Glass News April 2013 by Christina Shaw

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper FIT SHOW VISITORS GUIDE – PAGE 9

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

CE MARKING – PAGE 51

Flair Plastic Products will be exhibiting at the FIT Show at the entrance of hall 3 on stand 01 and will be offering visitors the chance to win a Kömmerling PremiLine patio door.

PRODUCT NEWS – PAGE 71

Everglade Windows, the number one fabricator for installer support, held its highly successful CE Marking Sorted! conference on 14 March.

Pearl Launch Liniar Dealership

throughout the UK

Jeff Walsh of Pearl Window Systems speaks exclusively to Glass News…

Tell us about the Liniar Dealership... “Recognising the need for a close working relationship and the potential to develop our customers business we are pleased to announce the launch of our new Liniar Dealer Network. Keen to work with all our clients to bond a long-term relationship and learn from each other, The Liniar Dealership allows us to share our achievements, and to improve on the day to day running of our mutual businesses, crucial in any operation. Our recent activities have seen the development of Liniar Dealer’s throughout the UK, securing ten partners in the first month from launch.” Jeff continues: “Wanting to maximise and promote our extensive product range and allow customers to benefit from the popularity of the Liniar profile, we are now looking to secure partnerships with dealers in other areas, throughout the UK. Becoming a Liniar Dealer ensures you have access to the latest products, we also help you with lead generation through advertising both in trade publications and the internet. We are confident you will reap the benefits of promoting these new and exciting products.”

Why become A Liniar Dealer? “Our entire dealer network will be provided with software to help streamline their operation; this will enable busy installers

to have access to electronic ordering and pricing and also allows bespoke invoicing and delivery note paperwork to be generated. Our on site and telephone support will allow our dealers to have control quickly of a full range of products to price and order electronically.”

“The inclusion of our dealers within network advertisements will give customers the perfect opportunity to maximise trade business in their local area. We believe brand awareness is key to success in every sector. Full product training is also on hand to help, and is just one of the many benefits of the overall partnership package on offer.”

Why have you launched the Scheme? “With an ever increasing need to gain strength in our market sector, choices are so important together with flexibility and choosing the right partners in the supply chain.” “From the initial extrusion processes through to manufacturing of windows and doors, to the product being installed for the end consumer, acknowledging this process is easy but finding the correct partners is the difficult part. As the industry is evolving we need to stay ahead of our competitors.” The Liniar Dealership is looking for likeminded trade outlets who have the same passion and desire to not only expand their business but also remain stable during the difficult trading periods we have seen in recent years. We are keen to introduce our products and services and demonstrate not

only our strengths but demonstrate that we have selected the right supply partners ourselves to cater for their every need from start to finish. Continued on page 4...

Issue 25 | April 2013

Totali Timber Solutions now offer both a slimline timber and hybrid bi-folding door solution, with each option packed with features and benefitting from a proven pedigree for beauty.

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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Demise & Growth?

Competition is healthy, of this there is no doubt. If you were the only supplier, your standards and products would be accepted, but there would be no growth, no development, no improvement. To be the only one would be a very lonely place, and as all of those in business know, its our competitors which keep us on our toes, keep us striving to be better than they are. With CE Marking quickly closing in on the industry, glass manufacturers now

March Winners! Sudoku: Adam West, Messingham, Scunthorpe Crossword: Mr D Hankey, Redditch Spot The Difference: Janet Goulding, Kent Eye Spy: Frank Higgin, Sheffield

realise that the larger fabricators are using CE Marking as an opportunity to sell their installers glass as well as the frame, to avoid the installer falling short of the requirements being laid upon them. Whilst the fabricator will still need to buy in its glass (unless of course they start producing their own) - this could mean that many of the smaller glass companies will be put out of business. Their competitors have suddenly increased tenfold, and its not necessarily other glass companies who are now taking their business, its their former friend, the fabricator! The fabricator will buy in from the larger suppliers to get the price. Installers who currently buy in separately now want to buy from one

supplier but are worried about the profit margin, so if the fabricator wants to remain competitive it will have to get its glass for less. What should the glass company do in this situation? Will we see the demise of the specialist glass manufacturer?

“The fabricator will buy in from the larger suppliers to get the price. Installers who currently buy in separately now want to buy from one supplier but are worried about the profit margin.”

CONTENTS: Christina X

Front Cover Story

Glass People

Got Something To Say?

Email us at: christina@glassnews.co.uk

FIT Show Visitors Guide

Marketing & Business Expansion

Trade News

Time Out!

43 Environmental Issues 46

CE Marking

Reader Survey

Triple Glazing

Find A Supplier

Ecobuild Review

Comment Piece: Double Glazing Blogger

Product News

71 Letters 72 Recruitment

Please scan the QR code below to go to our website

Contact details: Publisher & Owner: Christina Shaw E: christina@glassnews.co.uk Tel: 01302 246122 Mob: 07805 051322 Editorial & Press Release Enquiries: Christina Shaw E: christina@glassnews.co.uk Tel: 01302 246122 Mob: 07805 051322

Congratulations to all our winners! Good Luck in this months Time Out pages!

Graphic Design: hook-a-duck

Last months crossword solution

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

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

80 Monthly Horoscopes

With thanks to our contributors: Danny Basden, Double Glazing Blogger, Balls 2 Marketing, BuildCheck and Mila. Deadline for copy: 28th of each month glassnews™ is a registered Trademark.

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The views contained herein are not necessarily those of glassnews™ and whilst every effort is made to ensure information throughout is correct, glassnews™ does not accept liability for errors. The views expressed by contributors and the content of letters, are not necessarily those of glassnews™ and therefore cannot take responsibility. The paper we use is 100% recycled. Please recycle this newspaper so we can continue to use recycling in our effort to help the environment.

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FRONT COVER STORY Continued from page 1... We feel that by providing and sustaining a strong supply chain is the key to everyone’s success. Embracing this in 2012 saw a 20% growth in production for Pearl Window Systems, which has opened the gates for further advances now and in the future. Our aim is to share our experiences as much a possible in exchange for a long term relationship and supply chain, we are happy to share our processes and technology together with an open ear to our customer’s demands that will hopefully carry a long term benefit for both parties.

How does the selection process work? We have chosen to partner initially with customers who have a proven track record. We are then able to demonstrate our commitment to potential new clients having had a trading period with our existing clients. Having said that 2 of the 6 dealers are relatively new customers who have already seen our enthusiasm and believe we are perfectly placed within the market to unravel a national network of Liniar Dealer throughout to UK, and make it a huge success.

Glass News interviews the first Liniar Dealer... Rapid Frame Supplies of Grimsby are one of the first Companies to sign a five-year partnership with The Liniar

“We have chosen to partner initially with customers who have a proven track record. We are then able to demonstrate our commitment to potential new clients having had a trading period with our existing clients.”

Dealership. We asked Jeff to comment on why Rapid have been chosen and we also spoke to Tim Cattell, Sales Director of Rapid. Here are the comments:

Rapid Frame Supplies Jeff Walsh: “I’ve known Tim since 1989 and we’ve had an excellent relationship since then. Pearl was established in 1999 and Tim was only too pleased to come on board from our very conception. Since that time Tim has become a consistent trade distributor of Pearls products. Recognising the imminent opportunities I have presented Tim with, in regard to the Liniar product, he is extremely focused on expanding his own trade customers. We believe this can be achieved by becoming a Liniar Dealership trade counter.” Having supplied the trade with pvcu windows, doors & conservatories for a number of years, Rapid Frame Supplies now stock up to 200 frames per week. Tim Cattell comments: “Pearl have always delivered the correct products to me on time and with a minimum of fuss. All my points of contact are friendly and helpful; nothing seems to be any bother for them. In the event that I need technical assistance, it’s always available. Any problems, which rarely occur, are dealt with quickly and efficiently. The Liniar Dealership scheme will serve to reinforce the bond between our two companies, forging an even stronger partnership.” For more information on The Liniar Dealership please do not hesitate to contact Darren Southern Naylor on 01942 840512 alternatively email liniardealers@pearlwindows.co.uk. More Liniar dealer interviews to follow in the May edition of Glass News! Offer is subject to status, contract approval and volume related purchases.

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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VISITORS GUIDE

The Telford International Centre | Telford 16 | 17 | 18 April 2013

Come & see us at the FIT Show!

£100 OF FREE LEADS!

ONLY FROM QUOTATIS! ONLY AT THE FIT SHOW!

Stand 1-412

We are serving refreshments all day, every day. Call onto the stand to meet the team and for your chance to win an iPad 2, two Makita drills or £50 worth of M&S Vouchers. Over £600 worth of prizes to be won.

ALL SOLD OUT! Waiting list started as last stand booked at The FIT Show with visitor stats showing installers and fabricators are largest visitor group to register For the third time since The FIT Show was launched in February 2012, the organisers have announced that every exhibition stand has been sold. But this time there is no additional space to extend into. The original allocation was sold out within weeks of the event being launched and additional space within the main halls was opened up to provide an extra 600 metres2. This was sold within a few weeks following which the decision to add a fourth hall to the floor plan. The last available stand was taken by Birminghambased Safe French Doors, bringing the total number of exhibitors to more than 170 in four halls at

The International Centre Telford. Several further enquiries have since been received and a waiting list has now been started. However, no ‘drop-outs’ are expected at this stage of the event. . The four halls of exhibitors are complemented by 24 half-hour FIT for Business Seminars which are free for visitors, three days of Interactive presentations in The FIT Theatre, the finals of The Master Fitter Challenge and much more. The programme will present a planning problem to visitors, with many expected to return for a second visit during the event. “When we planned The FIT Show we believed that we had provided more than enough exhibition space,” explained Paul Godwin, Managing Director of The FIT Show. “It is true to say that we underestimated the demand for space but

the result is the best event for the window, door and conservatory industry for many years.”

Visitor statistics The announcement coincides with the availability of statistics that show that by mid March a fraction under 62% of visitors registering in advance to attend The FIT Show are installers and fabricators of windows, doors and conservatories. The balance comprises a mix of disciplines including architects, builders and contractors, private and public sector specifiers and the ‘trade’, including component suppliers. “The close targeting of The FIT Show marketing is attracting the right sort of people and in the right numbers,” added Paul. “Obviously we will not know until the doors open on the 16th, 17th and

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Exhibition space at The FIT Show is now officially sold out and installers are the biggest single group registering to attend.

18th of April but signs are very encouraging indeed, particularly as exhibitors themselves are working so hard to market the event. In my experience Glassex never enjoyed such support and commitment from its exhibitors.” The FIT Show is being held at The International Centre Telford from 16th to 18th April 2013. More information on the seminars and how to register to beat the queues can be found at www.fitshow.co.uk.

If the only stand you visit at The FIT Show is Quotatis, it will be worth your while – Guaranteed. For Quotatis, Europe’s biggest online sales lead generator for the home improvement industries, is giving away £100 of qualified sales leads to any visitor signing up at the show – which could result in orders worth thousands! And the only catch is you won’t get another chance to take advantage of this extraordinary offer, as it won’t be repeated. Quotatis’ Marketing Manager Tom Crosswell explains: “You might think we're crazy to give away our service for free, but we're extremely confident that our customer enquiries will give you extra business. This means you'll see the benefits of working with us to help you grow your business completely free of charge with no risk whatsoever.” Quotatis does of course need to know who to send the leads to and so visitors

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will have to sign up. But, says the company, it will not require anyone to match the amount, add money to top up or even continue with the account if they are not totally smitten by the service and of course, the quality of sales leads supplied. Quotatis also insists that the contacts will be from the company’s regular bank of fresh, qualified sales leads. The Quotatis £100 of Free Leads offer will be available only for the three days of The FIT Show to visitors to the Quotatis stand 2-428.

“You might think we’re crazy to give away our service for free, but we’re extremely confident that our customer enquiries will give you extra business.” STAND 2-428

VISITORS GUIDE

The Telford International Centre | Telford 16 | 17 | 18 April 2013

DATES ANNOUNCED FOR THE FIT SHOW 2014 AND ONWARDS June 10, 11, 12 2014. Those are the dates set by the organisers of The FIT Show for the next outing of the event that has taken the window, door and conservatory industry by storm, announced exactly two weeks before the inaugural show takes place at The International Centre, Telford. Thereafter, The FIT Show will take place every two years, a decision taken following anecdotal and quantitative research carried out during the past few months. A venue for 2016 has yet to be confirmed. The dates have been chosen, says FIT Show co-founder Paul Godwin

“to ensure we enjoy the momentum and buzz of the launch show”. Further explaining the decision making process for the new dates he added: “In organising exhibitions such as The FIT Show it is necessary to plan far into the future to ensure we get the very best dates, whilst also taking into account other events, bank holidays, the availability of the venue and of course, financial cycles. “We are fully aware of course that the market wants to see how well this year’s event goes, but we have to have plans in place for the future. The marketing and promotional

campaign for this years FIT Show is probably the most expensive and intensive the industry has ever seen and certainly for an event. In a fortnight’s time we will know if it’s also the most successful. “Of course we believe it will be as the industry has backed The FIT Show so solidly. We will make sure that every FIT Show that follows has the same buzz.” This years inaugural FIT Show takes place on the 16th, 17th and 18th April, at The International Centre, Telford. For further details about visiting please go to www.fitshow.co.uk.

The International Centre, Telford will be the venue once again for The FIT Show when it takes place in June 2014.

Companies interested in exhibiting in 2014 should contact Jason Wootton Sales Director, on 07854 131050.

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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VISITORS GUIDE

The Telford International Centre | Telford 16 | 17 | 18 April 2013

ECO i-PANEL

THE STAR OF SHOW FOR TUFFX For TuffX, the FIT Show will provide the ideal platform to highlight key benefits from the entire portfolio of products on Stand 3-360 in April 2013. The eco i-Panel however, will take centre stage and be at the heart of the company’s profiling campaign at the Telford exhibition. After recent extensive research and development alongside world renowned glass companies, TuffX will be placing focus on the new insulated spandrel panel for commercial applications and residential developments. The exhibition will give visitors their first chance to see the innovative eco i-Panel that combines aesthetics with exceptional high performance, offering an insulation value as low as 0.17. The flagship product has been redeveloped by

the company as a niche alternative for architectural and curtain walling installations. With an overall thickness which starts from just 28mm the eco i-Panel can be produced in most RAL colours and fitted directly into existing glazing systems. Everyone from installers to architects and specifiers through to local authority representatives can evaluate, first-hand, the ingenious product which is available exclusively from the company. The innovative spandrel panel incorporates a high performance insulated core encased between two panels of toughened, screen printed glass. Furthermore, the eco i-Panel offers incredible performance values within its slimline profile which is guaranteed to conform to all

existing and future Building Regulation requirements. The concept brings a broader dynamic to commercial applications with many size and colour options available that all conform to current European safety standards. Additionally the product has been rigorously tested to guarantee a sizeable carbon footprint reduction and meticulously designed to decrease installation time and consequently reduce labour costs. Graham Price, Managing Director, TuffX Processed Glass comments, “We have developed a product alongside other recognized industry professionals that offers performance and aesthetic benefits that are unmatched in the industry today. With green issues becoming increasingly more important every day, eco i-Panel brings a striking, new

Dempsey Dyer & Maco in FIT Show ‘lock in’ Pontefract based trade fabricator Dempsey Dyer has teamed up with their long standing R&D partner, world leading hardware supplier Maco, and prepared a series of product launches in time for the FIT Show. Maco will be showcasing their new ZTA locking system in

doors supplied by Dempsey Dyer, while Dempsey Dyer will be displaying their new 3D adjustable door hinge, which was developed in exclusive partnership with Maco. The new ZTA locking system is the latest evolution within the ‘Maco Protect’ door lock program and offers

the very best in convenience and security. The lock is available in two guises – with and without an electrical opening – and the major benefit is how the lock auto engages all the hook bolts when you close the door, maintaining the sash compression into the frame

dynamic to energy-saving refurbishment and lowcarbon design.” TuffX has always taken a progressive industry approach to innovation and is recognised for repeatedly invigorating the market. This will also be reflected at the show where the full benefits of products from the range will be highlighted, including the advantages of the popular AmbiMax superlength glass units as well as a number of specialist processed glass products. For more information on the eco i-Panel or any products in the TuffX range please visit the website www. tuffxprocessedglass.co.uk. STAND 3-360

VISITOR STATS EMERGE FOR THE FIT SHOW AS REGISTRATIONS GROW As advanced registrations by visitors grow at a rate of more than 100 a day just over a month from the opening day of The FIT Show (16th-18th April 2013) a fascinating geographical profile grows that proves the national status of the event. From more than 3,600 visitors registered by early March analysis shows that visitors are attending from all parts of the UK, with a proportionately large number of visitors intending to travel from the South East. In addition to the UK figures more than 200 overseas visitors have registered with a large proportion of these hailing from Ireland. • South East – 28.4% • Midlands – 25.2% • North West – 14.1% • South West – 11.8% • North East – 11.3% • Wales – 5.9% • Scotland – 1.8% • Northern Ireland – 1% The FIT Show’s Matthew Glover says that the statistics are roughly in line with other national, centrallybased events: “The key thing about the pre-registered visitor statistics is that they are unremarkable, quite normal and to a large degree reflecting regional population breakdowns and visitor patterns. For example, and meaning there is no need to lock the door by ‘throwing’ the handle. Maco will display the lock in a Dempsey Dyer timber and Beaumont composite door, enabling them to demonstrate the lock with and without electrical opening. Dempsey Dyer managing director Peter Dyer comments: “The ZTA locking system is a superb product, I really think the high end market in particular has been crying out for a locking mechanism of this nature for some time, and I’m delighted

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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The FIT Show’s Matthew Glover: “Visitors are registering at more than 100 a day.”

it would appear that whilst the Midlands is important for the broader location of the venue, the precise location is not. “More to the point is that visitors are registering in advance at a rate of more than 100 a day, obviously peaking according to key breaking marketing initiatives and growing significantly as we approach the event. In a sector that has previously been regarded as somewhat ‘technophobic’ we have found the opposite: that the UK window, door and conservatory industry is as advanced as any when it comes to use of the Internet. We still expect the bulk of our visitors to turn up and register on the day however, despite the very encouraging pre-registrations.” The FIT Show is being held at The International Centre Telford from 16th to 18th April 2013. More information on the seminars and how to register to beat the queues can be found at www.fitshow.co.uk. Maco have chosen to use our doors for the FIT Show display. This will give us greater exposure at the show and I’m sure visitors to the stand will be impressed by what they see on both our stands. To see the new ZTA locking system and the new 3D adjustable door hinge, visit Dempsey Dyer at stand 3-020 & Maco at stand 4-200 – don’t miss out!” Tel: 01977 649641 STAND 3-020

VISITORS GUIDE

The Telford International Centre | Telford 16 | 17 | 18 April 2013

FUN, FIT & FLAIR

Flair Plastic Products will be exhibiting at the FIT Show at the entrance of hall 3 on stand 01 and will be offering visitors the chance to win a Kömmerling PremiLine patio door, along with displaying an impressive range of products.

The Sutton Coldfield based fabricator will be showing off a number of Kömmerling systems within a conservatory environment including a 4metre bi-folding door, 4 metre lift and slide PremiDoor, 3 metre 2 pain PremiLine patio door and an O70 Gold casement window with run through sash horns. Each of these products is based on profiles from the German systems giant that have been extruded with their exclusive and proven lead free compound, Greenline. Throughout the duration of the show, Flair will be offering visitors the chance to tackle the ‘buzz wire’ and those completing it successfully within the time will be placed in a draw to win an impressive PremiLine patio door. Adrian, Marie and Sharon will be there for the duration of the show, representing the company’s family run and customer focused approach, which has seen the company grow into a major player over the last 18 months. Adrian Keegan, strategic consultant for Flair Plastic Products comments: ‘The FIT Show is

Flair’s newly refurbished showroom.

fundamentally important to us as a business and we have a great product range to show off to visitors. We’ve also added a small element of fun to the stand and welcome both new and existing customers.’ Why not visit Adrian and the team on stand 3-01 to find out more about Flair Plastic Products where installers are promised first class products, excellent customer service and a free showroom support package. For further information contact Flair on 0121 624 5001 or e- mail sales@flairwindows.com. STAND 3-01

ALL NEW APEER-RANCE Apeer Doors – the ‘Rolls Royce’ of composite doorsets - is set to ‘steel’ the show when it unveils a completely new look at this year’s FIT exhibition. Already regarded as the most advanced door entrance system on the market, the new Apeer collection will capitalise on the company’s comprehensive in-house manufacturing capability, including its own glass studio. This allows Apeer to be one of the most flexible and innovative brands in the business. And the soon-to-be-

“The new range will be made to the same high spec as all Apeer 70 doors and come with the usual 10-year structural guarantee.”

revealed new range will offer an unrivalled choice of designled styles that showcases the company’s full breadth of production abilities. Said Apeer md Asa McGillian: “Quite simply, the collection we are getting ready to launch will be one of the most exciting things to happen to composite doors in 10 years. What we are doing is going to be different to anything out there.” The new range will be made to the same high spec as all Apeer 70 doors and come with the usual 10-year structural guarantee and full choice of standard, premium, heritage and bespoke colours. As manufacturers of fully-bespoke entrance systems, Apeer’s advanced design-and-order software, Doorbuilder, has become an invaluable tool selling for fabricators and installers. A fully updated version will

be ready for the FIT show. In 2011 Apeer set a new standard in construction with the first ever all-glass reinforced plastic (GRP) composite doorset with an all-GRP inner sash, replacing the UPVC sash with fibre glass. Apeer 70 doors have also been officially recognised as ‘Energy A Rated.’ STAND 1-370

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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VISITORS GUIDE

The Telford International Centre | Telford 16 | 17 | 18 April 2013

WATCH THIS SPACE The 48sqm of stand 1-175 at the first ever FIT Show is not the only space that Conservatory Outlet has acquired this year; the fabricator has also vastly increased the size of its Wakefield-based factory by adding another 10,000 sqft to accommodate the production of a third system. Located in a premises known as ‘The Cutting Room’, owing to its previous purpose as a shirtmakers, Conservatory Outlet operations director Michael Giscombe runs a seamless operation which sees over 1,300 frames leave the building every week – predominantly Synseal Synerjy frames, accompanied with an ever increasing number of Residence 9 flush sash products. However, the acquisition of the additional production space paves the way for the manufacture of a new aluminium suite, made from a system that the extruders will be supplying solely to Conservatory Outlet, meaning that the finished product will be one that is genuinely exclusive to the Conservatory Outlet Network of Dealers. This new range will be launched at the now imminent FIT Show on Stand 1-175, which will also provide the backdrop for Conservatory Outlet to meet those installers who are perfectly placed to join the Network of Dealers and benefit from not just exclusive products, but tried and tested retail marketing support that some Conservatory Outlet dealers have been enjoying for nearly eight years.

Michael Giscombe.

for the forecasted demand of all three systems that the fabricator now boasts. Preparing for the launch at FIT Show, operations director Michael Giscombe said; ‘When we reviewed our product range in relation to customer demand it became clear that we needed a solution for homeowners specifying aluminium. But we came up with much more than a solution and have instead worked very hard to deliver a suite of products that is both new and exclusive.’ Michael’s co-director Greg Kane, heading up sales and marketing, added: ‘We’ll apply the same marketing formula to the aluminium range that has stood us, and our customers, in such good stead for many years and, once again, both parties will prosper.’ Tel: 01924 239813 www.conservatoryoutletdealers.co.uk

The factory extension has already been furnished with an array of machinery, and extra manpower has been recruited to cater

STAND 1-175

FENSA announces installer seminars at FIT Show Installers are invited to meet FENSA at The FIT Show (Fabricator and Installers Show) in Telford during 16-18 April 2013 and take part in a wide range of exciting activities such as FREE prize draws, seminars and clinics. FENSA is rolling out the government’s revised requirements for all replacement window and door installers that self-certify compliance through glazing Competent Persons Schemes (CPS) and Minimum Technical Competencies (MTCs). All glazing CPSs are required to introduce the same changes for both – as a DCLG requirement

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Companies are invited to come and talk to FENSA about the following topics: • Transferring from a ‘Competent Person’ to a ‘Certified Installer’ – DCLG requirement – via your FENSA registration. • Green Deal through FENSA’s Multiple Measures. • Looming Minimum Technical Competencies (MTC) regulations. Staff will be on hand to sign up installers for MTC – Apply for your FENSA MTC card. The FENSA team will be on hand to answer your questions on the stand. There

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will also be a full programme of FREE seminars and clinics delivered on the above subjects by key industry figures. The clinics are 15-minute individual slots and will take place on the stand; the seminars are 40 minutes and will be hosted in the ‘GGF Group Zone’ on the 1st floor in the Wenlock Suite.

Seminar & Clinic details FREE Inspection Clinics – 15-minute slots (FENSA Stand 2-280, Hall 2, FIT Show): • Tue 16 April 11am – 3pm

VISITORS GUIDE

The Telford International Centre | Telford 16 | 17 | 18 April 2013

WHO WILL PASS THE FIT-NESS TEST? We are one step closer to finding out who will take away the first-placed cash prize of £5,000 in The Master Fitter Challenge as the eight finalists competing are announced Each of them has made it through the rigour of the preliminary stages but now comes the ultimate test of skill, nerve and judgement as eight of the country’s best installation teams prepare to go head-to-head live at the ICT to be proclaimed ‘FIT Show Master Fitter 2013’. Step forward: Dave Eagles of Bespoke Property Maintenance Ltd; Adrian Simpson of AJS WindowsIver; Zak Patterson of T & J Conservatories, Aaron Clegg of Sashes of Distinction; Nigel Grant of Nigel Grant UPVC; Tom Miller and Paul Casbolt of Y.E.S. Glazing Solutions, Craig Hanson of Pennine Trade and Retail Windows and Scott Higgs of Polar Windows Chesterfield.

finalist will be expected to successfully complete a series of demanding window, door and conservatory roof installation challenges in front of an assembled audience, adjudicated by event assessors GQA Qualifications. Expect plenty cheers, and possibly even a few tears as our finalists take to the specially constructed pavilion in Hall 2 on April 16th and 17th and compete against one another to prove themselves as the best fitter in the industry.

The Finalists of the Master Fitter Challenge will compete live at The FIT Show in pursuit of prize money of £10,000 and a hell of a lot of pride and kudos.

