Glass News November 2012 by Christina Shaw

The UK’s Only Industry Newspaper TRADE NEWS – PAGE 20

Who reads us? Window, Door, Roof Fabricators & Installers, IGU Manufacturers & all who are associated with glass & glazing.

GLASS & GLASS PROCESSING – PAGE 40

PatioMaster has secured the green standard BES6001 across its extrusion operation, including foiled and standard PVC-U ranges.

Issue 20 | November 2012

SOFTWARE & IT – PAGE 51

The UK is now well served with manufacturers that can produce soft coat low-e glass but not knowing how to get the most from the product remains a barrier to growth for their customers.

Energy Savings Now Calculated by Focus Software. Allows you to show customers in their own homes!

CE Marking: What you need to know... Glass News hopes to shed some light on the ever looming compulsory CE Marking, deadline of which is 1st July 2013. If you are a member of an industry association, such as GGF, Fensa or Certass, you’ll be able to obtain the information you need, from them. There is also Build Check, an independent test laboratory & product certification body, who is also a Notified Body (no 1806). Having attended a recent seminar, hosted by Barnsley based Distinction Doors, it would appear there is much confusion on who is responsible for CE marking. The seminar provided a useful insight into the procedure. More about the seminar within this issue. The material provided here is by Build Check and is their interpretation of the CPR and BS EN 14351-1. Glass News believes this to be a clear and concise guide with clarification to the necessary steps towards getting your products CE marked. It’s a useful read for the whole supply chain.

There are a number of useful contacts listed towards the end of this article, on page 4. Whether you like it or not, its happening! Read on!

as well as details of their scope of notification, can be found via the European Commission’s NANDO database.

What is a Notified Body?

What is CE Marking?

Notified Bodies are organisations designated by the national governments of the EU member states as being competent to make independent judgments about whether or not a product complies with the essential requirements laid down by each CE marking directive. In order to be Notified, the technical competence and management structure of the organisation must fulfill certain conditions and the name of the body, along with the details of the scope of its notified activities, must be given (‘notified’) to the European Commission.

• A declaration that a product meets the performance characteristics of the relevant standards.

These bodies are also the organisations which will be requested to give judgment on the safety of a product by the enforcement authorities in the EU and therefore will be responsible for judging which standards should have been applied to a product and if they have been applied correctly. Up-to-date contact details for all Notified Bodies,

• CE marking of doors and windows is a requirement under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). • CPR is EU law, adopted by the UK and all member states – becomes mandatory on 1st July 2013. • The CE Mark is not a quality mark. • By making a declaration of performance, the manufacturer, importer or distributor is assuming legal responsibility for the conformity of the construction product, with its declared performance.

Whose Responsibility is CE Marking?

kit of factory prepared parts – from one source.

The organisation which brings the complete product to market is responsible for CE marking, for example:

• An installer will have to CE mark if he buys the frame from one source and glass/door leaf from another.

• The doorset/window can be supplied preassembled or come as a

• You cannot acquire components from

multiple sources and assemble on site. • You cannot CE mark a doorset/window from CE marked components, eg locks. The whole product must be CE marked against the relevant standard. Continued on page 4 >>

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Housing Bounce Back Under a Storm Cloud? With 2012 hurtling towards its end, we take a quick look at this years housing market. Mortgage borrowing by homebuyers bounced back in May of this year, cutting short a slump in house purchases following the end of the first-time buyer stamp duty holiday, but housing market experts say that a recovery is still a long way off. The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) said the amount of house purchase lending increased by 36% or £7.2bn compared to April – the month following the end of the stamp duty holiday – and 29% compared to May 2011. The number of loans also increased by 33% to 48,300 compared to April and by nearly 25% from a year ago.

October Winners! Sudoku: Caroline, Ramage Windows Crossword: Mr P Davies, Clawddewydd Spot The Difference: Beck Goddard, Berkshire Eye Spy: J Baker, Bristol

Mark Harris, chief executive of mortgage broker SPF Private Clients, said: “Now that the distorting effect of the stamp duty holiday is out of the way, the housing market looks to be in better health than previously thought. The number of new mortgages taken out is greater than this time last year, although still some way off the volume of deals done at the height of the market.” However, Harris warned that the Eurozone crisis was “a storm cloud on the horizon”.

Talking About Glass… We have three off-line coaters now here in the UK. How will this affect the UK market? We hear from all three companies, and their commitment and investment in glass.

Acquisition Continues There is the very recent news of the sale of the ALBAT and WIRSAM (A + W) arm of Glaston to Constellation Software, acting through its wholly owned subsidiary the Friedman Corporation. A+W are one of the market leaders in software systems for the flat

glass industry and window and door production. There is more on this story within the Software Feature in this issue.

CONTENTS: Green Deal

06 Trade News

I visited some seminars recently regarding CE Marking, which we have included in this edition. There is loads on the subject for you to read and probably lots more to learn, so make use of the articles and contact details given.

30 Product Showcase

63 Letters

Stay FIT & Get Your Ticket

54 Commercial Projects

CE Marking

Tuesday 13th November was the launch of the FIT show visitor promotion campaign at their exhibitor-briefing event at Telford. I think from 150 exhibitors there were 148 who attended! If that isn’t a reflection on how successful the show is looking to be, I don’t know what is! The actual presentation was outstanding, so look out for the new ad campaign, and make sure you sign up for your ticket!

Glass & Glass Processing

Software & IT

Email us at: glass.news.christina@gmail.com

Sit down with a cuppa, relax & unwind with your very own industry newspaper!

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58 Recruitment

Editorial & Press Release Enquiries: Christina Shaw E: glass.news.christina@gmail.com Tel: 01302 246122 Mob: 07805 051322

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Publisher & Owner: Christina Shaw E: glass.news.christina@gmail.com Tel: 01302 246122 Mob: 07805 051322

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With thanks to our contributors: Build Check, Distinction Doors, Daniel Basden, SGG Planitherm, Saint Gobain. Deadline for copy: 28th of each month glassnews™ is a registered Trademark.

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FRONT COVER STORY • It does not need to be ISO 9001 (although an ISO 9001 system would be acceptable).

Continued from page 1 >>

What do I have to do to CE Mark?

• The FPC does not need to be accredited by a third party.

This will depend on what products you manufacture. The product standards most relevant to the fenestration industry are:

EN 14351 -1 gives guidelines on the minimum requirements for the FPC system. In brief, it should include the following sections:

• BS EN 143511:2006+A1:2010 – Windows and doors – product standard, performance characteristics – Part 1, Window and external pedestrian doorsets without resistance to fire and/or smoke leakage characteristics.

• Personnel. • Equipment. • Raw materials and components. • Production process. • Product testing and evaluation.

• BS EN 1279 – Glass in buildings – insulating glass units.

• Traceability and marking.

• BS EN 12150 – Glass in buildings – thermally toughened soda lime silicate safety glass.

• Non-conforming products.

There are common tasks required for each product standard:

Performance Characteristics

• Corrective actions.

• EN 14351 -1 lists the possible performances characteristics which can be declared against.

• Factory Production Control (FPC). • Initial Type Testing (ITT) of products.

• Annex ZA of the Standard defines the essential characteristics which have to be included in the declaration of performance – there are eleven for doorsets and eight for windows.

• Declaration of Performance and System Description. • CE Marking/labelling.

What is a Factory Production Control system (FPC)?

• However, within England and Wales there are 3 (or 4) characteristics that have to be declared against.

• An FPC system is basically a quality manual for the production of your windows/doorsets to ensure they conform with the regulations, eg BS EN 14351-1.

A performance level/class must be declared for the following: • Dangerous substances (COSSH).

• You can implement and write your own FPC.

Systems of Attestation of Conformity (AoC) The table below defines the system to which the CE Mark must comply for external windows and door sets. TASK

SYSTEM 3

SYSTEM 1

ITT

Notified Body

FPC

Manufacturer

Sample Tests

Manufacturer

FPC Inspection

Notified Body

Certification

Notified Body

For System 1 the notified certification body would draw up the declaration of performance.

• Load bearing capacity of safety devices*. • Thermal transmittance (U-values)*. • Ability to release (only required where panic devices are fitted to doorsets)*. *Initial type testing required which must be carried out by a Notified Body.

Dangerous Substances • Under EN 14351-1, manufacturers must establish whether doorset/window materials are potentially dangerous to hygiene, health or environment within the indoor environment during normal use. • It is unlikely that a door or window will give off anything dangerous to the inside of a property and this can be stated on the Declaration of Conformity.

ITT: Load-Bearing Capacity of Safety Devices • A safety device must hold the leaf, casement or sash in place for 60 seconds when 350 N (35kg) is applied. • Testing to the principles of EN 14609 or EN 948. • ITT must be undertaken by a Notified Body test facility. • Any changes to hardware, frame material or frame profile will probably require further ITT. • Testing can be undertaken on ‘worst case’ of product range, e.g. largest/heaviest.

ITT: Thermal Transmittance Thermal transmittance (i.e. U-Value) shall be demonstrated by: • U-Value calculation method to EN ISO 100771 or EN ISO 10077-1 and EN ISO 10077-2. • Or hot box testing to EN ISO 12567-1 or EN ISO 12567-2. • A notified body must undertake these calculations or tests.

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• Any changes to frame profile or glazing will probably required further ITT. • Any changes to frame material or weather stripping may also require further ITT.

What is a Declaration of Performance? The Declaration of Performance is drawn up by the organisation which puts the complete product on the market: • It details the minimum information which needs to be in the public domain. • It entitles the organisation to affix the CE mark on their product. • No Declaration of Performance = No CE Mark. • It should reference or be accompanied by, a product/system description which details all the manufactured products. System 3 Self Declaration – information that needs to be on the Declaration of Performance includes:

• Name and address of manufacturer. • Reference of the product. • The system of assessment and verification (i.e. System 3). • Reference and date of harmonised standard to which the product complies (i.e. EN 143511:2006+A1:2010). • Intended use(s) of the product. • List of essential characteristics and declared performance (level/class), where required. • Identification of the ITT Notified Body (including report refs and dates). • Name, position of responsible individual who has signed the declaration and date.

“It would appear there is much confusion on who is responsible for CE marking.”

Do I have to apply the CE Mark to my products? The CPR states: “The CE marking shall be affixed visibly, legibly and indelibly to the construction product or to a label attached to it. Where this is not possible or not warranted on account of the nature of the product, it shall be affixed to the packaging or to the accompanying documents.”

What happens if I don’t CE Mark my products? • CE marking will be law on 1 July 2013. • Competent Persons Schemes likely to check conformity to CE marking, eg FENSA, Certass. • If you are unable to comply, then the product will have to be taken off the market. • You may also be liable to a fine and/or imprisonment. • Trading Standards will prosecute.

Building Regulation Requirements The current Part L 2010 regulations requires the following: Minimum Compliance Window Sets Doorsets

U-Value WER U-Value DSER

Dwellings: Existing (Part L1B) 1.6 C 1.8 -

Dwellings: New (Part L1A) 2.0 2.0 -

Non Dwellings: Existing (Part L2B) 1.8 1.8 -

Non Dwellings: Existing (Part l2A) 2.2 2.2 -

CE Marking requires a U Value to be stated. To comply with Building Regulations, the above values need to be met. Note: We are the only Notified Body in this list. Yes these are all useful contacts however the previous page seems to suggest that these are all Notified Bodies this needs to be clearly defined.

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TRADE NEWS

GGF’s New Resource for CE Marking With CE Marking becoming compulsory from 1st July 2013, the Glass and Glazing Federation has set up a range of comprehensive support and guidance online and offline services to ensure all GGF Members will comply with the incoming legislation. The Construction Products Directive (CPD) was implemented in 1989, this has been replaced by the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). The CPR was officially published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 4th April 2011 and will come into full force on 1st July 2013. The CPR is enforceable across the entire European Union, member states do not have the option to opt-out which was the case with the CPD and therefore from the 1st July 2013 all construction products covered by a harmonised European Standard (hEN), that is one with an Annex ZA, will need to have a Declaration of Performance (DoP) made and be CE marked in accordance with

the requirements of the hEN covering that product when placed on the market. In response to the publication of the CPR, the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has developed the ‘Route to CE Marking’ micro-site exclusively for GGF Members. These routes take the form of flowcharts for the various product types and specifications, with accompanying explanatory documents intended to guide GGF Members through the CE Marking maze. By reviewing the flowcharts, GGF Members will be able to: • Establish where they are in terms of the process, what information, in particular with reference to Initial Type Testing (ITT), they already have. • What extra product testing or information is needed and what other actions they need to complete, to enable them to make a legal DoP and CE Mark their products. • Will be able to work their way through the

CPR/CE Marking maze, make their declarations and avoid any potential prosecutions. The new “Route to CE Marking” micro-site is housed within the Technical section of the GGF Website www.ggf.org.uk. The new micro-site also includes the following sections: • A list of the harmonised European Norms (standards) for products that will require CE Marking. • A Glossary of Terms to help Members fully understand the terminology • A Frequently Asked Questions section containing 14 key questions that Members have asked at GGF Members meetings. As well as full access to the “Route to CE Marking” micro-site, the GGF is also offering Members: • An exclusive Technical Helpline to call and discuss CE Marking with the GGF’s Technical Team

• A 24/7 email help service direct to the GGF Technical Team. • A new Technical Bulletin service with breaking technical news emailed direct to Members and available 24/7 on the Members Area of the GGF website.

will be a legal requirement for manufacturers of construction products covered by a harmonised European Standard, to ensure their products have a Declaration of Performance against the essential characteristics and apply CE Marking. The GGF has been proactively working for many years with the development of the harmonised European Standards and we are pleased to have now developed online and offline guidance

and support to assist our Members to comply so they can continue to trade legally.” Only GGF Members have access to the micro-site via a log in to the GGF Members Area on www.ggf.org.uk. Non-Members can visit the new “Route to CE Marking” homepage and see read the FAQs but will not be able to access the micro-site. If you are not a GGF Member you can contact the GGF and make an enquiry to join via the GGF website homepage.

• All Members will also be invited to attend the GGF’s regular Regional, Group and Technical meetings where CE Marking and other Technical issues will be explained and discussed in more detail. On the support and guidance offered, Giles Willson, GGF Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Technical Affairs commented: “From 1 July 2013, with the full implementation of the Construction Products Regulation, it

Glazerite drives home the message of success VEKA fabricator, Glazerite Windows Limited is one of the few companies in the fenestration industry to see its business growing, despite the recession. With the introduction of two new 7.5 ton Renault Midlands, the existing fleet has expanded from 10 to 12 vehicles, allowing

Glazerite to serve the UK even more efficiently from its manufacturing bases in Bolton, Lancashire, Head Office in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire and the distribution hub in Avonmouth, Bristol. The vehicles have been given a 'new look', each showing one of the key products

which have helped with this growth, Composite and BiFolding Doors. The transformation will not be stopping there; the existing fleet will also gradually be transformed for each vehicle to carry images of other products Glazerite manufactures, such as Vertical Sliders and Patio Doors.

The new livery also clearly shows Glazerite's commitment to Network VEKA by featuring Brand Ambassador Steve Davis, along with the company's accreditations and branch locations on a UK map. Glazerite Director Jason Thompson explains; “We made sure the new van livery illustrated our Network VEKA membership as this is an important part of our business. It helps to demonstrate to people the standards that we uphold and the quality and service guarantees we can offer on our products.

ideal Brand Ambassador for Network VEKA. That's why the Six Times World Snooker Champion takes pride of place on the back of our new vehicles! “The new lorries are just one part of our continued growth as a company. Our extended fleet will help us meet even more demanding delivery schedules, and these modern vehicles are much more fuel-

“Steve Davis is an immediately recognisable figure that people associate with fair play and reliability, which has made him the

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efficient and environmentally friendly than their older counterparts. “Glazerite now sees its windows and doors been transported to all corners of the UK, Ireland, Channel Isles, France and even the Falkland Islands!” Tel: 01282 716611 www.vekauk.com

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TRADE NEWS

BRAND NEW TUFFX TuffX, one of the UK’s premier glass specialist manufacturers has recently revitalised the corporate branding to reflect the modernisation that has taken place at the company over the last 18 months.

The launch of a new marketing identity will ensure that the company can maximize the brand value for customers benefit. Differentiation and customer awareness will help to reinforce the quality standards with the vibrant new look.

The contemporary fresh brand will be used as part of the marketing strategy and will be incorporated into all new marketing communication with immediate effect.

TuffX has many years experience in the manufacturing of toughened safety glass and is one of the most well respected glass processors in the industry. The high standards and professional reputation of the company provides the highest quality, modern aesthetic style and simple practicality for all sized projects.

TuffX which is considered very progressive in its specialist field has strived hard for its well earned reputation for delivering high quality products and flexible customer service. The desire to continually innovate the processed glass sector has placed TuffX as a leading national company.

For many leading national firms of architects and specifiers, who excel at design-led urban style and highspecification interiors, TuffX offers unparalleled expertise and reliability.

This is a major contributing factor when the company is selected for prestigious projects nationwide which include the London Bridge redevelopment, The Millenium Dome and not least, Arsenal Football Clubs Emirates Stadium. Graham Price, Managing Director, TuffX comments, “As we introduce changes it is important that our whole corporate identity remains distinctive so our customers can quickly recognise the developments and use them to their benefit. We consider that the new identity are important as it will help to reinforce principal corporate benefits.” Tel: 0845 3 400 200

ARCHITECT HOMEOWNER SPECIFIES SARNAFIL MEMBRANE FOR RE-BUILD PROJECT The Sika Roof Assured, single ply, Sarnafil roofing membrane has been installed on a re-modelled 1960’s home in Beaulieu, Hampshire. The 300m2 single ply membrane, with standing seam detail, was completed by Volsen Limited a Sika Roof Assured registered installer based in Bournemouth. The property is located on a private estate in a picturesque spot overlooking the Beaulieu River and has been remodelled by the owner, from its original 1960’s shell, to create a contemporary style family home.

The owner, an architectural engineer, was very clear that for such a prestigious project, where looks and performance were key, he wanted the technical and aesthetic properties of the Sarnafil roofing membrane. Jordan Dearlove, director Volsen Limited said: “It’s all about doing the job properly, choosing the right products, the right team and giving the client peace of mind. Many of our projects are very high value properties and our reputation has been built on the quality of our installations. The Sarnafil membrane is the very best that we can give to our

customers. For the project we also used the Sika Roof Assured insulation which means that both this and the roofing membrane are covered by the Sarnafil 15 year single point guarantee.” Sustainability and environmental credentials were also important and all Sarnafil products make the minimal possible impact on the environment. Products are manufactured in Switzerland to ISO 14001, the International Environmental Production standard. The long life of the membrane, independently assessed to have life expectancy in excess of 40 years,

helps to waterproof the insulation and makes a large contribution to the energy saving of the building. A contemporary roof for a forward looking home in a classic location. For further information on becoming a Sika Roof Assured registered installer please call: 0800614821 or email roofassured@uk.sika.com or www.roofassured.co.uk.

Deceuninck UK announces the departure of Jon Skinner & re-Appoints Bernard Vanderper as interim UK General Manager Deceuninck have announced that Jon Skinner, UK Managing Director since February 2012, will be leaving the company. Bernard Vanderper, Deceuninck’s Director North-West Europe, has been re-appointed as the interim UK General Manager while a permanent appointment is being made. A statement from Bernard Vanderper said, “Everyone at the Deceuninck group wishes Jon the very best of luck in his next role. He leaves a business with an excellent focus on the needs of the customer and ready to take the next step. Jon will be missed, but his departure in no way changes our

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commitment to growth here. When our company went through difficult times in 2009, our CEO Tom Debusschere clearly stated that the UK has been a cornerstone market for us the last 30 years, and will remain so for the future.” “Since then, our business has been restructured and refocused to concentrate on PVC-U window profile systems. Deceuninck’s UK team reestablished itself as a ‘company to do business with’ and the quality and service on offer are again among the top tier suppliers in our industry. The next phase is to update our product range. We have just added six new

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foiling colours while at the FIT Show next April we will launch an enhanced 2500, 2800 and 3000 profile series. Deceuninck is a transparent public company with a Belgian family heritage. Our operating philosophy has always been to manage every business unit as a local business with local product lines, a local marketing approach, and, above all, local people and management. Our search for a permanent General Manager with broad UK experience has already begun and we will make a further announcement in due course.” Tel: 01249 816969 www.deceuninck.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

New Website for CAB

The Consultancy raises the bar

with Quickslide website development

CAB’s recently launched new website offers visitors an in depth look at aluminium used in the UK’s construction industry. Totally rebuilt, the new website at www.c-a-b.org. uk is designed to allow visitors easy navigation to a wealth of information. Justin Ratcliffe, CAB’s Chief Executive, comments, “We have spent a great deal of time discussing the content of the new website with both our marketing and technical committees to ensure that we have a site that both serves our members well whilst offering an excellent resource of information to our many visitors. We have expanded two of the most popular areas visited on the previous website were members’ details and members’ projects. What we have now is just the starting point as we aim to grow the site by not only regularly updating but also but by exploiting the latest social media techniques.” Whilst offering essential information for architects and specifiers, one of the new features of the website allows members to log on to access the latest standards for comment and for the various CAB Technical Working Groups to share information. The site also offers extensive links for anyone

WEB specialist The Consultancy has developed the industry’s fully interactive sliding slash window designer for market leaders Quickslide.

looking into aluminium and sustainability and highlights CAB’s various ongoing projects in this important area’. CAB needs further support from the UK industry and urge anyone involved in the aluminium construction supply chain to join the Association. To find out more about the benefits of CAB membership or future events being organised, please visit the website at www.c-a-b.org.uk or contact Julie Harley at the CAB office on 01453 828851, or email julie.harley@c-a-b.org.uk.

Profile 22 unveils ‘second generation’ RCM reinforcement Profile 22 has launched its ‘second generation’ Recycled Composite Material (RCM) reinforcement, delivering enhanced thermal values.

Replacing steel or aluminium reinforcements in the window manufacturing process, the patented RCM reinforcement was first launched by Profile 22 as a window reinforcement in 2007. Now the expanded RCM range features a new multi chambered profile, further improving on the thermal efficiencies delivered by the original product. Phil Duncombe, Product Manager Epwin Window Systems Division said: “RCM not only brings waste material back into use but by replacing steel and

aluminium sections in the window construction process it delivers a wide range of benefits. Far less conductive than traditional steel or aluminium reinforcements, the most significant of these is that RCM is much more energy efficient. We have now enhanced this performance further with new internal chambers, forming an integral part of our next generation of advanced performance product ranges.” Introduced to a wider range of products in 2010 including an enhanced doorframe section, a dedicated reinforcer

for cills and a reinforcer designed for outer frames, transoms and mullions, increased manufacturing efficiencies mean RCM now accounts for 70 per cent of total reinforcement sales. In addition to delivering better thermal performance than steel or aluminium, the RCM reinforcement also increases hardware fixing performance. It can also be welded, increasing corner weld strength by up to 20 per cent, compared to traditional reinforcements. RCM also has additional benefits over traditional reinforcements, being made from PVC-U it doesn’t corrode or oxidize, therefore there is no risk of rusty swarf deposits post drilling.

The site allows homeowners and trade to specify and order sliding sash windows from Quickslide’s extensive range by using an accurate visual representation of the window. The Consultancy, which has more than 10 years’ experience developing websites and design software for window and doors manufacturers, predicts the new website will set the standard for how online ordering develops in the future. Richie Thornton, director of The Consultancy, said: “The Quickslide website raises the bar within the industry and is much more than a website alone.” “A key benefit is that it allows users to design, price and order windows online as well as save quotes and managing existing orders. We believe this website will change how customers engage with the industry. “We are delighted to have developed this website and online business solution with Quickslide (G11 UK fabricator of the year) they are a like minded operation who also believe in the major

Duncombe concludes: “RCM offers a host of benefits and at the same time simplifies the manufacturing process. In the current climate these advantages are difficult to ignore.” To find out more about the advanced energy efficient products from Profile 22, visit www.profile22.co.uk , email mail@profile22.com or call 01952 290910.

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“Our customers can now place an order 24hrs of the day, cost up projects at their leisure and manage their orders and accounts from one secure environment.” role the internet will play within the double glazing industry.” Adrian Barraclough, chairman of Quickslide, added: “The system is even sophisticated enough to ensure that only valid sizes and combinations are entered into the online window designer. Our customers can now place an order 24hrs of the day, cost up projects at their leisure and manage their orders and accounts from one secure environment.” The Consultancy and Quickslide are committed to the ongoing development of the new website and its bespoke features and abilities will be continually developed in the coming months to offer Quickslides customers further online functionality. For more information, visit www.theconsultancy.co.uk or call 01429 239689.

