choosing a new front door, and so it’s always been important to us to be able to provide a wide range of colour options to our customers. “Today’s consumers are more tuned into market trends, so we have looked at various sources to gauge what is not only popular in the market today, but what is potentially coming next.

improvement market as people look to sustainable living and eco-friendly products. With this in mind, we have introduced an earthy Reed Green RAL 6013 which sits in between the Chartwell Green and the standard Dark Green. This shade would look good next to woodgrain windows as an option. “It’s not only neutral colours though – bolder colours have also made their way into the door market in a small yet eyecatching way on social media, so we decided to add Light Pink RAL3015 along with a Yellow RAL1003 to the range as well. We have seen these going through the factory on both traditional cottage style doors and the contemporary range. “Including these trending colours in the new brochure along with RAL numbers helps the retail side come to a decision faster without the need for endlessly trawling through colour charts, and with an offering of 23 colours

on the doors and frames, we feel there is plenty there for the consumer to choose from.” Vista’s XtremeDoor is one of the most high-spec composite doors on the market, providing installers with an incredibly versatile product that combines first-class thermal efficiency and security performance with a wealth of premium designs, colours and hardware. Lauren concludes: “At Vista, we have a commitment to helping our customers stay ahead in what can often be a very difficult and competitive market. Whether it’s a bold and contemporary design, a modern look, or a classic cottage style, our new brochure gives end users the widest possible choice when it comes to their new doors, and is the ultimate tool for our customers to increase sales and win more business.” www.vistapanels.co.uk

“We’re all aware of the popularity of grey with Anthracite RAL7016 and Slate RAL7015, and nothing is looking like it will topple those shades any time soon, but we have introduced Agate RAL7038 and Pebble RAL7032 alongside our other grey, Moon Dust. We looked at the newbuild market here to see what they were doing on their new sites, as the retail sector follows suit as home owners take inspiration from their builds.” “Green is also predicted to be a fast-growing trend within the home

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

BMBI

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

BUILDERS MERCHANT BUILDING INDEX

JANUARY MERCHANT SALES MARGINALLY UP BUT VOLUMES STILL DOWN YEAR-ON-YEAR The latest figures from the Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI), published in March, reveal that builders’ merchants’ value sales were up +0.2% in January 2023 compared to the same month in 2022. This nominal growth came from inflation as volume sales were down -16.5% while prices rose +19.9%. With an extra trading day this January, like-for-like sales were -4.6% lower. Nine of the twelve categories sold more in January compared to the previous year. Renewables & Water Saving (+46.0%) continued to perform strongly, while Decorating (+20.5%), Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (+17.5%), Workwear & Safetywear (+14.4%) and Kitchens & Bathrooms (+12.4%) also did better than overall sales. Timber & Joinery Products (-14.6%), Landscaping (-11.8%) and Services (-0.5%) sold less.

LAST THREE MONTHS

was no difference in trading days. Nine of the twelve categories sold more with Renewables & Water Saving (+42.1%), Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (+17.9%) and Decorating (+16.2%) leading the field. Timber & Joinery Products (-13.8%) was weakest.

MONTH-ON-MONTH Month-on-month, total merchant sales were +31.1% higher in January 2023 than seasonal low month, December 2022.

Volume sales also increased (+28.6%) with price slightly up (+1.9%), but with five more trading days in January, like-for-like sales were flat (-0.1%). Renewables & Water Saving (+49.6%) grew the most, followed by Ironmongery (+38.0%). Services (+10.2%) was the weakest performing category.

ROLLING 12-MONTHS Total merchant sales in the twelve months from February 2022 to January 2023 were

+5.3% up on the same period a year before. Price inflation was a double digit +16.5% while volumes were down -9.6%. With two less trading days in the most recent period, like-for-like sales were +6.2% higher. Ten of the twelve categories sold more with Renewables & Water Saving (+32.5%) and Kitchens & Bathrooms (+17.7%) the standout categories. Landscaping (-2.5%) and Timber & Joinery Products (-5.0%) were the only categories which sold less. For the full report, including comments from the BMBI’s panel of leading industry Experts, please visit www.bmbi.co.uk.

Total sales in the three months November 2022 to January 2023 were +0.2% up on the same period last year, with price inflation of +18.8%, and volumes down -15.7%. There

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www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2023

SOFTWARE & IT

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

CHANGING MARKET CREATES DEMAND SURGE FOR FRAMEPOINT® Another 40 installation companies switched to using Tommy Trinder’s Framepoint® app for their quoting in the first eight weeks of the year making it one of the most buoyant periods in the firms’ three-year history. Tom Barfield, Business Development Manager for Tommy Trinder, says a changing market is behind the recent demand surge: “If you only just started in the window game in the last three years you don’t really know what it’s like to have to have to sell anything. But the times of throwing a quote out there and it boomeranging back as an order are over. Consumers were placing orders with ‘anyone who could deliver’. Now everyone can deliver, and customers are fewer. Installers are now looking for that competitive edge again.” Tommy Trinder’s patented Framepoint® Technology allows users to free draw PVCu, aluminium and timber windows and doors with your finger or mouse, just like sketching on a pad. Ironmongery, colour, and bar options can be visualised and priced in real time. And in a tap installers

can show clients how their new windows and doors will look in situ. But, according to Tom, it's often one of Framepoint’s more simple features that drives demand: “Many installers that I speak to say that they simply want to improve the way their quotes are presented. Being able to easily generate clearly laid out, jargon-free quotes that feature photo-realistic inside and outside views of each product helps wow customers and win orders. And winning orders is what’s top of mind for installers just now.” It’s not just new business that is fuelling growth for Tommy Trinder. As the market cools, the firm reports that existing subscribers are quoting more and more of their work through the platform. A record 19,000 quotes were prepared by installers via Framepoint® in January alone, 40% up on January 2022. Says Tom: “Installers are looking to shore up conversion rates and keep growth on track by bringing in tools that give them a competitive edge. As the market tightens, we’re expecting to see demand for Framepoint® continue to strengthen.” Installers interested in finding out more about Framepoint® can can book a free demo with Tom Barfield at www.tommytrinder.com.

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

AdminBase® TaskBoard

Go from this...

...to this

01283 551005 | sales@adminbase.co.uk | www.adminbase.co.uk

SOFTWARE & IT

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

TRANSFORM THE WAY YOU DO BUSINESS WITH PST

MAKE QUOTING EASY WITH PST It’s well known that quoting and pricing can often be complex and time consuming, and within the home improvement industry, it can typically take a few days for installers to deliver a fully informed quote to their homeowner customers. In today’s competitive and fast-paced market, this can often lead to customers becoming frustrated and moving to the next supplier. But with vsHome, a 3D modelling software solution from Production Software Technology (PST), installers can generate quotes in minutes, whilst offering a truly unique sales experience to their customers, ensuring increased lead generation and business growth.

Installers then have the option to add pricing and calculate the cost of each job, incorporating finance tools, discounts, markups and custom payment schedules, while also benefitting from the integrated reporting suite which can export branded sales and survey reports at the touch of a button. PST’s Managing Director Neil Travers comments: “As the industry becomes increasingly competitive, waiting for quotes can often frustrate homeowners and result in installers losing the job.

vsHome, one of PST’s unique platforms, has been designed specifically for installers as an advanced point of sale tool, allowing them to design and bring customers’ ideas to life using the 3D editor. The software can be tailored to individual installers and the products they offer, can incorporate their own logo and branding, as well as their own pricing model. The innovative companion app, vsHome AR, then allows installers to share their designs with the end user to view in augmented reality.

“With vsHome, installers can not only generate accurate 3D representations of home improvement products to show their customers, but can also calculate the cost of each job quickly and accurately, meaning quotes can be provided to the homeowner during the sales visit, helping them make an informed decision right away. “vsHome has taken selling home improvement products to a whole new level, and is a truly unique platform that means no messing, no waiting, and quotes in minutes.” For more information or to sign up to a 14day free trial, visit www.pstonline.co.uk.

WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU!

Christina

Chris

Emma

COME AND VISIT US AT STAND Q3

In today’s fiercely competitive market, it’s more important than ever that we invest in solutions to help drive sales and lead generation. It’s one reason why big name fabricators and installers across the country have flocked to Production Software Technology, better known as PST, for their groundbreaking CAD software solutions that have been transforming both manufacturing and sales processes. The bespoke 3D modelling system allows users to customise a wide selection of home improvement products, including size, material and glazing options, demonstrate designs to the end user, and use the detailed data to accurately manufacture these products. PST provides two main software solutions – Virtual Shopfloor and vsHome – which benefit all levels of the fenestration industry, from systems houses to fabricators and installers. With Virtual Shopfloor, fabricators can either choose from a library of 3D model templates or create custom designs from scratch using the free form tool. All designs are bespoke to the products they manufacture, and can be built on using easy to use drag and drop tools. Manufacturing and installation reports can then be generated with the option to send instructions directly to CNC machinery, eliminating the need to use various software programmes at once. vsHome, meanwhile, has been designed specifically for installers as an advanced point of sale tool, allowing them to design and bring customers’ ideas to life using the 3D editor. The software can also be tailored to individual installers and the products they

offer, can incorporate their own logo and branding, as well as their own pricing model, and comes with full support and training from in-house PST experts. The innovative companion app, vsHome AR, then allows installers to share their designs with the end user to view in augmented reality. With multiple viewing modes, the homeowner can either scale the model to a life size representation on the side of their home, or place it on a tabletop. Once the model has been placed, the user can lock it down and move around it using their smart phone or tablet as the viewpoint. Installers then have the option to add pricing and calculate the cost of each job, incorporating finance tools, discounts, markups and custom payment schedules, while also benefitting from the integrated reporting suite which can export branded sales and survey reports at the touch of a button. PST Managing Director Neil Travers comments: “With unparalleled technology and application flexibility, PST has become the benchmark solution for all aspects of the glazing industry, and unlike other alternatives on the market, is compatible with all home improvement products including windows, doors, conservatories, solid roofs, orangeries, garden rooms, and pergolas, which can all be manufactured, surveyed, demonstrated and sold using the unique software solution. “In today’s market, it’s vital that all levels of the industry invest in modern ways to help them stay ahead, and with PST, we’re offering something that not only makes the manufacturing process easier, quicker and more efficient, but that takes selling home improvement products to a whole new level.” “If you’re a fabricator or installer looking to transform the way you do business, give PST a call today.” For more information or to sign up to a 14day free trial, visit www.pstonline.co.uk.

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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

...and it’s as simple as sketching on a pad. book a demo - www.tommytrinder.com

SOFTWARE & IT

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

GET ONLINE OR GET LEFT BEHIND Ab Initio’s Rhonda Ridge, creator of the installer management system AdminBase, discusses how digitalisation of businesses is set to continue through 2023, and what installation companies need to be doing to stay ahead of technological trends. If you take the time to read any article or comment piece on technological trends in 2023, you will more than likely find the continued digitalisation of businesses on the list, as well as improved and more engaging customer experiences.

That’s because the pandemic started something we can’t stop. Businesses had to adapt to different ways of functioning as traditional tactics became untenable. For example, online signatures replaced the in person signing of a contract, and an increasing number of people became more comfortable interacting online. Some installation businesses don’t think this news is relevant to them because they are practical, hands-on businesses. Others think they are too small to need this kind of technology. This simply isn’t the case as many digitalised installation businesses of all sizes will testify. Home improvement companies need to get online or get left behind. Implementing the right technology in a business can help navigate opportunities as well as challenges. It can improve efficiencies across the organisation, support employees to achieve their goals, and give customer experiences a boost. For installation businesses a great place to start is an installer management system that has been designed specifically with their operations in mind.

IMPROVE ALL ASPECTS OF YOUR BUSINESS AdminBase offers excellent value for money because it covers all aspects of an installation business. From the point of contacting a lead, through the sales process and the installation itself, the system supports employees by making tasks easier and improving communication. Having one central system that can be updated, live, at any time of the day or night and runs reports on any given part of the business as required, simplifies processes exponentially across the entire business. A new element of AdminBase goes even further in allowing installation businesses to manage work online and that is the addition of Taskboard. Taskboard is a digital alternative to a physical job board where projects are broken down into individual tasks and each task is allocated to an individual and given a deadline. This method of working ensures no

one person or team gets overloaded with work while others don’t have enough to do. It also means work allocation is always visible. Even when things change through the day, as they inevitably do, Taskboard and the AdminBase system as a whole means the entire business is always up to date. This allows for any necessary corrective action to be taken sooner rather than later.

CUSTOMERS COME FIRST AdminBase makes it easier for installation teams to do a good job and therefore provide an even better experience for homeowners. In addition, our award-winning Customer Portal allows end users to interact with installation businesses online and track the progress of their order, book survey and installation appointments, and even report any snagging issues when the job has been completed, which further improves communication and the overall customer experience. It’s what they know and what they are used to, and more importantly, what they are coming to expect from any supplier. Although AdminBase was created 25 years ago we have continued to monitor market trends and innovate accordingly. We listen to the feedback we get from customers too, to ensure the system is doing what they need it to do. We remain committed to providing installation businesses with a fully integrated solution that unites their entire business, which is why we will once again be demonstrating the system to visitors at the FIT Show. We will have the new Taskboard feature on the stand (J41) and will be offering the hugely popular one-to-one demonstrations we held at last year’s show, so interested parties should book early to avoid disappointment. There will also be another new launch happening at the exhibition which is going to make a huge difference to installation businesses in multiple sectors. Watch this space!

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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SOFTWARE & IT

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

OPEN NEW HORIZONS

WHY LOGIKAL IS THE LOGICAL WITH BUILDERS’ MERCHANTS CHOICE FOR Amidst the turbulent FIRST TIME fenestration and construction markets, the builders’ FABRICATORS merchants sector plays a crucial role in providing an IN ALUMINIUM array of building products, tools, consumables, and heavy goods (such as bricks, cement, and concrete) to thousands of tradespeople.

If you’re fabricating in aluminium for the first time, it can be tempting to choose a simple, rules-based software package to meet your shortterm needs.

It is not an exaggeration to say that many workers rely heavily on merchants for their supplies. Kirsty Winter, Insight Data’s General Manager, explains, “The market has diversified and for many businesses, this is an avenue yet to be explored. The timing couldn’t be better for businesses to get their products and services in front of key decision-makers from across the sector. “Developing relationships with independent merchant networks on a national and regional scale can be key to growth. “The rise of ‘builder installers’ has prompted the growth of merchant networks and builders’ merchants nationwide. However, this market remains largely untapped, presenting businesses with a unique opportunity to sell their products and services.” To succeed and grow in the industry, businesses need to explore less obvious market routes that competitors have yet to venture. Concentrating solely on the same target audience as rivals means businesses could fall behind. The sheer size of the merchant sector presents significant value to installers and builders. According to Kirsty, many independent chains that may provide opportunities for suppliers are often overlooked in favour of established trade counters like Travis Perkins and Jewson. Despite that, contacting these organisations can be a daunting task for many businesses but this is where Insight Data come in. Insight has demonstrated over the past few years just how beneficial they can be for companies aiming to strengthen their financial position by utilising the potential of real-time data. With over 8,000 merchants on its meticulously curated database, Insight Data offers access of more than 11,000 decision-maker contacts for businesses looking to engage with this sector. Whether businesses operate locally or nationally, Insight’s database provides access

to established national merchant networks as well as regional independents. The database can be further segmented into “heavy” and “light” merchants with categories for each building sector. This feature allows businesses to develop highly targeted campaigns that align with their business objectives. The information is accessed through its live prospect database, Salestracker, and is the world’s first fully integrated sales and marketing platform designed exclusively for the building and fenestration industry. Kirsty added, “Using Insight’s market intelligence means that companies do not waste time or money on blanket marketing. The platform provides businesses with the tools and data they need to instantly pinpoint their ideal customers, reducing the need for extensive sales and marketing resources to achieve the same results. Cross-referencing credit rating history is even possible to ensure that businesses are targeting financially stable customers. “Accessing Insight’s database of over 8,000 builders’ merchants nationwide is an opportunity for businesses to expand their horizons and reach their full potential. With over 700 users and an impressive record of clients, Insight Data has transformed the way companies’ market to their ideal customers.” To access a whole new market and boost the growth of your business, please call 01934 808293 or email hello@insightdata.co.uk.

BM Aluminium, the exclusive UK distributor of the market leading LogiKal aluminium software, argues though that this can be a mistake, because it means you will simply need to upgrade your software a few years down the line – and fabricators would be much better off choosing a CAD-based software from the outset. Dean Hodges, BM Aluminium’s Managing Director, explains: “For first time users, LogiKal is just as cost effective as the rulesbased packages, yet it has the benefit of futureproofing their businesses, so they’ll never need to switch to anything else. Users with one dataset can be up and running with LogiKal from as little as £205 per month, and they can swap from one dataset to another (usually at no extra cost) and add others to their package as they grow. “And, contrary to the common misconception about CAD-based software, LogiKal can be just as easy to use as a rules-based option. It’s hugely capable and can be upscaled as much as customers want but for entry level users, we can simplify the processing by using style libraries. Our team can set up style, size and quantity drop downs in LogiKal so users can estimate and process standard windows, doors and bifolds in just a few simple clicks. That means there’s only minimal training involved; and we have expert in-house support available on the phone or online to help guide them through. “What’s really important though is that our style libraries are based on the full aluminium datasets from all the major UK systems houses – all validated and signed off and complete with prices and with links to all the major CNC machining options as standard. The CAD platform they are based on guarantees full and accurate precision outputs every time, and there are even wind loading and U-Value calculations built in which ensure that users always select the correct sections for the project they are processing.

"Our team can set up style, size and quantity drop downs in LogiKal so users can estimate and process standard windows, doors and bifolds in just a few simple clicks." “Third party hardware options can be included as well so that they don’t have to process using the generic hardware from the systems house and that means they can estimate using more accurate pricing data. “Crucially, there is no standalone programming required so no risk of inconsistent outputs and no complications on formulas which can sometimes happen with what on the face of it look like ‘simpler’ alternatives. “First time users might be daunted by LogiKal at the outset, but as soon as they start using the system, they will see that it is much simpler to use than they expect and reassuringly capable and consistent. “The feedback we invariably get from customers is that they like the fact that LogiKal can do as much – or as little – as they need it to do. As their business grows, the software can grow with them, and they aren’t limited with what they can fabricate in aluminium. “As soon as they want to move beyond standard window and door sizes and shapes, the CAD interface makes it easy to make even the most complex arches and shapes with ease. They draw the shape into the powerful but easy to learn CAD drawing system, and it directly generates the exact cutting details and outputs that to the CNC. It also calculates the glass sizes and material analysis for the glass order form using the real time dimensional calculations from the CAD. “Curtain walling and shopfront systems are standard in LogiKal as well, and users who want to move into that type of commercial work can extract cross sectional drawings direct from the CAD software and submit to the client for approval without having to do any additional drawing themselves. “Our support and projects teams will help customers every step of the way – and the help and advice they provide is free.” https://www.bmaluminium.co.uk/

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

www.roseview.co.uk/seahorse

FIT SHOW 2023 PREVIEW

ADMINBASE PREPARES FOR LAUNCH AT FIT

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

HAFFNER GEARS UP FOR FIT SHOW 2023 Machinery specialists Haffner are gearing up for a successful FIT Show by showcasing the largest and most comprehensive machine portfolio in the industry that makes it a go-to supplier for fabricators of all sizes.

GGF INVITES FIT SHOW VISITORS TO ‘COME AND PRESS THE FLESH AND SEE WHAT WE ARE ALL ABOUT’ (STAND T41)

At 586.5sqm, the stand is by far the largest at the show and will be home to the latest cutting-edge fabrication machinery for aluminium and PVC-U profiles. Matt Thomas, Managing Director at Haffner, said: “The Haffner stand is a must-visit for any fabricator looking to invest in machine automation. Our range is far-reaching and is suitable for all fabricators regardless of size or production output.”