With further cash prizes of £3,000 available for the runner-up and £2,000 for the third-placed participant, there’s plenty to play for but expect to see the event bring out the competitive side in all our finalists as they look to be crowned the country’s ‘Master Fitter’.

Get yourself to Hall 2 to find out. The FIT Show is being held at The International Centre Telford from 16th to 18th April 2013. More information on the seminars and how to register to beat the queues can be found at www.fitshow.co.uk.

But in order to be in the running for the top cash prize of £5,000, each

To add to the tension further, the overall winner of the competition won’t be announced until The FIT Show Gala Dinner on the night of April 17th.

• Wed 17 April 11am – 3pm

Strawbridge/Giles Willson, BFRC)

• Thu 18 April 11am – 1pm

12 noon – New DCLG Requirements for Installers – CPS Transitions (FENSA)

FREE 40 Minute Seminars (FENSA & BFRC Seminar Room, GGF Group Zone, Wenlock Suite, 1st Floor, FIT Show):

2pm – Window Energy Ratings (BFRC)

Tue 16 April

3pm – Minimum Technical Competencies – MTCs (FENSA)

11.30am – Window Energy Ratings (BFRC)

4pm – How to register for Green Deal (FENSA)

1.30pm – New DCLG Requirements for Installers – CPS Transitions (FENSA)

Thu 18 April

3pm – Minimum Technical Competencies – MTCs (FENSA) 4pm – How to register for Green Deal (FENSA)

11am – New DCLG Requirements for Installers – CPS Transitions (FENSA) 12noon – Window Energy Ratings (BFRC)

Wed 17 April

2pm – Minimum Technical Competencies – MTCs (FENSA)

10.45am – Everything you need to know about energy efficiency (James

Companies visiting the FENSA stand on 2-280 are also invited to enter a FREE

Whose FITness levels will surpass all others?

prize draw for a chance to win £200 cash and five FREE FENSA registration renewals by dropping in their business card into the box on the stand. The FIT Show is running the MASTER FITTER CHALLENGE – proudly sponsored by FENSA. Cash prizes include £5,000, £3,000 and £2,000. The final stages of this competition will see the eight finalists undertake a series of live installation @ FIT. To book your free place on one of FENSA’s free seminars or clinic slots, email marketing@fensa.org. uk. Further information on FENSA can be found on www.fensa.org.uk.

STAND 2-280

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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VISITORS GUIDE

The Telford International Centre | Telford 16 | 17 | 18 April 2013

The perfect partner for windows & bi-folding doors

As leading Italian designers and manufacturers of insect and solar protection solutions for domestic and commercial windows and doors DFM and AMB Zanzariere are delighted to be exhibiting their range of screens and roller blinds in Hall 4 on stand number 4.440.

DFM has introduced a range of stylish and innovative pleated screens offering the ultimate in protection from a range of insect infestations. Easy to install with low maintenance they are safe to use especially for children and the elderly, non intrusive allowing for the maximum use of the space with optional solar shading.

The system is designed for windows and doors and supplied in a choice of aluminium frames for vertical, horizontal or skylight installation; custom made or part-assembled with easy on site adjustment for localised assembly. DFM screens are available in a choice of materials and colours including blackout fabrics and are suitable for a wide range of sizes and applications. Pleated insect screens are the perfect partner for windows and bi-folding doors preventing unnecessary insect infestations while at the same time allowing for fresh air to circulate. AMB Zanzariere s.r.l will be displaying their range of retractable insect screens, motorised and manual roller blinds and shutters. Manufacturered to the highest standards using the latest materials and designs, AMB’s screens and blinds are suitable for a wide range of applications and operations.

DFMUK Unit 6 Reeds Farm, Writtle, Essex CM1 3ST

For further information please call Richard on tel: 01245 422489 or email info@dfmuk.co.uk or info@ambzanzariere.com. STAND 4-440

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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TRADE NEWS

ESG POLYVISION™ REBRANDS AS ESG SWITCHABLE™

Leading glass processor, Essex Safety Glass (ESG) has quite literally ‘switched’ the branding of its ESG Polyvision™ glass range. Now aptly known as ESG Switchable™, the brand instantly reflects the versatility of the high quality LCD privacy glass.

strong in its own right, feedback from our brand consultation revealed that those specifying glass products appreciate strong instant brand recognition. ESG Switchable™ not only provides this, it is easy to recall and has the longevity to grow with our expanding portfolio of digitally responsive glass products.”

ESG Switchable™, which made its debut at EcoBuild this year, has been positively received by those looking to create instant privacy and make clever use of space. Available in a variety of bespoke sizes and shapes, the highly popular privacy glass, known in full as ESG Switchable™ LCD Privacy Glass featuring ESG Polyvision™, has seen its sales increase by 250% over the past year.

When discretion is required, ESG Switchable™ provides control over privacy or the public gaze. With its impressive technical qualities and design-led features such as iPad remote controls or integration with business management systems, ESG Switchable™ is quickly becoming the switchable glass of choice for architects, partitioners and interior specialists.

Commenting on the new branding, Sara Hobbin, Marketing Manager at Essex Safety Glass, said: “Whilst the Polyvision brand, which has been in existence for the past 5 years, is

Scott Sinden, Managing Director of ESG, adds: “Our decision to rebrand comes at a time when the high demand for

intelligent glass solutions has not waived. It is still very much seen as one of the glazing industry’s most versatile solutions and we want to ensure our products are perceived as being at the forefront of this trend.” Available in sizing up to 1,800mm x 3,500mm and customised to specifiers requirements, ESG Switchable™ is the ideal option for a broad range of design purposes. ESG will also be exhibiting ESG Switchable™ at Grand Designs Live at Excel, London from 4th – 12th May 2013 where visitors will have the opportunity to experience the range at first hand. To find out more about ESG Switchable™ visit www.esgswitchableglass.co.uk.

“Whilst the Polyvision brand, which has been in existence for the past 5 years, is strong in its own right, feedback from our brand consultation revealed that those specifying glass products appreciate strong instant brand recognition.”

FMB route to certification now includes replacement windows, doors & roofing The Federation of Master Builders (FMB), through its agreement with the NAPIT Registration, now offers one of the most comprehensive routes to Competent Person Scheme registration in the UK. The Department for Communities and Local Government has authorised the extension of the scheme to include replacement windows and doors, replacement roofing, installation of insulation measures and installation of mechanical ventilation and air conditioning systems in non-domestic buildings. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “Competent Person Scheme registration demonstrates quality and competence to customers, and businesses can proudly promote the fact that they are registered.” “The extensive range of registration and certification services now available to FMB members will help them to access new business opportunities in the expanding lowcarbon building and refurbishment market.” Berry added: “Being registered with a Competent Person Scheme is also likely to be very cost-effective for any company that submits four or more Building Notices every year for work that could be self-certified,

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

with the savings typically covering the initial registration cost.” Berry concluded: “We know it can be difficult for small businesses to understand their best option when it comes to demonstrating high standards of workmanship and a strong customer service record. That’s why we want to offer FMB members access to a range of registration and certification services that is probably the most extensive on offer through one single route.” For more information on the benefits of FMB membership including the FMB route to certification please visit www.fmb.org. uk/certfication, call 020 7092 3891 or email certification@fmb.org.uk.

“The extensive range of registration and certification services now available to FMB members will help them to access new business opportunities in the expanding low-carbon building and refurbishment market.”

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TRADE NEWS

CAB ‘Working Through the Envelope’ The 8th CAB Technical Conference focuses on the challenges of controlling the flow of heat, fire, people and sound through the building envelope and managing the interface between glazing and the envelope. Entitled ‘Working through the Building Envelope’, the event takes place on Thursday 16 May at Loughborough University and features some of the UK’s top aluminium façade specialists. The Conference that is open to the Association’s members, their guests and non-members takes place against the backdrop of a rapidly changing economic and regulatory landscape. The competing demands on the building fabric present special challenges for CAB members and the sector in general and the presentations will provide timely and practical information for the whole supply chain. Proposed changes to Part L of the Building Regulations are a hot topic within the industry and our speakers will be providing the latest information available on this and also how regulations concerned with accessibility, fire and acoustics will impact upon construction projects in the future. The industry speakers who are drawn from leading sector organisations including the Construction

Products Association, CWCT and BRE, will provide useful guidance on the opportunities and threats faced by our sector. As always there will be time for a lively discussion and debate on all the topics presented. Justin Furness, CAB’s recently appointed Technical Director, comments, “I am looking forward to chairing my first Technical Conference with this year’s speakers set to provide delegates with an invaluable insight into the issues facing the sector and advice on how to deal with them.” “The interest in the event is highlighted by the unprecedented level of bookings and sponsorship to date.” Further details and booking forms for the event can be located at http://www.ca-b.org.uk/news-events/ calendar/cab-technicalconference-16-may-2013/ or by contacting Julie Harley at the CAB office on 01453 828851 or by email at julie. harley@c-a-b.org.uk.

‘One stop shop’ or

specialist VS fabricator? Choosing the right supplier is an important decision for any installer. Finding one that can offer the right products, price, service and support is not always easy, and of course a supplier that’s ideal for one customer may not be right for another. All installers of course have their own individual needs so there is no definitive right or wrong answer, but according to Byron Field, trade sales manager of Roseview Windows, the answer is clear when it comes to buying-in one product in particular – uPVC vertical sliding sash windows. “There are obvious advantages of sourcing all your products from a multi-product fabricator, not least the convenience, but when it comes to buying in a specialist item such as a uPVC vertical sliding sash window, it is much safer and far more beneficial to source from a specialist.” “Vertical sliding sash windows are very complex to manufacture, and it is very difficult for a multiproduct fabricator to give each and every window the care and attention it needs during every stage of the fabrication process. Because Roseview only manufacture this style of window, we are able to focus our efforts and offer better quality more consistently.” Established in 1977, Roseview Windows has been manufacturing uPVC vertical sliding sash windows since 1985, longer than any company in the industry.

Technical Conference 2012.

Their vast experience in the sector means they can help installers unfamiliar with

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74% of Installers Get New Customer Enquiries through BFRC Registration A survey of BFRC registered installers has revealed that 73% of businesses saw new customer enquiries by offering energy efficient product and 73% viewed BFRC registration as a valuable sales tool. In addition to asking about new business leads and extra sales the survey also covered homeowner awareness of the BFRC ratings scheme, the supply technical information about energy rated product and the building regulations as well as the provision of marketing support.

sash windows successfully enter the market. “We offer full installation training and a range of marketing tools to help our customers win more sales” Byron explains. “We can also guide installers through the potentially tricky ordering process.” “Ordering a sash window isn’t rocket science, but if your supplier doesn’t understand doesn’t understand the intricate details of the product, errors are inevitable.” “We process sash window quotes everyday so are able to support installers unfamiliar with the product.” “In fact, we have a New Business Division headed up by managing director Willie Kerr dedicated to this process.” “Willie and his team will walk new customers through their first few orders before they are confident enough to be passed over to our sales team who look after the regular customers.” For more information on Roseview call on 0844 870 7178 or visit www.roseview.co.uk.

According to registered installers 82% of homeowners recognise the rainbow energy efficiency label. This is no doubt in part because of its simplicity, use across a range of household goods – and because it allows an easy direct comparison of one window and door against another. As a counterpoint to this awareness of the ‘rainbow’ label installers were also asked if they thought homeowners knew about and understood u-values. Only 15% of homeowners show any understanding of u-values installers stated. “We have always believed that in addition to BFRC rated product being an easy and cost-effective route to demonstrate compliance with Building Regulations, it was also a valuable sales

“As a counterpoint to this awareness of the ‘rainbow’ label installers were also asked if they thought homeowners knew about and understood u-values.”

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“We have always believed that in addition to BFRC rated product being an easy and cost-effective route to demonstrate compliance with Building Regulations, it was also a valuable sales tool in a market where homeowners are asking for ever more energy efficient windows and doors.” tool in a market where homeowners are asking for ever more energy efficient windows and doors,” commented BFRC Operations Director Chris Mayne. “The survey also revealed a demand for more marketing support and more regular technical updates – and these are areas BFRC will be addressing during 2013.” 77% of installers wanted BFRC to supply van stickers and 82% wanted BFRC specific homeowner certificates issued. BFRC will be working to satisfy both demands in the next few months. A majority of registered installers would recommend BFRC registration. Over 1,000 BFRC registered installers – called Authorised Retailers - were surveyed in February 2013. To obtain further information on BFRC registration or any of the licences issued by BFRC: 020 7403 9200 / enquiries@bfrc. org / www.bfrc.org.

TRADE NEWS

“TIMBER FENESTRATION BY MUMFORD & WOOD RAISES THE PERFORMANCE BAR”,

says Roy Wakeman, OBE, CEO The Performance Window Group Mumford & Wood, the specialist manufacturer of bespoke timber windows and doors, is ticking all the boxes in meeting regulatory legislation in the Government’s quest to upgrade the performance of the country’s building stock. With the introduction of redesigned and enhanced products in the company’s much admired Conservation™ range, the established leader in periodstyle windows, doors and garden rooms, is achieving an outstanding performance. In both new build and retrofit, extensive building legislation and regulations are in place to ensure heat loss from commercial, industrial and domestic buildings is dramatically reduced, along with energy consumption and CO₂emissions, in the essential need to improve our carbon footprint. The new performance standards for buildings and the products and materials that are used to make them air and weather tight have never been more demanding. Buildings are stringently tested to identify that they meet required standards while various insulation methods are calculated to drive down U-values. Mumford & Wood manufacture windows and doors that are made in accordance with the British Woodworking Federation’s (BWF) third party Timber Windows Accreditation Scheme (TWAS). They are classified ‘A+’ under the BRE Global 2008 Green Guide to Specification and so achieve essential materials credits for the building. An Expected Service Life* study commissioned by the Wood Window Alliance (WWA), affiliated to the BWF, identifies that timber frames made to WWA standards have an expected service life of between 56- 65 years, in

comparison with uPVC of between 25-35 years. While many window and door manufacturers have been forced to develop new products and solutions that contribute to the overall performance of the external envelope, Mumford & Wood remain fully compliant and ahead of the game with product introductions and technical advances that are likely to exceed the requirements of the forthcoming Part L Building Regulations’. Although consultation suggests a U-value of 1.4 W/m²K, this will not be confirmed until May 2013 for possible implementation in 2014. The new Conservation™ triple glazed sliding sash, for example, offers a whole frame U-value of 1.1 W/ m²K while the new and improved standard 24mm double glazed panels achieve a comfortable 1.3 W/m²K. The low carbon agenda continues to drive performance standards still higher while sustainability targets apply to material procurement. In housing, the Code for Sustainable Homes is set to achieve zero carbon Level 6 by 2016. Suppliers and their respective trade associations continue to assist manufacturers in meeting these performance targets.

strength and durability, windows and doors by Mumford & Wood are manufactured entirely in the UK from certified, sustainable clear-grade Siberian larch. The company’s factory controlled modern facilities in Essex use state-of-the-art flow line production with flexible machining centres that deliver cost efficient, factory finished products in small volumes. This capacity allows the bespoke attention to detail that the company is renowned for, providing a six-star performance pedigree and meeting the challenging requirements that face the industry full on. As a member of the BWF, and a founder member of the WWA, Mumford & Wood’s exemplary products reach the ambitious environmental targets of sustainability, service life and thermal performance without any compromise to authentic, elegant styling so loved by specifiers, architects, planners and home owners. The brand is proud to carry the BSI Kitemark, Energy

Saving Trust and Secured by Design accreditations, all supported by industryleading warranties. With timber windows and doors being Green Deal approved, there has never been a better time to improve the thermal performance and aesthetic appeal of a property, adding comfort and value with superb products. The company is also a member of The Performance Window Group which encompasses leading brands that together satisfy all customer channels and routes to market. Further information, technical advice and project case studies are available from Mumford & Wood on 01621 818155, visit www.mumfordwood.com or arrange to visit showrooms in Essex and at The Building Centre, London. *Dr Gillian F Menzies, Institute for Building & Urban Design, HeriotWattUniversity, 2012. **Davis Langdon, Comparison of Environmental Impact (CO₂e) of Timber Windows and u-PVC Windows, 2010.

Timber stands as the only truly green material with the huge advantage that it can be naturally replaced. A further study by Davis Langdon** identifies that timber windows made to TWAS standards are carbon negative at -12.19kg of CO₂e for each wood window compared to a staggering +76.64kg for an equivalent size uPVC window. This equates to ¾ tonne saving of CO₂e per house, that’s the equivalent to a 6,500km road journey in a small family car. Using only engineered timber, for maximum

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TRADE NEWS

LDG Contracts secure two new landmark projects using Guardian ClimaGuard A+ Lancashire Double Glazing (LDG) are a long standing business operating since 1978. With 34 years experience in the industry any business working with LDG knows that they are buying with confidence. The growth of LDG over the past decade has been phenomenal, as the company has diversified and expanded its presence in the commercial market. Under LDG contracts, Lancashire Double Glazing have secured and installed commercial, architectural glazing throughout all the major cities in the north. Their strength as an independent glass and glazing company has grown year on year, and they are looking forward to continued growth for years to come. Two recent projects completed by LDG contracts featured Guardian’s popular ClimaGuard A+ Low E glass.

Which Lancashire Double Glazing have been using for some time, as they have found it to be the most durable and reliable Low E glass available on the market today.

Glass: Guardian ClimaGuard A+ with Guardian LamiGlass

Ducie Court, Manchester

Installer: LDG Contracts

An impressive student accommodation block in the heart of Manchester, Ducie Court features 246 bedrooms with en-suite. The first phase of the project has already been completed by LDG Contracts using Guardian ClimaGuard A+ and LamiGlass.

Contractor: Marcus Worthington Group

The glazing specification varied around the project and meets the requirements of Secure by Design (SBD) on the ground floor.

A flagship project in Blackpool, Southpoint is one of the most striking projects LDG Contracts have completed in recent years.

LDG are pleased to announce they have now secured the second phase of this project, which includes a further 368 bedrooms and will be completed by mid-summer 2013, in time for the new academic year.

IGU Manufacturer: CCG

Architect: Hodder & Partners

Blackpool’s Southpoint

Formerly known as “My Place”, the Southpoint project was designed to create opportunities for young people in an area of Blackpool which otherwise offers little opportunity. Southpoint offers leisure and educational activities to youths aged 13 - 19, helping to revive the community in this area. The building uses a very contemporary design to open the facility up and provides light and space through large glazed areas, LDG Contracts installed their Technical FXI aluminium windows, using Guardian ClimaGuard A+ and LamiGlass, as well as MX visible grid framing for the curtain walled pod. This is a truly iconic building for LDG Contracts and one they are proud to have contributed too. Glass: ClimaGuard A+ with Guardian LamiGlass IGU Manufacturer: CCG Installer: LDG Contracts Contractor: Conlons Construction Architect: Blackpool Council

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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TRADE NEWS

NEW ONLINE LOOK FOR GM FUNDRAISING

GM Fundraising have just launched their new look and content rich website at www.gmfundraising.co.uk, thanks to considerable efforts from the team and from specialist digital marketing agency, Motionlab.

INVERCLYDE MOVE TO KOMMERLING Inverclyde Windows Manufacturing Ltd have changed over to Kömmerling as they introduce what they believe is Europe’s finest PVCu profile to the West Coast of Scotland. This is yet another example of a forward thinking fabricator making the upgrade to the ‘Gold Standard.’ For over 20 years, Inverclyde Windows have been supplying installers across the West Coast of Scotland and into Greenock and Glasgow with a range of windows and doors. The company has also recently added an installation service, which includes the offer of an experienced surveyor and they will now be offering Kömmerling’s impressive O70 Gold System.

have been very flexible to our needs from the outset.’

“Hope 66 will see a team of 15 riders tackle the remnants of the iconic Route 66 in 14 days with 6 support crew in September this year. The team will tackle the winds of the Mid-West, heat of the Arizona desert and the mountains of the Southern Rockies.”

The new website includes detail of past events including various cycling challenges, golf days and gala dinners. There’s also news and Twitter feeds, ability to donate and information about Hope House Children’s Hospices, who they’ve supported for the last 13 years.

mention the notable out of pocket expenses that they each have to absorb. Gary Morton is the founder and chairman of the charity and is ably supported by Graeme Bailey, Dave Broxton, Mike Derham, Iain McInnes and Alan Sadler.

In addition, there’s background information about GM Fundraising, which is widely considered as the charity of choice by the glazing industry.

There’s a distinctly fun feel to the new website which also details their latest challenge, Hope 66, which has been supported by Mike Derham at Mighton Products.

There is also a short biography on each team member, each of whom give considerable time into such a worthy cause, not to

Hope 66 will see a team of 15 riders tackle the remnants of the iconic Route 66 in 14 days with 6 support crew in September this year. The

team will tackle the winds of the Mid-West, heat of the Arizona desert and the mountains of the Southern Rockies, before they reach Santa Monica for a well earned rest. Gary Morton, chairman of GM Fundraising comments: “Firstly a big thank you to Motionlab who’ve helped build this impressive new website free of any charges.” “It details who we are, what we’ve done and what we are going to do next in the form of our other events, majoring on Hope 66, which we believe will send us over the incredible £1million barrier.”

Dave Reay, area sales manager of Kömmerling concludes: ‘It’s important for us to add the right calibre of customer to our nationwide network and Inverclyde fits the bill perfectly. Our premium range of products are taking market share and with it our customers are experiencing greater levels of success and growth.’ For further information about Inverclyde Windows log on to sales@inverclydewindows. co.uk, e-mail www.inverclydewindows.co.uk or contact them directly on 01475 630044.

Kömmerling’s O70 Gold system features 5 chambers and is extruded with the company’s exclusive and proven lead-free Greenline compound. The company also offers a range of 8 foil finishes from stock including Irish Oak and Chartwell Green out of a total range of over 40, with order fulfilment levels in excess of 97%. Mark Gorman managing director of Inverclyde Windows comments: ‘We are thrilled to be part of Kömmerling’s network. The product is the best I’ve ever seen and they

From left to right: Dave Reay (Kömmerling) and Mark Gorman Invercylde Windows.

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Have a look for yourself at the impressive new website www.gmfundraising.co.uk or help them reach 1,000 followers on Twitter @gmfundraising. To pledge your support to the Hope 66 team, log on to www.justgiving.com/teams/hope66.

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TRADE NEWS

Government RIBA approval must build for Dow roof insulation CPD on budget for housing

The Government has today taken postive steps to address the housing crisis, but the measures announced may not go far enough to allow smaller builders to deliver the energy-efficent new homes Britain so badly needs, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, says: “We needed a ‘Budget for Housing’ to address the acute shortage of affordable, energy-efficient homes in the UK.” “The Help to Buy package is aimed at stimulating the underperfroming mortgage market, which could provide a boost to all firms involved in house building, renovation and repair. But changes to the FirstBuy scheme will be of limited assistance if it remains too costly and complex for smaller developers, who deliver a third of all new homes.” “Britain’s SME builders are in need of relief after years of shrinking workloads and rising costs. More than three-quarters of our members recently told us that the most important

“More than threequarters of our members recently told us that the most important thing the Government could do to revitalise the home repair, maintenance and energy-efficiency markets would be to cut VAT.” 22

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

thing the Government could do to revitalise the home repair, maintenance and energy-efficiency markets would be to cut VAT.”

“This would also provide a level playing field when competing with builders who choose to avoid charging VAT.” Berry adds: “Small builders have so far seen little benefit from the Funding for Lending scheme, as a quarter of our members tell us they are having to turn down work as they still can’t secure vital financial backing from lenders to buy plant or hire staff.” “Unless it starts functioning properly, and as long as lenders continue to discriminate against those in the construction industry, our members will be unable to provide the jobs and output the Coalition needs private enterprise to deliver.” Berry continues: “The Chancellor clearly understands the benefits that increased capital investment can bring for the wider economy. However, when seeking to stimulate construction and housing he must pay particular attention to the central importance of smaller, local firms in delivering growth.” Berry concludes: “If Ministers want an industrywide boost to jobs and growth while delivering desperately needed new homes and meeting energyefficiency targets, we need bolder measures such as cutting VAT on domestic repair and maintenance work, and reducing the regulatory which discourages so many small developers from even contemplating building new homes.”

The Royal Institute of British Architects, RIBA, has approved a new Continuing Professional Development (CPD) online module from STYROFOAM manufacturer Dow Building Solutions called “Specifying insulation for inverted flat roofing”.

The RIBA Online CPD offers information on extruded polystyrene products as an insulation choice for inverted flat roofs and gives key pointers to bear in mind when reviewing U-value calculations and specifying insulation material for such applications. “Specifying insulation for inverted flat roofing” is available to view online at http://www.ribacpd. com/dow-buildingsolutions/02540/overview... and is part of the RIBA Core Curriculum. Chartered RIBA members are obliged to undertake a minimum of 20 of their yearly 35 hours CPD from this curriculum, with two hours of CPD time in each of ten key topics. The new Dow Building Solutions CPD sits within the “Designing and building it” section, and, because it is RIBA certified, is worth double points. The CPD takes around 30 minutes to complete and comes with voiceover and questionnaire. Certificates of completion are sent via email to delegates who successfully complete the module and questionnaire.” “A roof ’s value far outweighs its cost and key decisions need to be made when it comes to design, material choices and installation,” explained Richard Powell, Roofing Manager for Dow Building Solutions. “It’s particularly important that designers are aware of factors such as rainwater cooling and moisture absorption when making

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“A roof ’s value far outweighs its cost and key decisions need to be made when it comes to design, material choices and installation.” materials choices for inverted flat roofs: our new CPD offers a simple explanation of the relevance of such issues when making or assessing U-value calculations.” The CPD also provides information about the benefits of inverted flat roofs, and offers advice on how to assess the suitability of different insulation products for such constructions. Summaries of relevant building regulations are included, as well as major issues to be aware of when specifying insulation for inverted flat roofs, such as roof falls, drainage and ponding. Online CPD presentations are rigorously assessed before receiving the stamp of approval from RIBA, and making the CPD available online means viewers can complete it at a time and location convenient to them. To access the CPD visit http://www.ribacpd. com/dow-buildingsolutions/02540/overview.... To find out more about Dow Building Solutions visit www.styrofoam.co.uk or email dbsuk@dow.com.