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TRADE NEWS

Re Uniglaze 2 (East Anglia) Ltd in administration Further to the recent announcement in respect of Uniglaze 2 (East Anglia) Ltd being placed in administration the directors of SGH Ltd would like to make clear the factual circumstances relating to this matter. In April 2011 Swift Group Holdings extended substantial financial assistance to Uniglaze 2 in order to allow restructuring of the company as a going concern. As part of this process it was necessary for Uniglaze 2 to enter into a creditors voluntary arrangement (CVA) which it did with the full backing of the company’s creditors. As a local and respected sealed unit manufacturer Uniglaze 2 was well known to SGH and as such was able to seek their support to secure the immediate future of the business and in doing so help protect the jobs of the local 300+ workforce. Despite making every effort to guide the business toward a more secure future, market conditions worsened and unfortunately in the relatively short period of trading following the restructuring, Uniglaze 2 experienced further difficulties aggravated by a loss of turnover due

“With the company in a position of negative cash flow it quickly became evident that it would be unable to continue to trade without a further significant capital injection.” 12

to a number of clients becoming insolvent. This left the business with significant bad debt and coupled to the encumbrance of substantial repayments to the company’s historic creditors placed increasing pressure on the business. With the company in a position of negative cash flow it quickly became evident that it would be unable to continue to trade without a further significant capital injection. After much deliberation and exhausting all realistic alternatives the directors of SGH Ltd regrettably concluded that it was not in the best interests of their core business activities to provide the additional funding that would be required, particularly as there seemed little prospect of the situation improving in light of prevailing market conditions with attendant depressed prices and margins. This left Uniglaze 2 with no alternative other than to place the business in administration. The directors of SGH Ltd have become aware of some speculation on the potential impact that the closure of Uniglaze 2 might have on their main business interests. Most particularly they would like to make it clear that Swift Frame Limited, the long established and successful PVCU frames manufacturing company has no association with Uniglaze 2 and continues with its normal day to day operations remaining financially unaffected in any way by this unfortunate event.

Everglade Goes greenteQ London-based trade fabricator Everglade Windows Ltd recently switched to greenteQ for its door and window furniture and profile cylinders. The company, already a much valued VBH customer for a number of years, did not take the decision to move from its existing products lightly, but the merits of the greenteQ Suite won the day. Everglade’s installer customers have welcomed the new hardware and have been very impressed by the fact that they now receive fully suited furniture across all their doors, casement and tilt & turn windows in a wide choice of perfectly matching finishes. Customer feedback on the design and feel of the greenteQ Suite products includes comments such as ‘appealing’ and ‘aesthetically pleasing’. VBH managing director Peter Rowlands states “We’re delighted that a well respected company such as Everglade has joined the ever-growing ranks of fabricators, both large and small, to

have made the switch to greenteQ. They do it for the right reasons; those of improved product quality and features. The feedback from Everglade’s customers is music to our ears as we invest a lot of time in ensuring greenteQ products look and feel great as well as being robust.”

Information on Everglade’s products can be seen at www.everglade.co.uk and greenteQ product information can be found at www.vbhgb.com or by calling VBH on 01634 263300.

Everglade managing director Vinod Gopal advised “Having dealt with VBH for a number of years we were confident of the reliability of their supply and we also really rate the service we get from Sales Coordinator Karen Campbell and the VBH Technical Department. When Peter and VBH Area Sales Manager Simon Monks approached us with greenteQ there was no hard sell. They presented the options then simply let the products sell themselves.” “This gave us ample opportunity to trial them at our leisure and see for ourselves that greenteQ hardware and Everglade doors and windows share the same focus on high quality and contemporary design.”

PUB LANDLORDS SAY CHEERS TO

BRACKNELL ROOFING

Pub managers Mark and Jodie Hickman have raised a glass to Bracknell Roofing for completing the roof of their new pub restaurant on a four week schedule.

Adding to the challenges of this very tight schedule was a requirement for Bracknell Roofing to work around other trades, which often involved giving several days’ precedence to other teams on site to ensure the overall project remained on schedule. In reality, that meant the company completed the roof in considerably less time than the allocated four weeks. Bracknell Roofing, which offers a nationwide roofing and cladding service from 10 regional branches, was chosen by main contractor Carter Lauren because it had the resources and expertise to ensure that the roof was completed in time for the official opening on 9th June.

Terry Rush On behalf of Swift Group Holdings Limited.

November 2012 – The UK’s Only Industry Newspaper

Working within a tight timeframe is a characteristic common with most retail projects as clients look to begin trading at the earliest opportunity.

With severe penalties for handing over a project late, an increasing number of main contractors are turning to Bracknell Roofing because they know they are placing the roof in the hands of professionals that they can rely upon. Bracknell Roofing proved to be the perfect choice for The Chestnut Tree because as well as completing the project on time, it had the skills to cope with what was a complex roof, including a series of gables, valleys, abutments and flat elements. A combination of Marley Eternit concrete tiles and Sandtoft Britlock slates were used for the pitched roof elements. A single ply membrane was used on a flat roof towards the rear of the building that is used to house M&E plant for the pub’s kitchen. Additional work on the flat roof required the laying of mats for housing the M&E plant. “The Chestnut Tree presented a challenge because it had to be completed on a four week schedule, whilst working around other trades on site,” said Tony Rawlinson, Bracknell Roofing Branch Director – Brownhills. “However, our team of experienced roofers are used to working on these types of projects and

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were able to successfully complete the job on time and within budget.” A spokesperson from Carter Lauren, one of the largest privately owned South Wales based construction companies, said: “Bracknell Roofing demonstrated an ability to work around other trades to complete the roof on a very demanding schedule. The quality of work is excellent and we valued their input and experience on this high profile project.” The Chestnut Tree in Wednesbury is the latest new outlet to be commissioned by leading pub-chain company Marstons, owns and operates over 2000 pubs around the UK. It is the UK's largest builder of new pubs and has a threeyear plan to build 60 new outlets. Bracknell Roofing has a specialist flat roofing division as well as offering sustainable solutions ranging from green roofs, brown roofs, through to photovoltaic and solar powered systems. The company has ISO 9001:2008 certification, the internationally recognised Quality Management System, as well as the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) prestigious Gold Award for safety in roofing. To find out more about the services offered by Bracknell Roofing, call: 08705 626800 or visit the website at: www.bracknellroofing.com.

TRADE NEWS

EXCITEMENT AT VISITOR CAMPAIGN AS FIT SHOW VISITOR BRIEFING DRAWS 270 Around 270 people from companies exhibiting at The FIT Show next April made their way to the Telford International Centre this week to attend the Exhibitor Briefing Day, to meet staff and contractors and to learn about plans for the visitor campaign.

scribbling notes whilst others queued afterwards to speak to him to gain more insights. The presentation has subsequently been added to the Exhibitor Log In download section of the FIT Show web site for use by all exhibitors when preparing for the event.

Against a back-drop of posters showing more than 50 representatives of companies taking part in the exhibition that have formed the backbone of the campaign so far, The FIT Show team told a silent audience what had been done to date and what was to come.

The programme worked up to the highlight of the programme when Simon Iredale from The FIT Show’s marketing agency Motionlab presented the successor to the now famous ‘everyone’s going’ campaign that has become the catchphrase of the window, door and conservatory industry. The new theme is a natural follow on with genuine fabricators and installers that have already committed to attending the event telling the industry ‘I’m going’ and why they wouldn’t miss The FIT Show when it takes place in April 2013.

Said by one stand contractor in attendance to be the “biggest turnout in a hundred similar events for other exhibitions” that he has attended, exhibitors were enthusiastic about the presentations and excited about the ‘I’m going’ campaign that will run up to the event next April. One remarked: “It was a brilliant day; both I and my colleague who came with me were really impressed with all the hard work….We also are now looking at a campaign to encourage all our glazing members, of which there are more than 1000, to attend as well as a campaign to get people who are not our members to come.”

Response to the new campaign was universally positive, with details of how all channels will be utilised to ensure the message reaches thousands of window, door and conservatory manufacturers

Twitter was buzzing with UAP Tradelocks tweeting: “Good day at the #FITShow briefing day today. Looks like it is going to be a really good show” and Ultraframe saying: “#fitshow fantastic 'I'm going' campaign... Really

The FIT Show’s Matthew Glover told guests that just a handful of stands remained despite floorspace being extended twice, going on to detail how thousands of people have been reached through the most extensive campaign ever staged for a UK glass and glazing exhibition. Exhibition industry expert Austen Hawkins reminded guests of the do’s and don’ts of exhibiting in a superb hour-long presentation that had many furiously

and installers who are the main focus of the event. Guests then spoke to The FIT Show staff and contractors appointed to provide stand building, signage and other services to exhibitors.

Simon Iredale launches the ‘I’m going’ campaign at The FIT Show briefing day, designed to attract visitors to The FIT Show in April.

clever, well done”. Matthew Glover of The FIT Show says the day exceeded even his “wildest expectations”: “The whole industry has got behind The FIT Show and we are impressed with the commitment made by exhibitors. Everyone was so enthusiastic and determined to make the event work. We will have more than 150 exhibitors and a programme of seminars and the Master Fitter Challenge that is going to be so exciting, and so much else. Everything will be there to make it a really profitable day out for visitors.”

Norscot continues to invest with acquisition of AM Profiles Norscot Joinery Ltd, a leading Scottish window and door manufacturer and Network VEKA member, has acquired the design rights of AM Profiles Ltd in Chesterfield. Prior to closing its doors at the end of September, AM Profiles was the UK's leader in the design and manufacture of aluminium clad timber window, door and curtain walling systems. As Commercial Director Callum Grant explains, Norscot is pleased to have secured future supply for itself and the many AM Profile customers: “We are delighted to have acquired

the design rights to AM Profile as we have been manufacturing its products for many years.” “Our initial focus will be the Design-5 composite window system, which provides the perfect union of timber and aluminium at a marketleading performance.” Although the market for aluminium clad, timber windows is inundated with foreign imports, Norscot is confident that it can appeal to those who support British products. Callum continues: “This acquisition further demonstrates Norscot's commitment to investing in

the North of Scotland, whist seeking UK wide expansion and we will continue to support the 'Buy British' campaign. Buying British reduces carbon footprints and increases sustainability. The Design-5 window system has been created specifically for the UK market; ensuring compliance with UK standards and specifications.”

ISO 9001 standard, and conform to all applicaable British Standards. For further information go to www.norscot.co.uk or www.amprofiles.com. Alternatively you can contact Callum Grant on 01463 224040 or email callum. grant@norscot.co.uk.

In addition to the Design-5 system, Norscot creates made-to-measure windows and doors in both timber and PVC-U. All Norscot products are manufactured to a quality assurance scheme which is accredited to the internationally recognised

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TRADE NEWS SENIOR ARCHITECTURAL THE LATEST BIG NAME TO SIGN FOR THE FIT SHOW Senior Architectural Systems (SAS), manufacturers of a comprehensive range of fenestration systems for commercial and residential applications, has chosen The FIT Show to reach fabricators with the company’s new Hybrid timber/aluminium composite lift and slide and sliding folding doors, together with complementary window systems and curtain walling. The company’s decision to exhibit at The FIT Show is remarkable as it will be the first glazing-specific event the company has exhibited at in recent years usually only showing at building and construction events in the UK. The company’s sales and marketing director Steve Wightman said the decision to join The FIT Show came as SAS increases its presence amongst window fabricators, and the timing and format of the event: “Our Hybrid

system is really gaining favour amongst ‘traditional’ fabricators who are looking for a high quality product that differentiates them in the market place to offer new opportunities. The timing of The FIT Show is perfect for us, as it provides us with an opportunity to physically present our products to people that will understand the benefits.” SAS Hybrid gives the benefits of timber on the inside to provide high thermal performance with soft and warm aesthetics whilst the powder coated aluminium outer frame offers tough, low maintenance high performance. SAS will also use The FIT Show to present the company’s Series 1 matching windows and Series 3 curtain walling system. The range is designed and manufactured in the UK and fabricated by a network of UK companies making the

VEKA & Hameldon will be

‘on the buzzer’

for University ‘Schools’ Challenge

product an ideal solution for both new-build and refurbishment projects where site measurement is required. Lead times can be as short as a week. Being designed and supplied from one of the largest UK window systems companies, Senior Architectural Systems, ensures that the specifier can be assured that the system meets and exceeds all current standards, whilst fabricators benefit from having a product in their portfolio that has little competition.

Industry leading VEKA has teamed up with its nearby community college to bring a University 'Schools' Challenge to its local area. VEKA and its partner school, Hameldon Community College share an initiative to encourage and support its students, in conjunction with the Business in the Community (BITC) 'Business Class' organisation that they are a part of. A need to promote and develop Hameldon's talented students was identified, and following a discussion with all school representatives at the BITC Cluster meetings,

it was also identified as a development area for all schools in the Burnley, Lancashire area. Gabriella Hammond, VEKA Head of Human Resources says: “The University 'Schools' Challenge event was decided on as it's a great, fun way to encourage this group of gifted pupils to broaden their knowledge of national and international subjects. The teams of students will work together to answer a series of challenging general knowledge questions.” Celebrating the achievements of both students and the schools, five Burnley schools are supporting the event, which

The FIT Show will take place at The Telford International Centre, Telford, on 16th, 17th and 18th April 2013. For more information go to www.fitshow.co.uk.

will take place at the Burnley College UCLAN campus on November 29th. Hosted by BBC Radio Lancashire's Ted Robins, the University 'Schools' Challenge will also be recorded for broadcast, with the winning school team also being interviewed for both BBC Radio Lancashire and local newspapers. Each school's team will have an individual mentor; a current undergraduate student at UCFB to coach and assist them with knowledge, and gain question practice. Gabriella concluded: “This is a fantastic promotion for the local area and the schools involved, and friends, family and fellow students are invited to cheer their teams on in the finals!” Tel: 01282 716611 www.vekauk.com

Zoom Liniar helps Elite Conservatories become more competitive

Senior Architectural Systems, the latest big name to sign for The FIT Show.

Trade fabricator Elite Conservatories Ltd now makes Zoom Liniar conservatory roofs. Elite chose Zoom Liniar because it is an easy to fabricate, cost-effective conservatory roof. Based in Birmingham, the company fabricates between 120-150 conservatory roofs a month. Its owner, Phil Warner, says: “When I heard Roger Hartshorn had bought a stake in Zoom, I was very interested. Roger and his team are well-known in the industry for their innovative solutions so I knew it would be a good product. “I wasn’t disappointed – Zoom Liniar is a fantastic quality roof and easy to fabricate. It’s also easy to

November 2012 – The UK’s Only Industry Newspaper

install and competitively priced, which is a big benefit to our installer customers.” He continues: “We have ambitious growth plans and Zoom Liniar’s high quality, cost-effective roof has helped us become more competitive.

A recent Zoom Liniar installation.

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Together with the support we get from Zoom Liniar, we’re sure this will help us increase sales and grow the business.” For further information call 01332 883 883 or visit www.liniar.co.uk.

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TRADE NEWS

ORANGERY SOLUTIONS SAFESTYLE UK EXTENDS

THE ONLY OPTION FOR NORFOLK For a recent orangery project in East Anglia, the consumer demanded that only the Orangery Solutions patented system could be used. Having been referred, the homeowner then scrutinised the orangery market and insisted that it was the only system to be installed. The 14.2 m. orangery with 4m projection was produced to meet the exact technical specification of the architects for the private property in Kings Lynn, Norfolk. For this prestigious project it was essential that not only the highest standard products were used but also that it would be guaranteed structurally sound in all weathers. Orangery Solutions provides a unique patented system for the market which incorporates all aspects of the structure from floor level up (excluding glazed frames). This particular project included a triple lantern with two hidden steel portals, all the external posts were hidden by aluminium pilasters. The Orangery Solutions decorative aluminium pilasters both compliment the fascia detail and create a traditional look of solidity. They also provide an attractive alternative to brick pillars. The Orangery Solutions Fascia and Guttering fits easily onto the system and blends perfectly to match with a variety of options. The

PARTNERSHIP WITH MILA

Retail giant Safestyle UK has just signed a two year supply agreement with Mila, which will extend the longstanding partnership between the businesses to almost 20 years. aluminium roofing system is so simple to use and is not dependent upon the weather to be installed. The Building Regulations stipulated that the flat roof was uprated to 150mm due to the size of the installation which Orangery Solutions had easily accommodated. Paul Nellis, Managing Director at Orangery Solutions, comments “Our system is simply ideal for anyone undertaking the project management as we simplify the whole process. Unlike other systems, Orangery Solutions does not require sourcing structural steel, carpentry skills, flat roof expertise nor a structural engineer.” Working alongside architects and builders enabled the Orangery Solutions team to provide a tailored aesthetic and structural design that achieved all the homeowner’s requirements. As the entire system from floor to roof is available from one supplier this made life much easier for the builders who have been impressed with its versatility. The unique Orangery Solutions flat roof finish utilizes a dry fit

aluminium flashing system that can be installed rapidly in any weather conditions without causing delays. After previously installing GRP and single ply membrane flat roofs, the builder considers it a better finish, that can be installed more quickly and that they are not limited by weather conditions. Paul Nellis continues, “The more the homeowner investigated the orangery market the more convinced she was regarding our products. It is very rewarding to know that our product is recognized by consumers as a premium brand and that on this project in particular, it was the only one that would be accepted.” All orangery projects from Orangery Solutions are hassle free and cost effective to install – the unique system does not require multi-trades to be involved during the construction process which greatly simplifies quoting, ordering and installing, all with one simple solution. For more information on the Orangery Solutions patented system please call 01904 786629 or visit the website www.orangery-solutions.com.

Mila will continue to be Safestyle UK’s preferred hardware supplier until the end of 2014 and will provide the vast majority of its hardware requirements. This currently includes the new ProSecure security handle, Evolution anti-bump cylinder and ProStyle letter box for Safestyle UK’s range of composite doors, the iDeal butt hinge and letterbox for its PVC doors and Siegenia Trident Espags and ProLinea Espag handles for its window products. Richard Gyde, Mila’s Managing Director, commented: “Safestyle UK is one of the largest and most advanced fabrication businesses in the UK, with lean manufacturing processes and a just in time environment which are very demanding of component suppliers. For example, the terms of the agreement dictate guaranteed next working day deliveries for all orders placed before 5pm Monday to Friday and continual feedback on the accuracy of demand forecasting by individual product line.

Mila’s team also meets regularly with Safestyle UK to discuss product development, testing and accreditation and advises on how the company can potentially leverage competitive advantage from new or planned innovations and legislation. For example, Safestyle UK was the first company to introduce the TS007 2 star rated ProSecure security handle earlier this year after Mila developed a bespoke lever design specifically for Safestyle’s range of composite doors, enabling it to stay ahead of the competition in terms of the levels of security it could offer to homeowners. It is also benefiting from a bespoke steel striker for its window products which Mila developed for its new profile system at the start of 2012. Even in packaging and delivery, Mila is focused on ensuring that it helps Safestyle UK to optimise its efficiency. For example, it now supplies all its hinges in bespoke packaging with the sash and frame elements packed separately to make assembly quicker and easier. Mila is also in discussions with Safestyle UK to install an EDI ordering link which will facilitate faster

“We have shown that we are not only capable of meeting these demands week in and week out but also of responding to Safestyle UK’s commitment to continuous improvement with innovations in both customer service and bespoke product development.” Mila delivers an average of more than 38,000 items to Safestyle UK’s Wombwell factory every week and, in the year leading up to the signing of the new agreement, has achieved market leading On Time In Full delivery levels of 98.52%.

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and even more efficient order processing reducing transactional costs whilst at the same time improving accuracy. In line with the terms of the supply agreement which dictate cooperation on demand forecasting, Mila’s planning and logistics teams will be able to analyse the EDI data and use this to predict Safestyle UK’s ordering patterns, enabling the fabricator to reduce its investment in stock without any risk to the continuity of its supply chain. Mark Scaife, Operations Director at Safestyle UK, said: “Mila is one of our most valued suppliers, sharing our commitment to continuous improvement and helping us to ensure that we maintain the highest levels of production efficiency and product quality. Their ability to deliver on time in full is crucial to our market leading labour efficiencies – we don’t lose time waiting for hardware stock to be delivered and their exceptionally low product rejection rates mean we don’t waste time on remakes or remedials.” Richard Gyde adds: “We are never complacent about our relationship with Safestyle UK and work just as hard today to win and retain the business as we did 18 years ago. “Since Safestyle UK formalised its supply agreement with us in 2005, we have successfully renegotiated our contract with them three times – each time winning a highly competitive pitch against other big name hardware suppliers based on our proven track record. Obviously, I’m delighted that the agreement has been extended once again and look forward to continuing and even further strengthening our partnership.” www.mila.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

Spectra celebrates

10 years with K2

Established in 2002, Spectra Conservatory roofs is please to announce that they have reached their 10th year fabricating K2 roofs.

Anne-Marie Busch speaks to Darren Goddard to find out what the last 10 years mean to him and the business “Back in 2002 the Devon and Cornwall area was not covered by many fabricators and we saw an opportunity to carve ourselves a place in the market. K2 was the obvious choice for us as they were not present at all in the region, and it was a system really talked about for its quality and ease of installation. We knew we’d made the right choice as soon as we approached them and we negotiated the exclusive rights to Devon and Cornwall.

Since then our working relationship has been more than satisfactory. We don’t believe we are high maintenance, but we can also vouch that whenever we needed something K2 has always been there for us; issues always get dealt with quickly.

The fact that we chose K2 when we started the business, and have been with them since, is a testament to their efforts to help customers develop their business. We started from nothing, to reach 10 roofs a week, going up to 20 /25 week. Back then we already understood the industry well (Ben Cogavin – General Manager, and Matthew Clark – Factory Manager, both worked with Darren at Quantal prior to joining him when he set up Spectra), and

knew that with K2 we had a quality, reliable roof system. The aim was to build a solid business, that would grow within a manageable size, to cover the whole South West; and I believe we have achieved this.

We are now a perfectly formed team of seven people, working form a 3500 square feet factory. We are actually looking to move into bigger premises to allow us to cater for increased demand, and the changing nature of the type of roofs we fabricate (larger installations, orangeries…). So there is no doubt that the future is looking bright. Current trends for colours, glass roofs (with Celsius in high demand), aluminium, orangeries, and portal frames mean that higher value items now represent approximately 25% of our order volume and 35% of our turnover. The K2 products allow us to cater for these needs extremely well. In addition, we believe our success is based on a combination of quality products, strong customer service, which includes the pre-assembly of every single roof that comes out of our premises, and being prepared to go the extra way to help our customers. We do not sacrifice quality over price. Tel: 01254 683000

CMS move to new 15 acre site following significant growth CMS Enviro Systems, one of Scotland’s largest independent window manufacturers, have relocated their Scottish headquarters to a new multi-purpose 15 acre site as a result of sustained business growth. The new premises is now home to a 130 strong work force and are strategically placed at Castlecary, adjacent to the M80, one of Scotland’s busiest motorways. This exciting new move follows the company’s continuous expansion during the financial year 2011-2012, on which it has continued to build by securing a further £8m of contracts in the first six months of this current financial year. The new factory and offices were required after CMS outgrew the 80,000 sq ft. factory in Cumbernauld. The new premises are now home to the company’s PVCu and aluminium manufacturing, recycling and administrative functions. The relocation was meticulously planned over several months to ensure continued manufacturing with no disruption to existing contracts. The new 15 acre site combines state-of-theart manufacturing and recycling facilities with increased amenities for staff and visitors. The move and expanding order book has

also helped CMS to support the local community by safeguarding and creating further employment opportunities in North Lanarkshire. Andrew Kerr, managing director of CMS Enviro Systems, said: "Our move comes after months of careful planning, discussions and research. As levels of manufacturing and recycling were surpassing all of our expectations and growth projections, we acknowledged that we had to invest in larger premises to accommodate our expanding order book. The location was strategically chosen to best serve our existing contracts next to one of Scotland’s main motorways.” The company has seen significant growth over the past two years with multi-million pound contracts being awarded by local authorities, utility companies, main contractors and several

other private and public sector clients. Also, Primary and High Schools, such as, Calderbridge Primary School, Greenhill Drumpark Primary School and Coltness High School, completed for Graham Construction, who voiced their support of the ambitious relocation. John McHugh Contracts Manager for Graham said “We are hugely supportive of CMS expansion. They have provided a seamless service to us throughout the move, proving their top priority at all times was to ensure all contractual commitments were fulfilled to the highest standard. It’s great to see a company thrive in this difficult economic climate and invest in its own and its employees’ futures.” Tel: 01324 841398 www.cms-es.co.uk

SYNSEAL CUSTOMER FLIES HIGH Synseal customer, Expressions (Grimsby), recently won contracts to install specialist windows at RFCA Driffield after previously carrying out work to an exceptional standard. The company installed 50 high security windows on an accommodation block, and 74 windows on the main entrance building – all of which used Synseal’s Shield profile. The work is part of a phased refurbishment of part of RFCA Driffield on behalf of the Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association (RFCA). Paul Fenty, Expressions’ Chairman, explained: “The feedback on a previous project was so

exceptional that it has helped us win further work with the client.”

specialist skills necessary to complete projects to the highest possible standard.”

Expressions prides itself on employing experienced technicians, and Synseal now offers free training at its purpose-designed facility in Nottinghamshire. “Our ethos is: ‘Right First Time,” Paul said. “We do this by using proven, high quality components, experienced, fully trained staff, and a rigorous installation and inspection quality regime.”

“These services have been put in place for our fabricator customers and their customers, to ensure that they can confidently challenge for such work should the opportunity arise. We will provide all of the backing they will need in such circumstances, working as their partner.”

David Leng, Synseal’s chief executive, said: “We have substantial training facilities in our factory to help our customers develop the

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The Reserve Forces are a vital component of the United Kingdom’s defence capability, providing some 50,000 men and women to the Reserves of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and RAF. Across Yorkshire and the

Humber, 45 Reserve Forces units are manned by over 3,000 men and women from all walks of life and from a wide range of professions.