AdminBase, the tried, tested, and trusted installer management system created by people with experience in installation businesses, is returning to the FIT Show with more exciting new product launches and free demos. But Ab Initio, the company behind the software warns visitors should book their demonstrations early to avoid disappointment. “Visitors to stand J41 at this year’s FIT Show will see several new features compared to last year, with another exciting launch happening at the show,” says Rhonda Ridge of Ab Initio. “We know from experience this means our team will be busy giving demos throughout the show, so we are recommending that visitors book a time beforehand to secure their slot. Videos of the whole system will also be running constantly on the stand to show the entirety of the system in action, but our 1 to 1 demos proved particularly popular last year. Demos at this year’s show will include a personal walk-through of AdminBase which for existing customers might be a demonstration of a new feature, or for new customers we can demo the whole system. “The recently launched AdminBase Taskboard

feature will be available at the show so that installation businesses can see how they can effortlessly keep track of entire projects, and better manage how work is distributed among teams. Our friendly team will also be on hand to talk visitors through some of the features launched at last year’s show including our partnership with PricepointTM (who will be attending the show on the AdminBase stand to answer any questions on the sales app), the Customer Portal, the facility to collect digital signatures, and the ease and flexibility of AdminBase as a CRM for installation businesses overall. “In addition to running through our recent additions, there will be another new launch happening at the FIT Show. We’re not ready to say too much about it just yet, but what we can say is that it’s an extension of one of the AdminBase apps that will make a big difference to window installation businesses and companies further afield. “We look forward to sharing AdminBase with FIT Show visitors, so they can see firsthand the level of support that is available to help achieve better productivity and profitability.” www.abinitiosoftware.co.uk

Visitors to Stand K51 will be able to view a complete factory set up featuring state-of-the-art aluminium machinery from FOM Industrie. This includes the FMC230 CNC Machining Centre with its four controlled axes, the heavy-duty FMC340 CNC Machining Centre and the Blitz Alva double head saw. Matt said: “The live factory set-up will demonstrate the innovative credentials of the FOM aluminium machines and how they take fabrication to the next level by delivering superior manufacturing quality and best-in-class performance. We will also showcase a range of FOM machines to support smaller fabricators who are equally looking to add automation into their business to allow them to scale up as demand dictates.” For PVC-U fabrication, Haffner will be demonstrating their marketleading SBA-4 Machining Centre alongside the impressive SMR-5 Welder, the fastest and most accurate welder on the market today. Also on show is the popular TT 405 Haffner Double Mitre Saw. Taking centre stage for a second year is the exclusive Graf Synergy range from Haffner which includes the SL4-FF RS 4 Head Welding Machine and the revolutionary Reverse Butt Welder. Matt commented: “Fabricators are increasingly looking to use the latest technologies to deliver outstanding quality that today’s popular feature-rich products demand. The Graf Synergy range delivers world class seamless welding technology and patented welding techniques, increasing fabrication efficiencies and delivering superior product quality.” The FIT Show, which runs from the 23rd – 25th May, is the UK’s only dedicated event for the fenestration industry. The 2023 exhibition will celebrate ten years of innovation, and a decade of being the UK’s number one trade show for the industry. Matt concludes: “We have exhibited at every FIT Show and we have no doubt that the 2023 exhibition will be something special. We look forward to welcoming customers old and new to our stand and showing them exactly how Haffner can help them take their manufacturing to the next level.” Tel: 01785 222421 – www.haffnerltd.com

In line with what the organisation says is a more open, transparent and accessible GGF, the people responsible for running the Glass & Glazing Federation and its associate bodies FENSA, BFRC (Window and Door Energy Ratings), Installsure (specialist insurance) and RISA (inspections), want visitors to this year’s FIT Show to ‘come and press the flesh’ to find out more about how each organisation works. In addition to a number of new initiatives launched by GGF in recent months – including the Skilled Pathways Training scheme, Window of Opportunity research and the glass recycling scheme – GGF officers believe that FIT Show presents a rare opportunity for visitors to learn more about the organisations that represent the UK glass and glazing industry and thousands of member companies. Tom Butler, Head of Sales & Marketing explains: “The GGF Group continually researches, develops and launches initiatives designed to provide members and nonmembers with valuable and tangible support. But we welcome the opportunity to actually meet the people that we serve who are at the coalface every day. We believe that meeting people face-to-face will allow us both to understand each other better. The FIT Show provides that opportunity – come and find out what we are about!” In the past year alone the GGF and its sister organisations have been responsible for launching Pulse Testing to assess trickle vent requirements on a property and a free glass recycling service which adds to the aluminium and PVC-U frame recycling operations, for which the FIT Show provides an ideal forum at which visitors may discuss – and book! – these and other services. “We will have staff on hand throughout the FIT Show to discuss the enormous number of initiatives and support services that GGF Group provides for every level of the glass and glazing industry,” says Tom. “This is the best opportunity we will have for a couple of years to meet each other.”

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

DAY

IEVE

MORE MORE FACE-TO-FACE FACE-TO-FACE MORE VALUE IN 1 DAY VALUE IN 1 DAY FACE-TO-FACE THAN YOU THAN YOU VALUE IN 1 DAY COULD ACHIEVE MORE FACE-TO-FACE COULD ACHIEVE THAN YOU IN IN 1YEARS. VALUE DAY IN YEARS. THAN YOU COULD ACHIEVE COULD ACHIEVE IN YEARS. IN YEARS. ONLY AT THE UK’S NUMBER 1 EXHIBITION FOR AT THE WINDOWS, DOORS, GLAZING, ONLY THE UK’S NUMBER 1 EXHIBITION HARDWARE AND COMPONENTS INDUSTRY. FOR THE WINDOWS, DOORS, GLAZING, ONLY AT THE UK’S NUMBER 1 EXHIBITION

HARDWARE ANDGLAZING, COMPONENTS INDUSTRY. FOR THE WINDOWS, DOORS, EVERYONE’S GOING. HARDWARE AND COMPONENTS ONLY AT THE UK’SINDUSTRY. NUMBER 1 EXHIBITION EVERYONE’S GOING. EVERYONE’S GOING.DOORS, GLAZING, FOR THE WINDOWS, HARDWARE AND COMPONENTS INDUSTRY. NEC BIRMINGHAM | 23 - 25 MAY 2023 fitshow.co.uk/exhibit

NEC BIRMINGHAM | 23 - 25 MAY 2023 fitshow.co.uk/exhibit

EVERYONE’S GOING. NEC BIRMINGHAM | 23 - 25 MAY 2023 fitshow.co.uk/exhibit

NEC BIRMINGHAM | 23 - 25 MAY 2023

FIT SHOW 2023 PREVIEW

BUSINESS MICROS GROUP RETURNS TO FIT The Business Micros Group will be at this year’s FIT Show showing fabricators and installers why, when it comes to software and web solutions, it is still the number one supplier in the industry. All the Business Micros Group companies will be represented on Stand T32 – including BM Aluminium which will be giving visitors their first look at v12 of its LogiKal aluminium processing software and demonstrating some of the features and shortcuts in LogiKal, which can help users get even more value from their rental subscription. Alongside them, the Business Micros team will be highlighting the newest stock management

and delivery features in its EvoNET business management system and The Consultancy will be demonstrating their market leading web development and retail lead generation solutions. Potentially the biggest draw for PVC-U suppliers though will be the first showing at FIT of BM TOUCH – the Group’s new live data driven software platform that can take a lead all the way from retail enquiry, through quotation and online ordering and into fabrication. There will be demos of both the TOUCH Portal option for fabricators and TOUCH Vendor option for installers, so visitors can see for themselves why more than 30 leading fabricators have already placed orders and are set

to go live with the system in 2023. Graeme Bailey, Group Managing Director, said: “We’re very excited to be back at FIT in 2023 as the bigger and stronger BM Group. Our stand will showcase the depth and breadth of our product range and expertise and reinforce to existing and potential new customers that we can support them with any digital or software requirement.” Nickie West, the FIT Show Event Director, added: “Business Micros exhibited at the very first FIT Show back in 2013, and have supported several editions over the last decade. Software is hugely important to our visitors – it helps them save time, streamline efficiency and, ultimately, facilitates making them more profitable. We’re excited to showcase how the Business Micros software has developed over the last ten years, and I’m really pleased that they will be participating in our anniversary event this May.” www.thebmgroup.co.uk

CHEERS, CHAT, CONNECT WITH PIGS AT FIT SHOW Balls2 Marketing brings PiGs AKA the People in Glazing Society back to FIT Show with an action packed three days of Cheers, Chat, Connect with the glazing squad at the PiGs Pavilion.

last year – it will be an epic event! PiGs house band Ellie Jones and the Giants are returning with their cover versions of classics and anthems. They are perfect for getting the PiGs party started.”

“The focus for the stand is the PiGs networking event on Late Night Wednesday,” says Sarah Ball, Joint MD at Balls2 Marketing and PiGs organiser. “Once we realised the sty was available for the duration of the show, we created a space for our industry friends to take the weight off their feet and take a few moments out.

To sponsor the evening event is £200. The more sponsors there are – the bigger the party! For this and other sponsor opportunities throughout the show - call Sarah on 07540 049655 or email sarah@ balls2marketing for more information. www.peopleinglazing.co.uk

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

ENGINEERING FUTURE INNOVATIONS Visitors to this year’s FIT Show won’t be able to miss Quickslide, which is theming its large triangular-shaped stand at R31 ‘Engineering Future Innovations’.

sliding sash or casement windows. A representative from Mighton, which has partnered with Quickslide, will be joining the stand ready to answer any questions.

On show will be Quickslide’s latest in aluminium doors and windows – including its new Heritage doors and AluSpace, the new super slim aluminium interior screen and hinged door system, which creates a striking contemporary room divider in any space.

Visitors can also find out more about Quickslide’s exclusive new dual foils for its flagship Legacy vertical sliders, which are now available in exterior/interior woodgrain combinations of anthracite grey/heritage white and agate grey/ heritage white, as well as a white woodgrain/smooth white, the perfect option to combine traditional heritage character styling externally with contemporary smooth inside.

“We’re also really excited to show off Indi-fold,” says Managing Director Ben Weber, “the totally versatile aluminium slideand-stack door system that can be configured to suit any preference as the door panels can slide independently as well as open outwards.” Quickslide will be showcasing the Avia secure smart hardware range, which can be fitted to its

There’ll also be a new Legacy VS feature to be unveiled at the show. It’s being kept strictly under wraps until then so visitors will have to make a beeline for Quickslide’s stand to find out more. “At Quickslide we’re known for being innovative” says

“So stop by our stand to find out what we’ve got in store – and take a wellearned refreshment with us in our lounge area. And we wouldn’t be Quickslide without a few fun surprises either. So make this FIT Show one to remember at stand R31. We can’t wait to see you.” www.quickslide.co.uk

AT PRECISION TO RETURN TO FIT SHOW BIGGER AND BETTER Following a successful debut at last year’s FIT Show, leading aluminium bi-fold hardware supplier AT Precision is set to return even bigger this year, thanks to a larger stand, new product offerings – and a cocktail bar. In addition to its range of aluminium bi-fold hardware, gaskets, and security hardware, the AT Precision team will be showcasing the company’s newly launched PVC reinforcement bar. Made from recycled uPVC through the company’s new in-house recycling scheme, the PVC reinforcement bar provides benefits to both the environment and customers, such as improved thermal efficiency, quick installation, and a minimum lifespan of 35 years.

“It also gives us a great opportunity to offer sponsors other ways to connect with FIT Show visitors. We have everything from sponsoring The Hair of the PiG – breakfast on Thursday morning – to something as simple as adding a brochure onto our literature stands.

Sales Director Michael Hewitt comments: “We’re very excited to be attending the FIT Show for the second year running. This year’s show is the perfect opportunity to showcase our new PVC reinforcement bar, and to reach out to both existing and potential customers.

“We are aiming to get as many businesses as possible involved. We already have 28 brands supporting the PiGs party on Late Night Wednesday. If it’s anything like

“Since last year’s event, things have certainly not slowed down for us at AT Precision. Not only have we launched our new PVC reinforcement bar, we’ve also introduced

Ben. “It’s been almost 20 years since we introduced the nation to affordable traditionally styled sash windows that offer the best in contemporary performance, and we’ve not stopped modernising and leading the field since.

a range of composite door handles and window handles to our range, and relocated to a new 60,000 square foot manufacturing facility. “Our stand will be bigger and better than last year, and we look forward to welcoming visitors to view our wide range of products, ask our team questions, and network at our very own state-of-the-art cocktail bar. “We have some even more exciting things in the pipeline this year, and we can’t wait to network with our fellow FIT Show attendees.” The FIT Show is running from 23 to 25 May. Find AT Precision at stand U60. Visit www.atprecision.co.uk.

Michael Hewitt, AT Precision Sales Director

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

ABOVE WE GO Fabricators, we can help you focus on what you do best by supplying a huge range of roof lights quickly and hassle-free. From flat to lantern, walk-on to fully bespoke, we can work with you to help your customers let more daylight into their lives. And, with our highly dedicated and knowledgeable customer service team, online configuration and ordering, fast delivery and great value, here at Whitesales, we always go above.

To discover more and unwind on our exclusive stand at this year’s FitShow simply scan the QR Code below or visit whitesales.co.uk/fitshow

www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2023

FIT SHOW 2023 PREVIEW

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

£1000 OF HOLIDAY VOUCHERS UP FOR GRABS ON ODL EUROPE’S FIT STAND Two visitors to ODL Europe’s stand at the FIT Show this year will win £500 of holiday vouchers each. Suzanne Nicholl, ODL Europe’s Head of Sales and Customer Services, said: “There are lots of reasons to visit our stand this year. With the ODL Europe Cyclone Challenge, we’ve just added another reason.” Visitors to the show will be invited to try to pick a golden ticket from the cyclone machine on the ODL Europe stand F31. Two winners will be pulled after the threeday show. As well as the opportunity to win the holiday vouchers, visitors to ODL Europe’s stand will be able to view the depth and breadth of ODL Europe’s composite door offering too. The award-winning Guardsman FD30 Fire Door is certain to attract a great of

attention. The door is a gamechanger for the fire door market because it offers impressive, consistent fire resistance. Recent results from the UKAS Accredited Fixed Scope test to BS EN 1634-1, which covers fire resistance and smoke control for doors, showed the door exceeding a 60-minute burn time, impressive for an FD30 fire door. Alongside the Guardsman will be the worldleading Capstone composite doors, which offers an outstanding pedigree. The range of designs runs across contemporary, heritage, classic and specialist collections, many of which are exclusive to ODL Europe. Also on display will be the wide variety of unique decorative glass options that have all been carefully designed to work with the door styles, as well as a glazing cassette range that includes the market-leading TriSYS® system.

ALUMINIUM AND PVC-U OPTIONS ON DISPLAY FROM EMMEGI (UK) Emmegi (UK) has exhibited at every single FIT Show since the start and is back for the 10-year anniversary event with an even broader range of machines designed to appeal to FIT Show visitors. Emmegi (UK) is best known as a supplier of machinery for aluminium fabrication, and it will have machining centres and saws on show which will appeal directly to those visitors. But on Stand P40 at FIT 23, Emmegi will also have options for PVC-U fabrication, including a 3-head welder from Someco, a brand which is now part of the same Voilap group. Managing Director Ian Latimer said: “Experience tells us that a significant proportion of FIT Show visitors are fabricating in PVC-U so this time around we’ve got a small bed CNC, a milling machine and a Someco welder on the stand especially for them. “For anyone who is considering getting started

in aluminium, we’re also showing an alternative small bed CNC and a brand-new Precision C2 entry-level saw, which in time will replace our muchloved Classic Magic. “Essentially, the focus on the stand will be on showing anyone who is shopping for machinery some of our most accessible and cost-effective options. Of course, our team will also be on hand to discuss our bigger and more capable machines and there will be virtual demos featuring the Emmegi, Tekna and Someco ranges.” As always at FIT, Emmegi will have its popular Acca XL range of benches

available to order on the stand and lots of its trademark Italian hospitality on offer for customers. Nickie West, FIT Show Event Director commented: “Emmegi has supported every single edition of FIT Show since our inception in 2013 and our ten-year anniversary event wouldn’t be the same without them. Working machinery is always a huge draw for our visiting audience and we’re delighted that Emmegi will once again be able to put on a hugely engaging showcase at FIT Show 2023.” More product details at: www.emmegi.com

The FIT Show is taking place 23 to 25 May 2023 at the NEC in Birmingham. It’s the UK’s only dedicated event for the window, door, hardware and flat glass industry. The 2023 exhibition will celebrate ten years of innovation, and a decade of being the UK’s number one trade show for the industry. ODL Europe was one of the first companies to sign up to exhibit at this year’s show.

Suzanne commented: “The FIT Show gives us a high-quality footfall and a large pipeline of new business opportunities. It’s a great opportunity to meet customers and potential customers, as well as network with industry peers. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone there – and wish you good luck in the prize draw!” Tel: 0151 933 0299 – www.odleurope.com

REALLY SMART SMART HARDWARE IS ON THE QUICKSLIDE STAND AT THE FIT SHOW (R31) Leading fabricator and VS specialist Quickslide has an impressive reputation for introducing innovative design and performance elements to its highly popular replacement vertical sliding box sash windows, taking the attitude that just because they are heritage in style, they don’t have to be any less effective than modern-styled frames. And proving the point at this year’s FIT Show, Quickslide has a full display of unique AviaSmart retrofittable smart door and window locks and sensors, and related accessories. So what’s so smart about AviaSmart? Following on from the Apple HomeKit approved, AviaSmart multi point doorlock introduced at the legendary Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in 2019, AviaSmart now includes a unique smart sash fastener for VS windows – a Quickslide exclusive - smart casement handles and secure door and window sensors, all of which connect to the

AviaSmart app to alert homeowners to windows and doors that have been left unsecured or whenever they are opened. As well as all the Apple HomeKit-clever tech behind this smart hardware, a key selling point is that everything can be fitted and retrofitted by anyone with a screwdriver, to any normal PVC-U and aluminium doors and windows. Crucially, offering AviaSmart means no commitment to randomly pre-installing electronics in frames during manufacture, allowing fabricators and installers to choose from a range of highly secure, Apple

HomeKit-branded and endorsed smart products according to sales, with no subscription required. Offering AviaSmart window and door security products in a showroom requires minimal change and outlay to begin offering the latest smart security to homeowners. In addition to having undergone the rigorous testing standards of Apple HomeKit, all AviaSmart products are BSI Kitemarked and Secured by Design where relevant. See and try AviaSmart home security products on Quickslide stand R31. www.aviasmart.com

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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FIT SHOW 2023 PREVIEW

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

ALUTECH OPENS THE SHOWROOM AND THE WAREHOUSE IN THE WEST-MIDLANDS ALUTECH is an international Group specialized in engineering and manufacturing of architectural aluminium systems designed taking into account all global trends. ALUTECH aluminium profiles demonstrate a unique combination of beauty and functionality, innovation and tradition of the European quality, of all that makes people happy and the world surrounding us lovelier. Geography of projects using ALUTECH systems - more than 65 countries all over the world (including many successful projects in the United Kingdom, Western Europe, USA, Australia). ALUTECH COMMERCIAL represents the ALUTECH Group, in the UK. Expansion of the Alutech brand has resulted in further local investment, comprising of a networking centre and showroom that displays our latest aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling, together with our bespoke interior partitioning systems.

with high quality products, technical support and marketing material and offer regular deliveries with competitive pricing. Being a member of Council for Aluminium in Building will help support us and our customers with regulations and guidelines. At the end of 2022 ALUTECH COMMERCIAL UK opened brand new showroom and large warehouse near Birmingham. Almost all of the company’s solutions for residential and commercial building sectors are represented in the new showroom: aluminium and alu-wood windows and doors as well as curtain walling, bifolding doors, sliding patio and interior systems. The stylish and cozy showroom with convenient arrangement of full-size product samples makes it easy for partners and guests to see the systems, assess their quality and functionality, make their choice and order the best suitable solution for their projects. The new showroom will also be used as a venue for training and presentations of ALUTECH systems. Functional samples of aluminium structures will make the trainings as efficient and comfortable as possible.

Alutech Commercial aims to build a partnership that is beneficial for both specifier and customer. Our UK team consists of highly competent Business Development Managers, together with an experienced project and engineering office. We support our Partners

The showroom and the 24 000 sq.ft warehouse (250 tons) opening is an important strategic step. It will help ALUTECH to strengthen its position in the UK market, where the company has been successfully operating for 7 years. It is also a large-scale investment project, confirming the continuous development of the brand.

The new ALUTECH showroom is located at Knights House 2 The Parade, Sutton Coldfield, B72 1PD.

“The new showroom will also be used as a venue for training and presentations of ALUTECH systems.”

Having highly professional and motivated team a brand new showroom and a new large warehouse based in Birmingham, will allow us to really give ALUTECH’s customers and Prospects more confidence.

You can contact the office by phone +44 (0) 7436 336948 or +44 (0) 121 824 4788 and e-mail ukcommercial@alutech-group.com.

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

FIT SHOW 2023 PREVIEW

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

THE PIGS PARTY RETURNS FOR FIT SHOW’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL PiGs (AKA People in Glazing) will be bringing the party back to FIT Show when it returns to the NEC for its ten-year anniversary edition from 23 25 May, 2023.

will return for our extra special ten year celebration this May.

PiGs, which is a networking event for anyone who works in the supply chain of the glazing industry, will host the PiGs Party, organised by Balls2 Marketing, on the evening of Wednesday 24th May as part of the FIT Show’s late night opening (4pm - 8pm.)

Over 2,000 drinks were served at the PiGs evening at FIT Show 2022 with revellers enjoying a live acoustic set from

“We’re also throwing our support behind the full PiGs calendar of events, which have firmly cemented themselves as key fixtures in the fenestration calendar. Much like PiGs, FIT Show is about the people in the industry and this partnership reinforces the importance we place on this.”