TRADE NEWS

Recruitment in newspapers is still one of the most trusted & effective methods of advertising... If you are looking to recruit, contact us today for prices!

WE ARE COST EFFECTIVE AND YOU PAY ONLY ONCE FOR YOUR AD - IF YOUR POSITION ISN'T FILLED THE FIRST TIME ROUND, WE WILL RUN YOUR AD UNTIL IT IS! Email Christina today: christina@glassnews.co.uk or call 07805 051322

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TRADE NEWS

GGF Unexcited by “Moderate” Budget Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, unveiled his Budget 2013 for an “aspiration nation” but the Glass and Glazing Federation was not too impressed with the overall plans for the construction industry, feeling that the Chancellor could have done more to stimulate real growth. Nigel Rees GGF Group Chief Executive commented, “Some of the proposals such as the potential £2000 saving on employers National Insurance contributions will help SMEs employ low paid workers, but what we really wanted to see was a consumer incentive, such as a reduction in VAT on windows. Employers need to get the work first, before they can employ people.” The Budget has already been widely criticised by the green lobby for being devoid of any good news on the green economy. There were no additional incentives to boost the Green Deal and no announcements on plans designed to stimulate energy efficiency in the commercial or public sectors. However, there was a 12 month exemption from the Climate Change Levy for glass manufacturers starting in 2014. Giles Willson, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Technical

Affairs commented; “The one year exemption on the Climate Change Levy will be a reasonable boost for the Flat Glass Manufacturers and is welcome, but it is only a delay in this tax. It is not money back and it is doubtful whether it will have any great impact on the wider industry in the long term” The Chancellor’s Budget also put forward proposals to rejuvenate the house building sector by incentivising buyers of new-build homes with a “Help to Buy” programme, that includes an interest free loan scheme for homes up to £600,000. “Help to Buy is a dramatic intervention to get our housing market moving,” Mr Osborne said. “For newly built housing, government will put up a fifth of the cost, and for anyone who can afford a mortgage but can’t afford a big deposit, our mortgage guarantee will help you buy your own home.”

in reality the Government is loaning money that banks should be lending house buyers. The real investment needed to stimulate growth in the construction sector was sadly lacking in this Budget. Each year, the UK builds 150,000 new homes but the demand is double that. We would have liked to have seen a much grander plan with bolder ambition from the Government to really drive growth in the economy.” Under the “Help to Buy” plans, a state-backed mortgage guarantee scheme, previously available only on new build homes, will be extended to any kind of home, old or new, Mr Osborne announced. The nation’s balance sheet will be used to back higher-loanto-value mortgages, to help people buy homes who can afford a mortgage but not a large deposit. The Chancellor said he would offer £12bn of government guarantees, which would support £130bn of mortgage lending, under a three-year scheme to run from the start of 2014. For further information go to: www.ggf.org.uk.

Nigel Rees commented, “On paper, the “Help to Buy” scheme seems like a viable plan and one that could stimulate the housing market in the long term, but

URBAN STYLE

FROM FRAMEXPRESS As urban renewal of moderate to high density areas continues to play an important role throughout British cities and perhaps more importantly the industry, frameXpress has once again been commissioned to supply a variety of advanced products for one leading London building company. The second of a high specification three-phase programme has recently been completed in an East London regeneration project. With security and insulation being of vital importance frameXpress was well positioned to supply over £200,000 worth of Secured By Design fully reversible pvc windows, doors and patio doors. Considered by many as an economic engine to enhance existing communities this latest regeneration project for frameXpress encompassed part refurbishment and part newbuild, which meant the team had to tailor products to match the existing aesthetics as well as the architects original plans. The 4 storey block of luxury apartments now has the benefit of both sound and thermal insulation which were critical elements for

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

the building company. With demand for the company’s products and services increasing steadily, it is evident more businesses are turning to frameXpress because of the exceptionally high product quality and strong support services offered. Although frameXpress continues to maintain a stronghold within fabrication, the commercial sector has made substantial headway over the last 2 years, with the introduction of a broader product range having been well received across the industry. A number of commercial projects are lined up for the company this year which require very tailored solutions. The frameXpress team offers experienced technical advice which management consider is helping to reinforce the growth of the commercial department at the company. Only the best materials are used including Profile 22 FS70 mm as well as Maco and Safeware locks which ensures that products perform to the highest levels in respect of performance and security, irrespective of the project size and design. With emphasis placed on product performance,

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“Only the best materials are used including Profile 22 FS70 mm as well as Maco and Safeware locks.” durability and security, it is noticeable to the frameXrpess team how specifiers are demanding more and more from products. Subsequently, the skills and craftsmanship of the frameXpress team have helped to position the company as an innovative and reliable fabricator. Ian Davis, Sales Manager at frameXpress comments, “This latest commercial project has once again reinforced the qualities associated with frameXpress. frameXpress maintains a very positive and progressive approach to the commercial sector with customer satisfaction continuing to be top of our list of priorities.” “This has definitely helped us to establish and maintain excellent business relations with our commercial customers.” Tel: 01952 581100

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TRADE NEWS

Ingenious Britain

Spectus fabricator

Lancashire Trade Frames

what’s in the budget for Britain’s 5 million small businesses? It looks as though The Chancellor will be eschewing tax cuts in the Wednesday budget comments Mark Moore Commercial Director of Ingenious Britain. That's a great shame as a cut in business taxes could provide a huge boost to our flagging economy, especially since every pound in the small business pocket could go towards small business growth in the forms of investment and employment. It seems that Mr Osborne's answer is to point the funding for lending scheme away from mortgages and towards business. But this week The Chancellor has another chance to invite small businesses to take the lead on UK economic growth, and while Wednesday's budget will again paint a bleak picture of growth targets missed

and deficit targets exceeded it's the micropolicy that will most interest small business owners. The challenge The Chancellor faces is to focus on what he can do immediately for small businesses rather than being blown off course by what he can't do. It's no good Mr Osborne pretending that applying pressure to The Banks will lead them to lend more to small businesses, particularly when there is huge pressure for them to repair their balance sheets.

period could be extended or the threshold raised.”

What Ingenious Britain would like to see

Tel: 0845 299 6424 www.ingeniousbritain.biz

An aggressive stance on public sector procurement with a ban of those large companies not signed up to the late payments code would boost small business cash flow. And we also eagerly await and instruction from Ofgem which bans energy companies tying small businesses into long term unfair contracts and, a relaxation of the parameters for SEIS.

If not then access to lending “The Chancellor could offer a freeze on business rates in April when we are expecting a 2.6% increase or, how about an extension of small business rates relief which ends in 2014-the qualifying

CAB Survey Highlights Balance of Optimism There is no doubt that 2013 is going to be a difficult year for all businesses in the Construction Industry. In the latest results from CAB’s ‘State of Trade Survey’ from Q4 2012 there is, however, a degree of cautious optimism – firstly 12% of members on net balance reported that sales were higher than a year ago and secondly 16% of members, on net balance, anticipated a rise in quarterly sales in 2013 Q1, with the same number predicting higher sales volumes over the next 12 months. The quarterly State of Trade Survey organised in conjunction with the Construction Products Association (CPA) utilises a balance of respondents to identify trends. A positive balance of respondents means that the percentage of firms reporting a rise is more than the proportion of firms

reporting a decline. Some figures were disappointing, but probably seasonal, with a net balance of 4% of CAB members reporting a fall in Q4 sales volumes compared to 30% of members who reported a rise in Q3. In the construction sector overall New Build output fell in the last quarter of 2012 and New Housing output flatlined. Despite the gloom though opportunities still exist in Infrastructure, the Schools Programme and the Energy Sector. In 2013, 24% of CAB members on balance predict a rise in employment in the next twelve months which should lead through to higher output in the longer term. However costs continue to rise and compared to 2011 Q4, a net balance of 44% of members stated that unit costs rose with increases in fuel and energy costs

“CAB members, who all receive detailed analysis of the survey, confirmed further optimism with the feedback from the survey.” 26

makes

a smart

move

Lancashire Trade Frames, a Spectus fabricator, has launched a brand new app aimed at installers. Available to download from the app store, it has been designed to enable its customers to browse product ranges and research the merchandise options that are available to them.

As an added bonus special offers that become available on selected products are advertised exclusively on the app as an extra incentive for those that download it. John Anthony, Sales Manager at Lancashire Trade Frames, said: “We’ve launched this app with our customers in mind. Our industry is extremely competitive and being able to give our customers an extra sales tool can make all the difference when it comes to them winning business.”

CAB - State of Trade Survey.

driving inflation. With prices continuing to be squeezed within the New Build Sector, CAB member companies are looking at the Commercial and Residential Refurbishment Sector for new business. As fewer people move home, more home improvement work is being commissioned and aluminium is quickly becoming the prime choice. CAB members, who all receive detailed analysis of the survey, confirmed further optimism with the feedback from the survey showing that investment in both Plant

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

& Equipment and R&D is predicted to be higher in 2013 than a year ago. For more information about CAB, its 2013 events programme and membership please contact Julie Harley at the CAB office on 01453 828851 or email julie. harley@c-a-b.org.uk.

“We’ve had great feedback with regard to it so far and we’re hoping that more of our customers will be able to utilise it as a sales aid. When an installer is in front of a customer and is able to show them the products being talked about at the touch of a button, that’s a big help.”

colleagues online, product listings and images plus contact information to contact Lancashire Trade Frames directly for further information.

Carmen Velilla, Brand Manager at Spectus, added: “Lancashire Trade Frames has been working with Spectus for nearly a decade and we have a long-standing and established relationship with them. We’re delighted that they’ve been able to launch this app and are pleased with the positive response they’re receiving from installers.”

When an installer is in front of a customer and is able to show them the products being talked about at the touch of a button, that’s a big help.”

The app is currently available showing the full range of windows manufactured from Spectus profile. Features include push notifications with exclusive access to trade news and offers, the ability for an installer to share services with For more information about the app please contact John Anthony at Lancashire Trade Frames on 0161 762 5800, email john@lancashiretradeframes.co.uk or visit www.lancashirepvcutradeframes.co.uk.

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April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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TRADE NEWS

MILA

Prosecure multi point locks manufactured in Italy

Glass News was lucky enough to be amongst the press attending the event, and saw first hand a sneak preview of the remarkable facilities and new product launch. The new ProSecure range has been developed in response to the continuing emphasis in the hardware sector on security. It is a high quality solution which gives Mila customers the opportunity to differentiate their doors with a Mila branded solution which sits perfectly alongside the recently launched ProSecure door handles. The range will comprise three new door locks initially, with seven size variations across the range. These are designed for use on standard sized residential doors, on short residential and French doors, and as slave door locks. They are all available with normal or dual function gearbox and all can be ordered in split spindle versions if required which means they can be used in both normal and night latch mode as required without the customer having to stock or fit two different variants. The key competitive advantage for Mila customers is that the locks are super strong – the locking points have been successfully tested to withstand an applied load of 7.5kN which is equivalent to the weight of a classic Mini Cooper. They are also spring loaded so they can be used with both sprung and unsprung handles They come with all the reassuring Mila quality and performance accreditations including successful cycle testing in excess of 50,000 cycles under load (BS6375-2), weather testing to BS6375-1 and full security testing to the loads referred to in PAS24: 2012 and PAS3621. They are also Secured by Design accredited and have been successfully tested to 240 hours in a salt spray facility (BS EN1670 grade 4). Sibav is Mila’s partner in the manufacture of its new ProSecure range of multi-point door locks. Sibav already produces hardware for Mila Denmark supplying the Scandinavian market and Mila in the UK has had a successful relationship with Sibav and its management team for many years. The company has demonstrated the high levels of technical competence and engineering skill necessary for this significant new product launch and has the levels of automation required to deliver the consistent product quality and reliability which Mila demands. The factory can accommodate Mila’s policy of continual improvement with the ability and commitment to make rapid changes and improvements as required and to allow Mila to expand the range as planned in the future.

The new Mila ProSecure multi-point door lock will be officially launched at the FIT show. However, the press were recently invited to Mila’s Italian manufacturing facility, providing an opportunity to preview the product, to see where it is being manufactured and to understand Mila’s strategy in developing its own range of EU made multi-point door locks.

Completed door locks.

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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TRADE NEWS

Lockcases.

Press.

Richard Gyde, the Managing Director of Mila, is giving his full backing to Sibav and says it represents a shift away from Mila’s current policy of sourcing many of its products in China. Richard says: “Sibav has proved an excellent partner in the development of this new range and we are very excited to be working with the team again, particularly on such a significant new product launch. A European partner is obviously beneficial for us in terms of product development, testing and quality accreditation and has enabled us to bring this product to market quickly and efficiently.” The Mila trip was most impressive and it is clear to see that each member of the team, both UK based and in Milan, run an efficient, happy ship. Head of Sales, Vicki Sanders, is as enthused today as she was eight years ago, when she first joined Mila. “The new ProSecure range just makes my job easier.” Commented Vicki. She continues: “When our customers ask for something, our response is always to try and achieve their requirements. Many suppliers say it, but Mila does it, we strive to meet each demand. The ProSecure range is a reflection of this.” Technical Manager, Strafford Cooke, also attended the factory visit. His knowledge and enthusiasm are infectious! His expertise is surely a major asset for Mila. If Strafford doesn’t know the answer, no one does! Glass News is pleased to feature more from Strafford in future editions, giving our readers the chance to benefit from his knowledge. Marketing Manager for Mila, Sarah Burden, did a remarkable job of organising the trip, ensuring it was informative and interesting, yet really rather enjoyable! The fact that the Mila team all obviously enjoy their work is testament to the overall ethos of the Company. A big thank you to Richard Gyde and the whole Mila team, it was a pleasure to be included on the trip. Needless to say, the new ProSecure range is set to be a best seller. Call and see for yourself at the forthcoming FIT Show, 16th – 18th April, Telford International Centre, stand number 2 – 120.

Tel: 01327 312400 – www.mila.co.uk

Hook check.

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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TRADE NEWS

An easy anniversary for CDW A year on since launching its EasySecure door, CDW Systems has reported above expectation first year sales for the product. It has also been installed as part of some impressive projects and CDW Systems’ Managing Director Jerry Webb is delighted with the impact the product has had: “As a matter of course we look to launch a new product or initiative every year and for 2012 this was the EasySecure door; and it’s gone down a storm with our customers and has boosted sales which is great.”

A former Ministry of Defence housing estate has been transformed from boarded up shells to desirable private housing with the aid of Eclipse PVCu doors and windows from Window Warehouse, the Portsmouthbased Halo fabricator and installer. The Rowner Estate in Portsmouth, built by the Ministry for naval personnel and their families during the 1960s, is now owned by Annington Homes. When the homes were deemed surplus to requirements by the MoD and handed back to Annington, they decided to refurbish the 85 homes and sell them on the open market.

EasySecure is an evolution of one of CDW’s best-selling products, the SAPA Stormframe Easyway door and is ideal for the new-build, refurbishment; residential, education and light commercial market. As Managing Director Jerry Webb explains, the EasySecure door boasts a number of unique features and benefits: “Any hardware can be fitted to EasySecure- including Dorma, Axim and Adams Rite- offering extended customer choice and improving security credentials, while a co-extruded bead makes the glass more secure within the door leaf. “Another exciting development was the new one-piece anti-finger trap stile designed to suit all types of exit devices without the need for a mid-rail. There is also dual weathering all the way around the perimeter of the door which minimises air and water infiltration and ensures the product performs better for longer. It is also a multi-functional product. It can be used for automatic doors, DDA compliant doors, doors into curtain walling; and it complements our product range of thermally broken commercial doors, framing and curtain walling.”

One EasySecure project of note was a brand new office block in-front of a Garbuio Dickinson factory in Winchester. Garbuio Dickinson is a world leader in the design and manufacture of Tobacco Processing Machinery. The EasySecure door now acts as the staff main entrance door in the office block. “Much thought and design time went into manufacturing and modifying EasySecure, together with SAPA, so we anticipated it would be well-received and we’re delighted it has made such an impact and given our trade customers a standout, high-quality product that can help them win lucrative contracts,” Jerry concludes. For more information call CDW Systems on 01452 414853or visit www.cdwsystems.co.uk.

Edgetech helps spread joy at Easter While most of us took the opportunity on Easter Sunday to indulge in some rest, relaxation and, of course, chocolate binges, Mel Jones, Territory Sales Manager South West at Warm edge technology manufacturer Edgetech was busy taking part in the 10th Annual Easter Ride Out. The event, organised by the Taw and Torridge Classic Bike Club, saw members set off in convoy around the South-west. The proviso to participating was that riders had to bring an Easter egg or two that they could distribute along the way to deserving children at locations such as Northam Lodge and Chelfam Mill Schools, Fremington Children’s Hospice and North Devon District Hospital. Mel’s employer Edgetech, a Quanex company, takes its corporate social responsibility very seriously, and so was delighted to match the riders’ generosity by providing more than 100 Easter eggs to distribute.

Former MoD housing sells swiftly after Halo makeover

Mel comments: “The Annual Easter Ride Out is always a fantastic event and it’s great to see the kids’ faces when the bikes turn up. I’m proud that Edgetech has once again been able to provide so many Easter eggs for us to give out.” For more information on Edgetech’s range of Warm Edge Technology, call 08700 566844 or visit www.edgetechig.co.uk.

Edgetech Territory Sales Manager South West, Mel Jones (pictured right) before the Annual Easter Ride Out.

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

“We chose the Eclipse range not only because it met our energy and security standards but was also aesthetically attractive, with slim sightlines and the option of a grey foil finish, which we specified for the doors and windows at the front,” said Angela Walsh of Annington Homes. Window Warehouse, the fabricator and installer, redesigned the windows to the three and four bedroom houses and two bedroom maisonettes so they were wider and fitted them with specialist fire escape hinges. Halo – the UK’s leading manufacturer of energy efficient doors, windows and fenestration packages and a company of the VEKA UK Group – offers a wide range of coloured foil options that can be applied to virtually any fenestration design in the range and, in this case, supplied Finesse “sand effect” grey foils which have a slightly textured finish, with great tactile appeal and which reflects light and shade in a very attractive way. This was one of the foils available to order on an ‘Xpress’ level of service for fast track turnaround so Window Warehouse was able to call off the materials as they were needed. Other options – including nine within the Xpress collection – range from an attractive suite of woodgrain effect finishes to strong contemporary and traditional colours such as blue, red and green.

L of the Building Regulations when fitted by FENSA registered installers or approved by Building Control. It is possible to produce A rated WER windows using the Eclipse profile with just double glazing if constructed using Halo’s unique thermal profile insert. A chamfered edge system, Eclipse has a high level of interchangeability with Eclipse esthétique – its sculpted sister profile – so that a huge range of styles, performance benefits and sales options can be sourced from a single systems supplier. There is also a wide choice of finishes across the Eclipse range, including white, rosewood, oak and rosewood-on-white and oak-on-white which, combined with the ancillary profiles and beads, means that doors and windows can be personalised to suit individual tastes. The decision to refurbish and sell the homes was clearly the right one – so successful was the scheme that they all sold within weeks of handover. Tel: 01282 716611 – www.halo-uk.com

Manufactured with three or four fully enclosed chambers for strength and thermal performance, Eclipse’s 70mm profile matches most timber sections found in UK homes, and installations can be completed with minimal ‘making good’ after the removal of timber frames, or old PVCu or aluminium windows. Eclipse doors and windows meet the highest standards of security including PAS 23 and 24 and Secured by Design, the crime prevention initiative developed in the UK by ACPO CPI (Association Chief Police Officers, Crime Prevention Initiatives). Designed for energy efficiency, Eclipse products comply with Part

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TRADE NEWS

Fabricators Register with L8EST

It’s been another busy month for L8EST as the database of users continues to grow and fabricators download and synchronise with technical manuals on the service. These users are now amongst the privileged who can be sure that their technical information is always up to date with their suppliers copies.

uses your computer as the security for synchronising with the L8EST cloud server. When booting up your computer L8EST will launch in the background and check that all the technical information you are carrying is up to date.

Whilst L8EST synchronised technical manuals may take up space on a users hard drive in PDF format, how many users are carrying PDF manuals on their hard drives and have no idea if they are the most up to date copy? Best of all for a designer/fabricator there is no cost for using L8EST - it is free to download, free to install and free to use from L8EST.com.

With several users of the software joining every day the database of specialist fabricators, estimators, draughtsmen, salesmen, consultants etc. is rapidly growing. The service already provides over 5,000 manual uses per month to our users who can rely on having the most up to date information.

Using L8EST means there is no need to refer to paper manuals, no need to visit a website and wait for a lengthy download, no need to find the CD, load it and then find the data on that CD and no need to log onto an intranet service. In fact, from a small icon in the tool tray on your desktop, the service can be launched and all selected manuals are available for immediate use. How many hours do we waste searching for data only to find what we are looking for is out of date!

Any take-up or usage statistics?

So, potentially how up to date is L8EST when its loaded and running on a users PC? When running on line, L8EST simply checks for updates to your bookcase every few minutes and if there has been an update to any of the technical manuals you are carrying, L8EST simply updates these with background synchronisation so as not to disturb any work

Simplicity itself, only one log on and registration required, after this L8EST

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

you may be doing. For any manuals updated, an update record is provided explaining the change in data ensuring the user is always kept informed.

Working on a laptop and out of the office with no internet? No problem, L8EST is configured to work off line and will offer the most up to date technical information from the last time the user was on line. When connected to the internet again, L8EST will check for updates.

Which systems are on L8EST? Schueco UK currently hold three ‘bookshelves’ on the service, one for their Aluminium Systems, one for Jansen Steel Systems and one for their Enhanced Systems. Their comprehensive technical catalogue range exceeds 4GB on L8EST.com and customers simply request approval through L8EST and then just synchronise with the technical manuals they wish to carry. Sapa Building Systems, Blyweert Beaufort and Aluprof also have complete technical libraries on L8EST and it is expected that more systems companies will join the service in the future. Users can carry various manufacturers technical data in one easy to access location on their PC with L8EST. Best of all, users

can rest assured that the data they have is always up to date. L8EST is not just limited to aluminium and steel systems - PVC systems, conservatory systems, composite systems, in fact any systems and services which supply the fenestration industry and require to circulate technical information. Any company that is providing technical products or services to the UK’s fenestration industry can also carry a bookshelf on L8EST. Alpro, a provider of quality hardware, have also begun to place data on L8EST.com.

What if my systems supplier is not on L8EST Ask your supplier to contact us so we can work with them to build their library on the service.

Who do I contact? For Publishers, taking a bookshelf on L8EST is cost effective and comes complete with 24/7 assistance from the L8EST support team. For Users wishing to know more or to download the L8EST software go to www.L8EST.com. For an introduction to the service contact Adrian and Linda at L8EST Limited on 07766 565027. L8EST - fenestration manuals made easy... By Adrian Toon, Managing Director of L8EST Ltd.

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TRADE NEWS Meet the new Haffner SMR-4 welder Haffner GB Ltd has just introduced the SMR-4 welder to the UK market. Dave Thomas, Haffner GB’s Managing Director said, “The unique thing about the SMR-4 is that you don’t need a skilled operator to ensure the fences are square and the transoms line up – even if the arrow head is slightly out, it still welds the transom at 90 degrees. This technological advance will help many fabricators improve and streamline their production practices.” The SMR-4 welder has all the quality engineering you would expect from Haffner GB and offers superb return on investment. And to make the investment even more costeffective, Haffner can take your old welder in part exchange, providing it is complete and in working order. The welder’s automatic head position offers other benefits apart from not needing a skilled operator. It also means there is no need for set squares or aligning tools, helping to keep the production plant free of clutter. Other automatic features include automatic transom fences, automatic corner fences and automatic transom and mullion alignment, all of which will dramatically speed up the production process and increase quality. The welder also offers a retracting middle corner fence, three square welding and an on screen

window display that makes checking progress easy. Finally, drop down support arms help to anchor small frames, making the production of these much easier.

Wayne Hunter remarks: “I’m incredibly proud of what our service delivery team have achieved over the recent past and I look forward to supporting and developing the platform we have built.

In short, the SMR-4 welder offers the perfect combination of a machine that adds value to your business with support that does too.

Delivering consistent service excellence has become a part of our culture and I believe enhancements like Promac Live Service will add tangible benefit to our customers.”

Tel: 01785 222421

Wayne Hunter, Group Operations Director, Promac.

WindowShopper out now!

Readers can find out all about Omniral, the window industry’s first fully coloured frame that doesn’t compromise on energy efficiency or design. There’s also information on the Linktrusion technology

and announce service enhancements such as Promac Live Service a technical support package which includes real time video link.

Alongside the wealth of useful features, the excellent value for money and the option to part exchange, the SMR-4 welder comes with all the support fabricators have come to expect from Haffner. From providing all the information you need to help make an informed buying decision to excellent, rapidresponse post-sales support that recognises how important machinery is to your business, Haffner’s reputation precedes it.

Latest edition of Deceuninck’s The latest edition of Deceuninck’s glossy consumer-focused magazine is out now. The magazine is always an insightful and interesting magazine, but this edition is packed with information on Deceuninck’s groundbreaking new products.

Ringing the Changes at The Promac Group

which does away with traditional steel reinforcing and results in a fully recyclable window that’s almost as strong but is up to 30% better insulated and has up to a 40% saving on materials and weight. These new products are set alongside a story celebrating Deceuninck’s 75th anniversary and show that a successful company never stops innovating. There’s also a look at the green credentials of PVC-U and a reminder to sceptical consumers that it’s increasingly included on lists of “green” building products. Following this timely reminder, there’s a look at vertical sliders and Autentica, two Deceuninck products that demonstrate that PVC-U is more than suitable for use in heritage properties, good news for those homeowners that want to balance traditional aesthetics with technologically advanced

thermal efficiency. This edition also puts a spotlight on Twinson decking and cladding – perfect for consumers looking to improve their outdoor spaces now the weather is improving – and the Zendow 3000 series and the Zendow Monorail. For specifiers and architects, there’s a look at the coloured products that Deceuninck can offer, while the edition concludes with a reminder of Deceuninck’s product philosophy: to build a sustainable home. Strong marketing support is an important feature of any system house’s offering. In WindowShopper, Deceuninck is providing a value-added publication that showcases the quality and innovation on offer to the consumer and helps in the selling process. Tel: 01249 816969 www.deceuninck.co.uk

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

David Stockton-Chalk Chairman of The Promac Group is delighted to announce the appointment of Joe Hague to Group Managing Director in conjunction with that of Wayne Hunter’s move to Group Operations Director. David explains: “Whilst Joe and Wayne have served the business very well in their previous directorial roles, I believe these appointments are necessary and will better serve the long term aspirations of the group.” Joe has more than 12 years service with the world class supplier of glass, PVC and aluminium machinery, and moves into his new role from Group Commercial Director.