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TRADE NEWS

I.P. THEFT A

GROWING CONCERN

FOR CONSERVATORY OUTLET Copyright infringement and intellectual property theft is a continued and increasing threat in the glazing industry as Conservatory Outlet has found over the last 12 months. The fabricator has formally written to no fewer than 25 companies in 2012 that have wrongfully used its images and other intellectual property online without permission, many of which are installers and competitors of Conservatory Outlet’s Network of Dealers. In one recent instance Conservatory Outlet’s website had been copied in minute detail, including not just images, but also the structure and functionality of the site, the location of call-to-action buttons and the written content. ‘The fact that we rank well in the natural Google listings for major search terms, coupled with our investment in high quality photography, means that we are often the victim of lazy web designers who try to save time and money by using imagery and content from existing, well performing websites, said Greg Kane, Conservatory Outlet Sales Director. In some cases the company that commissions the web designer is unaware of the wrongdoing, and in other cases the company turns a blind eye.’ Conservatory Outlet invests heavily in the photography

of installations completed by Conservatory Outlet dealers; images which are then exclusive to Conservatory Outlet’s customers to ensure that dealer websites, brochures and other literature are among the best on show in the industry. The fabricator therefore takes copyright infringements and intellectual property theft very seriously. ‘We now have systems in place to identify websites that have wrongly used our intellectual property and we are fast to act when an offence has been highlighted. What’s more Conservatory Outlet dealers employ approximately 100 retail sales representatives in total, many of whom have a keen eye for spotting when a local competitor has used our images in its literature or on its website, continued Greg. On the one hand it’s flattering when other companies use our images and website content, but it’s a complement that we’d rather not have.’ The installation company which plagiarised Conservatory Outlet’s whole website was forced to permanently shut down the imitation, wasting the thousands of pounds invested, and also causing the company to be without an online presence for several weeks during one of the busiest times of the year for retail installers. Tel: 01924 239813

Freefoam’s New Website Provides Benefits to Trade and Homeowners

Freefoam Plastics, the market leader in environmentally friendly, innovative roofline and rainwater products, has re-launched its corporate website www.freefoam. com. With a bright new look and a range of exciting new features the site offers a customer focussed experience for all aspects of the building trade and homeowners.

has built a reputation for leadership in the industry with a number of innovative initiatives including a market-leading range of ten colours backed by its proprietary COLORMAX® technology, a market-leading lifetime guarantee, coextruded gutters to reduce temperature increases and expansion, and a flexible approach to customer service that puts customers first.

This easy-to-use website includes detailed information on all aspects of its extensive product range including dimensions, colours, installation instructions, CAD drawings, guarantees and sustainability. It also includes a broad range of useful information relating to the company such as accreditations, range of customer service, contact details and current news stories on a range of interesting topics.

Aidan Harte, Managing Director, comments “We’re delighted to launch freefoam.com at this time as it provides our customers, the building trade and homeowners with access to a broad range of exciting new information, advice and features that makes their jobs easier. I hope that people will take the opportunity to visit our new website and discover the diverse range of innovative products and services that we now offer due to our investment in research and development over many years. We plan to continue innovating to meet the building product needs of our customers for many years to come.”

Freefoam offers a market leading range of innovative, low-maintenance products including fascia, soffit, rainwater systems (gutters and downpipes), exterior cladding, window boards and trims, interior decorative panelling and decking. The company

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Tel: 01604 591110 www.freefoam.com

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TRADE NEWS

Phoenix Door Panels reports record panel & composite door sales Mid-October 2012 saw Phoenix Door Panels break new weekly production records with nearly 1,600 PVC-U door panels and more than 400 composite doors manufactured at its Cambridgeshire factory during the week ending October 19th.

“While the demise of Door Panels Ltd has been unfortunate for its employees and customers, it has meant an increase in orders for us from window companies of all sizes desperate to fulfil orders that were placed before the firm stopped trading on Sept 17,” explained Haydon Statham, National Sales Manager at Phoenix Door Panels. “We were already anticipating a busy autumn based on previous years and ordering patterns, but we were not expecting such uplift in panel sales.” “This has been due to two main factors: new customers coming on board and existing customers who are now buying more doors from us having dual-sourced before,” continued Haydon. According to Haydon, the record figures for panels show that they continue to satisfy demand for a

In an ever changing market, the demands and requirements of product, and in particular, customer service also changes. As a result Roto has to change how it operates to continue to give the highest level of positive customer benefit to our global partners. To meet the needs of the market and our customers Roto have been working to a consolidation strategy within Western Europe to centralise the logistics and internal sales departments of our organisation.

The company attributes these highest-ever figures in its 19-year history to a rise in customers following the collapse of Worcestershirebased Door Panels Ltd in September, along with a growth in orders from existing ones. Phoenix, which was established in 1993, had set a bold 12% growth forecast for 2012-2013. Currently, it is running more than 20% up on this forecast figure.

Roto stands PatioMaster secures for quality top green accreditation in products PatioMaster, the securing the quality inline sliding management and customer door specialist has standard ISO9001, secured the green environmental services across standard BES6001 the management across its extrusion standard ISO14001, the globe

The first phase of this process was to centralise UK stock at our logistic centre in Belgium, which was specifically designed for this purpose when built several years ago. The consolidation of stock in Belgium for UK distribution was first implemented back in 2010 while still ensuring that our customers still enjoy an excellent delivery service. Phase two of the strategy is now being implemented in two stages. Dorset Red fleur de lys.

cost-effective entrance door. “Remember a panel fills the same ‘hole’ as a composite door does, so it remains a valid choice for homeowners on a budget,” he said. “They are still a popular product, despite the enduring popularity of the composite door, so they still have their place in the market.” Phoenix’s offer to waive its £10 delivery surcharge for 24-hour delivery on any of the 121 standard designs its brochure until the end of November had also helped to attract a number of customers left stranded without their doors. “We’ve been tremendously busy making panels 12 hours a day and last Saturday, 19 staff worked overtime to meet demand for composite doors and ensure timely deliveries,” added Haydon Contact Phoenix Door Panels on 01487 740469, email info@phoenixdoorpanels.co.uk or visit the website at www.phoenixdoorpanels.co.uk.

The first stage is the finalisation of the consolidation of the remaining stock in our UK operation to the logistics centre in Belgium. This will be completed by the end of this year. The second stage of phase two is to bring the Internal Sales department under one roof in Belgium where we can professionalize this department even further. To implement this we have employed an experienced Logistics & Internal Sales Manager, Laurent Wirtel, an expert with great experience in the optimization of relevant processes. You will understand that as a consequence of the actions taken, to retain offices with warehousing in the UK after this consolidation is no longer necessary and it will therefore be shut on December 31st 2012. We are confident that with these measures in place we are ready for the future and can provide the market, via our partners, with an even better service. Roto will continue to be represented in the UK market, as has always been the case, by our external sales team, their contact details remain the same. Roto products will continue to be available in the UK market via our distribution partners DGS Group, VBH GB and Westward Building Supplies. If you have any questions about this transition phase please do not hesitate to contact our marketing department who will be happy to answer all your questions. http://ftt.roto-frank.com/gb/press/

November 2012 – The UK’s Only Industry Newspaper

operation, including foiled and standard PVC-U ranges.

In doing so, the national dealership network, joins a handful of building product companies to have secured the new standard meeting a range of strict criteria ensuring responsible sourcing of construction products. Including an assessment of organisational governance, supply chain management and social and environmental impact, the new standard was written into the Code for Sustainable Homes in late 2010. Chris Jones, PatioMaster, said: “This is an important accreditation in further growing PatioMaster’s reputation for quality. In particular, it strengthens our growing reputation in the social and new build sectors, where expectations of environmental performance sit alongside actual product performance.” BES6001 ‘pulls’ together a number of other standards to demonstrate a commitment to responsible sourcing of materials. PatioMaster’s Telford extrusion operation secured the new standard after previously

occupational health and safety OHSAS18001.

Jones added: “BES6001 is widely recognised within the social and new build sectors and securing it gives us and our customers’ further credibility. “But in pulling together a raft of quality management standards it also gives our own network members and their installers in the retail sector the assurance that they are manufacturing or supplying a high quality and hugely reliable product. “We believe that this Reliability is a huge value to our trade customers. They can sell it, fit it and forget it.” PatioMaster boasts ten authorised manufacturers nationally from East Kilbride in Scotland to Paignton in Devon and from Lowestoft in Suffolk to Kidderminster in Worcestershire, PatioMaster offers a unique national network of specialist regional manufacturers coupled with the back up of a comprehensive national customer support strategy. To find your nearest PatioMaster or for more information on the PatioMaster network call 0808 178 3370 or visit www.patiomaster. co.uk.

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Inline sliding doors from

PatioMaster

• DER ‘A’ rated option. • Choice of 19 finishes (in addition to white!) • Slim stepped 86mm outer frame that reduces plaster cutback and enhances visual appearance. • Secure internal sliding panels in two, three and four pane options. • Wide range of accessories, including handles in white, black, chrome or Gold, plus anodised gold and silver option. • Optional low track, low threshold system. • Low-line gaskets extruded to sash. • Three chamber sash for maximum thermal efficiency and strength. • Multi-point locking system for outstanding security on all standard specifications. • Concealed fixings (no ugly screw heads). • Midrail with letterplate option for front entrances.

November 2012 – The UK’s Only Industry Newspaper

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TRADE NEWS

Qualicoat

Ecobuild announces expert Meet in Belfast speaker line-up for 2013 conference programme

The last Qualicoat UK and Ireland Member’s Meeting of 2012 was held in Belfast; over 20 Members were in attendance which filled the Board Room at the Malone Lodge Hotel.

Membership of the UK and Ireland Organisation, which is dedicated to the global Qualicoat quality label for Architectural Powder Coating, has grown in recent years and now represents the vast majority of Coaters across the UK and Ireland. Members present at the meeting included Powder Manufacturers, Pretreatment Suppliers and Powder Coaters. Member's meetings are held three times a year and give Members the opportunity to discuss market activity and the ongoing work of Qualicoat, which has its Head Office based in Zurich. These Working Groups are made up of Member Companies who are dedicated to advancing the quality label and ultimately, the life expectancy of Qualicoat specified Architectural Powder Coating. Mo Panam, Qualicoat's UK & Ireland Chairman, opened the meeting and welcomed members and guests. After various items of business, Presentations were offered on marketing and the work of the Independent Inspectors of Exova and Ifo. These Independent Test Houses inspect members quality procedures on a regular basis. It was reported that all Member Inspections since the last Member’s Meeting exceeded the Qualicoat Standard which is now in its thirteenth edition. A total of a further six new Applicator Members are now in the process of seeking Plant and Process Approval before being subjected to an unannounced inspection. After feedback from the recent successful Technical Conference, which was open to Specifiers of Architectural Powder Coating, Members have decided to undertake a further Conference in the South East in 2013. Further details of the Conference will be announced in due course. To ensure orders for Powder Coated Products meet the stringent requirements of Qualicoat, simply specify 'Qualicoat Approved Powder Coating' on Product Specifications and ensure the Applicator is Qualicoat approved by checking out the Qualicoat website at www.qualicoatuki.org.

UBM Built Environment, organisers of Ecobuild (www.ecobuild.co.uk); the world’s largest event for sustainable design, construction and the built environment, announces today the line-up for its highly acclaimed conference programme returning to London’s ExCeL from 5th to 7th March 2013.

a Sustainable Future’, ‘Making Sustainable Construction Happen’ and ‘Design Architecture and Sustainability’, will host the below speakers and many more:

The Rt Hon Michael Fallon MP, Lord de Mauley; Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Resource Management, the Local Environment and Environmental Science and Rhian Kelly, Director for Business Environment at the CBI are amongst a plethora of top industry names signed up for 2013. Ecobuild also has commitment from The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) to provide ministerial speakers to be announced soon.

• Andrew Simms, founder of the climate change, energy and interdependence programmes at nef (the new economics foundation) and author of Ecological Debt: Global Warming and the Wealth of Nations

Ministers and government officials will be joined by many expert speakers from leading organisations such as the Royal Institute of British Architects, the UK Green Building Council, Environment Agency, Arup and the Construction Industry Council, as well as academics from the leading UK universities driving the climate change debate from the US and beyond. Tom Broughton, Brand Director for Ecobuild said: “The launch of the Ecobuild conference programme is always an exciting announcement for the sustainability community and the wider construction industry and this year will not disappoint. With nearly 70 percent of visitors quoting events as the key way they stay up-to-date with the latest information and changes to the sustainability agenda*, Ecobuild’s conference programme will once again bring together over 1100 industry experts, ministers and VIPs from across the sustainable built environment to inform, educate and inspire.” The first three conference streams to be released; ‘Beyond Construction: Achieving

Qualicoat members.

“The launch of the Ecobuild conference programme is always an exciting announcement for the sustainability community and the wider construction industry and this year will not disappoint. November 2012 – The UK’s Only Industry Newspaper

• Celeste Morgan, Director, Sustainability, Aecom • Ken Shuttleworth, Founding Partner, Make Architects

• Trevor Bishop, Head of Water Resources, Environment Agency • Peter Head CBE, Director, Arup • Louise Ellison, Head of Sustainability, Quintain • Jack Pringle, Architect and Chair, Construction Industry Council • Professor Tim Beatley, University of Virginia • Bill Dunster OBE, Principal, ZEDFactory • Kieran Long, Architecture critic, Evening Standard • Professor Chris Gorse, Professor of Construction and Project Management and Director of the Centre for Knowledge Exchange, Leeds Metropolitan University • Ant Wilson, Director, Sustainability, Building Engineering, AECOM • Professor Peter Guthrie OBE, Professor, University of Cambridge • Chris Goodall, Journalist and consultant on energy and the environment, author, Carbon Commentary • Dr Brenda Boardman, Emeritus Fellow at Oxford University's Environmental Change Institute, and Author of ECI’s Achieving zero: delivering future-friendly buildings • Darren Berman, Director of Energy and Sustainability, CBRE Brand new for 2013, a ‘Sustainable Property’ stream will launch in association with Property Week. This specialist programme for property and international sustainability professionals, will feature major corporates such as Marks and Spencer, Waitrose and major developers and contractors up and down the supply chain.

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The crème de la crème of Ecobuild’s prestigious conference programme will come together in the Ecobuild Arena on the show floor to cover topical issues such as ‘The Green Deal and ECO – is it delivering?’, ‘Making our cities better’, ‘Green for growth – reality check’ and ‘Beating the performance gap – regulate or educate?’ Visitors to the ‘Making Sustainable Construction Happen’ sessions can join the Rt Hon Michael Fallon MP and an expert panel to debate and discuss ‘Green for growth - reality check’ which will look what and where should we invest in the construction industry to get the maximum benefit. This exciting stream will also look at the issues of ‘An integrated infrastructure approach’, ‘Is the NPPF delivering on its promise of ‘sustainable development?’ and ‘A future for microgeneration?’ ‘Beyond Construction: Achieving a Sustainable Future’ will kick off with The ‘Biophilic City’ headed up by Professor Tim Beatley from the University of Virginia, discussing the importance of bringing nature into the urban city environment and fostering deeper connections with the natural world. Other hot topics to be covered include: ‘Does the UK have any hope of achieving its 2050 carbon reduction target?’, ‘Is fracking the future?’, and ‘Climate change – why we are here?’ The ‘Design Architecture & Sustainability’ stream will cover hot topics such as ‘Sustainable design should be irresistible design’ hosted by RIBA president Angela Brady, ‘Reinventing the high street’ led by the Chief Executive of Igloo, ‘How can design help to create sustainable communities’, ‘Is BIM the saviour of sustainable design?’ and ‘Water sensitive urban design’, headed up by Aecom’s Sustainability Director. Ecobuild 2012 brought together over 57,000 of the design and construction industry’s most influential professionals including the largest gathering of architects in the UK. To register your interest in attending, please visit the web site www.ecobuild.co.uk. You can also follow us on Twitter (@Ecobuild_now) or join our Linkedin (Ecobuild) group and Facebook page (Ecobuildnow) for the latest show news and updates. *Ecobuild Voice panel survey October 2012.

November 2012 – The UK’s Only Industry Newspaper

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TRADE NEWS

MODERNISED WEBSITE FRAMEXPRESS REFLECTS HIGH STANDARDS CONTINUES TO BUILD OF CUTTING EDGE COMMERCIAL PRESENCE

The new interactive Cutting Edge website has been designed purely to benefit customers, providing them with substantial business support. The new web facility has been introduced to highlight benefits of the entire range focussing on the high quality standards and the breadth of choice.

The latest commercial project for frameXpress is further strengthening the company’s corporate position within the sector. The leading window, door and conservatory fabricator, was contracted recently to supply all windows and doors for a high specification regeneration project in Essex.

Designed specifically for customers as a useful point of sale tool, this site can be used to download specific product sheets which customers can use when approaching homeowners and new prospects. A designated member logon area allows more detailed information on product costs, ordering and delivery details.

The project valued in excess of £50,000 required excellent soundproofing and thermal efficiency throughout a new block of apartments in the Bradgate area. All six floors required the latest energy efficient products to provide thermal insulation and easy maintenance. 200 casement windows were supplied along with a variety of both single and French doors from the frameXpress range.

Cutting Edge customers can clearly see all products and associated quality standards using the easy to navigate site which includes clear visuals, an exclusive member area, Trade Counter information and a modern gallery feature. As a business that places customer needs as a priority, with exemplary support services, senior management consider that this option will offer a fast, reliable resource to source current information when time is pressing for customers. Already, the modernised site has proved very popular with both existing and new customers accessing the members section. The site will be continually monitored and updated with all the latest product information, corporate news and press material incorporated to ensure customers have a fast resource regarding pricing and product developments. With the entire range of windows, doors and conservatories highlighted the site offers visitors a more accessible and extensive view of the company as a whole. Shirley Peake, Managing Director at Cutting Edge comments, ““Both existing and potential customers need fast and accurate access to information regarding the products they want to sell and install. The modernised web facility provides a professional, fast and stylish

Additionally the company supplied a keypad operated aluminium entrance door and secondary glazed windows to meet the stringent noise reduction requirements for the project. With security being of paramount importance, the specification included the latest Secured By Design products from frameXpress.

platform for our customers to demonstrate the benefits of our range to the end user. She concludes, “It is imperative that we develop the business accordingly to offer customers the most comprehensive support service possible. We believe therefore that every avenue for access to our range must be developed. Today all businesses need a website that can be fully utilised to provide as much assistance to customers and to help reinforce core corporate benefits.” Tel: 01782 599995

This is the latest in a number of new commercial projects for the company within the new build sector this year. As demand for the company’s products continues to increase at a steady pace, senior management consider that the range and support services are helping to reinforce the corporate position in the commercial regeneration sector. The range of projects for the company over the last 12 months have been varied with all departments working diligently to ensure that all technical requirements can be met for individual customers needs. As a forward thinking company frameXpress believes in building strong working partnerships with customers, being able to understand the industry and the challenges that face them in the current economic climate. Customer satisfaction continues to

take precedence as the team looks to further build excellent business relations with both customers and suppliers. Using only the best materials including Profile 22 FS70 mm, Maco and Safeware locking systems, guarantees the highest performance from products in the range no matter how complicated the installation. With industry accreditations including BS7950 : 1997 certification on casement and tilt and turn windows as well as the Secured By Design standards ensure that frameXpress’ customers have added advantages in respect of all sized projects. Ian Davis, Sales Manager at frameXpress comments, “The Bradgate apartments are the very latest in modern architecture. We had to ensure that aesthetics, performance and durability of the products would match the high standards of the architect’s specifications. Once again the superior qualities associated with frameXpress have been reinforced. A business will only survive if it can live up to the promises it makes. Too many others will be quick to seize an opportunity which is why the entire team pulls together on all sized projects. Our philosophy remains the same as it has done for over 10 years – to provide the right products at the right price with customer satisfaction being paramount.” Tel: 01952 581100

MORE THAN 20 TRADE WINDOW & ROOF FABRICATORS AT THE FIT SHOW NEXT APRIL & NUMBERS STILL GROWING Installers looking for a new window or conservatory fabricator will be able to meet and talk to more than 20 companies who are already committed to taking part in The FIT Show next April, believed to be the biggest choice ever seen at a trade show in the UK.

Trade fabricators from all parts of the country and offering a multitude of windows, conservatories and conservatory roofs from most of the major systems suppliers will be at The FIT Show when it takes place at the Telford International Centre from the 16th to the 18th April 2013.

Buyers can now spend a few hours at The FIT Show when they will enjoy a unique opportunity to meet this comprehensive selection of potential suppliers. They can actually see, touch and try products first hand, whilst also meeting the people behind the companies. Buying decisions that would usually take months may be made in just a few hours.

There is plenty more for installers to see with around 150 exhibitors showing the latest window, door and conservatory products and services in the first major national glazing event for years. There is als a fantastic opportunity for installers to enter the FIT Show Master Fitter Challenge with cash prizes of £10,000!

November 2012 – The UK’s Only Industry Newspaper

Go to www.fitshow.co.uk for more information and to preregister to receive regular updates.

Installers looking for a new window or conservatory fabricator will be able to meet and talk to more than 20 companies at The FIT Show next April, believed to be the biggest choice ever seen at a trade show in the UK. (Please note photograph is computer generated for illustration purposes only).

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TRADE NEWS

MARLEY ETERNIT FIBRE CEMENT FACADES

INSPIRE AT THE BUILDING CENTRE

Marley Eternit’s Architectural fibre cement facades range is now on permanent display at London’s prestigious Building Centre in Store Street. Specifiers can view the different facade materials available in a selection of textures, colours and finishes. Alongside these are inspirational case studies that highlight creative designs achieved using this material. Providing an essential source of inspiration for specifiers, the facades display is open to all involved in architecture and construction. Marley Eternit is one of a select number of companies to showcase its products as part of a permanent exhibition at this nationally renowned venue.

Marley Eternit’s fibre cement facades offer specifiers flexibility in design along with the performance and durability attributes expected from a fibre cement material. This, combined with excellent environmental credentials, makes it an ideal choice for both new build and refurbishment projects. Diana Bullock, Marley Eternit Campaign Manager, said: “Our permanent display at The Building Centre allows specifiers to feel and visualise our fibre cement material on their own project. The display provides an ideal platform for specifiers looking to design distinctive and attractive buildings.” Visit The Building Centre at: 26 Store Street, London WC1E 7BT. For further information on Marley Eternit’s full range of fibre cement facade products and services just ask ME at www.

marleyeternit.co.uk/facadesor call ME on 01283 722588. You can also follow ME on Twitter @MarleyEternit. Alternatively, if you’re working on a project and would like to arrange a meeting at The Building Centre with our Facades Specification Manager, please call 01283 722588.

Swish ‘Olympic’ campaign secures a winning start with G12 Short-listing A promotional campaign by Swish Window and Door Systems which successfully tapped into this summer’s Olympic ‘buzz’, has been shortlisted for the G12 Awards.

VBH Adds Yale

Keyless Digital Lock VBH has added the Yale Keyless Digital Lock to its range to sit beside the successful Yale Keyfree as the company’s main electronic door access solutions.

Keyless is completely standalone, with no wiring, and is powered by 4 standard AA batteries that will operate for approximately 10000 functions before signalling that replacements are due.

Keyless allows home-owners to access their flush timber or composite door without a key in much the same way that Keyfree does on PVCu and rebated timber doors. Access is gained by entering a 4-12 digit Family PIN code into the weather resistant touch-screen key pad.

Each set is supplied in retail packaging and includes polished chrome 60mm Yale Nightlatch and a silver internal electro-pad, along with a polished chrome external Keyless unit.

As well as the Family PIN, it is possible to set temporary Visitor PINs, making Keyless ideal for those relying on home visits, such as the old or infirm.

VBH Timber Product Manager Simon Eshelby states “Since the publication of our Timber catalogue earlier this year we’re enjoying a dramatic rise in the number of joinery companies that want to use VBH as their main

hardware supplier. These customers want a mix of traditional hardware and new innovation so Keyless has gone down very well with them, helping them to achieve more sales and greater profit.” “The retail packaging also makes Keyless very attractive to our customers who sell hardware direct to the enduser through websites and trade counters.” Yale Keyless and Keyfree are both available from stock at VBH. More detail can be obtained at www.vbhgb.com or by calling VBH on 01634 263300.

November 2012 – The UK’s Only Industry Newspaper

Set up by doctor and philanthropist William Penny Brookes to encourage healthy living among Shropshire’s populace, the first Wenlock Olympian Games was held in Wenlock in 1850. This later became a founding influence on the modern Olympic Games. Entering into the spirit of 2012, Telford-based window and door specialist Swish signed up as main sponsor of the triathlon at the beginning of this year. Generating national and international coverage as sponsor, Swish secured broad media exposure, earning the Epwin group systems house a nomination in the G12 Promotional Campaign of the Year Award category. Sonya Baird, brand manager, Swish Window and Door Systems said: “Firstly, as a Shropshire-based business and as part of our programme of community engagement, we wanted to support a local event.

modern Olympic Games, it gave us huge potential for exposure and for members of our Authorised Installer Network. “This translated into a 43 per cent increase in leads into the Swish website in three months before, during and after the Olympics.” The annual Wenlock Olympian Games are described by its organisers as a “festival of sports and the arts competitions at their friendliest and best, which welcomes local, national and international competitors.” As main sponsors, Swish contributed directly to funding of the 162-year-old event, while employees also gave up their time to pitch in with its running. Baird added: “Despite strict controls governing Olympic sponsorship, the exposure for Swish as a brand was massive, directly feeding into Swish Authorised Installer network as part of our continuing programme of investment. This is of real and tangible advantage to our customers in winning

“But we also recognised that in an Olympic year and as a founding movement of the

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new business and in enhancing their own brand reputation.” The Swish Authorised Installer Scheme was launched in 2007 at the same time as the company unveiled its new thermally efficient five chamber suite. It offers dedicated lead generation activity from direct mail and email campaigns to giveaways targeted at local home improvers. The winners of the G12 Awards will be announced live at the G12 Awards Presentation and Gala Dinner hosted by comedian, TV and radio personality, Patrick Kielty at the Hilton on Park Lane Hotel, London, on Friday 23 November. For more information about the Swish Window and Door Systems 0808 178 3040, email info@swishwindows.co.uk or visit www.swishwindows.co.uk.