Birmingham-band, ‘Ellie Jones & The Giants’. Speaking about the PiGs and FIT Show collaboration, Balls2 Marketing Joint MD, Sarah Ball said: “We’re excited to be working alongside FIT Show and our industry friends to deliver an extra special PiGs Party at FIT Show 2023. “We’re also pleased to announce that FIT Show will be supporting the full PiGs calendar of events in 2023, which continues to garner support from every corner of the industry.”

A number of sponsorship opportunities are still available for PiGs at FIT Show, organised by Balls2 Marketing and supported by a number of industry friends. Brands wishing to sponsor the event should contact sarah@balls2marketing.co.uk for more information. Current sponsors include FIT Show exhibitors; Gazerite, Morley Glass, Selecta Systems, Business Pilot, Supalite Tiled Roof Systems, Glazpart and Quickslide. Over 200 brands will exhibit at FIT Show this May, with more than 25% of the lineup made up of brands who will be making their debut, and more than 40% of these are overseas companies. Visitors will be able to see the latest product innovations across the windows, doors, hardware and components industry from countries including the UK, Ireland, Turkey, China, France, Italy, Germany, America, India, Poland, Spain, Belgium, Finland, Lithuania, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.

FIT Show 2023 visitors can join the PiGs Party on the PiGs Pavilion stand Q71 for what promises to be a highlight of FIT Show’s late night opening. Live entertainment will once again be provided by Ellie Jones and the Giants, creating the ideal backdrop for some out of hours networking.

Alongside brands such as Glazerite, Victorian Sliders, Haffner Ltd, Morley Glass, Roseview, Selecta Systems and Emmegi, other brands to join the lineup in recent weeks include Prefix, Whitesales, Listers and Garnalex’s Sheerline.

FIT Show event director, Nickie West said: “The PiGs event at FIT Show 2022 was fantastic. It was the perfect place to bring the industry back together after our three year hiatus and I am delighted that the party

GLAZERITE CELEBRATES FIT SHOW RETURN The Glazerite UK Group has unveiled plans to exhibit at this year’s FIT Show, after a six-year hiatus. The trade fabricator has chosen the event’s 10th year to return and will also sponsor the VIP lounge. The show, which has evolved to become the industry’s biggest event, takes place at NEC Birmingham from 23rd-25th May 2023, and attracts thousands of visitors annually. Michelle Wright, Head of Group Marketing, says: “We’re delighted to be back with a bang at this year’s FIT Show. We will be showcasing our heritage range, whilst carrying out live practical marketing audits with installers. We’re also excited to be sponsoring this year’s VIP Lounge, which is adjacent to our stand, U36.” Michelle adds: “The show is the perfect forum for us to catch up with our customers, suppliers and other industry stakeholders and a chance for us to demonstrate what installers can expect when choosing to work with Glazerite,

from products through to technical and marketing support.”

for their May showcase and look forward to our visitors being able to connect products

of the networking opportunities in the Glazerite VIP area."

It’s been a pivotal time for Glazerite of late, with a change of management and a recently announced £1 million investment into its operations and fleet. The fabricator will be showcasing its product portfolio from the likes of VEKA, Halo, the Residence Collection, DoorCo, Ultion, and Kubu, demonstrating the breadth of products it can offer its customers, from windows and doors to hardware and smart technology.

and people at the Show, making the most

www.glazerite.co.uk

“Our team will be on hand to discuss our product range and the added value solutions we have that can help to differentiate our customers from their competition,” says Michelle. “The partnerships we’ve built with trusted brands in the industry are key to our offering, alongside our in-house marketing expertise that can help boost brand awareness and new business for our installers.” FIT Show event director, Nickie West adds: "We'd like to say a very big welcome back to Glazerite, who have played a big role in the FIT Show story over the last ten years. I'm delighted that they will not only be exhibiting as part of our decade anniversary event this May but will also be sponsoring our VIP lounge. Glazerite is a really well respected brand amongst our community. We're excited to see what they have planned

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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FIT SHOW 2023 PREVIEW

TOP REASONS TO PLAN A TRIP TO FIT FIT Show returns to the NEC for its ten year anniversary edition from May 23 - 25, 2023. Over the last decade, FIT Show has firmly established itself as the number one event for the UK glass, glazing, windows, doors, hardware and components industry. Here’s why FIT Show 2023 should be an essential fixture in your calendar this May: UK’s Only Dedicated Industry Event - FIT Show is the UK’s only dedicated event for the fenestration industry. Across the three days, FIT Show will welcome 10,000 installers, builders, fabricators, specifiers, architects and local authorities who will all be visiting to see the latest products and innovations on the market. No where else can you find every link in the supply chain under one roof. An International Showcase - Alongside all of the FIT Show heritage brands and UK favourites, you will also be able to see a large number of completely new brands at FIT Show in May. Over 25% of the lineup is made up of brands who will be exhibiting for the very first time, as well as the largest selection of international brands we have ever had. Expect to see the very latest products from countries including Canada, Turkey, China, France,

Italy, Germany, America, India, Poland, Spain, Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Lithuania, Luxembourg and The Netherlands. A Full Lineup - 200 brands. Thousands of the latest products & innovations. Tonnes of FIT Show exclusive discounts & offers. A jam-packed learning programme. A live broadcast and giveaways from FIX Radio. Installation challenges and practical products demonstrations. All under one roof. Only at FIT Show. When we say that this year’s lineup is going to be full, we mean it. Miss FIT, miss out. Not Just Windows & Doors- FIT Show is so much more than a windows and doors event. Alongside our core UPVC, aluminium, timber and hardware lineup, we’ve introduced new features for outdoor living related products too. Expect to see windows, doors, hardware, running machinery, rooflights and lanterns, railings and balustrades, tiled roofing solutions, sealants, decking, lifting equipment, software, technology…The list goes on. This is your chance to see, touch and play with the latest products, as well as speak directly to the manufacturers and suppliers of them. A Decade of Innovation When FIT Show returns

this May, it will be ten full years since the show launched. This is your chance to help celebrate ten years since the launch of FIT Show, and a decade of being the UK’s number one trade show for the glass, glazing, hardware and components industry. Who doesn’t love a party? And what better way to celebrate than getting the whole industry together in one place at FIT Show? Features & Learning - The saying; ‘every day’s a school day’ will definitely apply to FIT Show 2023. Our learning programme, in conjunction with the GGF and FENSA, will arm you with the latest information and guidelines around building regs, certification and legislation. From the latest guidance on trickle vents, through to how to market your business and drive more leads. A visit to FIT will arm you with the knowledge and power to do better business, from the moment you walk through the doors, until long after you leave the show. No Show Until 2025 After FIT Show 2023 this May there will be no show until 2025. Can you wait a full two years before seeing and comparing the latest products on the market, side-by-side? This is your chance to secure your pipeline for the next two years. FREE to Attend - FIT Show is completely FREE to attend. Registration is already open so you can lock the biggest days of the fenestration calendar in at www.fitshow.co.uk. For exhibitors, walk on stand packages are still available from as little as £3,000. Our team of experts is on hand to help you at every step of the journey. Don’t miss out on your chance to be a part of FIT.

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

FIT SHOW 2023 TO DELIVER INTERNATIONAL SHOWCASE FIT Show organisers have announced that its May 23 - 25 event (Birmingham NEC, 2023) will deliver a truly international showcase following an influx of new brands to the lineup. Over 200 brands will exhibit at FIT Show this May, with more than 25% of the lineup made up of brands who will be making their debut, and more than 40% of these are overseas companies.

ALL NEW INSTALLER HUB TO LAUNCH AT FIT SHOW 2023

Visitors will be able to see the latest product innovations across the windows, doors, hardware and components industry from countries including the UK, Ireland, Canada, Turkey, China, France, Italy, Germany, America, India, Poland, Spain, Belgium, Finland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Denmark and the Netherlands. Visitors can expect to see a strong mix of heritage and new brands with the likes of Glazerite, Victorian Sliders, Haffner Ltd, Morley Glass, Emmegi, Roseview, MACO and Selecta Systems all exhibiting. Debut brands include Whitesales, who will be bringing their rooflight solutions, and fibreglass exterior door slab manufacturer, Mennie Canada. Other brands to join the lineup in recent weeks include Listers, Garnalex’s Sheerline, Hodgson Sealants and Business Micros. FIT Show event director, Nickie West comments: “There are some really exciting changes that visitors will be able to see this May. Not least a lineup which is made up of 25% completely new brands who have never exhibited at FIT Show before. “The fact that 40% of the lineup is made up of overseas companies means that FIT Show this May will provide a more diverse, varied and international showcase than ever before. There’s never been a better time to visit. “Ten years is a really special landmark for FIT Show and the industry. I’m excited to see what our exhibitors have planned, and I’m looking forward to celebrating with the whole industry when we open the doors to FIT Show this May.” Over the last decade, FIT Show has firmly established itself as the number one event for the UK glass, glazing, windows, doors, hardware and components industry. With less than three months until FIT Show returns to the NEC for its ten year anniversary edition, visitors can now register via www.fitshow.co.uk.

FIT Show organisers have announced the launch of a brand new feature aimed at installers at its May 23 - 25 event (Birmingham NEC, 2023). The new ‘Installer Solutions Spotlight’ feature will run on the Installer HUB at FIT Show and provide visitors with an extra opportunity to see products come to life via live installation demonstration, presented by exhibitors. Visitors will be able to watch the 20 minute spotlight demonstrations, which will be compered by experts from the brands that manufacture and distribute them. The sessions will include a question and answer feature where installers will be able to receive practical advice and support on fitting these products on site. Speaking about the new ‘Installer Solutions Spotlight’ feature, FIT Show event director, Nickie West said: “We understand that practical demonstrations are high on the priority list for our visitors, which is why we are working with our exhibitors to curate a programme of live installations on the new Installer HUB at FIT Show this May. “This new feature will create an extra touchpoint for installers, allowing them to speak directly to manufacturers and distributors of the latest windows, doors, lanterns, roofing, hardware and software solutions, as well as receiving practical advice and support to help them install and sell these products to end users. “The live product demonstrations will perfectly complement the sessions that we will be delivering as part of the learning programme, which we are working with the GGF and FENSA to curate.” The full ‘Installer Solutions Spotlight’ programme of demonstrations will be published on the FIT Show website ahead of the event’s return for its tenth anniversary edition this May.

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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FIT SHOW 2023 PREVIEW

MACHINERY

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

WHITESALES LOOKING TO PARTNER WITH FABRICATORS AT FIT

HAFFNER BECOMES STRATEGIC UK MACHINERY PARTNER FOR FOM INDUSTRIE

Whitesales has been a big name in the rooflights and daylighting market for more than 30 years and has big plans for its first ever FIT Show. Marketing Director Sioned Yates says that the FIT Show will be the launch platform for a major campaign inviting fabricators to choose Whitesales as their rooflight partner. She explained: “Our whole proposition at FIT is geared around demonstrating to fabricators exactly how we can help them make more money on rooflights and roof lanterns. “Rooflights and lanterns are a fast-growing sector of the market – with buyers demonstrating an increasing willingness to spend more on ever larger sizes and add-on features to achieve the real ‘wow’ factor. It’s a great opportunity for fabricators to bring in additional, high margin business, but only if they choose the right supply partner. “At Whitesales, our proposition goes way beyond just offering good value. It’s about having a broad range of quality, contemporarylooking products in both glass and polycarbonate which appeal to installers because they are quick and easy to fit, and it’s also about having a proven track record of legendary customer service. “We make it easy to buy from us with large volumes of standard sizes available from stock – some even for delivery next day. Customers can configure their own rooflights online using RUFUS our digital design and specification tool, and they can choose deliveries direct to site. “We believe in old fashioned values when it comes to customer service, all underpinned by the latest high-tech efficiencies in logistics, stockholding, and communication. We have a highly trained team available on the phone or online to advise on everything from fitting rain sensors and electric openers to the rules around Part F and Part L and the reassurance that we will live up to our promises when it comes to on time in full deliveries.” Sioned added: “Fabricators who come to talk to our team at FIT will see that there’s some crucial differences between Whitesales and the rooflight suppliers they might already be dealing with. The biggest one is that rooflights are our core business, which doesn’t just mean we’re experts in these products but crucially that we won’t compete with our customers on windows and doors. “We also don’t supply the retail market direct, so we pass on all the retail enquiries generated via our website to our customers.” The Whitesales stand at FIT will feature a mix of products – including a new, easy-to-fit Whitesales lantern; the stylish, contemporary em.glaze flat glass roof light, and a mix of polycarbonate domes and sky tubes. Fabricators and installers will be invited to sample the Whitesales service and – in a nod to what they can expect once they partner with Whitesales, have time and space to relax. Sioned said: “Having exhibited at FIT before in my previous role with AluK, I know that any visitor who invests a day or two at the show wants to make sure that investment is worthwhile. That will be our focus – showing how we take away the hassle that they might normally associate with supplying rooflights, providing them with stronger margins and leaving them to concentrate on their own core business.” https://www.whitesales.co.uk/

JADE ENGINEERING SECURES THE FUTURE WITH NEW HQ BUILDING Jade Engineering Ltd, the UK window and door industry’s preeminent machinery and machine tool manufacturer, has purchased a 30,000 feet2 (2,800 metres2) industrial property it that is destined to become the Coventry-based firm’s headquarters from the end of 2023. Located just metres from the company’s current main Bayton Road, Coventry premises, the new building will allow most of the company’s operations and 50-plus staff to be located under the same roof, consolidated from three other sites currently occupied. This includes machine tool manufacture and manufacturing operations for the company’s specialist, single purpose frame fabrication machines. Sheet metal production will continue in a separate 6,000 feet2 unit close by. The new premises, which are located on a four-acre, secure site will encourage the natural efficiencies gained by consolidating key operations under a single roof, in addition to providing room for growth and space for new, complementary enterprises. The building caps a proactive five-year period during which a number of companies have been acquired, including SALtech Machinery and Edgwick Sheet Metal, that bring all complementary operations under the control of Sean Mackey and Adam Jones, who have owned the business for the past 14 years. The partners believe that ‘Made in Britain’ provides substantially more than a sentimental catch phrase with the experiences of COVID still fresh in memories: “Covid and other global issues have combined to cause interruptions to imports, especially from the Far East, whilst we were able to continue virtually uninterrupted. Manufacturing everything locally has provided significant advantages,” explained Sean Mackey. “Jade Engineering has grown stronger through our ability to manufacture everything ourselves. Our new building will further strengthen our business by housing most of our operations under the one roof whilst also giving us room to expand.”

Machinery innovators Haffner has cemented its reputation as the industry’s go-to machinery supplier with the announcement it has become the strategic machinery partner for FOM Industrie in the UK. Dave Thomas, CEO of Haffner Ltd, said: “We have been working with FOM since 2019 and we are now the UK’s largest distributor of its cutting-edge aluminium machinery range. Our relationship has gone from strength to strength, resulting in this strategic move.” Founded in 1972, FOM Industrie is a leader in aluminium automation machinery with a range that extends from automatic cutting and machining lines to 3-4-5 axis work centres, single and double head sawing machines and traditional machines. Dave commented: “FOM has the same business pedigree and ambition as we do. It has plans in place to double the size of its production space as part of its continued growth strategy. We are looking forward to being an even closer UK partner to the company as it continues its trajectory.” Speaking on the new strategic partnership Stefano Beraldi, Export Manager, of Fom Industrie said: “Thanks to the fast-growing business relationship with Haffner, we are aiming to further reinforce our market presence in UK fenestration. The combination of Graf Synergy and Fom Industrie hi-tech products will ensure Haffner remains the strongest player in the field of aluminium and PVC-U fabrication machinery. We look forward to further aligning our business strategies with this well-organised and dynamic machinery partner."

FOM Industrie machines will be on display at Haffner’s stand at this year’s FIT Show, which runs 23 to 25 May at the NEC in Birmingham. Visitors to Stand K51 will be able to view a complete factory set up including the FMC230 CNC Machining Centre with its four controlled axes, the heavy-duty FMC340 CNC Machining Centre and the Blitz Alva double head saw. Dave said: “The live factory set-up will demonstrate the innovative credentials of the FOM aluminium machines and how they take fabrication to the next level by delivering superior manufacturing quality and best-in-class performance.” Founded in 1990, Haffner Ltd has the largest and most comprehensive machine portfolio in the industry today. As well as being the strategic machinery partner for FOM Industrie in the UK, Haffner is the sole UK agent for Graf Synergy. It also designs innovative and high-quality engineered products at some of the most competitive industry prices. The company has seen exponential growth in the past few years. In the past three years alone, the company has doubled the size of its Staffordshire headquarters and commissioned a new 1,990 sqm showroom extension with highend facilities at every level. With its partnership with FOM Industrie and its continued commitment to customer excellence, the award-winning business is laying the foundations for its ongoing growth. Tel: 01785 222421 www.haffnerltd.com

(L - R) Bryan Dando, Matt Thomas, Dave Thomas, Chris Curran

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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MACHINERY

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

EVEN A CNC NEEDS TLC That CNC-based frame making machinery can simply be fitted and forgotten, is a fallacy, says Jade Engineering’s Adam Jones

and especially, leaving tools working past their optimum: “Even amongst owners and managers that have planned maintenance schedules there may be a temptation to stretch or skip the cycles. But to do this is a false economy; even using a tool past its recommended cycle for a further 100 frames, will eventually cost big bucks.

“I am constantly amazed at the number of company owners and production managers that spend a fortune on installing expensive and complex CNC machines, without any plan for replacing the most essential component of that machine, the cutting tools, on an ongoing basis,” says Adam Jones, of Jade Engineering.

“To put this in basic terms, you would not keep hacking away in a kitchen with a blunt knife, because it is just hard work and produces a noticeably poor result. So imagine what is happening to profiles with tools that are past their best. In addition to product quality suffering, damage is being done to all moving parts of these expensive CNC machines: worn tools set up imperceptible vibrations that increase wear on bearings, spindles and other components and in due course, it’s likely to go bang,” he advises.

The concept of a CNC machine doing the work of perhaps four or five people, is at the core of the popularity of this type of equipment. But, says Adam, it is becoming increasingly clear that many are not managed or maintained as they

should be, despite their high capital cost: “Whilst the best of these machines will run and run with little attention, as with everything electro-mechanical they need to receive ongoing TLC to ensure that they are running optimally,” he says. “Many factory owners will train their people to operate the machine, but with no responsibility given for its maintenance. That tends to be left to the supplier who will of course operate to a routine maintenance

schedule. But then, little attention is paid to the tooling, perhaps because that is supplied by a third party, usually us. It’s somebody else’s problem and really, the owner should be taking care of that. “But there is also an issue with kit – and there is a lot of it - that is out of warranty or isn’t covered by a servicing agreement. It isn’t just the tooling that is neglected,” observes Adam. “All too often, CNC maintenance – and for a lot of general production kit – is a ‘get around to it’ job. Over the past couple of years particularly, most fabricators have been at full or over capacity, which means that if a machine is working then there is no way it will be taken out for servicing…or even for tool changes for that matter, even though tool changes take minutes.” Adam says that factory owners will lose money by not sticking to service cycles

Machine tools are one of the highest overheads of the frame making process. An operation producing around 400 frames a week should change tools every six months or so and other numbers, pro rata. Well, Adam would say this, wouldn’t he? “We sell as many new tools as we make,” Adam retorts. “But the effect of blunt tools and poor maintenance doesn’t take an engineer to understand. And for companies that are concerned about the cost of tools, we now offer a regrind service that extends their life by a factor of three whilst slashing the cost by 75%! And a box of tools can be returned to us for as little as a tenner. “Not a great deal of money to make sure a £100,000 machine keeps doing what it was bought to do,” concludes Adam. www.jade-eng.co.uk

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

GLASS NEWS INTERVIEW: SHEERLINE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

ADRIAN REDSHAW, PRODUCT DESIGN DIRECTOR, IN CONVERSATION… The Prestige range welcomes a lift and slide patio door, can you give me an insight into the new product? Not only does the new Lift & Slide Patio Door complete the Prestige range, it also provides an opportunity for us to meet market demand, with sliding patio doors having the potential to transform any space. For this reason, they continue to be popular. The fact we’ve incorporated the Sheerline features our customers have come to know and love means we’re offering a consistent standard across all our products, with thermal efficiency, security, style and sustainability built in. Plus, everything perfectly matches!

Can you go through the security aspects of the door? For us, security is essential, which is why it’s built in to every Sheerline product. The Prestige Lift & Slide Patio Door has achieved PAS24 accreditation, which comes as standard on all our patio doors, no matter if you choose the standard or slim (52mm) meeting styles. High security interlocks bind sashes together to prevent unwanted intruders gaining entry, and high-performance retracting hook-locks secure the door perfectly. As these are perfectly flush when retracted, doing away with protruding locking pegs on jambs – it also looks neater and prevents snagging.