Promac, where Choice, Value and Service just got better!

past 12 months we have implemented various structural and process changes that will better serve our customers.”

For more information about Promac, their products and services, see them on stands 1-165 or 1-360 at the FIT Show, 16th-18th April 2013.

The announcements come amidst the backdrop of the FIT Show where the group will exhibit live machinery demonstrations

In the meantime, visit www.promac.co.uk or call 01788 577 577.

“The announcements come amidst the backdrop of the FIT Show where the group will exhibit live machinery demonstrations and announce service enhancements such as Promac Live Service a technical support package which includes real time video link.”

Joe comments: “It is an honour and a privilege to continue the great work that David and our beloved previous Managing Director Derek Bonnard started over thirty years ago and I feel a deep sense of responsibility to our staff, suppliers and customers alike.” “There are many challenges that we and other businesses face through these difficult economic times but our focus on continuous service improvement whilst developing relevant, cost effective initiatives is a priority. During the

Joe Hague, Group Managing Director, Promac.

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TRADE NEWS

The New Spare Parts and Consumables Catalogue Now Available from Promac Maximising production and minimising downtime has never been so important to manufacturers as in today’s challenging market place. Ensuring customers receive quality products, on time, at the right specification is a pre-requisite of maintaining their business for the future. With this focus in mind, Promac’s new catalogue provides customers with an easy to use ‘directory’ for spare parts, consumables and technical support covering glass, PVCu and aluminium machinery. Promac has a wealth of experience, having supplied and serviced the Window and Glass Industry for over 30 years, which they have poured into the all-inclusive catalogue, and they have worked tirelessly to ensure every product detail is right up to date.

Anita Healey from the Spares Division who is overseeing the project explains: “We have been working hard for many months to bring together our biggest and most comprehensive catalogue we have ever launched, taking on board valuable customer feedback in its design.” “The catalogue includes a number of new product ranges as well as those we have been stocking for many years, with all manner of items covered, from a magnetic bit holder to complete machine gearboxes!” “We have regrouped products and rearranged the layout to make it even easier for our customers to find what they are looking for and we have added service enhancements like our ‘Out of Hours Hotline’ for those unforeseen, untimely emergencies that threaten to interrupt production.”

There is no doubt that the comprehensive range of products, tools and services makes the new catalogue one of the industry’s leading directories and a must have item for 2013. The catalogue contains details of over 10,000 items as well as helpful tips and advice regarding ‘Recommended Spares’ and promotional offers that save you money. New for 2013, customers can now take full advantage from a range of superb offers, including discounts on delivery, tools, spares and service. Promac prides itself on being easy to do business with, so in the unlikely event you can’t find what you’re looking for, Promac’s friendly service advisors are just a call away to finding a quick and cost effective solution.

“The new catalogue is available in two versions, an individual ring bound hard copy and as a pdf via download from our web site. Getting a personal copy couldn’t be easier, just call or email any of our team members or ask any of our field staff as they will have copies with them. At Promac, we are continually looking for ways to improve our customers’ experience and it’s our mission to provide a welcoming hassle free experience that saves you money at the same time.” Promac, where Choice, Value and Service just got better! Log on to www.promac.co.uk/spares to download your copy or call 01788 538 999 email www.spares@promac.co.uk.

Brand New National Awards Scheme for the UK Door & Window Industry is launched The National Fenestration Awards were launched in February this year, as the brand new awards scheme for the UK Glass and Glazing Industry. These awards are the first ever to be nominated and voted for online by the industry itself and not by a panel of judges. Another first is that these are the only awards ever to represent all sectors of the glass and glazing industry. Products and materials such as aluminium, timber and steel will finally be recognised. Services such as industry magazines, systems companies, noteworthy products and people will also be awarded. There will also be special awards to be put forward by the voters - another first in that the industry chooses who and what to reward in 2013. The awards will be run online enabling participants to register and nominate as each awards category is released and then play an active part in the voting process. The trophies to the winners will be stunning three dimensional glass and aluminium individually designed and created. The award nominations and voting process will take place throughout the year with huge activity on social networking sites, in the industry media and through active promotion. Sponsors for the awards are already coming on board at a fast rate as companies embrace these new awards and want to be associated with them. The National Fenestration Awards will also offer comprehensive marketing and promotional packages to advertisers and sponsors working in conjunction with the brand new online marketing service for the industry, myTrade.tv

About The National Fenestration Awards The National Fenestration awards are organised and run by the leading and successful industry websites, Aluminium Trade Supply and Double Glazing Blogger. Both websites are well known in the industry with thousands of monthly visitors to them. Aluminium Trade Supply being the first and only website of its kind in the country and Double Glazing Blogger being the top industry blogging website. The response from the industry so far has been phenomenal with over 100 registering to vote on the first two days of launch and registrations coming in daily.

between all levels of business life meaning that everyone is able to join in and offer help and guidance in their area of expertise. For windows and doors this extends to technical issues, installation issues and even posting pictures of work carried out. The mainstream media portrays social media, such as Twitter and Facebook, as being the playground for students and rebels. The Fenestration industry has created a whole new definition of “Social Networking”. Using social media in business means that social interactions across all social networking sites are becoming valuable tools for new leads, new contacts and new sources of business.

The first category opened for nomination was the Award to find the Social Networker of 2013

The Second Category opened for nomination to find The Industry Magazine of 2013

You may think what is the relevance to doors and windows with this award, however it is actually very important. There are literally thousands of people that work in our industry that are engaging on social networking sites in some way or another, with Twitter being the most prolific at the presently.

Glass and Glazing Industry magazines have been around for many years. Whether they encompass the overall glass and glazing industry or whether they specialise in a particular sector of it, the majority of the fenestration industry chooses to work with the many magazines available for editorial, to release new products, to advertise, to inform about changing standards or legislation and much more.

Many well known names in our industry are actively engaging with other individuals and companies. Frequently Managing Directors of companies have actively communicated with individuals and businesses on social networking sites that they have never met or even visited their premises. There is evidence online of new customers being obtained, new suppliers being found and an engagement across the fenestration industry like never before. These new relationships cross the perceived boundaries

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

These magazines also make company announcements, advertise for vacancies, inform us of new vacancies and changes to job roles and even obituaries. For many, involved in the door and window sector, the industry magazine is the only way they see fit to gain the exposure and coverage they require. With most of the industry subscribing to every publication available all are different in some way. From the

regional magazines, to the multi- page glossy heavyweights, all aim to provide a service and to represent our industry. Things are changing. People now read their news on electronic devices such as tablets and phones and less rely on physical print. Already the industry chooses to keep up to date via media in electronic format. Mobile content is probably the fastest growing phenomenon in the world right now, and the rate of sales in mobile devices like smartphones and tablets are booming. The long established newspapers and magazines have for a few years now identified the advantages of electronic media and created their own online versions of their publications which are being well received by consumers even if they have to pay for subscription. The fenestration industry is changing with more and more of the industry magazines embracing online media but still relying on good old printed matter. The magazine sector in our industry will arguably go through a challenging period. Despite this, the magazines that serve the fenestration sector remain important to the industry and continue to be read by many thousands. Further Categories waiting for your Vote! • SYSTEMS COMPANY OF 2013 • GLASS SYSTEMS COMPANY OF THE YEAR • CHALLENGE 2013 • YOUNG PERSON OF 2013 • HARDWARE COMPANY OF 2013 www.fenestrationawards.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

MB DISTRIBUTION CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY WITH DEEPLAS

NATURA STRIKES A BALANCE AT ABRAHAM MOSS HIGH SCHOOL

Middlesbrough-based MB Distribution (Cleveland) Ltd is celebrating its 25th anniversary in style with two consecutive years of double-digit growth.

same in such a tough market. However, by sticking to what we do best – offering customers quality and value – we are continuing to buck the economic trend.”

Deeplas. “They are an excellent example of how a business can flourish by continually reinventing itself and focussing on what it does best.”

Founded in 1987, MB Distribution has been a customer of Deeplas for over 17 years and supplies the window and building industry across the North East. It puts its success down to careful selection of market-leading supply partners that have been able to help grow and develop its business.

“We have an excellent relationship with Deeplas which has grown stronger over the years. The service provided by the company takes some beating and the products are reliable and of excellent quality. Working in partnership with Deeplas allows us to select products that are valued by our customers and which perform over the long term for homeowners. This collaborative approach makes Deeplas an invaluable part of our business.”

Along with Twinson® decking and Eco Board window board, Deeplas supplies a wide range of foam products to MB Distribution and which have a long established reputation for quality. The range is BBA (British Board of Agrement) and CSTB certified, and carries the BSI Kitemark. White PVC-U products are guaranteed for up to 20 years against discolouration, warping and cracking. Foiled profiles carry a ten-year guarantee.

MB Distribution has invested in its own fleet of distribution vehicles so that it can offer its customers a more responsive service. The company currently owns a fleet of six delivery vehicles that operate from its 25,000ft² facility.

Deeplas operates two installer schemes. Deeplas Premium Installer Scheme, an accredited programme that ensures all its PVC-U roofline and cladding products are fitted by trained professionals to consistently high standards and Twinson Installer Scheme for the Composite decking and cladding range of products.

Ruby coloured fibre cement Natura from Marley Eternit has created the striking visual centrepiece of the £17.5m rebuild and refurbishment of Abraham Moss High School in Manchester.

For information about Deeplas, visit www.deeplas. co.uk. Alternatively, contact the Deeplas customer services team directly on: 0800 988 7309.

Natura was specified by Ellis Williams Architects for the main four storey steel frame building that has a cantilevered section over the entrance area.

For more information about MB Distribution (Cleveland) Ltd, call: 01642 455945. Alternatively, visit: www.mb-distribution.co.uk.

Careful selection of lightweight, strong building components was therefore critical for creating this cantilevered design, along with contributing to the strict environmental aspects of the project.

Ultimately, this strategic partnering means that its customers receive high quality, reliable products that offer real value for money. The customer loyalty this generates has been a significant factor in MB Distribution’s longevity. Mike Greenup, Director at MB Distribution (Cleveland) Ltd who has been with the business since it was formed, said: “Over the last 25 years, MB Distribution has grown to become one of the UK’s leading independent suppliers to the home improvement industry. We pride ourselves on the fact we have longstanding relationships with satisfied customers.” He added: “For the second year running we have achieved 10% growth and there are not many businesses who can say the

“We recognised early on that selecting supply partners carefully was key to making our business a success and that founding principle has helped us reach our 25th anniversary in a stronger shape than we have ever been,” added Mike. “We congratulate MB Distribution on its 25th anniversary,” said Hazel Verschuere, Building Products Director at

New build elements of Abraham Moss High School, which make up 60% of the development, are expected to achieve a BREEAM Very Good rating. Marley Eternit fibre cement cladding panels contributed to this because they can achieve an A+ rating as defined in the BRE Green Guide to Specification based on generic rating for autoclaved fibre cement single sheet - (Element Ref: 80623042, 806230422, 806230447, 806230450).

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Fibre cement Natura was used as rainscreen cladding on the new build elements and as an overclad solution on existing buildings at the school where walls had been exposed as a result of removing some bridge links between first and second floor levels. Abraham Moss High School is part of Manchester’s Building Schools for the Future and Academies Programme, which has a £500m investment to rebuild or refurbish all the city’s high schools. “The fibre cement rainscreen cladding from Marley Eternit allowed us to create a visually stunning building that will provide the school with a long term low maintenance solution,” said Robert Plant, Associate at Ellis Williams Architects. “The lightweight nature of fibre cement rainscreen cladding gave us greater flexibility in creating the cantilevered design.” He added: “Fibre cement was a versatile solution that we could use for both the new build and smaller overclad sections, allowing us to create a visual link between

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the old and new.” Walls at Abraham Moss High School were constructed using a lightweight steel frame construction. This was sheathed externally with cement particle board. The rainscreen system consisting of a 125mm thickness of dense mineral wool insulation faced with a breather membrane layer and installed within the bracket zone for the panel support angles, leaving a ventilated rainscreen cavity behind the Natura panels. The wall was designed to achieve a U-value of 0.34 W/ m²K. A secret fix method was used to mount the fibre cement Natura panels to create a smooth, shear facade free of any visible fixings. The main contractor on the project was GB Building Solutions Ltd. For further information on our range of products and services just ask ME at www. marleyeternit.co.uk/cladding or call ME on 01283 722588. You can also follow ME on Twitter @MarleyEternit. If it matters to you it matters to us, that’s why with ME it’s all about you.

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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TRADE NEWS

Halo has Sussex appeal as Tradesmith signs for three more years Hailsham-based fabricator Tradesmith has signed a new threeyear supply agreement with Veka-owned systems company Halo. The new deal continues to give Tradesmith customers, under its TS Collection brand, access to two leading profiles – System10 and Rustique. The result is a huge choice in design styles that enables truly bespoke products to be offered to homeowners. Founded in 1993, Tradesmith has gone from fabricating 40 windows in its first week to currently making 400 frames per week (fpw). It is a tradeonly company – ensuring high focus on quality and customer service – and has an extensive portfolio of products (including composite doors, conservatory roofs, and architectural products) that provides everything installers need to prosper. Tradesmith has been with Halo since the company’s foundation 20 years ago, and Managing Director Mark Hutchinson says the renewed commitment to Halo is

founded upon the company’s focus on customer service, plus the promise of enhanced ranges of coloured and foiled products on the horizon, along with some soon to be revealed new products. Mark says: “The Tradesmith business sprang from an engineering background, which was a key factor in taking on the systems as they have a similar pedigree. Excellent, engineered products from Halo, along with our and their joint commitment to first-class customer service, have

been critical to the growth and ongoing success of the business”. Tradesmith’s commitment to the trade sector was recently demonstrated by a move into their new factory and offices all under one roof. The new premises now features a purpose built showroom for the launching of new products and customer use. Tradesmith Windows Ltd Tel: 01323 849123 www.tradesmith.co.uk Halo Tel: 01282 716611 www.halo-uk.com

Tradesmith Managing Director Mark Hutchinson (left) and Veka Sales & Marketing Director Colin Torley.

SOLIDOR’S

FIRST CONSUMER LEAD – SOLD!

Solidor’s Recommended Installer campaign has generated and sold it’s first sales lead off the new website at www.solidor. co.uk in just 72 hours from going live. Just as impressive is the fact that an incredible 233 leads were generated in the first 19 days of the campaign. The first lead was generated through the new consumer facing website and passed on to Mark Vesty of Leicesterbased Clear Choice Home Improvements Ltd. The homeowner decided that not only did they want a new front door, but that it had to be a Solidor one. The project involved installing a Ludlow design in black, with chrome hardware and complete with a sidelight in obscure glass.

edge SEO techniques and through implementing a PPC campaign with Google.

Mark Vesty, managing director of Clear Choice comments: ‘The scheme is a no brainer really. It’s free, it generates leads and helps us stand out from our competitors. We also firmly believe that the Solidor product is far better than any other composite door in the market.’ Gareth Mobley, managing director of Solidor Group comments: ‘The Recommended Installer scheme is the first of it’s kind in the door sector, another

Clear Choice was one of the first on board to sign up for the free scheme and there are now over 300 Recommended Installers on the website and this number is set to rise to over 500 by the end of the summer. This new campaign is designed to generate leads from the web using cutting

A Successful Homebuild Show for Roof Assured It was another very successful Home Build & Renovating Show for Sika Roof Assured who claimed a record number of visitors to their stand in spite of the bad weather. Tony Poole, business development executive, Sika Roof Assured said: “The Thursday was a great day for us but we were sceptical when we saw the weather forecast for the next few days. We expected to see a real downturn in attendance but were amazed that visitors still turned out. I think it’s

because the show offers such great value as an information provider and opportunity to talk to experts. It’s a must see for anyone embarking on a homebuild project. It was also excellent to see some people had come to the show SPECIFICALLY to see us.” “Visitors to the stand included architects, homeowners with current and future projects and those at planning stage. They came with plans under their arms and questions they wanted answered.”

The show was a prequel to Sika Roof Assured launching a new image and brand campaign as part of its strategy to grow the domestic business. As part of the global Sika group of companies the brand is an important part of the UK portfolio and operates in a burgeoning sector for the UK roofing business.

of homeowners to talk about their projects. It was also interesting to see how visitors viewed our Swiss heritage as an identifier of a quality product. They were also interested to hear how the Sarnafil membrane was used on a lot of commercial projects they were familiar with such as the Emirates Stadium.”

Rod Benson, national sales manager, Sika Roof Assured added: “The show was good for brand building, for demonstrating our products and to get in front

Finally, from the Sika Roof Assured stand team the overall feeling was: “Visitors had real projects, not just pipedreams.”

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industry first from us. We want out customers to enjoy the finest products, the very best customer service and a marketing campaign that’s designed with them in mind.’ For further information on the Recommended Installer scheme log on to www. solidor.co.uk, call 01782 847300 or e-mail enquiries@ solidor.co.uk. To keep up to date with all of their developments follow them on Twitter @solidorltd or look them up on Facebook. You can also see them at the main entrance of Hall 1, stand 01-100 of the FIT Show, April 16-18, 2013.

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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TRADE NEWS

Independent Report Shows True Warm Edge Comparison!

A report has been commissioned by Thermoseal Group and produced by an independent warm edge consultant that shows a comparison of the thermal performance through the edge of insulated glass, including: Warm Edge Spacer Bar, Desiccant, PIB and Sealant. The results demonstrate an enlightening change in the order of thermal performance of Foam Spacer Systems and Spacer Tube Systems. Surely this should be the true basis for exchangeability within BFRC Window Energy Ratings? The question of which is posed by Mark Hickox, Sales Director at Thermoseal Group Limited. Mark Continues: As a significant distributor in the insulated glass (IG) component supply market and now as a manufacturer of our own range of warm edge spacers, we have been heavily involved in the debates relating to manufacturing standards and how IG components influence Window Energy Ratings (WERs). The main focus which has been well documented in the press is in relation to debates about the exact performance of warm edge spacers – whose is better and by what fractions.

Results showed the following figures:

“If proposed changes to documentation go ahead, then by the end of 2013 documented evidence of the performance of foam spacer systems within EN1279 parts 2 and 3 tests at a 5mm sealant depth may have to be provided to notified bodies. In the absence of this evidence a default value using a greater depth of seal may be enforced.”

It is the column on the far right which shows the resulting figures. As you can see, Thermobar shows the lowest calculated value and hence the best thermal performance across the edge of a glazing unit. Therefore, there should be no question that Thermobar can be substituted for Foam Spacer systems in WER simulation reports without the requirement for recalculation. An additional point to reference when considering this report is that a sealant depth of 5mm on single seal foam spacer systems is derived more in terms of what is best in a WER calculation as opposed to what is best in terms of the

performance and life of the glazing unit. This is demonstrated when it comes to the reality of meeting the requirements of EN1279 Part 3 standards with such a system. If proposed changes to documentation go ahead, then by the end of 2013 documented evidence of the performance of foam spacer

If you look at the figures closely, although spacer bars are proven to affect WERs, it is better to look more closely at thermal transfer at the edge of the unit incorporating all of the edge components including the spacer, desiccant, PIB, and secondary sealant. This is particularly important when you look at single seal systems such as foam spacer which use a minimum sealant depth of 5mm. In this case, there is a greater influence of the sealant which shows a negative effect on the overall thermal rating at the window edge.

systems within EN1279 parts 2 and 3 tests at a 5mm sealant depth may have to be provided to notified bodies. In the absence of this evidence a default value using a greater depth of seal may be enforced. Finally, please also note that these calculations were carried out using the only current published figures (as of the date this was written 19.03.13) relating to the thermal performance of Super Spacer which are from a report carried out by ATI in the USA which is published on the NFRC’s website¹. We await publication of a valid European test report to substantiate these figures. Thermobar and Thermoflex figures are values quoted from reports issued by IFT Rosenheim European Test House.

The report includes thermal calculations using the Two-BoxModel. As per the drawings below which have been extracted from the report, the heat flow is calculated including Box 1 (the secondary sealant) and Box 2 (the spacer, PIB and desiccant combination).

The report was carried out by Ingrid Quel, Consultant for warm edge and Glass – www. warmedgeconsultant.com. For a copy of the full report, please visit http:// www.thermosealgrouporderconfirmation.co.uk/ ConfImages/THERMAL_ COMPARISON.pdf or e-mail marketing@ thermosealgroup.com. 1 NFRC, 2010, document 1012010 [E5A29], March 2013.

Mark Hickox.

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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TRADE NEWS

Replacement Conservatory Roof System, taking the industry by storm!

The Guardian Warm Roof - Available from Four Seasons Conservatories UK • Fast installation utilising existing walls, windows and doors. • Fully guaranteed • With planning consent, internal dividing doors or walls can be removed to provide a permanent extension to the living room or kitchen etc

Roof Design Options • Edwardian • Lean-to • Victorian • Gable Ended • Combination

Warming to the idea of the Guardian Warm Roof? Four Seasons Conservatories place a great deal of emphasis on supporting their installer customers and have recently undergone a number of significant changes to bring you a product range which is, quite simply, second to none. You can now buy the Guardian Warm Roof Conversion System from Four Seasons, and you’ll receive full technical support for the installation process.

The Guardian Warm Roof System is the biggest revelation to hit the home improvement market in the last ten years. Consumers are now able to change their old conservatory roof for a new Guardian Roof and effectively turn the old conservatory into a new extension, that can be used all year round. The complete changeover takes only three days with very minimal disruption to the household. The Roof System is designed to replace the existing glass or polycarb roof of a conservatory while retaining the original windows, doors, frames and walls. At the same time providing substantial energy cost savings.

Fully tested and approved to all thermal and structural standards, the Guardian System is a high performance insulated roof system comprising of a pre-engineered lightweight frame, two layers of rigid insulation board, internal insulated plasterboard, exterior grade plywood, vapour membrane and a choice of external tile finishes.

The Affordable Warm Roof Conversion System • LABC Registered (minimises building control checks & approval process) • Reduced fuel bills for the life of the roof • Comfortable ambient temperature all year round • A wide range of roof colours and finishes available • Achieves a U-Value of 0.18 (England & Wales) and 0.15 (Scotland) • Thermal, structural and condensation risk tested

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Not forgetting the very popular K2 Conservatory Roof System, along with aluminium bi-folding doors, Four Seasons can supply you with a whole host of quality products, no matter what your project. Tel: 01909 735833 – Email: gareth@fourseasons-roofs.co.uk

“Fully tested and approved to all thermal and structural standards, the Guardian System is a high performance insulated roof system comprising of a pre-engineered lightweight frame, two layers of rigid insulation board, internal insulated plasterboard, exterior grade plywood, vapour membrane and a choice of external tile finishes.” www.glassnews.co.uk

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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TRADE NEWS

Cotswold become flagship SECURITY – IT’S Carl F Groupco supplier COVERED WITH KENRICK

In less than a year, Cotswold Architectural Products have become Carl F Groupco’s primary supplier of friction stays.

Since introducing the company’s main range to its catalogue in April 2012, lines including the standard Sinidex, the Restricted, Egress and Egress Easy Clean have become best sellers for the hardware distributor. Commenting, Norman Berrill, Sales Director for Carl F Groupco said: “Functionality and durability are often over used in product descriptions, but they do describe these stays perfectly. Additionally, all Cotswolds’ stays offer a ten year guarantee and BBA accreditation.” Other Cotswold products supplied by Carl F Groupco

Kenrick, one of the UK’s leading hardware manufacturers, has enhanced the guarantee scheme it offers for its range of high security window locking systems.