TRADE NEWS

Ecobuild appoints expert industry advisory board UBM Built Environment, organiser of Ecobuild (www.ecobuild.co.uk) has appointed an expert advisory board to help shape the 2013 event (5th – 7th March 2013, ExCeL London). Set up to help provide strategic direction and ensure that the sustainable built environment community remains at the heart of Ecobuild, the board includes members from the UK Green Building Council, Marks and Spencer, Skanska, CPA, KPMG, Deloitte, Reading University and Quintain. Visit www.ecobuild.co.uk for information about all the members. The advisory board meets regularly to discuss and debate current industry issues and how these can be incorporated into the content, education and features at Ecobuild. Tom Broughton, Brand Director for Ecobuild said: “The Ecobuild Advisory Board has been set up to help ensure that the 2013 event remains ahead of the curve and truly representative of the challenges faced by the sustainable built environment community. We are drawing upon expertise from across the industry including the extensive experience of our in-house editorial teams to make Ecobuild 2013 current, relevant and inspirational.” Paul King, Chief Executive of the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) said: “UK-GBC has worked closely with Ecobuild over the last five years – you could say we’ve grown up together! It’s inspiring to see the rate of growth over that time, not least given the prevailing economic climate. But just as growth should go hand in hand with green, quantity must go hand in hand with quality, and I’m delighted to contribute to the Advisory Board, all of whom are committed to making sure that true sustainability is

November 2012 – The UK’s Only Industry Newspaper

at the heart of this worldleading conference and exhibition.”

Ecobuild 2013 Advisory Board Members • Paul King, Chief Executive, UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) • Denise Bennetts, Founding Director, Bennetts Associates • Dr Diana Montgomery, Chief Executive, CPA • Ben Wieglus, Lead CRC Advisor/ Sustainability Advisor, KPMG • Prof John Connaughton, Professor of Sustainable Construction, Reading University • Jenny Pidgeon, Head of Responsible Property Investment, Henderson Global Investors • Miles Keeping, Partner, Drivas Jonas Deloitte • Louise Ellison, Head of Sustainability, Quintain • Munish Datta, Head of Property Plan A, Marks and Spencer • Simon Rawlinson, Partner, EC Harris • Isabel McAllister, Director of Sustainability, Mace Group • Mike Puttnam, President and CEO, Skanksa UK

shaping the future strategy of the event. We are keen to work collaboratively with colleagues at UBM and across the industry to develop Ecobuild to become an international year round multi-channel event, ultimately enabling the global built environment to become more sustainable.” Drawing upon the latest research and knowledge from the world of higher education, Ecobuild is working with John Connaughton, Professor of Sustainable Construction in the School of Construction Management and Engineering at the University of Reading. “Ecobuild has been the premier event for sustainability in the built environment for some time, and goes from strength to strength each year”, says John. “Here at the University we are delighted to have the opportunity of working with Ecobuild to help ensure that the conference and seminar programmes are cutting edge, and reflect the latest thinking on the science of climate change and on how buildings and their technologies can adapt to future climate conditions.” Board member Louise Ellison, Head of Sustainability for Quintain Estates and Development plc believes Ecobuild is a fine example of how positively industry can respond to a new challenge. However, she believes it is important for any major industry event to evolve. Louise comments: “I am keen to see Ecobuild extend its offer to address the needs

Munish Datta, Head of Property Plan A, said: “Marks & Spencer has participated in Ecobuild for the last five years and we are excited to be part of this advisory board which will be instrumental in

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and interests of those driving demand for more sustainable buildings – the investors, lenders, property companies and occupiers. Having the opportunity to contribute to the Ecobuild Advisory Board as the conference enters this new phase of development is very exciting.” The property investment community represents an important audience for Ecobuild 2013 and Jenny Pidgeon, Director of Property at Responsible Property Investment (RPI) is signed up to the advisory board to support this work. Jenny said: “It’s been remarkable watching Ecobuild grow from the niche event I first attended as an enthusiastic sustainability Masters postgraduate years ago. Nowadays the clamour of information and people in ExCeL can be overwhelming, so I look forward to working with the Ecobuild team to create a programme relevant to the property investment community, which is instrumental in bringing the products and ideas at Ecobuild to scale in the mainstream market.” Ecobuild 2012 brought together over 57,000 of the design and construction industry’s most influential professionals including the largest gathering of architects in the UK. To register for your free ticket for 2013, please visit the web site www.ecobuild.co.uk. You can also follow us on Twitter (@Ecobuild_now) or join our Linkedin (Ecobuild) group and Facebook page (Ecobuildnow) for the latest show news and updates.

TRADE NEWS

Personalised print portal from the VEKA UK Group! The VEKA UK Group is proud to be launching an easyto-use web portal that will allow customers of both the VEKA and Halo brands to personalise and order their own marketing materials online, at a fraction of the cost they would expect to pay if they were to start from scratch themselves with an agency. The first of its kind from a systems company, customers will be able to sign in to either the Halo or VEKA web portal and access a wide variety of marketing materials, ready to be personalised as they wish.

From door-drop cards and adverts - to booklets and full brochures, customers will be able to choose items that can be personalised with their logo, contact information, energy ratings, company history and/or discount information. In fact, all the basics such as their contact information and logo will all fall in to place automatically, making the process as easy as possible. There will even be areas where pictures can be exchanged for the company's own installation shots. VEKA's Sales & Marketing Director Colin Torley explains: “We have always offered our customers an impressive marketing support service, but this will make the whole system much more efficient and convenient. At the moment - every single item created for our customers is designed from scratch and printed in fairly high numbers: this obviously has an associated cost. The new portals will allow Halo and VEKA customers to access high quality, ready-designed pieces that can be entirely customised when it is convenient to them, and all of these items can be produced in smaller, more cost-effective print runs. We aim to provide a varied selection of designs for each item, to give customers a huge choice of pieces to personalise so that no two items will look the same. “The whole portal system means that customers of the VEKA UK Group will make dramatic cost savings and will benefit from professionally-designed and produced VEKA or Halobranded marketing materials at the touch of a button. “Because the items are ready-designed, customers will only pay for print and delivery - not artwork. They can spend as long as they like changing images and altering text until they

November 2012 – The UK’s Only Industry Newspaper

are entirely happy with it, knowing that there is only a single production cost. We believe that providing our customers with accessible and affordable marketing support tools is the key to assisting them in growing their businesses.” To find out more about the online marketing portals contact VEKA on 01282 716611 or email salesenquiry@veka.com.

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TRADE NEWS

CE Marking Seminar

a useful business tool, for Distinction Door Customers Barnsley based Distinction Doors, recently held two daily seminars, regarding CE Marking and the effect on its’ customers. Informative, useful and in layman’s terms, Distinction Doors, along with Build Check, managed to decrypt the jargon and effectively explain what customers need to do, to comply.

A GARDEN ROOM ERA Judging by this latest Garden Room installation by Artisan Conservatories, Windows and Doors, we could be entering the Garden Room era, as consumers look at alternative ways of adding valuable living space to their properties.

the Garden Room Roof incorporating four hips and two Velux rooflights. The windows, doors and rendering were designed to help match into the existing fabric of the house and the Envirotile exterior of the roof, closely resembled the existing roof to the property.

The Garden Room Roof has been exclusively developed by Prefix Systems and leading home improvement specialists such as Artisan, have been quick to embrace the development, which is suited for both new installations and for conservatory replacement projects. This latest case study in Lixwm, North Wales came about when the homeowner wanted additional living space more in keeping with the existing house design, yet with a real sense of style and grandeur.

There are a number of key features of the Garden Room Roof from Prefix, which incorporates fixed joint technology, unlike conservatory roofs that are designed to accommodate an amount of flex. The Garden Room Roof is also highly energy efficient and for specifiers, the warm roof construction ensures fantastic insulation performance with a U-value of just 0.17 W/m2K. The fact that the panels are pre-prepared in the factory and the offer of first build assistance is also something Prefix believes will ignite the sector for alternative additional living space.

From the base upwards the project took just over two days to complete, with

Chris Cooke, director at Prefix Systems comments: “We’ve spent a number of years developing our Garden Room Roof and next generation products, with incredible feedback from our customers such as Artisan. We’re now entering a new era for extended living space and we aim to be taking a lead in terms of product development.” He continues: “Artisan are a very progressive business and for them to praise our Garden Room Roof so highly has really enthused us. Prefix are fortunate to have a number of dynamic customers like Artisan who are actively involved in our product development programme.” For further information and a brochure contact Prefix Systems on 01254 871800, e-mail: enquiries@ prefixsystems.co.uk, or follow them on Twitter @ prefixsystems.

Over 100 people attended the CE Marking Seminars, during which it was apparent many of us didn’t quite understand the implications of the new compliancy laws. Once the presentation on CE Marking (hosted by Richard Bate of Build Check) drew to a close, a plethora of questions ensued, many asking ‘how much is this going to cost us?’ and ‘how will this effect the replacement market?’ Not to be confused with the Document L Accreditation, CE Marking is a completely different entity. Glass News has tried to explain in full what you need to know about CE Marking – see the front cover story for more information.

Good advice on the day was also for each company to inform their own customers of the advancing new law, ensuring the whole supply chain is knowledgeable.

How Distinction Doors can help you with CE Marking The Oracle U Value Calculator Annual subscription to The Oracle allows unlimited use of the U-Value calculator, which can be used for Building Control compliance and also used to ‘value engineer’ product design. Distinction Doors already have their products on The Oracle, so all customers have to do is sign up to a yearly subscription of The Oracle (through Build Check). As a Notified Body, Build Check can check your Oracle calculation and issue the ITT for CE Marking. For more information please contact Chris Champion on 0845 2000816.

Luckily for Distinctions customers, they are now fully aware of what needs to be done.

FROM CORES TO CANDLEHOLDERS! Often companies are tempted to boast their environmental credentials without little evidence, yet Solidor’s own ‘Green Promise’ is already apparent with the production of bowls, candleholders, briquettes and pallets from recycled off-cuts. While most GRP-based composite doors cannot be readily recycled due to the use of foam within the door slab, Solidor’s unique solid timber core is more of a unique proposition. These door slabs are solid and sourced from fully sustainable sources, while the door skins, edgebanding, glazing cassettes and Kömmerling door frames are lead-free.

believe that our environmental credentials have to be rigorous. We’ve proven that and are happy to boast that both our doors and offcuts are solid to the core!” For a free copy of Solidor’s latest 44 page brochure which includes details on their ‘Green Promise’ call 01782 847300, e-mail enquiries@solidor.co.uk or download it from www.solidor.co.uk. You can also be part of their Twitter following @SolidorLtd.

Solidor’s approach to the environment is refreshingly honest and the company shares resources with sister brand, Nice Door Panels and also utilises a 100% recycled and thermally efficient reinforcing system in their second generation composite door. It’s also important to note in an age where many products are sourced from the Far East, composite door slabs included, that the Solidor product is fully manufactured in the UK. Gareth Mobley, managing director of the Solidor Group comments: “Not only are we focused on product development and a commitment to customer service, but we

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TRADE NEWS

New customer for K2

Bob Beeton.

K2 Conservatories are proud to announce that newly established Clearseal Windows have become a K2 reseller. Although the business itself is new, its owner, Bob Beeton, is an industry veteran. With over 20 years experience in the conservatory industry, most people will already know him. Having spent his career both supplying the trade as a fabricator and working in retail, Bob made the decision to develop his new business working directly with the end-user. He believes he can make a real impact in this market, thanks to his knowledge of conservatory systems and customer service standards which will make him to stand out from the competition. K2's Sales Director, Sharon Owen, comments: we are very pleased to welcome Clearseal on board. Bob is keen to promote and offer a high-value proposition to the end-user, which is what we have been working hard to get out to market for the last 2 to 3 years. The K2 product range can offer him what he needs to build a successful retail business. Based in Warrington, Cheshire, Clearseal Windows works all over the North West. You can visit the company website here, www.clearsealwindows.co.uk.

Listers are Breaking

all Records in 2012

While the latest statistics for Manufacturing and Construction in the UK seem to be mixed at best, Lister Trade Frames have been seeing some remarkable growth this year, breaking records across their business.

materials to ensure that they can grow their own businesses.

“We have gained 56 new customers this year and they alone have spent over £400,000 with us,” Said Phil “They joined us as customers

because they needed the extra support and opportunities that Listers provide for the Trade Installer. And when they are successful... we are successful too.” Listers is currently running well ahead of any growth in the

economy with an average 5.6% increase in total sales across the business for the current year. Phil says that these are really encouraging results and that he and his team are looking forward to breaking even more records in 2013.

Tel: 01782 391900 www.listertf.co.uk @ListerTF

The headlines may read that the British economy is now out of recession, but the Office for National Statistics tell us construction output fell by 2.5 per cent in Quarter 3, and manufacturing output dropped by 1.1 per cent in August. So trying to grow a business in this climate remains particularly difficult for all of us. Phil Warren, Listers Sales Director, said that he is especially pleased with this year’s results as they have been working hard to grow the business and expand into new areas; “We have seen all time record sales months in January, August and September. October has continued the trend giving us our biggest ever sales month topping over a million pounds for the first time in our history.” The story of success continues in one of their newest areas of manufacturing; Aluminium windows and doors. July this year gave them a massive 100% sales increase while August smashed that record producing a 400% increase in sales over the same month in 2011. “Aluminium production has been a runaway success for us this year,” says Phil, “we have exceeded all expectations and are currently running at an 81% increase in business compared to last year.” One of the reasons that Listers give for their success is their relentless efforts to improve their customer’s experience, giving them better products, a bigger range to sell and supporting them with extra sales training and marketing

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE

A unique offering from VEKA & Force 8 VEKA fabricator Force 8 is offering a comprehensive range of Composite French Doors for its customers, the only one of its kind on the market. The Stockport-based manufacturer's range of sturdy and stylish French doors are much like its range of composite front doors; coming complete with secure multi-point locking systems and heavy duty materials that are incredibly durable and resistant to intruders. The VEKA frame won't warp or twist in heat, ensuring the door will remain in perfect condition all year round, and for decades to come.

the market today. To ensure we offer the utmost choice, our Composite French Doors are available in a range of wood grain finishes to match any PVC-U double glazing windows and doors a homeowner may already have to lend the perfect finishing touch.” Hot on the heels of the launch of a re-designed website, Force 8 has now produced a new 52 page brochure showcasing their product range. Available in

two different versions; the original version branded the ‘The Force 8 Composite Collection’ and also a new one, branded as ‘The Ultimate Collection’, for customers who want to use their own branding. The new brochure covers the full range, from standard composite doors through to Force 8’s new range of stable doors, including an extensive choice of decorative glass and furniture for all styles of doors.

Universal Arches have developed a number of bespoke window and door frames with Eclectic Systems, the company behind the Residence 9 system, as part of an exclusive arrangement between the two companies. Residence 9 is a new up market window system designed for the discerning homeowner and those living in conservation areas. As homeowners are now replacing the replacements, there is now a need and desire for something a little more aspirational. Over the last three years, Universal Arches has proven itself as the clear leader in the profile bending sector, winning G09 Specialist of the

KAT UK has a unique bi-folding door package in terms of product design, short lead-times and the option of PVCu, aluminium and timber. The company’s renowned levels of quality and service also back up this impressive package. There are 2 week lead times for KAT’s Universal In-Line PVCu Bi-folding doors, available ‘off the shelf ’ in white, cream, white foil, grey foil on white, black foil on white, Irish oak foil, golden oak foil and rosewood foil. This product features a patented trim to hide the gaskets between door sashes and there are equal slim sash profiles for a cleaner look and maximized glass area. In addition, this door is backed with a 10-year service backed guarantee, for total peace of mind. The 9000 series aluminium bi-folding door is also available in 2 weeks for standard RAL colours and in just 4 weeks for dual colours, an industry best. The aluminium doors come with a 10-year product warranty and a 25year warranty on the marine grade powder coated finish. This door is based on the Blyweert Beaufort aluminium system and is widely regarded as the best in its class.

be painted or stained in any single or dual colour finish. There’s a short lead time of 4 weeks and the product is backed by a 10-year warranty on a painted finish and 5 years on a stained finish. For all timber bi-folding doors ordered before Christmas, KAT’s new dedicated timber division is offering a free paint or stain finish. All the bi-folding doors from KAT can be delivered direct to site on their own transport fleet if needed, with a 98% on time and in full delivery record. They offer a same day quotation service, unbranded literature and marketing support, in-house technical assistance and if required will even provide first fit help. For further information on KAT UK’s bi-folding doors call them on 01625 439666, e-mail sales@katuk.co.uk, log on to www.katuk.co.uk, or follow them on twitter @KATUK_1998.

Along with PVCu and aluminium bi-folds from KAT, there is also an engineered hardwood timber bi-folding door that can

November 2012 – The UK’s Only Industry Newspaper

This new relationship between Universal Arches and Eclectic Systems will see the bending specialist manufacture fully welded, shaped frames with flush sashes including circular pivot and arched head windows in the Residence 9 system in a variety of finishes. Both are dynamic businesses, not worried about committing in joint ventures and are highly regarded in their respective markets. Dan Gill, managing director of Eclectic Systems commented: “We’re delighted to work with Universal, who are the clear leader and experts in the bending sector. This will be an important addition to our luxury product offering.”

For further information log on to www. universalarches.com and experience their live HD 2-way video. Alternatively contact them directly on 01744 612844 for details about their product range and capabilities, or add to their following on Twitter @universalarches.

To find out more about Composite French Doors call Force 8 on 0330 999 888 or go to www.force8.co.uk.

KAT’S BI-FOLDING BONANZA

Year and continuing to develop products and service. The company has also formalised a relationship with Solidor for the industry’s first arched head composite doors.

Leon Day, managing director of Universal Arches concludes: “This is another key business relationship for Universal Arches as we further enhance our reputation in the industry for manufacturing excellence. It’s fundamentally important for the industry that there’s further investment and development in the longer-term.”

The company also offers a comprehensive range of composite doors using the VEKA FS frame, which can be fabricated together with side panels or in to arched frames, making it possible to accommodate all variations.

Force 8's MD Dennis Sumner says: “We are thrilled to be giving our customers something new and unique, as these are what we believe to be the only composite French doors on

UNIVERSAL’S NEW RESIDENCE

Emergency exit button feature

added to Locit cable safety restrictor Dynatech Engineering, manufacturer of Locit window and door products, has added an assortment of coloured button insert options to their existing range of cable safety restrictors including green; the recognised colour for emergency exits. Locit cable safety restrictor is simple to fit and is suitable for all type of windows and doors needing a restrictive opening. The new range of button inserts give the restrictor ‘a quick-release’ option, slotting securely into the lock to convert the restrictor instantly. Chris Law, Managing Director of Sash Jack, Locit’s sole distributor commented “No other major producer is currently offering this alternative on a window or door cable restrictor. The new coloured button inserts will help increase the products application, with the

opportunity for customers to now fit the Locit cable safety restrictor on areas requiring an emergency exit facility; such as a fire escape window application. The Locit cable restrictor was designed to increase user confidence for safe, restricted opening especially when fitted to an upper level floor window or door. Its application is performance tested to comply with BS6375 Part 2:2009 and the button release option performs equal to that of the key version and giving the customers the opportunity to recommend an alternative.” Andrew Lane, Managing Director of Dynatech Engineering added “We recognised customers’ requirements to use the product with more flexibility and since launching, customer feedback has lead to increase the scope of the products use further. The coloured button inserts is just one of the new

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developments; we have also added a range of cable safety restrictors specifically for use on PVC-u and composite entrance doors.” The new coloured button inserts are available in three different colours; green, white and black and have been specifically designed for customers to fit either at the point of manufacture or whilst on site, giving installers the opportunity to revisit existing installations. For further information or any technical support on the Locit range of restrictor products, contact Chris Law, Sash Jack Limited on 07900 891110 or Andrew Lane, Dynatech Engineering on 01902 637797.

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

New Heritage Perma Led

Adhesive Lead Strip

The market-leading Spectus Vertical Slider now boasts a new weather bar, offering authentic period aesthetics.

New Heritage Perma Led from Thermoseal Group is perfect for decorating windows to create designs in keeping with historic and older buildings. Heritage lead is a traditional standard flat lead with raised ridges on each edge. Initially available in 9mm and sold in boxes of six 40 metre reels, additional sizes are also in development for the future. Having been manufactured for over 30 years, Thermoseal Group Ltd purchased Perma Led in 1999 and adopted its premium quality manufacturing machinery, staff and processes. This became the first in the Group’s range of own-manufactured glazing components. Mark Hickox, Sales Director at Thermoseal Group, says “As well as investing heavily in

“Heritage Perma Led is a great solution for customers who need to create a vintage look.”

SPECTUS RAISES THE BAR WITH NEW VERTICAL SLIDER DETAIL

the development of Thermobar, Thermoflex, and many other components for the insulated glass industry, we are continuing to develop our premium quality Perma Led range. The consistent high quality of Perma Led makes it favourable to our customers and this new addition to the range provides even more choice for manufacturers. Heritage Perma Led is a great solution for customers who need to create a vintage look, or re-create the original feel of an older building.” The full range of Perma Led adhesive lead strip includes: Standard Oval; Standard Flat; Standard Heritage; Antique Finish; Brass Finish; and Ebony Finish. For further information about Thermoseal Group and its comprehensive range of insulated glass sealed unit components and sealed unit manufacturing machinery, call 0845 331 3950 (International Calls: 0044 121 331 3950), e-mail sales@thermosealgroup.com or visit the Group’s interactive website at www.thermosealgroup.com.

The ovolo shaped weather bar replicates the sashes and outer frame, and is the latest in a series of design features, developed to create an authentic sash window appearance. Other features include an optional deep bottom rail to replicate a timber box sash and traditional through horn detail for enhanced aesthetics. The weather bar is available from stock in White, plus a range of foils including Rosewood on Brown, Light Oak on Brown, White Woodgrain on White and Cream Woodgrain on Cream.

enhancement is yet another reason why the Spectus Vertical Slider is the first choice for period properties. Small design details can make all the difference when replacing traditional timber windows and the new weather bar is an authentic design feature.” Designed for fitting during fabrication, the new weather bar can also be retrofitted on site, if required. For further information on the Spectus Vertical Slider, please contact Spectus Window Systems on 01625 420400 or visit www.spectussystems.co.uk.

One of Spectus Window Systems’ most popular products, the Vertical Slider combines the high performance of PVC-U with the appearance of a traditional timber sliding sash window and offers full Ovolo detail throughout, a tilt-in facility for cleaning and 128mm front to back dimensions for easy timber sash replacement. Chris Ross, Product Manager for Spectus Window Systems, said: “This latest product

Trojan’s Mega Egress hinge:

now available in reduced stack height option Trojan’s Mega Egress hinge is set to become even more popular: it’s now available in a reduced stack height option of 13.5mm. This replaces the 14.5mm height and will be available alongside the existing 16.5mm height. This addition means the Mega Egress can now achieve stated U values on a larger number of profile systems. Tony Chadwick, Trojan Group’s Managing Director, said, “The Mega Egress has proved extremely popular with fabricators and fitters alike. But we were aware that some of our customers weren’t able to take full advantage of its benefits because of the window systems they were working with, this is now no longer the case.” The 330mm Mega Egress hinge has been a popular product in the Trojan portfolio ever since it was first launched thanks to the classic Trojan combination of value and innovation. Its unique constraint closing feature means it achieves high security and excellent compression without the need for additional hinge protection. It can be used on all side hung applications up to a maximum sash width of 900mm.

It can carry up to 40kg, making it ideal for all heavy duty applications, including triple glazed windows. It has been UKAS laboratory tested to BS EN 1670 and exceeds grade 5 classification for ultimate corrosion resistance. The Mega Egress hinge also reduces the value of stock and variations you need to hold as it is capable of carrying a far wider range of sash sizes compared to conventional friction hinges.

“Its unique constraint closing feature means it achieves high security and excellent compression without the need for additional hinge protection. It can be used on all side hung applications up to a maximum sash width of 900mm.”

Tony advises any customer wondering whether the reduced stack height option will make it suitable for their particular window system to call the Trojan customer service department on 01922 713 933 for advice. Trojan is renowned for developing products that meet and exceed the needs of its customers. The addition of a reduced stack height option demonstrates that the company not only listens to its customers to develop new products but to add value to existing ones. Tel: 01922 713 933 www.trojan-hardware.com

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE

A COAT OF MANY PATIO DOOR COLOURS FROM NWL FROM SYNSEAL

NEW FULLY MANUFACTURED

North Western Lead Co (NWL) has further expanded its range of powder coated lead to include a new Rustic Copper colour. NWL, which is the industry leader in powder coated lead, now has one of the largest ranges of powder coated lead colours available in the marketplace today.