Could you run me through the aesthetics? One of the guiding principles of the Sheerline range is to offer fabricators, installers, and homeowners a perfectly suited range, with the same style options and aesthetics

across all windows and doors. We even offer a stepped sash option – to create the signature Sheerline look homeowners love – not many patio systems offer that versatility. Homeowners want to create a room with a view and thanks to our super slim sightlines, 106mm (frame and sash) – which is up to 31% slimmer than alternatives, these doors are perfect for that. These slim sightlines have contributed to the sleek, modern aesthetic we’ve achieved. Our super slim 52mm meeting style completes the minimalistic look. Less is more with patios.

What are the advantages/selling points, to the fabricator? We pride ourselves on being fabricator-friendly. That’s why this product is easy to fabricate and uses many standard components from the Prestige range. With minimal extra stockholding, you can add an outstanding modern aluminium Lift & Slide patio to your offer. We offer three weather rated thresholds, including a low threshold with ramp that’s been tested to part M requirements. We even offer ‘zero’ threshold options for sheltered, or internal installations, suitable for a variety of flooring heights. Another clever design feature we’re proud of is the integral drainage built-in to our threshold end caps.

Adrian Redshaw

What are the advantages/selling points to the installer?

Plus, Part L compliance comes as standard with Sheerline’s Thermlock® technology, which ensures high-performance U-values and thermal efficiency.

From an installer perspective, what we’re offering is a fully suited range of products that look good, work together perfectly, and offer consistency. That’s consistency in terms of the aesthetic, styling options and finishes, colours, security, and guarantees.

Another advantage is the fact the outer frame (and sashes if required) can be delivered to site in kit form, so tight access issues aren’t such a problem. This is vital for patios being installed in a kitchen/diner extension on the back of a townhouse, for example.

What are the advantages/appeal to the homeowner? Homeowners can create a beautiful bright, airy aesthetic throughout the home, but there’s also the timeless appeal of aluminium and its sense of quality and permanence. Add into the mix exceptional thermal performance that helps keep energy bills under control while maximising panoramic views and giving easy, everyday access. There’s also the attention to detail that makes Sheerline products a joy to live with, like the anti-snag locks I mentioned. Innovation without compromise is a major reason for the renaissance of the aluminium patio door in modern architecture.

Talk me through the compliancy factors for the door... Easy! As with the entire range, Part L compliance comes as standard with our Thermlock® cores, and we manage to achieve incredibly low U-values with standard double glazing. All of this is fairly unique for aluminium patio doors, but so is the fact no extra widgets are needed to get to these U-values. PAS24 security also comes as standard on every door.

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

Talk me through the thermal performance of the door...

To find out more visit the website here: www.sheerline.com alternatively, call Sheerline on 01132 978000 or email: info@sheerline.com for more information. Follow @SheerlineSystem for the latest news and updates.

Thermal efficiency is everything. Not only are consumers facing spiralling energy bills, but many with heritage or traditional properties have had to make compromises in the past – choosing style over thermal performance. With Sheerline, homeowners don’t have to compromise. We offer exceptional U-values as low as 1.0 with triple glazing and 1.4 with double glazing because of our multi-chambered Thermlock® thermal breaks.

Any further comments?

They’re far more efficient than traditional polyamide thermal breaks and we use them in all our products – this is aluminium for the modern world, not the descendant of a 1970’s commercial system.

Just that as well as the things you’d expect from a high-performance Patio, like sashes that glides smoothly and are easy to operate, we’ve also built in lots of extra ‘Sheerline value’ in this our latest product. We offer dual and triple tracks options, as well as lift and drop assist upgrades for the very biggest doors. We are sure that once installers and fabricators experience the Prestige Lift & Slide Patio for themselves the differences will be crystal clear.

Twitter - @SheerlineSystem | Facebook - @SheerlineSystem | LinkedIn - @Sheerline (showcase account) Instagram - @sheerlinealuminium | YouTube - Sheerline

www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2023

INSTALLER SUPPORT

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

FABRICATOR FOCUS: MEETING EVERY TYPE OF INSTALLERS’ NEEDS Leading trade fabricator, the Glazerite UK Group, tailors its products and services around the varying needs of both commercial and domestic installers. Here, Group Sales and Commercial Director, Jeff Dunn, shares how Glazerite ticks the box for every installer. Our UK-wide customer base faces many of the same challenges: remaining competitive in a busy market, meeting customer demands for trends, accessing the right products at the right time to complete a high-quality finish, and securing new custom through brand awareness and reputation. It's key to us as a fabricator that we meet all of these needs - and more besides whatever the size, end market, or goals of our installers. For Birmingham-based Howard Yarnold Windows and Doors, which carries out both largescale commercial projects and smaller residential installs, a trusted supplier in the wings is essential. Run by Ashley Yarnold, Howard Yarnold Windows was founded in 1967 and has been a customer of Glazerite for four years. Much of Howard Yarnold’s work is in commercial renovations, with the firm having extensive experience in completely transforming schools and hospitals across the Midlands. The installer uses VEKA uPVC products from Glazerite as well as

For those installers who don’t have the resource or budget to pursue their own marketing strategy, our in-house team is also on hand to provide as much support as they need, whether that’s content for social media or a brochure, or the design and launch of an installer-branded website. For mainly domestic-focused installers like Herts and Essex Windows and Doors, owner Clive Travers believes the key to success is finding a fabricator who is flexible and supportive and adds value in the process. He explains: “We have a good relationship with Glazerite, having worked with them for the last four years. We initially chose them because of their VEKA and Halo range, and the value they can add for our customers in finishing touches such as distinctive hardware.

Jeff Dunn

aluminium windows and doors fabricated at its own factory. Ashley is proud of the firm’s reputation and explains part of that is down to sourcing a reliable uPVC fabricator. “As a business, we are committed to giving our customers the best possible service and to achieve that, we need high quality products and great service from our own suppliers. We use VEKA and Glazerite because we know the end product will help us achieve high standards, whether that’s a domestic install using a heritage style like the Imagine Vertical Slider, or largescale commercial projects, which can involve hundreds of windows.” Commercial projects can take a lot of planning, and months to complete, and it’s

crucial timescales are met and regulations on site are adhered to. Building sites are also busy with other trades, so scheduled deliveries which arrive on time are essential. Some projects require Howard Yarnold’s team to work around students and school hours for example, while others demand technical knowledge and support, and the ability to fabricate non-standard jobs for bespoke projects; all areas Ashley praises Glazerite for. A fabricator worth its salt will be able to flex its offering and service to meet the needs of every type of installer. For domestic installers, that is likely to be a broad offering of products in a range of colours and styles and added value offerings such as smart technology or stylish hardware.

“As a fabricator they go above and beyond to meet deadlines and help us out, whether that’s on bespoke jobs or giving us access to brochures for example. Their service makes a real difference for us.” Our installers face competition from other firms in their local areas, so being able to offer them a broad choice of products in differing styles and colours, backed up with short lead times and a personalised marketing strategy, can make a real difference. Whatever their end market or individual challenges, it’s Glazerite’s aim to provide a best-in-class service for every installer, and we’ll tailor our approach to meet the needs of our customers to achieve that. We will also continue to invest in our operations and product range, such as the recent addition of aluminium profile for example, so we can continue to help them prosper today, and in the future. www.glazerite.co.uk

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

“The thought of reinventing ourselves was daunting, but Glazerite was with us throughout. We haven’t looked back.” Ross Heaver

Heavers of Bridport

Ending in-house fabrication so we could focus solely on installs was a huge decision for Heavers. It was key we found the right fabricator-partner to help us move our business forward. We’d been thinking about making the switch from fabricator-installer business to Installer only for a few years, but rising prices finally gave us the push to do it. The thought of reinventing ourselves was daunting, but Glazerite was with us throughout. Leaving fabrication behind was a huge decision, and we had to get it right for us, our team, and our customers. Quality and performance are at the heart of what we do here at Heavers, so it was important we found a fabricator we could trust.

Glazerite stood out for us; they have fantastic facilities and can provide products we’d never have been able to fabricate ourselves, which means we don’t have to turn down non standard jobs. Crucially, their own scope and ambition for growth matched ours. If you’re a fabricator-installer looking to #StopFabricating#StartProspering we’ve got you, every step of the way. Talk to us about how we can make your business prosper.

www.glazerite.co.uk Tel: 01933 443222 Email: sales@glazerite.net

UK Group Limited

FACE TO FACE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

THIS MONTH: Richard Bryant, Commercial Director, Window Ware Richard Bryant, Commercial Director, and new co-owner of leading independent UK hardware distributor Window Ware, discusses his career in the fenestration industry to date, his future ambitions – and his biggest regret.

IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU...

YOUR CAREER...

Where were you born and live currently?

When and how did you join this industry?

I grew up in a small village in Mid Bedfordshire and I still live there today! It’s just a short drive to the office and a great base from which to travel the country, visiting suppliers and customers.

I’m not sure it was ever a conscious decision to pursue a career in the fenestration industry. I started work in the sales department at Window Ware in 1995 - just two weeks after I completed my A-levels. I wasn’t sure which career path I wanted to pursue so I thought a couple of years of work experience would give me space to figure out what I wanted to do.

Your education and the subject or activity in which you excelled? I performed pretty consistently across all subjects, but I really enjoyed design and technology. Even though I got accepted at numerous universities, I decided that further education was not for me, and I finished full-time education with my A-Levels.

I enjoyed working at Window Ware from day one and soon realised the fenestration industry had a great deal to offer. Whilst it was never my plan to spend almost my entire working career at Window Ware, I’ve enjoyed how everything has panned out. And now that I co-own the company, I’m certainly not going anywhere anytime soon!

Your favourite sports or interests? I’ve tried my hand at most sports over the years; I enjoy learning the new skills and techniques required in different sports. For the past 10 years though, mountain biking has been my focus. It keeps you fit and there’s always an adrenaline rush to be found if you want it. I also enjoy running. I find it great for clearing my head and giving me time to think.

What is your job?

Your biggest regret in life?

I also personally manage some of our key accounts, which is something I still enjoy doing, because it helps me stay connected with what’s going on in the industry and what our customers want.

I’m the Commercial Director for Window Ware. That means I’m responsible for delivering and growing sales. I lead our external sales team, working to ensure they have all the necessary tools and products they need so they can fully support our customers and excel in their roles.

As a general rule, I don’t do regrets; I figure you can’t change the past so don’t dwell on it! I prefer, instead, to look back and try to learn from any mistakes or missed opportunities so that I can make sure history only repeats itself in positive ways. The only thing I wish I’d done earlier in my life was to spend a winter season working in the Alps!

I’m happiest at work when I’m planning for the future, especially when it involves looking at potential new products or new market sectors or how we could improve things to make our customers lives better! With ever evolving trends, and competitors launching new products all the time, it’s definitely a job that is never done!

The temptation you can’t resist...? Curry - never said no to one those!

Someone or something that inspires you? Twitter venture aside, I’ve always admired Elon Musk on account of how he’s

influenced the world with PayPal, Tesla and SpaceX. In general, though, I’m inspired by anyone who truly dedicates themselves to a single pursuit, cause, or team, be they business professional or sportsman.

Your greatest achievement? I’ve been involved in many product design projects over the years and, whilst I’m no engineer, I’ve had a hand in the shape and functionality of plenty of products on the

market today. I’m particularly proud of the role I played in bringing Window Ware’s Regal Hardware range to market. Not only was this project delivered during the depths of the first lockdown, which posed many unique challenges to say the least, but the range has also proved a big hit with fabricators operating in the heritage market. Of course, my biggest achievement so far has to be when I became one of the new owners of Window Ware. To say there was a steep learning curve is an understatement; nothing stretches you quite like negotiating a successful management buyout while still trying to juggle your day job!

AND YOUR FUTURE... What would you like to do if you weren’t in this industry? Considering I’ve spent my whole life in fenestration and now co-own Window Ware, I have few thoughts of a career outside the industry right now. I do, however, hope that one day I can either start or buy a business outside the industry, preferably one linked to a sport or pastime I enjoy, so that I can blur the lines between business and leisure.

A particular ambition? There are quite a few places that I would still like to visit. At the top of my bucket list is a mountain biking tour of Whistler, Canada: a mecca for alpine riding. I’ve pencilled this trip in for a few years’ time and, with any luck, I’ll still be fit enough to enjoy it properly!

The way you want to be remembered? Hopefully, my colleagues and employees will say that I was always there to support them and help them develop in their roles. I constantly aspire to do what’s best for our customers, so I hope this comes across to them too.

If you would like to appear in ‘Face to Face’, or would like to nominate someone else to be featured, simply email chris@glassnews.co.uk. 50

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

MARKET LEADING U VALUES

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FUTURE PROOFED TILED CONSERVATORY ROOF SYSTEMS

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FABRICATOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT AVAILABLE

Interested in becoming an installer?

Interested in becoming a fabricator?

HARDWARE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

TOTAL HARDWARE ADDS YALE’S MANTIS 4 MULTIPOINT DOOR LOCK TO ITS RANGE Leading independent hardware supplier Total Hardware has just added the Mantis 4 Multipoint Door Lock from Yale to its range. Designed and manufactured in the UK to suit PVC-U, composite and timber style doors its unique hook and linear bolt locking points ensure the ultimate in security. It also works seamlessly with both single and french door applications. Gary Cox, Director at Total Hardware, said: “As one of Yale’s largest hardware distributors, we are delighted to be adding the Mantis 4 to our range. We continually evaluate our inventory to offer the depth and breadth of products our customers need. The Mantis 4 Multipoint Door Lock is the perfect example of Yale’s innovative approach to security.” The security on the Mantis 4 is exceptional. The unique hook and linear bolt unit and precompression rollers are cleverly positioned to assist with PAS24: 2016 test accreditation. The centre unit features a strengthened centre case to give enhanced security for added peace of mind. The new 13mm axis one piece keep means the Mantis 4 is robust and was able to accept a greater load during security testing. The lock is also packed with intelligent design features for end users. It has a reversible latch and the easy-to-use push-in latch snib feature has been specifically designed to prevent accidental lock outs. There are also screw-in, hardened plastic tidy boxes for improved longevity and a more aesthetically pleasing aesthetic. There are zinc end caps and the faceplates are manufactured from 430 stainless steel for durability and longevity. The Mantis 4 is a versatile option for fabricators and installers too. There are 16mm or 20mm faceplate options and the range includes square and radius ends. There are one piece and individual keeps for

AT PRECISION STRENGTHENS SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM WITH NEW OPERATIONS MANAGER Leading aluminium bi-fold hardware supplier AT Precision has strengthened its senior management team with the appointment of a new Operations Manager. Will Dacre joins the Durham-based manufacturer with over 25 years of industry experience, and will be involved in maintaining and managing operations throughout different areas of the business, including production and quality control.

WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU!

Will comments: “It’s an honour to have joined the team at AT Precision, where my main role will be to manage the shop floor personnel, maintain health and safety in the workplace, and make sure work flows safely and efficiently. “My plan for AT Precision is to keep health and safety as a number one priority, push production safety, and ensure the highest quality control. “AT Precision has grown significantly over the past few years, and continues to develop with new product investments – it’s an exciting time to join the company, and I very much look forward to contributing to its continued success.”

PVC-U doors and three piece keeps for composite doors. The centre keep and the adjustable hook and linear bolt keep have a +/-2mm adjustment. The range includes hexagon allen key cam options for this adjustment. Made in Britain, the Mantis 4 has been corrosion tested to BS EN 1670: 2007 Grade 4 (240hrs) and endurance tested to 50,000 cycles. It has a 10-year mechanical guarantee and is included within Yale’s famous Lifetime Security Guarantee. Total Hardware supplies one of the largest portfolios of Yale products across window and door furniture, window gearing, window and door hinges, trickle vents, a wide range of Yale cylinders and doors locks. Gary commented: “Yale is a brand consumers trust. Our large portfolio of Yale products mean we can be a one stop Yale shop, which we know our customers value.” Alongside its Yale products, Total Hardware offers a comprehensive range of products from other industryleading hardware brands, as well as its own exclusive brands of premium hardware, exceptional customer service and a reassuring level of stability. It’s an offer that’s hard to beat and it’s why the company continues to go from strength to strength.

Christina

AT Precision Sales Director Michael Hewitt comments: “We are thrilled to welcome Will to the AT Precision team. His proven track record in operations management will help us optimise our production processes and streamline our supply chain, enabling us to deliver even greater value to our customers. “Will’s appointment frees up myself and the wider team to focus on sales and customer retention, while knowing the operation of our manufacturing facility is in the safest hands. “AT Precision has a commitment to delivering the highestquality products to customers, and the addition of Will to the team is a testament to the company’s dedication to excellence – with his skilled leadership, I have no doubt we will continue to thrive.”

Chris

AT Precision manufactures and supplies the Everglide range of aluminium bi-fold hardware, the Everseal range of gaskets, aluminium profile, security hardware, plastic ancillaries, and composite door hardware. The company also offers a 10-year guarantee on all its products, and promises next day delivery for orders made before 1pm, with free delivery on orders over £250.

Emma

Visit www.atprecision.co.uk.

COME AND VISIT US AT STAND Q3

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

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

NEW

H E R I TA G E DOOR HANDLE RANGE Designed for all doors.

TRADITIONAL DOOR HANDLES IN 9 SUITED COLOURS

M AT C H I N G E S PA G H A N D L E S , P E G S TAY S & B U T T H I N G E S

See more at mila.co.uk

Visit mila.co.uk to see the full Heritage range

HARDWARE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

GREENTEQ GETS A HANDLE ON BI-FOLDS Hardware manufacturer, VBH, has expanded its range of bi-fold door handles with a new addition to the greenteQ SlimFold range. The new internal/external handle set provides customers with the option to operate the door’s intermediate locks from both the inside and outside. The handle accepts a Euro profile cylinder for security. VBH advise that, as with the existing internal-only SlimFold options, which are available with and without the provision of a cylinder hole, the new handle set stands just 17mm off the face of the door when inactive. The lever nestles into the base plate when not in use, allowing the sashes

to stack closely together when fully open. SlimFold is available in up to six colours of the greenteQ Suite to perfectly match or complement aluminium bi-fold door finishes. Dan Powell, Head of Sales at VBH, tells us, “The greenteQ Suite is our very popular range of patio door, residential door and window furniture that is available in matching colours and styling to tie in a full house installation. We’re very pleased to have added this handle option to the Suite in time for the spring bi-fold boom.” The handles feature ‘Lift & Turn’ technology. To open the door, the user simply

pushes in the top of the lever to raise the bottom of the handle from its ‘nest’, and then turns the handle to unlock the door.

NEW YALE LOCKS AT VBH Hardware supplier, VBH, has broadened its range of multi-point door locks with the introduction of the new Mantis 4 range from Yale.

SlimFold handles are approved for use on Q-secure installations and all colours, including plated handles, are covered by the 10-year function and surface guarantee.

VBH has been supplying Yale’s Mantis 3 lock for many years, and has enjoyed great success with the range.

Dan adds, “It’s important that our standard 10 year surface guarantee covers all finishes so our customers, and their customers, can be in no doubt about what is covered. greenteQ’s six layer surface treatment gives us the confidence to guarantee all Suite finishes for a decade.

Mantis’s combination locking points pair a substantial chamfered hook and a tapered linear bolt that, according to VBH, provide an extremely smooth locking action. This is aided further by the inclusion of adjustable roller cams on variants for PVCu doors.

The company advises that Mantis 4 builds on all the qualities of its predecessor, adding a number of new benefits to an already impressive list of features.

These combinations lock in to newly designed one piece keeps or ‘multi-keep’ individual keeps, to provide exceptional

“Our greenteQ design team has been busy and we hope to have some more exciting new additions for PVCu and aluminium customers in the spring. Read about them here first.”

resistance to pull out, thanks to the positioning of the screw fixings. Mantis 4 locks have been tested to PAS24:2022, and are approved for use Q-secure installations and those requiring Document Q approval. Marketing manager for VBH, Gary Gleeson, says, “VBH is rightly known in the industry as the supplier to go to for Yale’s Mantis door lock, and we’re very excited about the introduction of this latest version. We have considerable stock levels in place already. “New and existing customers like the features including the push-in latch hold-back device, the stainless steel faceplate, and the new keeps, which have been designed specifically for 13mm axis profiles.” Mantis 4 locks are available from VBH stock to suit PVCu single and double doors, and there is a composite door variant with a 20mm radius end faceplate, Gary concludes, ”We have had great success with Mantis locks down the years and will continue to do so with Mantis 4. With the options available, and our logistics expertise, we are confident that we can satisfy most requirements from door manufacturers of all sizes.”

To find out more about greenteQ SlimFold bifold handles or any other hardware in the VBH range, contact VBH on 01634 263263, email at sales@vbhgb.com, or send them a Tweet @vbhgb.

To find out more about the supply of Yale Mantis 4 door locks or any other hardware in the VBH range, contact VBH on 01634 263263, email at sales@vbhgb.com, or send them a Tweet @vbhgb.