In less than 12 months, Cotswold friction stays have become bestselling lines for Carl F Groupco.

include the Extreme Standard and Extreme Egress Easy Clean, which enable side hung applications with up to 35kg sash weight (950mm max width): the heavy duty friction stays are therefore ideal for use with triple glazed windows. Cotswold Architectural Products is widely recognised as a pioneering

hardware innovator: the company is acknowledged as the first UK operation to manufacture friction stays. Tel: 01733 393330 www.carlfgroupco.co.uk Follow Carl F Groupco on Twitter using the handle @ Carl_F_Groupco FIT Show 2013: Stand 2-340

Tradesmith backs golf pro of the future Tradesmith, the East Sussex based trade manufacturers of the TS Collection range of windows and doors are pleased to announce its four year sponsorship deal with local golf professional Maria Tulley. Maria first won the U15 Cornwall Girls Championship aged 11, and then went on to win it each year until she was 15.

we will see her achieve her ambitions to be a top European player.” Maria says, “I hope in time to achieve the ultimate goal of becoming a top European Tour player. I would like to

thank Tradesmith for their support and encouragement which better allows me to compete better and gives me a great chance of achieving that ambition”. www.tradesmith.co.uk

Kenrick’s security guarantee - one of the most comprehensive in the industry - offers the homeowner free security cover, up to £500 towards the cost of replacing a damaged window or door and up to £600 towards the cost of replacing stolen property for a period of 10 years from the date of installation. The guarantee covers Kenrick’s Secured by Design approved Excalibur, Centurion, Interceptor and Easi Fit high security hardware systems, to offer complete peace of mind to the homeowner. Kenrick also offers a full product guarantee for the same products. This guarantees against failure of the product or any part of the product (if due to defective design, material or workmanship) for a period of 10 years during which Kenrick will repair or replace the product free of charge. Kenrick’s recently launched Interceptor multi-point

lock offers superb security in seconds. Created to minimise assembly time and therefore maximise fabricator profits, Interceptor is quick and easy to install and benefits from twin adjustable mushroom cams and a 62mm unhanded diecast gearbox. For ease of use coupled with added security, it features uni-directional twin locking and profile related keeps with a night vent facility. The Excalibur shootbolt system offers first rate security features, whilst being simple to install. Durable and reliable, it’s a multi-point locking system that includes a robust unhanded die-cast gearbox and bi-directional die-cast claws. It also fits all Eurogroove systems, making it a very flexible option for many different systems and applications. Centurion is an adaptable and easy to install locking system. It features steel shootbolts, a robust unhanded die-cast gearbox and adjustable mushroom cams with night vent facility. Available in backsets of 20mm and 22mm, Centurion exceeds the

Last year saw Maria finish in fifth place on the WPGA tour which included two second placed finishes, a third and two fifths. In preparation for the new season Maria has just finished the tour school in Marrakesh, Morocco and is looking forward to the improving on last year’s achievements. Tradesmith Managing Director, Mark Hutchinson said “Maria is without doubt an exciting and gifted player. She has huge potential and I’m extremely proud to be associated with her continued success over the next four years where

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security requirements of BS7950 and the corrosion requirements of BS7412. Steve Jones, managing director at Kenrick, said: “In this current climate, homeowners need the assurance that the products they buy will perform as they should whilst offering value for money.” “Every one of these products combines the very best in performance, security and convenience for the homeowner. These guarantees mark our 100 per cent commitment to look after the end user and give them total confidence in our products.” Kenrick is a leading supplier of hardware solutions for PVCu, aluminium and timber window and door systems. The company has a proud heritage spanning more than 200 years, having been established by Archibald Kenrick who manufactured buckles and livery fittings. Kenrick’s range of top quality products includes the market leading Excalibur multipoint window shootbolt are extremely cost effective and easy to install. Tel: 0121 553 2741 www.kenricks.co.uk

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

VEKA records an astounding 2208 tonne carbon saving Minimising environmental impact has always been of the utmost importance to VEKA, and even though the company already has a string of environmental awards under its belt, the system supplier is constantly looking for new and innovative ways to be as energy efficient as possible. This dedication has certainly paid off, as Sales and Marketing Director Colin Torley explains: “Since 2008, we have worked tirelessly to develop and introduce energy-saving measures that will massively reduce our carbon footprint. Through the implementation of these measures we have managed to save a massive 2208 tonnes of carbon from being emitted, something we are obviously very proud of.”

combines the level of style and spec you would expect from a VEKA window system, but is also coupled with a huge environmental bonus, as Infinity contains up to 80% recycled content. Colin concludes: “We have saved a considerable amount of CO2 emissions over the last five years, and these

measures will continue to be evolved and new ones developed - VEKA has never rested on its laurels, and we believe that continuing to look to the future is the key to our ongoing success in the environmental field.” Tel: 01282 716611 – www.vekauk.com

Sustainability & Energy Efficiency

- Key Themes in Europe Sustainability and energy efficiency are currently key themes in Europe, and are particularly relevant to the glass industry. Buildings are among the highest energy users, however windows offer great potential for saving energy. By using energy efficiency technologies such as intelligent glazing solutions, buildings are not only able to retain the 30% of energy that is lost through windows, but they can also reduce total energy consumption by benefiting from passive heat gain.

“Some of the changes we have made include switching our extrusion line motors from DC to AC, fitting variable speed compressors on air lines on all extrusion tables, as well as modifying cooling towers to give energy savings in water cooling.” “We also implemented an energy management system, so we now have an instant record of the electricity each machine in the factory consumes, and we have enforced energy awareness training for all operatives in the factory.”

Dynamic or electrochromic (EC) glass reduces energy use by up 20% and lowers lighting costs by up to 60%, helping buildings to get closer to the overall aim of energy efficiency.

VEKA is no stranger to leading the way in environmental awareness, having won a number of awards for its green efforts. 2012 was an especially successful year for the company in terms of environmental recognition, as The VEKA UK Group picked up four prestigious trophies, including Energy Efficiency Initiative of the Year at the G12 Awards and Environmental Innovation at the Groundwork Pennine Lancashire Awards. The VEKA UK Group has become known for pushing the boundaries when it comes to environmental issues. VEKA created the UK’s first ever ‘A’ rated window and in 2010 introduced the Infinity suite of profiles, which

Jeff Upton, UK Sales Manager, Saint-Gobain Sage Electrochromic Glass.

As George Osborne reiterated in his budget speech last week there will be no wavering in the Government’s commitment to Document L revisions and zero carbon targets. EC glass is the perfect fit for buildings trying to get green, as energy efficiency is greatly improved by the ability to optimise and control sunlight and heat gain.

Colin Torley.

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Traditional sun control systems contribute to the generally poor energy-saving performance by reducing

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“Traditional sun control systems contribute to the generally poor energy-saving performance by reducing heat gain all year round as opposed to dynamic glazing solutions, which can improve overall energy efficiency by allowing optimal use of solar heat and light energy.” heat gain all year round as opposed to dynamic glazing solutions, which can improve overall energy efficiency by allowing optimal use of solar heat and light energy. What’s more, with the installation of EC glass, sun controls such as blinds, louvres and mechanised shades become unnecessary. Not only does this save on installation and maintenance costs, it also results in a lower carbon footprint, thanks to the reduction in materials, transportation and operational energy.

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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CE MARKING

Are you ready for

CE Marking?

Under the Construction Products Regulation most external windows and doorsets will need CE Marking from 1 July. And it’s the personal responsibly of installers, fabricators and suppliers to comply with the new regulations. Here CE Marking expert Richard Bate, technical director at Build Check Limited, the UKAS accredited laboratory and Notified Body for CE Marking, updates

Glass News with the latest information.

As with all changes in regulation, some businesses are ahead of the game and have already got the CE mark in place such as Masterframe Windows in the case study, while others are well on the way. But some seem to be leaving it to the last minute and it’s not something that can be signed off in a couple of hours. Every manufactured window and door will need a valid CE Mark and it’s the company producing the complete product that is responsible. For example if a fabricator sells a glazed window then it’s their responsibility to create the CE Mark, but if an installer buys window frames from one company and the glass units from another then it’s the installer who creates the CE Mark.

What we’ve found is that many installation companies do both. For some products like composite doors they will buy ready to install, and others like windows they will often buy the frame and glass from separate suppliers. Getting a CE Mark doesn’t have to be complicated. Most businesses can do the work themselves and often information can be provided from the upward supply chain.

We’ve split it into four simple steps to be CE Mark compliant: Step one: Factory Production Control (FPC) system This is a quality manual for the production of your windows or doors to ensure they conform to the regulations, including

product performance. ISO 9001 is acceptable, but you can write and implement your own FPC. For an installer putting together frames and glass this can be a simple document. Build Check Publications has one on The Oracle.

Step 2: Initial Type Testing (ITT) of products The minimum requirement in the UK is loadbearing capacity of safety devices (e.g. restriction stays), thermal transmittance (U-Values) and dangerous substances (self-declaration). Each product range requires a physical test or calculation and sign off from a Notified Body (except where exclusions apply for micro enterprises). Where an exact product has been tested and signed off, this information can be cascaded down the supply chain. However substitutions may require re-testing; eg if a different window system is used or there’s a change in the restriction stay this needs

to be submitted in its own right.

There are strict guidelines to the use of CE Marking labels.

Step 3: The Declaration of Performance and System Description

There’s an easy to follow check list at www.buildcheck. co.uk/ce and visitors to the FIT Show can see Build Check’s The Oracle in practice.

This details the minimum information required to be in the public domain and entitles the organisation to put the CE Mark on the finished product. Step 4: CE Mark labelling The CE Mark needs to be affixed visibly, legibly and indelibly to the product or on to a label attached to it.

It’s an online U-Value calculator, and has been updated with templates for CE Marking including labelling and FPC.

Case study

Masterframe Windows is ready

Masterframe Windows, sash window specialist, is ready well ahead of the deadline for CE Marking when it comes into law on 1 July 2013. Ray Rabett, technical director at Masterframe, explains what he’s done to comply with the new legislation: We wanted to do as much as we could in house for CE Marking. We had used Build Check Publications The Oracle for 2 years to produce U-Value reports for customers and for our R&D, it was the first place we went to. It’s really quick and easy to use. So when we had to put together the information for CE marking we went straight to The Oracle for the U-Value calculations. Unlike other methods we can get U-Values instantaneously which makes it easy for us. And because The Oracle has an extensive list of glazing options we can check to see the most cost effective glass and spacer bars to use. For the U-Value calculations for CE Marking we did all the background work on The Oracle. Once we decided on the best option we submitted this to Build Check as a Notified Body. This was signed off and we put our CE Marks in place. Our aim was to go to the FIT Show with the CE Marked products and we achieved this.

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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CE MARKING

How to CE Mark

Your Product!

The GGF is running a series of seminars and workshops to assist Members and non-member companies with their journey to show compliance with the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) and CE Mark their products.

These events will case study how manufacturers have tackled the CE marking challenge; the complication with CE marking is that there are numerous routes for compliance and these seminars and workshops aim to overcome that problem.

Who should attend these events? Any GGF Member or non-member company that manufacturers a product covered by a harmonised European Standard – particularly glass processors, Insulating Glass Unit Manufacturers and Window and Door fabricators should send a technical manager/ person to these events, to find out what needs to be done to comply and to clarify any questions about this incoming legislation. The ultimate aim of the seminars and workshops is to ensure companies comply with the Construction Products Regulation and operating legally from 1st July 2013 when CE Marking becomes mandatory.

10.00 – 12.30 Glass Processing

14.00 – 16.30 Insulating Glass Unit Manufacture Thursday 11 April 2013 Cedars Meeting Room, University of Reading, Berkshire 10.00 – 12.30 Glass Processing 14.00 – 16.30 Insulating Glass Unit Manufacture Giles Willson, GGF Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Technical Affairs advises; “These seminars and workshops are of vital importance not only to our Members but also for our industry. The new legislation comes into force from 1st July 2013. Companies who manufacture a product covered by a harmonised European Standard will need to make a Declaration of Performance and CE Mark their products when it becomes law. Failure to comply could result in a prosecution and if found guilty, the companies face a fine and/or a potential custodial sentence. Prosecutions for other Directives have resulted in fines of £5K per offence and 6 months jail for the company directors. So this new legislation it has to be taken seriously.”

You should attend one of these workshops if your business involves one of the following:

• Process glass e.g. toughening, heat soaking etc. • Manufacture insulating glass units. If you are a fabricator who sells unglazed frames you are not required to CE Mark your product however, you may wish to attend a seminar or workshop to glean the necessary information to explain to your clients what they will need to do to comply with CPR. The costs for attending the seminars are: • GGF members £50/delegate (exc. VAT) • Non members £100/delegate (exc. VAT)

Tuesday, 9 April 2013 Morley Room, Chancellors Hotel and Conference Centre, Manchester, close to Manchester University

The seminars and workshops will cover distinct product areas and will guide companies on the route to compliance with a “to do list” of actions to ensure they are ready for 1st July 2013. Delegates will also have the opportunity to use the GGF templates for the process such as Factory Production Control, Declarations of Performance etc.

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How to CE Mark your product? The GGF Guide to Compliance with the CPR and CE Marking Workshops

Please note that places will be limited to 30 delegates per workshop and it will be a case of first come first served. To reserve your place please email the GGF Marketing Team:

windows and doorsets but source the frames and insulating glass units from different suppliers, their will be special CE Marking Seminars at the FIT Show, Telford on 16-18 April.

Sinder Dhinsey Email sdhinsey@ggf.org.uk

If you are an installer and you source their units and frames separately, these Seminars will show a cost effective solution and ensure you meet the CPR requirements.

Lis Chapelhow Email lchapelhow@ggf.org. uk Or call 020 7939 9101 and ask for either Sinder or Lis in the Marketing Department.

CE Marking Seminars for Installers and Fabricators at the FIT Show For companies who fabricate finished windows and doorsets (frames and glass supplied from a single source) or Install

GGF Members can attend the FIT Show Seminars free of charge. The charge for Non-Member companies is £50, however non-Members will be given free access to one seminar if they take part in a GGF survey and enter the GGF Prize Draw at the FIT Show. To see the full GGF FIT Show Seminar Schedule with

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times and speaker details, and to book your place at a FIT Show Seminar please contact: Sinder Dhinsey Email sdhinsey@ggf.org.uk Lis Chapelhow Email lchapelhow@ggf.org. uk Or call 020 7939 9101 and ask for either Sinder or Lis in the Marketing Department. For further information go to: www.ggf.org.uk.

CE MARKING

deadline looming

With the deadline for compulsory CE Marking looming ever closer Glyn Jones, Sales Manager at the well-established manufacturer of quality, innovative window hardware, Securistyle, provides some advice for fabricators and installers on how to make the compliance process less of a headache.

Can your hardware supplier help you comply? There remains a great deal of confusion surrounding the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) and subsequent compulsory requirement for CE Marking. At the beginning of July it will be mandatory for all products in the UK market to carry a CE Mark, and all manufacturers will have to take responsibility to ensure theirs do. This includes fabricators but also any installers who purchase their frames and glass from separate suppliers, and would therefore be seen under the Regulation as manufacturers. So, what do fabricators and installers need to do in order to ensure they comply in time for the deadline? It is important in the months leading up to the deadline, that you make yourself as familiar with the CPR as possible so you are aware of the relevant harmonised product standards you must comply with and put a documented Factory Production Control procedure (FPC) in place early on to iron out any discrepancies. This will get you used demonstrating your manufacturing processes before you have to do so by law. It is also a useful tool in assessing your existing practices and streamlining them in order to improve efficiency.

Test and declare You will need to declare everything from the least efficient, but Building Regulation compliant, product you offer (everything above this will then be covered); to the load bearing capacity for hardware and safety devices such as restrictors. These must first be approved by a UKAS accredited notified body as part of the Initial Type Testing (ITT) process and then declared via a Declaration of Performance (DoP). For many components, such as hardware, fabricators will be covered by their supplier, but you must make sure you know that this supplier has itself adhered to the ITT process; that it has all the appropriate and up to date accreditations; and that its products are proven to meet and exceed the relevant regulations, which in itself can be somewhat of a minefield.

Take the British Board of Agrement’s (BBA) comprehensive assessment scheme as an example. When you find a potential supplier bearing the BBA logo, you can be assured that their product range is fit for specification, right?

See the certification Well, not necessarily. There remains some confusion about what it actually means to be accredited under the scheme, and many companies out there who use the BBA logo do not actually have the Agrement Certificate to back up their claims and should not in fact be displaying the logo at all. This is because, as well as the scheme itself, suppliers can also apply for an assessment report, which states that the particular product being tested was fit for purpose on that day. The Agrement Certificate is only awarded following stringent assessment of the supplier and testing of its product. Once achieved, the Certificate is reviewed and the manufacturer audited annually, whereas the assessment report only lasts for five years, and only covers the individual product tested. An Agrément Certificate under the scheme is also recognised by industry insurers such as the NHBC, where an assessment report is not. It is paramount, therefore, that when you do see the logo, you find out from your supplier the exact processes they had to undergo in order to achieve their accreditation. A genuinely accredited company should have no problem filling you in.

BBA approved In terms of hardware suppliers, fabricators and installers can rest assured that their CE Marking compliance is covered by our Securistyle’s. We can demonstrate compliance to the applicable standards tiered down from BS EN14351, which means our customers will have the evidence they need for their own technical files and Factory Production Control. Our full range of Defender friction stay hinges successfully passed the BBA scheme of comprehensive assessments in 2010. What’s more we are still the only hardware supplier to achieve this accreditation today. By selecting a BBA approved product from an approved manufacturer, fabricators and installers can be confident it will meet the criteria set out in its Agrément Certificate because of the aforementioned assessment and auditing processes to ensure the approved specification is always being met by the manufacturer.

With a large number of cheap imports invading the hardware market, it is more important than ever to ensure that the hardware you buy is of the highest quality – not only to comply with CE Marking procedures, but also to ensure no costly call backs down the line. The Defender range is designed by a UK manufacturer for the UK market place, and manufactured from high grade stainless steel. Thermo plastic end caps with asymmetric end points provide smooth closure, and gasket compression aids a draught free longer life. Longevity is also enhanced by the holistic design, which features no metal to metal contact, and nylon washers between rivet points.

Case study Forward thinking London based trade fabricator Everglade Windows recognised the importance of the BBA logo in terms of CE Marking, and so chose Securistyle as its supplier of hinges in order to ensure they comply come July. Managing Director Vinod Gopal comments: “Everglade's philosophy is to use the best and Securistyle offers top quality products. As the CE marking deadline looms, it’s even more important for us and our customers to be able to comply.” What’s more, Securistyle has further supported Everglade in its CE Marking dedication by attending a recent open day held by the fabricator in order to support Everglade and its customers on the route to compliance. It can be a struggle to keep abreast of changing industry standards and legislation– especially if you use a broad range of components. Securistyle has made available a flowchart of all window and door hardware standards that shows how they interrelate and how they apply to different companies. The flowchart allows you to see at a glance, which of the many standards you need to be aware of and which are relevant to your business. For your free copy please call 01242 221 200 or email info@ securistyle.co.uk. For more information visit www.securistyle.co.uk.

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CE MARKING

TALKING TECHNICAL

GLASS NEWS ARE PLEASED TO PUBLISH THIS, THE FIRST OF A REGULAR SERIES OF ARTICLES from Strafford Cooke, Technical Manager at Mila All you ever wanted to know about CE marking – but didn’t know who to ask. What do the letters CE stand for? They stand for ‘Conformite Européenne, which means European Conformity. Essentially, it is a declaration by the manufacturer that their product meets the requirements of the applicable European Directive.

When does CE marking come into force? For external pedestrian door sets and windows without resistance to fire and/or smoke leakage characteristics (those that fall within the scope of the European Standard EN14351-1 Annex ZA), the deadline is 1st July 2013. It is simply a legal Declaration of Performance (DoP) by the manufacturer that the product they are selling meets the essential health and safety requirements set out by the European Directive.

What does EN14351-1 Annex ZA ask for? There are seven requirements within the standard covering: mechanical resistance and stability, safety in case of fire, hygiene, health and the environment, safety and accessibility in use, protection against noise, energy economy and heat retention and sustainable use of natural resources. However, there are four characteristics which are applicable in the UK and which require a Declaration of Performance. These are: load bearing capacity of safety devices such as restrictors, declared U-Value of the window, declaration that components do not contain any dangerous substances and, for panic and emergency doors, the ability to release.

Who is responsible for CE marking the window or door? The responsibility lies with the company that actually places the finished window or door on the market. In most cases this will be the fabricator but if they are selling unglazed frames, then the responsibility passes to the installer. Individual components of a window or door can’t be CE marked – it is only the finished product fully fitted with glazing and hardware.

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

How can component suppliers like Mila help? The component supplier cannot CE mark their products. However, they can provide Declarations of Performance which show that their components meet one or more of the four mandated characteristics and have been successfully tested to the required standard. These can then be sent to fabricators or installers who are responsible for the CE marking to provide the evidence required that their products comply with declared values. For example, Mila has successfully tested its own restrictors to the clauses of EN1435-1 and we can supply the reports to customers on request. Similarly, for panic and emergency doors, we have tested all the relevant hardware to EN1125 and EN179 and we provide the information within the packaging of the hardware as standard. With regard to dangerous substances, every supplier should be able to collate the information for a declaration and certainly Mila has this available from our QA department.

What about Factory Production Control? Companies who are CE marking also need to demonstrate that the fabrication of the window and door sets meets the requirements of the Factory Production Control procedures set out in EN1435-1. This covers everything from raw material control to cutting, reinforcing, welding, glazing and fitting of the hardware as well as final inspection and it requires thorough documentation and record keeping.

What next? My advice is for fabricators to act now so that they have the documentation in place before the CE marking requirements come into force. Define your product, obtain the DoPs from your suppliers, make sure you have evidence of thermal performance, set up your Factory Production Control and set up labelling stations so that CE marking becomes an essential part of daily routine. There is lots more information available online or you can contact Mila for advice via: technical@mila.co.uk. By Strafford Cooke, Technical Manager, Mila.

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CE MARKING

CE Marking Sorted!

Everglade Windows, the number one fabricator for installer support, held its highly successful CE Marking Sorted! conference on 14 March. With over 70 customers attending, this conference was the best yet. CE Marking Sorted! focused on the new legislation and the support Everglade Windows has ready for customers including CE Marking workshops. Christina Shaw comments: “Glass News attended the seminar and viewed first hand the high turn out and well received event. Having attended numerous CE Marking Seminars over the past three months, I found that Everglade presented a very informative session, quashing many myths surrounding the subject, with their customers clearly benefiting.”

The conference kicked off with an overview of the new legislation and who takes responsibility. Then followed step-by-step advice including the complete CE Marking compliance pack Everglade

Windows has created for customers containing Declaration of Performance documents, CE Mark labels and even a simplified Factory Production Control template for installers. Every delegate was given the Everglade Windows’ CE Marking Sorted! guide. This was in the goody bag that also included freebies from suppliers including Reynaers Aluminium and Solidor. “We hadn’t expected there to be such little information around about the new legislation,” said Jay Patel, sales director at Everglade Windows. “Because Everglade Windows is a commercial installer as well as a fabricator, we have to comply with the changes to CE Marking in the same way as our customers. But when we tried to find simplified advice, it was almost impossible. We knew if it was hard for us, then our customers would be finding it difficult too. So the aim for CE Marking Sorted! was to make it easy for customers to comply with the new legislation.” After the conference wonderful food and drink was served to guests and they were entertained by Mick Wright who drew cartoons during the evening. Mick is the cartoonist who drew Everglade Windows trade advertising campaign turning the team into superheroes. “The whole conference was a real success,” added Jay. “We brought the timing for our annual conference forward so customers could get the information on CE Marking

well before the deadline of 1 July. The record attendance figures show how important CE Marking is to customers. And the feedback forms collected at the conference show that most customers said they will be using our CE Marking templates or buying in our products already CE Marked. “It was also good to have key suppliers on hand to talk about their individual products with regard to CE Marking. We were very fortunate to be supported by Solidor, VEKA Halo, Kommerling, Eclectic Systems, Reynaers, VBH and Schueco.”

complete frame from one supplier. There is still some concern on this matter as one of the attendees commented: “We will have to remain buying our glass separately to the frame and from different suppliers, otherwise it affects our profit margin too much. Even though we still have to glaze the unit ourselves. We are also worried our suppliers will start charging a fee due to the extra workload on them for CE Marking. Whilst these efforts to help us comply are appreciated, only time will tell how CE Marking will really affect the industry.”

Maybe there is still worry and concern about CE Marking. Glass News advises, speak to your supplier. They should be helping you through this stressful time. Everglade are reaching out and providing

everything they can to help customers comply. Is your supplier doing the same for you? Tel: 020 8998 8775 Email: info@everglade.co.uk www.evergladetrade.co.uk

New customer Belinda Owen from Warwick Doors & Windows said: “We have only been a customer of Everglade Windows for six months so this is our first conference. The level of support is far above anything we’ve had from other suppliers. We found the whole day very useful and we’ll be back next year.” The annual conference is just one part of the comprehensive Valentis support package offered to Everglade Windows’ customers. Full colour brochures for the complete range of products are included in the marketing support package for customers, and there are sales, installation and technical support on hand. Glass News spoke with a number of attendees, some of whom will continue to buy in their frames and glass separately and some of whom will now buy their

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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TRIPLE GLAZING

No Extra Pane No Gain Say Triple Glazing Supporters

As triple glazing is making its way into British homes many home owners are asking whether it is going to be significantly more effective for the money than double glazing. With wetter, longer and colder winters and high energy prices UK homeowners are becoming acutely aware of the importance of the integrity of the outer layer of their home in keeping the heat in and keeping draughts out. While the latest double glazed windows are great at both of these things Triple glazing is now the new kid on the UK insulation block.

While common in the cold climates of Norway and Sweden Triple glazing is an extension of a concept that UK homeowners have come to understand the possible benefits of thanks to a long acquaintance with double glazing and some

experience ofsecondary glazing. As with all ‘new’ variations of existing products some commentators are sceptical that the costs to the homeowner will be outweighed by the benefits let alone the possibility it paying for itself in energy bill savings over time.

Triple glazed windows typically feature an extra pane of glass in the cavity between the inner and outer panes. The cavity that the middle pane sits in is filled with inert Argon gas because it has greater insulating properties than air due to its low thermal conductivity. Triple glazed windows also typically have fibreglass spacers to help maintain insulation and tend to be heavier and more challenging to fit than their double glazed counterparts.

what extra benefits the extra layer of insulation will give to outweigh the potential negatives.

“Yes the latest generation of double glazing is very effective at keeping draughts out and keeping heat in but the popularity of triple glazing in Scandanavian countries where they certainly know a thing or two about how to stay warm in really cold weather is for a reason” says Dave.

The extra weight, processes, components and possibly manpower required to fit them could all add up to more to pay for the customer.

“An extra pane and the inert gas means – yes, greater insulation. A Triple glazed window typically has and extremely low U-value which indicates superior insulation. These windows eliminate cold spots and they let more of the ‘free’ sun’s heat in, and help it to stay in. I think that these benefits count for a lot and as is so often the case in life you get whet you pay for. If you’re looking for windows that are going to help provide that extra comfort level to your home then you should seriously consider triple glazing” says Dave.

Dave Pearson of DA Windows and Doors in Swindon voices his opinion in answer to those commentators who are asking

For more information call 01793 790 754 or visit http://www.doubleglazingswindon.co.uk/

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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ECOBUILD REVIEW

INTELLIGENT GLASS SYSTEMS RECEIVE PRAISE AT ECOBUILD Essex Safety Glass (ESG Ltd) certainly put a new spin on the term ‘responsive architecture’ at EcoBuild this year, with visitors flocking to the stand to see and feel for themselves the digitally sensitive glass products on display. Unveiling ESG Solarchromic™ Climate Control Glass and ESG Thermic™ Heatable Glass for the first time was a smart move for the leading technical glass manufacturer, as visitors were left inspired by ESG’s Eco Intelligent Home. In fact, ESG is already seeing a surge in enquiries from those looking for highly practical, responsive, stylish, and most importantly, environmentally friendly glass solutions. Scott Sinden, Managing Director of ESG, comments: “We experienced a great deal of interest in our ESG Solarchromic™ Climate Control Glass, which has the ability to minimise solar heat gain during summer months yet maximise it during the winter. With its electronically controllable tint, the glass not only reduces a building’s energy consumption, it is also an attractive design feature for any window, conservatory, velux or rooflight. Available

in manual or automatic control, ESG Solarchromic™ panels can be controlled individually or as a multiple panel system.”

folding door system, a low voltage shower enclosure with conductive fittings, and a front projection switchable window.