Industry demand, particularly from Eastern Europe, led to the development of the new Rustic Copper colour. The new colour was shown at the recent Glasstec show and was greeted with a high level of interest by visitors to the show. Bringing warmth and vibrancy to decorative glass, the new lead colour complements many of NWL’s recently extended collection of decorative film products. The range now includes nearly 600 films from NWL’s Spectrum Film, Decra

Glow and Rainbow Film collections.

The Rustic Copper lead is available in a number of lead widths, including the narrower lead widths of 2mm and single strand 3mm. These widths of lead have become popular because they are ideal for very intricate designs, which use narrower lead combined with decorative film. NWL now has nine colours in its coated lead range - Antique Lead, Brass, Platinum, Gold, White, Jet, Grey, Satin and Rustic Copper - to suit every taste and design application. The company can also produce ‘special’ colours on request for customers.

North Western Lead Co (Hyde) Ltd was established in 1946 and is a leading supplier of decorative glass overlay products, including glass bevels, self adhesive strip lead, film and fused tiles. The company’s flagship product - Decra Led® - is a self adhesive lead strip. Manufactured from ingot lead which has been specially selected to produce a polished even finish with clean cut edges, Decra Led® provides consistent malleability for ease of working on all designs.

To order a sample of Rustic Copper or any other powder coated lead colour, please contact NWL on 0161 368 4491.

Sales of Trojan’s stainless

steel range rise by 300%

The Trojan Group has announced that sales of its stainless steel range of hardware have risen by more than 300% in the past year. Trojan’s Tony Chadwick said, “We introduced an all stainless steel range because we were aware that traditional aluminium and zinc-based hardware products simply don’t perform well enough in our increasingly harsh winters along with demand for increased performance. It seems the market agrees with our opinion.” As Tony says, aluminium and zinc-based plated products will corrode sooner or later as a result of salt, acid erosion or a damaged surface and our recent prolonged periods of rain and severe winters have speeded up this process for many products. According to Tony, anecdotal evidence suggests that

the number of costly recalls and site visits are starting to impact on fabricators and installers’ bottom lines. He adds, “As the increase in sales goes to show, fabricators and installers are increasingly turning to stainless steel because of the benefits it offers. The initial cost might be slightly higher but the 25 year anti-corrosion guarantee we offer on the whole range makes that more than worthwhile.” Trojan’s stainless steel range comprises T-hinges, Door Handles, Letterplates, Door Knockers, Door Numerals and Letters. Door Handles are available at three different price points too, so all projects can experience the benefits of stainless steel. The Elite range has stainless steel external and internal faces; the Premium range has stainless steel external faces and zinc chrome or gold PVD inner faces and the Standard range has stainless steel external faces and white or black inner faces. As winter approaches and the number of callouts you get about failing hardware increases, might it be time to consider switching to the Trojan Stainless Steel Range? Tel: 01922 713 933 www.trojan-hardware.com

November 2012 – The UK’s Only Industry Newspaper

Synseal has launched a new fully manufactured patio door for supply to approved fabricator partners, which promises to help customers make the most of the increase in demand for high value home improvement products. All customers have to do is simply select the door height, width, hardware, sill, finish and configuration, and the door will be delivered to fabricator partner premises ready for installation within seven days of the order. Furthermore, delivery is free on orders up to 4m in length. “The patio door is still a firm favourite with homeowners,” said David Leng, Synseal’s Chief Executive. “When space is at a premium and they want easy access to outside spaces, then PVC-U patio doors are the ideal solution. They are designed to maximise

daylight and provide panoramic views, offering a combination of elegant style and simplicity of use.” Synseal’s fully manufactured patio doors are engineered to the highest standards, available in a variety of finishes and choice of sliding and fixed leaf configurations, and feature an excellent track system designed to ensure years of trouble free service. Manufactured by Synseal using proven PVC-U profiles, Evolve patio doors will require little maintenance and will keep your customers’ homes warm due to their energy efficient design, with sliding sashes and interlocks fitted with woolpile for effective draught exclusion. “We are committed to helping our fabricator customers grow their businesses,” David

explained. “One way we do this is to constantly develop new products that they can offer alongside the windows they manufacture, meaning their installer customers don’t have to shop around for alternative suppliers.” The doors come fully assembled for easy installation, and feature a Yale aluminium six-hook bi-directional lock and keep. They also come with a Yale cylinder, handle set, anti-lift blocks, stainless steel patio tracks, steel frame reinforcements, rollers, thresholds, trims and bump stop. They also include 28mm insulated double glazed units with an internal glazing bead for security. Synseal provides practical installation support by way of a detailed installation guide that will accompany each delivery.

The answer to cylinder bumping? The ERA Vectis cylinder-free lock is Door-Stop’s latest high security option for composite doors. Because the key’s modern mortice mechanism engages directly with the multi-point lock, there’s no need for a euro cylinder. No cylinder means no risk of the door being opened by a burglar snapping, bumping or manipulating the cylinder.

furniture ranges for no difference in price. Visit www.door-stop.co.uk/hardware#era to find out more.

“It could be the answer to cylinder bumping,” says Nick Dutton, Managing Director of Door-Stop. “Don’t use a cylinder!” The ERA Vectis includes a patented interface between the mortice and the multipoint lock, a hardened steel anti-drill plate and a configuration of two opposing hook-locks. Door-Stop composite doors with this lock are PAS 24 accredited and offer the same level of protection as doors supplied with TS 007 3-star cylinder and handle combinations. The lock edge of the door is completely covered in a 3mm powder-coated aluminum strip, creating a seamless single finish. “Our customers are free to mix and match our available furniture suites with any of our high security locking systems,” adds Nick. The ERA Vectis lock is supplied on Door-Stop doors with the Fab&Fix or new stainless steel

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE Deceuninck most popular foils

now available from stock

Eight Deceuninck foils are now available from stock on a range of its most profiles. Dennis Keevan, Product Portfolio Manager, said, “Foils are an increasingly popular option, so having them as a special no longer made sense. By having eight of our most popular Woodgrain foil colours available from stock and having the others colours in the range available on a fast track service, our customers will be able to complete their installations quicker and offer a better service to their customers as a result.” The colours that are now available are Pure White, Irish Oak, Black Ash, Golden Oak, Cream, Nut Tree, Anthracite Grey and Rosewood. They can be ordered via the phone on 01249 816 969 or using the Deceuninck online order and account management system, SynergeBuild.

Dennis confirmed that coloured PVCu profiles are gaining ground in both the commercial and domestic sectors, hence the decision to make the most popular ones available from stock. “More and more commercial specifiers are seeing the advantages of coloured PVCu over aluminium and we can put forward a very strong case for those who still unsure. And in the domestic market, there’s an increasing awareness that PVCu doesn’t have to mean white.” There is no doubt that Deceuninck can put forward a good case for coloured PVCu: its coloured range is synonymous with quality and durability. Particular attention was paid to UV resistance in the development process, to put an end to fading colour or cracking or peeling. There’s a wide variety of colours aside

By having eight of our most popular Woodgrain foil colours available from stock and having the others colours in the range available on a fast track service, our customers will be able to complete their installations quicker and offer a better service to their customers as a result.” from the eight available from stock and with five finishes to choose from, it’s a valuable and versatile addition to any portfolio. Over the many years the Deceuninck name has become synonymous with understanding customers’ needs.

Total Glass offers

new composite door options

Sidelights, stable doors and internal foiled options are among the latest additions to the Total Composite Door range from Total Glass, one of the UK’s leading PVC-U and aluminium window and door fabricators.

Other enhancements to this wellestablished range from the Liverpool-based company include composite egress or final fire escape doors using the Securistyle ‘Defender’ lock that provides a secured and quick exit from inside buildings. Internal foiled options in the two woodgrain finishes - Rosewood and Oak - now mean that composite doors from Total Glass can be supplied with a seamless appearance, both from the inside and the outside. “Combine this finish, for example, with our new suited range of hardware from Fab & Fix, and our composite entrance doors really do answer homeowners’ needs for a secure, low-maintenance and durable solution that suits – and enhances – modern lifestyles,” says Phill Cresswell, Total Glass Trade Sales Manager. The Total Glass in-house manufactured range of high-specification composite

By making eight of its foils available from stock, it’s showing that it understands that colour has reached the mainstream and has reacted accordingly, adding value to its customers businesses in the process.

doors comprises 20 styles in seven colour options. Complementing more than 200 attractive glass designs is a wide choice of hardware options, including lever/lever and lever/pad door handle variants and 180-degree letter plate. All doors are manufactured to PAS 023 and PAS 024 standards with Secured by Design-accredited versions also supplied, where required. High specification security features include a Yale kite-marked antimanipulation cylinder with anti-bump cylinder protector to prevent removal or snapping. Document M-compliant low threshold options can also be specified and all Total Glass composite doors, which are guaranteed for 10 years, are available with various side panels, both solid and glazed. Built to bespoke customer requirements, they are delivered in five to seven days. Designed with the needs of installers and end users in mind, the Total Composite Door range is delivered ‘ready to fit’ for straightforward and speedy installation.

Tel: 01249 816969 www.deceuninck.co.uk

For more information, contact Total Glass on 0151 549 2339 or visit the website at www.totalglass.com.

7 SHEETS FOR 7 SYSTEMS

Kömmerling have just launched a range of product specification sheets for its range of lead-free energy efficient window and door systems.

The company’s C70 and O70 Gold systems boast 5 chambers and a colour range in excess of 40 finishes. The sheets also detail other key features including run through sash horns and two external Georgian bars for each of these systems. Within this new range of literature from Kömmerling there are also a number of door systems. The PremiLine patio door has already proved to be one of the most highly regarded patio door systems in the market with a number of key features

including a full length aluminium handle and a Bi-folding door that satisfies the demand for larger openings. Completing the door range is the PremiDoor Lift and Slide door that is capable of sash sizes up to 3m wide and 2.5m high.

For a free copy of the product specification sheets and colour programme, call the sales office on 01543 444900 or e-mail enquiries@profine-group.com.

In addition to the product specification sheets is a new Colour Programme from Kömmerling, which boasts over 40 colours and finishes. There is a wide range of stock options including White Ash (whitegrain), Golden Oak, Irish Oak, Rosewood, Cream, Black, Chartwell Green and Grey direct from stock. For the majority of woodgrains and colours there’s also the option of foiled both sides or foiled on white.

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE

New Roto hinge Through the looking glass: maintains Solid Emplas enters the composite door market with high specification offer reputation

Trade fabricator Emplas has unveiled its new high specification composite door offer combining a tried and tested GRP leaf with a wide choice of glass and quality hardware.

Available in five solid and 21 glazed styles plus four stable door options, its range of Nanya leafs includes white, blue, black, green, red, Golden Oak, Mahogany and Rosewood finishes. The Wellingboroughbased manufacturer has underpinned this core offering with an extensive choice of glass including Georgian or standard lead, its Fusion murano options, a fleur or mackintosh Resin range and inspiration or diamond options in its Overlay range. It also includes a tripleglazed specification alongside standard 24mm units. Development director Mike Crewdson, explained that the new Emplas offer had been developed following extensive market research. He said: “We are coming to the composite door sector as a manufacturer comparatively late. What we bring is a new affordable but high specification retail offering that has been developed following our own detailed consumer research and trialing. Hardware and glass options directly reflect

consumer demand for a high end retail proposition and in a market where differentiation is critical, we are confident that we have an offer that will support installers in winning business.” Each door has a fully reinforced 70mm PVC-U outer frame, high insulation foam core, strong throughcoloured GRP facings and slim, low line aluminium thresholds with twin seals.

With a 10 year guarantee, composite doors from Emplas use Fab & Fix hardware and handles which are available in white, gold, chrome and satin. High security and kitemared profile cyclinders and cylinder guards plus two hook bolts and a deadlock, mean the Emplas composite door meets and exceeds all industry standards. Fully reinforced the Emplas composite GRP composite door also feature energy efficient, recycled composite material reinforcements in both jambs and head, further enhancing both strength and thermal performance. A simple pricing structure, including the cost of the handles, makes ordering simple, while doors are available on a 10-day turnaround. The range is also

Roto is introducing a new hinge for residential doors, offering ease of installation as well as compliance with security testing standards. DoorLine Solid 150P is the latest addition to the German brand's complete suite of products for residential doors.

supported by a 28-page retail brochure. Doorset u-values are also available. Crewdson added: “The Retail Brochure that goes with this range is superb. We have done a huge amount of work on developing our offer and that’s reflected in the retail literature that we have created to go with it, it really does almost do the job of selling itself. “We don’t go out into the market with new products unless we’re absolutely confident that the will deliver results for our customers. The core quality of the finished product that we have developed and its component parts will be very hard for anyone else to sell against and we believe that it will lever a genuine commercial advantage for our customers.”

The new model is aimed at the market for EN certified door sets, and features patented design aspects already familiar to Roto customers. The unique anti-lift feature provides security to homeowners and also benefits installers. The sash can be removed and re-hung easily, but vertical sash movement is restricted when the door is closed. This makes the process of toe-and-heeling easier, eliminating the need to clamp the hinge or pack out the air gap. Roto has led the way for the industry by gaining CE Marking for its door hinges, and that includes this new model. With any hinge only being as good as its fixings, Roto has made a point of supplying bespoke screws with each hinge. These are of exactly the same specification as those used during all the CE Marking assessments, including the life cycle tests, and are designed to ensure both security and long-term reliability.

Specified for door sets with sash weights up to 110 kg, DoorLine Solid 150P is available to order in any RAL colour. Roto will be stocking the product in its standard white and dark brown shades, as well pearl gold (RAL 1036) and a new silver finish. A key feature of the Roto hinge range is the minimal maintenance requirement, and DoorLine Solid is no exception. Its nylon bushes are designed to last a lifetime without additional lubrication. The hinges are fully adjustable in three dimensions and drilling jigs are available to assist with fast, accurate assembly. The hinges will be sold in packs of 24 units, although fabricators will be reassured to know Roto has also created order codes for packs of spare parts, for those occasions when smaller components get lost on the shop floor. The hinge is available in three different stack heights, covering the sash overlap heights of all the major door profiles. Optional packers are also available. www.roto-frank.com

For more information visit www.emplas.co.uk , email info@emplas.co.uk or call 01933 674880.

“Roto has led the way for the industry by gaining CE Marking for its door hinges, and that includes this new model.” 34

November 2012 – The UK’s Only Industry Newspaper

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November 2012 – The UK’s Only Industry Newspaper

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November 2012 – The UK’s Only Industry Newspaper

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November 2012 – The UK’s Only Industry Newspaper

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GLASS & GLASS PROCESSING

Guardian Launches

new Magnetron Glass Coater A recent venture to Goole based Guardian Glass, to view their new off-line coater, proved to be an amazing experience. As well as Glass News, many of Guardians customers attended the event. Overall, the launch was a resounding success… The team at Guardian Industries UK have excelled themselves by completing the installation of their new off line magnetron glass Coater ahead of schedule; all elements of their Coater installation have now been signed off and the Coater has been handed over to Guardian’s Process Group and Production Team. The new Guardian Coater is one of the most technically advanced of its kind in the world, David Younker – Guardian Vice President of Engineering, visited the Coater first hand as it neared completion. David commented; “The Guardian team have done an amazing job with the new Coater installation, it’s incredible that they have managed to fit such technically advanced equipment into such a restricted area, it’s literally like fitting a 12oz egg into a 6oz shell.” Technical advancements in magnetron glass Coater technology have broadened the scope for coated glass products, enabling Guardian to produce products like their popular SunGuard High Selective SN Series. These types of glass coatings require more chambers and equipment; and therefore a bigger Coater. This created a unique design challenge, which was fulfilled using an

ingenious method of working levels, unique to the Guardian Coater at their plant in Goole. Now that the Coater has been handed over to their Process Group and Production Team, characterisation and calibration of all the cathodes has been completed and Guardian are now manufacturing ClimaGuard A+; Guardian’s next generation Low E direct from their plant at Goole. Mark Bristow - Guardian’s Regional Manager for the UK and Ireland commented; “This is a momentous occasion and a distinct milestone for the UK market, now that Guardian has such a technically advanced Coater in the UK the potential for future product development is staggering, we look forward to being able to support all of our independent customers with the right products now and in the future.”

Business Support Programme With Guardian Plus One of the most well received presentations of the day was an overview of the newly developed Guardian Glass website, which incorporates Guardian Plus – a business support programme, designed to promote and strengthen businesses which use Guardian products. Many a murmur rumbled through the meeting room, with grunts of approval at this easy to use, functional, online business tool.

“The innovative on-line web design, allows anyone visiting the website to determine the right glass to suit any use or application.”

November 2012 – The UK’s Only Industry Newspaper

Online support is available, which will help you run your business more efficiently. From Guardian’s vast online technical support centre you get instant results to technical enquiries to in house or external training for you and your staff on everything glass and glass related. Guardian will also promote your business to your chosen target audience through the website, and provide marketing material to help your business go from strength to strength with their products. The innovative on-line web design, allows anyone visiting the website to determine the right glass to suit any use or application, whether they’re a consumer looking for the right energy efficient windows, from the glass and glazing industry looking for new and innovative products to help strengthen

and add value to their product range, or an architect or specifier preparing a glazing specification for their next big project, Guardian Plus members are promoted where they choose, as the glass solution to suit the viewers needs.

How does it work? An intelligent data system is used, to identify the nearest suppliers for any web users, this enables Guardian to present a list of nearby suppliers for each product listed on the website, as a Guardian Plus member you can choose which products you wish to be promoted on to make sure you are only promoted in area’s relevant to your unique business needs!

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In addition to this the Guardian Plus Programme provides a host of benefits designed to help you run your business more easily, from a state of the art technical support facility, online glass and glazing calculation submissions, current up to date industry news, regulations, standards and consultations, as well as on-line business facilities and so much more.

“As a Guardian Plus member you will also be eligible for industry training, either from the plant at Goole or at your premises, there are 3 levels of training designed to cover everything you need to know about glass and glazing.”

As a Guardian Plus member you will also be eligible for industry training, either from the plant at Goole or at your premises, there are 3 levels of training designed to cover everything you need to know about glass and glazing. Guardian Plus members are invited to regular events, reviewing industry movements, new products, regulation changes, as well as guest motivational speakers and industry specialists. You will also receive marketing material and instant on-line support.

Who can join and how do I get started? Guardian Plus membership is open to anyone buying or using Guardian products, with different levels of membership designed to suit your company and your business needs. To get started simply complete the on-line application form and a member of the Guardian team will contact you within 24 hours (excluding weekends) to confirm your membership details and facilities.

Get Started Visit www.guardianglass.co.uk

Advanced Glass Innovation At Glasstec In true Guardian style, not only have they recently completed the new off-line coater installation, in tandem they also exhibited at this year’s Glasstec Exhibition, one of the largest glass trade fairs in the world. Guardian Industries highlighted its 2012 product launches while showcasing a comprehensive array of commercial, residential and interior glass products and solutions at Stand E34 in Hall 10 at Glasstec Oct. 23-26. “Our Glasstec exhibit illustrated glass innovation for every day applications,” said Scott Thomsen, president Guardian Global Glass Group. “We demonstrated technological advances that are in tune with the needs of today. Customers found advanced glass solutions that give them a competitive edge. Guardian’s value added products and services help make possible net zero buildings, which combined with our value chain efficiencies, make it an exciting time for architects, designers and builders to use glass both inside and out.”

How can Guardian help your business? Contact Steve Scrivens on 01405 726800.

November 2012 – The UK’s Only Industry Newspaper

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GLASS & GLASS PROCESSING

TRIED & TESTED

The UK is now well served with manufacturers that can produce soft coat low-e glass but not knowing how to get the most from the product remains a barrier to growth for their customers. With more than a decade’s experience distributing, processing and manufacturing sealed units with soft coat low-e glass in the UK, GLASSOLUTIONS’ marketing director Mike Butterick explains how to make it work for your business.

Glass is a wonderful architectural material and glass processing transforms raw sheets of glass into high performance products. GLASSOLUTIONS – formerly known as Solaglas – is the UK’s largest processor, distributor and installer of glass. Part of the Saint-Gobain Group it has been processing SGG PLANITHERM soft coat low-emissivity glass (or low-e glass) for more than a decade in the UK.

This tried and tested product can only be used for glazing as part of double or triple glazed sealed unit. Designed to help insulate your property by keeping as much heat inside as possible it has a transparent metallic coating on one side that reflects heat back into the room. It also allows optimum amounts of sunlight into the room. Soft coat low-e glass has better thermal insulation than hard coat low-e glass, therefore reducing heat loss even further.

As sealed unit manufacturers increasingly move to triple glazing and use of soft coat low-e glass as standard to meet the energy saving and thermal requirements of high-performance fenestration, the combination of good, tried and tested products, is where wise companies will be likely to seek support. Already companies are turning to the likes of the SGG PLANITHERM range from GLASSOLUTIONS – a supplier which has not just talked the talk, but actually walked the walk when it comes to what’s involved in the manufacture of soft coat sealed units. So much so that we have recently produced a DVD that shows how easy it is to process SGG PLANITHERM. We were the first company in the UK to manufacture sealed units with SGG PLANITHERM from Saint-Gobain Glass

November 2012 – The UK’s Only Industry Newspaper

in the late 1990s. The early adopters in our manufacturing customer base embraced the offline coated product at this time using our stock and single-toughened glass formats. In 2012, SGG PLANITHERM is the best-selling low-e glass in the UK for both the domestic and commercial markets – and GLASSOLUTIONS still leads the way in supplying the family of coated glass products, in all formats, throughout the country.

Family matters There is a range or family of soft coats because we understand that one type does not fit all. Delivered properly, a family of products with different configurations for different uses and applications is required. By restricting yourself to one softcoat option you won’t be delivering the most thermally efficient or cost effective windows and doors to all your customers. That could affect your bottom line and damage your competitiveness. SGG PLANITHERM TOTAL + helps domestic windows achieve the highest window energy ratings (WERs). But for conservatories the high performance low-e properties and solar control provided by SGG PLANITHERM 4S make it the right choice whilst SGG PLANITHERM ONE offers the

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GLASS & GLASS PROCESSING

best thermal insulation properties in combination with high neutrality for domestic new build and some replacement applications, as well as for commercial installations. SGG PLANITHERM ULTRA N’s low U-values and neutrality make it the optimum choice for many commercial building installations. In deciding which type of SGG PLANITHERM to use, sealed unit manufacturers should be able to offer a specification that balances optimum performance requirements with cost. This eliminates the danger of over-specification but more importantly it can open up opportunities to supply and fit windows and doors to a premium specification. No one has more experience in applying the SGG PLANITHERM range in window, door and conservatory applications in the UK than GLASSOLUTIONS and working with us provides the best scope for marketing and then delivering the benefits that such a tried and tested product range provides. So reliable is the long term quality and performance of SGG PLANITHERM that we confidently provide a 10-year warranty on the EcoClear sealed units we manufacture. The value of that warranty shouldn’t be underestimated, especially as initiatives

such as Green Deal will demand credible guarantees like never before.

to comply with the scheme, which makes selecting the right partners even more important.

The potential rewards of getting it right for fabricators and installers are mouth-watering. The need to align with the right supplier who knows and understands the product, the market and the pitfalls, has never been stronger.

As our name says, we always work with customers as their glass ‘solutions provider’ rather than just a ‘supplier’. It’s an important distinction and reflects our commitment to service and being in tune with the needs of our customers at all points in the supply chain.

The heat is on Gas bills are set to increase by 52% and electricity bills by 70% between 2011 and 2020. That means there is a real imperative for thermal insulation now in the domestic sector. That translates into terrific business potential for those in the windows sector with the right products and the right messages to capitalise. With up to 25 years’ payback time for Green Deal, longevity of performance is going to be critical on elements like low-e glass. For fabricators and installers who will be the ones held accountable, back-up and support from knowledgeable suppliers with a track-record in delivery is going to be vital. Our 10-year sealed unit guarantee which comes as standard on EcoClear sealed units provides a degree of comfort. Assurances on CE marking will also become compulsory too in order

November 2012 – The UK’s Only Industry Newspaper

Importantly we are the only glass processor and distributor with a full SGG PLANITHERM range stockholding capacity, so smaller quantities of SGG PLANITHERM for innovative configurations or unusual applications can be delivered in standard lead times. Customers tell us they value the fact that we take the time to understand their business, the markets they operate in and the demands of their customers. It is because we have these insights that we can provide real solutions and add value to their business – and have a positive impact on their bottom line. Further information on SGG PLANITHERM from GLASSOLUTIONS is available at www.glassolutions.co.uk. The DVD is available by contacting enquiries@glassolutions.co.uk.

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GLASS & GLASS PROCESSING

EUROCELL ACHIEVES UK’S FIRST BI-FOLD DOOR BBA APPROVAL Eurocell, part of the Tessenderlo Group, has today announced that it has become the UK’s first company to gain British Board of Agrément (BBA) Approval on a bi-fold door system. The company’s Aspect bi-fold door, which has just been ‘Highly Commended’ in the Housebuilder Awards 2012 Best Product category, is now the first and only range in the UK to carry BBA Approval. The BBA Certificate is being issued to Eurocell following a series of rigorous tests and assessments on the company’s manufacturing process and Aspect product range. BBA Approval is recognised by building control, government departments, architects, local authorities, specifiers, and industry insurers like the NHBC. Certification will therefore provide all Eurocell customers that offer Aspect with another valuable point of difference. Luke Adams, the BBA’s Sector Manager for Fenestration, commented: “Aspect has become the first bi-fold door in the UK to gain BBA Approval, following a series of rigorous assessments of both the product and manufacturing process. Gaining this third party product approval from a recognised UKAS accredited certification body like the BBA will provide the market with independent verification that the Eurocell product is fit for purpose.” BBA is the UK's major authority offering approval and certification services to manufacturers and installers supplying the construction industry. Gaining BBA Approval means that housebuilders, specifiers and homeowners can confidently choose Aspect bi-fold from Eurocell in the knowledge that regular independent third party inspections by the BBA are taking place to verify installed performance. The new Certificate will allow BBA to offer Reproduction Agrément Certificates to the network of Eurocell fabricators that manufacture Aspect bi-fold doors, for use as sales tools.