UAP ACHIEVES COVETED AWARD FOR BEST TECHNICAL INNOVATION UAP’s TS008 Soterian Slim Letter plate has been crowned the Best Technical Innovation at the GGP Installer Awards 2023 last Thursday.

the product is fast and easy to install, and provides a safer, more secure and convenient solution for the end user. Speaking about the award, John said: “I studied Industrial and Product Design at Manchester Polytechnic and ironically, one of my first projects was to design a letterplate. That was more than 50 years ago and it’s safe to say, my knowledge and technology have developed significantly since then!

Run by Glass and Glazing Products (GGP) magazine, the awards recognise the hard work and professionalism of the UK’s window, door and conservatory installers, and the products and businesses that support them.

“Thanks to UAP’s continued investment in new product development and the skills of its in-house team, we’ve been able to create a truly innovative letterplate. The TS008 Soterian Slim offers installers and end users a vast range of benefits, and it’s incredibly rewarding that these qualities have been recognised with this top award.

The award was presented to UAP’s former Technical Services Director, John McLoughlin, at a ceremony at The Midland Hotel in Manchester on 16 March 2023 by comedian Nina Wadia OBE. John designed the TS008 Soterian Slim and following his retirement last year, is still involved in UAPs product development as a consultant. Designed in-house, the Soterian Slim Certifire letterplate is unique to the

UK market and the most compact TS008-compliant letterplate ever made.

Manufactured for 44mm – 70mm composite, timber and uPVC doors,

“It was an honour to receive the trophy on UAP’s behalf. The whole team should be very proud of this achievement.” www.uapcorporate.com

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

Spoilt for choice. . .

Composite Door Hinge Quick and easy to fit, this soft contoured knuckle hinge is suitable for composite and timber door applications. A hinge body with perfectly matching clip on hinge covers. Available in a range of Fab&Fix finishes.

Available in a range of perfectly matching finishes

Shop the Fab&Fix hinge range at eraeverywhere.com

Antique Black

Black

White

Hardex Bronze

Hardex Chrome

Hardex Graphite

Hardex Gold

HARDWARE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

THE BIGGEST TRENDS SHAPING DOOR HARDWARE Richard Morris, National New Business Manager at UAP, discusses the key trends affecting the manufacture and specification of door hardware and locks. Changing legislation, customer expectations, and design perceptions are all having a major impact on door hardware and locks. To keep up with the pace of change, manufacturers must continuously improve and innovate, providing a wider choice of products that can meet current and future needs.

FIRE SAFETY The Grenfell tragedy has triggered significant change across the construction industry. New legislation has been introduced to improve building safety in England, including new fire door regulations. The type of door, and how it is installed, are now subject to stricter criteria with a focus on the ‘golden thread.’ This requires details of the manufacturer, certification, components, and installation to be sourced and maintained. For manufacturers of fire-rated door hardware, the rules mean an even greater focus on raising standards and continuous improvement. Making sure products are tested to, and exceed, the latest fire safety standards is a top priority. Third-party certification is an essential part of

this process. This provides specifiers with the assurance that fire-rated door hardware will perform as expected.

the product as simple to fit as any multipoint lock.

The Certifire certification for example, involves factory production audits at each site where the product is manufactured in accordance with ISO 9001 and additional requirements of the Certifire scheme. This process independently verifies the hardware’s performance ensuring installers and end-users can make an informed decision when selecting the product.

The pandemic has shone the spotlight on improving hygiene, leading to more touchless solutions, particularly in public places. Smart technology is at the heart of many these products, allowing access to be controlled via a fob, mobile phone or a wave of the hand.

SMARTER TECH Technology is affecting the way we all live, and this is generating more innovation across the door hardware industry. Manufacturers are investing in extensive research and development to create products that satisfy demands for more flexibility, security and convenience. At UAP, these requirements are shaping new ‘smart’ products under our Fullex Ai brand. These include the IONIC, an ultra-secure electronic door lock with features specifically designed for social housing, student accommodation, and domestic properties. Comprising an integrated power supply and wireless charging, the IONIC enables a door to be opened and closed using Bluetooth on a mobile phone. The lock offers the most advanced security encryption on the market and can be installed on timber and composite doors of any thickness between approximately 44mm to 54mm. No complex wiring is needed making

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Investment in this area is growing, with research underway into new solutions that can cost-effectively help to minimise the risk of viruses spreading. This will see new products brought to market which can improve the hygiene of existing touchpoints. UAP is at the forefront of this innovation with plans in place to launch a revolutionary product later this year under a new Armadillo brand. Forming part of a range named Armasmart, this has been designed to provide an antibacterial coating for door handles which does not tarnish.

DESIGN PREFERENCES Door hardware design is another area which is constantly evolving, driven by several factors, including a demand for more quality, choice and versality. These trends are seeing a shift towards more stainless-steel products in doorsets such as new lift and lock handles on rose, which can be used with the FlexiLock, our latest addition to the Fullex range. In response to customers’ feedback, door handles in a wider range of styles, colours and finishes are also being launched. Furthermore, a desire to match internal and external doors has led to the launch of internal handles which can operate with the lift and lock function, enabling them to be used with a multi-point lock.

A STEP AHEAD As trends develop and change, manufacturers of door hardware and locks are responding quickly and proactively. This is defining an industry that is not afraid to push the boundaries with products that set new standards for quality, innovation and safety. www.uapcorporate.com

UAP EXPANDS PRODUCT RANGE WITH NEW INTERNAL DOOR HANDLES

Seen here a selection of UAP’s door hardware range including IONIC, firerated products (Kinetica 3* Euro Cylinder, Soterian Slim TS008 Letterplate)

UAP, the specialist in locks and hardware for doors and windows, has bolstered its range of internal door handles with four new products.

in-house design team. This functionality means our new products can meet a growing demand to match internal and external door handles, providing fabricators, installers and specifiers with more choice and versatility. “The new range is ideal for modern homes, offering sleek handles in different finishes to meet any design criteria. When choosing our products, customers can also be assured of high stock levels, fast deliveries, and technical support and guidance.”

Launched under its Intelligent Hardware brand, the new additions include the ‘Calla’, ‘Fern’ and ‘Lyra’ lever handles on round rose as well as the ‘Ava’ lever handles on square rose. Designed in-house and following customer feedback on shapes and styles, the range is targeted at the high-end residential sector. Each handle features a contemporary design and is available in a variety of finishes, including a new matt black option plus polished chrome, satin chrome, and gun metal grey. Uniquely, the handles have also been developed to operate with the lift and lock function, enabling them to be used with a multi-point lock. Simon Marr, Intelligent Hardware general manager, said: “The lift and lock function is rarely seen on these types of handles and is made possible thanks to a mechanism created by our

Each handle can be purchased with matching accessories and comes with a five-year guarantee. Intelligent Hardware’s full range of internal door handles can be viewed in a new brochure shorturl.at/gHJKL

“The new range is ideal for modern homes, offering sleek handles in different finishes to meet any design criteria. When choosing our products, customers can also be assured of high stock levels, fast deliveries, and technical support and guidance.”

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

OPEN YOUR DOOR WITH THE TOUCH OF YOUR FINGER

TECH TALK

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TECH TALK with Strafford Cooke, Technical Director, Mila

DO YOU KNOW YOUR DDA FROM YOUR DOC M? It’s part of my job to advise Mila Hardware on new standards and regulations so that we are always up to date with the latest requirements when designing new products. But even I sometimes struggle with determining what’s a legal requirement and what’s a recommendation which we don’t actually have to adhere to by law. That was the situation a while ago when a customer asked Mila for a ‘DDA compliant handle’. Even though the 1995 Disability Discrimination Act was replaced by the Equality Act in England, Scotland and Wales in 2010 requiring public authorities and service providers to make accessible design adjustments, most people in this industry still refer to window and door hardware designed for the elderly or less able as ‘DDA handles’. When I asked the customer what standard they thought referred to the requirement for a DDA handle, they mentioned Lifetime Homes but, even though planning authorities still often refer to Lifetimes Homes when

granting planning permission, that in itself was actually abolished in 2015 and is all set to be replaced with Future Homes in 2025. Lifetime Homes was always an independent standard anyway - developed by a number of housing associations in the 1990s specifically for new homes. It included 16 design criteria to ensure homes had the flexibility to be adapted to meet the changing needs of individuals and families at different stages of their lives. It remains optional, but many of the elements of the Lifetime Homes Standard have actually been incorporated into the latest version of Building Regulations approved Document M.

Strafford Cooke, Technical Director, Mila

Now this is where things got confusing – even for me! I couldn’t find any specific reference to door handle dimensional requirements in ADM; the only reference to handle design for accessible and inclusive furniture is BS8300, which, even though it applies primarily to nondwellings, was referenced in the DDA – so effectively, I had done a complete circle. BS8300 requires a lever which is easier for people with any weakness in their hands to manipulate and recommends a gap of 45mm between the handle and the face of the door and a visual contrast between the two. That got the team at Mila thinking, When we were developing our new Supa™ Safety handle, we obviously had to take the requirements of BS8300 into account, but the other key driver for the design team was to create a handle which we felt had the potential to become the standard option for fabricators working in social housing and public sector regardless of whether the installation was for the elderly or less able. For those types of fabricators, having a standard handle on all their doors which complies with BS8300, DDA, Lifetime Homes and Doc M would not only simplify procurement and day to day fabrication by eliminating multiple stocking and fitting options, but could also potentially help them win new business. As a result, the Mila Supa™ Safety handle is designed to look very similar to our mainstream Supa door handles so that it doesn’t shout DDA. It is also manufactured in our Supa™ durable stainless steel, which comes with a 25-year guarantee on the finish and the mechanical operation to give the fabricator, the installer and the housing provider reassurance that there will be no costly remedials down the line. And we can provide independent analysis for public sector buyers of the sustainability of our stainless-steel hardware vs zinc helping them to achieve the carbon reduction targets which are increasingly part of their specification check lists. The Mila Supa Safety™ handle was launched at the start of the year and is in stock for immediate delivery. More details are at: https://www.mila.co.uk/supasafetydoorhandle/

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

Julie Warner Product Manager Julie Warner Carl F Groupco Product Manager Julie Warner Carl F Groupco Product Manager Carl F Groupco Julie Warner Product Manager Carl F Groupco

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

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Get in touch Get in touch and speak to Get in touch and speak to one of our and speak to Get in touch one of our experts today: and speak to one of our experts today: one of our today: experts experts today: t. Peterborough:

t. Peterborough: 01733 393330 393330 t. 01733 Peterborough: t. Peterborough:t. Cumbernauld: 01733 393330 t.01733 Cumbernauld: 393330 01236 721557 01236 721557 Cumbernauld: t. t.Cumbernauld: e. sales@carlfgroupco.co.uk 01236 721557 01236 721557 e. sales@carlfgroupco.co.uk w. www.carlfgroupco.co.uk e.e. sales@carlfgroupco.co.uk sales@carlfgroupco.co.uk w. www.carlfgroupco.co.uk w. www.carlfgroupco.co.uk

w. www.carlfgroupco.co.uk

Scott Dowling Cairngorm Group cott Dowling Cairngorm Group airngorm Group cott Dowling airngorm Group

Prepped and ready for action When demand is high, you need a composite door supplier you can depend on. We can supply fully prepped foam core and solid timber core doors to your exact specification, manufactured to the same high standard your customers have come to expect from you. With capacity available for the demand, bespoke glass and colour options, and lead times from 10 days, we’ll ensure the doors you need are delivered right on time.

Scan the QR code to follow us on LinkedIn or call our team today on 01625 428 955 Email. info@door-co.com | Visit. www.door-co.com

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UNIVERSAL DOORS GLAZERITE GERDA: CELEBRATES A TEN DELIVERS WITH ENGINEERED DOORS YEAR PARTNERSHIP DOORCO FULL OF EASTERN PROMISE WITH DOORCO (FIT SHOW STAND P31)

As one of the UK’s leading window and door fabricators offering its customers one of the most comprehensive product ranges on the market, 2023 is set to be an important year for Glazerite UK Group Ltd. After a period of consolidation following an MBO in 2021, Glazerite is taking their offering back to basics, putting their installer customer base at the heart of everything they do. This includes a refresh of their composite door offering for the year ahead, coinciding with the celebration a 10 year partnership with suppliers, DoorCo.

“We’re a decade on and the working partnership between Glazertite and DoorCo could not be better; we’re perfectly aligned in terms of our business values and drive to grow in our markets. DoorCo have a commitment to innovation on new door designs and responding to market trends by consistently introducing new colour and glazing options,” explains Glazerite’s Group Managing Director, Robert Brearley. “Later this year, we’ll be bringing DoorCo’s latest product innovation GRiPCORE, the new solid core composite door, into our range. It’s important that we enable our installer partners to stand out from the crowd in their own markets, so it’s essential we partner with suppliers who allow us to do the same. “Working with and developing strong relationships with suppliers who are one step ahead is important to us. The key is being flexible in your approach and understanding each other as ultimately, we all want the same thing – that is to enable our installers to be best in class. The partnership we have cultivated with DoorCo is a great example of this. They also support our installers with a comprehensive and relevant range of marketing materials and brochures. “Ensuring our installers can satisfy the needs of the most demanding customers is what drives us as a fabricator, and meeting their needs with leading brand doors in a wide range of options is important to our business. Working with suppliers we can rely on and trust, like DoorCo, is at the centre of everything we do. We’re looking forward to showcasing DoorCo and the great brands that compliment it such as Ultion and Kubu at our stand at the FIT Show in May.” Dan Sullivan, Managing Director at DoorCo concludes: “The relationship between DoorCo and Glazerite is a great example of how DoorCo works with customers to satisfy common goals and keep them happy. The desire to move things forward, develop and grow is as relevant for us both now as it was ten years ago and we know, that working together is the best way we will achieve this. We never lose sight of the fact they rely on us as a supplier, but they know it’s a positive partnership in which they can trust.” For more information on The Glazerite UK Group Ltd, visit: https://www.glazerite.co.uk/ For more information on DoorCo call: 01625 428955 or visit: www.door-co.com

Cambridgeshire based Universal Composite Doors (UCD), is celebrating four years in business – no mean feat considering the economic climate over those years. This success is testament to the team’s extensive experience in this market, as well as partnering with suppliers they can rely on and trust, like DoorCo. UCD’s Sales Director Haydon Statham explains: “We have been a DoorCo customer since UCD’s inception, as myself and the rest of the management team have always had a positive experience when dealing with them in previous roles. We produce around 500 composite doors per week for our network of installer customers, the majority of which are the ORiGINAL foam filled slabs. We also offer the solid core GRiPCORE slabs when required. Not only are the products top quality, but we have a very good, close working relationship with the team, which helps make the partnership run smoothly. “Over the four years working together, we have only ever had one supply issue, which was the ship that got stuck in the Suez Canal – something that was completely out of everyone’s control. Everything else has been managed through open lines of communication, transparency and honesty - common attributes both our businesses share, which is why the partnership works so well. DoorCo is a supplier you can rely on and trust, which in today’s market, is exactly what you need in order to keep your customers happy. We look forward to our partnership continuing to succeed in the years ahead.” Ben Aspinall, Head of Technology and Marketing at DoorCo explains: “UCD is an excellent example of how successful a forward-thinking Composite Door Manufacturer can be. The business is going from strength to strength, which is in part down to the robust experience across the management team, but also because of their customer focussed approach and commitment to service delivery. We would like to congratulate them on their 4th anniversary and wish them every success as they continue to drive the business forward.”

Now armed with the benefit of feedback from the retail installers appointed since last year’s FIT Show, GERDA has taken the lessons learned from its spectacular debut and distilled that information into its offer for visitors to its stand at the 2023 event. With the information gleaned from last year’s appearance and combined with the real-world experience gained from the growing Gerda Retail Installer Network, visitors to this year’s stand (P31) will find a more relaxed atmosphere with a range of doors curated more finely for the UK market. Gerda Residential Doors, a household name in its native Poland, has worked with Gerda UK, to reflect British tastes as well as anticipating the tougher performance standards due with the impending Future Homes standard. Gerda Residential Doors are unique in the UK with a range of contemporary steel and aluminium faced doors, that offer a level of thermal and security performance that is not available at this price point from any other brand. The past year has been used to develop classic four panel, glazed and unglazed styles in addition to the contemporary designs that have become so popular with buyers of aluminium windows in Britain and Ireland in recent years. Gerda’s unique engineered construction uses steel or aluminium skins mounted on robust internal aluminium chassis, utilising a PU foam core that provides excellent thermal insulation. Gerda doors are specified throughout mainland Europe for their attention to security, with all doors enjoying multi point locks, three bolt main locks, anti-burglary vertical bolts, anti-theft pins and optional auxiliary locks for added security. New Fuhr hardware will be available on some models for 2023. Following demand from UK installers, Pioneer Gerda will also be launching a fire door, whilst a new door configurator will link homeowners, installers and the factory to allow homeowners to design their own door whilst keeping lead times competitive with other premium door suppliers.

For more information on Universal Composite Doors call: 01487 809819 or visit: https://universalcompositedoors.co.uk/

The new and enhanced products will be displayed on a stand that has also been designed to allow new and existing Gerda installers to take time out from a FIT Show that is expected to be frenetic, to make key decisions in a relaxed atmosphere.

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

All enquiries to: Tina Beal, Gerda Doors at Pioneer, 01245 362236 www.gerdadoors.co.uk.

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

COTSWOLD CORNER

WINDOWS

NEW DESIGN WINDOWS SIGNS THREE-YEAR SUPPLY EVEN IN RECESSION, THERE ARE AGREEMENT EXTENSION WITH STILL BIG OPPORTUNITIES FOR EPWIN WINDOW SYSTEMS GLASS AND GLAZING

Cotswold MD Tim Ferkin looks at the latest construction data What do you get if you put five economists in a room? Six opinions. It’s an old joke, but it includes a timeless bit of wisdom – that economics is very hard to predict with certainty. That said, a few months into 2023, it certainly feels like the recession isn’t as bad as many feared. As always, it’s a mixed picture – some people you speak to are experiencing a significant drop in demand, others are still riding high. But there are reasons to be cautiously optimistic about the outlook for the rest of 2023. In a recent seminar held by Building Magazine, Allen Wilen, the economics director at Glenigan, laid out the most recent stats on how construction is performing. On the surface, they make for quite sobering reading. New project starts are down 20% on the previous quarter – and that’s adjusted to compensate for the big dip that naturally occurs around Christmas. Within that, new housebuilding projects were down 39%, commercial projects down 18%, and public sector developments down 3%. However, Allen’s commentary on the figures was more optimistic. He felt this sizeable dip was largely the delayed impact of Liz Truss’s disastrous mini-budget in the Autumn. Since the start of 2023, the picture seems to be a lot more positive – detailed planning applications, always a reliable indicator of what pipeline we can expect in the year ahead, are still very strong. In fact, they’re higher now than they were pre-pandemic.

New build specialist fabricator New Design Windows in Barnsley has just signed a three-year supply agreement extension with Epwin Window Systems. Lynne Darwin, Managing Director of New Design Windows, said: “We are delighted to have signed this supply agreement extension. The product integrity is exceptional, and we value the quality of the communication and the close relationship we have built with the Epwin Window Systems team since we began working with them in 2019.”

Materials availability seems to be stabilising, and materials costs, while high, are now in gradual decline. The political situation also feels more stable, with both main parties broadly on the same page economically speaking, reducing the likelihood of further Liz Truss-style shocks. And although it’s not been widely discussed in the media, last year brought an impressive jump in the UK’s economic productivity – while the labour force stayed flat, output increased by 5%. For fenestration and construction more generally, there are a number of key potential growth areas to keep an eye on, too.

Katrina Earl, Sales Director at Epwin Window Systems, said: “New Design Windows is an ambitious business that is committed to product and service excellence at every level. We are delighted they have signed this supply extension and we’re looking forward to continuing to work with the team and further supporting the business.” New Design Windows manufactures the award-winning Optima PVC-U system from Epwin Window Systems. Lynne commented: “We chose Optima because it is one of the most considered systems on the market. The aesthetics of the products, the

The company supplies the new build sector and works with top 10 housebuilders in the UK including Persimmon, Taylor Wimpey and Gleeson. Lynne said: “We manufacture, supply and install to new build housing, servicing around 100 sites and thermal efficiency has become front and centre for our customers. Optima’s U value of 1.2 W/ m²K means it ticks all the boxes when it comes to product compliance. Our clients also appreciate the robustness of Optima, which is very important on busy building sites.” New Design Windows was only founded in 2019 but the management team has more than 25 years’ experience in the industry, which Lynne says has been invaluable in understanding what housebuilders need. The company has certainly found a successful formula since it was launched. It has grown from a team of five to a current team of 40, while turnover has risen from £260,000 to £6 million. The company is currently looking for new premises and hopes to move from an 8,000 sq ft site to one of 20,000 sq ft. Lynne said: “Our year-on-year growth has been impressive, but this is down to the laser-focussed commitment of the New Design team and the continued support from Epwin Window Systems.” It demonstrates that product quality, partnership, industry experience and customer service are a winning combination.

The logistics sector continues to boom, and while that’s likely to slow at some stage, it’ll remain a source of valuable work for hundreds of businesses around the country.

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

We’re still seeing large amounts of activity in the office refurbishment market, as businesses continue to adapt to changing working patterns following the severe phase of the coronavirus pandemic. We’re likely to see further work from the office sector in the coming decade. During the building boom of the 1980s, thousands of office buildings were constructed around the country. Many of these are now in need of comprehensive refurbishment, which could provide another lucrative source of business. As ever, despite the headlines, there are reasons to be cheerful. For more information email info@cotswold-windows.co.uk, or visit www.cotswold-windows.co.uk

brand integrity and the extensive guarantees combine to offer a winning solution that continues to help us secure some substantial new build contracts.”

Lynne Darwin – Managing Director of New Design Windows

“We manufacture, supply and install to new build housing, servicing around 100 sites and thermal efficiency has become front and centre for our customers. Optima’s U value of 1.2 W/m²K means it ticks all the boxes when it comes to product compliance. Our clients also appreciate the robustness of Optima, which is very important on busy building sites.” April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

WINDOWS

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Circle three differences in the boxes below, fill in your contact details and send your competition entry to: FAO: Miss Christina Shaw, Glass News Competitions, 19 Heather Close, Tickhill, Doncaster, DN11 9UU or Email: christina@glassnews.co.uk. Entry deadline: 20/04/23.

NEW MARKET LEADING GRAF SYNERGY MACHINE NOW OPERATING AT DEKKO Dekko Window Systems has installed a brand new state-of-the-art Graf Synergy machine from leading machinery expert Haffner at its premises, enabling the leading trade supplier to bring the world’s first fully seamless window to the market. Sales Director Kurt Greatrex comments: “Following a multi-million pound exclusivity agreement with Haffner, we’ve been able to secure the installation of this specialist machinery in our manufacturing facility, allowing us to begin production of the world’s first fully seamless window, a product that will make a huge impact for our customers.” Dekko’s new fully seamless window comes complete with transoms and mullions, as well as cruciforms and reverse butt welding, achievable only with the Graf Synergy machine.

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Kurt continues: “Following the success of our Infinity range of uPVC windows, we’re excited to have improved our offering to manufacture a window with a fully seamless weld. It’s a world first from Dekko, and we would not have been able to make it happen without the Graf Synergy machine. “At Dekko, we’re constantly looking for ways to improve our product offering and

help our valued customers get ahead of the competition in what has become an extremely competitive market. “By offering a world first product, we’re giving our customers something truly unique – the seamless window not only boasts a fully seamless sash, but the latest in smart home tech – and we’re very much looking forward to helping our installer customers get ahead with this revolutionary product. “Haffner has a reputation in the industry for providing state-of-the-art, reliable machinery, and it’s through their unique Graf Synergy machine that we’ve been able to launch our seamless window. I very much look forward to a continued and successful relationship together.” Visit www.dekkowindows.com.

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SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS SET TO SHOWCASE BENEFITS OF GLASS AT FIT SHOW 2023 How to maximise sales opportunities by having different conversation about the comfort benefits of glass will be the focus for Saint-Gobain Glass when it exhibits at the FIT Show 2023. The company’s Planitherm Comfort range is used widely in the door and window industry, and provides a range of solutions including energy efficiency, noise reduction, reduced overheating, enhanced security and furniture fade protection.

Marketing Director Michael Butterick said: “There’s a huge opportunity for fabricators and installers to enhance their customer experience, improve profit margins and differentiate their business by offering more choice to consumers who are very often willing to pay for highperformance windows and doors that help them to achieve a more comfortable home. Glass will typically make up 70% of a window, and plays a big part in maximising comfort within a property – but it’s important to choose the right glass based on your customers’ requirements and budget. “The FIT Show is the perfect vehicle for us to talk to the industry about the latest product innovations and the solutions that are available today that meet required window performances. “Planitherm is manufactured in the UK and is specifically designed to meet the increasing needs of the UK market.

We have a wealth of knowledge within the business and our experts will be on hand at the FIT Show to provide guidance and support to fabricators and installers.” FIT Show event director, Nickie West said: “We’re extremely pleased that Saint-Gobain Glass will be joining us for our ten-year anniversary event at FIT Show 2023 in May. The Saint-Gobain brand is synonymous with delivering high-performing and innovative glazing solutions to fulfil customer and market needs. “I’m thrilled that glass will be represented by Saint-Gobain Glass and its team of experts at FIT Show 2023, which will include being a part of our learning programme as well as providing practical advice and support on the show floor.” See Saint-Gobain Glass on stand R42, in Hall 9.

INAGAS LAUNCHES DAY TESTING INITIATIVE With further legislative changes on the horizon and continued scrutiny being placed on Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) manufacturers’ production methods and quality, Inagas, the industry leaders for manual gas filling and testing equipment and official Sparklike Distributor in the UK, is pleased to announce the launch of its Day Testing Services.

of gas filling and testing equipment, offer support and advice on any improvements that can be made to the gas filling production method and service and calibrate any Inagas equipment. “This latest initiative provides our customers with a way of proving that they do what they say they do. As market

conditions continue to put a strain on manufacturers, we want to do all we can to support them, and we believe our Day Testing offering will do just that.” For more information on Day Testing, the Sparklike technology, gas filling machinery or any other products from Inagas, call 07879 446942.

Chris Kemp, Sales Director at Inagas explains: “We want to do everything we can to support our customers as times get increasingly difficult. Currently, the majority of manufacturers use an invasive method of gas testing which requires a sample of the gas/air mixture being extracted from the IGU. This method, although accurate, limits the number of IGUs tested and the size and type of units that are examined due to the cost of a destructive test. IGUs are often tested before the final seal is applied which can also give a misleading result, verifying the gas fill by reliable measurement as evidence of consistent product quality can be real challenge. “Using the very latest, non-destructive Sparklike gas testing equipment, we will visit your facility and carry out IGU testing, accurately measuring the gas concentration and produce a report on our findings. The Sparklike Laser Portable 2.1 allows the measurement of gas concentration from 1-95% for both double and triple IGUs - from surface one to surface three in a double glazed unit and surface one to surface five in a triple - regardless of the number of coated glass surfaces, or laminate glass for IGUs up to 51mm thick. Whilst we are there, we can also provide training on the use

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

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GGF LAUNCHES INDUSTRY FORUM FOR FULL AND FRANK DISCUSSIONS MORE FIRE DOOR

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) is pleased to announce the launch of a new industry forum to unite and support the sector. The Forum is said to offer members a safe online space to discuss current topics, share insights, gather information, and solve problems.

INSTALLATION TRAINING FOR THE WINDOW COMPANY (CONTRACTS) TEAM

Chris Beedel, Head of Advocacy & Stakeholder Relations at the GGF explains in more detail: “The GGF Forum is a platform for members to come together and share their knowledge, ideas, and perspectives. The marketplace is challenging right now and dealing with issues alone can be difficult. Our aim is for this forum to become a go to guide for the industry with tips, suggestions, and resolutions to common problems, as well as a place members can simply share experiences. It will act almost as a self-service advice centre with members having access to the resource 24/7.

Timed to coincide with the 2023 implementation of the new Fire Safety Act in England and Wales and the fire safety (England) regulations introduced in response to the first report from the Grenfell Tower inquiry, 25 members of the fitting team at The Window Company (Contracts) have just received up to date FD30S Fire Door installation training.

“As well as offering a space to share opinions and resolve problems, we hope the forum will drive innovation and crowdsource new ideas too. Members can drive the content without GGF involvement, so they can interact, offer feedback and critique in a healthy and positive environment, but the GGF will be there to oversee, moderate and engage with members when needed. There will be a set of rules that need to be followed while using the forum to ensure it remains a safe and positive space, but we’re confident this online space will benefit members hugely. “GGF members already enjoy the advantage of regular face-to-face meetings with industry peers, and that will remain an important part of our membership, but the creation of this forum will mean they don’t need to wait for the next meeting to air their views or ask a question.” In conclusion Chris says: “We are constantly seeking ways to make our members’ lives easier or better and believe an online forum will be of great value in the current more challenging climate, and beyond.”

The commercial window and door installer specialises in the social housing sector, so the workshop from their composite door supplier Solidcor was particularly useful in relation to fitting its entrance doors in flats and in common areas in multi-storey buildings where the rules on demonstrating compliance have changed. During the workshop, the fitters were shown everything from checking deliveries, frame and fire door installation to door closer adjustment and completion of the installation records which are required under the new regs. The training adds to the IFC (International Fire Consultants) accreditation that The Window Company (Contracts) already holds for installing fire doors and ensures that its team have specific understanding of how to fit the Solidcor FD30 BS476 Part 22 1987 approved fire door, which has been tested and certified on both sides. Katie Thornton, Director of Compliance and Administration at The Window Company (Contracts) commented: “This was a valuable update and refresher for all our teams, who are likely to be busier than ever this year carrying out fire door installations now that the recommendations on fire safety from the Grenfell Tower inquiry have finally come into force.

OPEN DAY SUCCESS FOR MODPLAN

Leading trade fabricator Modplan has hailed its recent Leka Systems Open Day as a great success. Ian Lewis, Field Sales Manager at Modplan, said: “Our Leka Open Day was a great introduction to our Leka portfolio and helped show prospects the level of commitment they could expect from us. Attendees feedback has been exceptional and we’ve already secured several new sales enquiries.” A mixture of business owners, managers and sales representatives attended the oneday event, which took place on March 27th at Modplan’s headquarters near Newport, Gwent. Attendees were able to learn more about the advantages of the Leka roofing portfolio, including live presentations on the industry-leading Leka Solid Roof, Orangery Roof System, Leka Xi Modular System, Leka Carport and Canopy System and Leka Skylight System. On hand throughout the day was Rhys Hoddinott, Managing Director of Leka Systems. Rhys commented. “We were delighted to support Modplan at their Open Day. Leka roofing products have taken the market by storm over the past few years and show no signs of slowing down. Market conditions are working in our favour and with the rise in energy prices, more households are focusing their attention on energy saving products. Our roofing systems make buildings much

“We were delighted to see so many existing and prospective customers at the Open Day and look forward to hosting similar events in the future.” more thermally efficient by design which presents a big opportunity for fabricators and installers.” Leka’s roofing solutions transform conservatories that are too hot in summer or too cold in winter because they have U values as low as 0.10W/m²K, helping to make homes more thermally efficient as well as create more useable living space. They are also suitable for new build projects too. Following the seminar and live product demonstrations, attendees had a guided tour of Modplan’s impressive multi-site facilities, including their dedicated Leka fabrication plant. Ian Lewis, said: “Seeing the quality, efficiency and high-quality production output of our Leka roof products is always impressive and gives further assurance to potential new customers.” Award-winning Modplan was the first fabricator to manufacture Leka in the UK as part of its proactive commitment to open up opportunities for its customers and give them a competitive advantage. It adds further value with a partnership approach to customer support, which includes marketing, product training and additional business development activities such as Open Days. Ian concluded: “We were delighted to see so many existing and prospective customers at the Open Day and look forward to hosting similar events in the future.” Tel: 01495 246844 www.modplan.co.uk

“We’re obviously delighted to see the recommendations implemented - particularly those relating to the requirement for quarterly checks on fire doors in common areas and annual checks on fire doors in flats over 11 metres high, but we firmly believe that fire doors should only be fitted by fully trained teams in the first place. We’ll continue our efforts to communicate that to all our clients in both the public and private sectors.” More info at: https://thewinco.co.uk/

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

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MANCHESTER PIGS SETS THE STY-LE FOR 2023

CALLERS ASSURED OF A RAPID RESPONSE AT WINDOW WARE Window Ware has been making sure customers aren’t kept hanging around when they phone up the market-leading hardware distributor. Since October last year, the quick-answering company has picked up on average 99.02% of all calls within their target time of 10 seconds (three rings) or less. Sarah Binns, Window Ware’s Internal Sales and Marketing Director, said: “Our customers are always under pressure to hit deadlines and complete jobs, so the last thing they want is to put their busy work schedule on pause while they wait for sales or technical support. That’s why we make it our mission to answer the phone quickly, every time.” “As a supplier, we absolutely must ensure reliable and responsive communications for customers, and our current phone response times demonstrate we are doing just that. But it isn’t just the speed of the response that makes a difference; a personal response matters too. And whenever a customer calls Window Ware, they’ll speak to a real human being rather than a robot, who will be able to give them precisely the answers they need.” To help maintain those quick response times, Window Ware created a brandnew role within its sales office and Sales

Coordinator, Emma Ajibawo, who joined the company in September, has taken on the important job of dealing specifically with quote requests, invoice queries, and making sure customer credit notes are processed quickly. “We are always looking at ways to improve our response times. Emma has not only helped us provide more efficient and more focussed query resolution, but she has also enabled the rest of the sales team to concentrate on processing orders and responding to product queries, and ultimately getting the goods out to the customer right on time,” added Sarah. “Our inside sales team consistently pull out all the stops to maintain a constant and responsive point of contact over the phone for customers and provide the friendly, ever professional and expert voice they need.” Window Ware has been successfully serving the window and door industry with leading brand hardware, tools, and consumables since 1987. For more information, call 01234 242 724, email sales@windowware. co.uk, or visit www.windowware.co.uk.

Cheers, Chat, Connect is the PiGs theme for 2023 and the first event in Manchester on 23 February brought together more than 200 people from the glazing industry at Revolución de Cuba. Sarah Ball, PiGs organiser and Joint Managing Director at Balls2 Marketing, says: “It’s been another fantastic event for all of us in the PiGs sty with so many new faces joining the glazing squad, it was brilliant. “PiGs is designed to bring the whole glazing supply chain together, from systems companies, fabricators, component suppliers to installers. We welcome everyone with open arms. “The atmosphere in the room was awesome. In fact, the bar tab ran out at about 8pm – which goes to show how popular the event is. There was still a huge crowd at 10pm and we know that conversations flowed late into the night and there were plenty of after parties at neighbouring bars.” PiGs has chosen We Mind and Kelly Matters as its charity for 2023 and displayed their bar runners and beer mats to promote messages around suicide prevention. Sarah adds: “As ever, I send huge thanks to all our sponsors for their support, without them PiGs would not be possible. We run PiGs as a not-for-profit event and all

sponsors’ money is used for the events, food and drink to get the party started. Our Manchester sponsors were: AGC Group, APECS, APS Aluminium & Plastics Systems, Bison Frames UK, Business Pilot, CiiLOCK Engineering, Comp Door, EasyVent, Edgetech UK, Emplas Window Systems, Eurocell, Extrudaseal, FIT Show, Gemini UPVC, Geocel, Georgian Bar Company, Glazerite UK, Glazpart, KUBU, Morley Glass & Glazing, Quickslide, RegaLead, Regency Glass, Reynaers Aluminium, Selecta Systems, Solidcore Composite Doors, SupaLite Tiled Roof Systems, Thermoseal Group, UK Doors Online, Unique Window Systems, VEKA UK and Window Ware.” The evening was a great success and now we’re looking ahead to FIT Show with the PiGs Pavilion! We’ll be releasing more details soon about our sponsorship packages on our emails and socials. Anyone wanting more information about attending, sponsoring or getting involved with the PiGs Pavilion at FIT Show can contact PiGs organiser Sarah Ball on 07540 049655 or email sarah@balls2marketing.co.uk.

OSWESTRY WINDOWS AND DOORS REPORTS STRONG UPTURN IN DEMAND Experienced Epwin Window Systems installer Oswestry Windows and Doors Ltd is reporting a strong upturn in demand, despite a backdrop of market uncertainty and expectations of a wider downturn in the economy. Owner Matthew Dunne-Smith says: “We have never been so busy! We have seen year-on-year growth for the past few years as a result of the boom in domestic refurbishments and we were anticipating a downturn in 2023. But so far, we have been proven wrong. Our sales and order pipeline have never been so strong and despite us anticipating a market slowdown, we’re seeing the opposite!” Matthew attributes his company’s continued upturn to the mix of products on offer. Oswestry Windows and Doors installs Epwin Window Systems’ Stellar, Optima, PatioMaster and Vertical Sliding

Window systems. Matthew comments: “The feature-rich products from Epwin Window Systems makes it easy to upsell and gives us what we need to secure lucrative contracts across high-end domestic projects.” He continues: “The cutting-edge advantage of these systems, coupled with the quality and service we get from our fabrication partner Heritage Trade Frames, means

we can more than deliver on customer expectations. In turn, this helps us attract attention from additional high-end projects, helping to continue the cycle.” Oswestry Windows and Doors’ featurerich product range delivers everything today’s discerning homeowner is looking for. Stellar Aluminium is renowned for its outstanding aesthetics and its unique Fully Flush Window option

that delivers flush lines both inside and out. Optima is frequently the system of choice for high-end PVC-U projects. The popular PatioMaster sliding doors have a maximum opening up to 6 metres, making them perfect for delivering on the trend for large expanses of glass and the Vertical Sliding Window System offers authentic heritage aesthetics, making it perfect for period and modern homes alike. Oswestry Windows and Doors provides refurbishment, renovation and construction services throughout Shropshire, Cheshire, North and MidWales. The company prides itself on its attention to detail and delivering outstanding quality in every part of its operation. History demonstrates that having featurerich, high-end solutions in your portfolio offers a greater degree of insulation and protection against market forces during a downturn. When backed up with quality in every other area of an operation, as in Oswestry Windows and Doors’ case, you even have the tools to achieve an upturn. Tel: 0845 340 3968 www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

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NI MERCHANTS CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC ABOUT

THE NEW EU TRADE DEAL

At the end of February, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced ‘The Windsor Framework: A new way forward’ as a EU trade deal breakthrough, brokered with French President Macron. As is usual with such announcements, the details are to follow shortly. On the face of it, it’s a big, good news story for the UK and Northern Ireland (NI) and it got a cautious but positive reception in GB, and in Dublin, and a mixed reception from politicians in NI. But, on the basis of what they’d read and heard, how did those directly affected, builders’ merchants in Northern Ireland see it?

“The Windsor Framework is not quite as we were pre-Brexit, but the idea of a dedicated channel for goods only heading to NI makes absolute sense.” Half the merchants were confident that the deal would instil the stability and certainty that businesses in Northern Ireland are seeking. And more than half felt the agreement would leave their business better placed to deal with the economic challenges that lie ahead. But, 46% felt there would be no difference. MRA Research also asked Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) Experts for their thoughts on the deal. The BMBI is a monthly index of builders’ merchant sales, and the most reliable, up-to-date measure of Repair, Maintenance, and Improvement (RMI) activity in the UK. Mathew Whitehouse, Marketing Director at Bostik and BMBI’s Expert for Adhesives & Sealants, says: “The Windsor Framework is not quite as we were pre-Brexit, but the idea of a dedicated channel for goods only heading to NI makes absolute sense,

making it so much easier and quicker with the removal of the administrative burden currently in place. Sense at last prevails, assuming it’s ratified by MPs and the devolved government in Belfast.” BMBI’s Expert for Fasteners & Fixings, Ian Doherty, Chief Executive at Hexstone, and the Owlett-Jaton brand, disagrees: “Although we have not seen the detail of how exactly processes will change, I believe the Windsor Framework will have little impact on fastener and fixings sales to NI. The major disruption to this trade was caused by the imposition by the EU of Anti-Dumping Duties (ADD) on Chinese manufactured products. I would expect that these duties will be unchanged by the Windsor Framework and that products will still be deemed to be at risk of moving into the Republic of Ireland and therefore will be red channel.”

Kevin Morgan, Group Commercial Director of The Crystal Group and BMBI’s Expert for PVC-U Windows & Doors, says: “The new proposals solve the issue of the protocol and will reduce problematic checks and controls - for us and our industry this potentially unlocks more supplier opportunities in Northern Ireland – noticeably for CrystalDirect it has opportunities through its bigger retail partnerships who operate in the whole of the UK with the same unified prices.” Some BMBI Experts are waiting to see the detail of the deal before commenting while others are not greatly involved in the NI market. The report can be downloaded at https://mra-research.co.uk/wp-content/ uploads/2023/03/OMNIBUS-Mar-2023MRA-Research-For-BMBI-ExpertsMASTER.pdf To add your own for-your-eyes-only questions to the Builders’ Merchants Monthly Omnibus Survey, call Yvette Kirk for details on 07918 272936 or email yvette@mra-research.co.uk.

To find out, MRA Research added four questions to its Builders’ Merchants Monthly Omnibus Survey on the 1st and 2nd March, immediately after the Northern Ireland Protocol & Windsor Framework was announced on 27th February. A representative sample of forty four NI builders’ merchants were asked their views on the agreement, which had been presented by the Government as a ‘new way forward for a prosperous, stable future for Northern Ireland.’ Asked how positive they were about the deal from what they’d heard so far, over half (52%) were for it. Just over one in 10 (11%) were negative, but more than a third (37%) were neither for nor against. Asked how confident they felt that the Windsor Framework would provide the stability and certainty business was seeking, one in two merchants were confident. But one in six were not at all confident. Half the merchants interviewed thought the EU trade deal was likely to stimulate growth in construction. When asked about their overall response to the agreement, 54% of merchants were for it.

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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PEOPLE IN GLAZING EVENT VISITS MANCHESTER The first PIGS event of 2023 took place on 23 February at the Revolución de Cuba in Manchester where around 200 people from the glazing and fenestration industry enjoyed an evening of partying and networking. The partying was so good that the free bar was spent up by 20.00 hours despite the generosity of the sponsors for this Manchester event that included:

• Emplas Window Systems • Eurocell • Extrudaseal • FIT Show • Gemini UPVC • Geocel • Georgian Bar Company • Glazerite UK • Glazpart • Morley Glass & Glazing • Quickslide • RegaLead • Regency Glass • Selecta Systems • Solidcore Composite Doors • SupaLite Tiled Roof Systems

• APECS

• Thermoseal Group

• APS Aluminium & Plastics Systems

• UK Doors Online

• Business Pilot • CiiLOCK Engineering • Comp Door • EasyVent • Edgetech UK

Richie Thornton, The Consultancy, Andrew Glover, UK Doors Online and Richard Diliberto, Comp Door

• Reynaers Aluminium

• AGC Group

• Bison Frames UK

Chris Champion, Glass News, Paul Edwards and Darren Baker, RegaLead and Emma Champion, Glass News

• KUBU

Cyra Henson and Richard Lannen, Nozzle and Philip Dewhurst Jr, Georgian Bar Company

• Unique Window Systems • VEKA UK • Window Ware We’re now looking forward to the FIT Show and details will be released shortly about the sponsorship opportunities for the PIGS Pavilion.

Melanie Jacobs, Glazerite and Chris Thompson, Future Products

Ray Maynard, Sandra Berg and Jovita Doftartaite, Quickslide

PiGs Manchester 2023

Ryan Johnson, Emplas, Mark Simm, GAP & RockDoor and Lawson Price, Epwin Group

Steve Hopwood, CiiLock, Richard Brant, Window Ware and Alex Holbrook CiiLock

Sam Nuckey and Richard Bryant, Window Ware and Guy Hubble, RegaLead

Nigel Bishop, Liniar, Alex Holbrook, CiiLock, Philip Dewhurst Jr, GBC, Phil Turner, Liniar

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Charlotte Curtis, Sue Davenport, Phil Turner, Liniar

Phoebe Dixon and Junaid Saleem, CSG Talent

Philip Dewhurst Jr, Georgian Bar Company, Dean Bradley, Glazpart & Paul Sullivan

Tom Swallow, Quickslide and Andy Ball, Balls2 Marketing

Alex Holbrook, CiiLock and Pierre Mifsud, Comp Door

Danielle Formby & Suzanne Nicholl, ODL Europe

Katie Bregazzi, Balls2 Marketing and Matt Gaskin, Business Pilot

Danny Jones, Kall Kwik and Steve Massey, Regency Glass

Dave Thomas, Haffner and Lauren Doyle, Balls2 Marketing

Katie Bregazzi, Balls2 Marketing, Michelle Wright, Glazerite, Melanie Jacobs, Glazerite

Mandy Westhead, Glass Times, Kush Patel, Emplas, Steve and Jill Haines, Stuga

Rik Henderson, FIT Show, Sandra Berg, Quicklside & Michelle Wright, Glazerite

Richard Gaunt, Made For Trade and Andy Ball, Balls2 Marketing

Patrick McGrory, RegaLead and Danielle Formby, ODL Group

Phil Turner, Liniar, Nikki Dunbar, Simon Owen, Nix Collective and Lauren Doyle, Balls2 Marketing

Anyone wanting more information about attending, sponsoring or getting involved with the PIGs Pavilion at the FIT Show, should contact the PIGs organiser Sarah Ball on 07540 049655 or email sarah@balls2marketing.co.uk. www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2023

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

CARL F GROUPCO RENEWS MEMBERSHIP OF COUNCIL FOR ALUMINIUM IN BUILDING Carl F Groupco has renewed its membership of Council for Aluminium in Building. John Crittenden, Managing Director of Carl F Groupco, said: “Membership of trade associations such as CAB demonstrates our commitment to playing a responsible, proactive role in the industry.” Carl F Groupco has been a member of CAB since 2006 and Phil Slinger, Chief Executive of CAB, said: “We are delighted that Carl F Groupco has renewed its CAB membership. The company has been one of our longest serving members. We look forward to continuing to work together to maintain high standards and promote quality within the growing aluminium market.” CAB’s mission is to promote and protect the use of aluminium in the UK commercial and domestic architectural aluminium industry. It is the largest UK aluminium in building trade association with over 140 members across the supply chain. It provides high quality technical information and guidance on regulations, standards and

best practice. It is also highly proactive in a number of aluminium and sustainability initiatives in the UK and internationally and is involved in developing and delivering a series of key training initiatives. Carl F Groupco supplies an extensive range of premium quality window and door hardware and has long-standing relationships with Europe’s most innovative manufacturers. It holds £5 million of stock at any one time and has a 98% OTIF target rate across all its ranges. It also offers a proactive consultancy service, testing and working with customer fabrication teams and manufacturer partners to scope new hardware solutions and ensure smooth transitions to new ranges.

Systems demonstrates its commitment to quality.

knowledge. It’s why it’s one of the industry’s longest-established names.

Overall, Carl F Groupco’s approach demonstrates its unwavering commitment to upholding its core principles of product quality, first class service and industry

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

As well as CAB membership, Carl F Groupco is also a member of the Secured by Design initiative, which works to improve the security of buildings and their surroundings, providing safe places to live, work, shop and visit. Its ISO 9001 accreditation for Quality Management

GLAMOROUS GLAMPING FROM FORCE 8 GLAZERITE POURS Over the past few years there has been considerable growth in the British holiday market, one of the many areas which has seen expansion is Glamping, with an explosion of new sites that have opened around the UK to meet the demand of the staycation. Glamping Pods, which are factory built and delivered to site have become extremely popular with their distinctive curved design, which seems to have become the standard framework for the industry. There are many companies that can provide windows and doors for these types of structures, but very few like Force 8 who can provide unique systems to fit the distinctive curved designs. Being able to glaze the full area and follow the curve allows more light and better views, as well as a better connection with the great outdoors.

Force 8 have been involved in profile bending for over 30 years and have perfected their system to an artform. Each frame or set of frames is custom made to the exact requirements of the Pod design. Every arch and curve are engineered from a single length of profile, with no breaks or welds, giving a more aesthetic appeal as well as a structurally stronger frame. As far as the company is aware this single length process is still unique to Force 8, the normal process is to bend shorter lengths and then weld them together. When you are constructing on what is basically a production line, the need for a reliable supplier to keep the production flowing is essential. Force 8 have invested constantly in the latest computer-controlled CNC cutting machines and equipment to stay ahead of the game. They can produce multiple units of unusual, curved designs to a millimetre perfect finish, which is ideal for this form of construction. The last thing a manufacturer wants is for his production line to be slowed down because of ill-fitting products. All the doors and windows all come with the latest security fittings and hardware, which has always been a priority for Force 8. The Pod doors are fitted with 2 hooks and deadbolts to make sure when locked they are fully secure, giving the residents peace of mind while on their vacation. Force 8 have been supplying arched and curved windows to tight deadline throughout the UK for many years and have the delivery infrastructure to cope with this growing demand in the Glamping Pod market. For further details visit www.force8.uk.

FURTHER INVESTMENT INTO OPERATIONS

Leading trade fabricator the Glazerite UK Group is shoring up its plans for growth with nearly £1million of key investments at three of its sites. The company’s North West Division is set to welcome new manufacturing equipment in the first half of this year, enabling the Bolton-based site to increase capacity and further improve on capability and quality for its installer customers. The investment includes a Pertici V-Notch saw, a Pertici double head mitre saw, and a Stuga ZX5S sawing and machining centre. Glazerite’s Midlands Division in Wellingborough is set to benefit from a new DIGI-X Auto Bead Saw and an Urban Corner Cleaner, while the fabricator’s Peterborough-based East Division is also taking receipt of a Pertici double head mitre saw, which will be used on its popular Halo portfolio. Darren Rhodes, Managing Director - Glazerite North West says of the investments: “By adding more machinery and replacing older equipment, we’re able to increase capacity and improve flexibility across our operations, which will ultimately benefit our customers. The new Stuga ZX5S will increase capacity by a third while the Pertici double head mitre saws allow for greater accuracy and removes manual processes. Our new equipment will give

us better control, accuracy in use, and increased capacity while improving quality for our installers.” Glazerite also has plans to enhance its fleet of delivery vehicles this year and continues to invest in its people, with a management training programme for its workforce about to be rolled out. As part of its environmental strategy, the fabricator is also focused on reducing waste across the Group, with initiatives being driven in parallel with Glazerite’s lean manufacturing approach to improve consistency, quality, and operational efficiencies. Darren adds: “Our investment programme underlines our ambitions and continues in spite of the backdrop of rising prices and escalating raw material and labour costs. Glazerite is in it for the long haul; that means we’ll continue to pour investment into our operations so that we can provide our customers with the highest quality products and exceptional service they need to succeed in their own markets.” www.glazerite.co.uk

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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9 9

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FROM NINE APPROX FROM NINE APPROX OPERATORS £180K £180K SAVINGS OPERATORS SAVINGS FROM NINE APPROX TO THREE A YEAR TO THREE A YEAR OPERATORS £180K SAVINGS TO THREE A YEAR

TEAM OF

18% 18% INCREASE INCREASE 18% IN OUTPUT IN OUTPUT INCREASE IN OUTPUT

LESS LESS HUMAN HUMAN LESS ERRORS ERRORS HUMAN ERRORS

OUTSTANDING OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE OUTSTANDING GUARANTEED GUARANTEED PERFORMANCE GUARANTEED

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The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

OUTLET PRAISED BY ALUK DESIGN CONSERVATORY THE MAYOR OF WEST YORKSHIRE FOR STUDIO ITS COMMITMENT TO INDUSTRY REOPENS WITH NEW HOST Conservatory Outlet has been praised by the Mayor of West Yorkshire for its commitment to boosting industry and offering tens of job opportunities for young people in the local area.

The comments were made after a site visit by Tracy Brabin, which formed part of a wider fact-finding mission into manufacturing and how investment into the region could be increased.

Regarded as one of the UK’s leading fabricators of windows, doors and living spaces, the company was chosen ahead of other Wakefield-based businesses due to its leading apprenticeship programme and status as a nationally recognised voice in the manufacturing and fenestration sectors. Conservatory Outlet, which operates from its riverside facility on Thornes Lane Wharf, has seen the benefits that targeted investment brings and is a key voice in promoting industry as a great career choice.

AluK’s Design Studio, located right in the heart of London’s architectural community on Worship Street, has just reopened with a new host.

By tapping into available funding, the manufacturer has driven through landmark improvement projects to its production capabilities, implementing a new digital transformation project, creating a dedicated Sales Training Academy and, recently, taking on five more apprentices.

priorities for West Yorkshire as it will lead to a stronger, more modern economy.

“We’re investing in growth and productivity programmes for businesses right across the region and I’m thrilled it’s making such a positive difference on the ground.” Karen Starkey added: “The Mayor’s visit couldn’t have been timed better for us, given that we’ve recently seen several apprentices move into full-time employment within the company, in roles as wide-ranging as Order Processing, Marketing, Finance and Fabrication. “We’re hugely proud of our local heritage and the way we invest in people in Wakefield and the wider West Yorkshire region. By doing this, we’ve been able to put tens of people on journeys to reach their full potential and forge lasting careers with us.”

Christina

Karen added: “Developing talent is one of the cornerstones of our business. It was great to discuss this with the Mayor, whilst also showcasing how our work is levelling up the workforce in the region.”

As part of the visit, the Mayor was given a private tour of Conservatory Outlet’s facility by the company’s Head of HR, Karen Starkey.

Conservatory Outlet is one of Yorkshire’s fastest growing manufacturers, supplying a range of conservatories, doors, extensions, orangeries and windows, with the latest advancements in UPVC, composite and aluminium technology regularly added to its ranges.

The Design Studio was set up by AluK in 2016 to showcase its aluminium window, door and curtain walling systems and provide a hub for education and collaboration.

On the walkaround, she met several staff members who have benefitted from the firm’s industry-leading apprenticeship programme that has so far seen 40 people progress into full-time roles.

The firm continues to support the Conservatory Outlet Network, which comprises 29 leading regional retailers, and this has helped increase turnover by 20% since 2020.

It is the London home of AluK’s project consultants, who are on hand to provide specification support, and is also a popular event space used by both AluK and other industry groups for round tables, seminars, product launches and networking.

The Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said: “Ensuring that young people have the skills they need to succeed is one of my key

For further information, please visit www.conservatoryoutlet.co.uk or follow @conservatoryuk on twitter.

Rhonda Sargeant is now managing the space, looking after guests and customers and helping to coordinate the programme of events.

WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU!

Specifiers, fabricators, installers and homeowners can visit to see full size versions of AluK products and view colour, hardware and accessory details. Rhonda said: “Everyone is very welcome at the Design Studio – whether they’re planning a project and looking for more details on the AluK products, coming to one of our breakfast or evening events, or just popping by to meet one of our team for coffee.

Chris

Emma

COME AND VISIT US AT STAND Q3

“We’ll be keeping the website updated with what’s planned over the coming months and we can’t wait to see the space buzzing again soon.” More details are at: https://www.alukdesignstudio.co.uk/

(l-r) Scott Brittain (Group Head of Technical, Quality & Continuous Improvement at Conservatory Outlet) showing Tracy Brabin (Mayor of West Yorkshire) around its Wakefield factory.

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

GRANADA’S SECONDARY GLAZING HELPS A HOMEOWNER IN YORK TO PRESERVE THE DESIGN OF THEIR 1920’S WINDOW AND ELIMINATED EXTERNAL NOISE Suzanne McArdle – a York-based writer – was delighted with how Secondary glazing has been able to preserve the old style of her windows and reduce external noise in her 1920’s semi-detached home.

We get a great night sleep, we no longer hear any lorries or cars driving past, it has made a huge difference. The traffic is still there but no noise, we can hardly hear anything now, it’s amazing. We have units now in all rooms for added sound reduction.”

“Initially I wanted to keep the original window design. I thought the windows were very special, they were original to the house from 1920’s and I thought it was bad idea to change them. I wanted to keep the original features of the house. The exterior of the house looked charming because of the original windows”, said Suzanne. Suzanne says that having the seven units installed – five vertical sliding units and two hinged units – has made a “huge difference” to her living environment. The vertical sliders and hinged units were glazed with 6mm toughened glass, with one unit in the front bedroom opting for 6.8mm acoustic glass for maximum performance. The sitting room, bathroom, and bedroom windows were given a modern makeover by Granada Glazing, who implemented their secondary glazing system for a subtle yet contemporary aesthetic. Constructed with slim and sturdy aluminium, the frames were designed to feature the slimmest sightlines available. In order to maintain the status of the building, the vintage windows were left in place in order to retain the distinctive

Suzanne adds: “The previous secondary glazing that we had installed did not cover the full window so the heat would simply escape. Now, with the help of Granada Secondary Glazing’s products we are in a place where much less heating is required.” “That’s why we used Granada’s products, we wanted to keep the house warm and energy efficient without having to compromise on style or design.”

character and look of the exterior walls. Secondary glazing is usually the preferred approach when working with singlepaned primary windows on historical buildings, providing greater comfort, peace, and security while still preserving the existing windows. Commenting on the difference secondary glazing has made, Suzanne continues: “I am very happy with how the windows look now, it’s very discreet and hardly noticeable – you can barely tell if the secondary glazing has been installed at all.

Granada Glazing’s lightweight aluminum secondary glazing frames are ideal for any type of property and come in more than 200 different shades of RAL paint. Not easily noticed, these frames are perfect for blending in with any kind of interior design. In their range, Granada offers hinged, sliding, vertical sliders, tilt-back, and lift-out styles. Furthermore, Granada Glazing also provides training and marketing assistance to their installers across the UK. For more information about adding the Granada Secondary Glazing range to your business, please call 01909 499899, or email info@granadaglazing.com.

GOING ELECTRIC BRINGS BENEFITS TO FREEFOAM Freefoam introduced an electric car to its fleet and the company last autumn and has already started to benefit. George Langley, Area Sales Manager for the Anglian region, has been driving a fully-electric Skoda Enyaq since last year. Freefoam’s Area Sales Managers regularly cover hundreds of miles in a week to meet customers, so their cars need to deliver what they promise when it comes to range performance. George says: “I wouldn’t go back to a diesel car. Electric cars are the future and it’s something that we should be doing now. In the UK, 27% of CO2 output comes from domestic transport. We need to reduce CO2 and company cars are a great way to do it without much change to infrastructure.” As a leading manufacturer, Freefoam is incorporating sustainability and circular economy initiatives and principles into every area of its business, and introducing electric vehicles for its sales team is just one strand of that. Alongside the benefits to the environment, there’s a cost advantage to businesses with electric cars. For George’s Skoda Enyaq, the cost per mile currently works out to be just over half when compared to his previous diesel car. Road tax is a lot less and electric vehicles only have to be serviced once every two years, independent of milage, while his previous vehicle had to be serviced every

12,000 miles, which worked out around three times a year.

DEMYSTIFYING ELECTRIC CARS

George adds: “Electric cars are far nicer to drive – it’s quieter, and the acceleration is lovely. Don’t believe the horror stories about waiting for charge stations, the worse situation I have ever found myself in was having to wait 10 minutes. Most of the time you just turn up and tap and go. Charge stations are easy to use, and you can use most of them. “I normally get around a 220-mile range in the summer. It’s a little less in the winter. On long journeys, you do have to plan stops, but as an Area Sales Manager, you should be doing that anyway. There are handy apps out there, like Zap-Map, that tell you where charging stations are and there are always facilities available for a coffee and a comfort break. “I normally allow between 20 and 30 minutes for a charge and while I wait, I catch up on a big chunk of my day-to-day emails and queries, which I then don’t have to manage when I get home. It's a more relaxed journey and I still get home at a

“I normally allow between 20 and 30 minutes for a charge and while I wait, I catch up on a big chunk of my day-to-day emails and queries, which I then don’t have to manage when I get home.”

MYTH: BATTERIES DIE QUICKLY. Truth: There isn’t a single battery in an EV. The pack contains hundreds of small batteries, so if a few fail over the lifetime of the car, it will have minimal effect on performance.

MYTH: THERE ARE LOTS OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF PLUGS – YOU CAN’T USE ANY CHARGE POINT. George Langley and his Skoda Enyaq

similar time to when I had a diesel car – it’s a no-brainer!” Colin St John, Commercial Director at Freefoam, says: “Sustainability and carbon reduction considerations have become part of our daily thinking across the whole of our business, and introducing electric cars is a logical step for us to take. They will bring a CO2 reduction for the company, benefiting the environment, as well as the company and our teams. Of equal importance was how going electric has changed George’s work pattern for the better. “Thank you to George for trialling our first electric car; we are looking to move forward with a fully-electric fleet.”

Truth: Electric cars tend to use the same type of plugs. One for home/ office and the other for rapid charging. In Europe, Tesla cars use the same connector as nearly all other electric cars. Tesla cars can use any charge point and non-Tesla cars can use some, but not all, Tesla charging stations.

MYTH: THE CAR MIGHT BE GREEN BUT IT’S CHARGED WITH NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY. Truth: Every charge point uses green electricity, once it’s been built an electric car produces no CO2 emissions.

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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SUSTAINABILITY

CHARITY NEWS

CONSERVATORY OUTLET TO TAKE ON THE NATIONAL THREE PEAKS IN AID OF MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT In June, members from across the Conservatory Outlet Network will attempt to complete the gruelling National Three Peaks challenge in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. The National Three Peaks is a demanding challenge that sees participants attempt to scale the three highest mountains of England (Scafell Pike), Scotland (Ben Nevis) and Wales (Snowdon) within twenty-four hours. The group is led by Conservatory Outlet CEO Greg Kane and features participants from Conservatory Outlet’s premium retail partners. “We have a fantastic team who are taking part in this challenge,” begins Greg Kane. “It shows the strength and camaraderie across the Network that we’ve joined together to take on this monumental task and raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.” The team, comprising members from Conservatory Outlet’s English and Scottish retailers, will set off from Fort William at 8am on Tuesday 13th June and first climb Ben Nevis via the Glen Nevis route. Once completed, the group will head down to and complete an evening ascent of Scafell Pike before driving to Wales to start their climb of Snowdown in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Combined, the group will hike over 23 miles and ascend over 3,000 metres. Out of all those who start the challenge, only around 40% of people complete it within the allotted time period. “Climbing one mountain is a tough task in its own right, but tackling the biggest peaks in each of England, Scotland and Wales in one day is something else,” Greg added. “It’ll be as much of a mental challenge as a physical one – but it’s one that we’re all relishing. Training is going well. We’re all looking forward to it.” Macmillan Cancer Support is one of the UK’s biggest charities and helps support everyone impacted by cancer by providing specialist health care, information and financial support. Founded in 1911, the charity also looks at the social and practical impact of cancer and actively campaigns for better standards of care. Speaking about the decision to take on the National Three Peaks challenge for Macmillan Cancer Support, Greg said: “Cancer can affect lives in so many different ways. One in two people will, unfortunately, develop some form of cancer during their lifetime and many people across our wider community have had their lives impacted by this condition. “So doing this challenge in aid of Macmillan, given their work, was an easy choice for us all.” For further information, please visit www.conservatoryoutlet.co.uk or www.justgiving.com/fundraising/conservatory-outlet-nationalthree-peak-challenge

CLEARVIEW HOME IMPROVEMENTS’ CHARITY PARTNER, THE BOATHOUSE YOUTH, CLAIMS MAJOR PRIZE AT THE 2023 RED ROSE AWARDS Clearview Home Improvement’s longstanding charitable partner, The Boathouse Youth, has prevailed at Lancashire Business View’s Red Rose Awards, winning the Not-for-Profit Category. Clearview, the leading installer of windows, doors and living spaces in the North West, has supported The Boathouse Youth for several years by providing the Blackpoolbased charity with significant financial and material donations, as well as giving opportunities for its employees to volunteer. The Boathouse Youth is Blackpool’s leading young person’s charity, and our support directly contributes towards their provision of high-quality Youth Work. Clearview’s Greg Kane said: “We are extremely proud to support the work of The Boathouse Youth and delighted to hear of their news of winning this prestigious award.” The Red Rose Awards are held in Blackpool every year and play out in front of an audience of more than 1,000 business professionals. This 2023 event saw the awards celebrated for the thirteenth time! Laurance Hancock, CEO of The Boathouse Youth, said: “We have won this award for the perfect coming-together of our business model. This is what happens when major donors and grant-makers provide the resources that fund the employment of high-quality Youth Work professionals to deliver an informal education programme to young people that enables them to lead their best lives”. Businesses from the length and breadth of the county vied for titles across a range of categories, with only the best of the best, as selected by a panel of expert judges, progressing through to the shortlist and a rigorous interview stage before being rewarded for their excellence.

FREEFOAM BUILDS SIGNIFICANT MOMENTUM ON SUSTAINABILITY Freefoam has launched a new page on its website to highlight milestones on the company’s journey to building a sustainable future. The page emphasises Freefoam’s ongoing journey from a linear to a circular economy, showing site users the impressive range and breadth of sustainability projects Freefoam has on the go. It features initiatives and case studies that centre around the elimination of waste, the reuse and circulation of resources and carbon and energy reduction activities. The case studies detail the different countermeasures implemented to address waste occurring at Freefoam. As Freefoam continue to measure and improve their sustainability performance, more content will be added as new projects are introduced throughout the year. Initiatives are as wide ranging as using energy from renewable sources, recover and recycle schemes and introducing a closed loop production process. One such initiative is the ongoing replacement of all DC motors with AC motors across Freefoam. AC motors use less energy and require less maintenance than the older DC motors. Freefoam’s energy usage will be reduced by 64,774 kilowatt hours per annum as well as reduced energy and maintenance costs.

Event founder Richard Slater, also the publisher of Lancashire Business View magazine, said: “The Red Rose Awards, now in its thirteenth year, are very hotly contested, so The Boathouse Youth should be very proud that they have seen off all the competition to win this award!”

In another initiative, Freefoam implemented a redesign and reduction project to remove the protective film on the vented section of general purpose boards, allowing any ‘slugs’ or waste PVC to be diverted from general waste and reused in the production process. From this scheme, the company will see 13,500kg of PVC foam diverted from general waste a year and carbon emissions reduced by an estimated 25,870kg CO2e per annum.

Greg concluded: “We believe The Boathouse Youth’s impact will be stronger because of this achievement. It will undoubtedly help them continue generating the change and support needed for the young people of Blackpool. We’re immensely proud of their work, and we extended our warmest congratulations to Laurence Hancock and the team.”

Colin St John, Commercial Director at Freefoam, says: “As a responsible manufacturer, we are committed to sustainable manufacturing, and it is our responsibility to monitor and reduce our overall impact on the environment. The new page on our website will document our commitment to putting sustainability at the heart of our organisation and through case studies we will demonstrate some of the projects we are undertaking to achieve this goal.”

For more information on the incredible work of The Boathouse Youth, please visit their website: www.thebhy.co.uk.

Learn more about Freefoam’s products, service and support by visiting www.freefoam.com or calling 0800 002 9903. Follow @freefoam. And to check out Freefoam’s sustainability initiatives, visit https://freefoam.com/professional/sustainability-archive

The new page on our website will document our commitment to putting sustainability at the heart of our organisation.” 80

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

WINKHAUS UK AND ACCOYA BECOME STRATEGIC PARTNERS We are delighted to confirm Winkhaus UK Ltd as an official Accoya System partner. Working in conjunction with Accsys, Winkhaus products have been tested to EN 1670 corrosion protection class 5, the highest level available, which requires emersion in a salt water mist for 480 hours. Once the testing requirement was reached, testing continued with our standard coating achieving a 66% overrun above the class 5 requirement. George Smith Winkhaus UK Senior Product and Technical Manager commented “To ensure that the high quality of all our products is continuously maintained, all Winkhaus door and window locking systems are coated in-house. These test results show our continued commitment to both precision and innovation by developing and manufacturing door and window locking systems of the highest quality.” Now, Winkhaus UK Ltd have become an official Accsys system partner; with the Winkhaus Surface Technology for Door

“To ensure that the high quality of all our products is continuously maintained, all Winkhaus door and window locking systems are coated in-house.”

and Window Locking Systems officially validated for use in conjunction with Accoya. The partnership provides opportunities for door and window fabricators to continue using Winkhaus hardware with a highly durable and stable material like Accoya wood. Steve Ashton – Technical Support Manager for Accsys confirmed that “after many years of supply association, Accsys are pleased that Winkhaus UK has fully tested and validated their specialist surface technologies as being fit for purpose and ideal for use with Accoya. We welcome Winkhaus as a strong addition to the Accoya System Partner programme.” Accoya is a modified wood with dimensional stability, and class 1 durability delivering ultra-high performance. Tried and tested around the world, Accoya is a material of choice for doors and windows due to its many benefits, including: • Outstanding 50 year warranty above ground • Low maintenance properties • Extended coatings performance For further information about Accoya and the benefits of Accoya wood, please visit www.accoya.com/uk/ To learn more about Winkhaus UK or the wide range of products and systems available, please visit www.winkhaus.co.uk or contact by phone on 01536 316 000 or by email at enquiries@winkhaus.co.uk.

DEBAR MD AND INTERNATIONAL SALES MANAGER DISCUSS BI-FOLD MARKET AT CANADIAN CONFERENCE The Managing Director and International Sales Manager at leading bi-fold hardware manufacturer, Debar, flew overseas to discuss bi-fold door systems at a Canadian industry conference.

“When the world is on the brink of a recession, businesses need to think about doing something different so they can continue to thrive, sticking to old ways of doing things isn’t enough,” Peter adds.

Peter Sutcliffe and Tim Shaw took centre stage at the Sunspace conference where they presented to over 350 business owners and decision makers about resetting the country’s existing strategy for the bi-fold market.

“Debar is committed to providing innovative solutions and excellent service to our customers. We are thrilled to be a part of unlocking the potential of bi-fold doors for Canadian businesses, helping them achieve growth and success in their markets, even during times of economic uncertainty.

Despite their widespread popularity in other countries, bi-fold doors have yet to gain significant traction in Canada. So, Peter and Tim were invited to share their knowledge and expertise to help better educate attendees. “Canada is a key market for us, and we believe there is a significant opportunity for growth and innovation with bi-fold doors, especially as patio doors are predominantly used there,” explains Peter Sutcliffe, Managing Director of Debar.

“Although it can seem daunting, investing in a product which is guaranteed to generate great results is a smart business decision and with a proven track record bi-fold doors are the perfect solution. As a high-quality product that looks fantastic, they are well loved by consumers and are a great addition to any home.”

“Despite having a strong appreciation for the product, business owners have been hesitant to invest in bi-fold door systems due to uncertainty regarding the potential of the bi-fold door market.

This trip forms part of Debar’s international strategy and isn’t the only one on the cards. Dedicated to support existing customers to refine their approach and success within the bi-folding door market, Peter will also be visiting Vancouver.

“With many years’ experience designing and manufacturing bi-folds, we have an unparalleled understanding of the market, so Tim and I talked in depth about how to fabricate the product, how to sell it and how to install it.”

During his trip he will once again be helping business owners to learn about the benefits of bi-folds and will also offer continued support through the early stages of adopting the product to build confidence and understanding among attendees.

Although the economic outlook looks bleak, Peter’s presentation also focused on encouraging business owners to diversify their product offering.

For more information about the company and how they can work more closely with you, email sales@bifold-hardware.com or call 01274 673 547.

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

COASTAL, WINKHAUS UK AND ACCOYA STRATEGIC PARTNERS 2023 is the 20th year of partnership between Coastal and Winkhaus UK Ltd, a partnership that continues to thrive on shared beliefs such as consistency, precision and providing solutions with lasting performance.

Steve Ashton – Technical Support Manager for Accsys confirmed that “after many years of supply association, Accsys are pleased that Winkhaus UK has fully tested and validated their specialist surface technologies as being fit for purpose and ideal for use with Accoya. We welcome Winkhaus as a strong addition to the Accoya System Partner programme.” “When we’re considering hardware to include as part of our product offering” comments Neil Jones, Head of Marketing for Coastal Group, “It’s key that the product fits with our company values and sense of purpose, which are built very much around not only enhancing the look and performance of the doors and windows, but also their durability – such as our BLU 316 Stainless Steel Range. These test results highlight why the Winkhaus lock range is such an important part of our product offering and gives peace of mind to our customers on ensuring reliable lock performance.”

The requirement for lasting performance is also shared with Accsys whose Accoya wood has become a material of choice for door and window manufacturers using timber over the past 10 years. When Coastal highlighted an emerging customer requirement for additional test evidence of product compatibility, Winkhaus engaged with Accsys the producer of Accoya to understand what was required to support both Coastal and their customers.

A perfect example of why after 20 years the Coastal and Winkhaus partnership continues to benefit both companies and their customers.

Working in conjunction with Accsys, Winkhaus products have been tested to EN 1670 corrosion protection class 5, the highest level available, which requires emersion in salt water mist for 480 hours. Once the testing requirement was reached, testing continued with our standard coating achieving a 66% overrun above the class 5 requirement.

To learn more about Coastal products and service, please visit www.coastal-group.com or contact by phone on 01726 871025. To learn more about Winkhaus UK or the wide range of products and systems available, please visit www.winkhas.co.uk or contact by phone on 01536 316 000 or by email at enquiries@winkhaus.co.uk.

George Smith Winkhaus UK Senior Product and Technical Manager commented “To

These test results show our continued commitment to both precision and innovation by developing and manufacturing door and window locking systems of the highest quality.”

For further information about Accoya and the benefits of Accoya wood, please visit www.accoya.com/uk/ ensure the high quality of all products is continuously maintained, all Winkhaus door and window locking systems are coated inhouse. These test results show our continued commitment to both precision and innovation by developing and manufacturing door and window locking systems of the highest quality.” Winkhaus locking solutions have been used in conjunction with door and window

www.glassnews.co.uk | April 2023

solutions made from Accoya timber for many years, but testing had until recently not been completed together. Now, Winkhaus UK Ltd have become an official Accsys system partner; with the Winkhaus Surface Technology for Door and Window Locking Systems officially validated for use in conjunction with Accoya.

Accoya is a modified wood with dimensional stability, and class 1 durability delivering ultra-high performance. Tried and tested around the world, Accoya is a material of choice for doors and windows due to its many benefits, including: • Outstanding 50 year warranty above ground • Low maintenance properties • Extended coatings performance

COLD CALLING

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

DANNY WILLIAMS

WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU!

Christina

Chris

Emma

COME AND VISIT US AT STAND Q3

‘COLD CALLING’ Each month our special correspondent Danny Williams* replies to a reader’s letter... ““We are a family-owned installation business, based in Lancashire. Having absorbed and adapted to the new Building Regulations last June (thanks to our primary frame supplier!) I now hear there will be more changes again in a couple of years and with everything likely to be triple glazed. That will cause all sorts of problems, with weight, cost, handling, breakages. Surely, it’s going to be a nightmare….” TR (Lancashire) Last year’s changes to Conservation of fuel and power: Approved Document L, to give the section to which you refer its full moniker, were distinctly lukewarm TR, quite literally. I felt then that a trick had been missed with window U Values, by not pushing us in the replacement window sector nearly hard enough. But of course, that was merely an interim upgrade, on the way to the key changes that will be brought in, in 2025. And those changes, under the ‘Future Homes and Buildings Standard’, are expected to have a marked effect on the performance of all windows and doors installed in our homes in England, initially in New Build but swiftly thereafter, in replacements. Currently, the Future Homes Standard is a set of proposals only and will be circulated for comment shortly. However, it is widely accepted that window U values will drop to 0.8 W/(m2·K), down from the current 1.4 W/(m2·K), so a significant improvement this time round. And it is widely believed, from everything I have read, that this figure will only be achieved with triple glazing. And thereby hangs a tale…and one that I will focus on at this point, TR, because that is the main thrust of your note to me… Whenever triple glazing is mentioned it is generally accompanied by negative comments, about how triple only offers marginal improvements, is heavier, will cost more to install/handle/transport and so forth. Well I can tell you, from personal,

real-world experience, that such arguments are completely fatuous. That experience comes from working with ever increasing (fortunately!) numbers of NHS sites in various regions of England. Without any question, I have found the various NHS people that we work with to be on the ball, professional and astute. And if that looks like Danny kissing backsides, you should know me better, and the compliments are well deserved. Not only are the people switched on, the standards that they work to are ahead of the game, with Future Homes, in effect, being applied now in all of the NHS properties that we are involved with. Which means that, for some time now, we have not only seen the future, but we are also working in it. Including triple glazing. The windows that we manufacture and install for the NHS are PVC-U because they are the most energy efficient (sorry aluminium, but you don’t make the grade in this respect), fitted with triple glazed, argon filled, warm edged IGUs that provide the near anticipated Future Homes number of 0.95 W/(m2·K) and a centre pane of 0.6 W/(m2·K) with the inclusion of acoustic laminated, for obvious reasons. We have fitted hundreds of triple glazed windows. So how have we had to adapt? Have we bought new, heavier vehicles; employed more, beefier fitters; acquired cranes and specialist lifting equipment? No, absolutely not…. Of course triple units are heavier, but most window-racked vans are under-loaded anyway so we are using the same wagons that we have always used. I have been monitoring fuel consumption and can find

no discernible difference; the windows are heavier to load and install, but our fitters have simply got on with the job… not a peep out of them, which may be because they are terrified of me, but not a soul has so far even thrown a sicky with a bad back. And the swear-o-meter hasn’t blown a fuse yet either. To my fitters, they are just windows… The upshot, TR, is that you should stop being swept up amongst the people in our industry that do not want progress, who simply hate change of any sort. Future Homes is designed to ensure that every house built from 2025 will use far less energy, which will not only help save the planet, but it will also prevent occupants in new homes from experiencing the shock – and genuine hardship for many - of the massive energy cost rises that a mad Russian dictator forced upon unsuspecting, innocent British homeowners. And irrespective of the social and environmental responsibilities that we must all accept, these new standards will simply be good for our industry. I have just seen the ‘Window of Opportunity’ research carried out by the GGF with British Glass, which quotes a saving of £467 per household per year when new windows to current standards are installed, at current capped energy rates. The additional benefit brought by Future Homes will simply make the justification for homeowners to replace their windows, even easier. So, just get on with it TR: you won’t have a choice of course, but how much better if you prepare for it, embrace the new standard and therefore reap the rewards early, whilst the NegMegs are still whinging about how unfair it all is.

* Danny Williams is managing director of Chelmsford based Pioneer Trading and has been involved with all aspects of the windows and doors industry for 30 years. His activities include manufacturing a full range of windows and doors in PVC-U and aluminium, an IGU facility, retailing and commercial contracting.

April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

MARKETING

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

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26/02/2018 19:15

CAREERS & QUALIFICATIONS IN FENESTRATION

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

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NEW APPOINTMENTS

EXPERIENCED BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER RETURNS TO COTSWOLD

EXPERIENCED NEW ADDITION FURTHER STRENGTHENS EDGETECH’S MARKETING TEAM

Cotswold Architectural Products is celebrating the return of long-serving Business Development Manager Alan Hartley. First joining the business as a storeman aged just 19, Alan quickly progressed to internal sales, before shifting into the external sales roles where he’s spent much of the last 37 years. During that time, as well as building relationships with customers around the UK, he also represented the company around the globe. Now, he’s returned to the newly independent Cotswold to spearhead its sales once again, as the company embarks on ambitious plans for growth in the years ahead.

Alan comments: “I’m absolutely delighted to be coming back to Cotswold. It’s a business I have a huge affinity and affection for, and it really feels like coming home. I firmly believe in the brand, and after so many years, I feel like it’s part of my DNA. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with many brilliant and passionate people in that time and done business with some great characters and companies – many of whom are still in the industry today, so I look forward to reconnecting with them. “At Cotswold, it’s never been about just selling individual products – ‘Quality, Reliability and Service’ has always been at the heart of what we do. Tim has assembled a great team to get Cotswold back to those core values, and I look forward to playing my part.” Cotswold Managing Director Tim Ferkin comments: “It’s fantastic to be welcoming Alan back to the business. I worked with him for much of his time at Cotswold, and have seen his passion, dedication and huge knowledge first-hand. Alan lives and breathes hardware, and knows our market as well as anyone I know. I can’t think of a better candidate to help us take Cotswold into the next phase of its history.”

World-leading spacer bar specialist Edgetech, a Quanex company, welcomes a new member of its marketing team. Dhilip Bains joins the company’s growing marketing department in the role of Marketing Executive. After studying Economics and History, Dhilip achieved an MBA from Cardiff University. He then joined a successful full-service marketing agency, working with major

national and international brands. At Edgetech, Dhilip will help co-ordinate its marketing teams across Britain and Germany, and work on its PR, social media and digital marketing. Charlotte Hawkes, Edgetech’s Head of Marketing comments: “We’re extremely pleased to be welcoming Dhilip to the team. “His experience, professionalism and enthusiasm have already had an impact, and I’m looking forward to working with him in the year ahead. “Marketing has always been a vital part of Edgetech’s overall strategy. For us, it’s not just about promoting our own products, but a way of

contributing to crucial industry conversations around sustainability, skills, automation, changing government legislation, and the future of the sector in general. “That’s why it’s so important that we continue to attract talented, passionate people like Dhilip, who can help us maintain those standards for many years to come.” Dhilip comments: “Edgetech is a globally respected brand, and it’s hugely exciting to be able to help it continue to thrive and grow. “The Edgetech team has been extremely welcoming, and it’s a great place to work.” For more information, please call 02476 639931 or visit www.edgetechig.co.uk.

WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU!

For more information email info@cotswold-windows.co.uk, or visit www.cotswold-windows.co.uk.

“At Cotswold, it’s never been about just selling individual products – ‘Quality, Reliability and Service’ has always been at the heart of what we do.” 86

Christina

Chris

Emma

COME AND VISIT US AT STAND Q3 April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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IT’S TIME TO BRI

NG YOUR DREAM

S TO LIFE

Insight Data’s online platform, SalestrackerTM, is designed to help sales and marketing people win more business.

New Build ing Regulatio ns Looking to have

a new extension your windows or and doors replaced? have about the new Read regulations which into force in come June of this year.

Spring is here Create the perfect indoor/outdo or space come rain or shine.

5 S T E P Sg

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David Do money - Excelle nc Horticultu e in re

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Go Green with Geo rgina Burnett – The Home Genie!

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Max and Georg

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Spring 2023

enue

www.improve-magazine.co.uk 96

or email hello@insightdata.co.uk for a free online demo.

www.insightdata.co.uk

@insightdata April 2023 | www.glassnews.co.uk

HOW DO | FINd NEW CUStOMERs FASt?

Insight Data helps you pinpoint your ideal trade and commercial customers using our database of 60,000 prospects – with detailed business and ﬁnancial data not available anywhere else. • Fabricators & Installers • Local builders • Construction companies • Housebuilders • Builders merchants • Architects & speciﬁers

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Visit: www.insightdata.co.uk

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