“Visitors were also attracted to our newly introduced ESG Thermic™ Heatable Glass, which is capable of bringing effective and controlled room temperatures up to 40°C, discarding the need for unsightly radiators with its innovative, invisible space saving properties.”

Echoing the increasing demand for intelligent products that adapt to their surroundings, Scott Sinden adds: “There has never been a more appropriate time to introduce these intelligent products, especially given the increased demand for energy efficient buildings that will only intensify as we near the requirement for all new homes to be zero carbon from 2016.”

Available in sizing up to 1,800mm x 3,500mm, ESG Switchable™ LCD Privacy Glass proved to be particularly appealing to specifiers looking to use the glass as a practical and elegant design feature. This was the first time a company showcased intelligent glass products within actual applications. These included an advanced privacy glass sliding and

ESG will also be exhibiting at Grand Designs Live at Excel, London from 4th – 12th May 2013 where visitors will have the opportunity to experience the range at first hand. For further information visit www.esguk.co.uk.

CAB Thrives at Ecobuild

There was a danger of bad news fatigue overshadowing Ecobuild 2013 but the well located CAB stand showed no signs of it at all. This was highlighted by the sheer volume of visitors and interest in the Association’s activities and membership opportunities from amongst the 45,000 visitors to the show which included around 40% of CAB’s entire membership who took time out to visit the stand in the North Gallery.

CAB Stand.

This year, the usual CAB Team at the show was strengthened with new CAB Technical Director, Dr Justin Furness, who joined in mid-February. Yes there were less stands and unsurprisingly less visitors as a result but there was an air of confidence in visitors and CAB now has its most exciting set of leads to follow up in the 6 years of exhibiting at the show. The CAB stand was well placed on the intersection of three walkways which ensured good visibility and it represented an excellent meeting point for CAB’s growing membership. Aluminium’s key sustainability messages were again a key focus of the stand with many visitors choosing to share them on social media networks across Europe and worldwide. While the show still has an ‘eco’ edge, it has evolved into a general construction

Entrance to Ecobuild 2013.

show which still attracts key specifiers and industry decision makers from across the UK and Europe. CAB’s Chief Executive, Justin Ratcliffe commented ‘Ecobuild has evolved over the years and remains a key show for ourselves and several of our members. The expected reduction in numbers this year was more than compensated by an

increase in both the quality of the visitor and their knowledge.’ For more information about CAB, its 2013 events programme and its membership, which is open to anyone in the commercial aluminium supply chain or aluminium home improvement sector, please contact Julie Harley at the CAB office on01453 82 8851 or email julie.harley@c-a-b. org.uk. Written by Justin Ratcliffe, CAB Chief Executive

CAB’s Stand Reception.

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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ECOBUILD REVIEW

Optimism for green construction at Ecobuild Ecobuild, the world’s leading event for sustainable design, construction and the built environment celebrated a busy, vibrant and forward-thinking event bursting with new technologies, products and an exceptional educational programme. Ecobuild organisers UBM welcomed 45,000 industry professionals to London’s ExCeL over three days to explore the products, services and innovations from more than 1,000 exhibiting companies, including organisations including Baxi, Saint-Gobain, Worcester Bosch, Mitsubishi, Schueco, Marshalls and Kingspan Environmental. In addition to the industry’s major players, the event showcased a number of new Green Shoot companies introducing innovative ideas and products to the marketplace and the popular Biodiversity Pavilion covered subjects from bat boxes and living roofs to wild habitats and water management. There was a focus on resources with the new WasteZone and University students were also given the chance to showcase their projects as the event saw involvement from Universities including Brighton, Kingston, Oxford Brooks, London Met, Reading and the University of East London. Paul King, Chief Executive, UK-Green Building Council commented: “Several exciting and important things happened at Ecobuild this year. The Green Deal did for refurbishment what Zero Carbon did for newbuild in 2006 – catalyzing huge amounts of investment and innovation for a whole new industry. A consistently packed Arena and a host of thoughtprovoking seminars and features on the exhibition floor made this the most entertaining Ecobuild yet for visitors; and the optimistic mood of all who came showed that the green shoots have survived another tough winter and are ready to burst into a new Spring for the construction industry.” Exhibitors at the event welcomed a significant increase in senior level decision makers and saw a number of new visitor groups including Energy and Facilities Managers. Ecobuild also successfully launched its first Hosted Buyer Programme inviting UK and International VIP buyers to the event to build key relationships with exhibitors. Returning to the show floor for 2013, the spectacular Ecobuild Arena designed by landscape architect and Chelsea Gold Winner Patrick Collins, offered a programme of keynote debates and high level discussions as well as an audience with Joanna Lumley and Jonathan Dimbleby. In all, over 900 speakers took to the stage to address the political, economical and technical challenges facing the built environment community. Attracting a host of industry experts, commentators and Ministers, including Edward Davey MP, Don Foster MP and Gregory Barker MP, the conference programme tackled subjects including ‘The Green Deal – is it delivering’, ‘Does the UK have any hope of achieving its 2050 carbon reduction target?’ and ‘Can green drive the next wave of growth?’. Packed seminar theatres on the floor covered topics including Green Energy, Passivhaus, Refurbishing Britain, Property, BIM and Whole Life Carbon. Ecobuild boasted a number of new features on the show floor including the ‘Future Materials Gallery’ a showcase of the world’s latest building technologies and materials including heat responsive ‘thermobimetals’ that act like human skin, and the pioneering application of ‘blue smoke’ – the world’s lightest solid, to create see-through doors, windows and structures without fear of heat loss. Lighting innovation received special attention with the launch of the ‘Evolution of Light’ feature designed to educate visitors

about the most pressing business issues affecting the lighting industry today. Opened by The Restoration Man and architect, George Clarke, Practical Installer returned to Ecobuild. The interactive feature area allowed renewable energy installers and engineers to see new technologies and products available and find out about the latest installation techniques. Another success was the ‘Global Clients Group’, an initiative born out of a campaign which has been running in UBM’s Building Magazine for the last six months showcasing the opportunities and challenges faced by major corporates with projects across international borders. Tom Broughton, Brand Director of Ecobuild commented: “UBM has responded to the industry’s desire to have the information programme back on the show floor, has developed more features and has piloted its first ever Hosted Buyers VIP Programme. These investments have proven to work, and Ecobuild remains the industry’s platform for sharing ideas and best practice, learning about the most current regulations and legislation and discussing and debating the future of the built environment”. Exhibitors were delighted with the calibre of visitors this year with over 50% already contracting space for Ecobuild 2014 (4-6 March, 2014). Paul Bradshaw, Marketing Manager from Wolseley UK commented: “Ecobuild was really important this year, probably more than ever with all the developments around the Green Deal. With UBM running the event for the first time it was positive to see such a high level of visitors to both of our stands. It was encouraging to hear so many well informed visitors show interest in our software”. Jodi Huggett, Director of 4Eco-immerSUN said “We were overwhelmed by the number of people who dropped by to talk about our products. We had representatives from top supermarkets, renewable energy specialists and public sector bodies all come to see us. More than 500 people visited our stand and we received some really positive feedback, as well as a number of new business leads.” Colin Oakley, Technical Director at Atlas Water Harvesting commented: “We set out with a target of 120 leads over the three days. On day one we couldn't believe how busy we were - we took 132 leads and even on Tuesday night sitting in the hotel enquiries were coming in to our iPhones. The next two days were just as good with a total of 472 leads. Since getting back to the office we have been approached by developers, housing associations, architects, and self builders. We have also been contacted by distributors working in the UK, Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus and France. Over the last two weeks we have received an incredible amount of invitations to tender and have already started signing these up as contracts. For me Ecobuild is the best money I've ever spent on PR” Ecobuild has the support and endorsement of all the leading industry organisations including UK-GBC, The RIBA, BRE, UKTI, CIBSE, CIOB, Carbon Trust and RICS. UBM is now looking forward to its international Ecobuild events; Ecobuild China to be held from 1st – 3rd April 2013 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre and Ecobuild India will take place from 16th -17th April 2013 at the BEC, Mumbai. Later in the year, Ecobuild Southeast Asia will run in Kuala Lumpur from the 17th – 19th September 2013.

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

BIM, BREEAM & the future of sustainability debated by top Industry figures at Ecobuild China Conference 2013 sees the return of Ecobuild China, 01-03 April at Shanghai New International Expo Centre, bringing big names and debate to the heart of the exhibition sharing their unique perspective on the agenda for China’s sustainable future. Designed to inspire, educate and inform, the two day conference programme will feature key industry speakers including BRE Group, Atkins, RICS, shanghaiBIM, government officials and academics in cutting edge debates and high level discussions to cover topics such as BIM in practice: enabling efficiency through high performance design; Buildings in use: key steps towards energy efficiency; Achieving excellence in low carbon construction – the role of Three Star, LEED, BREEAM and DGNB. Ecobuild China attracted over 15,000 attendees and 127 exhibiting companies in its first year and secured its position as the region’s meeting place for the sustainable built community. Building upon the anchor event in London - Ecobuild UK, combined with global chapters in India and Southeast Asia – Ecobuild China is expected to attract the most influential decision makers, architects and developers in the region. UBM Built Environment International Director, Eliane Van Doorn comments: “With Ecobuild UK, China, India

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and Southeast Asia we are connecting the sustainable design construction and built environment communities from around the world. Our renowned conference tackles the key issues, strategies and opportunities within the local sustainability market with global expertise through our network of influential industry professionals.” Ecobuild China strives to deliver practical and applied information on key issues facing those involved with sustainable construction and green building. The event has the official support and endorsement of many of the industry’s leading associations including China Institute of Building Standard & Research, Ecological Building Materials Association, shanghaiBIM, RevitBBS, RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), BRE (UK’s Building Research Establishment) and CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building) For the full programme line-up, please visit www.ecobuildchina.com.

“Ecobuild China strives to deliver practical and applied information on key issues facing those involved with sustainable construction and green building.”

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COMMENT PIECE

AA Ratings, Damaging Weather & False Positives

I think it is fair to say that the start of this year has been more frenetic and arduous than most expected. The end of 2012 promised a better start to the New Year, with many believing that we had turned a corner. However, this has not been the case. It also looks like 2013 is shaping up to be a year of dramatic change. AA Ratings Don’t let that subtitle confuse you. There are no plans as far as I know to introduce AA ratings. But there are growing murmurs from within many parts of the industry that there needs to be an extra rating put in place to help distinguish the lower A rated windows from the ever increasing higher ones. And I agree. I know that most of the industry would much prefer to use U-values rather than energy ratings. They’re far more reliable, accurate and trustworthy. However, for the sake of the consumer being able to recognise the energy rated certificate better, the powers that be have decided that this is the way it works. But, as the efficiency of standard double glazing gets better and the introductions of triple glazing gains traction, we stand to do much damage to the credibility of the ‘A rated’ window. You can get an A rated window from 0 upwards on the energy efficient certificate. However, ratings have shot up since their introduction and we’re now seeing A ratings well up into the double digits. But if I were a consumer, not very knowledgeable on buying new windows, to me an A rating is an A rating, whether it’s +3 or +30. This is damaging to us as an industry as the credibility and shine of the A ratings rubs off. A double A rating will help distinguish between the low band energy efficient windows and the higher bands. My guess would be that a AA rated window would qualify with a rating of +10 or more.

I think as more customers get educated, the industry needs to make sure that the highest energy rated windows are rightfully given a better banding so customers can make a better informed decision.

It’s Been a Long Winter! Don’t know about you, but my Vitamin D levels are low! I’m sick of having to wear a scarf, heavy coat, gloves and having the heating on in the car full blast! I think the rest of the population feels very much the same way. More importantly, the recent very heavy snow fall and extended low temperatures which have been with us all Winter seems to be doing some serious damage to our industry and the wider economy. Those who follow my blog may have seen a post I did about the weather and the affect it is having on our industry. One of the comments left confirmed that this time last year, during a heatwave, things were much better, and that this time round trading conditions are as tough as ever. Go on social media and the lack of positive sales news is telling. I think Twitter is a good barometer and people have always made an effort to use Twitter to explain how positive things are at their business. So when it is quiet on there, it certainly is telling. The problem lies not in the leads. From what I know personally and feedback from others, lead levels are around where they should be this time of year. But it is the closing of sales and reluctance of consumers willing to buy new windows and doors while the weather is so inclement. Yes it is up to us as sales people to get around that, but short of threatening violence, there is sometimes little we can do. I think we’re all praying for a break in the weather soon!

False Positives As I have said, Twitter has been a decent and fairly reliable barometer of the performance of the industry. However, given the state of the economy and the recent prolonged bad weather, I would warn that any major positive news put on there should be taken with a pinch of salt. Take for example tweets which say: “so busy, showroom upgrades, new IT” and so on.

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

“A rating will help distinguish between the low band energy efficient windows and the higher bands. My guess would be that a AA rated window would qualify with a rating of +10 or more.” This is not busy. This isn’t physical leads and sales. It’s housekeeping. Yes it’s important to the business, a well stocked and up to date showroom with the IT systems to match is vital to the running of the business. But it’s not busy in the conventional sense. Tweets like: “record month! 13% up on this time last year!” also have to be thought of carefully. 13% up on what? Trim sales? Brochure requests? Handle sales? If you’re an installer, these are irrelevant. “13% up” doesn’t always mean that sales of windows and doors are up 13%. Of course, there are some businesses out there that are doing well, and for that they are to be congratulated. However, our industry is a vain one and there is a lot of bluff and muster going on to make sure the competition doesn’t start to smell blood. I don’t blame those that do, I have been guilty of doing so in the past. But I reserve myself now for tweeting genuinely positive news, instead of something that has been spun. Anyway, I hope to see some of you at the FIT Show. Not sure some of you will want to see me but there we go! Email: info@doubleglazingblogger.com www.doubleglazingblogger.com

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DO YOU AGREE WITH THESE COMMENTS? Write to us: christina@glassnews.co.uk The views contained herein are not necessarily those of glassnews™ and whilst every effort is made to ensure information throughout is correct, glassnews™ does not accept liability for errors. The views expressed by contributors and the content of letters, are not necessarily those of glassnews™ and therefore cannot take responsibility.

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PRODUCT NEWS

Emplas delivers new Three ways to anytime, anywhere ordering three stars from MAX6MUM SECURITY In the past adding high security to doors meant adding extra costs. But now UAP Limited’s new MAX6MUM SECURITY range offers fabricators and installers three affordable ways to achieve the important TS007 Kitemark three star rating and Secured by Design approval. The three star security rating was developed by Glass and Glazing Federation and Door and Hardware Federation in response to thieves using more sophisticated ways of breaking into doors which have been broadcast on the internet. The Kitemark gives individual products a one, two or three star rating. These products can be used on their own or combined to achieve three stars. UAP Limited is announcing at the FIT Show its complete TS007 accredited MAX6MUM SECURITY product range to offer door manufacturers three easy and affordable ways to achieve the three star security standard.

Handle and cylinder equals three stars The first way to three stars is to use the new two star MAX6MUM SECURITY TS007 handle with a TS007 one star UAP+ Euro cylinder lock. The MAX6MUM SECURITY handle has an

integrated cylinder guard to protect the lock from attack by drilling and cylinder snapping. The handle is also reinforced to prevent it being snapped. Hidden self-adhesive fixing makes fitting the handle easier, it also increases protection against attack and damaging water penetration. The security handle and UAP+ cylinder combination takes no extra fabrication time, making it a fast and cost effective solution to three star security.

New three star Kinetica super cylinder The new Kinetica super cylinder gives manufacturers the flexibility of achieving low cost three star security with any handle. Designed with renowned lock expert Chris Belcher the Kinetica cylinder achieves the three star rating on its own. Kinetica is the latest addition to the MAX6MUM SECURITY range. Its patent pending design offers a unique defence against forced entry. If attacked, the Kinetica cylinder remains secure from the outside but can still be opened from inside so occupants are not trapped. It uses standard keys that can be cut anywhere from normal blanks and is ideal for master suiting. Kinetica features

a solid drive bar which protects against picking. The cylinder is also anti-snap, anti-bump and anti-drill.

Cylinder guard gets to three stars: The third option to three star security is a one star UAP+ Euro cylinder combined with a MAX6MUM SECURITY TS007 two star cylinder guard. Fitted inside the door the MAX6MUM SECURITY cylinder guard encases and protects the cylinder. It features a unique hardened steel anti-drill plate, a pointed anti-drill high tensile steel bolt and anti-axial rotational lugs. These protect the cylinder from attacks such as drilling, forced rotation and snapping. David Jennings, MD of UAP Limited says: “Homeowners want high levels of security for their homes without spending extra money. The MAX6MUM SECURITY range offers companies affordable options to give their customers TS007 three star security. We believe that Kinetica is the lowest cost three star cylinder on the market and the cost effective pricing of the MAX6MUM SECURITY range brings high security to the mass door market.” Tel: 0161 796 7268 www.uapcorporate.com

Emplas has launched a new online ordering system which allows installers to get instant quotes and place orders anytime and anywhere, via the web. Once set-up, installers simply have to log-on from any web enabled device, for example PC, laptop, tablet or mobile phone, to access a secure quoting and order processing system.

This gives them instant access to an online ordering portal which allows them to input a specification, choose glass, hardware and furniture and then automatically applies their discounts, to provide an instant quote. Where an order is placed installers get an immediate Order Acknowledgement. Mike Crewdson, Sales and Marketing Director Emplas said: “It gives installers full control of the order process. They can access it whenever they want - they can go out, price a job in the evening and if they win it, place the order that night.” “Rapid turnaround is part and parcel of our business now, installers need that flexibility because as we all know, competition out there is fierce.” “This system gives installers an element of control back supporting quick turnarounds but also giving them the visibility that they need to operate effectively and efficiently.” The new service is offered by Emplas following significant investment in a major software upgrade. This uses Window Designer for the Web from First Degree Systems to give installers access to online ordering, while the fabricator has also introduced the Window Designer 7 work-flow management tool, to drive efficiencies internally. This means that the Northamptonshirebased trade fabricator’s manufacturing and customer service teams can manage

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

“This uses Window Designer for the Web from First Degree Systems to give installers access to online ordering, while the fabricator has also introduced the Window Designer 7 work-flow management tool, to drive efficiencies internally.” customer orders far more effectively across the board and in turn, offer a better service to its customers, whether they are coming to it ‘on’ or ‘offline’. Crewdson continued: “Because the whole workflow is fully integrated and because we can check or access any orders at any time, the manufacturing process becomes seamless.” “On this basis we can report back to our customers with absolute accuracy throughout the ordering process and depending on where that order is, amend or adapt it through a single system. That makes us more efficient and flexible, and gives benefits that we can directly pass onto the customer.” Emplas has embarked on a dual strategy that mobilises digital and information technology in full without losing sight of the fundamentals of product development. This emphasis has recently included the launch of a new in-house GRP composite door line. Combining a tried and tested GRP leaf with a wide choice of glass and quality hardware, Emplas unveiled its new high specification composite door offer at the

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end of last year. Available in five solid and 21 glazed styles plus four stable door options, it features hardware from Fab and Fix and Winkhaus to create an affordable but high quality composite door range. The trade fabricator has made a corresponding investment in its range of colour options, plus an orangery/conservatory midmarket ‘cross-over’ offer, in addition to a programme of continuous investment in its vertical slider, tripleglazed and casement product ranges. Crewdson, added: “We’re continuing to invest in our product range because we believe product innovation is critical in delivering competitive advantage to our customers.” “At the same time we’re strengthening our management infrastructure because its’ efficient running ensures that our customers get those products exactly where and when they want them. These two elements of customer support have to go hand-in-hand.” For more information visit www.emplas.co.uk , email info@emplas.co.uk or call 01933 674880.

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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PRODUCT NEWS

Emplas offers 10 year KOMMERLING’S NEW guarantee across its ONLINE CONTENT SAC hardware range Emplas is offering a full 10 year guarantee across its range of SAC hardware including the innovative new SAC Shootbolt, the SAC Dogbolt and the Ecoseal locking and sealing systems. The BBA approved SAC Shootbolt six-point locking mechanism features a unique ‘corner-drive’ system. This combines a traditional Espag with a pair of shootbolt kits, one of which works in-line and the other a reverse action gearbox to fix on either face of the sash corner. This revolutionary corner locking mechanism significantly enhances security and sealing but also improves window alignment, reducing wear and tear on hinges but also delivers

significant sales differentials to installers.

compression of the gasket and deliver an enhanced seal.

Mike Crewdson, sales and marketing director, Emplas, said: “The product quality across the SAC range is exceptionally high and on that basis we’re able to offer our trade customers a full product guarantee against normal usage.

Emplas also offers the ergonomically designed, the SAC Dogbolt and Keep as part of its range which further enhances security by creating an additional fixing point between the closed frame and sash, while also enhancing window alignment.

“That allows them to build on already strong retail messaging on security and thermal performance, both of which already resonate with the consumer.”

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

Fitted as standard by Emplas on all large top hung windows where the sash exceeds 1,000mm, SAC’s Ecoseal system enhances window performance by using powerful magnets to pull the frame and sash together to form an even

Kömmerling have just expanded their website at www.kommerling.co.uk with new product information, six corporate videos and seventeen product and corporate downloads. These important developments are aimed at the consumer, trade fabricator, installer and commercial specifier, as the brand continues to gain market share. The re-developed website has introduced greater interaction through the use of video content and a greater range of product and corporate downloads. The video content covers subjects such as the use of lead-free

materials, information about profine as an international group and product innovation.

The video content also extends to security, energy savings and also advice about how to create a healthy indoor climate. There’s also an Energy Savings Calculator within the website, allowing consumers to assess the impact on their homes of replacing all of their windows and doors in terms of potential financial and CO2 savings. For the consumer, this content will help answer several key questions and provides useful information and advice. Within the rebuilt website, Kömmerling have included videos about green issues, reducing energy costs and a corporate overview. In addition, there are a

number of brochures and specification sheets for the O70 and C70 Gold Systems, Bi-folding door, PremiLine patio door, PremiLine Lift and Slide door, KBE System 88 and details on the company’s colour range which now extends to over 40 finishes. Kevin Warner of Kömmerling comments: ‘It’s important for us to keep our website updated with new products, downloads and also our latest videos. As a group we invest considerable sums in our PVCu materials and product design, something that we can now convey in the form of video content through the website and our YouTube channel.’ To experience Kömmerling’s new website then log on to www.kommerling.co.uk of for further information call the sales office on 01543 444900.

DESIGNER ERA BRINGS SURGE IN BI-FOLDS FOR CUSTOMADE Leading trade fabricator Customade has reported a marked rise in the production of its aluminium products, with sales of bi-fold doors at an all time high. The growing number of homeowners choosing to stay in their properties, coupled with a shift towards designer style interiors, is believed to have led to a 50 per cent increase in the company’s output of aluminium since last year.

Andy Thomas, Customade’s sales and marketing director, says: “There’s been a phenomenal rise in the demand for our bi-fold doors. This has been fuelled by homeowners choosing to maximise what they have in their existing homes rather than move house. Bifold doors are also considered to be a must in any desirable new build property. With winter now behind us, we expect there to be a further increase in bi-fold installations

as design-conscious consumers seek to increase the space and light within their homes and make the most of what the great British summer will bring!” One of the company’s most popular bi-fold doors is the Visofold 1000 from Smart Architectural Aluminium. With its slim profile, the Visofold 1000 door is an internally beaded 70mm system which has been designed to offer good looks without compromising on security. “As one of Smart’s largest fabricators, we consistently offer very competitive prices and superb manufacturing quality, plus quick turnarounds on stock colours of this door,” says Andy. “This door has been designed without compromise thanks to its very slim sightlines and multi-point locking system, which makes it one of the best looking and secure doors in its class,” he adds. Created specifically for residential use, the door can comfortably achieve the wide spans required to provide a large opening which seamlessly connects the home

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

and garden. It features a number of threshold options, including a Part M compliant low threshold and a wide choice of opening configurations to suit customer’s individual requirements. The door has been designed with energy efficiency in mind too. It features a polyamide thermal break that enhances the thermal performance of the profile and improves the overall U-value. The profiles feature EPDM high quality gaskets and weather brushes for added weather resistance. It comes with a wide choice of glass options, which are all energy efficient and comply with the latest building regulations. Standard units are Argon filled to achieve a U-value of 1.2 W/m2K. There is also a self clean glass option, solar control option and a triple glazed option, capable of achieving a U-value of 1.1/0.9 and 0.7 W/m2K. High security multipoint locks feature on the main opening sashes with shootbolt locking mechanisms on the floating mullions. The door is available in Customade’s stock colours of white, anthracite grey

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and black. There is a further choice of 200 RAL colours and dual colour options. Handles are available in black, white or chrome with black or white hinges. Customade has 32 years of fabrication experience and currently fabricates up to 300 aluminium windows and doors a week. A member of DGCOS and an accredited member of FEEFO, Customade offers a comprehensive 25 year guarantee on paint, 20 years on glazing and 10 years on installation. Customade adopts a simple price per pane approach making it a quick and simple process for customers to price doors in a wide variety of sizes, styles and colours. A selection of RAL colours and finishes can also be easily priced. Please contact Customade on 01453 826884 for a free demonstration version of the software or to obtain a copy of the easy to use price list. For further information on the bifold door, please contact Customade’s marketing hotline on 0800 0094 203 or visit www.customade.co.uk.

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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PRODUCT NEWS

Roofline companies ORANGERY SOLUTIONS benefit from Freefoam BOLSTERS BIFOLD OPPORTUNITIES Lifetime Guarantee One of the most recent Orangery Solutions installations incorporated the latest in modern design concepts with the inclusion of a number of sets of bifold doors. The entire 8m x 4m project was tailored exactly to meet the needs of the homeowner and to complement the appearance of the existing property.