Regular monitoring of the manufacturing processes by the BBA will continue with twice yearly inspections and a full and comprehensive reassessment every three years. This is carried out to ensure that the Aspect product specification agreed with the BBA is maintained. “Becoming the first ever company in the UK to gain BBA Approval on a bi-fold door will enhance Aspect’s market-leading position,” said Ian Kernaghan, Product Manager at Eurocell. “Aspect already offers many unique features and this important accreditation by a UKAS recognised body provides yet another reason why customers should choose Eurocell.” Aspect offers over 30 unique and innovative features, many of them patented. Features such as elimination of the need for a dummy mullion, superior sightlines and bespoke door furniture all add to its overall appeal and has resulted in Aspect winning several industry awards. The latest addition to the range is a Building Regulation Part M (Mobility) compliant low threshold that makes Aspect suitable for use by wheelchair users and the elderly or infirm as well as for applications that are open to the public, such as care homes, bars and cafés. Eurocell is supporting trade customers with an inspirational new Aspect consumer brochure that features stunning new photography, colours and door furniture options, along with details of external low thresholds available.

THE VISION OF…

MIKE PIQEUR

After studying mechanical engineering, Mike Pikeur (50) began as a product manager at Roto. After training in America and Germany, he went to England in 1982, and was involved as business development manager right at the beginning of Roto in Russia and China. Since 2003, he operated at Nivelles as Managing Director for Western Europe. Roto manufactures window hardware and roof windows, and have achieved a global turnover of € 680 million in 2011 with 4,100 employees.

“The industry must see the many challenges as a chance to value the window.” “In recent years sustainable construction and energy savings arouses enthusiasm, but in reality, few things have changed. Since the second world war, the quality of construction has steadily

improved, and currently the dot is put on the i. But Kyoto has accelerated this process and standards have tightened, so that passive construction will undoubtedly become the standard. The speed of integration as standard, within the building process depends on the rate of adaptation of the industry. In years to come we may no longer talk about zero energy or passive houses, but of active houses producing energy. And in this process, windows and glazing play an important role. In the future, glazing will be an element supplying this energy.”

“Window hardware is no longer a limit.” “The trend towards ever larger glazed surfaces, and therefore heavier, rotating , tilting, and sliding applications… during the last fifteen or twenty years has only heightened the challenge for hardware manufacturers. Today we can make sliding elements

For further information about BBA, please contact: ladams@bba.star.co.uk or telephone 01923 665 300. To find out more about why you should choose the UK’s only BBA Approved bi-fold door, system, call the Eurocell customer services team now on: 0800 988 3047, or visit: www.eurocell.co.uk.

To gain approval Eurocell had to satisfy the BBA that the Aspect bi-fold door range was fit for purpose through a series of rigorous laboratory tests, on-site evaluations and inspections of production. This process was initiated by Eurocell soon after Aspect was launched and can take up to a year to be completed thoroughly. As part of the process, BBA inspectors completed several audits of the manufacturing process at Eurocell to ensure that the company had a suitable quality management system in place.

November 2012 – The UK’s Only Industry Newspaper

as large as the delivered glass. In other words, it is no longer the hardware that is a limit to the size of a door or window, but the section of the glass itself. Tests for the standard QM 328 (compliance with CE stamped hardware with different window profiles) show that, for example, all window profiles out of coniferous wood or PVC support these enormous forces. I believe that the development of new window profiles in Scandinavia is an interesting tendency . The height of the profile is limited to a maximum incidence of daylight, while the depth and number of rooms are much larger, and there is a minimum space throughout the profile between the door and frame, for maximum isolation. “

“The window is as important as the kitchen or the bathroom.” Thanks to our production of roof windows we can rely on an excellent know-how to support our customers. As we increase their efficiency and thus their (and our) sales, we consider this as a service to improve the performance of our clients. Window fabricators and hardware suppliers strongly invest in quality to obtain window elements or doors that are comfortable, safe and long lasting. For the window installers, airtight construction values their work. Measurement will be more precise, adjusting and finishing also requires more knowledge and skill. In terms of marketing the windows industry is not very brilliant: doors and windows must be revalued and (re) positioned so that the enduser gives them as much importance as his kitchen or bathroom. By Bart Denys www.roto-frank.com

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GLASS & GLASS PROCESSING

Triple success

for GED’s ATLAS tripleglazed fabrication line Glasstec 2012 in Duesseldorf, Germany, was the scene of the latest triumph for leading US glass processing equipment manufacturer GED Integrated Solutions.

The Glass and Glazing Federation has launched the Promotion Programme - a new and exciting scheme specifically for new and young companies who have been established for less than 3 years.

This was the first time that GED had exhibited at Glasstec – and the decision proved to be another resounding success for the company. Best known for its Intercept Warm Edge spacer bar system, GED had only last year launched its Automated Tri-Lite Assembly System (ATLAS), a revolutionary glass fabrication system that automatically produces triple pane IG units in 20-second cycles (triples three units/ minute, duals six units/ minute), and which went on to win the ‘Best in Show’ Award at GlassBuild, Atlanta, USA. And then it won the US Window & Door magazine’s Crystal Achievement Award for Most Innovative Machine in the category Glass/IG Processing. With triple units being heralded as the future standard of the glazing industry to counter the endlessly rising costs of energy to heat our homes, there was no doubt that the winning technology of the ATLAS IG production system would command the attention of many of the world’s leading sealed unit manufacturers at the show.

GGF Launches New Programme for Young Companies

“Triple glazing is rapidly becoming more popular with both specifiers and homeowners alike, but the normal production process is slow, cumbersome, and fraught with potential for handling mishaps. This means the process is costly.” And so it proved With many hundreds of visitors to the stand where live demonstrations were being held throughout the event, not only did GED log close to 300 international leads from 72 countries, but the exhibit itself was also sold from the stand! The new customer is UK-based Techniglass, a leading IG manufacturer whose modern factory in Mid-Glamorgan, Wales, supplies window fabricators and installers all over the country. The company is keen to be in a leading position for the rapid supply of triple-glazed units but sees the flexibility of ATLAS in also producing

dual units every 10 seconds as an added bonus. GED President and CEO Bill Weaver commented on their triple success: “Triple glazing is rapidly becoming more popular with both specifiers and homeowners alike, but the normal production process is slow, cumbersome, and fraught with potential for handling mishaps. This means the process is costly.” “ATLAS is an automated stand-alone solution to the demand for double and triple unit production and is adaptive to a range of combinations, including standard spacer and Warm Edge systems, small and large units, dual and tripleglazed, and in any order or combination of these. The process is fully automated and facilitates a modern ‘No-Touch’ approach to IG production that virtually eliminates breakages or remakes due to handling errors or accidental finger marking and scratches.” “ATLAS machine-controlled consistency ensures uniform, high quality sealed units in the fastest time possible.” www.geduk.com

November 2012 – The UK’s Only Industry Newspaper

The Promotion Programme has been introduced to allow companies to connect with the GGF and take advantage of the Federation’s knowledge base, health and safety and technical support services as well as many other benefits. Nigel Rees, GGF Group Chief Executive commented, “Every year we receive literally dozens of enquiries from new and young companies who are established less than three years and therefore can’t meet the criteria to join the GGF. The Promotion Programme overcomes that barrier and means that young companies can now connect with the GGF, access our information and receive other benefits as they start on their journey to GGF Membership.” Companies joining the Promotion Programme will have a dedicated GGF staff liaison officer to assist them in a smooth promotion to

full GGF membership once their organisation becomes established for 3 years and they meet the joining criteria for GGF Membership. Companies joining the Promotion Programme must; • Be trading (or about to trade) in a glass-related field. • Have (or about to have) suitable business premises. • Have adequate personnel to run the business. • Comply with the GGF Code of Good Practice for companies in the Promotion Programme. • Supply the GGF with a set of management accounts each year. Nigel Rees added, “The Promotion Programme provides all the support and advice a new company needs on the road to GGF Membership. In addition to accessing GGF information, participants in this new scheme can also attend national and regional GGF meetings and events, where they can network with other company leaders and share knowledge and good practice. We’ve put together

a strong programme and we look forward to helping many young companies benefit from connecting with the GGF.” The cost of joining the Promotion Programme is a £500 flat-rate annual subscription payable in one amount or by direct debit over 12 months. Once a participating company has been established three years and approved for GGF Membership, the new Member joining fee will be waived. To apply to join the Promotion Programme, or for more information and the full list of benefits please contact the GGF: Tel: 020 7939 9101, email: promotion@ggf.org.uk or visit: http://www.ggf.org.uk/ promotion-programme.

PBA Upgrade their

glass fittings

The long established and Venice based stainless steel door hardware manufacturer PBA S.p.a is proud to announce a major upgrade to its range of H-Glass door hardware.

steel, the H-Glass series of patch fittings meets all of the categories, durability, fire resistance, safety, corrosion, security and operational

As from November 2012 their versatile series of glass patch fittings will be supplied with lever handles complying with the requirements of EN 1906. Manufactured exclusively from AISI316L stainless

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life required by EN1906 for spring loaded lever handles. The flexibility of mix and matching all of the handle designs with mounting plates is still retained as is ease of glass door blank preparation. Tel: 01531 640033

GLASS & GLASS PROCESSING

GREAT SUCCESS FOR HEGLA AT GLASSTEC As Glasstec shuts its doors once again the eyes of the glass industry have focussed on innovations, changes for the better and also gained a glimpse on how to improve both production standards and profit margins.

For Hegla, a new era dawned at the international exhibition as it became the launch pad for new product developments but additionally provided the ideal arena to show a new corporate market direction. Glasstec was used as the pivotal platform to demonstrate the cooperation partnership of Hegla and Bystronic glass in full force. When two industry giants with such recognised pedigrees and standards of excellence come together under one roof it will inevitably send a powerful message of strength to the industry on a global level and this was well received. Glasstec 2012 enabled the two companies to reinforce their ability to provide complete solutions to the glass industry in a positive manner which clearly impressed visitors, who embraced the new cooperation with enthusiasm. For Hegla, the opportunity to demonstrate the latest in cutting technology Glasstec proved a successful showground. There were many new items on show

such as Linear Drive Shape Cutting Laminated Cutting Table and Laser Marking Technology mounted on the float cutting bridge of the Optimax LES float cutting table with loader purchased by Oakland Glass. The laser brings substantial time saving benefits in a number of ways including internal efficiency as nothing can be lost. If errors do occur within any batches then these can quickly and simply traced and found which speeds up resolving issues very quickly. With consumer demand increasing and new legislation on CE Marking to be introduced in the UK, there is considerable pressure on manufacturers to accommodate changes into manufacturing procedures. The joint co-operation of Hegla and Bystronic glass now provides the industry with unique, cost effective solutions that will improve on-site efficiency all of which is now globally recognised. Steve Goble, Managing Director Hegla UK comments, “The Glasstec arena has been very positive where visitors clearly have been impressed with product innovations. Many key industry players have shown a great interest in the range of products on show and the Laser System mounted to the cutting table far exceeded our expectations with regard to the UK market and various applications. The importance of this event was to show the evident benefits not only of the equipment but also of our association with Bystronic. This has been taken very well as investors can see the advantages and have complete reassurance that is associated with the excellence of German engineering and the integrity of both companies.” For more information on the Hegla or Bystronic glass equipment then please call 01908 261933.

Glasstec Dusseldorf a Success for Thermoseal Group

New Bohle

Main Catalogue

The Bohle Group has launched their new Main Catalogue "Glass and Glazier 2012”. It complements the 500page Hardware Catalogue, "Fittings for Glass 2012", which was published in the summer. Glasstec Dusseldorf 23-26 October 2012 was a great success for manufacturer of Thermobar and Thermoflex warm edge spacers, Thermoseal Group. Mark Hickox, Sales Director at Thermoseal Group comments: “Glasstec proved to be an excellent platform for us to introduce Thermobar warm edge spacer onto the European market. It was also a good opportunity for us to show our new product –Thermoflex, which is our new pre-desiccated elastomeric foam spacer due to go into production in the first quarter of 2013. “The show was buzzing with visitors and we saw much interest in our warm edge spacers, as well as the new warm edge bending machine that we demonstrated on our stand. We had a great position at the exhibition with a constant flow of traffic which, in addition to on-thespot sales of the warm edge bender, we now have a large number of promising leads to follow up from agents, distributors, sealed unit manufacturers and window installers from all around the world. We are already looking to book our stand and position for Glasstec 2014 but for now, we’d like to thank all of the people showing interest in our products and look forward to speaking to them.” To find out about Thermoseal Group Limited and its comprehensive range of insulated glass components and machinery for glazing manufacture, call 0121 331 3950 or visit www. thermosealgroup.com for further information.

November 2012 – The UK’s Only Industry Newspaper

The new Main Catalogue contains a comprehensive range of products for glass processing and finishing with over 400 pages and nearly 3,000 products, subdivided into the chapters Glass Cutting and Glass Breaking, Automatic Glass Cutting, Glass Processing Machinery, Glass Grinding, Glass Drilling, Glass Sawing, Handling, Glazing, Surface Protection, Glass Bonding and Glass Mounting. As well as the tried and tested Bohle brands and

products, the catalogue also includes numerous new product innovations across almost all of the nine product divisions. For the first time the catalogue features the new Bohle surface protection system, BriteGuard®, the Verifix® Pro UV bonding angle suction holder, the Silberschnitt 5000 oil glass cutter and the automatic sandblasting cabinets SBM 1500 and SBM 2500. As with the Fittings Catalogue, the new Main Catalogue comes equipped with a sturdy hard cover and practical thumb tabs. Price lists for both volumes will be issued in due course. This publication completes the set of two Bohle catalogues, offering both an impressive range of fittings on the one hand and a complete glass

Bohle’s new catalogue contains over 3000 products.

processing and finishing portfolio on the other. The catalogue will be automatically distributed to existing Bohle customers but glass processors can call 0800 616151 for additional copies. The full range of products on offer from Bohle Ltd is available via the online shop at www.bohle-group.com.

BUSINESS MICROS TAKES TRIP TO TURKEY When Haffner UK announced it was going to be bringing the Turkish built Murat cutting machines into the UK, Business Micros responded by quickly despatching members of its programming and installations team to Turkey to see the machines for themselves. Chris Bailey and Lee Marshall visited Murat’s factory in Istanbul recently, along with Dave Thomas from Haffner UK and both Paul Derbyshire and Phil Smedley from Alfreton based Subframes UK where the first Murat machine centre is set to be installed. Subframes UK, which is the UK’s largest manufacturer of cavity closers, is already a Business Micros customer so one of the main purposes of the trip was to ensure that the new machine can be integrated quickly and easily into the company’s existing software set up. Chris Bailey, Sales and Installations Manager at Business Micros, said: “Visiting Murat gave us the chance to see the machine before it arrives in the UK and to do all the necessary preparation work before the installation at Subframes UK takes place.” “Lee Marshall from our programming team was able to evaluate any additional programming which will be necessary and

could talk directly to the Murat team about the set up which was really valuable.” “Obviously, we need to be completely familiar with all new machines as they are introduced to the UK market and, as we have shown, we are prepared to go the extra mile to achieve that!” Business Micros works in close partnership with all UK based machinery suppliers including Haffner UK and often acts as a useful link between fabricators and manufacturers providing valuable input on IT and software programming requirements. Tel: 01925 422955 www.businessmicros.co.uk

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GLASS & GLASS PROCESSING

Edgetech Gets Results at Glasstec 2012 Edgetech GmbH is delighted to report a successful four days at Glasstec with huge interest in the warm edge technology supplier’s extended range of products. Andy Jones, Managing Director of Edgetech in Europe comments: “Following our 2011 acquisition by building products giant Quanex, we wanted to use Glasstec as our first major glass exhibition opportunity to showcase the whole range of warm edge technology solutions we now offer, including Super Spacer®, TrisealTM, DurasealTM and DuraliteTM. “The interest and buzz at the show was tangible as visitors to our stand were focused on energy efficient performance and cost effective warm edge technology IGU production with our single, dual and triple seal spacers. Glasstec really is the jewel in the crown of the glass industry a show that always underpins Edgetech’s

commitment to the European market as a global player. I honestly would say this year was bigger and better for visitors and exhibitors alike, and the quality of leads we got from across the globe was fantastic – in fact, just under 300 taken during the show. The talk of the show was all about productivity efficiencies and working with partners who understand how to take cost out of the manufacturing process whether manual, semi or fully automated. Visitors to the show were also looking for proven solutions and seeking confidence that when switching to what some see as new technologies, it’s to the right partner with years of experience and time proven in the field. With Quanex companies forecast to manufacture in excess of 300 million metres of spacer products in 2013, across nearly 100 countries, this is a bill Edgetech fits perfectly.”

Glasstec proves a success for Promac As the dust settles on another successful Glasstec, Promac returns from Europe’s largest glass show delighted with the result. Busy supporting machinery supply partners like For.El, Macotec and Softsolution naming just a few that were showcasing a range of equipment designed specifically for the production and processing of glass. Joe Hague, Group Commercial Director of Promac explains: “At Glasstec this year, we noticed a slight reduction in visitors from the UK and Ireland compared with previous years. Although we may not have spoken to as many people overall, the enquiry level from those we did speak to was serious. Nearly all of the serious machinery suppliers had concentrated on improving process with better solutions for triple glazing and process control with either bigger, faster or more accurate machines. It was clear from the people we spoke to that Quality Control is a huge issue, so

solutions like the Quality & Shape Scanner combined with the Eye Guide projector attracted massive interest. People were amazed to see a concept like the Eye Guide brought to life and the consistent benefits that this quality assurance process can deliver any glass manufacturer. New to the market warm edge spacers also provided a hot topic for debate especially considering the talk of inevitability of triple glazing.” “For the glass processing side, vertical edge grinding was of particular interest. The quick and simple way that the vertical process delivers high specification, quality products in a simple and efficient way proved that vertical CNC machinery with multiple tool options were the order of the day. Some of our competitors are new to the market with

Fusion Glass from RegaLead proves popular with glass processors RegaLead, the market leader in decorative products for the flat glass industry, is delighted to report that one of its newest decorative glass systems, Fusion Glass – much sought after since its launch last year – is going from strength to strength. “We believe the success of Fusion Glass is mainly because it’s a cost-effective system, built around the inspired concept of float-compatible glass, which has made the artisan process suitable for industrial usage – and all of the glass processors we have been working with tend to agree,” explains Guy Hubble, Joint Managing Director of RegaLead. “This technique allows you to fuse coloured glass directly onto float glass, so there is no requirement to purchase specialist and

expensive base glass. The size of the kiln would determine the size and volume you are able to produce, but as the fusing process is easier, you can produce larger volumes of work at a much faster rate. “The process of fusing glass is so simple and works by superimposing stained, transparent, opaque or veined glasses to base glass through a melting process. Once the design is produced, the glass is cut and laid on float glass before it is fused together at 840°c in the programmable kiln. Float compatible, Fusion Glass opens up the possibilities for volume production of contemporary decorative glass at prices comparable with other techniques used in the UK market. Suitable for a whole host of applications, Fused Glass

Fusion Glass from RegaLead.

can be used to produce glass panels for the home, such as kitchen splashbacks, wetroom walls or glass worktops. We have also launched an extensive range of stainless steel moulds designed for glass slumping, which allows Fused Glass to be used in order to make dishes, bowls and other decorative pieces. A small selection of these along with all of our other Decorative Glass Products can be found in our new Definitive Product Catalogue, which is available now to download from our website.” For more information on decorative products for glass, windows and doors from RegaLead visit www.regalead. co.uk or call 0161 946 1164.

this sort of offering, but Promac through For.El has been offering solutions of this type for many years and our knowledge and experience in this field is second to none. Glasstec has generated a number of sales enquiries for the team to work on and over the next few days and weeks we will be busy working hard with our perspective clients. As always, it proved a worthwhile four days - even though sleep deprivation was high on the agenda. For Promac, Glasstec 2012 proved better than more recent international shows.” For more information about Promac, their products and services, visit www.promac. co.uk or call 01788 577 577.

“People were amazed to see a concept like the Eye Guide brought to life.” November 2012 – The UK’s Only Industry Newspaper

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GLASS & GLASS PROCESSING

NEW £36M OFF-LINE COATER

The Mercedes of Glass Production Glass News recently visited The NSG Group’s £36m off-line coater facility – which is now in production. Having acquired Pilkington 6 years ago, The NSG Group have restructured and streamlined many of it’s operations, allowing for investment into Pilkington Glass products, as well as the whole international group of products. With a staggering Research and Development investment budget of £60m, set for 2013, it is not surprising that Pilkington Glass remains to be seen as the leading and most innovative glass producer in the UK, and beyond.

Off-line Coater The coater, at the Company’s Cowley Hill site in St Helens, is one of the most advanced facilities of its type in the world. It enables ultra-thin special coatings to be applied to glass, creating a range of high performance energy-saving glazing Pilkington products. As the UK’s first jumbo off-line coating plant, it allows the NSG Group to manufacture a wider range of such products in the UK. This includes the new Pilkington K Glass™ S range and existing Pilkington Suncool™ and Pilkington Optitherm™ lines. Cowley Hill will be meeting demand from across Europe as well as serving the UK market. With capacity in excess of 10 million sq metres a year, the line sets new standards in both scale and performance. Incorporating the latest technology from the world’s leading coater manufacturer, it has been built to a tailored design around the Pilkington range of products. The investment includes over £1 million of dedicated quality control facilities, including an on-site test laboratory and a mini-toughener.

Other features include highly energy-efficient electric glass transporters and sensor-controlled lighting which, along with high quality water recycling and treatment processes, help minimise the carbon footprint of the glass being produced. Construction of the facility was supported by a £5 million grant from the government’s Regional Growth Fund, allowing the creation of 50 new, full-time skilled jobs on site. With the team now in place, over 16,000 man-hours have already been invested to date in training, ensuring that the new employees are all set for the start of commissioning.

Customer Demand During my visit to the Cowley Hill site, various speakers from Pilkington gave their thoughts and expertise on how the new off-line coater is able to meet with customers needs, in addition, the off-line coater is a major step towards their target for sustainability... Andy McDowell, Commercial Director, Pilkington United Kingdom, explains: “The new off-line coater enables us to

“The investment includes over £1 million of dedicated quality control facilities, including an on-site test laboratory and a mini-toughener.” 46

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GLASS & GLASS PROCESSING

produce Pilkington K Glass™ S here to the UK. This is of great importance in enabling us to meet growing demand from our customers for this new range. But it is also a key step forward for us to have the future capability to produce the full range of our high performance Architectural glass products in the UK, from right here in St Helens.” Mike Sharples, Coatings Plant Manager, adds: “Customers visiting the new coater have all been impressed. It’s undoubtedly a significant investment and one of which the Company and the wider St Helens community can certainly be proud. It will help secure the long-term future of both St Helens and Pilkington as names that remain synonymous with UK glazing innovation.” Customers have been visiting the new coater during the week commencing 15th October. Additional visits are being actively considered, due to the positive reaction received so far. Dating back to the 1870s, the Cowley Hill site has been at the heart of some significant developments in Pilkington glass technology. The completion of the new, cutting edge, off-line coating facility – built by local building contractors Barnfield Construction – marks the latest of these and the start of a whole new era of high-tech manufacturing for the Company. Tours of the new facility for customers have included a focus on this heritage, with an emphasis on the capabilities of the new coater. The visit programmes have included time at the Company’s Technical Centre at Lathom, showcasing the exciting R&D activity undertaken to support the Group’s Architectural, Automotive and Technical Glass businesses. For further information: NSG Architectural Glass - UK, Unit 1A, Wirral Business Park, Arrowe Brook Road, Upton, Merseyside, CH49 1QZ. Telephone 01744 692000. Fax 01744 692880. www.pilkington.co.uk

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SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS’

COATING VISION

Almost a decade ago and against considerable market resistance, SaintGobain Glass took the decision to install the UK’s first magnetron coater. The rest, as they say, is history… Back in 2002 Saint-Gobain Glass UK Ltd’s young and enthusiastic marketing team was investigating why mainland Europe, almost without exception, had embraced offlinecoated glass for glazing, whilst the UK steadfastly stuck to hard, or online, coated glass. The company’s offline-coated product was significantly more energy efficient and had none of the poor aesthetics that customers continued to encounter with hard-coatings.

An ambitious plan was put together, designed to overcome the UK market’s objections to the perceived limitations of offlinecoated glass and end the resistance by processors to invest in

new handling equipment. SGGUK would move forward with products that, they believed, would become the mainstay as a matter of course and within a very short time span.

That vision has now been rewarded as PLANITHERM is the clear market leader in the crucial low-emissivity (low-E) sector. Frankly, the glazing industry would be a different place had the team at SGGUK not had the passion, vision and indeed the tenacity, to persuade the company to invest in the coater, which came online in 2004 at the company’s float plant in Eggborough, Yorkshire. SGGUK installed the coater, at a cost of more than £10 million, in 2003 with additional investment to develop other aspects of the factory. The ambitious marketing team set about working with their technical and production colleagues at the plant the following year with the goal of developing a product specifically for the UK: it had to provide high performance, of course, together with the processing benefits offered by the then leading

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hard-coated products; single-stocking, durability and ease of toughening. The result of a classic cooperation programme that enlisted the skills and will of the whole Eggborough plant, the revolutionary SGG PLANITHERM® TOTAL was launched, a product developed exclusively in the UK, for the UK market. The next phase of the master plan was then to engage with processors to persuade them not just of the benefits of Planitherm, but the future too. Building Regulations were moving inexorably towards significantly improved window performance, and with hard-coat glass at the end of its development potential the only way to achieve that would be through offline-coated glass. The SGGUK team managed to encourage key processors to invest in expertise and plant, and to embrace the changes that were inevitable, in terms of the requirements of the Building Regulations and the products required to satisfy them. All backed by the help of a newly established team of field-based Product Technical Support Managers to assist with the conversion.

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The eventual widespread adoption of PLANITHERM succeeded in growing and shaping the low-E market. More recently, PLANITHERM continues to protect its legacy through a comprehensive TV and press advertising and marketing support programme, creating demand for its valued customers and, of course, for high performance glass. This is something that has undoubtedly influenced SGGUK competitors at least due to the significant increase sales the campaign has brought about. CERT - Carbon Emissions Reduction Target - is the scheme by which energy suppliers must fund the uptake of energy efficiency measures. It has funded the TV and marketing campaign in support of SGG PLANITHERM® TOTAL+ which has reached millions of homeowners who now view PLANITHERM – and consequently energy efficient glass as an essential lifestyle choice. Thus, the whole industry has benefitted, including of course, SGGUK’s competitors.

The company has just launched a number of new initiatives and improvements for members of its PLANITHERM Network. This network of fabricators and installers was established to respond to and maximize end-user leads and demand generated by the comprehensive marketing campaign. Latest support tools include an advanced online marketing materials design and print portal, free online training and upgraded web pages. In addition, the PLANITHERM national TV advertising campaign has been confirmed to continue throughout 2013, with the next advertisements scheduled for the traditionally busy season immediately after Christmas. This will prompt even more consumers to search for PLANITHERM installers and continue to boost sales for replacement windows and conservatories fitted with PLANITHERM branded glass.

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Energy efficiency legislation in the future will further tighten glazing performance requirements and the UK will continue to move towards an optimal balance of very low emissivity and high solar gain, gradually evolving into triple glazing solutions. The highly experienced SGGUK team – marketing, R&D and production - strives to continuously improve its existing range to embrace the forthcoming changes, whilst maintaining the quality of product and aesthetics that is expected from the PLANITHERM range. It is also preparing for new breakthrough coating technologies that will, once more, revolutionise the market, just as it did 8 years ago. As the newly installed coaters of Guardian and Pilkington get up to speed, SGGUK is well-placed to harness its many years of offline-coating experience to further improve and refine its next generation of high performance PLANITHERM coatings to meet these ever increasing demands.

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SOFTWARE & IT

Wrightstyle on YouTube UK steel glazing company has brought together videos of its systems being tested against a lorry bomb, car bomb and ballistic attack and posted them on YouTube.

In the USA, Wrightstyle supplies its systems in partnership with Hope’s Windows, Inc. (Jamestown NY), the USA’s leading manufacturer of steel and bronze glazing systems.

Wrightstyle supplies its steel glazing systems for projects worldwide, and which are designed to mitigate against the full array of natural and man-made threats – including also fire and the severe wind loading associated with a hurricane or typhoon.

www.wrightstyle.co.uk http://www.youtube.com/user/ wrightstyle001?feature=results_main

Wrightstyle systems have been tested to EU and Asia-Pacific standards, and the YouTube channel also shows a Wrightstyle glazed system being subjected to the infamous hose stream test – a requirement for fire safety accreditation in the USA.

High risk forces glazing

suppliers to diversify

The independent car and lorry bomb tests were carried out inside a high-security RAF base in the north of England and, for the lorry bomb, involved 500kg of TNT-equivalent explosive – underlining the huge tensile advances that steel glazing systems have made in the past few years.

TOP MARKS FROM HEGLA With the emergence of new trade legislation in respect of CE marking, the pressure is once again on processors to manufacture to exacting standards. As the industry begins to take tentative but positive steps forward the quality standards of the market have never been more in focus. Recognising glass processors are answerable not just to their customers but to the end user, Hegla has developed new technologies to help manufacturers accommodate new legislative measures and to make output faster yet more efficient. With many years industry experience behind them established in the development of precision glass cutting and sorting systems, the Hegla team has introduced new laser marking technology that will help to speed up production and eliminate confusion during the production process. The carefully designed laser capabilities enables glass to be marked automatically before it is cut. Laser marking on the cutting table ensures that the correct production data is put onto the correct piece of glass and in the right sequence. During production the Hegla laser removes the need for marker pens with any potential ghosting completely eradicated on coated products. Additionally, if the glass has the correct address for its production route, sequencing should be simpler with coatings guaranteed to be the correct way round and cavities in the correct position in relation to the coatings.

Hegla has developed the laser technology as an item that can be retrofitted. Existing customers are now looking to invest due to the positive effect Hegla cutting automation had brought to their production departments. Many investors see the long term benefits because the reliability of the equipment combined with precision engineering is helping them to increase output more efficiently than ever before. Generally retrofits of the Laser System will take place outside normal production hours, because in most cases companies only have one cutting table, so when fitted to new tables it becomes part of the standard installation, commissioning and training. Steve Goble comments, “Simply, laser technology gives manufacturers more control, greater scope and helps to improve quality standards. As triple glazing gathers pace, with many installers grasping the market opportunities that will occur, Hegla is already ahead of the industry, providing reliable, new technology that will increase profit margins and give fast payback.”

Insight Data, the specialist data supplier for the fenestration and building industry, has identified a number of new trends in its recent Fabricator and Installer Report, including a significant shift in suppliers diversifying into new markets. With every company on the hunt for new business, many are turning their attentions to other sectors such as trade, commercial, newbuild and trade counters in order to increase sales opportunities. Sonia Punter, Insight Data’s sales manager, comments on why the philosophy ‘diversify or die’, is still very much alive within the window industry: “The days of companies specialising in one particular sector of the market are numbered. Generating new business can be a difficult process,

especially in a shrinking market, so companies need a way to attract a wider range of customers.” But it’s not just the lure of new business that has seen so many companies diversify into other sectors, the need to spread risk during harsh market conditions is a primary goal for many, and having multiple distribution channels means companies are more likely to succeed should one of these markets depress. Insight Data has developed a range of databases specifically to help suppliers target new markets. In the commercial sector, this includes the UK’s most comprehensive database of architects and main contractors. Meanwhile, the Insight House-builders database helps suppliers engage with decision makers at leading house-builders

For more information on the laser technologies available from Hegla or for more information on allied automated cutting and sorting systems please call: 01908 261 933.

Whether for double or triple glazed units the Hegla laser system incorporates the option to reverse-etch an image or specific data which is imperative when producing units with multiple pieces of glass.

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and property developers. Another route to market is trade-counters or small builders, and the Insight builders database contains over 22,000 contacts with over 10,000 email addresses. “Putting all your eggs in one basket is a risky strategy so having a presence in other sectors is a natural progression. Insight Data can help suppliers successfully grow in these sectors by engaging with the right contacts in the right organisations” adds Sonia. The Insight architects, house-builders, main contractors and local builders databases are all available on Salestracker, so users gain access to the latest information live in real-time. Tel: 01934 808293, or email hello@insightdata.co.uk.

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SOFTWARE & IT

33 YEARS OF SOFTWARE SUCCESS Salestracker improves marketing results by 250% FOR BUSINESS MICROS

Salestracker, the online database from Insight Data, uses the latest technology to increase direct marketing results by up to 250%. Salestracker enables suppliers to instantly build a targeted list of prospects for direct mail, email marketing, telesales or as a sales contact list. Salestracker enables suppliers to instantly engage with fabricators, installers, builders, architects, house-builders and main contractors – with over 60,000 business contacts and 50,00 emails. Insight Data has developed a number of innovative data management systems to dramatically improve data quality, a fact that was borne out by a recent audit inspection by the Direct Marketing Association who described processes as ‘outstanding’. “Having a well-trained, professional research call

centre team is the backbone of our operations. The telemarketing team make over 200,000 telephone calls every year to interview and update the contacts on the Insight database, far more frequently than any other data supplier. Two years ago we installed a state-of-the-art call centre system with fibreoptic networks that links the research team directly to Salestracker, so our clients access data in real-time – as we update or add a new prospect, clients can target them within 5 minutes” says Insight MD Andrew Scott. Salestracker also has a network of ‘live’ feeds. This includes information on new business start-ups from Companies House and Experian, and an integrated credit reference file that dovetails with the Insight database to flag important information such as liquidations or major

Business Micros has just announced another very healthy set of figures for the year 2011/12 as the industry’s leading software supplier continues to see sales volumes increase and costs fall. The company has never made a loss in any of its 33 years of trading and this year’s figures were stronger than ever.

changes such as company directors. With over 1,200 changes to the fabricator and installer database every month alone, Insight Data’s approach to data management simply means every time a client carries out direct mail, email or telesales activities you can be sure of the very best results. Insight Data is a full member of the Direct Marketing Association and the GGF. For more information on Salestracker or the Insight databases, call 01934 808293 or email hello@insightdata.co.uk.

Constellation Software Purchases Software Solutions Business from Glaston Constellation Software Inc. has announced that Glaston Corporation and Constellation Software Inc., acting through its wholly owned subsidiary Friedman Corporation, have today signed a definite and binding agreement for the purchase and sale of 100% of the shares in Albat+Wirsam Software GmbH (”A+W”). The value of the deal is estimated at EUR 18 million and it will be finalized upon closing of the transaction. As per agreement, part of the purchase consideration is contingent. A+W is the global market leader in software for the flat glass industry. Headquartered in Linden (Rhine-Main area), Germany, A+W develops and markets ERP, production planning and scheduling, and optimization software solutions for the glass, window, door, and curtain-wall industries. “The transaction, when completed, will benefit both Glaston and Albat+Wirsam as both parties can put more strategic focus on their core businesses. For Glaston this means glass processing machinery and related services. Albat+Wirsam, on the other hand, can focus on growth as part of a bigger software group”, said Arto Metsänen, CEO & President of Glaston Corporation. As a result of the purchase, the A+W business will become part of Constellation’s Friedman

Operating Group. A+W will operate as an independent division of Friedman, and will continue to develop, enhance, and market their glass and fenestration industry software solutions world-wide. Mark Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of the Friedman Operating Group commented, “the acquisition of Albat+Wirsam complements the Friedman Operating Group’s markets and product portfolio. The Albat+Wirsam product offering will enable us to further grow our already-strong presence in the glass, fenestration, and buildingproducts industries.” Glaston Corporation acquired Albat+Wirsam Software Group in July 2007 and it has operated as a business area within Glaston Group. The net sales for the Software Solutions’ business area for the period January-June 2012 was EUR 10.7 (12.2) million. Operating result excluding non-recurring items was EUR 1.1 (1.3) million and the business area employed approximately 190 persons. Closing of the agreement is subject to customary closing conditions including a competition review by the German Federal Cartel Office which is expected to be completed by the end of 2012, at which time ownership of A+W will transfer to Constellation.

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Sales were 3% up on 2010/11 and costs were 4% lower, delivering the kind of robust performance which gives customers relying on Business Micros software complete reassurance that the company is secure and well resourced. During the year, Business Micros has made significant investments in new product innovation, developing a soon to be launched replacement for its EvoWEB and EvoCITE online ordering and order tracking systems, as well as new ordering portals for patio, composite and panel doors. It has also developed cross browser compatibility with the latest mobile technology to enable customers to interact with their software platforms via tablets and smartphones. As it seeks to strengthen its overseas operation, it has appointed a new employee in the burgeoning Indian market and has also won major new contracts in its established Australian market. Graeme Bailey, Managing Director of Business Micros is pleased with the company’s performance. He says: “Closer analysis of our figures shows that sales numbers are slightly down but sales values are up indicating that there are fewer, stronger customers investing more in their businesses. “This is absolutely in line with our expectations. In fact, our figures were within 1% of our budget target for the year indicating just how closely we work with our customers and how accurately we can track and predict their buying patterns.” Business Micros has almost 2,000 customers in the PVC-U sector, and with such a large volume and such a broad spread across fabrication and installation, its performance

can actually be viewed as quite an accurate barometer of the performance of the industry as a whole. There are, for example, interesting details in its figures which show how customers are increasingly willing to make investments despite the tough economic times. For example, there has been a 10% rise in the number of customers migrating from the ageing WinStar software programme to the Evolution platform and a 17% rise in the number of bigger customers investing in the EvoNet business management software. Graeme Bailey adds: “Our performance reflects the positive way in which so many customers have responded to the recession – by focusing on the efficiencies which improved software can bring to their businesses and being willing to invest in software solutions which will help give them a competitive edge.” An excellent example of this is the significant success which Business Micros has enjoyed this year with its new Project Management Service – shortlisted in the G12 Awards for the Customer Care Initiative of the Year. This service allows customers to ‘buy’ the services of one of Business Micros’ highly skilled and experienced Project Management team for a fixed number of days per month. These dedicated Project Managers provide bespoke programming, reporting, training, development and advice and act as an extension to a customer’s in house IT department. Their objective is to help customers leverage maximum competitive advantage from their software set up and feedback from big name fabricators has so far been universally positive as they have analysed the potential payback from their investment. Graeme concludes: “Looking ahead, we are extremely confident. We have come through the recession alongside the vast majority of our customers leaner and fitter than ever. We’re now planning a series of exciting new product launches for both the short and medium term and we are continuing to focus on reducing costs whilst also delivering growth.” The company has just launched a new website at www.businessmicros.co.uk which contains details and demonstrations of its complete range of software solutions.

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COMMERCIAL PROJECTS

Marley Eternit Unveils BIM Space Marley Eternit has launched BIM Space, a set of free to download Building Information Modelling (BIM) objects that provide specifiers with a standard range of build ups for the company’s architectural fibre cement facades range. BIM Space is a new section of the Marley Eternit website that is dedicated to BIM. The programme has been developed using Autodesk’s Revit and comes complete with specifications, guidance notes, comprehensive technical details, easy sample request facility and links to Marley Eternit Specification Manager’s details, making it easier to find out more. Marley Eternit’s BIM Space can be accessed from the company’s main website pages or via the resources section. Alternatively, it can be accessed through users own Revit folders. The company has become the first architectural fibre cement facade manufacturer to offer a comprehensive BIM solution as part of helping specifiers meet the Government’s Construction Strategy requirements for 2016. BIM Space was also developed in response to the increasing number of

specifiers looking for a more effective way of approaching the design and construction process. The new service is designed to address all BIM requirements and includes Model Files and Specifications. BIM Space will also help building designers improve visualisation of their project by providing file versions of colour swatches. BIM Space is designed to offer users significant efficiencies. For example, by entering project details such as facade type, framing and fixing system, users will be provided with detailed specifications. These downloads will help make significant efficiency savings with instantly available specification and modelling information. The samples facility within BIM Space is designed to make ordering easier and quicker by allowing users to click on the specific wall type and colour required for their project, before automatically selecting and inputting their details.

Advisory Service Manager at Marley Eternit, he continues “The Marley Eternit Technical Team is on hand to support customers who specify its architectural fibre cement facades”.

“Our new BIM Space offers designers an efficient method of accessing a range of information along with Revit models of Marley Eternit facade material,” said Steve Bryceson, Technical

To access BIM Space for free, register your details at www.marleyeternit.co.uk/Resources/BIM alternatively call our Technical Department on 01283 722588 for further details.

Oakbay Windows has a busy summer holiday School summer holidays are the perfect opportunity to refurbish schools and colleges. No students and no staff mean installers can get on with the job without needing to minimise disturbance to lessons. The downside is the tight schedule: there’s just six weeks to complete a project and there’s no room for slippage. Companies that have demonstrated their abilities to meet the strict deadlines and deliver a quality result are frequently in demand over the summer months. One example is Liverpool’s Oakbay Windows: the company undertook window and door refurbishments in no fewer than five schools and colleges over the summer.

considerable investment to refurbish the buildings and allow the staff and students to continue to achieve excellent results. A significant proportion of the refurbishment work was undertaken this summer and will be completed in the October half term. The window and door replacement contract alone demonstrates the scale of the overall project: 200 windows and two doors needed to be replaced. The contract was awarded to Deceuninck fabricator Oakbay Windows whose reputation meant they could be relied on to deliver a quality result on time and on budget. Stuart Loughlin at Oakbay said, “We enjoyed working

on this project because it allowed us to use all our experience to ensure a successful result.” “Projects on this scale are always complicated and require significant amounts of planning to ensure they are delivered successfully.” “In this instance, additional pressure was added because Priestly College only received permission to go ahead with the refurbishment at the beginning of the summer, so all contractors needed to be able to cope with a very short lead time.” “Happily, this was something we were able to do. We also needed to work in close partnership with a wide range of other contractors who were on site at the same time as us and

One of these was Priestly College in Warrington. With an A level pass rate of 99% for eight years running, it’s got an excellent reputation. Something that makes these results even more impressive was the sad fact that the fabric of the college’s older buildings was letting both staff and students down. Thankfully, the college was recently able to make a

faced the same pressures to complete on time.” As a result of Oakbay’s work, Priestly College students arrived back for the start of the new term to see all the old windows replaced with Deceuninck 2500 system in white. Stuart said, “We were delighted to complete the project on time and to have played such an important part in enhancing the learning environment of the college.”

We want to know your opinion about the industry! Get in touch by emailing glass.news.christina@gmail.com We look forward to hearing from you!

“We are also pleased that our work will help to lower the college’s running costs thanks to the increased thermal efficiency the windows and doors offer.” As Oakbay’s experience shows, a good reputation means that you get booked up fast. But as the Priestly College project goes to show, to maintain that good reputation, you need to be at the top of your game all the time. Oakbay Windows Limited Tel: 0151 545 2160 www.oakbaywindows.co.uk Deceuninck Ltd Tel: 01249 816969 www.deceuninck.co.uk

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INSTALLER FOCUS

Eurocell

Distributing

SmartFIT Hardware

Eurocell Building Plastics, the market leader in the supply of uPVC roofline and ancillary products for the Double Glazing Industry, have introduced a new product line into selected EBP trade counter outlets nationwide. SmartFIT, is a compact comprehensive range of uPVC hardware products for maintenance and repair. The range covers the frequently required hardware to enable a simple solution to the most common repair and maintenance problems. SmartFIT and EBP worked together to ensure the products offered were those which the EBP customers had frequently asked for.

Green Deal opportunity launched Leads2trade, the company behind the Trusted Local Suppliers Network, has launched its much anticipated TLS Green Deal Network – providing what has been described as an unmissable and unprecedented opportunity for installers. Already established as the UK’s number one provider of double-qualified sales leads, Leads2trade has now teamed up with Green Deal providers and funders to give installers exclusive access to green deal funding. Part of the 2011 Energy Act, the vision for the Green Deal is to see the latest energy saving technologies rolled out street by street, house by house, up and down the country. Exclusive to its Trusted Local Supplier members, TLS Green Deal network is aimed at smaller to medium sized home improvement companies and is currently

the only like it in the industry.

through the TLS Green Deal Network.

Leads2trade’s Andy Royle, who is Sales Director at the company, explains in more detail how the TLS Green Deal network will work and how for the first time there is a network in place to give small and medium sized installers a slice of the cake:

“It will then be decided if the work is applicable for funding as part of a Green Deal energy overhaul of the property, whereby the installer carries out the double glazing and other measures such as insulation and a boiler replacement are also undertaken.

“First and foremost, installers will be able to become Green Deal approved and acquire the necessary accreditations and on-going training to benefit from this government backed finance scheme and get fast-tracked through the process. “Network members will also be able to put outstanding quotes, or even leads from other providers, forward for Green Deal funding. So for example if installers have a double glazing quote which the homeowner couldn’t initially afford, they will now have the option to qualify it

“Members of the scheme will also be able to reserve however many postcodes they want to carry out green deal funded work in, with a maximum number of companies able to work in each postcode, as well as having the option to actually buy-in leads that are for homeowners who have qualified for green deal funded work.” Market research suggests that around twenty million homes across the UK will have Green Deal funded work carried out on their homes.

But despite being wellpublicised, there is still some uncertainty surrounding Green Deal, and a perception that the larger energy providers will be taking much of the work. The launch of this network will go some way to quashing this perception by providing an information resource for SME installers regarding Green Deal. A video has also been launched to explain in more detail the mechanics of Green Deal and the benefits of the TLS Green Deal Network. Andy is keen to stress though, that installers need to get on board quick: “You have to be registered with the TLS Green Deal Network before November 30th 2012. You will then be given access to gain your PAS 20:30 accreditation by Christmas so that when funds are released in January you and your business will be green deal accredited.

“Green Deal is going to see homes up and down the country undergoing energy saving improvements and this scheme is providing installers with a route into the work. This is a major network launch which we anticipate will make a big difference.” To view the video Leads2trade has launched to communicate the benefits of the scheme please visit: http://www. leads2trade.co.uk/ To find out more about Leads2trade and its Green Deal network please visit: http://www.leads2trade.co.uk. To find out more about how Leads2Trade’s lead generation service works please visit: http://www. leads2trade.co.uk/ and www. trustedlocalsuppliers.org.

All of the products in the range can be viewed on the website www. SmartFitHardware.co.uk.

Network VEKA member, Rodda & Hocking is G12 finalist – Nominated for Conservatory Installer of the year 2012

For additional help, EBP have a customer services line 01773 842 490. The partnership between EBP and SmartFIT has been embraced by the selected branches and is showing signs of being another success within the EBP branch network. It is hoped that as the partnership grows and the product range is increased, the products will be available in additional EBP outlets.

Winning a Silver Award in 2010 for the design and installation of conservatories would have been accolade enough for most small companies, but not Network VEKA member Rodda & Hocking.

“The partnership between EBP and SmartFIT has been embraced by the selected branches and is showing signs of being another success within the EBP branch network.” 56

The Cornwall-based installer has been nominated as a finalist for Conservatory Installer of the year at the forthcoming G12 Awards, to be held at the Hilton Hotel in London on November 23rd. Despite the economic downturn, the company has continued to go from strength to strength, with turnover growing year upon year, as Director Bob Kerr explains: “The recession in some ways has been good for Rodda & Hocking, as many householders are investing in their property rather than moving, and that increase in the conservatory market has been one of the main reasons for our success of late.”

But it's not just the recession Bob tributes for the company's continued success: “Without hesitation, customer service is the key. That extra attention to detail in customer care and satisfaction is so important, and I cannot praise the team enough for their professionalism and hard work.” That attention to detail has certainly paid off, as the Network VEKA installer has again been presented with a Gold commemorative

“The recession in some ways has been good for Rodda & Hocking, as many householders are investing in their property rather than moving.”

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plaque by The Consumer Protection Association, for its high levels of customer satisfaction. Auditing every installation that is carried out, Rodda & Hocking has an outstanding record with over 98% of its customers rating the company as excellent, and not one single dissatisfied customer. As part of its membership to Network VEKA, the company sends out customer satisfaction feedback cards

with every installation, and the collated results are uploaded on to their website every week, putting the results there for customers and potential customers to see. When it comes to conservatories, the company offers a complete package for its customers, including ground workers; something which Bob explains can be a rarity: “So many conservatory companies suggest that the customer should get their own builder

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to lay the base, but by having our own ground work team, we can control the complete installation from start to finish.” Hosted by comedian and TV personality Patrick Kielty, the G12 Awards Presentation & Gala Dinner is known as the glass and glazing industry's Oscars, with over 600 industry leaders expected to attend. Tel: 01282 473170 www.networkveka.co.uk

INSTALLER FOCUS

The Window Centre

clear up

The Window Centre are base in Harrow, West London and supply a loyal local customer base. The eight fitting crews have been constantly busy installing windows and the yard with 2 x 12 yd builders skips fills up with waste every week. Being in London problems with waste are not just cost based. There are regular issues with access to the tight yard, fly tipping and petty thefts of metal and other materials. A cost for these two skips had risen to £1,500 per month and it was time to take action. Landfill Alternatives were asked for some solutions to not only save costs but to reduce operational hassles. A new large feed portable compactor painted to The Window Centre colours has just been installed which puts an end to all the problems and saves money. The compactor is a one piece system that has a large area to throw in bricks, rubble, old frames and glass. This is then all compacted into the large container to produce a load of between 6-8 tons. It is easy for the staff to use and gives significant more capacity on site and is easily secured. “The end result of the compactor is that our yard no longer looks a tip and that a vehicle comes once a month rather than two times a week. As a result we will be pulling down our wooden fence a long the perimeter which used to hide the back yard and this will now allow all our delivery vans to be seen from the road which will enhance our local presence,” says Alan, Landfill Alternatives Director.

The Ultimate Test For Window, Door And Conservatory Installers The FIT Show is about the people in the front line – those that sell, make and fit windows, doors and conservatories. And in the ultimate test of the skills, commitment and sheer pride of Britain’s installers, The FIT Show is introducing The MASTER FITTER CHALLENGE, in association with FENSA, with cash prizes totalling £10,000! The FIT Show Master Fitter Challenge is a real test of commitment and skill designed to examine the professionalism of fitting teams through a series of question and answer sessions, site visits and ultimately live installation challenges at the finals to be held on a specially constructed Pavilion at The FIT Show next April. The Challenge is free to enter but is not for the faint hearted. Entry criteria are strict with the examinations, site visits and judging carried out by GQA Qualifications, who are managing the event on behalf of the organisers, throughout the competition. For the winners the rewards are a big chunk of cash

and the glory of having the MASTER FITTER CHALLENGE WINNER logo emblazoned on van sides, in their showroom and on company literature. Customers are bound to be impressed and what a superb boost to morale for the winning team!

Big Cash Prizes Winners will receive £5,000 in cash whilst even the runner up will pick up a cool £3,000 with a comforting £2,000 for the third placed installer with which to buy themselves a consolatory drink or two. But they will have to work to get there… The Master Fitter Challenge is set to be one of the key events at The FIT Show with BIG cash prizes on offer, business-building kudos and the sheer fun of competing against the best in the industry for the teams involved. Cheering and banner waving by what is expected to be a partisan audience will be encouraged! Enter online at www. fitshow.co.uk/master-fitterchallenge.

“We will find out exactly what the savings will be in the future but 25% looks easily achievable.” If saving your company money and recycling more of your waste would be of interest to you please contact Landfill Alternatives on 01295 810887 email info@landfillalternatives.co.uk or visit our website www.landfillalternatives.co.uk.

November 2012 – The UK’s Only Industry Newspaper

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RECRUITMENT

Recruitment Helping you find & place positions.

Norwich apprentice

wins award

A Norwich apprentice from Anglian Building Products is celebrating after scooping a top accolade. Daniel Gooch 19, who has been a fenestration apprentice with Anglian for a year, was awarded Fenestration of the Year by South Norwich MP Simon Wright at the recent Construction Training Specialist’s student awards. The award is in recognition of Daniel outstanding progress and hard work made during the first year of his apprenticeship. He has been gaining ‘ on the job’ experience in all aspects of fenestration which has seen him work alongside installers, resident liaison officers and contract managers on the current Norwich City Council window refurbishment contract.

meet new people. I was really chuffed to win the award and I hope to stay working in the industry for many years to come.’” Daniel Gooch, Anglian apprentice Anglian Contract Manager, Dave Banks commented “Daniel is a real team player and a delight to have working with us. He has demonstrated a professional ability to adapt to any situation and will always go that extra mile to get the job done. He is a real asset to the team and I am so pleased that his efforts have been duly recognised.” “Daniel has demonstrated that he has the up-most respect for the learning environment and coupled

with the desire to improve his knowledge and skill has progressed significantly to be worthy of this award.” “His work placement has supported him totally giving him opportunities to experience the site environment and to work alongside skilled operatives.” “Daniel has gained the respect of all individuals who work with him and I’m sure he will be able to sustain a career that will see his own aspirations achieved. We all wish him continued success.” Gavin Springall, Tutor at the Construction Training Specialists College. www.anglian-building.co.uk

On completion of his twoyear apprenticeship, Daniel will successfully gain a NVQ Level 2 in Fenestration Installation and Key Skills. “My apprenticeship has helped improve my confidence and provided an excellent opportunity for me to learn new skills and

Single Definition

of ‘Apprenticeship’ Needed, says FMB Government should follow the recommendation from MPs to provide a single definition of an apprenticeship to help restore the apprenticeship brand, said the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to today’s report from the Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee. MPs on the Committee have echoed a number of recommendations from the FMB in a report which recognises the crucial role of apprenticeships in providing valuable employment opportunities and supporting sustainable economic growth. The report also indentifies many sensible ways in which to reform the apprenticeship programme to help it succeed. The key recommendations made by the FMB and taken forward by the Committee include: • “It is generally agreed that a single definition is needed to clarify the apprenticeship brand and enable effective regulation. For that reason we recommend that the Department formulates a formal definition of an apprenticeship” (pg 17, paragraph 33). Apprenticeships are successful when they are employer led and the qualifications are designed to equip the learner with the skills required by the sector. Employers in the construction industry firmly believe apprenticeships are the best way to learn a trade and levels of satisfaction from learners and employers are high. A clear, single definition of an apprenticeship would help remove inequalities in funding, training standards and achievements across different sectors.

• “We recommend that the National Apprenticeship Service produces a longer-term strategy outlining how it intends to maintain and improve the apprenticeship brand” (pg 27, paragraph 60). The FMB has consistently argued that the volume of apprenticeships must not be prioritised over quality, and the apprenticeship brand must not be put at risk because of an inconsistent approach to provision. • “We recommend that the Department provides a detailed assessment of the impact that the funding structure has had on the take up of apprentices by age group” (pg 25, paragraph 52). The reduced funding available for 19+ apprenticeships limits the rate of progression in the construction industry to level 3 programmes and has a negative impact on the industry’s ability to meet its skills needs. The FMB would like to see a more flexible approach to delivery creating more opportunities for fully funded level 3 apprenticeships. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “I congratulate the Committee on a clear set of evidence-based recommendations. The Government has already demonstrated its commitment to supporting apprenticeships and its aspiration to raise their status to put them on an equal footing with university.” “Now we just need to ensure the commitment and the funding are applied in the most effective way possible. I hope the Government will carefully consider each of the Committee’s recommendations and I look forward to its formal response.”

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RECRUITMENT

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RECRUITMENT Deceuninck appoints Specification Manager Deceuninck has appointed Stephen Woodrow as its Specification Manager. His role will cover the south of the country and will involve working with specifiers and supporting commercial fabricators in tendering for contracts. Jon Skinner, Deceuninck Managing Director, said, “We are delighted that Stephen has joined the team. He has got a wealth of experience in the commercial and specification market that he will be bringing with him.” Stephen is similarly pleased to have joined the team, saying, “This is a great opportunity to work with a company whose product range is second to none and customer service adds further value.” Stephen’s background in the commercial market was with timber and composite material and he was keen to embrace the challenge that working with PVCu offered. “For too long, PVC-U has been the poor relation in the commercial sector. But that reputation is undeserved now and I’m looking forward to helping to change the perception with the

BRINGING A LITTLE FLAIR

Flair Plastic Products have recently appointed Adrian Keegan as their new strategic consultant, after 15 years on the sales side of the business.

excellent range of profile suites that are available from Deceuninck.” Products in the Deceuninck range such as the Deuctone process colours are tailor made for the commercial sector and combined with state of the art PVC-U windows and doors, the company has a formidable offering. Bringing Stephen on board will help bring that quality to more and more commercial projects. Tel: 01249 816969 www.deceuninck.co.uk

Flair Plastic Products have been a Kömmerling fabricator for many years and offer their C70 Gold, O70 Gold, bi-folding door and Premiline patio door systems, in addition to astrogal bars and a wide range of sealed units. The company is also in the process of launching the PremiDoor Lift and Slide door, which is capable of sash sizes up to 3 metres wide and 2.5 metres high and up to 4 sashes wide. Bringing a wealth of experience to the new role, Adrian is currently carrying out an analysis of Flair’s trade customers to date to develop a sales support strategy in order to assist their growth. Adrian Keegan comments: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to focus on supporting our trade customers and working closely with clients to help them realise their full potential. Our product range is second to none and I believe that we can put a growth programme in place for our valued customers.” Installers looking to switch to Flair are promised first class products, excellent service and a free showroom support package. For further information contact Flair on 0121 624 5001 or e- mail sales@flairwindows.com.

Glazerite announces

Fred Doodey as Regional Sales Manager Glazerite Windows Ltd has just announced the appointment of Fred Doodey as Regional Sales Manager for the South West, South Wales and the West Midlands. Jason Thompson, Glazerite’s Director said, “We are delighted that such a familiar face in the industry has joined the team. Fred’s vast experience in general and extensive knowledge of our product range will be a valuable asset to us.” As Jason says, Fred already has considerable experience of Glazerite’s products. This is thanks to a previous role with Glazerite’s systems house VEKA plc. Fred says, “My previous experience means I’m well aware of the quality and forward-thinking nature of Glazerite, so when the opportunity came up to join them, I jumped at the chance. I’m very proud to be working alongside the team at Glazerite and my knowledge of their range means I’ll be able to ‘hit the ground running’. Fred’s role will include developing and maintaining existing customer relationships as well as fostering new ones. Fred says, “I’m planning to meet or talk to as many customers

as I can in my first few months here. I’d like to say to all Glazerite customers in the South West, Sales Wales and the West Midlands area that I’m looking forward to working with them and if I haven’t already been in touch, rest assured, I will be soon.” Glazerite’s expansion in recent years to include bases in the South West and North West, as well as its head office in Northamptonshire demonstrates just how successful its combination of high quality products and exceptional customer service has been. The appointment of Fred Doodey as the Regional Account Manager for the South West, South Wales and the West Midlands demonstrates that the company intends to build on that success and bring the Glazerite standard to many more people. Tel: 01933 443222 www.glazeritewindows.co.uk

New appointments at Roseview Windows Following a strong period of business growth, Roseview Windows, the UK’s longest established fabricator of uPVC vertical sliding sash windows, has announced a number of new appointments and promotions within the company.

department dedicated to helping installers unfamiliar with sash windows successfully enter the market. The team guides new customers through their first few orders, making sure all the details are correct and providing technical and marketing support.

Rosie Bailey has been appointed as New Business Development Executive and is now working alongside Managing Director Willie Kerr in Roseview’s New Business Team. The New Business Team is a

Willie Kerr discusses Rosie’s appointment: “The New Business Team provides installers with a platform to successfully sell uPVC sash windows and Rosie has been a great addition to the team. We are taking on

new customers every week and Rosie has been doing a great job nurturing these new accounts and making sure they are well supported throughout.” Elsewhere the company has promoted Stacey Calvert from working within the Trade Sales department to Trade Sales Manager. Stacey will be the main point of contact for existing customers and will take over many of the responsibilities held by Byron Field, who has been promoted to National Sales Manager.

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Byron’s focus is now developing new accounts around the UK and promoting the benefits of Roseview’s innovative product range to a wider audience. Byron comments: “Stacey joined Roseview last year and she has been absolutely fantastic, working extremely hard and building a great rapport with customers. We had no hesitation in promoting her to Trade Sales Manager and she is already making the job her own. Stacey’s promotion has given me the opportunity

to take on this new role as National Sales Manager and continue Roseview’s growth nationwide.” Roseview Windows are the exclusive manufacturers of the Heritage Rose and Charisma Rose, two of the leading uPVC vertical sliding sash windows on the market today. The Heritage Rose is the only Rehau window on the market today available with run-through sash horns, making it ideal for conservation projects where timber aesthetics are so important.

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For more information on Roseview call on 0844 870 7178 or visit www.roseview.co.uk.

RECRUITMENT

Glen Kemp, Mayor Mike Thompson, Martyn Coxhead, Steve Milham (Whiteline MD), Joshua Mounce, James Gow, Aaron Hylands.

Whiteline Apprentices Opening Bright Futures

Sussex-based fabricator Whiteline is building upon its continued success by setting up a new apprenticeship scheme to help develop a workforce for the future.

The ambitious Eastbourne Company has recruited five youngsters to its initial intake of apprentices and they are already actively developing their skills and experience. A mixture of on-the- job learning and

formal training helps the group to blend theory with practice. The constant flow of innovations such as new Whiteline products, production improvements and customer initiatives provides a dynamic operational environment in which the recruits can learn quickly and flourish.

To celebrate the new scheme a celebratory event was held in the Whiteline showrooms,

L-R are Leighton Baitup, Production Manager; Martin Coxhead, Apprentice; Mike Thompson, Mayor; Stephen Lloyd, MP.

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attended by the apprentices, Eastbourne MP Stephen Lloyd, Mayor of Eastbourne Councillor Mike Thompson, dignitaries, press and other staff.

A factory tour was a popular element of the day, especially as the new FlushSASH range is now featuring heavily in the expanding production schedule.

MP Mr Lloyd said: “I am very pleased to have the opportunity to visit Whiteline and to meet everyone involved in this employment success story.”

Tel: 01323 723724 www.whiteline.co.uk

Aaron Hylands, James Gow, Joshua Mounce, Steve Milham (Whiteline MD), Mayor Mike Thompson, Martyn Coxhead, Ben Morton, Glen Kemp, Stephen Lloyd MP.

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GLASS PEOPLE

VEKA helps Valuable Funds Theo make his big leap!

VBH Golf Day Raises Hardware company VBH recently held a charity golf day in aid of Great Ormond Street and Birmingham Children’s Hospitals.

Modplan team takes 100,000 steps for charity A team from leading VEKA trade fabricator Modplan has just raised £1,100 for local charity St David’s Hospice Care by undertaking the 3 Peaks of Wales Challenge. Even on paper, the challenge sounds daunting: climb the three highest peaks in Wales – Mount Snowdon, Cadair Idris and Pen-y-Fan in a single day. And the statistics show just how daunting it was. It was the equivalent of going up and down the Eiffel Tower 6.5 times (or up 3,200 windows!) – a total of 6,500 feet. It involved 100,000 footsteps at an average gradient of 1:15. Each member of the team burned 6,000 calories, so it was hardly surprising that they consumed between 50 and 70 bottles of Lucozade and countless Mars bars between them! The challenge took 15 hours from start to finish. The Modplan team was made up of Brian Edwards, Operations Director, Jason Thomas, Shane Jenkins, Matthew Lewis, Callum Jenkins, Julian Hughes, Wayne Curtis, Jonathan Morgan (who completed the challenge in 5 hours 41 minutes, one of the fastest times on the day), David

Osborne, Matthew Emanuel and Lyn Jones. Brian Edwards said, “It was an exhausting day, but to be doing it to raise money for such a worthwhile charity made it all worthwhile – thank you to everyone who sponsored us, your donation will be going to a very worthy cause. I should also say a particular thank you to Modplan who donated the hire of the minibus, VEKA UK and SFS Intec for contributing to the cost of fuel, and Total Workwear for the T shirts we wore.” St. David’s Hospice Care has grown to become the UK’s largest provider of hospice at home care, caring for over 2,600 patients and families every year. It works alongside patients and hopes to support them at the most difficult times of their lives. It aims to ensure that patients have choice about the care they receive and helping them to maintain dignity throughout their journey is paramount to the charity. It also helps family members by offering support and advice, taking away the uncertainty and fears that loved ones have to cope with. Tel: 01495 246844 www.modplan.co.uk

The hospitals were chosen as they are currently taking good care of Jodie, the granddaughter of a VBH staff member, and Matthew, the son of one of VBH’s close industry friends. Over 40 golfers from customers, suppliers and VBH converged on sunny Leicestershire in the summer for a round of golf followed by dinner and an auction. Over £4000 was raised, primarily through very generous sponsorship by key VBH suppliers Hoppe, Maco UK, Roto-Frank, SiegeniaAubi, Strand Hardware and Yale.

The auction also proved a hit with people grabbing some real bargains including Olympic, cricket and football tickets, sports memorabilia, a lunch cruise on the Thames and much more. The money raised was split equally between the 2 hospitals and VBH Marketing Manager Gary Gleeson remarked ‘The golfers had a great day and we were very grateful that so many of them took time out from their busy schedules to so generously support our worthwhile causes.’ Tel: 01634 263263

MORE 4 HOPE As well as the recent launch of Hope 66 by GM Fundraising, the industry’s preferred charity also used the event to present Hope House Children’s Hospices with a cheque for £65,212.47p. GM Fundraising was set up in 1995 by Gary Morton, a well-known industry figurehead. Over the last 17 years, GM Fundraising has become the charity of choice for the glazing industry and is supported by a dedicated team of volunteers. Over the years the team have put together charity golf days, gala dinners and more recently a number of cycling challenges. In 2013 a team of 15 riders and 6 support crew will tackle a 2,616 journey across the iconic Route 66 in the USA, branded as ‘Hope 66’ in just 14 days and this has been generously supported by Mighton Products. The route from Chicago to Santa Monica will take riders across the desert in Arizona and over the Rocky Mountains, along with a 100 mile day for each rider across the desert to Amarillo.

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This latest cheque from the charity will take the total raised to over £850,000 with a view to passing the magical £1mliion barrier in the next 18 months. Gary Morton, founder and chairman of GM Fundraising comments: “We’re delighted to hand over such a large cheque to Hope House. More than ever the families they support need our help and we can achieve that with the continued generosity from the industry.”

Industry-leading PVC-U profile manufacturer VEKA has presented a cheque worth £1100 to nine-yearold cerebral palsy-sufferer Theo Bishop. Theo and his family, from Rawtensall, have been fundraising tirelessly for several years to pay for a life-changing operation that could only be carried out in America. Theo has now had the SDR operation (Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy) which has enabled him to walk much more freely, but he still faces continuing physiotherapy and further trips to America

“I think the staff at VEKA deserve be very proud of themselves for contributing to such a valuable cause, and we wish Theo all the best with his ongoing treatment.”

- both of which require funding. Dave Jones, MD of the VEKA UK Group, met Theo to present the cheque: “Theo's obviously a very brave young man and here at VEKA we are very happy to have helped contribute to his family's amazing fundraising efforts. There have been a variety of things going on here at VEKA to help raise vital funds for Theo, including a sponsored slim for the staff, various collections, charity envelopes collected at Turf Moor and generous donations from our Works Committee. “I think the staff at VEKA deserve be very proud of themselves for contributing to such a valuable cause, and we wish Theo all the best with his ongoing treatment.” Learn more about Theo, his condition and his treatment at www.theosbigleap.org.uk where you can also donate securely. Tel: 01282 716611 www.vekauk.com

To add your support to Hope 66, log on to www. justgiving.com/teams/ hope66 where you can pledge your support to the team or even individual rider. For the latest update, follow on Twitter @ gmfundraising or log on to www.gmfundraising.co.uk.

The GM Fundraising team with Alison March and Andy Goldsmith from Hope House.

Dave Jones presents the cheque to Theo.

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GREEN DEAL

GGF Welcomes Green Deal cash

£125m Green Deal back welcome but does not go far enough, says FMB

Cash Back

The Glass and Glazing Federation welcomed the recent Government announcement on a new Green Deal Cash Back Scheme that will offer hundreds of pounds cash back to householders in England and Wales who make energy saving home improvements under the Green Deal from January 2013.

Under the Green Deal Cash Back Scheme the Glass and Glazing sector rates are: • Window replacement – single glazed to A rated £20 per square metre up to £320 maximum payment. • Doors - £40 per door. • Secondary glazing - £15 per metre squared up to £230 maximum payment. Nigel Rees, GGF Group Chief Executive commented, “It is good to see the Government offer homeowners this

Ed Davey.

kind of incentive to take up Green Deal. Though we welcome this news, we still remain cautious over the implementation of Green Deal and our Members’ concerns on areas such as access, inclusion, bureaucracy and VAT disparity are still unresolved.” “We will continue to lobby Government on these issues and continue to advise Members to become Green Deal Certified via FENSA, so they will be in a position to accept Green Deal work should opportunities arise early next year.” To read the full Department of Energy and Climate Change Press Statement on the Green Deal Cash Back Scheme please visit DECC’s website: http://www.decc. gov.uk/en/content/cms/ news/pn12_127/pn12_127. aspx. A Quick Guide summarising the Green Deal Cash Back is also available online at: http://www.decc.gov.uk/ assets/decc/11/tacklingclimate-change/greendeal/6715-the-green-dealcashback-for-energy-saving. pdf.

Nigel Rees.

The Government’s newly announced £125 million worth of cash back payments for households who take early advantage of the Green Deal is a welcome incentive for helping the scheme get under way according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). However, with a cap of £1,000 cash back per household for energy efficiency improvements, this money may only cover as few as 125,000 homes which is a fraction of the 14 million homes the Government hopes will be upgraded under the Green Deal by 2020. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “It’s encouraging to see the Government committing to new ways of incentivising the general public to take advantage of the Green Deal. However, there is still more work to be done to

“The scale of the task of upgrading the UK’s existing buildings is immense and so the Government must pull as many levers as possible.”

help the scheme to realise its full potential. The scale of the task of upgrading the UK’s existing buildings is immense and so the Government must pull as many levers as possible.” Berry continued: “Little has so far been done to encourage people to make energy efficiency improvements to their homes outside of the Green Deal. Ministers should take heed – the Green Deal scheme will not appeal to everyone, with some preferring to finance the work upfront. The Government must therefore also look at ways of encouraging these people to embark on energy efficiency improvements or else risk falling far short of its 80% carbon reduction targets by 2050.” “December’s Autumn Statement would be an ideal opportunity for the Chancellor to announce a range of fiscal incentives for energy efficiency measures.” Berry concluded: “In terms of the cash back scheme itself, its success will heavily depend on how the offer is promoted to consumers. Green Deal Providers, Local Authorities and indeed Green Deal accredited local builders must all do their bit to help get the message out there.”

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Glass News wants to hear from you. Feel free to get in touch with your views on the industry, legislation, government, or even the newspaper. Dear Christina, Mandatory CE Marking: where to find help The end of 2012 is now firmly insight, and the deadline (01 July 2013) for compulsory CE Marking is drawing ever closer. So we were heartened to see the Glass and Glazing Federation’s (GGF) recent announcement that it has established a range of comprehensive support to help ensure compliance. It is essential in times of change that the industry knows it has support from those representing it. We definitely applaud the Federation’s efforts in raising awareness of this looming deadline, particularly as it is something that we have been publically discussing for some years now – in the face of resistance from some camps. However, we were slightly disappointed to discover, upon visiting the Q&A section dedicated to CE Marking on the GGF’s website, the following advice for non-members: “The GGF have developed an area within the Members area of the GGF website to help and guide manufacturers through the Construction Products Regulation (CPR), declaration of performance and CE marking. If you are not a member we suggest you read the CPR, buy the relevant harmonised product standards and decide your best course of action.” It is a shame that an organisation which has so well represented the whole industry (rather than its members alone) during its work surrounding the Green Deal, should have taken this somewhat inclusive approach when it comes to CE Marking. While we understand that its first priority must be to ensure members are compliant with the new regulations, we hope that their advice and guidance will extend industry wide in the very near future. Currently, a little known fact is that installers of windows who buy frames and units separately will be deemed to be manufacturers. In order to assist these window installers, CENSolutions is producing a manual which provides advice and guidance on the whole CE Marking process. This will be available as a free download from our website for anyone who enters their company details to receive a password. For Window Fabricators, IGU and Safety Glass manufacturers we are also happy to provide free verbal technical advice wherever we can. Yours sincerely Michael Gaillard, Joint Managing Director, CENSolutions Ltd

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The Thoughts of the Basman It’s so important that

the recovery playing field is level

As we approach the end of 2012, we have heard the long awaited news that the country has started to recover from the recession. Whilst in some quarters this has been seen as a little premature, there are signs that it just may have some truth in it. The order books are starting to show signs of growth, the lead count has increased. People are out looking in the various showrooms, not just for Double Glazing but all large retail outlets for goods across the whole of the retail spectrum. This can speak volumes for the overall confidence of the consumer’s nationally.

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It has been extremely difficult for lots of companies to keep the proverbial balls in the air whilst they have worked through the difficult periods of the last couple of years. It is now commonplace in many small and medium firms to have to approach the VAT and NI/TAX in a very different way. It is far easier to find a small amount of money from under pressure cash flow to meet these obligations monthly as opposed to quarterly as in the past. I must commend the way the government bodies have approached this and the way they have helped the companies to manage their way through. On reflection in the past the government collection agencies showed little compassion in these matters. It was pay us by the due date or suffer the consequences. I am pleased that common sense has ultimately prevailed. This

willingness to help those that communicate their problems, negotiate a repayment plan and stick to it should continue to be helped through the recovery and beyond. It will make everyone far easier to deal with when can see the help forthcoming and not snatched away. This willingness to work together has also saved a lot of jobs being lost to the consequences of overzealous officials Given that we as a nation have worked, to ensure that the bigger picture has been adhered to, too help with the recovery. I am appalled to read about the large international companies who are driving a bus through our tax laws. What is far more difficult to stomach is it appears that our government is doing nothing about them. It is beyond most people’s comprehension that companies like Starbucks, EBay, Yahoo, Vodafone and the group that includes Topshop/Topman would need to use places like Luxembourg and Switzerland to avoid paying their legitimate taxes in the UK. Whilst I find this whole thing to be abhorrent, to see the market leader in sales of coffee turnover 1.2 billion pounds and then enter into a tax avoidance scheme is shameful. The little people, us, can feel the playing field moving. In fact if it were a pinball machine we would be on permanent tilt. Our voices alone will not be enough. A boycott of the

goods and services would not be enough. I frankly cannot see without government action what can be done. I do know however if it were you or me, on a given date (set by a government collection agency) we would be stopped trading, goods and chattels seized and a date for court action set. A man, far wiser than me once told me “just remember that those who practice today as insolvency practitioners are tomorrow’s tax advisers”. That is ringing loudly in my ears as I contemplate the recovery that is surly coming over the next year or so. It is important that we talk up the recovery and all work to keep it on course. I would like to believe that the loopholes in the tax system will be plugged and this action reported through the national media. As the balance is addressed I like most of you cannot wait until the playing field to recovery starts to level out. @TheBasMan for twitter.

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