Freefoam Building Products were the first to offer an extended Lifetime Guarantee on roofline products in October 2012. They are pleased to report that the new guarantee is making a real difference to many businesses allowing them to buck the trend and turn leads into orders. Home Counties Cladding have been supplying and fitting high quality fascia and soffit systems and flat roofs throughout the South East from their Hemel Hempstead base for 20 years. They have recently chosen Freefoam as their sole supplier for roofline products and are now seeing the benefits of the Lifetime Guarantee. Kevin McSweeney, Managing Director explained “We’re a company who are very customer focused and have built our success on providing homeowners with a high quality, professional service backed by recognised quality marks such as Trust Mark and Registered Fairtrade (Member No: 365542). Now that we fit the full Freefoam range we can offer the Freefoam Lifetime Guarantee which works perfectly alongside these other recommendations, gives customers further confidence in the products we use and gives us the edge over competitors. We’ve been very pleased with the service from our Freefoam supplier, Skyline Roofing Centre in Leighton Buzzard, and use the consumer focused literature provided by Freefoam as an essential part of our sales package” Simply Roofline, based in Peterborough and operating throughout East Anglia, supply and install the full range of roofline products offering an honest, no nonsense approach with traditional old fashioned customer service values. Jason Large, the owner, explained his recipe for success. “In today’s

economy people want value for money. We’ve been going for 7 years and have built up a reputation for providing a high quality job using high quality materials supplied at a fair price. We use the benefits of the Freefoam Guarantee extensively in our sales pitch. We’ve been buying the full roofline range including the Freeflow guttering system from our local supplier Specialist Building Factors in Peterborough for some years so have been able to offer our customers the Freefoam Guarantee. The new Lifetime Guarantee is now an even better selling tool. Homeowners feel reassured in the knowledge that the manufacturers are able to offer such a long guarantee, it gives them piece of mind and means that they’re getting value for money. Coupled with the evidence of our professional installation techniques we’re able to offer a great package that people are still buying in these tough times.” Freefoam’s standard guarantee on white products is 20 years which may be extended to a transferable lifetime guarantee of 50 years by Freefoam Registered Installers registering the installation online at www.myfreefoam.com.

The advantages of incorporating bifold doors into the orangery extension were numerous bringing more light to the completed project and the overall impression of more space which the owners required. Unlike traditional options the bifold doors were the preferred choice for the prestigious private home in Lytham St Anns, Lancashire due to the dramatic effect they would add once the project was complete. To avoid structural issues at a later date the Orangery Solutions team provided structural calculations to ensure that the orangery structure could cope with the additional load bearing requirements that would be needed to accommodate bifold doors throughout the entire extension. Calculations for the orangery were carefully analysed and prepared by the company’s

in-house structural surveyor at the planning stage alongside the architect and building company.

Paul Nellis, Managing Director at Orangery Solutions comments, “Installing bifold doors into an orangery project is simple and easy. However, when it comes to the overall stability of the doorframe, this can cause technical problems at a later stage if calculations have not been made accurately.” “Not only can the doors come right off the tracks and out of the frame should warping occur but the weight of the frame can have a structural impact if calculations are not accurate. Whether on an internal or external wall, bi fold doors add a dynamic appearance to any orangery project. Whilst panel configuration may be down to personal preference, the stability of the structure must be carefully configured in order to substantiate guarantees.” Paul continues, “The style of bifold doors obviously provides a panoramic feel to any new installation which cannot be achieved

nomination for System10 Aluminium

Sales and Marketing Director Colin Torley explains: “We are thrilled to be shortlisted for this award, as the Greenbuild Awards is the only one of its kind in the UK that recognises truly sustainable buildings. With

a focus on actual measured performance rather than just the design intent or performance specifications, for System10 Aluminium to be recognised is a fantastic achievement.”

systems currently available in the UK and Europe, System10 Aluminium from Bowater Architectural can achieve these standards whilst retaining all the design flexibility and

System10 Aluminium is a revolutionary design concept that can be specified for buildings required to meet even the most stringent thermal and ecological standards. Unlike other

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Orangery Solutions provides a patented cassette system with integrated steel legs giving many structural advantages over alternatives as well as professional structural guarantees which are provided by the company on all projects. Paul Nellis concludes, “Some companies manufacture “improvised versions” of orangeries having not taken into account all the structural loads and calculations that will be required to keep the structure safe and to stop cracks from appearing after the ‘settling period’.”

For more information on the patented cassette system from Orangery Solutions please visit the website www.orangery-solutions.com or call 01904 786629.

‘Retrofit Product of the Year’

Bowater Architectural's System10 Aluminium has been shortlisted for the Retrofit Product of the Year Award at the dedicated Greenbuild Awards.

in the same way, through traditional windows and doors. Making that installation safe however, must come at the planning stage otherwise investors and installers will have to deal with the structural consequences which could prove a costly exercise for everyone concerned.”

aesthetic appeal of traditional aluminium windows, meaning there is no need to compromise on design to achieve lower carbon emissions.

behavioural change and innovation. The category for best new retrofit product will be judged by the Energy Hub team at the University of Salford.

The GreenBuild Award categories cover all sectors of the building environment, with prizes for excellence in newbuild and retrofit for domestic, leisure, retail, workplace and education buildings, as well as

The Greenbuild Awards winners will be revealed at a celebratory dinner on 8th May, held at Manchester's Midland Hotel, hosted by comedian Patrick Kielty. Tel: 01282 716611 www.bowaterarchitectural.co.uk

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April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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PRODUCT NEWS

BI-FOLDING SUPPORT PACKAGE

KAT’S ALUMINIUM PATIO PERFORMER

Prefix Systems have now put together the perfect package for companies looking to install bi-folding doors in conservatories, with the launch of the Smart Systems Visofold 1000, alongside the proven BiSpan product for large openings.

KAT UK is experiencing an increase in demand for its aluminium patio door, which shares its beautiful marine grade aluminium finish with the company’s impressive bi-folding door, along with other key features.

The Smart Systems range of aluminium products are now being fabricated by Prefix Systems to the same industry leading standards that the industry has come to expect for their conservatory products. Whilst the most popular colour is white, they can offer any RAL colour, dual colour or woodgrain effect for the entire range. The Visofold 1000 doors fold away to offer a near 100% opening aperture, helping maximise space, while the sashes slide effortlessly on specially engineered stainless steel rollers for lasting performance. The doors offer peace of mind with high security multi-point locking on master doors and shoot bolt locking on sliding sashes. There’s a choice of opening configuration including open in, or open out and a

number of threshold options including a low-threshold and an option for a recess threshold in a channel for un-impeded access. Conservatories can be opened up using Bispan from Prefix Systems for added structural stability and this has proven to be a far more cost effective means of supporting large openings. Prefix can now offer a roof, Bi-Span support product and a bi-folding door in a single kit. Chris Baron, director of Prefix Systems comments: ‘The introduction of aluminium bi-folding doors to our product range is an important development, alongside our Bispan system. We can now offer a one-stop shop for conservatory installers, which means a single point of order and direct delivery to site.’ For further information and free information sheet call 01254 871800, e-mail enquiries@ prefixsystems.co.uk or log on to www. prefixsystems.co.uk. Alternatively, add to their following on Twitter @prefixsystems.

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

While the patio door market is built up of a number of PVCu variants, including KAT’s own Elegance, Classic and Euroclassic options, an aluminium patio door can offer a truly luxury and designer solution for either a conservatory or in a large opening in the home. Aluminium offers slimmer sightlines than a typical PVCu patio door and is available in single or dual colours from a near limitless range of RAL colours. For very large openings which fall outside the design parameters of a standard patio door, KAT UK can also offer a triple track aluminium system, which allows multiple sashes to slide in one direction, thereby opening up two thirds of the opening.

Security is enhanced with cutting edge high security multi-point locking, while there are also a number of premium handle options. Lead times range from 10 days on white aluminium patio doors to 4 weeks for a dual coloured option, a benchmark for the sector and there’s the offer of a comprehensive 10 year warranty. This product is part of a range of aluminium windows and doors from KAT UK including a highly regarded and feature packed bi-folding door. Simon Richards, sales and marketing director of KAT UK comments: ‘Like our bi-folding door, we believe that our aluminium patio door is the best on the market and the envy of our competitors. It’s packed full of features, with our market leading turnaround times and above all manufactured with our KAT know-how.’ For further information call 01625 439666, e-mail sales@katuk.co.uk, log on to www.katuk.co.uk, or follow them on twitter @KATUK_1998. The company will be exhibiting at the FIT Show in Hall 1, stand 01-02.

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PRODUCT NEWS

NEW SIEGENIA FS PORTAL PLUS IN STOCK AT MILA Siegenia’s enhanced FS Portal Plus folding sliding door gear for use with all types of multi-fold doors is now in stock at Mila for guaranteed next day delivery. The successful FS Portal system, which can be used with sash weights up to 80kg and for up to 7 elements in openings as wide as 6.3m, has been enhanced by Siegenia to a Plus configuration to make it easier to fit and more user friendly in operation. The bottom threshold track on the system, for example, has been lowered from 89mm to 73mm and it now features a factory fitted brush seal and coloured cover trims. These coloured trims now cover all the fixing holes to improve the look of the finished installation and both the bottom and top tracks also have end caps for the first time. The top track features a return for the running guide which is an important new safety

feature and there is also a new bogie wheel carton with Allen Key adjustment. Mila is selling the FS Portal Plus at the same price as the previous FS Portal system so customers can enjoy all the additional benefits of the new product without any price premium. As Siegenia’s largest UK distributor, Mila is providing outstanding stock availability and the latest order cut off time in the industry as standard. It is also supporting customers of the FS Portal Plus with fully trained internal sales advisors and specialist technical advice teams. Further details of the complete range of Siegenia products available via Mila are available at www.mila.co.uk. The two companies have been in partnership since Mila was established in the UK in 1980.

Trojan’s Stallion 3 Window Lock offers unique versatility The Trojan Group is about to launch its Stallion 3 Window Lock. The lock offers a wealth of benefits, as Tony Chadwick, Trojan Group’s Managing Director, explains. “The Stallion 3 has one price for all sizes, above 400mm , and a minimal product inventory because one size fits all applications, helping to free up cash for fabricators and installers’ businesses.” The Stallion 3 is suitable for all applications from zero to 1300mm and fits PVC-U profiles or profiles with standard Eurogroove applications. Apart from the minimised inventory, one of the advantages of the one size fits all applications approach is the drastically reduced supply lead time,

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

which will help installers to fulfil urgent projects. Other improvements to the Stallion 3 include increased security: there is a new multi-point locking action, an increased 20mm locking engagement and enhanced night vent security. Twin locking central lugs offer additional strength and security while there guaranteed centre and corner locking with every installation. Finally, the lock has been tested to BSI specified loads and provides improved lock engagement if the sash is jemmy attacked or flexed. The lock is quick to install, in part because the compact central gear box means minimal routing is required. In addition, off-set locking

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variants are easily achieved due to the lock’s intelligent design. The Stallion 3 includes stainless steel / composite corrosion resistant keeps and offers full corrosion resistance for ultimate performance. Proof of the quality of the lock is demonstrated in the 10 year mechanical and corrosion guarantee that it comes with. The Stallion 3 is the new generation of the iconic Stallion lock and looks set to continue the tradition of being one of the most respected locks on the market. It will be on display on Trojan’s stand (2-170) at the FIT Show. Tel: 01922 713 933 www.trojan-hardware.com

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PRODUCT NEWS

How low can you go?

Halo’s TwinSash hits 0.38 U-value! Halo, the VEKA brand with a long tradition in pioneering energy efficient fenestration systems, has launched its latest addition to the System10 range – the TwinSash – which is said to achieve the lowest U-values and sound reduction of any PVC-U window on the market today.

The TwinSash’s U-value performance ranges from 1.2 W/m2K right down to an industry-leading 0.38 W/ m2K, depending upon the type of glazing, spacer and gas used. The 1.2 W/m2K performance is achieved using air filled double-glazed units with float glass and aluminium spacer, enabling specifiers to meet current

Building Regulations while achieving extraordinary value for money. Tripleglazed krypton-filled units and foam filled sections not only enable the TwinSash to provide a U-value of 0.38 – which the company’s believes is significantly lower than any other PVC-U window currently on market – but it also provides substantial noise reduction of 50Db. Such a high-degree of energy efficiency is ideal for PassivHaus applications and those projects seeking to meet and beat level six of the Code for Sustainable Homes or striving for ‘carbon negative’ construction. TwinSash is also suitable for Retrofit for the Future (RFF) schemes as its construction complements external cladding by effectively reducing the depth of the reveals necessary. Surprisingly, perhaps, the TwinSash largely utilises existing components and systems, ensuring that the window is simplicity itself to manufacture and install.

Fabricated from either Rustique or System10 sashes; minimal set-up is required as it can be cut and welded on conventional machines. It also uses standard hardware, but can also accommodate blinds and flyscreens in the same window if required. The TwinSash is eminently versatile, being able to offer a combination or open-in, open-out casements – along with Tilt ‘n’ Turn windows. Maximum sizes range from 900mm by 2100mm in respect of Tilt ‘n’ Turn and 1250mm by 1250mm for casements. The TwinSash further adds to Halo's history of innovation, which includes: production of the first interchangeable window and door system (1987), creation of the first authentic vertical sliding sash window (1995), introduction of the first five chamber system in Europe (2000) and being the first to produce a patented hybrid beading system (2004). Tel: 01282 716611 www.halo-uk.com

“The TwinSash is eminently versatile, being able to offer a combination or open-in, openout casements – along with Tilt ‘n’ Turn windows. Maximum sizes range from 900mm by 2100mm in respect of Tilt ‘n’ Turn and 1250mm by 1250mm for casements.”

Clearly the best for high performance IGU’s – ClimaGuard Dry, Anti External Condensation Glass With the advent of next generation Low E glass like Guardian’s ClimaGuard A+ and the consistent growth of triple glazing in the market, the insulating glass units being manufactured and installed today far exceed the performance we had grown accustomed to. Leaps in performance enforced by Building Regulations Document L in both in 2006 and then again in 2010, have fundamentally changed the windows installed today. However, with vastly improved performance and energy efficiency there is sometimes a compromise. As our windows become more efficient less heat escapes through the glazing, the adverse effect of this is that the temperature of the outer pane doesn’t

warm in the same way that it does in less efficient glazing. This means that the temperature of the outer pane can drop below the dew point causing the outer surface of the glass to condensate. Guardian’s ClimaGuard Dry is one of the first anti external condensation glasses offering a solution to this problem. The occurrence of external condensation is greatly influenced by the seasons and actually requires very specific conditions to occur. Most likely to occur in late autumn and again in early spring, external condensation normally occurs when a ‘warm front’ follows a cold dry spell, often on a cloud free night with little or no wind. However even these conditions will not guarantee external condensation to form on all windows! Micro climates created by hedges and other external objects like nearby buildings and tree’s, may only cause certain windows to condensate. This represents the most common complaint, as those windows affected tend to be perceived by the home owner as failing or inadequate. The truth of the matter is: external condensation isn’t a common problem compared to the number of windows installed each month and when it does occur it is actually first hand evidence that the windows installed are working efficiently, dramatically reducing heat loss through the glass.

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

ClimaGuard Dry was originally developed in 2010 and has been available in other parts of Europe for some time now, particularly in countries where triple glazing represents over 50% of installations and in some of the Nordic countries where triple glazing now represents nearly 90% of the glazing installed. In these countries the benefits of highly energy efficient triple glazing have been recognised and the occurrence of external condensation is more commonly understood. With understanding, there is a general acceptance that exceptional efficiency may result in short spells of external condensation, and for many this isn’t considered a problem rather a showpiece that their glazing is keeping their energy bills at bay. However, for those who do prefer a clear window all year round, there is ClimaGuard Dry. Guardian’s ClimaGuard Dry uses state of the art magnetron sputter coating technology to create a surface one coated glass which insulates the outer pane when fabricated into double and triple glazed IGU’s. The coating helps to keep the glass temperature above the dew point whilst also helping to prevent the condensation from forming in the first place. For more information on ClimaGuard Dry please visit www.guardianglass.co.uk

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PRODUCT NEWS

BI-FOLDING BEAUTY IN

It’s your letters...

TIMBER & HYBRID

Totali Timber Solutions now offer both a slimline timber and hybrid bifolding door solution, with each option packed with features and benefitting from a proven pedigree for beauty in design and lasting performance. The company is also offering an impressive 4 week lead time for their bi-folding doors, which are all made in the UK, in contrast to some other timber offerings which are on extended leadtimes from overseas manufacturing facilities. Quotations can be returned in just 48 hours are there are extended guarantees on both the timber and hybrid products.

The Slimline 68 bi-folding door system offers the most slender sightlines available in the market for a timber bi-

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. Email: christina@glassnews.co.uk

warranty and provides options for thermally efficient double or triple glazing.

folding door and is available in hardwood, oak and Accoya. The doors are either factory glazed or unglazed and are pre-drilled, drained and ventilated as standard. Like all timber products from Totali, there’s also an easy-fit beading system to make life easier on site. One of the latest developments at Totali

is the Hybrid Bi-folding Door, which combines the performance of aluminium on the outer face with the beauty of wood on the inner. This is available in spruce, oak, and exclusive Lignia internally and powder coated with a RAL colour or textured finish externally. The system also boasts a 25 year external coating

Jason Carey, managing director of Totali Timber Solutions comments: ‘Both our timber and hybrid bi-folding doors represent true beauty in terms of design, flexibility, and lasting performance. We can also offer casements, sliding sashes, conservatories and even Orangeries from our proven systems, with short lead times and a quick turnaround for quoting.’ For further information log on to www.totali.uk.com and view the product PDF’s, e-mail info@totali.uk.com or call 01977 608069. You could also add to their growing following on Twitter @ totalitimber.

Trojan’s New Sparta 3 Window Handle is its most versatile to date Trojan has just launched its Sparta 3 Window Handle. Tony Chadwick, Trojan Group’s Managing Director said, “We recognise that fabricators and installers need to remain competitive so the Sparta 3 is a superb handle that adds value but not cost.”

elegant new ergonomic design. Practical improvements include a new action button and a lower base height for additional clearance. The handle has a soft grip for

improved comfort and is available in key lockable and non-lockable variations and in-line or cranked variations. It suites perfectly with the other handles in the Sparta range and is

The new look Sparta handle offers a wealth of new benefits without increasing costs or reducing quality or size and, as usual, has been designed to meet the needs of installers and homeowners alike. Installers will appreciate spindles that are simple to fit and remove and easy to convert when the spindle length changes because it reduces stock variations and frees up cash.

available in a full choice of colours including Gold (PVD), Polished Chrome, Satin Silver and White, with special finishes available upon request. The Sparta 3 Window Handle comes with a 10 year mechanical and finish guarantee, evidence, if any were needed, that its quality is up to Trojan’s usual high standards. The Sparta 3 is one of the new products that will be on display on Trojan’s stand (2-170) at the FIT Show. The stand will be a showcase for Trojan’s ability to design and manufacture high quality, cost-effective and valueadded hardware of which the Sparta 3 is just the latest example.

It also offers improved aesthetics, with a more substantial look and an

Tel: 01922 713 933 www.trojan-hardware.com

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

LETTERS

Dear Christina,

Three months until our industry cuts its own throat? Having grown disillusioned several years ago with our so called industry representative bodies, I normally sit back and get on with the day job without getting involved in public spats or debate. However, for the first time ever, I am compelled to write as I believe the looming CE Marking deadline of July 1st could, in one fell swoop, signal the end of many smaller and medium sized glass businesses – the mainstay of our industry. Two points in particular worry me. One, which we can do little about now the horse has bolted, is to question why it’s our industry once again that is put under the cosh when it comes to EU legislation. It’s the UK that appears to be being forced to take CE Marking on the chin, when anyone who travels on the Continent, can see frequent flouting of the laws including for example, windows without toughened glass, inaccurate energy ratings etc. As if things aren’t tough enough without having this costly and prohibitive red tape thrust on us, where were our industry bodies at the consultation and lobbying stage? Why are we about to undergo what I believe in my 40-year glass industry career is the worst thing that could ever happen to us commercially as a collective? The second point was brought home to me last week, when a customer informed me that – under guidance from yet another industry body – ‘as an

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installer, CE Marking doesn’t apply to me.’ I explained that in fact as soon as he fits together glass and frame into a building, he is under CE Marking deemed a manufacturer and is therefore subject to the new legislation. And it’s this misinformation, lack of clarity and downright mistruths being put out there by the big boys with deep pockets that could signal the end for many smaller glass companies. Profile houses of course are commercially driven to promote the fact that the best way to comply is to buy glass and frames from a one stop shop as they try to sell more plastic. But for the independent quality glass specialists like my company, this approach could decimate businesses and signal the end of superior glass knowledge and expertise that makes up a large chunk of our industry. I fear we are going to see so many smaller companies exit, leaving a handful of bigger companies to control products, prices and routes to market, but ultimately failing to deliver. It will be too late then. While we may not have chance now to stop the inevitable legislation, we surely have chance to educate, inform and get accurate information out there to the market. So come on! Please don’t let the glass industry die from a thousand cuts due to misinformation and a lack of upfront fact and support. Yours sincerely Graham May, MD Conversion Fittings Services Cfs.ltd@btconnect.com

RECRUITMENT

Recruitment Helping you find & place positions.

UK Businesses Continue to Struggle to Put Effective Gender Diversity Practices in Place

While it is now accepted that companies with high levels of gender diversity at all levels outperform those that don’t, many are still struggling to address diversity effectively within their organisations. Of those that have implemented diversity strategies, many are also finding that they are slow to realise results. Specialist UK consultancy, Female Quotient™ (FQ) Limited has today launched to help organisations of all sizes identify and put effective programs and practices in place to realise the businesses benefits of gender balance.

Companies with more women board directors outperform those with the least by 53% based on return on equity, 66% based on return on capital invested and 42% based on return on sales. Women are also pegged to be the new talent majority with 75% of all graduates expected to be female by 2015. While organisations understand the need to attract and retain female talent at all levels, the reality is that many continue to struggle. Today, women still only account for 17.3 % of FTSE-100 boardroom roles. And, while women hold 40% of first-line management positions, at mid-management female representation dramatically declines to just 15%. “Businesses are coming around to the fact that if they don’t address gender balance within their organisations they will lose competitiveness,” said Amanda Street, Co-Founder of Female Quotient. “Despite this, the difficulty in retaining women and developing the female talent pipeline persists. If a working woman has a child, which 80% will, her chances of being hired fall by 79% and she is half as likely to be promoted . This cannot continue. It’s no longer about what’s best for women, this is about what’s best for business. And it’s the right mix of both men and women at all levels that will drive business success.”

Businesses are increasingly frustrated by slow progress According to the McKinsey report Women Matter: Making the Breakthrough, published in November 2012, while 90% of companies surveyed said that they were taking steps to tackle gender diversity many companies are struggling to implement effectively what they have formally put in place and are frustrated by the slow rate of progress. Some companies were shown to have targets for women in senior positions but no action plans to meet them, and while 69% of companies said they had mentoring programs in place for women, only 16% said they were well implemented. “Organisations tackling gender balance issues need to understand that it’s a two

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

way street to success. Without addressing the needs of both the organisation and the individual, diversity initiatives will be less effective,” said Street. “At Female Quotient we recommend a top down and a bottom up approach, considering the organisation as a whole system and the employee as a whole person. Career committed parents need to be given the opportunity to perform at all levels. Get it wrong and organisations will continue to lose skilled female talent or that talent will stagnate; get it right and organisations will naturally create better working environments for both men and women, enjoy lasting loyalty and best of all, see improved results to the top and bottom line.” FQ delivers innovative, practical solutions to businesses that attract and retain employees, and deliver greater business performance. The company also works with individuals and teams to increase confidence, resilience and achieve sustained results. Co-Founders Amanda Street and Lyndsey Oliver collectively have over 45 years global strategic and operational experience in a wide range of world-class multi-national clients. FQ solutions for business include: • Audit and consultancy to assess progress toward gender diversity • Policy and practices that work for both the business and the individual • Coaching and development to increase confidence, resilience and performance for both men and women • Bespoke programs to attract and retain talent and establish a productive work environment • Tailored workshops for line managers addressing cultural and practical issues including conscious and unconscious bias, and implementing flexible working policies for all. For more information about how FQ can make a positive difference to business success, visit www.femalequotient.com or contact the team on +44 (0)1753 668479.

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RECRUITMENT

Psychometric Testing - Testing for Talent?

Bill of Ten Human Resources Evaluates the Agility Concept The psychometric testing business seems to lean more heavily to exciting new products than those that are well established. This is partly because some people have done the same test half a dozen times on various training programmes and are bored with it, and the easiest thing to do is repackage old ideas! Even though there are hundreds of personality tests on the market, are they all measuring much the same thing? The system seems to cover about half a dozen personality traits and a similar number of abilities. It is a bit like colours: there may be only three primary colours and seven in the rainbow, but go to your local B&Q and you have a hundred shades of what used to be called “off white”. So you take an old idea and repackage it. For example there used to be something called charm, it is now called “emotional intelligence”. Similarly people used to be cool, now they are “resilient”. Talent management is a new fashion, there is money to be made if you can find a way of measuring this elusive quality. “Learning

Agility” What is that you may ask? “A persons ability and willingness to learn from experience to improve future performance” Wow! This can be broken down into another four areas, People Agility, Results Agility, Mental Agility and Change Agility. There is a great deal of definition to be attributed to these areas. If I wrote it, you would be falling asleep!!

Is there good reason to be testing these areas? A recent academic journal gave consultants the opportunity (myself included) to evaluate the Agility concept, to which the results were “Not much is new” “Still searching for clarity” The overall verdict was: are new products too good to be true? Probably was the outcome. Testing is advantageous, but it will always be a “People thing”. For more call Bill Pratt on 01454 418855, email: bill@tenhr.co.uk or visit: www.tenhr.co.uk.

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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RECRUITMENT

CAB Appoint New Technical Director CAB is delighted to announce that Dr Justin Furness has joined CAB as its first full time Technical Director on 18th February 2013. Justin, who has a strong background in engineering materials, with a degree in Materials Science & Metallurgy and a PhD on aluminium-based metal matrix composites has worked in technical information roles at the Institute of Materials and the Design Council and was Consultancy Services Manager at the University of Bath. He has successfully undertaken bid and project management for several multi-million pound projects and is experienced

in facilitating knowledge transfer between industry and the science-base. Justin is also the author of several technical design guides and has co-authored an undergraduate text on engineering materials. He has worked on behalf of several trade associations and professional societies in the UK and Europe, focusing on materials measurement. Justin commented, “This is a really exciting opportunity for me to help CAB members with the many challenges they face in the UK and Europe. I am looking forward to meeting members over the next few months and working with the CAB team representing the sector, developing our technical services and helping to bring

new members on board.” Commenting on the appointment, CAB chief executive, Justin Ratcliffe said, ‘We are delighted to have Justin on board in the newly created role and he joins a strong team. As an Association, we have always been committed to adding value for our members by being the ‘recognised voice of the sector’ and this appointment is further commitment to that mission’. Tel: 01453 828851 www.c-a-b.org.uk

Tradelink welcomes

Justin Marshall

At a time where many companies are freezing recruitment or even downsizing, Tradelink, the trade fabricator with 20 years of experience in understanding installers’ needs, has invested in its people with the addition of a new recruit to the aluminum production plant. Originally from a military background, Justin Marshall joins the Tradelink Team as Production Supervisor for Aluminium following years of experience gaining knowledge of production techniques, most recently at paving manufacturer Marshalls. Such is Justin’s expertise that he has accumulated a green belt under the Six Sigma quality management programme, and so has already implemented much of the positive changes seen within the aluminium plant since his arrival. Justin comments on his new role: “It’s great to be part of an organisation that practices World Class Manufacturing. I’m looking forward to bringing my skills to the aluminium plant to further improve its already impressive levels of quality and efficiency.”

Justin Marshall.

Managing Director Jim Moody adds: “We are pleased to welcome Justin to the team. He is well trained in production techniques and has already spear headed a lot of the changes to the plant. Tradelink is unique in that we continually invest in order to ensure improvement. As well as our products and services, we feel it is equally as important to invest in our people to achieve the best results for us and our customers.” For more information about Tradelink, call 01354 657650 or visit www.tradelinkdirect.co.uk

NEW DOOR OPENS FOR PETE SHEARS One of the best known names in the industry has been appointed UK sales manager for Apeer Doors.

The CAB Team, left to right: Martin Ford - CAB Technical Support Officer, Dr Justin Furness - CAB Technical Director, Julie Harley - CAB Office & Events Manager and Justin Ratcliffe - CAB Chief Executive.

Pete Shears, who has worked with the company for the past seven years, will head up a soon-to-be-expanded sales force covering the UK mainland. Pete has some 34-years industry experience under his belt, including being md of a major door panel company prior to joining Apeer. “Sales of Apeer Doors have grown significantly since I first started working with the company when there was virtually no UK presence,” said Pete. “We are now at the point where we need to recruit two more area sales managers to further grow the brand and maintain our customer service levels.”

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

In total, Pete will head up a team of four, providing a strategic overview to the growing sales team. Based in Cheltenham he has already established a solid sales base in the south of England and is looking to repeat that success elsewhere in England and Wales.

Pete Shears.

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When not working, Pete and partner Maggie like to spend as much time as possible at their second home in Brittany, though with a promotion, a recruitment drive, the FIT show and their daughter’s wedding coming up in May, getting there over the next few months could prove a challenge!

RECRUITMENT APPRENTICES FROM ST HELENS RECOGNISED AT RECEPTION HOSTED BY THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER Apprentices from St Helens-based company Pilkington Glass were recognised for their achievements at a reception hosted by the Deputy Prime Minister to celebrate apprenticeships and showcase the contribution they make to the economy. Daniel Crehan (21) and James Bourne (18), both from St Helens, attended the reception at Admiralty House, Whitehall, last night (Wednesday 13 March) alongside other outstanding apprentices from across the country. The pair, who attended with Business Development Manager Tony Smith, were invited after the Deputy Prime Minister was impressed on a visit to the firm in December. Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: “Apprentices not only make an invaluable contribution to their employer, but to the economy as a whole. We’ve seen a record number of businesses clamouring to take on apprentices and that’s because they know what a huge difference the talent and ambition they bring can make.” “We’re also making it simple and rewarding for companies to take on apprentices – from mechanics to the hospitality trade. I was delighted to welcome Daniel and James to Admiralty House, after being hugely impressed when I visited Pilkington Glass last year. It’s clear they are making a valuable contribution and their hard work now will no doubt set them up for a bright future.” More than 2,850 people started apprenticeships in St Helens last year, more

than double the number that started in the region two years previously. The reception, held as part of National Apprenticeship Week, was attended by apprentices the Deputy Prime Minister has met, as well as runners up and winners of the National Apprenticeship Awards 2012. It was also held to launch a new campaign, Made by Apprentices, which will highlight the creative talents of apprentices by showcasing their work. National Apprenticeship Week celebrates and promotes apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the economy. Record numbers of businesses are taking on apprentices and the number of new apprenticeships nationwide increased last year by around 14 per cent, topping the half a million mark. Apprenticeships bring vast benefits to the economy with apprenticeships forecast to contribute £3.4 billion to the economy by 2022. The average apprentice increases business productivity by £214 a week.

Employers need more say on apprenticeships The Government is right to recognise that employers need more say when it comes to the content of apprenticeship qualifications, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Commenting on the Government’s response to the Richard Review of apprenticeships, Brian Berry, the Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “Over the past two years the number of small construction firms employing an apprentice has fallen. Despite the fall

in construction output since 2008, the sector still has a recruitment requirement of almost 30,000 per year.” Berry continued: “Employers must have confidence that apprenticeship qualifications are suited to the needs of their business before investing in a new recruit.” “We agree with the Government that in addition to the ‘core’ elements of any qualification, there should be ‘options’ employers can pick from. In the construction industry, this

would provide flexibility for multi-trade firms and benefit employers who want more say on the type of skills their apprentices learn at college.”

GLASS PEOPLE

Securistyle team trekking for charity Members of the team at Securistyle, the wellestablished manufacturer of quality, innovative hardware for the window industry, are, with some trepidation, limbering up in training, to trek a massive 50 miles around the Pennines on the Lancashire/Yorkshire border. What’s more, they will be undertaking this feat in under 24 hours as part of the Trek50 challenge. The challenge takes place on the 22nd- 23rd of June, and, while the route is a scenic one, it does feature climbs which total more than 2,400m – that’s the equivalent to climbing both Ben Nevis and Snowdon. It is worth all the hard work being put in by the team however, as all proceeds go to MedEquip4Kids, a charity which aims to improve the health of children and babies by providing equipment

that would otherwise be unable from NHS resources. In the last 27 years, MedEquip4Kids has raised more than £12 million, which has helped some 79,000 children each year. Glyn Jones, Sales Manager for Securistyle comments: “We have all been training hard and are looking forward to taking part in the Trek50 challenge. It’s a very worthy cause and we hope that people will dig deep and

support us. We look forward to keeping everybody updated on our progress.” If you would like to sponsor the Securistyle team you can do so by visiting their Just Giving page at: www. justgiving.com/glyn-jones3, where there is an option to include Gift Aid. For more information on Securistyle please call 01242 221 200 or visit www.securistyle.co.uk.

The Securistyle team is training hard for the Trek50 challenge.

Staff loyalty rewarded by Sapa Building System Three members of staff from Tewkesburybased Sapa Building System, part of the Sapa Group, a world leader in aluminium solutions, have been recognised for notching up more than three decades of service.

did, so to be able to recognise so many longserving staff is fantastic. Not only do we have three employees with 35 years’ service but a further nine with between ten and 25 years.”

At its annual awards lunch, Sapa presented a total of 30 members of staff with a certificate for long service between five and 35 years. As the longest serving, productions operatives Raman, Govind and Ramesh Patel (no relation) have each notched up 35 years of service.

“This is something we are very proud of and underlines our commitment to creating a positive working environment which allows employees to thrive. Moving to Severn Drive just over two years ago and bringing together staff who were previously spread out over three sites, has improved staff interaction and allowed us to operate more efficiently as a business.”

Nigel Sissons, Managing Director at Sapa Building System, says: “Nowadays people change jobs much more frequently than they

For more information contact Sapa Building System on 01684 853500 or email info@sapabuildingsystems.co.uk.

Berry concluded: “While we welcome the potential benefits of restructuring apprenticeships, changes to the funding arrangements must take into account the needs of small employers who wish to continue to have access to governmentfunded training provision from local providers.”

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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MARKETING & BUSINESS EXPANSION

James Snow – Former managing editor & co-founder of Clearview Magazine,

talks PR with Glass News

PR, simply stated, is the art of managing a company’s reputation with confidence, honesty and intentionality. It is a crucial element in an integrated marketing effort and can yield big returns for companies that wisely make an investment in it. PR is far more than getting a press release published. It involves the entire spectrum of connecting with your audience everywhere you find them. Perhaps a better term for PR is reputation management, planning and monitoring your organisation’s reputation with intentionality, and leaving nothing to chance in the process. You can’t afford to be shy here. You have a story to tell, a reputation to manage, and therefore some important PR work to do. On the other hand, a healthy dose of paranoia can be helpful. You should probably assume that some misinformation about your company is out there in the marketplace, and it will eventually need to be addressed with positive, corrective messages. The best defence is a good offence.

The Benefits Of PR Think of PR and advertising as the right and left wing of an aircraft: Both are pretty darn important. Advertising allows you to completely control your message. You pay for space in a magazine like the one you’re reading now. You are completely in control of what goes in that media space to create recognition for your brand, to deliver a few key messages, to promote a list of capabilities

or to showcase your products and services. PR, on the other hand, is about giving varying degrees of control over to others, and allowing a positive, viral effect to take place. Whether it is a reporter that picks up on your press release, or a blogger commenting on your recent announcement, PR means enabling others to discuss your story, and thus expand your audience. You should be prepared for something to get lost in the translation, yet look forward to the benefits that come from a third party pushing your message forward. Audiences sometimes give more credibility to editorial content or even social media than certain forms of advertising, so PR should reinforce advertising with consistent messages and stories that support the brand. Thus, precision and control are delivered by advertising. Credibility and viral distribution through PR. Two wings…both crucial.

It’s About Relationships… Sort Of Does it pay to know people in the media? Sure. But remember: writers and editors are in the business of finding interesting, high quality content for their audiences, not merely returning favours for their friends. Just because something is a big deal for you and your organisation, it simply may not be interesting to the audience of a given publication. It’s similar to being invited over on a Saturday night to watch someone else’s holiday videos, meaningful for them…not so compelling to you. Put yourself in the editor’s shoes, and ask yourself, “Is this story interesting to the majority of my readers?”

A Changing Landscape If PR is viewed as reputation management, you should be fully aware of the power of social media and opinion sites. It pays to do a periodic audit of what others are saying

“Many companies are looking for business partners with clearly defined commitments to environmental responsibility. Having such a statement on your website goes a long way toward establishing your credentials in this area.” about your company. You’ll find opportunities to thank the people who review you well, and address the concerns of some who have posted critical information. There is now an increasing role for video in PR. People read less and watch more, so your news dissemination efforts might need to make the jump to video. Did you open a new factory or complete a high profile project? Don’t just write about it. Show it with video. Did your company make an important announcement? You can deliver the message by video. You can post it to your website and repost on YouTube or Facebook if appropriate. Blogging has moved from being an interesting fad to becoming a crucial communications tool. For many companies, it is the primary vehicle for its leadership team to speak to the marketplace. Any company seeking to position itself as a thought leader will do well to launch and maintain an interesting, relevant blog. Blogging will also increase keyword usage related to your company’s area of specialisation; and the frequent updates inherent in a blog will help to improve search engine optimisation. Another aspect of PR that is becoming increasingly important is having a published

sustainability policy. Many companies are looking for business partners with clearly defined commitments to environmental responsibility. Having such a statement on your website goes a long way toward establishing your credentials in this area.

PR Is A Marathon, Not A Sprint Having a strategic communications plan is crucial to PR success, starting with a calendar of events and a schedule for articles, newsletters and press releases, built as far in advance as possible. You’ll also be better prepared for the sudden, unanticipated media opportunities. Perhaps the most professional way to handle your company’s PR is developing an online pressroom on your website. It can serve as the repository of all your current press releases, an archive of older ones, media contact information, a company backgrounder and management bios. You can also include video or audio clips of your executives’ speaking engagements. The idea is to consolidate all the information a reporter or editor would be looking for in writing a story about your company. Once you’ve established yourself as a credible, interesting source of information, you will begin to find the media calling you for interviews and comments on stories they are writing. As with all things in life, the people who pay their dues to be seen by the media and the marketplace are the ones who will reap the long-term benefits of PR. James Snow is the founder of Strawberry PR Ltd, a brand new forward thinking PR company, specifically aimed at the Glass & Glazing industry, delivering a fresh approach to PR with tailored solutions to suit all budgets. James has over ten years experience in the Glass & Glazing Industry, having founded and created leading publications within the sector and acting as managing editor and founder of industry publications such as Clearview, The Locksmith & Professional Installer Magazine. He is extremely well placed to deliver first class PR through in-depth industry knowledge and a vast network of industry professionals. For a free comprehensive consultation about your business marketing plan, call Strawberry and ask for James. Tel: 01302 321 683 | Mob: 07710 565 007 Email: james@strawberry-pr.co.uk www.strawberry-pr.co.uk

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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3 Dings bra oddly making thieves or pirates (8)

7 Keeps a sealed unit apart (6) 8 Aim cot unusually making type of energy or bombs (6)

4 Black cab starts animal stuffer! (4)

9 Reminder, a post it or maybe red tape (4)

5 Settee sounds like travelling a long way! (4)

10 Crime gas reshaped creates odd expressions (8)

9 Me Sir! Strangely for Scrooge (5)

12 Dildos groin reshaped patio entrance (7,4) 16 Transparent roof made from re-arranged calypso snag (5,6)

6 Reformed Iced cubes for gambling (4) 11 Goods carried sounds like instruction to vehicle to move? (5) 14 Do Crusoe unusually create propriety! (8)

22 United Nations beanfeast unpicks knitting! (4)

15 Soyas reshaped to make arbitrary assertion (3-2)

24 Gaoled improperly for ancient practice (3-3)

17 Aunt go wild to make sticky sweet (6)

25 Thermal efficiency, sounds like you save? (1,5)

20 Statue of god sounds lazy? (4)

Down 1

19 Instinctive desire (4) 21 Dyed weirdly former steady governor (4) 23 Love is the medicine, according to the song! (4)

Heavier blade than foil (4)

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Name:

Tel: Address: Postcode: Email:

Just for fun! Below are 7 Trade Anagrams – can you solve them? Answers below.

Tel:

1) R B T I M E Address:

2) L A G S S 3) U C P V 4) E D A L

Name: Tel:

5) C P S T A L I Postcode:

Postcode:

Email:

6) M L T A E 7) E E S T L Answers: 1) TIMBER, 2) GLASS, 3) PVCU, 4) LEAD, 5) PLASTIC, 6) METAL, 7) STEEL.

Email:

Name:

2 Arc doc to make agreement, start of squeeze box? (6)

Address:

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13 Got in strangely shaped lump of metal (5)

18 Inert emu twisted to make rebel (8)

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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THE BASMAN

The Thoughts of the Basman

Be careful what you wish for it may come back to haunt you! As we enter the month of April, there are a few significant events that will have an effect on our industry and the country as a whole. The long awaited Fit-Show is now almost upon us. Matthew Glover and his team have planned and marketed the event in the most meticulous manner. No stone has been left unturned. We will see the industry at its finest with a who’s who of the suppliers, extruders, machinery companies and many more displaying their wares at this long awaited extravaganza. But ask yourself, what it is really all about. What’s in it for the company, our customers and me? An Exhibition, of any size or standing is by its nature an opportunity to display your company products to the visitors at the exhibition. Visitors who take a liking to your products will then by explanation and demonstration show interest. The bottom line is any exhibition is a marketing exercise to collect the contact details of prospective customers, with whom you can negotiate at a later meeting to supply them with the products in which they expressed an interest. The Fit-Show has upwards of 170 exhibitors, and to date the organisers have stated that 4,000 plus have pre-registered to visit the show. These are good numbers of both counts. However, these are my concerns. Our industry, is slowly recovering from what has been one of the worst downturns for over twenty years. Now as we start the recovery, customers who have been nurtured, guided through the tough times, helped through negative cash flow and brought back into a positive position, are being encouraged to attend an exhibition where all of your competitors are waiting to show them what they can do to for them to ultimately become their supplier. Think about it. If the numbers are as stated, if each visitor gives his details to 15 (this is a conservative estimate) of the exhibitors, then once the show has finished there will be a shared total of 60,000 enquiries. This number alone shouts the success of The Fit-Show from the rooftops. However, as each individual exhibitor then starts the unenviable task of knocking down the leads,

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the remainder of the exhibitors are doing the same. My point is whilst you must improve and go forward. It is paramount that you look after what you have with the same enthusiasm. There will not have been this amount of exhibition leads circulating in our industry for a number of years. They must be used to improve your company. Not be the start of another round of price-cutting to justify the cost of the exhibition. Also with the start of April, we have seen the introduction of new measures form The Department of Work and Pensions. Whilst we will have our own views on the rights and wrongs of these new measures, it is fair that no household receive more than £26,000 in benefits. I, as I am sure you too, know families who have both parents working and who strive to achieve a joint income matching the benefit cap. My fear is that this could reignite the cash in hand culture. For the past couple of years there has been no spare cash in the smaller companies and this culture has ceased. However with the signs of recovery, though small, this practice may creep back. Recovery from the austerity measures have come at a price. Our industry has paid more than most. Don’t let it lapse now; continue with the good practices we have put in place. Be careful what you wish for it may come back to haunt you!

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MONTHLY HOROSCOPES

Russell Grant’s Horoscopes ARIES

LEO

SAGITTARIUS

Resist the urge to tear a strip off someone who thinks they are the ‘Be all and end all’ of the office, workplace or community, because things could backfire badly leaving you with egg on your face. You’re better off channelling all of that restless energy into a creative painting, musical or style project that allows you to show your true flare and individuality. There’s every chance you could look forward to an influx of income in the middle of April, but it’s your own personal appearance and the way you portray and project yourself that will figure most highly in all your considerations as April prepares to make way for May because that’s when every move or effort you make to improve your position or update your image will be crowned with success. One final note of warning, watch your spending at the end of the month. It could land you in trouble.

Travel beckons in the opening days of April. This would be an ideal time to schedule an overseas trip to a country that’s off the beaten path. You love exploring places that very few people have visited before. It’s even possible you’ll write the definitive guidebook to your destination. Getting paid to stay in hotels, enjoy room service, and enjoy the local hotspots is your idea of heaven. Head home at midApril, when career opportunities will abound. A good job related to gourmet food, luxury goods, or cosmetics is yours for the asking. You may even be given a clothing allowance, or at least a sizable discount that allows you to dress fashionably. Domestic matters become strained as April turns into May. You will have to cut ties with a relative or roommate whose antics are wreaking havoc with your sanity. Lean on a compassionate friend when guilt threatens your resolve. You need to stand firm with this troublemaker.

April opens with a passionate lovers’ quarrel. Your amour will try pressuring you into buying a gift you can’t afford. Stand firm. If your relationship is worthwhile, it will survive through good times and bad. Single? You will meet someone special around the 10th, when someone unusually and remarkably attractive asks you for a date. You appreciate their direct approach, while they like your sense of adventure. Together, you make a very cute couple. Buy some new clothes this month, when the stores will be filled with fashions that accentuate your best features. An embarrassing secret will be revealed in the final days of April. Someone you loved will tumble off their pedestal, and you will feel disillusioned. Retreat to some secluded place where you can lick your wounds in private. It takes time to recover from a shock like this. Fortunately, friends will offer plenty of emotional support when you’re ready to rejoin society.

TAURUS

VIRGO

CAPRICORN

You’ll have to hide your light under a bushel in the opening days of April, thanks to an insecure authority figure. Never fear; you’ll soon have an opportunity to capitalise on your expertise. For the moment you need to go along with the program, no matter how foolish it is. Inspiration will strike around the 10th, when you’re at the gym or taking a nature walk. Physical activity has a way of fuelling your creative side. Your good looks will turn heads in the middle of the month. Go ahead and splurge on clothing, salon treatments, jewellery, toiletries, or anything else that emphasises your best features. A close relationship with a business or romantic partner will experience some bumps and bruises near the 25th. The two of you will decide whether to make up or break up at this fateful time. Whatever the decision, you’ll feel a tremendous surge of relief.

Finance and romance do not mix in the opening days of April. Don’t let a lover pressure you into buying something you can’t afford. If you’re single, it may be because you’ve been selling yourself short. Make more time for hobbies that boost your confidence. Join a book club, writing group, or debate society. You’ve been blessed with a brilliant intellect, and need to exercise it like a muscle. Money from an inheritance, insurance refund, or legal settlement will finally arrive during April. You’ve fought hard for this sum, and should put it toward your future security. Put the money in a savings, college, or retirement account, where it will protect you from economic insecurity. A hurtful comment from a lover, neighbour, or relative threatens to derail your progress at the end of April. Decide whether they are jealous of your achievements. After all, you are a great deal more intelligent and attractive than that miserable wretch.

Resist the urge to suppress a powerful upsurge of emotion at the beginning of April. You need to find an outlet for your anger, even at the risk of starting an argument. An oppressive relative keeps trying to discourage you from accepting a new work assignment. Turn a deaf ear to their gloomy predictions and take the job. Your duties will put you on the path of romance in one way or another over April. Keep your ears open for somebody with a sexy voice. If you already have a relationship, this would be a good time for you and your amour to move to a bigger place. Driving a hard bargain for a lower mortgage or rent will pay off. An old friendship will break apart quite suddenly around the 25th. The two of you have been growing apart for some time, and you’re tired of straining to find common ground. If you’re honest, you can part ways without anger or recrimination.

Mar 21st – Apr 20th

Apr 21st – May 21st

GEMINI

May 22nd – Jun 21st

Working with a team will be very productive at the start of April. A few power struggles will erupt in the early stages, but those will die down once you develop trust for one another. A friend will urge you to take a creative risk on or around the 10th; it would be wise to take their advice. By venturing into unknown territory, you’ll be able to develop a product or service that makes a huge profit. You’ve always had a knack for generating brilliant ideas. It’s about time you benefited from this ingenuity. You’ll be able to enjoy more private time over the coming weeks. Take this opportunity to catch up on your reading, enjoy some nature walks, and work on your favourite hobbies. A work assignment will come to an abrupt end in the final days of April, and you’ll wonder why. The truth is that a hidden enemy has made trouble for you. Never fear; a much better assignment is on the horizon, provided you stay positive.

CANCER

Jun 22nd – Jul 23rd

All eyes will be trained in you in early April. Be sure to look your best, even if you’re just running to the store. You never know whom you’ll meet while squeezing tomatoes at the grocery. A career opportunity will arrive on or around the 10th; this is your big chance to break into an impressive industry. This would also be a good time to take the helm of a political organisation; people admire your ability to get things done. No matter which endeavour you pursue, it will thrust you into the spotlight. Fortunately, you’ll make a favourable impression and will be able to use this publicity to further your ambitions. A passionate argument between you and a romantic or business partner will erupt in the second half of April. Try to voice your dissent without being disrespectful. The remaining days of April prompt you to make up or break up with your lover. Either way, you will be glad to get out of the rut that has held you fast for so long.

Jul 24th – Aug 23rd

Aug 24th – Sep 23rd

LIBRA

Don’t give your family too much influence over your personal life in early April. Your first loyalty should be to your romantic partner. If you’re single, it may be because you let your relatives interfere with your personal life. Adopt a more independent stance now, while there are several admirers beating a path to your door. An engagement, wedding, or commitment ceremony will take place on or around the 10th, giving you hope for the future. It’s hard to be pessimistic in the face of such powerful love. April warns against frivolous purchases. Resist the urge to go on a shopping spree, or it will take years to repay your debts. A source of income will come to an abrupt end near the 25th, requiring you to economise at every opportunity. If you make every effort to live within your means, the end of April will be remarkably pleasant. You don’t need lots of money to enjoy yourself.

SCORPIO

AQUARIUS

A power struggle erupts between you and a neighbour in the early days of April. You have to decide whether it would be better to move to a different place. It’s impossible to relax when you’re constantly coming in contact with someone who drives you wild. The days surrounding the 10th will settle the matter for you. You will find a perfect living situation while visiting a nearby community. Moving into a new housing development allows you to make a fresh start. You’ll make all sorts of friends and will even be inspired to take up a hobby or sport. Beware of abusing your authority around the 25th, or your reputation will suffer. If you’re disappointed with the results of a job, start again. Your colleagues will be willing to help, provided you show the proper respect. Give the most creative member of your team free rein, as their imaginative contributions will be integral to your success.

PISCES

Feb 20th – Mar 20th

April gets off to a busy start; you’ll have to pace yourself to avoid burnout. Take it easy at the gym, or you could pull a muscle or strain a ligament. Gentle exercise is good for you at this time. Forgo jogging and climbing for swimming and yoga. The 10th is ideal for finding a new job. The competition will be fierce for a good position. Be sure to emphasise your ability to work independently and solve problems on interviews. Your future employer is looking for somebody who doesn’t need constant supervision. An intimate relationship heats up in April. Let your partner lavish you with tender loving care. Usually, you are the one who adopts the nurturing role. A role reversal will be a strange but pleasant sensation. Resist the urge to burn your bridges at the end of April. You need to maintain good relations with old neighbours, employers, and friends to succeed in the months ahead.

April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Dec 22nd – Jan 20th

Jan 21st – Feb 19th

Sep 24th – Oct 23rd

Oct 24th – Nov 22nd

Nov 23rd – Dec 21st

Early April will trigger an argument about religion, politics, or morality. You don’t approve of a high powered friend’s beliefs. At times, you wonder whether you can maintain a relationship with somebody who has such different ideals. Although you have different outlooks, you do complement each other in important ways. Maybe the two of you should just agree to disagree, and avoid controversial topics. An exciting moneymaking opportunity arrives near the 10th. Don’t expect this job to be just handed to you; you’ll have to elbow a few rivals out of the way. Still, this position is worth the extra effort. A mentor will fall off their pedestal as April draws to a close. This is a sign you need to be more lenient with the people you love and admire. No matter how talented or accomplished somebody is, they are human in the final analysis. The sooner you accept this, the healthier your relationships will become.

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USEFUL NUMBERS: British Plastics Federation (BPF) Tel: 0207 457 5000

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April 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper