Glass News June 2013 by Christina Shaw

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper TRADE NEWS – PAGE 12

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

WINDOWS – PAGE 44

Nigel Grant, one of the industry’s foremost Tweeters and a finalist in the Master Fitter Challenge is now the face of Cutting Edge UPVC.

Issue 27 | June 2013

PRODUCT NEWS – PAGE 54 The first phase of a substantial new build project was recently completed in Berkshire that incorporated a variety of frameXpress high performance products.

Since Guardian installed their Magnetron Glass Coater last year they have been working around the clock producing ClimaGuard A+.

Spring PVC-U Window, Door & Conservatory Industry Forecast Report to 2016: available now! Just released is the Spring PVC-U Window, Door and Conservatory Industry Forecast Report from independent specialists D&G Consulting. This is the most up to date study on the current health and future for our markets. This comprehensive 74 page report is packed with detail, figures, analysis and forecasts to 2016, covering volumes and values for PVC-U windows, doors (panel, composite, bi-fold and patio) and conservatories. As with previous issues, the report covers all these products by volume and value at systems company, fabricator and installer level, and by sector (private housing improvement, social housing improvement, private house building, social

house building and nonhousing applications). David Amos, Principal of D&G comments: “Crucially at this time the medium and long term prospects are probably more favourable for the industry than for some time. Having been battered by events over the past five years – most out of control of the industry, but some selfinflicted – we see clear signs of an industry led fight back. The industry is leaner and more professional. Many companies are adapting to the current austerity measures and fighting to get an increased share of the consumer’s disposable income. “We forecast that the installed value of windows, doors and conservatories will increase by 14% on 2012, to £6,000m in 2016. Windows dominate the value of the various products in this market but the importance of conservatories

and the increasing impact of composite doors on the values is also noticeable. “The private housing improvement and conservatories markets are also important to the window industry, with a total share of the market of 62%. It is these sectors that rely upon consumer spending that is driven by confidence in the economy and bank lending. However, before the wider window industry can be part of this forecast period of growth some changes are still required. Some companies still fly blind or look back rather than forward. There is no alternative to hard-nosed decision making based on facts and figures whether it concerns, amongst other things, investment in plant and equipment, products, markets, pricing and customer service.”

“The report includes such crucially important issues such as the Green Deal, energy efficient windows and doors and the government’s measures to stimulate construction in general and house building in particular.”

The cost of the report is £950 (with a 15% discount to existing subscribers). The reports are sent by email. D&G are happy to visit and discuss the report and help you present the data in a format useful for individual businesses and stakeholders.

Call D&G Consulting now on 01424 773134 or visit www.dandgconsulting.co.uk to order your copy.

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GLASS NEW IS POSTED FREE TO WINDOW FABRICATORS & INSTALLERS!

Covering every aspect of... Windows, Doors, Conservatories & Glass!

ALSO AVAILABLE IN TRADE COUNTERS!

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June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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Targeting Installers This month I’d like to cover the installer element of our readership. It was very apparent at the FIT Show that the majority of companies are focusing their marketing strategies towards the installer. Profile companies are doing this not only through their network of fabricators, but they are also targeting the installer direct, and providing valuable leads back to their own customer. Fabrication companies are enticing the installer through incentive and loyalty schemes. Never has there been a time where the installer is being offered such an array of opportunity. And it’s not just the large installers who are being pursued, the smaller installer is just as important. This is how it should be, look after the small buds and they are sure to blossom.

May Winners! Sudoku: R Torge, Wentworth, South Yorkshire Crossword: Nick Ransley, Conservatory Outlet, Nantwich Spot The Difference: John Bush, Welwyn Garden City Eye Spy: Dee Preece, Somerset

The hard work is paying off. I know this first hand because Glass News’ free reader enquiry service, launched last month, has proved very succesful. Our advertisers have had a great response. The majority of firms who used the service were installers. They wanted product information on the Guardian Warm Roof, Pre-Fix’s Garden Room Roof, Pioneers New Wave Slide & Swing Folding Door and Solidors product range. There are too many companies to list, with multiple enquiries going to Four Seasons Conservatories and Connaught Conservatories. Made For Trade, UPVC Maintenance and Freefoam also enjoyed a response. I think the main reason our advertisers are getting such a great response is because the free reader enquiry service allows busy installers to enquire in their own time, and they can apply to multiple companies in one go. It makes it easier for them,

and anything which makes life easier for our readers, is a bonus in my eyes!

CONTENTS:

Tweeting CE! At the time of going to press, Glass News had just sent out its weekly News Shot, which is a round up of the latest glazing news. Immediately upon receipt, twitter started going mad with tweets regarding Sliders UK editorial piece, which claims to solve CE compliance nightmares. The debate took place on twitter on Weds 12th June @GlassnewsMag, why don’t you check it out and join in? You can read the full article in this edition, page 10. Last but most certainly not least, I would like to welcome back our Features Editor, Sheilah Reed.

Please scan the QR code below to go to our website

Trade News

64 Recruitment

Glass & Glass Processing

26 Machinery 30

Profile Bending

Doors & Hardware

42 Windows 46

Trade Counter Partnerships

48 Conservatories

Edition, Sheilah is really enjoying her new role, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch. She is a wealth of knowledge and has some really great feature ideas. Contact Sheilah: sheilah@glassnews.co.uk

Sheilah and I have worked together for well over 10 years, albeit with a short sabbatical inbetween!

Christina X

Having started working on Glass News for the June

Email us at: christina@glassnews.co.uk

Got Something To Say?

Product News

FIT Show Review

Energy Efficiency

Installer Focus

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

Glass People

Monthly Horoscopes

Comment Piece

Time Out!

The Baman

Find A Supplier

Contact details: Publisher & Owner: Christina Shaw E: christina@glassnews.co.uk Tel: 01302 759096 Mob: 07805 051322 Advertising Enquiries: Christina Shaw E: christina@glassnews.co.uk Tel: 01302 759096 Mob: 07805 051322

Trade Counter Distribution Department Roz Worgan E: roz@glassnews.co.uk

Last months crossword solution

68 Letters

59 Aluminium

Features Editor Sheilah Reed E: sheilah@glassnews.co.uk

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

New Products

Graphic Design: hook-a-duck With thanks to our contributors: Danny Basden, Double Glazing Blogger, D & G Consultancy, John Warren and Sage Glass Deadline for copy: 28th of each month

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

Please recycle this newspaper so we can continue to use recycling in our effort to help the environment.

Glass News

@GlassNewsmag

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TRADE NEWS

Promac service goes Live

The Promac Group is delighted to announce the launch of a brand new service support package which allows its customers to receive diagnostic assistance from a dedicated Promac engineer in real time via video link, thereby reducing time, cost and the need for an unnecessary call out.

Promac Live Service is just one of the new initiatives implemented as part of the leading machinery provider’s drive to meet and surpass customer expectation as it recognises the challenges presented by today’s market.

The enhanced service package allows customers to communicate via video link to one of Promac’s field service engineers based at their headquarters in Rugby. The communication platform is designed to assist the clients’ onsite staff to quickly and efficiently diagnose machinery faults and identify accurately spare part requirement without the need for an onsite visit from Promac. The customer is issued with a tablet device to use as part of the package which assists customers to save time as well as money.

to improve the overall client experience along with new incentives like Promac’s reward scheme ‘X’tra as well as other money saving promotional offers detailed within the new Spares and Consumables Catalogue.

Promac, where good just got better!

Promac Group Managing Director, Joe Hague comments: “I believe that this unique Live Service will add tangible benefits for our customers by enhancing our

existing telephone support package. Our customers often describe technical problems with varying degrees of success, however, showing us the fault will

reduce time and improve accuracy which ultimately leads to less cost.” Promac’s new service enhancements are designed

For more information about the Promac Live Service package as well as Promac’s other products and services, visit www.promac.co.uk or call 01788 577 577.

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New 69p direct mail

QUALITY & MARGINS INCREASE service from Insight Data THANKS TO SYNSEAL SUPPORT Insight Data has torn up the rule book when it comes to direct mail by launching a completely new, low-cost, highly targeted digital print service, GoSend.It. The service was unveiled at the FIT Show and has already gone down a storm, with 100,000 mail-outs already dispatched. Vicky Francis, marketing manager at Insight Data explains; “Direct mail is still King when it comes to generating sales leads. It is targeted, personalised and demands attention. But it

can be expensive, so users previously relied on volume to benefit from better printing prices and postal discounts. Insight Data has now changed that forever.” The new GoSend.It service from Insight Data uses the latest high speed digital printing of A5 postcards and A4 sales letters which are personalised, mail-merged, printed and posted within 24 hours, all from just 69p each. “This changes how companies can target new customers. Using our digital print service

companies can send from 100 to 10,000 mailers costeffectively and completely personalised. And with the Insight Database, companies have access to over 60,000 potential customers across the trade, commercial and new-build markets” comments Vicky. To use the GoSend.It service, users simply need to supply artwork, or Insight Data’s inhouse design team can design the mailer or postcard. Customers can supply their own data or use the Insight database. Insight Data’s direct mail division currently processes almost one million mailings a year, so customers benefit from enormous postal discounts. “By combining digital print with our existing postal discounts it means companies can send small, regular direct mailers and save up to 50% of the cost of traditional direct mail – and without the time or hassle of doing it themselves!”

IDM Doors is the latest fabricator/installer to benefit from the technical and commercial support offered by Synseal Extrusions. Newport-based IDM Doors previously bought its doors and windows from another fabricator, but the decision to bring everything in house was made easy by the compelling financial returns. “Now that I am buying my Legend 70 profile from Synseal, and making my own windows, I have significantly increased my margin,” explained owner

Dave Smith. “I am definitely better off – even during this difficult economic climate.” Synseal was on hand to help set up the fabrication side of the business for IDM, including: designing the factory production layout; tooling; and staff training. Since IDM had no previous experience of making windows, Synseal ensured the manufacturing process was as efficient as possible. Lead generation was also a key element of Synseal’s support package, and the commercial team was on

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June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

“We have helped him with the tendering process and given him the support he needs to win these high profile contracts. That way he can grow his business and make the best use of his investment.” This valuable support culminated in IDM gaining BBA certification and SBD accreditation recently, which further demonstrates the company’s meteoric rise to prominence in the Gwent region. IDM is now one of only two companies in the Gwent area that holds BBA and SBD certificates for composite doors, casement windows, and tilt and turn windows. A particular USP for Dave is that he can proudly manufacture and install composite doors locally within two days.

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hand to develop important contacts. “Dave generates a lot of work for himself – IDM Doors has a great reputation,” said Brian Walker, Synseal’s fabricator development manager. “However, we have helped him to win extra work for councils, local authorities, and housing associations.

www.glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

HOURGLASS SEAL MARKS PARTNERSHIP DECADE FOR TOP ENERGY RATINGS Leading Gloucestershire sealed unit manufacturer Hourglass Seal is celebrating a double anniversary. It has reached 25 years of successful trading and also marking 10 years working with GLASSOLUTIONS Solaglas as its supply chain partner for the PLANITHERM family of softcoat low-e glass. Back in 2002, Hourglass Seal was quick to spot the potential offered by PLANITHERM in a market which was at the time having to adapt to ever tighter U-values and, by 2004, the subsequent WER scheme. It began sourcing stock and toughened PLANITHERM from Solaglas – as it was – and the company has never looked back according to MD Kevin Averiss: “As Part L drove down U-values in the 2002 update, hardcoat low-e glass was no longer capable of delivering sealed units with the required solar control levels and PLANITHERM was the clear alternative. PLANITHERM initially provided the thermal solution for aluminium systems but nowadays we use it across the board for PVC-U and timber fabricators too.”

Solaglas in Dudley as our PLANITHERM partner – their service is excellent and we know we can rely on their technical know-how to help select and process the most suitable formats of PLANITHERM for different applications. “Our reputation is built on supplying consistently high quality sealed units with the thermal performance and innovation required to give our customers the edge – we can only do this with reliable supply chain partners like GLASSOLUTIONS Solaglas.” Following its £400,000 investment in a state-ofthe-art fully automated double glazing line last year, Hourglass Seal is now equipped to produce up to 3,000 sealed units per week. The company has attracted high profile praise for its

strong performance and investment including from Richard Graham, MP for Gloucester, who visited the factory in February. Hourglass Seal benefits from the PLANITHERM Advantage programme which GLASSOLUTIONS Solaglas offers to its sealed unit manufacturing customers to provide comprehensive technical, operational and marketing support – including access to the PLANITHERM Installer Network.

For more information

Oakland Glass, one of the UK’s leading independent glass processors and the original home of volume Super Spacer IGU manufacture, is celebrating as the 5 millionth metre of Super Spacer rolls off its Dewsbury production line. This huge amount equates to Oakland selling 1.7 million Super Spacer IGUs into the UK market place. Significantly, Oakland has not had a single return during its eight year partnership with Edgetech, a relationship that MD Tina Birkenshaw describes as based on ‘mutual trust and respect.’

Hourglass Seal www.hourglass-seal.co.uk

Tina continues: “Established in 1986, Oakland has always tried to stay ahead of GLASSOLUTIONS Solaglas market trends by listening to www.glassolutions.co.uk customers and identifying PLANITHERM and investing in technologies www.planitherm.com that we believe are the future. Back in 2005, perceived by some in the market as brave and by others as a trailblazer, we saw the future lay with Warm Edge Technology, and specifically with Edgetech. We were the first IGU manufacturer in the UK to invest in a FORel fully automated Super Spacer application line, and by Glassex 2007, we had already hit the one millon metre mark.

money. But I believe that the most important reason for the success of our partnership with Edgetech is that it is a two way relationship based on close working, knowledge sharing and honesty. Back in 2005, we recognised the potential of Edgetech’s contribution to Oakland’s success. And now with 5 million metres and

“With synergy between both companies’ brand values and a shared commitment to investing in the future of our industry, I look forward to celebrating the 10 million metre milestone in the not too distant future with Oakland.”

“Our decision to become part of what we describe as the Edgetech Team as opposed to entering a traditional, transactional customer: supplier relationship was down to several reasons. We knew with the advent of energy ratings and tougher thermal legislation in glazing that we needed the best on the market for energy efficiency. But Edgetech offered – and still does – so much more than that. Super Spacer is proven in its durability performance, with huge productivity gains that have allowed us to continue to offer customers value for

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Oakland Glass Hits 5 Million Metres Super Spacer in its IGU Production – With Zero Returns

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zero returns under our belts, this decision has been and will continue to be firmly endorsed.” Andy Jones, Edgetech’s Managing Director comments: “We’re delighted Oakland has achieved this important milestone, and it has been a pleasure to work with Tina and her team over the years to help customers get the most from their high specification IGUs. With synergy between both companies’ brand values and a shared commitment to investing in the future of our industry, I look forward to celebrating the 10 million metre milestone in the not too distant future with Oakland.” For more information on Edgetech’s range of Warm Edge Technology, call 08700 56 6844 or visit www.edgetechig.co.uk. For more information on Oakland Glass call 01924 463198 or sales@oaklandglass.net.

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June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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TRADE NEWS

SYNSEAL 2010 MBO NAMED ‘DEAL OF THE DECADE’

GLAZERITE BUCKS THE MARKET WITH 20% GROWTH IN 2012 National, trade only fabricator Glazerite Windows Limited has reported a sales increase of 20.61% for 2012 over the previous year, against FENSA installation statistics that show the number of replacement windows and doors installed in domestic properties was down year-on-year by 2.9%. Glazerite’s growth continued through the first quarter of 2013 with sales up by 16.1%, whilst FENSA optimistically reported that the last three months of 2012 ended with positive growth of +1.05%, the first quarterly growth to be recorded since 2007, organisation reported. In this period Glazerite’s sales grew by 124%. “Of course the market has suffered through the last decade and recovery has been difficult for many in the window and door industry,” said Glazerite director Jason Thompson. However, Glazerite and a few other notable examples in the industry have demonstrated providing the right combination of great products and service with sensible pricing still provides opportunities and growth. This is still a very worthwhile market to operate in,” he added. Jason believes that too many companies discount too readily and without calculating the true costs of running their

Synseal’s 2010 management buy-out continues to win plaudits from regional commentators, having recently been named ‘Deal of the Decade’ at the tenth Insider East Midlands Dealmaker Awards.

Jason Thompson.

businesses: “The UK window, door and conservatory market has changed dramatically but many companies simply have not evolved or adapted to the tougher, more competitive trading conditions. Glazerite was founded in these tougher times which is one of the reasons I believe we are successful; we were already adapted to operate in these conditions.” Glazerite was established in 2000 and enjoyed sales of £944,000 in its first full year of trading; last year the company turned over more than £14.6 million and is on target to exceed £16 million in 2013. www.glazeritewindows.co.uk

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SOLIDOR’S BIG IRISH IMPACT Solidor continues to enhance its reputation as the fastest growing and most dynamic player in the composite door sector, with the introduction of a number of new and prominent customers in Ireland and the appointment of Peter Blair as sales agent for the market. Following a recent roadshow, Solidor have gained valuable feedback from the Irish market and they have found out that just two players dominate the sector and there is an underlying need for something genuinely different. With the introduction of their impressive product range and Peter Blair as sales agent for Ireland, the company believes they can now make significant headway in this important market.

development programme that has yielded new colours such as French Grey, Aubergine and Duck Egg blue, along with exclusive hardware developments such as the Avantis lock. Solidor’s position at the entrance of the FIT Show was further evidence of a company with bold ambitions for further growth and innovation, with several leading Irish customers on the stand during the show, who already have showroom displays. Gareth Mobley, managing director of Solidor Group comments: “The Solidor

product is the best in its class by far and I believe that Irish homeowners will be quick to demand a Solidor. We believe this will be a wake up call for the Irish door market as our product range is vast, we’re well respected when it comes to customer service and it’s the only proven second generation composite door.” For further information about Solidor including their Irish sales agent then log on to their new website at www.solidor.co.uk, e-mail enquiries@solidor.co.uk, call their sales office on 01782 847300, or add to their Twitter following @solidorltd.

Andrew Steel from HIG said: “Synseal has been a stand-out performer in a difficult market during the past two years. We are delighted to back the current management team plans for expansion.” Synseal’s management buyout stands proud for one notable reason: the deal was hatched before the private investors were contacted.

From left to right: Peter Blair with Gareth Mobley, Solidor Group.

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At the time David Leng said: “We have maintained our competitive advantage over the past few years and look forward to maximising the growth opportunities that the market will present going forward. This is an exciting time for our business, staff and existing customers.”

Business leaders seeking this sort of opportunity typically attach themselves to a private equity house before the deal is done with the hope of securing a management buy-in. In the case of Synseal,

The composite door pioneer believes that their wide range of designs, including the Italia Collection, no quibble 10-year guarantee, exclusive hardware options and the availability of 17 through colours inside and out, is a major plus for home improvement specialists. Solidor’s unique composite door is solid, not foam filled and harnesses a proven laminate exterior that perfectly matches PVCu white and foiled door frames, unlike surface paint finishes and is available within 14 days. As befitting a sector leader, Solidor has implemented an on-going product

The deal saw Synseal’s management, led by Chief Executive David Leng, take a significant equity stake in the business. Private equity firm HIG also put a substantial amount of its own money into the deal, along with a debt package led by Yorkshire Bank.

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David Leng convinced the then chairman of Synseal, Gary Dutton, that it was possible to make Synseal more attractive to buyers. “It was an open secret that Gary was trying to sell Synseal, but it was following the credit crunch of 2008,” David said, “and he wasn’t having much success. I presented a business plan to Gary that was a combination of organic growth and acquisition. I also told him that the business needed a certain amount of restructuring.” At first, Leng said, Dutton thought the idea ridiculous — Synseal was one of the most profitable businesses in its sector — but the increased profitability generated by a programme of efficiencies, together with David Leng at the helm, made it attractive to private equity investors. The MBO, backed by HIG Capital, an international private investor, went through in February 2010, and Leng became Chief Executive. The deal attracted a significant amount of attention in the world of finance, with the details discussed at length in magazines and Sunday supplements.

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June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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TRADE NEWS

Sliders solves

CE compliance nightmares Leading patio door manufacturer Sliders UK can save glazing installers from falling foul of new EU legislation and facing court sanctions. By working with the governing bodies, the company has created a straightforward way for its customers to achieve the mandatory CE marking on its products without the headache of all the extra paperwork. Recently introduced guidelines regarding CE markings come into effect on July 1, with industry insiders expecting the first rule-breakers to face court sanctions in the autumn and the first prosecutions to hit in spring 2014. But Sliders’ new service makes compliance as easy as 1-2-3. No hassle, no need for changing suppliers and no court dates. From July 1, all trade products will need to carry a new CE mark - however this may only be awarded to complete products and not individual components. This is proving a headache for a majority of installers, as purchasing frames and glass separately is common practice. But thanks to a new service provided by Sliders, companies will still be able to achieve CE marking and continue to operate within the law. Sliders has done the research and developed an innovative unique methodology, working with its Factory Process Control (FPC) consultants, a Notified Body and its legal experts to create a system where it can CE mark its products without the hassle of shipping glass units. In effect, Sliders handles the due dilligence process and carries the burden of acquiring the associated paperwork - including locating and vetting approved glass suppliers - leaving the installer free to carry on with business, virtually as normal. In this way the installers local IGU manufacturer can retain the business and glass movement is localised so reducing the transport costs and carbon emissions. Sliders joint managing director Ian Longbottom said: “The CE marking requirement has struck fear into the minds of

“This is proving a headache for a majority of installers, as purchasing frames and glass separately is common practice. But thanks to a new service provided by Sliders, companies will still be able to achieve CE marking and continue to operate within the law.”

fabricators, installers and glass companies alike. And rightly so; the changes in regulations are to become UK law with effect from 1st July - and the industry widely expects the first cases to hit court in October and the first prosecutions by Spring 2014! Knowing how much of a logistical nightmare this will prove to many of our partners, we have invested a lot of time

and worked closely with relevant agencies to develop a system that ticks all of the necessary boxes whilst causing as little disruption to normal working practices as possible.” For further information contact Sliders UK on 01772 698222, email sales@sliders-uk.com or visit www.sliders-uk.com.

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June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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TRADE NEWS

NEW FACE OF CUTTING EDGE Nigel Grant, one of the industry’s foremost Tweeters and a finalist in the Master Fitter Challenge is now the face of Cutting Edge UPVC, helping to promote the Swish Authorised Installer Scheme for the Staffordshire based fabricator. Cutting Edge are quickly building a reputation as a dynamic and forward thinking manufacturer and the introduction of a brand ambassador in the form of Nigel Grant, will further enhance their credentials. The Stoke-on-Trent based fabricator believes the introduction of new products and initiatives, combined with their meticulous attention to detail as a business will continue to set themselves apart. Their product range now extends to bifolding doors and vertically sliding sashes, alongside their existing products from Profile 22, Swish and K2 for the conservatory roofs. In particular, Cutting Edge believe that the recent introduction of Swish will be the main catalyst for growth given the systems 5 chambered design, brand recognition and free Authorised Installer Scheme, of which Nigel Grant has already registered for.

Authorised Installer Scheme through Cutting Edge, alongside other new products and marketing initiatives. Nigel Grant commented: ‘Cutting Edge and their Swish product have already been proven to me and I have no hesitation in recommending them both. The power of the brand, combined with Cutting Edge’s excellent customer service is a powerful offering for any installer.’ Richard Hammond, sales and marketing director of Cutting Edge concludes: ‘ It’s quite a coup getting the calibre of Nigel on board to represent us as a business. It proves that we can offer more than just your typical fabricator and we’re actively looking for more people like Nigel to join us.’ For further information about how to become a Swish Authorised Installer through Cutting Edge then call the sales office on 01782 599955 or e-mail sales@cuttingedgewindows. co.uk. You can also see their website at www. cuttingedgewindows.co.uk or add to their Twitter following @CuttingEdgeUPVC.

Nigel Grant has become a Twitter phenomenon within the industry, but is also recognised for his discerning choice of supplier and reputation as an installer, something recognised when he became a finalist in the Master Fitter Challenge at the FIT Show. He’ll be helping promote the Swish

GGF Launches New Media Hub

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has launched a new online Media Hub to help its Member Companies and specialist trade, regional, national and international media access and re-use GGF information, images and logos. The Media Hub which sits on the GGF website www.ggf.org.uk is completely accessible anytime for users to download PR materials for their own publications and communications channels. The range of materials on the GGF Media Hub include; • The latest GGF press releases and feature articles • An extensive image bank with high resolution images • High resolution logos of the GGF and its group of companies • GGF Brand Guidelines • GGF Media Communication Policy • GGF General Information

• High resolution GGF trade and consumer adverts for print and online use • An archive of GGF news releases, feature articles and Member interviews The Media Hub also features the GGF Video, Twitter feeds and the latest GGF news. Nigel Rees, GGF Group Chief Executive commented, “We are delighted to introduce this new feature to the GGF website. I am sure, it will prove a very useful communications tool for not only the media but also for GGF Members.” GGF Member Companies can also gain PR from the Media Hub by sending the Federation their own articles and high resolution images of their company, products and/or services. Once the items are uploaded

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onto the GGF library they can then be reused in relevant publications. All articles and images used will include a brand and product and/or services acknowledgement and all Members will be informed of which publication has used their materials and for what purpose they have been used. If you are a GGF Member and wish to use the GGF Media Hub in this way, please contact the GGF Marketing Department marketing@ggf. org.uk. James Lee, Marketing and Communications Manager added, “The new Media Hub makes our communications easier in several ways. Firstly it eliminates the problem of sending very large files on email and cluttering up inboxes and slow down servers. The Media Hub also allows the user immediate access at any time, so if the materials are needed urgently due to tight deadlines, there should be no delays waiting for responses, it can be done instantaneously. Plus it creates an online home for all the GGF’s media content. I hope the media and our Members take full advantage of this new online service.” The GGF Marketing and Communications department will be adding more content and images to the Media Hub on a regular basis. To access the Media Hub simply go to the GGF website and click on the link “Media Hub Login” at the top of the homepage. GGF Members wishing to login can do so via the GGF Members Area by logging and clicking on the Media Hub button in the Members Area Selection Grid. If you have any questions or comments on this latest innovation from the GGF then please do not hesitate to contact the GGF Marketing and Communications team by email marketing@ggf.org.uk or telephone 020 7939 9101.

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Recruitment

Contact Christina! Email: christina@glassnews.co.uk or Tel: 07805 051322 If you are looking to recruit, contact us today for prices!

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TRADE NEWS FastframeUk completes complex new build installation in Newbury The Mary Hare School, for the profoundly deaf in Newbury, Berkshire, can now benefit from the provision of their newly built accommodation block. The main contractor for the build was Sir Robert McAlpine and the company subcontracted installation of the windows and doors to Fastframe Uk. The complexity and demanding nature of the project meant that an experienced and high quality contractor was required. It was Fastframe Uk’s portfolio of successfully completed high profile projects together with the reassurance of the Deceuninck products the company manufactures that helped to secure the contract in this instance. The architect had designed the building to include very high specification windows to ensure maximum safety and energy efficiency. Extended folding openers were required to meet a specific ventilation requirement but also

“It was Fastframe Uk’s portfolio of successfully completed high profile projects together with the reassurance of the Deceuninck products the company manufactures that helped to secure the contract in this instance.”

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protect the pupils inside. A Tremco EDPM membrane needed to be fitted with the cavity closers to create excellent heat retention. The glass specified was 6.2mm Pilkington Suncool to maximise energy efficiency. Paul Moody at FastFrame Uk said, “PVCu windows offer excellent energy efficiency these days and the specification on these windows shows just how far the technology has come. It was a pleasure to work to such exacting standards.” FastFrame Uk installed Deceuninck’s 2800 series with a Foiled coating in Anthracite Grey on the outside and white on the inside, matching in with aluminium doors in the same colour. Fastframe Uk’s fitting teams worked alongside other trades at the site to ensure the contract was completed on time, something that meant a great deal of planning and practicality was required. Paul Moody says, “We are very proud of the finished results at Mary Hare. The building will be a great environment for teachers and pupils alike, while the high energy efficiency will minimise ongoing energy costs, something that’s essential for charities such as the Mary Hare Charity. We were delighted to be part of such a worthwhile project.” Deceuninck Ltd Tel: 01249 816969 www.deceuninck.co.uk FastframeUk Ltd Tel: 01773 714777 www.fastframeuk.com

The County Flat Roofing Team: (from left to right) Paul Newsome, Lesley Cowell, Kevin Hodge (managing director) and Paul Stone.

Top Team at County Flat Roofing Congratulations to four members of Westonsuper-Mare based County Flat Roofing (UK) Ltd, for passing the Institute of Roofing rigorous examination and achieving Associate Status. The Institute of Roofing provides educational opportunities to roofing contractors to prove their competence by achieving nationally recognised qualifications. The four team members took part in an 18-week course consisting of a one day a week training group and a final five hour written examination across three papers. Each of the training days was facilitated by a specialist from a different roofing discipline, giving the students an in depth understanding across a variety of roofing skill sets. This latest achievement adds to the company’s other accreditations including the NFRC Government approved Competent Roofer scheme as well as their registration on the Sika Roof Assured Installer network, which requires installers to participate in a comprehensive three day training course at the Sika Sarnafil Training Academy in Welwyn Garden City.

Kevin Hodge, Managing Director, County Flat Roofing, views this latest achievement as an important additional accreditation to build confidence with homeowners: “It is becoming increasingly important to show our customers formal evidence of our competence. Having the knowledge to talk confidently to customers, architects and designers creates a good relationship and credibility.” “It’s up to us to demonstrate that we have roofing knowledge as well as product knowledge. We have to walk the roofing walk, as well as talk the roofing talk!”

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Rod Benson, National Sales Manager, Roof Assured said: “Our sincere congratulations go to Kevin and his team at County Flat Roofing for this achievement. Providing evidence based competence is very important in the roofing industry and our admiration goes out to the team for their commitment and success in gaining the qualification.” It was a nail biting two week wait before the team were told their exam results and that they had all passed. Now they proudly have their certificates framed and on show at their head office in Weston-super-Mare. Tel: 01772 255024

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June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

ANGEL’S ON TV CONSERVATORY OUTLET IN TRAINING Mighton Products will be running a TV campaign in June across a number of satellite and terrestrial channels to promote their patented Angel Ventlock™ child safety device, which has proven to be the safest, most secure and egress compliant restrictor available for vertical sliding sash windows. The TV campaign will incorporate 30, 40 and 60 second TV commercials on SkySports 2 and 3, ESPN and ITV Carlton to raise the awareness of their product and the implications on child safety when it comes to windows, something that Mighton have championed for several years. The advertising campaign features a young child playing near an upstairs window, with her mother distracted and the potential for the girl to fall out of the window. The advert explains the ease in which an Angel Ventlock™ can be retrofitted to an existing sash window, though there are options to fit these during the manufacturing process for both PVCu and timber sliding sash windows. This impressive safety device meets what is arguably the world’s most stringent international test, ASTM F2090–2008/2010 and BS EN14351-1:2006 standards and is used by some of the world’s largest window companies. It also surpasses all forced entry

tests, allows for egress and automatically resets when the sash is closed. Following their incredible success with the Angel Ventlock™ child safety device, Mighton have developed similar products for casement windows. Over 4,000 children are injured each year in the UK as a direct result of falling through an opening window, child safety has never been more important. Of these 1520 are killed and over 80% are under the age of four according to statistics from RoSPA. Given that many vertical sliding sashes have low cill heights there is a requirement under Building Regulations to fit an opening restrictor and moreover if these were fitted in every appropriate opening, then these saddening statistics would be greatly reduced. Mike Derham, chairman of Mighton Products comments: “The TV campaign is very much a first for the industry when it comes to child safety. Over the duration of the campaign we hope to raise further awareness in this important issue and highlight our patented solution with the Angel Ventlock™.” Look out for the advert on SkySports 2 and 3, ESPN and ITV Carlton or visit the Mighton website at www.mightonproducts.com. You can also add to their growing following on Twitter @mightonproducts.

Mighton Products chairman, Mike Derham, helping on the shoot.

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Industry specific sales trainer Paul Clifton will continue his affiliation with Conservatory Outlet over the next 12 months by delivering a total of 40 training days to the fabricator’s Network of Dealers.

Following the four weeks of retail sales training delivered to the Conservatory Outlet Network of Dealers during 2012 Paul was subsequently employed by several other leading industry names, the most notable of which was perhaps FIT Show, for whom Paul was the face and head judge of the Sales Professional of the Year competition. One of the first beneficiaries of this latest investment by Conservatory Outlet will be the 10-strong sales team at recently joined dealer Pennine Home Improvements, Newcastle, who were welcomed to the Conservatory Outlet Network by fellow Geordie, Paul, and Conservatory Outlet Director Greg Kane, during a presentation day held in March to mark the partnership.

build upon the 2012 programme, and also increase sales representatives’ awareness and knowledge of new product lines such as Slimframe Aluminium, Residence 9 – both fabricated in-house by Conservatory Outlet – and Loggia.

“Paul’s services will benefit our dealers in different ways, and it’s far from a one-size-fits-all curriculum, said Greg Kane. We have established partnerships with two additional well-known and reputable installers in recent months that are both keen to undertake the training that our longer established dealers did last year, whereas others want to focus on a specific product or a specific aspect of selling.”

“With product launches in particular it’s vital to communicate with sales staff, as well as those at the helm of the business. Sales advisors need to understand the products in order to have the confidence to present these as options to homeowners, especially if these products are genuinely a better solution for the client and more profitable for the installer.”

Paul will travel the length and breadth of the UK in a customised Conservatory Outlet vehicle to deliver this training to the various network members which span from Scotland to the Isle of Wight and Wales to East Anglia. Tel: 01924 434416

Likewise existing dealers such as Clearview Home Improvements, who embraced the training courses last year, will be offered tailored sessions which 0613-0026

BARRIER COMPONENTS RECEIVES AWARD FOR INNOVATIVE SECURITY HARDWARE Specialist architectural hardware supplier, Barrier Components Ltd., have won an award for their innovative new security products at this years Counter Terror Expo held at the Olympia Exhibition Centre in April 2013. Andy Simpson, Business Development Adviser, at the security industry E-Mag, who presented the award, said of their selection “It is important to recognise companies that have best demonstrated a proven ability to develop products exceeding the needs of their customers. Barrier components was selected to receive the AWARD FOR COUNTER TERROR PRODUCT OF THE YEAR 2013, a totally independent award programme, for the launch of their High Security gate system with manufacturing partners FAC of Italy and for their Blast Enhanced system for glass facades with their manufacturing partners Sadev of France.” Joint Managing Director of Barrier Components Ltd., Graham Walker, who was presented with the award was said to be delighted. “All of the work helping FAC develop this unique and

Andy Simpson – Security Industry E-Mag, Lorenzo De Marchi – FACsrl, Graham Walker – Barrier Components Ltd.

competitively priced high security canter lever gate system and building a model for the show has been rewarded both in great quality leads and this independent award recognition. The Sadev product may have been launched some time ago but getting the bolts ISO EXV 25 tested at a Government approved centre and receiving a hazard rating C – Minimal Hazard is a result we are extremely proud of.” Said Graham.

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June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

www.glassnews.co.uk

Barrier Components Ltd., now in its 26th year of trading, was exhibiting for the first time at the Counter Terror Expo show in April. For further information contact the Barrier Components Technical Team on 01708 891515, sales@barrier-components.co.uk or visit their new website at www.barrier-components.co.uk.

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June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

DGB v3.0 Goes Live New software

I have been tweeting and writing about it for quite a while now but finally my new home, DGB v3.0 has now gone live!

The initial response from you all has been great and for that I am very grateful! I have also been keen to listen to your feedback on previous versions of my site. Many of you have commented that my previous versions of Double Glazing Blogger have been rather dark and at times difficult to read. I have listened and have made sure that the new version is a much brighter affair that is easy on the eye and hopefully nice and easy to navigate! Also, an inherent issue with my previous versions is that news posts on other subjects such as Green Deal and CE Marking tend to get lost quickly as new posts are updated daily. This new version allows me to cover important industry issues far easier, more in-depth and more concisely. The new version is far more content-rich and should make it easier to find older posts that you may want to read again!

site any branding! So, I had to put this right with the new version and this logo now sits proudly at the top of every DGB web page! It may change from time to time as my site evolves in the future.

My site has evolved a lot from when I first started back in March 2009. It started as a place to shout my mouth off, but has now become one of the main industry websites with much, much more than just my daily rants and criticisms! I want to thank everyone that has read my site, left comments, tweeted links, promoted my posts and everyone who has been kind enough to sponsor the site over the past four and a bit years. Without your interaction and involvement the site would be nothing like what it is today and for that I am grateful! I hope that you all continue to keep coming back to see what I have to say, whether you agree with me or not! And of course your feedback on my new site is always welcome! www.doubleglazingblogger.com

I also now have my own little logo! I have had my site for over four years now and not once have I ever had on official logo, moniker or anything else which gives the 0613-0029

company emerges...

A new window sales, presentation and production software company has been formed since Giles Hayhurst sold Windowlink Ltd to his colleague Mark Dudley recently. Bradley Giles Ltd specialises in tailoring Windowlink software to exact customers’ needs. With large numbers of people using Windowlink software it is a distinct advantage if quotations look different and better than others using the same package.

Products are as follows • Vector – a great piece of software for presenting conservatories in the customer’s home. It’s fast, realistic and easy to use meaning that the customer actually enjoys building the conservatory with you. The actual profiles used by the major roof system suppliers such as Ultraframe, Global, K2 and Quantal are accurately reproduced. • Vector Orangery – Orangerys are rapidly becoming popular and the Windowlink orangery software includes double lantern orangerys with either a fascia or parapet walls. The Ultraframe Livin and Loggia designs have also been covered.

Full costing and pricing can be added to any of the above products. Giles’ recent projects include one for A.T.B. Systems in Stourbridge who manufactures high security aluminium windows for the mental health and prison service and this ongoing project is to cover all the manufacturing and quoting aspects of their business. They offer a large range of window systems from the standard opening out window to inward openers and also parallel openers. A.T.B. are agents for Hammerglass which is virtually unbreakable. Colin Freeman, M.D. of A.T.B. commented” We were really impressed with the speed of the Focus PRO software, its ease of use and how easily it has been adapted to our really unique and unusual products” If you’d like an on-site or online demonstration please call Giles on 07775 433122 or 01285 656957 or email giles@bradleygiles.co.uk.

• Focus – this software shows the customer exactly what their windows and doors are going to look like. This includes the actual range of composite doors that you use and covers all the design,colour and glazing options – something a brochure simply cannot do. The Focus 3D option allows the new products to be superimposed on to a picture of a customers house, this is especially useful for doors as they make the biggest impact on the appearance of a property. • Focus PRO – this is an extension of Focus as is designed for small to medium sized window production companies. PVCu, aluminium and timber systems can be accommodated and using the sales quotation aspect of Focus means that the whole process from initial design to quotation, order, survey and finally production and material ordering can be undertaken without the need to enter information twice. In addition, Bradley Giles offers a bespoke conservatory drawing service for those customers who are unable to draw it on their existing package (Windowlink or otherwise).

“Having owned Windowlink for over thirty years I am very skilled in manipulating the software so that the entire look of it is unique for a particular customer. This may be just the appearance of the printouts, or the information shown on them. In addition, the software can be branded to strongly reflect the corporate identity.” Giles Hayhurst, Managing Director of Bradley Giles Ltd

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June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

www.glassnews.co.uk

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June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

Twin tie secures footballers’ Dr Noble Francis Total Glass sponsorship to Speak at CAB AGM A family connection secured Total Glass sponsorship for the Vintage Clarets who recently returned from their 2013 Tour of Germany having narrowly lost 2-0 in the final to Hertha Berlin.

CAB is delighted to announce that Dr Noble Francis, Economics Director at Construction Products Association, is to speak at this year’s Annual General Meeting on 4 July. With the construction industry facing its longest downturn in living memory, Noble will offer an update on the very latest construction industry forecasts and the repercussions for the aluminium in building sector. Despite the near term forecasts highlighting a very challenging climate, in the medium term the prospects are brighter for the wider sector with construction output likely to increase by 1.9% in 2014 and 3.8% in 2015. CAB’s own ‘State of the Market’ surveys have also shown growing optimism especially in terms of increases in both sales volumes and key areas of capital investment over the next 12 months. Over 200 CAB members and their guests will meet at The Belfry, Warwickshire, the venue for this year’s AGM, to network and

look to the future of the Association while discussing the challenges facing the wider fenestration sector. Mo Panam, CAB’s President, will offer his keynote address to members during the Dinner and set out the Board’s strategy for the year ahead. One of the main strategies to be announced is the encouragement of further growth in membership from across the aluminium supply chain.

in standards and regulatory bodies both in the UK and abroad, taking a guiding role on behalf of its wide and growing membership. For more information on joining CAB and its activities view the associations website at www.c-a-b.org.uk, contact the office on 01453 828851 or email julie.harley@c-a-b.org.uk.

The Liverpool-based PVC-U and aluminium window and door fabricator, run by Group Managing Director Frank Deary, provided new retro-style strip bearing the Total Glass logo for the team, captained by Frank’s twin brother John. The Vintage Clarets took on veterans from a multitude of European nations at the 36th Annual Football Tournament held in May at Hammer Spielvereinigung 03/04 in Hamm, Germany. The Turf Moor past masters are all ex-pros who play throughout the year to raise funds for the Burnley Former Players Association. Proudly sporting the Burnley 1920’s-style replica team shirts, the players were beaten in a close final that was the furthest they’d come in the tournament. John said: “The shirts got a great response and were much

With an experienced team based at the CAB offices, which now includes Dr Justin Furness, Technical Director, the Association will become even more involved

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admired. We wanted to capture the true meaning of vintage. We think this new kit, with proper tie tops, really symbolises the true history of Burnley Football Club. We’re very grateful to Frank and Total Glass for their support.”

The bespoke shirt is based on the one worn in the 1920/21 Championship-winning season when they played 30 games without defeat, a record that stood for 83 years until finally being surpassed by Arsenal in 2003/04. The kits will be available to order on the Vintage Clarets website. John added: “We’d never reached the final before, so it was a great achievement

by all the lads to have made it that far; we’re already planning next year’s assault on the tournament!”

Frank, who played for Blackpool FC as a teenager alongside his brother, said their sponsorship reflected not only the family connection, but also the keen footballing interest at Total Glass. He said: “It’s fantastic to hear the team made the final. I’m delighted that the shirts were a success and hope they sell well to raise money for good causes.” For more information, contact Total Glass on 0151 549 2339 or visit the website at www.totalglass.com.

L to R: John Deary, Brendan Flood, Director of Burnley FC in Vintage Clarets shirt and Michael Duff, Northern Ireland International.

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Tradelink hopefuls enter frame Academy Having long recognised the importance of training and the subsequent benefits a multi-skilled workforce can bring, Tradelink, the trade fabricator celebrating 20 years experience of understanding installers’ needs, is now delighted to announce the official opening of its new Academy. The new facility is run by Assurance Manager Dave Gash and Quality Engineer Kevin Howard with the purpose of supporting the fabricator’s ongoing Producer training on the fabricator’s own premises in line with its commitment to World Class Manufacturing. Producers are trained at Tradelink’s on-site facility in both the theory and the practice of specific production processes, such as Welding or door assembly. A pre-determined syllabus is used for each manufacturing process and its related tasks, and this in turn feeds into the Tradelink skills-matrix system.

Each course offers applicants the chance to take part in practical assessments as well as the final written exam in order to gain that all important hands-on experience, and successful participants are awarded with a certificate upon proving they have attended and passed the course. Managing Director Jim Moody comments on the facility: “We are delighted to officially open our new Academy. As a World Class Manufacturing company, training is incredibly important to us and now we have a formal training facility on our own premises we can provide real structure to this process. Our commitment to the Academy serves to reinforce our approach to training and, of course, more skills tend to equal better rewards, so it’s no great surprise that the Academy already has a waiting list just one month after opening!” For more information call Tradelink now on 01354 657650 or visit www.tradelinkdirect.co.uk. The Tradelink Academy is now officially open.

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June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

SUN TRADE OPENS DEPOT NUMBER TWELVE Leading REHAU trade fabricator Sun Trade has made it a round dozen with the opening of its twelfth depot in Tiverton, Devon.

Plymouth and has 10 further depots sited across the south from Bridgend to Epsom and from Swindon to Poole.

The new depot is located at Unit 7, Mountbatten Way in Tiverton (EX16 4RE) and is yet further evidence of the ongoing success and continuing ambition of Sun Trade which is now one of the fastest growing fabricators in the south.

All twelve depots offer a complete range of frames in the REHAU TOTAL70 and REHAU Tritec systems and over the past year have launched several dynamic new colours including cream on white and Irish Oak.

Graham Davies, Commercial Director at the company says: “Whilst many of our competitors struggle, we continue to expand in areas where we have identified demand for our top quality REHAU products and for our genuine One Stop Shop service.”

Further information, including opening times, is available via Ryan White on: 0800 285 1665 or via: sales@suntradewindows.com.

“We’ve got a friendly and experienced team in place at Tiverton who are looking forward to welcoming new and existing customers and to demonstrating yet again the market leading levels of Sun Trade service. We are very confident that this new branch will enjoy the same enviable levels of success as our 11 other branches, and certainly the feedback we’ve had since we announced our arrival in Tiverton has been very positive.” This is Sun Trade’s second depot in Devon. The company already has a depot in 0613-0026

CE marking software for Windowlink users

created by Bradley Giles Ltd

Giles Hayhurst, Managing Director of Bradley Giles Ltd has announced that he has developed an additional facility for those customers using Windowlink’s Focus family of software so that the user complies with the new legislation. This enhancement will produce either labels or identification sheets (rather like a Fensa certificate)

showing the CE marking for each item in a job. CE marking is set to become law on 1st July yet many companies have not yet organised this and therefore could face a penalty. Whilst identification sheets are easier to produce than individual labels there is some suggestion that labels do have to be attached to

the frame until installation at which point they can be removed. In some cases the label will be stuck to the protective plastic, or alternatively to the outer frame webs. Giles has created reports for eight, ten and fourteen items to fit standard sized labels with the software automatically filling in the relevant data. For example, the performance of a door may well be less than that of a casement window. For details of how this facility can be added to Windowlink software contact Giles on 07775 433122 or 01285 656957 or email giles@ bradleygiles.co.uk.

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June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS Deceuninck reaffirms its commitment to the UK market with a powerful plan for growth Deceuninck’s new managing director, Roy Frost, has reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the UK market with the announcement of a powerful plan for growth. Roy says, “Since joining Deceuninck at the start of April 2013, I have spent my time getting to know the business and developing a three year plan for growth. My plans have been approved by the group’s main board and we will be commencing out three year challenge from 1 June.” He added, “There have been many rumours circulating about Deceuninck’s commitment to the UK market. I can only say that the group’s board is fully committed to the UK market, as is demonstrated by the approval of my plans. I would like to make it very clear that the business is not in trouble, we are not closing down our UK operation and we are not reducing the

range of products offered in the UK. In fact, the opposite is true in all cases.” Highlights of Deceuninck’s plan for growth include: • The launch of new product literature and a mobile compatible website that will drive sales in all sectors.

the newly enhanced Technicor>2 Patio Door; and a new bi-folding door that uses the innovative Linktrusion process and OmniRal colour finishes to create a door that performs and looks as good as any aluminium competitor but at a significantly lower price point.

• The introduction of the industry’s first pricing, quotation and configuration app that will enable installers to provide instant quotes, revolutionising the selling process and helping them to close sales more quickly. • The introduction of new and cutting edge products that will confirm Deceuninck’s position at the forefront of industry innovation. These products include a new 2800 system with a fourth chamber; OmniRal, the industry’s first fully coloured profile;

The industry has been waiting to see how the appointment of Roy Frost would affect Deceuninck’s direction. From the tone of Roy’s statement and the announcement of his plans for growth it seems clear that the direction will be up. Tel: 01249 816969 www.deceuninck.co.uk

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HOPE 66 LAUNCH DINNER DELIGHTS Over 150 guests attended the official launch party for GM Fundraising’s Hope 66 cycling epic, which was held at The Mill, Alveley, nr Bridgnorth in Shropshire on the 10th May, 2013. In addition, a remarkable £14,587.78 was raised on the night.

sum on the night. The charity auction raised a sizeable sum, with several industry figureheads keen to outbid one another, much to the benefit of GM Fundraising and the Hope House Hospices that it represents.

The guests were greeted with a champagne reception, followed by a short video presentation, before the riders and support team were presented to everyone. This also included Mike Derham, chairman of headline sponsor, Mighton Products. Following on from this was a 3 course dinner, followed by a short charity auction and finally music was provided by Quest, an impressive 4 piece live band.

With just a few months left before the riders fly out to Chicago, they will be busy fundraising and training, ensuring they are in the best possible shape for the considerable challenges that await them across the USA. For the support team

the final checks on route, hotels and other operational issues are now coming to a conclusion. Gary Morton, chairman of GM Fundraising comments: “What a great evening for many reasons, including the incredible amount raised. Thanks go to Darren, Emma and Lorna Lloyd their overwhelming support, along with everyone who attended, but now it’s time to focus on the task in hand in terms of training and fundraising.”

To do your bit, log on to www.justgiving.com/teamhope66 and you can either sponsor the team or any one individual. For further information log on to www.gmfundraising.co.uk or add to their Twitter and Facebook following @gmfundraising.

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Compensation for late payment creeps up to 1 in 3 claims but SMEs miss a trick The proportion of claims for late payment that include compensation has risen only marginally over the last two years, despite the late payment issues small and medium sized firms are reported to be facing, according to debt recovery law firm Lovetts Plc. In 2010 just 25% of claims handled by Lovetts included compensation, this rose to 27% in 2011 and 31% in 2012. From the start of 2013, 33% of claims have included compensation. While Lovetts welcomes the slight uplift, it believes that many SMEs are missing out on the opportunity to claim compensation because they haven’t laid down any firm ground rules at the outset of new business relationships. Lovetts is urging businesses to take a tough line on late payment and if necessary use the legislation already available to them.

Lovetts’ 10 point plan to tackle late payment to SMEs 1. At the outset make sure the customer understands that legitimate costs, compensation and interest will be claimed if late payment occurs – get it in your Ts and Cs.

6. Make no bones about the fact these will be claimed if it goes to legal, then dangle a carrot and offer to waive compensation if immediate payment is made. 7. If it helps, explain that compensation is to pay the costs of running a credit control team.

2. Don’t be afraid, make sure they understand very clearly that this will form the basis of your trading relationship.

8. If payment isn’t made, warn of the additional recovery and/or legal costs that will be due in addition to Late Payment compensation.

Having done this:

9. Go legal when you say you will. If you don’t act on your threat your invoices will always remain at the bottom of the pile.

3. Invoice and in the same month call or email to check the invoice has arrived with the right person to approve. 4. Focus on the usual suspects.

10. Act decisively and it will change your business culture and your customer relationships while reducing late payment for your business.

5. As soon as it becomes overdue, call the customer to remind them that Late Payment compensation and interest are due on each invoice – give them the cost they could incur if they don’t pay up.

Charles Wilson, CEO of Lovetts said: “New late payment regulation was introduced in March but based on the poor use of existing legislation, I have very little faith in the EU directive making any impact on

late payment practices. It comes down to business relationships and ensuring that in the early stages SMEs make clear that they won’t stand for any delays and will claim costs if necessary. With suggestions that the economy is starting to pick up, we would urge the small and medium sized firms to tackle the issue of payment upfront as new customers come on board. Don’t let it become the elephant in the room.” www.lovetts.co.uk

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June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS Emplas brings more flexibility

SG Windows Impress with

Emplas has created three new customer support office roles and specialist support teams as part of a commitment to further increase its customer service.

SG Window Systems has fabricated and installed a number of Swish windows and doors for Redrow’s prestigious new housing development in Lytham St Annes.

to customer support Swish Windows & Doors

The new structure means that while Emplas customers will retain a single point of contact for all ordering and any queries and technical help, new flexibility across the Customer Support Office means that other team members can pick up the enquiry if their main contact is unavailable. Mike Crewdson, Sales and Marketing Director, Emplas, explained: “Customers retain a single point of contact but all the team members can process quotes and orders and resolve issues. It means that collectively, we’re able to offer a more flexible and speedy support package to our installer customers.”

and conservatory support teams who are able to offer specialist advice and support. The changes follow significant investment by the Wellingborough-based trade fabricator its new online ordering system. This gives Emplas customers instant access to an online quoting and 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 and ordering system. Crewdson added: “There are a lot of fabricators out

there and a lot of products to choose from. If you stop and ask where does the difference come in its got to be in product quality, reliability and service. “We believe we offer all three and while we’re using new technologies to be more flexible in the level of customer service we provide, we’re not losing sight of the fact that ours is still, very much, a people industry.” For more information visit www.emplas.co.uk, email info@emplas.co.uk or call 01933 674880.

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GGF Member wins in the GGF FIT Show Prize Draw Sponsored by Citation Congratulations to Nigel Budd of GGF Member Thomas Sanderson Ltd Window Accessories on winning an iPad Mini 32GB in the GGF FIT Show Prize Draw sponsored by Citation. On receiving his prize Nigel commented, “It was a real surprise and great pleasure to win this iPad. Many thanks to the GGF for not only running a fun prize draw, but also for all the work they put in to make the FIT Show an enjoyable experience for Members,

in particular the Member’s Lounge area which was of great benefit throughout the show.” As sponsors, Citation, (who work with the GGF on employment law issues and provide free guidance to GGF Members on legal matters in the work place) conducted the draw at the GGF offices on the 24th April, at the Emergency Glazing Networking Event. Damian Wasey, Citation Relationship Director drew the lucky winners’ names in front of GGF

Members, GGF Staff and members of the media. The other two prize winners’ were; Richard Warner of Crendon Conservatories in Buckinghamshire who won the Lamborghini experience and Glen Horrocks of Float Glass Industries, Manchester also won an iPad Mini.

SG Window Systems, based in Manchester, who has been trading for three years, won the contract to manufacture and install a number of Swish windows and doors at Redrow’s impressive new development at Lytham Quays, which comprises 10 exclusive villas, a range of luxury apartments and a wide selection of three and four bedroom family homes.

“We found the Swish systems incredibly easy to manufacture and install – the project went well on site and was completed on time. From an aesthetic point of view, the coloured foils really lend themselves to the new development, and the technical support provided by Swish is second to none.” Andrew Reid, Commercial Sales Director for Swish Window and Door Systems,

concluded: “Not only do Swish systems look good and increase insulation, they are also safe, secure and reduce noise. All this, as well as being a well-known and well-respected brand in the industry, means that we were perfectly placed for this prestigious development.” For more information on Swish Window and Door Systems, please visit www.swishwindows.co.uk.

Swish’s ‘A’ rated casement windows were used for the family homes and villas in the development, while curtain walling was also used for the villas, plus the apartments. Beck Brown (almost black) coloured foils were utilised for the curtain wall windows, in order to create a modern, aesthetically appealing finish. Some of the larger properties on the development also feature sliding patio doors, which adhere to Secured by Design specifications. Alan Sutton of SG Window Systems, said: “Swish’s longstanding reputation for high quality window and door solutions stood us in good stead to win this prestigious contract with Redrow.” 0613-0044

Congratulations to all the winners and thanks to everyone who took part. For further information go to: www.ggf.org.uk.

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TRADE NEWS

National Federation of Glaziers

A Social Business

It was an interesting, if not tiring experience, exhibiting at the successful FIT show: Meeting friends gained over the years in the industry, talking with the large variety of people which make up this, still vigorous industry, and, of course, seeing some of our members (many of whom have been with us for over 20 years).

None of this would have been possible without the excellent organisation and vision of the organisers of the show; so thank you very much for the rich experience! Our team of volunteers were joined on the same stand as Insured Window Guarantees, with whom we have had a warm relationship for over 10 years. Indeed, without their cooperation we could not have afforded to take a stand; with yearly subscriptions of only £ 85 per member, we needed some help! We were asked over and over again, what do we do, and why aren’t we so well-known after 23 years of existence? – and when we explain this, how can we provide all this for just £ 85 per year? To begin with our “mission statement”, as it is called today: We exist to bring together enterprises in the glazing industry, who are genuinely interested in excellence and integrity; excellence in the service they provide, and integrity in how they provide that service. We seek to represent and support them in every way possible, and also help consumers with advice and wherever possible to lead them to good providers of glazing. What does this entail? It requires that all our members are kept informed of the latest issues affecting this industry, and we do this on a very regular basis. We canvass their views and talk to policy makers, liaise with other federations and associations to encourage common views and aspirations. This isn’t always possible; some organisations, sadly, see us as rivals and their aims conflict with ours. For instance, acting with integrity means not offering bogus discounts, not using high pressure (so-called) selling techniques and certainly not exploiting the most trusting consumer by overcharging, and/or persuading them to take out expensive finance. These kinds of activities are the unacceptable face of this industry. Not all associations or federations are prepared to ban these activities. Our members have an obligation to our “Commitment to Good Practice”,

Profile 22 fabricators are being invited to attend a free commercial masterclass, designed to help them understand commercial contracts and maximise profitability.

which was written in 1999 in plain English covering all aspects of a glazing business, from advertising, right through to guarantees and after sales service. The practice of integrity runs through the entire document. In return, for a small yearly subscription, they are well informed and can ask for advice on glazing or any aspect of running a glazing enterprise. There are marketing materials, enquiries from consumers, recommended templates for contracts, guarantees and other business documents, help with any difficult customers and access to the most competitive insured guarantees. All this costs no more than their annual subscription. How is this possible? A question we were asked time and again at FIT. National Federation of Glaziers is a Social Business* (a concept pioneered by Muhammed Yunus, the founder of micro- finance); there are no permanent paid staff, and little overheads. This is how we believe a Federation should operate. It is our view that Federations and Associations take a great deal of money from this industry, and we must ask; what is the member getting in return for their hard-earned subscription? We have everything here that the glazier needs; week in, week out we deal with consumer enquiries, provide guidance and advice to our members and consumers, or, at the very least direct them to a source which answers their questions. We are not a lead machine, and to become one would be possible, but expensive, and not our proper role!

“We seek to represent our members and support them in every way possible, and also help consumers with advice, and lead them to good providers of glazing.” We can’t change the minds of politicians, but who can?; it must obvious that despite all the expensive lobbying done by many in this industry, we are still being saddled with more and more costly regulation. If it would rid us of the cowboys, it might be worthwhile, but, until the consumer is properly informed, this will not happen; a point we have made over and over again to our political masters. Leaving it to the industry, with some of the practices mentioned above in place, simply does not, and will not work.

The course will be held on Wednesday 3rd July at Profile 22’s site in Telford and will be delivered by consultants who specialise in commercial and project management. Fabricators will receive advice and guidance on when contracts become legally binding, what the small print can mean and what contractual loopholes exist. The seminar will also cover the essentials of project design, contract law, site management and estimating, and how fabricators can make contracts both commercially viable and profitable. The free course forms part of a package of support for Profile 22 customers, as

Why wouldn’t you want to be a member of the NFG? It is my experience that the vast majority of those in this industry are honest, hardworking people, who want to always do good work, look after their customer and treat everyone fairly. They are invariably smaller companies who need the most support. For full details, look at our website www.nfoglon.org.uk or call us on 020 7404 3099. *A Social Business defined as “a non-loss, non-dividend company designed to address a social objective within the highly regulated marketplace of today…..which has a social rather than financial objective”. Muhammad Yunus (2009). Creating a World Without Poverty: Social Business and the Future of Capitalism.

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PROFILE 22 FABRICATORS INVITED TO COMMERCIAL MASTERCLASS

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Andrew Reid, Commercial Sales Director, explains: “Strong opportunities exist for fabricators in the commercial sector changes to funding streams have created budgets for more social housing refurbishment, while newbuild projects are continuing to come on stream in the university sector in particular. “While many of our customers are enjoying success in this market, the different practices and ways of working can present a challenge, especially to those fabricators who have been focused on the trade and retail market until now. “The seminar will equip our fabricators with everything they need to know to comply with the law, protect their business and maximise profitability on commercial contracts.” Tel: 01952 290910 www.profile22.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

‘Customer centricity’

just business jargon bingo? If you’re an installer who buys-in it might just be time to step back and give your relationship with your supplier a little thought. In the first of a two-part series, Glass News discovers why ‘customercentricity’ in your supply chain could make all the difference.

as possible who want to have that need met. “It’s less about the individual customer than finding more of them and maximizing the margin on each product”, he explains.

From ‘blue-sky thinking’ to ‘dining al desco’ and everything in between, jargon permeates business. But while it may be tempting to dismiss it all as little more than a heavy bout of verbal ‘Delhi Belly’, in doing so, we may all be missing a trick.

“Margin is made through efficiencies delivered on the factory floor by volume but this can also be at the expense of quality. Customers can still be important but not necessarily as individuals.”

Customer-centricity is a term that is as misunderstood as it is frequently over-used. Assuming that you start with a quality product and service, being customer-centric means understanding the customer’s point of view and respecting the customer’s interest. “You fix problems, handle complaints, and remember individual customer preferences”, says Mike Crewdson, sales and marketing director at Northamptonshire trade fabricator, Emplas.

Crewdson continues: “That tends to happen in our industry through high volume very focussed fabrication - selling a single product or a couple of variants of that product. “For these guys, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. As specialists they can only meet a very specific customer requirement, they need more customers and they have a tendency to get them by pushing down prices.”

In contrast customer-centric companies start with an individual customer and try to meet

He continues: “But you can’t simply add them all up and claim to be customer centric – it needs to be a fundamental part of your business strategy. That’s where the line is drawn between customer-centric businesses and product-centric businesses.” And this distinction is an important one because the model adopted by your fabricator has the potential to impact significantly on the long term prospects for your business as an installer. “The first thing to do is to draw a distinction between good customer service and customer-centricity”, says Crewdson. “For a business to be competitively successful, it must meet two conditions: it must be able to satisfy a customer’s need; and it must have a customer who wants that need satisfied. As a third element it needs to do it well and meet customer expectations. The difference between a product-centric business and a customer-centric business is in the attitude and approach of that business to the market to the customer.” Crewdson argues here, that the critical difference is that if you are a fabricator who has a product-centric approach while your focus may still be on having a product or products that meet a certain customer need, your efforts go on finding as many customers

as many of that customer’s needs as possible – week after week, month after month. This Crewdson argues, is because the financial objective for a customer-centric business is to maximize the value created by each customer, not the product. This strategy has defined Emplas’ approach and is something that is reflected in its significant investment in its range to meet more but also changing customer requirements. This has included the launch of a new GRP door range which sits alongside chamfered and fully sculptured casement windows, vertical sliders and a triple-glazed option. The trade fabricator has also kept its finger very much on the pulse of the conservatory sector and consumer demand for orangery aesthetics at an accessible price point with the addition of mid-market ‘Livinroom’ conservatory/orangery cross-over from Ultraframe. Underpinning all of this activity is the investment Emplas has made in its colour offer to provide a rapid turnaround service on non-standard foiled products with product dispatch in as little as 10 working-days of receipt of orders. Crewdson continues: “It’s about a relationship. As a supplier you focus on one customer understanding not just a single requirement but all of their requirements and work with them to sell as many products as possible. “For us, that has meant ongoing investment in our offer because we recognise that our customers have to offer consumers more, and do so more flexibly to win business. The advantage for them is that they can also do this through a single point of contact.” This is an important point for Crewdson who is keen to emphasise that Emplas

has delivered corresponding investment in customer service. Already enjoying an unparalleled reputation for its award winning customer marketing and sales support, Emplas has recently restructured its customer service team, launched a new online quotation and ordering system and invested in new trucks and wagons to make deliveries more flexible. This emphasis on customer service is another distinction between the product-centric and customer-centric models. Products don’t have memories, customers do. In a customer centric model customers are the link between the profit a business makes today and the profit it is likely to make tomorrow. Crewdson continues: “We’re not being too altruistic about this. We invest in our product offering and in the service and support we give to our customers because we’re here to make money and if we deliver better products and better service our customers do better. “We aren’t expensive but we don’t want to be the cheapest. We want to be and are about service and quality. It’s a model that works for us and works for our customers because they get the product quality but also unparalleled support to go with it. “The product-centric fabrication model can’t and isn’t set up to deliver anything close and we believe that, in the longer term, will be to the cost of installers who buy from those manufacturers.” For more information visit www.emplas.co.uk , email info@emplas.co.uk or call 01933 674880.

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TRADE NEWS

K2 CAPELLA EVOLVES Trojan’s consumer brochure is a big hit TO BECOME A COMPLETE The Trojan Group has just launched a retail brochure aimed at providing consumers with an insight into the choices available for their window, door and conservatory hardware. Launched at the FIT Show, it proved a winning concept for both existing customers and prospective ones. Tony Chadwick, Trojan Group’s Managing Director, said, “Our customers were telling us they wanted to make more of the fact they were using high quality Trojan hardware. Our retail brochure is designed to help consumers understand the quality their supplier is using and the wealth of options available. We want to encourage consumers to see that their hardware can be both practical and beautiful – the jewels on their product as it were.” The brochure introduces consumers to Trojan and the quality of the design and materials in all of the company’s products. It then takes the consumer through the Trojan range and what it has to offer. This is the first piece of consumer-facing literature that Trojan has released, and judging

by the reaction at the FIT Show, it looks set to become a valuable part of installers’ toolkits. Tony says, “The market is still tough out there, so installers need to differentiate themselves wherever they can. Being able to give consumers literature that showcases the quality of the hardware they’re using shows attention to detail and a commitment to a high quality result. It could make the difference between clinching a sale or not.” Trojan hardware has been valued by the industry for its quality for many years. With the launch of this new brochure, installers can now show that quality to consumers. To order copies of the brochure, contact Trojan customer service on 01922 713933.

“We want to encourage consumers to see that their hardware can be both practical and beautiful – the jewels on their product as it were.”

MODULAR PROPOSITION

When it was launched in 2011 K2’s Capella fulfilled the simple promise of providing a single integrated internal bracket and aluminium gutter. Since then it has become a firm favourite and is now installed in hundreds of conservatories throughout the UK. Now K2 designers have evolved Capella to provide a number of internal and external options, whilst maintaining the inherent simplicity for which it became so popular. Internal options now include single and double bracket PVC-U soffits, which offer a highly cost-efficient solution to giving a conservatory an authentic orangery look. In addition to superb aesthetics the option also provides homeowners with the ability to install low-voltage downlighters for a sophisticated and stylish finish. Following popular demand a fully plasterboarded version is also available as standard in 300mm and 600mm depth. Installers who have been nudging K2 for this option will, says the company, find it a very worthwhile addition. Externally Capella installers now enjoy three options: the standard K2 PVC-u gutter; the Capella aluminium gutter which is an integral, high fronted gutter; and shortly as a direct result of the union between Synseal and K2 the three part aluminium fascia as used on Synseal’s Global Summer will be made available to K2 customers. Overall, the key benefits of the Capella over competitive solutions are: • A completely modular system allowing you to offer your customers a full range of options, making the Capella totally customizable. • The glass roof screening solution uses an optional pre-fitted solar film; this makes both the installation simpler and the finished product very aesthetically pleasing.

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• The plastered soffit is fitted onto a very easy to install set of brackets, making it a very enviable solution for all installers. • With standard depth of 300mm and 600mm the plastered soffit will allow you to fulfill most budget orangery requirements and ensure the homeowners gets the wow factor. Specially adapted to be fitted to the K2 eaves beam the Synseal Global Summer decorative orangery fascia conceals guttering and provides external cornice detailing. It is one of the key features of the Global Summer that allows an effective OrangeryStyle conservatory to be created simply and competitively. And soon these benefits will be available to K2 customers without switching. Anne-Marie Busch, Marketing Manager for K2 said the benefits of the union between Synseal and K2 are now becoming very tangible: “Capella embodies the K2 philosophy in producing simple yet highly effective solutions that are driven by our customers, something that Synseal has bought into; Synseal also has a reputation as an innovative and progressive supplier of conservatory roofs and components with the addition of superb facilities and sheer size. These relatively small but important developments with Capella are the first of what is becoming a very productive relationship between the two brands.”

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GOVERNMENT MINISTER VISITS FREEFOAM BUILDING PRODUCTS Local growth minister, Mark Prisk, visited Freefoam Building Products as part of a tour of Northampton Waterside Enterprise Zone on Monday 13 May. His visit coincided with the announcement that Freefoam plans to expand its UK operation creating between 30 and 40 jobs in the next 2 years. Since the company opened its Northampton base in 2001, it has seen a growth in sales from £4m to last year’s £32.63 million, along with a staff increase from 18 to 90.

Aidan Harte, managing director of Freefoam, said: “We are very committed to the present location and over the last 13 years have made significant investment in additional land and buildings to create new roles in engineering, manufacturing, distribution and administrative for the local community.” “Being part of the Enterprise Zone has given us access to additional support which has influenced our decision to make further investment and expand our workforce.”

The minister was accompanied by elected members from Northampton Borough Council and the Northampton Waterside Enterprise Zone. Councillor David Mackintosh, leader of Northampton Borough Council, said: “Success stories like the expansion of Freefoam Plastics shows that support from local government can make a real difference to local businesses and communities. We’re delighted to have supported that success and I think the minister was suitably impressed with what Freefoam have been able to achieve.”

Tel: 01604 591110 – www.freefoam.com

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GLASS & GLASS PROCESSING

NEW TUFFX BROCHURE

DEFINES QUALITY STANDARDS Leading specialist glass manufacturer, TuffX has launched a vibrant new brochure to keep customers up to date on the latest products available from the company. Aimed specifically at the installer, architect and specifier markets, the stylish literature adopts a contemporary style and features all the key benefits of the market leading brand. Design has been focussed on the technical advantages available in a broad range of products provided by the company. Divided into simple sections the brochure offers concise information regarding each product with corresponding technical data included. The launch of new marketing literature was introduced to ensure that the company can maximize the brand value for the benefit of customers. Management believes that differentiation and product awareness will help to reinforce the quality standards associated with the TuffX brand. For many leading national firms of architects and specifiers, who succeed at design-led concepts and high-specification interiors, it is vital to have access to accurate data regarding

the latest industry innovations. The desire to continually innovate the processed glass sector has placed TuffX as a leading national company which management believes is important to impart visually through literature. TuffX has many years experience in the toughened safety glass manufacturing sector and is one of the most well respected glass processors in the industry, offering unrivalled expertise and reliability. With in-house manufacturing and a national delivery fleet, customers and specifiers benefit from complete reassurance that in-house quality control provides.

company demonstrating the broader scope available for both commercial and domestic customers.

For many architects and contractors this has been a major contributing factor when making selection for prestigious national projects including the London Bridge redevelopment, The Millenium Dome and the Arsenal Football Clubs Emirates Stadium.

Graham Price comments, “For quick and easy reference regarding any sized project, our high standards and professionalism are reflected through our new brochure, which will help to develop a broader understanding of the product range in concise terms,.”

With an emphasis placed on professionalism and excellence, the new literature promotes the main benefits of TuffX as a

For a copy of the brochure or for more information regarding the range please call: 0845 3400 200.

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INTELLIGENT GLASS SYSTEMS BRING INTRIGUE TO GRAND DESIGNS LIVE Essex Safety Glass (ESG Ltd) certainly injected intrigue at this year’s Grand Designs Live as visitors watched in amazement as the technical glass manufacturer unveiled its full range of Controllable Intelligent Glass Systems. Aptly referred to as the next generation of ‘intelligent glass products’, the Controllable range particularly appealed to visitors researching ways to use glass as a truly ‘responsive building material’. ESG Switchable™ LCD Privacy Glass was incredibly popular with those considering privacy glass as a practical and elegant design feature. Visitors witnessed the unrivalled quality of ESG Switchable™ first-hand, which is available in sizing up to 1,800mm x 3,500mm; making it the largest sized privacy glass on the market. Similarly, ESG Solarchromic™ Climate Control Glass also appealed to those seeking the best way to minimise solar heat gain during the summer months yet maximise it during the winter. With its electronically controllable tint, visitors learnt

how the glass not only acts as an attractive design feature but can play a pivotal role in significantly reducing a building’s energy consumption. Available in manual or automatic control, the panels can be controlled individually or as a multiple panel system. In addition, ESG Thermic™ Heatable Glass proved popular. Capable of bringing effective and controlled room temperatures up to 40°C, the ‘heatable’ glass affords direct control over room temperatures without the compromise on space. Commenting on ESG’s debut at the show, Managing Director of ESG, Scott Sinden, said: “Not only is there a requirement for all new homes to be zero carbon from 2016, the need for ‘responsive architecture’ is also driven by a genuine desire from those project managing their build to create inspiring and intelligent places to live. Here at ESG, we are in somewhat of a unique position in that we not only manufacture all our

Controllable Intelligent Glass Systems here in the UK to a very high standard, we are able to do so at a competitive rate with fast turnaround times complete with our own quality assured supply and fit service. This in itself is hugely reassuring to those project managing residential builds.” To find out more visit www.essexsafetyglass.co.uk.

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MACHINERY

GOLDNET ROUTER

Bovone Diamond Tooling has recently designed and patented a new router. This new tool has been designed and studied considering that a normal router has a typical problem due to its geometry, that it is to say the fact that they are composed by segments normally as high a percentage as cutting part of the router.

So Bovone tooling has designed the new Goldnet router without the common 3-4-6 segments but with a much higher quantity of smaller segments placed as a net shape and crossed in there position on the tool, Due to this new geometry the alloy of the router is not overheated especially when working with thicker or laminated glasses, this then means the surface works as if it was continuous, not

in a succession of full and empty segments, this means less chips even on normal glasses.

The tests show that the best results are obtained working with the Goldnet routers at 12000 rpm the ammeter value shows a much lower value than a corresponding traditional router.

and also has the larger surface, because of these characteristics the Goldnet and its design and technical advantages the goldnet is a unique tool worth a PATENT so that only Bovone diamond tools can manufacture this type of router. “We are very happy to be working BDT and a lot of

The life of the router is now longer since the diamond part is less overheated

customer do not realise that BDT can also supply diamond tooling not only for the Bovone range of machines, but for all types of diamond tooling. We are promoting all the Bovone tooling range and welcome the chance to look at all customer tooling requirements.” Said Philip Birchall Managing Director Of The Glass Machinery Company.

For more information please contact us on 01630 638555 or email sales@theglassmachinerycompany.co.uk.

“We are very happy to be working BDT and a lot of customer do not realise that BDT can also supply diamond tooling not only for the Bovone range of machines, but for all types of diamond tooling. We are promoting all the Bovone tooling range and welcome the chance to look at all customer tooling requirements.”

www.glassmachinery.co.uk

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POSITIVE RESULTS FOR BOVONE

VIA THE GLASS MACHINERY COMPANY The appointment of The Glass Machinery Company as sole UK agent by Italian manufacturer Bovone has seen very positive results this year. Both the company and its customers have reaped the benefits that advanced Italian technology brings to glass manufacturing. Already this year The Glass Machinery Company has installed 5 new Bovone machines into both existing and new Bovone customers. Whilst senior management at Bovone had evaluated other agents regarding its representation in the UK it was considered that the experience, enthusiasm and excellent support service of The Glass Machinery team surpassed others.

“We are committed to delivering world class products, ensuring they provide our customers with viable benefits and a return on investment. The Glass Machinery Company’s appointment was a key part of our corporate profiling strategy and is considered critical to further establishing Bovone in the UK market.”

The company believes for this sector the manufacturing field is key to a stronger economy, with a renewed focus on generating positive growth. The Glass Machinery Company’s constructive ethos, extensive industry experience and commitment to customer satisfaction has consequently secured very promising results for the Italian manufacturer. Phil Birchall, Managing Director at The Glass Machinery Company believes that Bovone’s commitment to quality service and regular product development provides new-found advantages and potential which could alter the competitive balance of the UK glass processing market. Phil comments, “The ability to innovate and create high-tech products is essential for future prosperity. Bovone’s hard earned reputation for excellence and progress is substantiated by the five installations we have completed this year so far, which have led to positive results for everyone. Customers have increased output and quality standards significantly through investment in advanced automation.”

Senior management at the Milanese based Bovone commented, “We are committed to delivering world class products, ensuring they provide our customers with viable benefits and a return on investment. The Glass Machinery Company’s appointment was a key part of our corporate profiling strategy and is considered critical to further establishing Bovone in the UK market.” Founded in 1954, Bovone is a reputable, family run company headed up by Vittorio Bovone, who along with a consolidated worldwide team provides processing equipment to the glass processing sector. The company is established on the international market as a dependable supplier of highly reliable and durable products. Phil Birchall, Managing Director, The Glass Machinery Company comments: “It's not easy to transform the market’s economy overnight but it is moving forward in a positive way. Given the great results we have already achieved, we feel confident that the addition of Bovone to our existing, high quality portfolio of glass machinery products ensures we can offer complete solutions to glass processors at extremely competitive costs as the market looks towards recovery.” For more information on Bovone products or any systems in the range visit The Glass Machinery website www.theglassmachinerycompany.co.uk or call 01630 638555.

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MACHINERY

Direct Trade purchase fourth Stuga Sawing & Machining Centre Direct Trade (Yorkshire) Ltd have recently invested in a Stuga ZX3 sawing & machining centre for their new door manufacturing factory in Doncaster. Well aware of the benefits of Stuga sawing and machining from their window factory, volumes of doors soon signalled that the efficiencies from automation could generate additional capacity and the order was quickly negotiated. Several Stuga customers have three sawing & machining centres but this is the first Stuga customer to have four. It is a known fact that some fabricators have had to purchase a second sawing & machining centre fairly soon after the first because the first machine didn’t give the output promised but with Direct Trade it has been a case of steady growth within the company that has created the purchases of more Stuga machines. The first machine was the original Stuga Flowline in 2003 with a capacity of around 550 windows per week. This was followed by a ZX3 in 2006 with a capacity of 650 to 700 windows per week and another one in 2009 with the same capacity. With the current pattern of investment in Stuga’s around every three years Stuga will be hoping for the success of this major player to continue.

In doing this the product mix, level and type of preps required and window styles are all taken into the calculations to come up with an accurate figure. Direct Trade plan their business very carefully realising that running automatic equipment flat out creates greater risk of breakdowns and leave no time for proper care and maintenance, so machines are rarely run to full capacity and extra capacity is purchased in good time. All their Stuga machines are covered by Service Contracts that guarantee regular servicing on a scheduled basis by Stuga as well as

proper in-house maintenance by trained staff. Investment even in tough times is what sets companies like Direct Trade aside from many other fabricators that sweat their assets to the limit and bear the inevitable inefficient consequences.

hundred and sixty degrees around any profile it really is possible to get much greater versatility than with a limited number of fixed heads. This is the reason that more and more competitors are copying this idea pioneered by Stuga for British windows.

Direct Trade fabricate the System 10 and Rustique profile systems and find the Stuga rotary tooling system extremely versatile when it comes to programming every detail that is required to obtain the optimum performance versus flexibility. With preps being possible anywhere within three

Another key to the performance of Stuga sawing & machining centres is the buffer station that is lateral to the sawing and machining functions. The Stuga ZX3 and ZX4 machines have this lateral buffer station creating a situation where there is rarely any conflict between sawing and machining, so no hold ups with one function waiting for the other. Inline buffer stations cannot create this flexibility which is the primary cause of limiting their output. Stuga back-up their machines with a service centre and six geographically based technicians. Software is all written in-house and parts are all resourced in this country for faster availability. For further information call 01493 742348 or visit www.stuga.co.uk.

Machiner y

Stuga guarantee the output of their sawing & machining centres so the purchaser has the comfort of knowing what he will get.

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PROFILE BENDING

Ten years

‘In the Frame’

Business has gone from strength to strength during the past ten years, resulting in the expansion of our fleet of vans to meet delivery requirements. You can’t miss us, as you can see from the van pictured here. Our ultimate aim is to deliver quality, handcrafted frames directly to our customers, whether they are based locally or nationally. We do everything possible to ensure that our frames arrive, safely packaged, ready for installation… and on time! Under pinning our customer care policy is a hard working, committed team, who constantly strive to implement current product developments and maintain an efficient, professional working environment. This year, as you now know we are celebrating ten years of success from our base here in St Helens and in the ‘Ten-Year’ stakes we are in good company! Our local Super League team St Helens RFC has seen many ‘sporting greats’ wear its colours with pride and we would argue, none finer than local lad and England International James Roby. James is also celebrating ten years at the top of his game and has been rewarded with a testimonial season in 2013. James is pictured here with Charlie Richards, Partner and Co Founder of Arcoframe.

“Our local Super League team St Helens RFC has seen many ‘sporting greats’ wear its colours with pride and we would argue, none finer than local lad and England International James Roby.”

‘Back in the day’ we started off with a small but dedicated team of three; that small team has grown over time and now boasts a committed and expanding workforce. We love what we do and we are proud to announce, that we are here for the long haul! “Our local Super League team St Helens RFC has seen many ‘sporting greats’ wear its colours with pride and we would argue, none finer than local lad and England International James Roby.”

‘Where did the time go?” Something we all say when talking or thinking about good times. Well it’s the same for the team here at Arcoframe, 2013 is our tenth anniversary. The good times have been aplenty and we are thankful for ten very successful years in the profile bending industry. It goes without saying that the most important part of any business is the customer, therefore, as a customer focused operation we recognise the need to not only complete orders on time but also to the highest specification. With this in mind, we set our stall out early to establish a reliable, no nonsense customer care policy that would ensure not only quality of service and product but would ultimately lead to lasting client relationships. 0613-0061

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PROFILE BENDING

Polyframe Get In Shape SHUTTER Leading window and door fabricator,Polyframe, have invested in a new arched and shaped frame department at their Halifax manufacturing facility.

This new department is the perfect addition to the Polyframe range of products ensuring that all windows and doors can now be manufactured in house with no outsourcing.

Peter Dyson, Polyframe Sales Director, commented: “Adding shapes and arches to our Halifax product portfolio is an important move for Polyframe. It enables us to ensure that the quality of these products is of the highest standard for our customers.” Available in WHS Halo Rustique, Esthetique or Eclipse and Rehau S706 and Edge profiles this facility guarantees that whatever profile is being used for the project Polyframe can supply. Peter added: “We have seen a rise in the number of arches and shapes that we supply and it made sense to invest in this facility at out main factory. We can now offer a better service and improved lead times to all our customers on these products.” Polyframe manufacture all products in accordance with ISO 9001:2008 so customers can rest assured that whether it is an arched frame, a full circle or an angled frame the quality will be of the highest standard.

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Tel: 01422 330460

“Adding shapes and arches to our Halifax product portfolio is an important move for Polyframe. It enables us to ensure that the quality of these products is of the highest standard for our customers.”

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June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

SHAPES FROM UNIVERSAL

Leading PVCu profile bending specialist, Universal Arches, has jointly developed what is believed to be the UK’s first arched shutters with market leaders, Thomas Sanderson. After several months in development and with a close working relationship, Leon Day and the team at Universal Arches have helped Thomas Sanderson launch the first arched and shaped shutters manufactured in the UK. These form part of the ‘LifeTime’ vinyl shutter range that’s promoted for kitchens and bathrooms, due to the high moisture and humidity content found in these rooms. As the name suggests, this shutter range comes with an impressive 25 year guarantee, such is the pedigree of the names of the two companies. This latest project is further evidence of Universal’s ability to work outside the typical window and door frame industry, as recent curved cable management projects with Rehau also show. Thomas Sanderson are the UK’s leading blinds and shutters brand. The very nature of the UK market suggested that to address the mass market, the blind

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and shutter market leaders needed to be able to offer non-standard shapes for their new range of vinyl shutters and Universal Arches were able to develop a product with quality, speed and efficiency. Leon Day, managing director of Universal Arches commented: ‘Yet again we’ve proven our credentials in manufacturing with the Thomas Sanderson project. We have quality standards and factory processes that set us a long way apart from our nearest competitor, allowing us to look at projects and ventures outside our immediate market.’ For further information Universal Arches log on to www.universalarches.com, call the sales office on 01744 612844 or follow them on Twitter @universalarches.

“As the name suggests, this shutter range comes with an impressive 25 year guarantee, such is the pedigree of the names of the two companies.”

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DOORS & HARDWARE

HOW SECURE ARE THE BUILDING REGS? The Building Regulations in England and Wales have three stated purposes – to ensure the health and safety of people in and around buildings, to help conserve energy and to provide access and facilities for disabled people.

the relative cost of the product is so negligible when compared to the overall cost of the property; but at the moment there is no real compulsion for developers to do anything else.

They are generally a force for good in the fenestration sector. Certainly, the requirements laid down in Part L concerning energy performance and Part M concerning access for the disabled have driven some very positive innovations – most obviously lower U-Values and lower entrance thresholds.

We want to see a Secured By Design requirement written into the next revision of the Building Regulations. To comply, fabricators would need to achieve PAS24 approval at an independent test centre and then submit their doorset or window scheme for assessment to something like the Exova CERTISECURE scheme.

However, as a hardware supplier, I am continually frustrated by the omission from the Building Regulations of door and window security. There is extensive regulation aimed at reducing accidents and providing means of escape but there is still no mention of keeping people secure by preventing breakins. It makes no sense to me – particularly when security is now part of the Building Regulations in Scotland. Surely, if we examine what we really mean by keeping people safe, then ensuring that they are safe from burglary or attack in their own homes would fall within that definition? I often ask myself what would tenants or homeowners actually choose if they could influence the Building Regulations. Better thermal window and door performance which might save them £100 a year or so on their fuel bills or more secure window and doors sets which could prevent a burglary which costs them thousands and destroys their peace of mind? Why can’t they have both? Of course, the irony is that tenants in social housing are often better protected than private tenants and homeowners because local authorities and housing associations have a duty of care to ensure that the windows and doors they fit meet minimum levels of security and long term performance. However, we still see large scale developers, even right at the top of the private house building sector, cutting costs and choosing cheaper and lower performing windows and door sets than would be allowed in a social housing project. This makes no sense when

Both in my technical role at Mila and through the GGF where I sit on the Hardware Group committee, I’m now backing the efforts of Secured by Design to lobby the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) to make some changes to the Building Regulations.

Factory Production Control and Initial Type Testing would of course be required as part of this but, with the advent of CE marking, that is something which the vast majority of fabricators will already have in place. It’s not just a case of self interest – of course a hardware supplier is going to support compulsory specification of higher quality window and door locks you might say – I actually believe that it is in the best interests of the whole industry. The fenestration sector does seem to have benefited in terms of public perception from being able to demonstrate its commitment to the innovations required to comply with the thermal efficiencies required by Part L. The same could be true if we are able to demonstrate similar innovations in terms of security to a much wider audience. I know we’ve recently introduced 3 star TS007 compliant door furniture and PAS3621 locks and I applaud all those fabricators who have now incorporated these into their specifications but, in terms of legislation, these only apply to the retrofit market and they don’t actually impact on the door set itself. I doubt that it would actually happen but, in theory, a 3 star cylinder could still be fitted to a door where the panel falls out if you lean against it, and that wouldn’t help householders to feel secure in their own homes. In contrast, what I’m actively campaigning for is for Secured By Design approved complete window and doors sets to be a requirement within the Building Regulations. This would

ensure that every installation met minimum standards which domestic consumers already recognise. The Secured By Design scheme already enjoys huge levels of awareness and trust and is much easier for buyers to understand than PAS24: 2012, BS6375 pt 1,2 and 3 or EN162730. Mila of course supplies bolt on Secured By Design hardware but what we want to see is that hardware fitted as part of complete window and door sets which meet Secured by Design specifications also. By Strafford Cooke, Technical Manager, Mila. Tel: 01327 312400 www.mila.co.uk

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DOORS & HARDWARE

PDS’S NEW SUPER

TRI-SLIDER

BI-FOLDS ARE WIDE OPEN TO

GROWTH FOR GLAZERITE

Glazerite Windows Limited has underlined its commitment to its acclaimed bi-fold doors with a new consumer brochure highlighting the high specification and good looks of the range. The national trade fabricator attributes much of its recently-reported growth to demand for its VEKAbased bi-folds, which have continued to show increasing sales throughout the year.

Patio Door Specialists Ltd (PDS) have just launched a revolutionary new triple track patio door system, based on the Kömmerling PremiLine system and have branded it branded TriSlider.

The very first installation of Tri-Slider shows off a striking design and like the standard PremiLine patio door, is offered with the option of welded or mechanically jointed frames for ease of transportation.

This unique triple track system option offers a genuine alternative to the bi-folding door, yet at a more cost effective price point. It also offers slim sightlines and a glass area that can offer up to 25% more light than other large door openings. This product sits alongside the standard PremiLine patio door, bi-folding door and PremiDoor lift and slide door in Kömmerling’s comprehensive door systems range.

The PVCu profiles are extruded with Greenline, Kömmerling’s exclusive lead-free PVCu compound. There are relatively few systems companies harnessing lead-free compounds for extrusion and even fewer producing an environmentally friendly, sliding patio door system.

All three door sashes in the Tri-Slider system can slide both ways and there are 3, 4, 5 & 6 pane options with a maximum frame width of 5.8m. A clever and exclusive full length aluminium handle also offers additional structural strength, yet with a real designer feel to it. When it comes to operation, the high quality stainless steel tracks guarantee the maximum possible service life and provide extremely smooth running sliding doors, moving at the slightest touch. 0613-0069

Darren Dimmock, director of PDS comments: “The standard PremiLine patio door is already impressive and the new Tri-Slider will open up new sales avenues for us as an alternative to the bi-folding door.” “The Kömmerling product range is really quite exceptional and helps us as a business to stand out from our competitors.” For further information on PDS and their TriSlider patio door log on to www.patiodoorspecialists. co.uk, e-mail enquiries@ patiodoorspecialists.co.uk or call the sales office on 01562 741913.

Glazerite director Jason Thompson said: “Bi-folds are not only a high-value product, they also depend on quality mechanisms as well as professional manufacture and installation so it’s only natural that both installers and homeowners should look to a reputable product and manufacturer.” “We saw the potential in bi-folds right from the beginning and now we – and our trade customers – are reaping the rewards.” The Glazerite bi-folds boast aluminium head and track combined with PVC-U frames to give the best of

Carl F Groupco confirms

bi-fold boom

Carl F Groupco reports that bi-fold doors were a head turning feature on its stand at the FIT Show.

both materials, aesthetically and mechanically. They can be made in 15 different door configurations, including anything from two to seven doors with a variety of opening positions, as well as eight colours and woodgrain effects including white/woodgrain. A choice of flush threshold is also available for easy wheelchair or pram access. Northants-based Glazerite has just announced year-on-year growth of 20.61%, massively bucking the all-industry figure, measured by FENSA, of a 2.9% drop in domestic windows and doors in that time. The company has grown to sales that are forecast to exceed £16million in 2013 as against less than £1m when it was launched on 2000. www.glazeritewindows.co.uk

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The hardware distributor attributes three key reasons for the growth in popularity for folding sliding doors: living areas are enhanced at a time when many people can’t afford to move, space is maximised and natural light is increased. Supporting the trend towards bi-folds, the company’s range of fittings has been expanded. The ‘T-Fold’ is a fully inclusive kit available exclusively from Carl F Groupco. Designed and manufactured in the UK, it is the first complete set of hardware components developed specifically for timber folding sliding doors. A key benefit of the T-Fold is major simplification of the ordering and assembly process. With add on packages for additional door leaves, rapid product sourcing is enabled and a harmonised solution is provided. Developed to offer timber joinery manufacturers total

The T Fold fully inclusive timber folding sliding door kit, available exclusively from Carl F Groupco.

flexibility when designing bespoke folding sliding door and frame detail, top quality materials are used throughout providing a superior finish and durable components. Supporting the bi-fold boom, Carl F Groupco confirms the continued success of the popular FS Portal hardware for aluminium, PVCu and timber profiles. The improved ‘FS Portal PLUS’ hardware is available from the fittings supplier with enhancements to provide a low threshold bottom track, now fitted with brush pile to reduce debris and aid smooth operation. The top track now features a return leg to secure the top wheel into the track. Tel: 01733 393330 www.carlfgroupco.co.uk

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Wrightstyle warns against

fire inspection cuts

One of Europe’s leading steel glazing companies is warning that budget cuts for fire safety audits in UK public buildings should be reversed.

Wrightstyle, based in Devizes and which supplies internationally, was responding to official figures that found that the highest number of unsatisfactory fire safety audits against particular premises were care homes (28%), followed by hotels (21%) and hospitals (17%) – buildings that, housing the elderly or infirm, should have the highest levels of protection.

Inspections are carried out under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and form part of each fire authority’s Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP), aimed at nondomestic properties.

Fire and rescue authorities carried out 82,000 such audits in 2011-12, involving 390,000 personnel hours. Wrightstyle, however, is concerned that this audit figure for personnel hours is 5% lower than in 2010-11 and, while Fire Safety Order (FCO) compliance levels are rising, which the company

welcomes, the relatively high proportion of non-compliant buildings that house vulnerable people should be a particular priority. “We are a company at the forefront of fire safety both here and internationally and, while we recognise that budgets are being squeezed, public safety is paramount – and the best protection is prevention.” “Fire safety audits are an important preventative measure and we’d encourage fire authorities to raise the level of inspections in the current year,” said

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Lee Coates, Wrightstyle’s Technical Director.

DOORS & HARDWARE

NEW TIMBER & COMPOSITE DOOR LOCK FROM KENRICK Leading hardware manufacturer Kenrick has unveiled a new door lock which has been designed for both composite and timber door applications. Combining the highest levels of security with ease of fitting, the new lock has been launched after a 12 month period of research and development. The new lock benefits from three hooks and a latch to provide optimal security. For added peace of mind, it also features fully adjustable keeps to enable the hooks to fully compress the gaskets when locked. Steve Williams, Kenrick’s sales and marketing director, says: “There was a growing demand from our customers for a high security lock that is suitable for both timber

and composite doors so we developed what we believe is one of the best systems available in the industry today.” “The real beauty of the product is the level of adjustment available on the keeps, which ensures that it is very quick and easy to fit but it doesn’t compromise on security or performance at all.” The lock’s 20mm wide faceplate features radius ends to enable easy preparation and fitting on either a timber or composite door sash. Its fully adjustable keeps can be easily routed into the outer frame to provide a completely

flush finish. The latch is fully adjustable and the hook keeps can be adjusted to +/2mm to ensure that the door provides adequate sealing compression once it has been fitted. The 45mm backset optimises the handle clearance from the outer frame for ease of use. It is also compatible with a wider choice of handle backplate options. The PZ92/62 centres mean that the user can choose from a lever/lever or split spindle operation on the same lock.

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

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DuoGuard against floods, from Bowater Doors As the threat of flooding in the UK increases, industryleading Bowater Doors has unveiled an improved design for its flood defence door. The DuoGuard range is being relaunched following enhancements to its design. Bowater Doors, a company of The VEKA UK Group, is one of the UK's leading manufacturers of energyefficient composite doors. As National Sales Manager John Park-Davies explains: “the DuoGuard extends all the energy efficiency, security and durability benefits of the Duo range to create a genuine double rebate flood defence door. Twin compression seals and a 12-point multi-locking system combine to provide unrivalled protection against flooding, in fact, up to 200 times more flood protection when compared to a standard single rebate composite door.”

Since The VEKA UK Group acquired Bowater Doors in 2011, the Group has invested heavily in both marketing and product development to support the merger of the VEKA and Bowater Door brands, and the DuoGuard - the latest in a long line of pioneering door innovations – is a specialist flood defence door, which has been improved with steel reinforced corners to provide even greater flood resistance.

choice of glazing, they can even be as low as 0.8.” “With a comprehensive range of styles, high quality hardware and glazing options, the DuoGuard flood defence door can be as unique as your customers, and is available in a choice of five colours and two woodgrains so that each door can be unique.” The superior appearance of the DuoGuard range is

John Park-Davies continues: “The DuoGuard is manufactured using CFCfree polyurethane foam for the inner core and the door's construction is timberfree throughout; meaning it won't bow, warp or rot and, thanks to its double rebate and 68mm thickness, it improves both heat and sound insulation. The entire DuoGuard range can achieve extremely low U values – far below the industry standard – and depending on the

matched by the security it provides, as it meets or exceeds all current British standards, including PAS23, PAS24 and Secured by Design - the official police security accreditation that is only awarded to products offering exceptional security features. As well as the 12 locking points securing it to the frame, it also has high security hinges and a six pin anti-drill/ anti-bump euro cylinder, and its steel reinforced PVC-U sub-frame is braced with steel corner supports. Homeowners can design their own door to reflect the style of their home by using the Bowater Doors online tool at www.frontdoors. uk.com. Visitors simply follow the easy step-by-step instructions to create their own door and can also upload a picture of their home to see what it will look like once fitted. Tel: 01282 716611

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DOORS & HARDWARE

New double MILA LAUNCHES panic door NEW PROSECURE PATIO HANDLE from Metal Technology The new ProSecure patio handle was officially launched at the FIT show, and is the first product to feature Mila’s patented new FlexSecure® technology.

Living up to its reputation for innovative design of bespoke, sustainable architectural aluminium systems, Metal Technology has reacted to demand from its fabricator, architect and main contractor partners in developing a security option for the firm’s 520d polyamide commercial door system.

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“The system, which already carries Pas 24 security and Secured by Design approval for single door applications using standard, electric and panic exit hardware, has now been successfully tested in a double door application with panic exit devices.”

The system, which already carries Pas 24 security and Secured by Design approval for single door applications using standard, electric and panic exit hardware, has now been successfully tested in a double door application with panic exit devices. Metal Technology is one of the first UK companies to test and bring to the market double panic doors with this level of security. As part of Metal Technology’s continued commitment to Secured by Design, the successful testing to PAS24 of their double panic door will deliver a high-quality solution in educational, residential and commercial applications where the exit strategy calls for a high level of security. The new product complements the Secured by Design accreditation already held for Metal Technology’s range of polyamide thermally enhanced and high insulation window and door range. www.metaltechnology.com

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Demonstrated live on the stand, this uses steel reinforcement at the point where the backplate is attached to the main handle and what Mila describes as ‘clever new force deflection technology’. A ball joint inside ensures that if mole grips are used to attack the handle it will simply pivot around the screws rather than generating the kind of force which could cause the screws to shear. The FlexSecure® technology will be rolled out across all of Mila’s ProSecure handles later in 2013. The new patio handle also brings many of the popular features from Mila’s best selling ProSecure residential door handle range into the patio sector for the first time. For example, it features the same deep-drawn steel subframe concealed within the backplate which protects the cylinder from attack and a rotating cylinder shield which provides further protection. It also features anti-grip chamfered shoulders on the backplate and an integrated cylinder guard which is visibly raised within the backplate to provide both a physical and visual deterrent to thieves. It has been successfully tested to PAS 23, PAS24 and BSEN 1670 Grade 5 and is both Kitemarked and Secured by Design. Richard Gyde, Managing Director of Mila, says: “This is an important addition to our security hardware range and suites perfectly with the rest of the ProSecure range in the same six durable finishes including polished gold, polished, satin and smoky chrome. We have responded to consumer demand for a fully suited, secure range and, with the introduction of FlexSecure®, have demonstrated our commitment to continuous product improvement.” The ProSecure patio handle is just one of five significant new product launches by Mila at the FIT show. The company also launched the ProSecure multi-point door lock, a new NightSecure® striker, a new TripleStay® friction stay for triple glazed frames and two new powder coated Heritage finishes.

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WINDOWS

PLANITHERM ONLINE LEARNING PROVES A HIT WITH INSTALLERS More and more Planitherm installers are discovering the benefits of learning online with the Saint-Gobain Glass training module that is designed to ensure individuals fully understand energy efficient glass and how windows installed with Planitherm are amongst the highest performers available.

Planitherm Installer Network members are given coded access to the training module, where they are given a series of tutorial pages followed by a test of what they have learned. Participants must achieve 80% or over to be considered a pass. In the tutorials, they

“There are many training and registration schemes around the industry but we believe ours is the only major initiative to focus purely on glass.”

Spectus, part of the UK’s largest manufacturer of high quality PVC-U products, has been involved in a DIY SOS project in conjunction with fabricator EYG Windows and The Smile Foundation to support the Hull Families Project charity. The charity offers support to families in Hull who are facing difficulty or crisis and the project involved the refurbishment of its headquarters. Its current premises presented a health and safety risk and needed an approximate £40,000 overhaul in order to bring the facility up to date.

Already, over 60 installers in 39 Network member companies have completed the training since launch and the numbers are growing. Of those 39 companies, 23 have now earned the scheme’s distinctive logo, meaning more than half of their installers have completed the training, and 14 of those have all of them trained. “We are delighted to see how many installers are going with the initiative,” said Craig Dodsworth, Residential Market Manager for Planitherm. “It shows they not only take their skills seriously but, even more importantly, they realise that their customers do too. Consumers are growing increasingly aware of energy efficiency when choosing windows and our online training, backed by the logo, will give them further reassurance that they are entrusting the job to a competent and qualified installer.”

SPECTUS HELPS MAKE THE HULL FAMILIES PROJECT SMILE

One focus of the project included replacement of the existing broken windows. Not only were they inefficient due to their state and age, but also the cost to replace them would be expensive to the charity. Spectus has supported the Smile Foundation with EYG for the past three years and has taken pride in being able to help the community of East Riding and Hull at a local level. are shown not only the facts and figures of energy saving windows and the various labelling schemes but also how to present this information more clearly and effectively to the consumer. Craig added: “The rate of uptake has been excellent. It is clear that delivering this training in online form has proved a hit with the installers, giving them a quick and easy way to add value to their work as well as helping their companies to attract more business. There are many training and registration schemes around the industry but we believe ours is the only major initiative to focus purely on glass. This not only benefits our customers and their staff, it also helps to underline Saint-Gobain Glass and specifically Planitherm as undisputed leaders in the field of energy-saving glass.”

Nick Ward, Managing Director at EYG, said: “We asked our suppliers for their support towards this great cause and once we

explained what it was for they were more than happy to help.” “Spectus donated the components to enable us to manufacture windows and doors which were vital for the project. We’ve worked with the company for the past two decades and have been delighted with the support it has shown for this charity.” Chris Powell, Business Development Director at Spectus, said: “A big benefit of the project has been uniting multiple businesses to help a great cause, despite the economic conditions and the hardships that some companies may be facing.” “We hope this latest work with the charity is the beginning of a long and rewarding relationship to the benefit of Hull’s community.” For more information about the charity visit www.hullfamilies.co.uk or contact EYG at info@eyggroup.com.

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WINDOWS

GLAZERITE GEARS UP A SUCCESSFUL PHASE AS SLIDER SALES SOAR FOR FRAMEXPRESS

Demand for Glazerite’s popular Vertical Slider window has more than doubled yearon-year in the first four months of 2013.

sash horns for added authenticity. It is offered with the choice of BFRC ‘A’ or ‘B’ Rating and is available on a ten-day turnaround.

The leading trade fabricator has had to double the workforce on its dedicated VS line to keep pace with orders and is expecting even more growth in the months to come. Sales shot from 991 units in January-April 2012 to 2,542 in the same period this year, with the most recent figures indicating more demand still to come.

Glazerite has always led the way in the development of the Vertical Slider. It was the first to offer a VEKA-based VS in white woodgrain – branded the Glazerite Origin – and is still the only VEKA fabricator to hold BS7950 and Secured by Design on the product.

Director Jason Thompson said they always knew the Glazerite VS had great potential but even they were surprised at the uptake: “It is one of the best and most authenticlooking sliders, made with the best VS system but more importantly it is backed with the commitment to customer service that we have built our reputation on. Even so, the figures have exceeded our expectations and we are now putting all our efforts into maintaining the same standards of product and service to every customer as well as supporting further growth.”

www.glazeritewindows.co.uk

Situated in the heart of rural Berkshire, the property was subject to planning restrictions imposed by the local authority. Consequently the high specification installation required a number of bespoke designs to be incorporated.

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SHEPLEY DELIVERS CE MARKED WINDOWS USING REHAU’S FOUR STEP TOOL Leading REHAU trade fabricator Shepley Windows and Conservatories has ensured that all of its customers can offer their own CE marked windows and doors from this month – well ahead of the July 1 deadline. Shepley is one of the first REHAU customers to use the new four steps to CE Mark conformance tool on the dedicated REHAU Energy Ratings and CE marking website at www. rehauanswers.com and has given it a firm endorsement. The four step online tool guides fabricators through the requirements for CE marking starting with the first stage of demonstrating manufacturing consistency via a Factory Production Control (FPC) system and progressing through the required Initial Type Testing (ITT) to confirm the level of performance,

production of the written Declaration of Performance (DoP) using REHAU’s own template and final production of a printable label. Shepley has recognised that its customers want a simple solution to CE marking which doesn’t interfere with their bread and butter business of installing windows and doors. It is therefore using the REHAU tool to mark all of its windows and door frames with CE labels and is providing all the necessary supporting documentation so that all Shepley installers need to do is ensure that the glass unit they supply is the one specified on the label. Ian Griffiths, Sales Director at Shepley Windows & Conservatories, said: “The REHAU four step guide has enabled us to offer our customers a simple and hassle free CE

marking solution. The new regulations dictate that any installer who puts the frames and the glass together is responsible for CE marking the product but, if they buy from Shepley, they can be reassured that our frames have all the labels and paperwork which they need to comply and they can still buy their glass units from their existing suppliers.” Further information is available from the dedicated Shepley installer website at www.shepleytalk.co.uk.

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The first phase of a substantial new build project was recently completed in Berkshire that incorporated a variety of frameXpress high performance products. Tailored solutions, quality standards and excellent technical support services won the leading fabricator the contract to supply all windows and doors for the project.

Combining colour, thermal performance and intricate design, the frameXpress team tailored products to meet the exact specifications of the customer and Local Authority. This particular phase of the project involved the production of unusually configured triangular shaped frames for a private home. The large double glazed A rated windows are to be feature points of the property once it is finished later this year. For the homeowner it was essential to allow a lot of natural light into the property without compromising on either sound or thermal benefits. Additionally, security was paramount.

customer support initiatives have helped us to maintain a strong position over the years. The finishes, glazing options ,colour foils and security features incorporated into our range give our customers more choice and complete peace of mind while our flexible approach reinforces our strong market position.” As a company frameXpress management believes that there is no better way to breathe life into the industry than by combining technical prowess with stunning design. For Ian Davis it is vital to invigorate the market with diversity and high performance standards. Ian comments, “Whilst carbon neutral housing is becoming the ‘norm’ for most new build projects it is essential for fabricators to provide more than just the finished product at a particular price. For us differentiating our range and services by being sympathetic to both technical and aesthetic requirements on all project types is a vital part of customer satisfaction.”

As a supplier the entire frameXpress team provides the very best in terms of products and they have an established reputation for excellent technical advice on more complicated projects. Ian Davis, Sales Manager at frameXpress comments, “We work tirelessly to ensure that we provide a friendly, flexible and reliable service that reflects our high standards.” He continues, “Our entire range and recognised 0613-0088

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For more information on the range of high performance and Secured By Design products available from frameXpress please call 01952 581100.

“Our entire range and recognised customer support initiatives have helped us to maintain a strong position over the years. The finishes, glazing options ,colour foils and security features incorporated into our range give our customers more choice and complete peace of mind while our flexible approach reinforces our strong market position.”

WINDOWS

Expansion plans to mark Thermoshield’s 30 years Halo fabricator Thermoshield Windows Limited is bucking the current economic climate by not only opening a new showroom, but by growing its commercial division and expanding into the construction market, as it celebrates its 30th year in business. Sales & Marketing Manager Paul Standen, explains: “It was decided that the company would benefit from a high street presence to boost our retail division, and we looked at quite a few premises before deciding on one in the busy market town of Rayleigh, some five miles from our main showroom and factory.” “The demographic of the local population, passing trade and a position which offered maximum exposure, were all important considerations for us. As we intend to showcase not only the Thermoshield range of high quality windows, doors and conservatories, but also a range of new and innovative technological products, including biometric locks, switchable 'smart' glass and LED conservatory lighting, it was crucial that we chose the right location to reach our market.” Thermoshield is one of the longest established double glazing companies

in Essex, and has been using the same profile manufacturer – WHS Halo, now a part of The VEKA UK Group - since 1983. Paul explains: “One of the reasons we have stayed loyal to Halo for 30 years is because we believe it to be one of the strongest offerings on the market today, with a reputation for some of the most technically-advanced profiles in the industry. With Halo we can guarantee the absolute quality of our products, and our customers take confidence in that fact.” Thermoshield also launched a construction division in its 30th year, and under the guidance of new Commercial Contracts Manager Lawrence Jupp, the company can now offer retail customers a one-stopsolution for home living additions, including orangeries, patios, multistorey extensions and even new build houses.

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The company's Operations Director Neil Noble adds that due to an upsurge in commercial contracts requiring aluminium profile, the company has commissioned an aluminium production line: “As the company has increased its commercial operations, it made sound financial sense to invest in the aluminium profile production facility. We can now offer windows and doors in aluminium as well as PVC-U which increases our opportunities when tendering for contracts.” Thermoshield recently welcomed back an old customer, as Paul explains: “One of our customers, who we fitted new windows for 20 years ago recently came back to Thermoshield for a new door. A real testament to our windows – they are still going strong!” Tel: 01282 716611 – www.whshalo.com

Paul continues: “As members of the Federation of Master Builders, we are looking forward to the advantage that having an in-house design and build team can bring when competing for contracts. Our commercial division is now also able to tender for construction jobs that were previously out of reach.”

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MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK Online marketing – specifically getting online enquiries – forms the solid foundation upon which successful modern businesses can be built, according to the satisfied customers of Quotatis. Despite having lots of marketing choices, many young companies start by securing a steady stream of trustworthy leads from the European leader in finding customer for the home improvement industry, Networks UPVC, for example, was formed in October 2010, and has seen its fortunes grow following owner Peter Marsden’s decision to turn to Quotatis (www.quotatis.co.uk) and its professional approach to lead generation. “They offer an exceptional service

with affordable high quality leads,” he explained. “Quotatis has such a unique approach to all businesses large or small,” Peter continued. “Quotatis will focus on the company’s needs and will work in a manner that allows your business to grow in the right direction.” And the proof of the pudding, they say, is in the eating. Bolton-based Networks UPVC has earned an enviable reputation for providing quality, value and service. The Certassregistered company offers insurance-backed 10-year guarantees on its products, and the company’s aim is to be the North West’s market leader in internet sales. The service that Quotatis offers is helping Double

Glazing installer Networks UPVC to achieve that aim. “I have always maintained that the foundations of my business were put in place by Quotatis,” Peter said. Peter had been using Quotatis while sales manager at another company, and chose to continue that relationship when he established Networks UPVC, which carries out a range of home improvement work, including roofline, windows, doors, porches, conservatories, orangeries and extensions. By securing a trustworthy source of quality leads has enabled Networks UPVC develop its brand and establishing a regional name for excellence.

a lot of bang for his buck with Quotatis. “A lead that costs less than £50 can be converted into a job worth more than £25k,” he said. “I may not win every job, but it is still worth my investment. “Good luck to Quotatis and all the team for the future. The stronger Quotatis becomes, Networks UPVC will follow!”

While Peter also invests in other forms of marketing, he recognises that he gets

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TRADE COUNTER PARTNERSHIP CALL INTO YOUR NEAREST TRADE COUNTER AND ASK FOR THE BRANCH MANAGER’S LATEST SPECIAL DEALS! Visit each branch online to view current special offers: www.connect2nationalplastics.com

You can pick up a copy of Glass News from all of these trade counters! ABERCARN ROOFLINE

MERTHYR TYDFIL

TAMWORTH

BOGNOR

Unit 25, Abercarn Industrial Estate, Abercarn, Gwent, NP11 5EY

Unit 2, Merthyr Industrial Estate, Pant, Mid Glamorgan, CF48 2SS

Unit 6, Viking Park, Tame Valley Industrial Estate, Wilnecote, Tamworth, B77 5DU

Unit 8, Lees Yard, Lidset Road, Woodgate, Nr Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 3SU

T: 01495 248030 | F: 01495 240661 E: abercarn@nationalplastics.co.uk

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T: 01827 261616 | F: 01827 286558 E: tamworth@nationalplastics.co.uk

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Branch Manager: Eugene Miller

Branch Manager: Stephen Groves Branch Manager: Kevin Seal (Frames)

Branch Manager: Glenn Collins

MERTHYR TYDFIL FRAMES

ABERCARN FRAMES

Unit 7, Pant Industrial Estate, Dowlals, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 2SR

Unit 23, Abercarn Industrial Estate, Abercarn, Gwent, NP11 5EY

T: 01685 383923 | F: 01685 373162 E: merthyr@nationalplastics.co.uk

Units 2 & 3, Riverside Park, Sheaf Gardens, Sheffield, S2 4BB

T: 01495 248469 | F: 01495 249611 E: masterglazeabercarn@nationalplastics.co.uk

Branch Manager: Martin Rogers

T: 0114 2700788 | F: 0114 2729072 E: sheffield@nationalplastics.co.uk

Branch Manager: Jason Bishop

NEWPORT

PYLE

1a Adelaide Street, Crindau, Newport, Gwent, NP20 5NF

Unit 6, Village Farm Industrial Estate, Pyle, Mid Glamorgan, CF33 6BJ

T: 01633 266004 | F: 01633 221663 E: newport@nationalplastics.co.uk

T: 01656 740444 | F: 01656 741111 E: pyle@nationalplastics.co.uk

Branch Manager: Andrew Parnell

SHEFFIELD

Branch Manager: Darryl Race

STAFFORD

TAUNTON Unit 10, Priority Way Industrial Estate, Taunton, TA1 2AL T: 01823 336762 | F: 01823 322625 E: taunton@nationalplastics.co.uk Branch Manager: Garry Sillet

Unit 4, Tollgate Court, Tollgate Drive, Tollgate Industrial Estate, Beaconside, Staffordshire, ST16 3HS

WESTON SUPER MARE

T: 01785 240298 | F: 01785 211747 E: stafford@nationalplastics.co.uk

T: 01934 415231 | F: 01934 635085 E: weston@nationalplastics.co.uk

SWANSEA

Unit 1, Enterprise Court, Geddington Road, Corby, NN18 8ET

Branch Manager: Claire Boden

Unit 2, Samlet Road, Llansamiet, Swansea, West Glamorgan, SA7 9AA

T: 01536 262640 | F: 01536 400610 E: corby@nationalplastics.co.uk

POOLE

Branch Manager: Colin Imms Branch Manager: Richard Bishop (frames)

T: 01792 790800 | F: 01792 790885 E: swansea@nationalplastics.co.uk

Branch Manager: Heather Bell

CORBY

Branch Manager: Jim Baitup

Branch Manager: Paul Barfoot Branch Manager: Ben Pritchard (frames)

NEWCASTLE Unit 8F, North Tyne Industrial Estate, Whitley Road, Longbenton, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE12 9SZ

Unit 5b Chalwyn Industrial Estate, St Clements Road, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4PE T: 01202 135478 | F: 01202 748367 E: poole@nationalplastics.co.uk

46 Gazelle Road, Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset, BS24 9ES

EXETER Unit 4, Apple Lane, Trade City, Exeter, EX2 5GL T: 01392 365061 | F: 01392 365062 E: exeter@nationalplastics.co.uk

Branch Manager: Ask for general manager

Branch Manager: Simon Long Branch Manager: Paul Sansom (frames)

SUNDERLAND

NATIONAL ROOFING

Unit 3, Inkerman Street, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR5 2BN

Unit 19, Abercarn Industrial Estate, Abercarn, Gwent, NP11 5EY

T: 0191 5493311 | F: 0191 5498282 E: sunderland@nationalplastics.co.uk

T: 01495 245066 | F: 01495 248448 E: sales@nationalplastics.co.uk

Unit 2, Planetary Industrial Estate, Planetary Road, Willenhall, West Midlands, WV13 3XA

Branch Manager: Chris Devitt Branch Manager: John Humble (frames)

Branch Manager: Nick Meek

Unit 3, Ipswich Road, Penylan, South Glamorgan, CF23 9AQ

T: 01902 305937 | F: 01902 305802 E: westbromwich@nationalplastics.co.uk

PORTSMOUTH

Unit Y2, Kingsditch Trade Park, Kingsditch, Cheltenham, GL51 9PB

T: 029 20485055 | F: 029 20452353 E: cardiff@nationalplastics.co.uk

Branch Manager: Jaz Mand

PONTYPRIDD Units 6 & 7, Maritime Workshops, Maritime Industrial Estate, Pontypridd, Mid Glamorgan, CF37 1NY T: 01443 486511 | F: 01443 491631 E: pontypridd@nationalplastics.co.uk Branch Manager: Paul Newman

CARDIFF

T: 0191 2664100 | F: 0191 2159474 E: newcastle@nationalplastics.co.uk Branch Manager: Paul Worth

WOLVERHAMPTON

Branch Manager: Neil Baldwin

Unit B2, Mountbatten Business Park, Jackson Close, Farlington, Hampshire, PO6 1US T: 02392 386060 | F: 02392 206200 E: masterglazeportsmouth@nationalplastics.co.uk Branch Manager: Chris Northway

June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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TRADE COUNTER PARTNERSHIP

NATIONAL PLASTICS STOCK: Window frames

COLUMNS

Door frames

INTERIOR DOORS

Conservatory roofs

WALL & CEILING PANELS

FASCIA BOARDS SOFFITS BOARDS EXTERNAL CLADDING ARCHITRAVES & TRIMS GUTTERING & FITTINGS DOWNPIPES & FITTINGS UNDERGROUND DRAINAGE

LOFT DOORS & LADDERS FIXINGS,TOOLS & ACCESSORIES EPDM RUBBER ROOFING

UPVC Maintenance stock:

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Door Hardware Window Hardware Patio Door Hardware Secuirty Items Consumables/ Gaskets Tools Lots of Brand Items In Stock

GARDEN PRODUCTS RUBBERLOK SAFETY TILES PVC SKIRTING BOARDS

SOIL,WASTE & PLUMBING DRY VERGE SYSTEMS DOOR CANOPIES &

June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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CONSERVATORIES

A REAL & ROBUST GARDEN ROOM

COMPLETE COVER FROM ORANGERY SOLUTIONS

BIGGER IS BETTER

FOR MID WALES WINDOWS & CONSERVATORIES

The versatility of the Orangery Solutions patented systems are proving popular with builders and installers who have quickly grasped the technical advantages and guaranteed benefits gained from products in the range. The Dura flat roofing system from Orangery Solutions, in particular, is being used increasingly by builders across the UK who have recognized the advantages of its simple installation when completing an orangery project. The Dura roofing option conforms to all building regulation requirements and can be tailored for any sized project. Dura’s increasing popularity is attributed to a simple installation process which is not restricted by bad weather as it can be fitted whatever the prevailing conditions.

The Garden Room has clearly captured the imagination of the home improvement market and quite rightly so with the Prefix Systems’ Garden Room roof, the industry’s first real and robust solution that’s been fully structurally tested and designed to BS6399.

Many installers have grasped the scope this offers them in terms of both guarantees and time saving advantages, providing numerous cost saving benefits. Using proven industry technology, the Orangery Solutions flat roof system is manufactured in powder coated aluminium providing a weather proofing system that does not leak and is guaranteed to last.

Furthermore, sales are more than treble those forecasted for the first 12 months after launch, and are increasing rapidly by the month.

Customers state that the striking design options available finish an installation perfectly with many impressed by the reduction in site time that Dura provides.

Prefix Systems are a BBA approved conservatory roof fabricator and have over 17 years experienced in the manufacture of roofs from the standard domestic types to huge commercial portal framed structures. With the introduction of Tim Harris as Prefix’s ‘in-house’ structural engineer, the company has accelerated its product development campaign with the installer in mind, yet based on sound engineering principles.

The versatility of the roofing system is that it can be adapted for a variety of applications that covers both the commercial and domestic sectors. The unique system has been used recently on new ‘walkway’ projects as builders have recognised the diversity it can bring to orangery roofing installations.

The most recent result of this product development programme that was conceived back in 2006 is the Garden Room Roof. Further development of the Garden Room Roof has followed the successful launch 12 months ago with the introduction of three new tile finishes and a stunning eaves overhand detail, with several new exciting developments to follow.

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

Much of the Garden Room Roof is pre-fabricated which according to Ian Gibson of Artisan Windows is a ‘joy to fit’, having completed 6 projects already and installation times have proven to be incredibly quick. Other customers have reached double figures in sales, as homeowners increasingly look towards new ways to extend their living space. Chris Baron and Chris Cooke of Prefix Systems comment: ‘We’ve been first to market with a proven and fully tested design for a Garden Room roof and the response from customers has been overwhelming and the quantity sold is testament to this! We’re already taking a lead in the market for extended living and believe the prospects for this emerging sector are particularly strong.’

Established nearly 20 years ago by David and Davina Wilde, Mid Wales Windows and Conservatories, has since grown considerably being founded as a high quality business that is recognized for quality craftsmanship and customer care. Relying upon product quality that offers customers only the highest standards is essential which is why David and Davina are so selective regarding suppliers. Ambi-Max units were launched by TuffX to provide a simple solution to a common problem that has caused installers technical problems post installation, for many years. Prior to the introduction of Ambi-Max from the Ambience range, Mid Wales Windows and Conservatories had post installation remedial work issues arising in some projects due to leaks caused by muntin bars. Consequently, the superlength units, that are available in a variety of tinted colour options, has had a very positive effect upon the business. For Mid Wales Windows and Conservatories, the complete elimination of leaks caused by muntin bars has enabled the business to run more efficiently, with emergency callouts regarding such problems, now completely eradicated.

For further information and a brochure contact Prefix Systems on 01254 871800, e-mail: enquiries@prefixsystems.co.uk, or follow them on Twitter @prefixsystems. 0613-0093

The Ambi-Max option from TuffX Conservatory Roof Glass is proving a popular addition to the Mid Wales Windows and Conservatories product portfolio. The superlength, high performance glass units are now the company’s preferred choice for installations that previously would have required muntin bar installation.

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June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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Additionally David Wilde believes that glass roofs offer fundamental benefits over polycarbonate alternatives which the consumer is quickly realising. Graham Price, Managing Director, TuffX Conservatory Roof Glass, considers that the number of self cleaning, colour options available also provides customers with obvious benefits when approaching the consumer. David Wilde, comments, “Ambi-Max from TuffX is a really fantastic product. Our portfolio and end profits have grown substantially thanks to the introduction of this option, which has completely revolutionised the conservatory division of our business. We are impressed by the uptake from customers who can clearly see the performance benefits as well as the striking visual advantages Ambi-Max offers.” Graham Price concludes, “Completed projects look visually more striking and we can offer our customers huge choice and obvious quality which provide many advantages. Providing products that will invigorate growth and peace of mind for our customers is key to this business” For more information on the Ambi-Max superlength units, available exclusively from TuffX, please visit the website www.ambiglass.co.uk.

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June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

www.glassnews.co.uk

PRODUCT NEWS

Improved joint sealing

covered by ISO-CONNECT Vario XD ISO-Chemie’s ISO-CONNECT Vario XD (pictured) is a high performance humidity regulating foil for improved sealing of inner and outer window and facade connecting joints. Part of a new generation of ‘intelligent' sealing systems which provide improved variable vapour permeability when compared to EPDM alternatives, Vario XD is easy-to-fit and available in new self-adhesive options, providing a heavy duty and low profile solution when installed while being able to quickly adapt to seasonal changes to provide enhanced year round internal sealing of domestic and commercial buildings. ISO-CONNECT Vario XD can be left exposed to UV light for up to one year before being covered with cladding or render and adapts quickly to external and internal temperature changes occurring within buildings and structures, ensuring that joints remain dry and costly damage caused by condensation build-up is eliminated.

70 – 600mm (depending on final finish) to suit most joint sizes. Product complies with energy saving regulations (EnEV) on windows and doors as well as the RAL quality assurance association and is able to accommodate extremes of temperature changes – from - 40°C to + 80°C. ISO-CONNECT Vario XD is compatible with all standard building materials and can be over plastered or pasted to provide a smooth and stable decorative surface finish. The range comes in six finishes: one plain and five different self adhesive alternatives with a mix and match of acrylic and butyl adhesives to suit almost all situations. More at www. iso-chemie.co.uk or email p.thompson@isochemie.co.uk. Tel: 01207 566874.

Looking for a new supplier or product, but don't have time to contact everyone? Fill in the enquiry form, found on the back of the address sheet, in this newspaper, and contact up to 12 companies at a time.

We contact the companies of interest on your behalf. 0613-0099

Finding a new supplier couldn’t be easier!

Resistant to driving rain up to more than 1,050 Pa, ISO-CONNECT Vario XD comes in a choice of six fleece covered foil finishes to meet all installation requirements and is available in width options ranging from 0613-00097

One Lite door

launch creates demand The FIT Show saw Distinction showcase a raft of new products for 2013 and, causing one of the biggest stirs, was the One Lite door. “The enquiries just keep coming in”, said Dave Gomersall, Distinction Doors’ Director, “and the One Lite’s versatility as a Bi-fold door, French door

or simply a fully glazed door, has obviously caught everyone’s attention.” Displayed as both a Bifold and a French door on Distinction’s stand, they certainly caught everyone’s imagination having the advantage of both a grained GRP skin and a simple and effective glazing system. This is a purpose designed

door featuring an integral glazing system and is available in a variety of white and wood stain options, as well as buff/buff or buff/white for customers choosing to finish the doors themselves. Rigorously tested to indicative weather and security testing for the glazing infill elements to BS 6375 and PAS24, this One Lite door is fit for purpose and looks good too. Technical Director, Dave Walker commented: “We wanted to achieve positive results to testing, ahead of release, and this One Lite door makes an important addition to our range of GRP insulated composite doors.” For more information about Distinction Doors call Dave Gomersall, Director, on 0845 2000 816, email davidgomersall@ distinctiondoors.co.uk.

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June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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PRODUCT NEWS

BARRIER EXHIBIT SECURITY PRODUCTS AT THE COUNTER TERROR SHOW Specialist architectural hardware supplier, Barrier Components Ltd., have exhibited two new security products at this years Counter Terror Expo held at the Olympia Exhibition Centre during April 2013.

New high security gate system FAC of Italy has developed an innovative high security gate system, supplied as components, that allows gate fabricators to introduce their own aesthetic design.

It’s not wood it’s better Shropshire based manufacturer – Reprothane Ltd have developed a unique product for the building and home improvement trade. They make hand-made reproductions of English oak Tudor planks. These have been specifically developed for replacing high maintenance timber planks used on mock Tudor homes. Company Director, Mark Jenkins when asked ‘What gave you the idea?’ replied “A few years ago whilst replacing fascias

The system will be supplied under license via secure partnerships with gate fabrication companies through which conformity to performance requirements will be assured. This product is truly the first of its kind, a canter lever gate system, which uniquely holds its strength and remains on track, despite attack, even when the gate partially open. Available exclusively through Barrier Components and seen for the first time at the Counter Terror show, this system is currently being tested to CE standards with a plan to gain PAS 68/69 approval.

New blast enhanced system for glass façades To ensure construction of a safe and secure building, a brand new and effective stainless steel (316) bolt fixed system has been developed for point fixed glass facades. The Sadev developed R1003BBR is a swivel fitting with cylindrical head for single glazing and the R1039BBR for an insulated glazing unit. Both products have been ISO EXV 25 tested at a Government approved test centre and achieved a hazard rating C – Minimal Hazard. Barrier Components Ltd., now in its 26th year of trading, was exhibiting for the first time at the Counter Terror Expo show in April. For further information contact the Barrier Components Technical Team on 01708 891515, sales@barrier-components.co.uk or visit their new website at www.barrier-components.co.uk.

and soffits with PVCu, my customer asked if I could replace the rotten mock Tudor planks with a maintenance free alternative, that better resembles timber than PVC. At the time I couldn’t find anything that met her needs. This got me thinking. Now after three years of research, development and considerable cost we now have a product that meets the requirements of the market” The planks are moulded from oak originals using high density rigid polyurethane and come in a range of colours. It is so realistic that many can’t tell it isn’t real oak.

For a free sample phone 01952 872 256 or visit fauxwood.co.uk.

There are many thousands of mock Tudor houses throughout the U.K. whose planking is rotting and needs to 0613-0103

More inside than meets the eye.... It was Napoleon Bonaparte who said “A picture is worth a thousand words” and, if correct, Distinction’s new brochure with well over 800 pictures must compete alongside some of the longest books ever published. He may have got things wrong at Waterloo, but Napoleon knew what he was talking about when it came to the influence pictures have and, by displaying every style and colour in Distinction’s new glass range in their new 68 page brochure, the company has made it easy for both their fabricator customers, and in turn the buying public, to see the full and available ranges of glass.

decorative glass that covers most styles and tastes yet remains within 12 specific ranges. “It was clear that while an extensive range was required, it had to be sensible or the end user would never make their minds up,” commented Dave Gomersall, who was responsible for sourcing the designs. “Too much to choose from would slow the sales process for our customers.” The twelve ranges form the backbone to Distinction’s ‘coffee table’ style brochure that was launched at FIT 2013. However, the new brochure also showcases a number of new doors to add to the already extensive range.

“As the home improvement market develops, this is becoming more and more important with customers wanting to display their individuality and taste by choosing decorative glass that makes a statement,” said Distinction’s MD, Drew Wright. Distinction has researched the market thoroughly, with both fabricators and end users, to produce a range of

The home improvement companies that we currently supply are giving wonderful feedback and are getting regular repeat business from referrals. It is an ideal product for such companies – small or large because it gives them a very profitable, extra string to their bow.

Not only does it look like oak, but it does not require constant maintenance and carries a very impressive 10 year guarantee.

“It has always been our view that Distinction’s GRP insulated composite door, although attractive in its own right with the many styles and colours, is merely the carrier for decorative glass.”

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be replaced. My product is the perfect, maintenance free solution.

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June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

www.glassnews.co.uk

Distinction’s Glass Wall at FIT 2013.

Dave Gomersall: “With the exception of a resin bevel design, all our new glass offer both colour and exclusivity, and are triple glazed. We believe that the benefits of triple glazing, not just for insulation but for easy cleaning too, make this new collection the definitive decorative glass for composite doors.” Call 0845 2000 816 today for your free copy of our 68 page brochure ‘More inside than meets the eye’.

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June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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PRODUCT NEWS

The Return of ClimaGuard Premium Since Guardian installed their Magnetron Glass Coater last year they have been working around the clock producing ClimaGuard A+.

compatible with commercial requirements and the demands of architects and specifiers for commercial projects where ClimaGuard Premium is most commonly used.

The £35 million glass coater has been running 3 shifts and working tirelessly to meet market demands. The ClimaGuard A+ Low E glass produced at Goole has been exceptionally well received and claimed by many customers to be the most durable next generation Low E on the market. However, now Guardian have their own glass coating facility, they have far more flexibility and control over the production and sale of coated products for the UK & Ireland.

For more information visit www.guardianglass.co.uk or for pricing please contact uksales@guardian.com

“The ClimaGuard A+ Low E glass produced at Goole has been exceptionally well received.”

As a result Guardian are now very pleased to reintroduce ClimaGuard Premium with its new temperable mate ClimaGuard Premium T2 back to the ClimaGuard Low E product range for the UK. ClimaGuard Premium is a dual product 1.1 Low E glass with exceptional light transmission of 80% and a very neutral appearance. This new temperable product, ClimaGuard Premium T2, has been re-engineered based on ClimaGuard A+ technology and now offers drastically improved thermal stability and durability through the tempering process. The new ClimaGuard Premium T2 offers the same emissivity of 0,03 as ClimaGuard Premium which can produce U values as low as 1.1 W/m2K in double glazed units or 0.6 W/m2K in triple glazed units with two panes of ClimaGuard Premium surfaces 3 & 5. The new product also offers improved Light Transmission and Solar Factor or g value of 63%, making it even more 0613-0106

MILA LAUNCHES NEW FRICTION STAY FOR TRIPLE GLAZING

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Mila has launched the industry’s first friction stay developed specifically for use with triple glazing in standard profile systems.

are designed specifically for the task. Our customers don’t want to compromise and, as we have shown with the development of TripleStay®, neither do we.”

The TripleStay® is 30% stronger than a standard side hung friction stay and addresses the concerns of fabricators about managing the additional weight of triple glazed units in their frames. Manufactured from stainless steel, the new Mila TripleStay® can be fitted to a standard 16mm track without any modifications being necessary to the profile.

TripleStay® is just one of five significant new product launches by Mila at the FIT show. The company also launched the ProSecure multi-point door lock, a new ProSecure patio handle, a new NightSecure® striker and two new powder coated Heritage finishes.

It has been tested and approved to BS7950, BSEN 1670: Grade 5, BS6375-2 and is Secured by Design accredited. Richard Gyde, Managing Director of Mila, says: “This product has been designed specifically in response to demands from customers for a ‘fit and forget’ solution for triple glazing. As more and more customers now use triple glazing to achieve WER A ratings on their windows, they have told us that they want hardware solutions which 0613-0108

June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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PRODUCT NEWS

The Stronghold Fall Restraint Barrier System The Stronghold is a fast erect fall restraint and barrier system which is setup inside the building, around an opening to be worked on.

a touching talk on the famous death of her husband, Mr Deeney who tragically fell through a damaged board whilst working in a lift shaft, the Stronghold was quickly redesigned to work on lift shafts too.

The Stronghold instantly provides a highly visible barrier around the window or other type of opening at height, preventing the public or other trades people from getting close enough to the opening to fall. Secondly the Stronghold provides anchor points for two fitters to attach their harnesses to, protecting them from a fall. The Stronghold also has an extra set of anchor plates that are used to anchor a window frame or other object to the Stronghold via load straps whilst the frame or object is lifted into position and secured. • The Stronghold can be setup on the inside of the building, around an opening at height in under 5 minutes. • It is free standing and does not require any fixing meaning that no damage is caused to the walls or floor (holes are available in the wall plates in case you prefer to fix the Stronghold to the wall making the Stronghold semi permanent for an ongoing job). • The Stronghold provides a highly visible barrier around the opening preventing other trades people or the public from getting close enough to the hazard to fall. It also provides anchor points for two workers to attach to, protecting them both from a fall. The Stronghold also has extra anchor points that are used to connect two loads straps to. These loads straps can be used to anchor an object such as a window frame during installation. • The Stronghold weighs little over 25Kg but has passed the British Standard EN 795 B :2012 where it was required to support 1.3T. It did so without any signs of deformity.

• The Stronghold has come at a time where there have been a number of injuries and deaths as a result of a fall from a height that could have been avoided by the use of the Stronghold, (recently April 2013 Scotland).

• The Stronghold is fully adjustable to 1.6m in depth from the wall to pass over objects such as baths or work tops, to 2m in height from the floor level to allow a user to work on a hop up on over an obstacle and in width to 4m. The Stronghold Fall Restraint is available in a RIGID version and also a FOLD AWAY version. Each side unit of the Fold Away version folds down to approximately 1500mm x 150mm x 300mm weighing little over 11Kg per side unit. • The Stronghold is a product protected by Patent and the name 'Stronghold' is also a registered Trade Mark. • The Stronghold was designed in response to a number of industry specialist's requests for something to solve the issues of working around a vertical opening without using scaffold and obstructive systems (like a window bar). • The Stronghold was initially designed for the glazing industry but as a result of hearing Mrs Deeney who gave

• The Stronghold has been developed by myself working closely with Andy Hunter the H&S Manager for Everest and Chairman of the GGF Health and Safety Committee, who was previously H&S manager at Crystal Windows in Romford Essex. • His passion for his job and the safety of the people he is in a position to try to protect drove him to help get the Stronghold to where it is now. With a joint wish that the Stronghold's will be used and will reduce injuries or worse, for the industry. • The Stronghold is being trialed by Everest who saved £300 on scaffold for their first trial which was a 3 sided bay, first floor installation. Their workers were kept safe, allowing complete work from the inside without external access equipment. • The installer said that 'the harness system was one of the most comfortable he has used'. • The trial will prove the value of the Stronghold to Everest who could save a small fortune on scaffold for years to come if they operate on installations above ground floor using the Stronghold. www.glazesafe.com

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June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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FIT SHOW REVIEW

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

Liniar create a space to do business at FIT Show Liniar’s prominent stand at the recent FIT Show was designed to be a place where visitors could come to do business and for Liniar to firmly establish itself as the market leader for innovative products. The stand was hard to miss thanks to its stylish and eye-catching design – not least the 4m x 4m Liniar logo suspended high above the 112m2 stand… one of the largest in the whole show. The busy stand was crammed full of innovative, cost saving

products including the newest addition to the Liniar portfolio; the Patio Plus door. This latest addition was well received due to its beautiful design and ease of operation. The hugely popular Bi-Fold Plus range drew in the crowds and a large proportion of the leads generated over the three days! The ultra low threshold, concealed hardware, slim sightlines, great thermal efficiency and range of stylish hardware ensure that the Bi-Fold Plus is still the best in its class.

Liniar launched the ModLok™ Bi-Fold at the show as a brand new product concept. Utilising a patented one-piece reinforcing and locking mechanism, making the range even more distinct from the competition and Liniar have plans to continually evolve and improve all the products available to their fabricators. Roger Hartshorn, Managing Director comments: “We are really pleased with the quality and quantity of the leads we received at the first

ever FIT Show. It proved to be a great success for all involved, and was a fantastic networking opportunity.”

“We are now busy following up on all the potential new business we generated and are happy that we have firmly

established ourselves on the map in the best way possible.” Tel: 01332 883900 www.liniar.co.uk

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PAM N FERN LOVED MEETING SO MANY PLANITHERM INSTALLERS AT THE FIT SHOW Saint-Gobain Glass have declared the FIT Show a success after being able to meet hundreds of installers and fabricators in Telford. By far and away one of the busiest stands at the show, visitors flocked to “Pam’s place”, a towering yet beautifully crafted area, to meet the ladies along with members of the Planitherm Network team. But whilst Pam n Fern were excellent hosts it was clear that the powerful Planitherm advertising and marketing campaign, together with the benefits of the Planitherm Installer Network, were the real draw. In addition to learning about the success of the campaign and the many benefits of being a member, visitors to Pam’s garden enjoyed £100 worth of free print credit towards their first order in the innovative Planitherm Marketing Portal – with thousands of vouchers being sent out in advance of the Show.

met over 240 installers across the three days – not just registering interest in signing up but also enhancing online profiles, generating marketing activity using the portal, answering technical queries and launching the Promotion Points initiative. We even completed 32 in-depth surveys to get feedback on the Network from members and non-members which was critical for us. Craig continued: “It was fantastic to meet so many of our members and sign-up some new installers. The TV commercials are what everyone focuses on but it is the installers that are delivering the sales. It really was an exciting three days for the whole team.” For more information on Saint-Gobain visit www.saint-gobain.co.uk. *Terms and conditions apply.

Saint-Gobain Glass also captured imaginations through launching the new Planitherm Points Promotion that directly rewards installer members for leveraging the benefits of the Network. For example, points will be gained for every consumer competition entry submitted, and 100 points for all members who successfully complete the online training module to become trained in energy saving glass. Points may be exchanged for marketing portal credits, Planitherm merchandise and even High Street vouchers which can be used for anything, including incentives for staff.* Craig Dodsworth, Residential Market Manager for Saint-Gobain Glass said: “We 0613-0112

BISON GIVE THE FIT SHOW THE THUMBS UP Amongst the 170+ exhibitors taking part in the inaugural FIT Show, several were making their first-ever appearance at an industry show including fabricator and installer Bison Trade Frames who used the event as an opportunity to reveal a brand new product offering. The FIT Show saw the unveiling of Bison’s very own and exclusive Genesis VS; an innovation that signals ‘the re-birth of the vertical sliding window’. The unique and exclusive PVCu Genesis VS offers traditional timber jointing methods on every joint at sensible and affordable prices. Bison’s Genesis VS generated a phenomenal amount of interest from a broad range of visitors keen to add this revolutionary product into their existing portfolios, exceeding all expectations. Many visitors already familiar with the Bison trademark won’t have failed to have noticed that the Yorkshire firm has undergone a brand transformation.

The company recently commissioned home digital and creative agency Motionlab to undertake a rebranding exercise on their behalf with Bison’s finalised exhibition stand and accompanying marketing material reflecting this recent change in identity. A new website will also shortly go live where the entire Bison range will be showcased. Bison currently manufacture vertical sliding windows, bi-fold doors, conservatories and fully reversible windows, alongside an extensive collection of casement windows and doors; all available with authentic milled astragal bar and in the full range of foiled colours from the Spectrum range.

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June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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Mark Tetley, Bison director said: “The FIT Show was excellent and well worth the effort; we really couldn’t have asked for more.” “Everyone has been impressed with what they have seen and the response to our stand has been superb.” Fellow director, Martyn Haworth added: “Footfall within Hall 3 was consistently good and the large majority of visitors who took the time to pay us a visit showed genuine interest.” “We have a number of good leads to follow up so the hard work really starts now.”

FIT SHOW REVIEW

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

Listers are now Accredited for Green Deal

FIT Show star Residence 9 uses SWISSPACER

Lister Trade Frames, of Stoke on Trent, have just been awarded Green Deal Installer Accreditation through FENSA (The Fenestration Self Assessment Scheme). The presentation of the certificate was made at the FIT Show Glass and Glazing Industry exhibition in Telford. Green Deal is the Government's leading environment initiative. Put simply, the Government is establishing a framework to enable consumers to make energy efficiency improvements to their homes, including energy efficient windows and doors at no upfront cost by making payments through their energy bills. The expected financial savings made through the energy efficiency improvements must be equal to or greater than the costs attached to the energy bill. This is known as “the golden rule” of the Green Deal. Phil Warren, Listers Sales Director, said that he was proud that Listers Projects team had gained the accreditation by demonstrating their proficiency of installation. “We have been installing windows and doors on a commercial basis for some years now and have always tried to achieve the highest standards. Having undergone such rigorous investigation via FENSA under the UKAS scheme for Green Deal Installers, we now have independent verification of our skills and competency.” Achieving Green Deal Installer accreditation is no simple task. There are stringent rules and testing for those wanting to be a part of the provision of Green Deal measures overseen by UKAS. Window and door installers have to demonstrate a range of competencies including PAS 2030 for the measures

Phil Warren, Listers Sales Director and Chris Mayne, FENSA Operations Director with the Green Deal Accreditation Certificate.

to be installed. The Certification Bodies, in this case FENSA, assess the installer organisation against the relevant parts of the standard to ensure their employees and systems meet the relevant standards. Listers believe that there will be a growing demand from Local Authorities and Housing Associations wanting to tap into the funding provided through Green Deal finance to improve their housing stock’s energy efficiency. They will need to use accredited installers for windows and doors to Green Deal standards and Listers are now providing that service. Phil says that while this may not be a game changer for our industry it is one of the many diverse services that Listers offer underlining their overall commitment to quality and industry leading skills; “Listers like to be at the forefront of changes in our industry. We never bury our heads in the sand when it comes to change. We are one of just a few companies to have achieved this standard and we know that this is going to be a benefit to our business operations and reputation.” Tel: 01782 391900 – www.listertf.co.uk

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VEKA Recycling reviews FIT Show success Exhibiting at the FIT Show provided VEKA Recycling with the perfect opportunity to explain how its convenient and cost-saving recycling service can benefit its key customers PVC-U fabricators and installers. With their first dedicated collection unit in Yorkshire opened successfully in April and accepting any de-glazed post-consumer PVC-U frames at no charge, the timing of the Telford event could not have been better, according to Tony Cattini, UK Managing Director of VEKA Recycling.

desire and need for drop-off facilities where installers can make substantial savings on disposal costs by recycling, rather than landfilling, their waste PVC-U frames,” continued Tony.

“The FIT Show delivered for us and we’re looking forward to building on this success with a return to the show in 2014. Well done to the FIT Show team – we’ll be back!”

VEKA Recycling plans to open several further units by the end of the year, with many more to follow. Tony added:

For more details, contact the sales department at VEKA Recycling on 01322 387 219 or email info@veka-recycling.com.

He said: “As our Barnsley collection centre opened just before the FIT show, we could communicate the benefits of our recycling service directly to our customers. High levels of interest and the many positive enquiries we received certainly confirmed that a UK-wide network of collection centres is the right way forward. This confirms there is a 0613-0115

A Residence 9 installation with SWISSPACER inside.

Residence 9, a new window system designed to replicate traditional 19th Century Flush Sash timber windows was a star of the FIT Show. Its innovative design and authentic but high performance windows accommodate double or triple glazed sealed units and give market leading thermal and acoustic performance. Designed to look good while meeting the most stringent standards, Residence 9 uses SWISSPACER warm edge spacer bars in its sealed units. Residence 9 windows combine beautiful, traditional design with advanced features and benefits. They are suitable for conservation areas and can be made exactly to customer requirements. To meet the needs of modern living, double or triple glazed windows reduce noise levels and keep homes at a comfortable temperature. SWISSPACER spacer bars offer excellent thermal performance in sealed units. SWISSPACER’s semi-matt appearance gives a subtle, low-glare finish, available in 17 different colours for a high end look.

“We use SWISSPACER in Residence 9 for excellent energy efficiency and long lasting performance.” Dan Gill, Managing Director of Eclectic Systems’ Residence 9 says: “The Residence 9 window is designed to authentically replicate the kerbside appearance, the traditional methods of mechanically jointing and the opening mechanisms and hardware, without compromising on high thermal and acoustic performance and long maintenance free life. We use SWISSPACER in Residence 9 for excellent energy efficiency and long lasting performance. We were delighted by the response from visitors at the FIT Show. We even had a visit from DGCOS ambassador and ex-Crimewatch presenter Nick Ross. He was very interested in Residence 9 and asked very informed questions.” Tel: 0845 601 1265

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June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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FIT SHOW REVIEW

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

FIT FOR MORE

OVER 50% OF EXHIBITION SPACE CONFIRMED FOR FIT 2014 The desire for getting FIT amongst the glass and glazing industry shows no sign of abating as exhibitors rush to sign up for the next installation of the Fabricator Installer Trade (FIT) Show. Hot off the heels of April’s inaugural show, which saw more than 170 exhibitors filling all four halls of The International Centre, Telford, the organisers have confirmed that over 50% of exhibition space for The FIT Show 2014 is already occupied; a full year ahead of its hosting. Exhibitor demand for 2014 commenced before the 2013 event had ended as composite door

manufacturers Solidor once again became the first company to commit. After witnessing the widely hailed success of the show, many other existing exhibiting companies have followed suit after being given first chance to rebook, with many opting to move to larger stands.

to have but because 2013 was a complete sell-out it was even more important

that existing exhibitors were able to confirm their requirements for 2014 first.

Only then will we take care of the requirements of the many new companies

Several brand new names are also now on-board and contracts have been issued for a further 15% of the available stand space, which has posed a very welcome headache for the FIT Show sales team.

wanting space for 2014. With contracts signed and others we are waiting to be returned, we have around 70% of space booked already for 2014. Plus, we are still trying to get through dozens of enquiries and others that have not yet confirmed either way.” “Companies that are interested in taking space at The FIT Show next year should indicate their interest as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.” The 2014 FIT Show will take place at The International Centre, Telford, from 10th-12th June. More event information can be found at www.fitshow.co.uk.

FIT Show Sales Director Jason Wootton says that finding space and the right size of space is the issue: “It has been a good problem

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DOUBLE AWARD NOMINATION FOR THE FIT SHOW

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One month on from the hosting of The FIT Show and still it continues to be bestowed with accolades following news that the event has been selected as a finalist for this year’s AEO Excellence Awards in two separate categories; ‘Best Trade Show Launch’ and ‘Best Use Of Social Media’. Due to be held on Friday 21st June at Old Billingsgate, London, and hosted by comedian, writer and presenter Mark Dolan, the AEO Excellence Awards represent the best that the worldwide events industry

has to offer, showcasing amazing achievements over the past 12 months. It recognises and celebrates organisers’ achievements, standards of excellence from venues and service quality by suppliers and contractors throughout the industry. The FIT Show finds itself in the running for both categories after the esteemed panel of judges deemed the exhibition worthy of a shortlisting in amongst a host of illustrious names. The three-day event held at the International Centre,

“The FIT Show finds itself in the running for both categories after the esteemed panel of judges deemed the exhibition worthy of a shortlisting in amongst a host of illustrious names.” 0613-0119

June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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Telford, attracted over 170 exhibitors and close to 6,000 visitors. Creative and marketing partners for The FIT Show, Motionlab, have also been formally acknowledged for their efforts in helping put the event together, after receiving a nomination in the ‘B2B’ category at the inaugural Northern Marketing Awards. Simon Iredale and his team based in Preston will be making the short trip to The Point at Lancashire County Cricket Club, for the event which celebrates the excellence, creativity and achievements of the marketing industry in the North.

ALUMINIUM Tradelink sees surge in demand for CAB’s State of the Market Report Q1 2013 aluminium bi-folds CAB’s recent Q1 ‘State of the Market’ survey- the only detailed analysis of the aluminium in building sector – highlighted a degree of steady optimism in future outlook after a weather affected 3 months where 19% net balance of companies reported a fall in sales consistent with the wider marketplace. However, there was confidence in the future with a 25% net percentage balance of members who predicted a rise in expected sales volumes over the next quarter rising to 50% net balance for the year ahead. These are particularly positive results set against downgraded growth forecasts for the wider UK construction sector. Of some concern on the cost side were forecasts for expected unit costs and 33% of companies on balance expected unit costs to rise over the next quarter with this rising to 87% of companies on balance for the next year. Interestingly, while a 100% net percentage balance of companies considered fuel costs as a key cost factor going forward, only 31% net percentage considered the same for raw materials. Furthermore demand remained the most likely constraint on activity over

the next 12 months for 88% of companies with the only other factor being mentioned being imports (6%). A further 6% cited there being no constraints on activity. There were some encouraging signs of recovery elsewhere in the survey.13% of companies on balance reported they expected to be working at over 90% capacity utilisation in 12 months time and 25% of companies on balance expected headcount to have increased in a year’s time. Looking ahead over the next 12 months product improvement remained the key investment priority with 67% of companies on balance reporting anticipated increases in capital investment (although this was down from the 80% net balance of companies reporting such increases for the last 12 months). Investment in other areas is predicted to continue to increase with Plant and Equipment (53% net balance of companies) and Customer Research, R & D and e-business (all 47% net balance of companies).

Aluminium fenestration continues to gain ground over other materials in the home improvement sector as home owners see aluminium as a high quality material that has a very long life. It is also used extensively in the replacement market for both windows and doors. Refurbished buildings with new high performance glazing helps home owners, schools, public buildings and businesses save energy.

Tradelink, the trade fabricator celebrating 20 years experience of understanding installers’ needs, is delighted to report a marked rise in demand for its SMART aluminium bi-fold doors. Such is the demand that the Cambridgeshire based fabricator has now almost doubled the number of staff in its Aluminium Production Plant.

Managing Director, Jim Moody comments: “It has been widely reported that in difficult trading conditions bi-fold doors are one area of growth, and we have certainly seen a great deal of interest in our aluminium offering using SMART profile.

The CAB Sate of Trade Survey is carried out by the CPA and benchmarks CAB Members feedback against the wider construction industry. The survey forms part of an extensive support package offered by CAB to its membership. 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.

“These are widely used in the commercial or industrial sector for shop front work; as well as large shopline and low level walling. But one area where they really come into their own is in region specific domestic work, for example, in a mid terrace in London where standard bi-fold doors cannot be taken around to back of property.” “This is because the SMART door has a mechanically joined outer frame and so can be taken apart and put back together again, negating the need for access via a garden.” “Aluminium is a very versatile material in a variety of sectors due to its fine tolerance, with lots of coverage in domestic targeted work, particularly in the London area as demonstrated.” “We have already invested in our machinery in order to ensure we stay ahead of demand in our Aluminium Production Plant, and now the popularity of our aluminium bi-folds has made us take the decision to also recruit more staff at a time where many companies have implemented a recruitment freeze.”

The SMART Aluminium bi-fold in production at Tradelink.

For more information call Tradelink now on 01354 657650 or visit www.tradelinkdirect.co.uk.

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So why does the aluminium fenestration sector continue to hold its sales volume and be positive about future growth in a reducing construction market?

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June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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ENERGY EFFICIENCY

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June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

www.glassnews.co.uk

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

COMMENT PIECE

It is often thought that large areas of façade glazing can counterbalance energy-saving measures in buildings, as they are perceived as adding to energy usage– as I mentioned in my last column, more than 30% of a building’s energy usage can be off setting the effect of glazed facades. However, the dynamic performance of electrochromic glazing is proven to be significantly more energy efficient than static glazing, and with the summer approaching (slowly but surely) it provides a comfortable interior for occupants.

however one thing is for sure, carbon levels must be lowered to guarantee more energy efficient structures.

To ensure the UK’s goal of becoming a low-carbon economy, it is vital to establish energy performance targets and embrace new construction technologies.

“There is currently a great focus on energy efficiency in the UK construction sector.”

There is currently a great focus on energy efficiency in the UK construction sector. The UK government has reaffirmed the commitment to zero carbon buildings, to achieve this many buildings will have to be ‘net-zero’ in energy consumption. In the UK, the government is planning revisions to Part L of the Building Regulations which could mean a reduction of up to 20% on existing Part L targets and government bodies, research institutes and individual organisations are investigating how to hit the targets. There have been many debates into the definition of ‘net-zero’ and ‘zero-energy’ and a firm agreement is yet to be reached,

Jeff Upton.

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June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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INSTALLER FOCUS

FROM DERELICT TO CUTTING EDGE DEVELOPMENT Milwood Homes recently turned to Cutting Edge uPVC Frames & Roofs for the complete supply and installation of all windows, doors and roofline products on the development of a brownfield site in Staffordshire. The site at Silverdale Road, Silverdale, Newcastle-underLyme was previously a derelict car tyre depot and fits in with Milwood Homes’s philosophy of developing existing brownfield sites, to help safeguard the environment in the future. With vision, the housebuilder has transformed this site with the building of a cleverly designed and constructed courtyard of three-story, semi-detached and terraced properties. Cutting Edge specified their Profile 22, Enviroframe window and door system, which incorporates 100% Recycled Composite Material (RCM) thermal inserts, with an ‘A’ rating for energy efficiency, along with a dummy transom to give a ‘cottage look.’ The company was involved from the prebuild stage, supplying their BBA-accredited, 100% recycled thermally efficient cavity-formers and they also supplied all the necessary roofline products from their Trade Counter, at Grove Road, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. In total, Cutting Edge provided, 180 insulated cavity formers, 140 Enviroframe Windows, 20 Enviroframe French Doors, 20 Enviroframe Residential Doors (with Part M-compliant thresholds) and roofline to all properties.

Martyn Shaw, director of Milwood Homes commented: “Cutting Edge is a perfect fit for us as a business as we can work jointly with them to develop bespoke product specifications that fit in with our own environmental credentials. They are also a flexible and dynamic supplier for us, which really helps us on site.” Mal Whitehurst, installations director of Cutting Edge concluded: “This was a great showcase of what we can offer

the housing developer from product specification through to installation. We’ve built a great relationship with Milwood Homes and are now working on their next development.” For further information about Cutting Edge then call the sales office on 01782 599955 or e-mail sales@cuttingedgewindows.co.uk. You can also see their website at www.cuttingedgewindows.co.uk or add to their Twitter following @CuttingEdgeUPVC.

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Green Deal could stall without SME support Small building companies need fairer access to the Green Deal (GD) market if the shortage of installers is to be addressed, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to the latest statistics from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC). Almost 19,000 GD assessments were carried out as of the end of April 2013, yet there are only 942 GD installer companies approved to carry out this work – nowhere near enough to deliver energy-efficiency improvements to Britain’s 26 million existing homes by 2050. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “There are more than 240,000 companies in the construction industry 0613-0128

that employ fewer than 14 people. These companies are often best placed to carry out Green Deal work, but because it is difficult to access the market, they are reluctant to train the number of approved installers needed to retrofit Britain’s building stock.” To help address this, the FMB today launches its ‘Strategy for the Low Carbon Building and Refurbishment Market’ (Download, PDF 513 KB), which is aimed at encouraging and supporting its members to engage with and participate in this rapidly growing market. Berry continued: “Our new strategy will help increase opportunities for SMEs in the low-carbon refurbishment market. Today’s statistics from DECC show our strategy is well

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June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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timed. The Green Deal has now been open for business for almost four months and demand for work under the initiative appears to be growing, but it still feels like a missed opportunity to the majority of SMEs in the industry who haven’t seen any sign of transformation in the energy-efficiency market.” Berry concluded: “As part of our strategy, the FMB will not only continue to call for the incentives needed to create consumer demand for energy-efficiency work, but will also ensure that FMB members have timely access to relevant high-quality training and certification services to enable them to develop their businesses to be able to respond to lowcarbon work opportunities.”

INSTALLER FOCUS

Eggs in baskets

In the second of a two-part business focus, Glass News reports on how choice of business model is increasingly important in a significantly changed retail sector.

If the approach of fabricators to the market – product centric: sell more of a few products to more people v. customer centric: invest in the customer relationship to support them in selling more and in turn, sell more themselves – plays a central part in defining the trade sector, it has also taken on critical importance in retail. “The customer-centric vis a vis product centric model, in general stands up when applied to the retail sector”, says Mike Crewdson, Sales and Marketing Director, at Wellingborough-based trade fabricator, Emplas. He continues: “There are the volume guys, who push down costs (sometimes to the expense of quality and service) but who are also incredibly slick, keeping tight control of their overheads to maximize return on lower margin sales - this tight control of overheads often delivered through a narrower product offer. Then there are the guys who will do less volume but will put more emphasis on customer service and charge a premium for craftsmanship and service.” “What we have seen since 2008 is the second group, suffer something of an ‘identity crisis’ and respond to falling sales by cutting prices and consequential erosion of margin. This is now being proved an unsustainable strategy, because lower margins don’t work unless you get serious volume while their operating costs per unit and installation are too high.” “It’s not that one model is right or one model is wrong, it’s simply that you need to understand where you sit on the spectrum and if you have always done moderate volume but high quality and higher margin work, if you start cutting your retail prices, you’re on a a very slippery slope.” Product-centric businesses: identify a product or products that meet a certain customer need and work to find as many customers as possible who want to have that need met. Customer-centric companies: start with an individual customer and try to meet as many of that customer’s needs as possible. The financial objective for a customer-centric business is to maximize the value created by each customer, not the product.

and retail support before releasing it to its trade customer base.

Crewdson suggests it’s much better for customer centric installers to retain focus on their ‘core values’ - maximizing the value created by each customer, not the product. And here he highlights the other trend that has defined the retail sector since 2008 – diversification. “If you are closing a deal with Mrs Jones on windows you also need to recognise that you have an opportunity to sell her other improvements, new soffits, a conservatory, there’s a lot to go at. “You may not close the next deal that day but as a retail industry and certainly those who see a reflection of themselves in the customer centric model, should view the first sale as less of a one off and much more the start of a long term relationship with the consumer.” This ideology has defined Emplas’ approach to its relationship with its customers in the trade but also in the retail sector through its own installation business T&K. Operating only in Northamptonshire while Emplas only supplies the trade outside it, T&K acts as an experimental laboratory, where the fabricator trials its product offer

What this means for Emplas installers is that what they get is fully tried and tested in a retail environment, a by-product of its own customer-centric approach. “At T&K we have diversified, we have moved much closer to a full home-improvement offer because it allows us to achieve a far higher value relationship with the consumer”, says Crewdson. “We also underpin that with regular updates and contact following on from the initial installation. We don’t sweep-up in one go but we do get ‘repeat’ business and follow-on home improvement work – that’s a model that also works for the vast majority of our trade customers at Emplas.” This was revealed in a recent survey by Emplas of its customer base which found that invariably, installers had diversified into new markets. Of these an overwhelming majority 80 per cent, had moved into roofline. A further 40 per cent of total respondents said that they had gone a step further, to move into roof replacement. The study found that 31 per cent of respondents had added window repair and maintenance work to their services, while 17 per cent of all respondents had expanded their offers to include full home improvement services and general building work. This and its own research through T&K has informed Emplas’ product development strategy and reflected in its significant

investment in its range to meet more but also changing customer requirements. This has included the launch of a new GRP door range which sits alongside chamfered and fully sculptured casement windows, vertical sliders and a triple-glazed option. The trade fabricator has also kept its finger very much on the pulse of the conservatory sector and consumer demand for orangery aesthetics at an accessible price point with the addition of mid-market ‘Livinroom’ conservatory/orangery cross-over from Ultraframe. Underpinning all of this activity is the investment Emplas has made in its colour offer to provide a rapid turnaround service on non-standard foiled products with product dispatch in as little as 10 working-days of receipt of orders. Crewdson continues “The quality and diversity of our product offer - the fact that we have diversified - has been a far more effective strategy for T&K than cuttingIf we had gone down this route we would have simply undermined our model because we don’t do mass volume and our overheads would have been too high. Instead, we have invested in our relationship with the consumer in the same way that at Emplas, we have invested in our relationship with our trade customer and in the product offer and support that we give them. We know it’s a model that works”, he concludes. For more information visit www.emplas.co.uk , email info@emplas.co.uk or call 01933 674880.

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June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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Recruitment

See more positions online at: www.glassnews.co.uk

Helping you find & place positions. If you are looking to recruit, contact us today for prices!

Contact Christina! Email: christina@glassnews.co.uk or Tel: 07805 051322

Looking to recruit?

If you are looking to recruit, there are many cost effective ways in which to do so. Over the last few months, the recruitment market has become more buoyant, with lots of companies expanding due to new product ranges. There are plenty of job vacancies on these next few pages, so if you are looking for a change of career, you need look no further.

Ten Human Resources are an established recruitment agency, specialising in the glass and glazing industry. Bill Pratt, MD of Ten, has dealt within this industry for over a decade, and many businesses have used and benefited from his approach to recruitment. You can also advertise in Glass News, both in the printed edition, or online.

Our weekly News Shot is a great way to get your vacancy out there quickly, and reaches 8500 people. Chase Taylor is another great option for anyone looking to recruit. If you don’t have the time to sit trawling through CV’s and then going through the all consuming interview process, it

would be worth your while giving Matt a call. Of course, the best form of recruitment is recommendation, so don’t forget to ask about before you start advertising! I’ve also seen a lot more activity on Linked In just recently. As companies restructure, redundancies are often the casualty, and a great way to send out your CV to a mass audience, is through social media. If you need any advice on recruitment, or looking for a new job, simply give me a call or email: christina@glassnews.co.uk or mobile: 0780 505 1322.

TRAINING

New Construction Industry

Training Facility Opens in Blackpool Construction industry training specialist Whitewaters Training Ltd has opened a new training centre in Blackpool. The centre offers top quality training and qualification assessment to individuals and companies working in the construction industries. Whitewaters Training expects to employ up to 10 full and part-time instructors, assessors and admin staff at the site which opened for business on the 10th June. The new training centre at Preese Hall Farm, Weeton near Backpool is the result of a £60,000 investment by Essex-based Whitewaters Training, and is fully equipped with the latest construction plant. The company offers a wide range of courses in construction operations and safety, and qualifications such as NVQs in support of the Site Safety Plus scheme (SSP) and Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS). 0613-0131

John Waters, director at Whitewaters Training, said; “We’ve seen a steady increase in demand for our courses over the last 15

months, particularly from construction businesses in the North West.” “The industry shows clear signs of reemerging from recession with a growing demand for trained operators, qualified site managers and supervisors.” “Our new site in Blackpool will help us deliver top quality training and assessment in the region. It also adds some new capabilities and effectively doubles the company’s training capacity.” Whitewaters Training will be welcoming the first students to its new site this week on the A40 Slinger/Signaler CPCS course, and the company has already started taking bookings for its full portfolio of CPCS, NVQ, Site Safety Plus and specialist construction training courses. Bookings can be made online or by calling 01277 899 815 and course information can be found at www.whitewaterstraining.co.uk.

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June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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RECRUITMENT

Was Boris Johnson right to call British workers “Sloths”?

You’ve probably heard somewhere by now that Boris Johnson has referred to British workers as ‘sloths’. Well almost. He actually included ‘sloth’ as one of the reasons Britain’s economy is not as thriving as some others, specifically Germany.

countries in the west, although it did catch up a bit between 2000 and 2010, so maybe things are improving gradually. This older evidence does not, however, attempt to explain the reason why this might be the case.

He also mentioned bad management and under-investment in human capital, but the bit that sticks in everyone’s mind is the implication that British workers are lazier than those in other EU countries.

If you look at more recent data, such as a study by the OECD in 2011, some interesting theories are put forward which don’t appear to include any sort of cultural laziness. In fact, compared to the other countries in the study (Sweden, Germany and The Netherlands), Britons actually work longer hours on average. The average full-time British male works for just over 42 hours per week – this is the third highest in the EU after Austria and Greece. Three million of us actually exceed 48 hours per week.

This isn’t a new theory, particularly among Conservatives. In 2012 a group of MPs claimed the same thing, calling British workers ‘idlers’ who prefer a lie-in to actually doing any hard graft. But where are they getting this idea from? Historical data for the past century does indeed show that Britain overall is less productive than other developed

The study also points out that the UK is the only developed country where working hours are longer than they were 30 years ago. In fact, regardless of the level of skill involved, workers are, on average, spending around three more hours at work per week than they used to a generation ago. And that’s without including unpaid overtime.

In fact, Brits get through nearly two billion hours of overtime a year, according to the TUC. If that wasn’t enough, even our holidays are not very long by European standards. Swedish workers get 11 days more than us and their economy is considerably more productive. So what is it that could be making the UK less productive if it is not the lack of working hours? There was mention of ‘inadequate management’ in Boris’ argument, which might be nearer the mark. Previous studies such as one conducted in 2007 by Bloom and Van Reenen have found that UK companies are not as well managed as US, French and German firms, possibly due to the larger proportion of family firms found here. So there’s no reason to think that, if British workers are properly managed and well regulated, they cannot be every bit as productive as any of their European counterparts. In fact, the evidence shows that

“There was mention of ‘inadequate management’ in Boris’ argument, which might be nearer the mark. Previous studies such as one conducted in 2007 by Bloom and Van Reenen have found that UK companies are not as well managed as US, French and German firms, possibly due to the larger proportion of family firms found here.” they’re prepared to put in plenty of hours and even go beyond the call of duty from time to time.

Contact Bill Pratt at Ten Human Resources Tel: 01454 418855, Email: bill@tenhr.co.uk or Visit: www.tenhr.co.uk

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June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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RECRUITMENT

Britain’s Got Talent

Unlocking the potential for British window and door industry talent in overseas markets is becoming more and more common. Mat Gibson from Chase Taylor recruitment explains his recent work in the burgeoning Indian market, and the opportunities which are out there for people wanting to have a second career.

“When I got a call early in the springtime asking if I could find a senior executive level candidate to go and oversee the growth of a vertically integrated extrusion – fabrication – installation business in India I thought it was going to be a really difficult ask. It was unusual firstly – where to start, and secondly how many people would be prepared to uproot their families and go to a country where the industry is very much in its infancy and the future so uncertain”. “How wrong could I have been? Within a week I had no fewer than 10 serious and credible candidates, Skype interviews whittled the list down and the final two candidates were invited over to India by the client for face to face meetings. Alex Murphy was appointed to the position of Business Head for the biggest window industry business in India, a great tribute to the industry here in the UK. It is a real recognition of the genuine talent that is here in Britain that the client wanted to take that knowledge and experience to accelerate their own development as the market leading company in the subcontinent.” Usually senior positions like this would take four to six months to close. In total the process took just six weeks from first call to final appointment. It was a truly staggering process that took just six weeks from first call to final appointment. Sushil Bajeva who had been tasked with

finding the right recruitment company in the UK and the right candidate for the position was suitably impressed “Usually, senior positions like this would typically take four

“Usually, senior positions like this would typically take four to six months to close in India. Chase Taylor’s knowledge of the industry in general and the quality of the candidates they put to us was truly outstanding. It was a great experience working with them”. to six months to close in India. Chase Taylor’s knowledge of the industry in general and the quality of the candidates they put to us was truly outstanding. It was a great experience working with them”. And the work between the two has continued with the appointment of two further senior appointments to help with their growth – a senior fabrication manager and a senior installations manager. Mat explains further “Now the process has started in the Indian market it has to follow the pattern of how the market developed over here, albeit at a significantly accelerated rate.” I think it is a testimony to what has been achieved by the industry here, the innovation, the creativity, and the enthusiasm that major companies would look to take personnel from Britain when they could have easily looked at the tradition European heartland of the industry. “We have filled three positions for them already in just a matter of weeks, and we have other requirements to fill for people looking for a second career, a change of culture, and a real challenge. The exciting thing is the scale and the scope of the market out there which is huge, and the opportunity to go and be a part of it and to create something dynamic is clearly appealing to a lot of people

“The exciting thing is the scale and the scope of the market out there which is huge, and the opportunity to go and be a part of it and to create something dynamic is clearly appealing to a lot of people in our industry here in the UK.”

For candidates who might be interested in some of the overseas opportunities which are available Chase Taylor is ideally placed to help you.

Get in touch Email Mat Gibson mat@chasetaylor.co.uk or visit their website to register your details www.chasetaylor.co.uk.

in our industry here in the UK. I think it is a testimony to what has been achieved by the industry here, the innovation, the creativity, and the enthusiasm that major companies would look to take personnel from Britain when they could have easily looked at the tradition European heartland of the industry. It is a really exciting time and one where there will be many more opportunities”.

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June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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RECRUITMENT

The CV Site launches Linkedin profile writing service for UK jobseekers A professional CV writing service that offers its customers a free CV review alongside its premium offerings has now launched an individual Linkedin profile writing service to meet with growing demand. The CV Site provides writing and consulting services in relation to traditional CVs and cover letters. Until recently though their Linkedin profile writing service could only be accessed as an exclusive part of their ‘Executive’ recruitment package. The fact that this has now been released as a standalone product in response to demand is only testament to the growing influence of Linkedin. “Although the traditional CV and cover letter is by no means dead we have seen a significant increase in the number of people needing help with their Linkedin profiles over the last few years,” said Claire Brown, Manager at The CV Site. “The CV and cover letter are often what impresses recruiters and draws them in to find out more about a candidate. However we’re finding that employers will now take their research one step further by looking to Linkedin to explore candidates’ skills and expertise. If a potential candidate’s Linkedin profile is incomplete, grammatically all over the place or simply a bit lacklustre, recruiters are put off by this.”

Professional Linkedin profile writing It would seem then that Linkedin is increasingly becoming the difference between the nail in the coffin for jobseekers or the final element that seals the deal (or at least an interview). According to Linkedin statistics, there were 11 million UK members on the site at the beginning of 2013. Further figures released by social marketing company, Punch Media suggest that a full and complete profile on Linkedin expose candidates to 40% more opportunities across the site. “Our Linkedin profile writing service is so popular because people are starting to realise

“We’re finding that employers will now take their research one step further by looking to Linkedin to explore candidates’ skills and expertise.”

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just how much employers look to this social networking site for research and confirmation of a candidates skills and attributes”, added Claire of The CV Site. “Just like with a traditional CV, not everybody knows how to effectively communicate their achievements and individual skills so professional Linkedin profile writing is really helping out a lot of jobseekers in this respect.” The CV Site offers a free CV review service and other packages to help jobseekers at all stages of their career. You can contact them via their website or call 0845 094 1950. For more information on their Linkedin profile writing service go to: www.thecvsite.co.uk/linkedin The CV Site launches Linkedin profile writing service for UK jobseekers.

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June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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NEW PRODUCTS

LETTERS

SYNSEAL’S TECHNICAL FOLDER INCREASES FOCUS ON COMMERCIAL SECTOR

It’s your letters...

Synseal’s product offering to its fabricator customers is arguably the most comprehensive, relevant and forwardthinking in the industry and it has now been brought together in one easy-toaccess technical literature folder that has commercial specifiers and housebuilders firmly in mind. “For the last two years Synseal has pushed beyond the boundaries of PVC-U extruder, and become an indispensable supplier and business partner to a growing customer base,” Mark Schlotel, Synseal’s Head of Marketing explained. “As part of that relationship we have published a folder containing information on all of our products so that they can be accessed easily, and used as a specification and project design tool.” Synseal has increasingly turned its attentions to the commercial sectors, with significant results. The company is being specified on retail projects, leisure facilities, hospital and school refurbishments, commercial offices, as well as new-build housing. The new ring-bound technical folder has been carefully designed with housebuilders and specifiers in mind. Comprehensive yet concise information on every one of Synseal’s product ranges is provided by individual technical brochures, so folder contents can be tailored to meet specific customer requirements.

The technical literature folder contains all information from which specifiers may make detailed design and planning proposals including product ranges, and technical information including thermal values, dimensions and accreditations. An example is the sub section on SkySpace, Synseal’s custom-designed aluminium portal frame that supports wide spanning glazed roof structures for commercial or residential premises. The literature explains how portal frame legs locate into purpose-designed base plates, and the sleeved aluminium profiles are bolted together in ‘Meccano-fashion’ that include purlins and welded angled trusses, as required, to provide a support structure for the roof glazing above. Technical drawings illustrate elements of the assembly. The technical folder also contains extensive information on Synseal’s industry leading PVC-U window and door profile system, Legend, which has been designed to be the ideal system for commercial tenders, including meeting the requirements of the Code for Sustainable Homes. Mark also explained that the technical folder was designed to help fabricators present themselves professionally to their installer customers and building clients. “We have designed this suite of literature to assist our customers in presenting Synseal products in a professional and appropriate manner, whilst also allowing them to specify our products in the context of the whole design and build.” In addition to SkySpace and Legend, other sections in the technical folder include: a corporate overview of Synseal; technical brochures for the SynerJy and Shield profiles; Global roof; Global Glass insulated glass units; Evolve range; and an extensive Hardware catalogue.

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Glass News wants to hear from you. Feel free to get in touch with your views on the industry, legislation, government, or even the newspaper. Dear Christina,

CE MARKING It’s almost impossible at the moment to open a trade magazine or look online without seeing some reference to CE marking. There has been almost blanket coverage for so many months that you would think it would be impossible not to know your FPCs from your DoPs by now – or to be unaware that the actual deadline is 1 July. However, I’m becoming increasingly concerned that the vast majority of the industry has simply tried to avert its eyes from the looming spectre of CE marking and is either planning to take action at the very last minute or, worse still, to ignore the requirements altogether.

guides. But, what they don’t do, is integrate the production of a CE label with the rest of the manufacturing software and, for most fabricators, that is what will probably be required. We launched our own CE marking module for users of our EvoNET business management software at the FIT show and all those customers who saw a demo really loved it and were impressed with how simple it was.

If I tell you that, of our 1,117 customers who are involved in manufacturing, we have so far been contacted by less than 10 enquiring about making the necessary adjustments to their software, then you will see why I think there might be a problem. As well as formalising Factory Process Control systems, I know that fabricators need to wait for ITT and DoP information from their profile, hardware and glazing suppliers before they can start producing labels, which could explain some of the delay; but I am worried that those who haven’t acted yet either underestimate what is involved or are confident that there won’t be robust policing of the scheme. There are several tools already available from various suppliers designed to make the route to CE marking simple and certainly many of the ones I have seen do offer clear step by step

I’m not trying to scaremonger – even if you’re not using EvoNET, the process of adapting the format of an existing product label to accommodate CE marking information is quite straightforward but it does take time. The relevant information needs to be sourced and added to the system and it is likely that new, larger labels will need to be purchased and set up. The fact is that, if 1,110 of our customers called us tomorrow, it would be very difficult for them all to be set up and ready to start CE marking their products by the 1 July. If they waited and called us on 30 June, then it would make a bad situation even worse! Graeme Bailey, Business Micros www.businessmicros.co.uk

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We want to know your opinion about the industry! Get in touch by emailing christina@glassnews.co.uk We look forward to hearing from you!

June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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GLASS PEOPLE

100km Walkers Raise £10k For Good Causes Two Directors of Sussex based fabricator Whiteline, Steve Milham and Jim Corby successfully completed the 100km London2Brighton Challenge on May 25. Covering the full distance from Richmond Park to the finishing straight at Brighton racecourse in a time of 28 and a half hours, the intrepid pair have so far raised over £10,000 for the NSPCC and “Balls To Cancer”, their chosen charities. Their progress has become the stuff of legend, from a warm up with Mr Motivator that saw them set off at a blistering pace, through their encounters with fellow participants, mud, walking through the night, the ‘Everest-like’ South Downs and the inevitable resultant

dreadful blisters and soreness, to a welcome lager or three at the finish. “Jim and I are recovering from the physical effects of the walk but we both want to thank everyone from the Industry who sponsored, supported, helped and cajoled us to complete this epic challenge. Our charities will be the beneficiaries of over £10k which is great, but the positive effects of events such as this on us, our families and friends can’t be overstated” said Whiteline MD Steve Milham. It’s still not too late to add your sponsorship to the valiant pair. Visit www.justgiving.com and find Steve and Jim’s pages or text ‘SPMI48 £10’ or ‘JCLB60 £10’ to 70070.

Distinction supports the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation’s Golf Day at Rockliffe Hall Following Distinction’s support of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation by inviting the Curry family to be guests at the Newcastle United versus Fulham game at St James Park, recently, the company was invited to enter a team in the Sir Bobby Robson Celebrity Golf Day at Rockliffe Hall Hotel, near Darlington. Despite the cold early spring weather, Wednesday 24th April, proved to be a bright and warm day with a strong breeze, designed to make golf tricky. Distinction’s team led by MD, Drew Wright with Keith Sadler, Vista Panels’ MD, Gavin Johnston and Chris Champion from Distinction, did not disgrace themselves with 78 points. Winners, Newcastle United football team took the honours with 85 points, followed closely by teams from both Sunderland FC and Middlesborough FC. Organised by Sir Bobby’s family, it is the third annual golf day in aid of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and charity Patron and Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson was among the high-profile guests.

(L-R) Steve Milham, a fellow contestant and Jim Corby looking fresh ahead of the 100km London 2 Brighton Challenge.

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Other guests supporting the event included Middlesbrough’s Tony Mowbray, Jason Steele, Nicky Bailey, Dean Gordon, Jimmy Warnett and Richard Smallwood, former Sunderland players Micky Horswill, Ritchie Pitt and John MacPhail and Newcastle United’s John Carver, Steve Stone, Andy Woodman, Bob Moncur, John Beresford, Steve Howey, James Perch, Dan Gosling and Shola Ameobi.

Lady Elsie said: “This is always such a special day for my family and because we’re so involved with organising things, we meet so many wonderful fund-raisers for the Foundation and it feels good to be one of them at this time of year. I love the way this golf day unites the north east football clubs. Bob would have been very touched by that.” “It was a wonderful day”, said Drew, “and we are delighted to have been able to support the Foundation that has already raised over £5 million towards helping those with cancer in the North East.” For more information about Distinction Doors call Dave Gomersall, Director, on 0845 2000 816, email davidgomersall@ distinctiondoors.co.uk or Chris Champion on 07850 267223, email chrischampionmarketing@gmail.com.

The Distinction team walk the fairways at the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation’s Golf Day at Rockliffe Hall.

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GREAT SCOTT! RUNNING MAN TAKES ON ‘UNLUCKY’ CHALLENGE 13 may be an unlucky number for some, but for Scott Garner, regional sales manager at Hurst Plastics, it has proven to be the driving (or rather running) force for him to generate cash for the charity ‘I Can’. 41 year old Scott has laced up his running shoes and is taking part in 13 half marathons (each of 13.1 miles) during 2013. And as Scott chalks up the miles, he’s steadily raising vital funds for ‘I Can’ - a charity which supports children with communication difficulties. Determined Scott, who has represented Hurst Plastics in the South East for 18 months, has had to train hard for his gruelling challenge and is running up to 40 miles every week to keep in shape for the half marathons. His punishing schedule has seen Scott already run in the Blackpool, Bath, Milton Keynes, Stafford, Sussex and Worcester half marathons. He will have completed 10 half marathons by the summer.

He says: “I really wanted to run for the ‘I Can’ charity because it is not as well known as many other charities, so anything I can do for them will really make a difference. This is a tough challenge and many of the half marathons are running on consecutive weekends, which doesn’t give me much time off in between. With all the training and the half marathons themselves, I reckon that I will have run 1500 miles this year, so I am certainly putting my stamina, and my trusty running shoes, to the test!” Mark Atkinson, sales director at Hurst Plastics, added: “We are really proud of Scott for taking on such a challenge and are very pleased to support him in raising money for such a worthwhile cause. We wish him the very best in completing the rest of the half marathons.” To support Scott and make a donation, please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/scottgarner.

Scott Garner.

Hurst Plastics is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of high quality PVC-U door panels, infill panels, composite doors and associated laminated products. Products are manufactured at Hurst’s 50,000 square foot purpose built factory in Kingstonupon-Hull and supplied to both the domestic

and commercial markets throughout the UK and Europe. Hurst Plastics is a member of the Hurst Group, which was established 40 years ago. With expertise in joinery, building services, ceilings and flooring, the Group is a major force in interior contracting. Tel: 01482 790790 – www.hurst-plastics.com

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June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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MONTHLY HOROSCOPES

Russell Grant’s Horoscopes ARIES

LEO

SAGITTARIUS

Your unorthodox opinions will win you lots of romantic attention as June bursts forth from May. Trust your instincts when it comes to one of the family or a neighbour and don’t believe all you’re told or shown. A flirtatious newcomer might put a spring in your step in early June, but you should think long and hard before you respond or react. You’ll have to choose between private and public responsibilities during the middle days of the month and the resulting tension could lead to friction between you and a loved one. Keep your cool and find other outlets for your pent up energy and anger. A break away from all that’s familiar and frustrating or checking out your prospects on the job market might be just what you need to break the cycle of shutting doors and closing opportunities. As July approaches so your mood lifts everything starts to get easier.

Joining a cultural, religious, or educational institution will widen your social circle in the first days of June. Your new friends will give you tremendous confidence, and might even inspire you to write a book or launch a blog. Your warm, generous persona will attract a wide audience. Don’t be surprised if you become something of a minor celebrity in your community as a result of your writing. The opportunity to realise a childhood dream arrives on or around the 8th. A well respected friend will provide you with the emotional and financial support you need to achieve success. An exciting job offer will be made in the second half of June. This assignment will require you to work behind the scenes, which is not really your cup of tea. Still, that’s no reason to shirk your duties. If you rise to the occasion, you’ll be given a bigger and better job as a reward.

TAURUS

VIRGO

A romantic liaison gets June off to a wonderful start. If you’re looking for love, you can find it at a bookstore, reading club, or discussion group. Already have a partner? Schedule a short trip out of town with your amour. You’ll have a great time in a glittering city known for its nightlife. An engagement or wedding party spices up the days surrounding the 8th. Buy a special outfit for this occasion, as you’ll draw a very attractive seatmate. Romance and finance do not mix at mid-month. Get ready to refuse a lover’s request for a loan. Any personal relationship that is based on is not worth pursuing. Hold your ground when you get a big cheque around the 23rd. You shouldn’t feel compelled to share your hard earned cash with anyone. Put this sum into an interest bearing account, where it will serve as a cushion against lean times ahead. Your sex drive soars in the final days of June; you’ll find an outlet for it at a reunion.

Working behind the scenes gives you a great deal of creative fulfilment in early June. When you’re left to your own devices, it’s easy to put imaginative touches on stale traditions. Fortunately, the powers that be will be impressed by your efforts, and give you bigger and better assignments as a reward. If you’re working for money, you’ll be able to get a raise or increase your rates around the 8th. You’re tired of accepting second best. Unfortunately, you’re the only one who will promote your interests, so you’ll have to take a risk. A lawsuit will be settled in your favour in the days surrounding the 23rd. If you’re given a financial settlement, you should use this money to further your educational aspirations. There’s never been a better time to get an advanced degree. June comes to a satisfying close when you’re offered a teaching or writing job. Use your salary to buy some beautiful furniture and artwork for your home.

Taking the helm of an impressive business or political organisation will be a good use of your talent in early June. Your exalted position will make you a hot commodity on the romantic market. Several people will try to win your heart during this glorious period. Take care not to steer a friendship into romantic waters. You’re better off making a fresh start with someone new. A casual flirtation takes a serious turn around the 23rd; suddenly you’ll realise just how deep your feelings are for an attractive playmate. If you’re already in a relationship, the two of you will decide to take a romantic vacation together. Head for a beautiful ancient city near the water. As June turns to July, you’ll find more time for social pursuits. This will come as something of a relief. You’ve missed your friends, but weren’t able to spend much time with them due to public commitments. Now that your schedule is starting to ease, you’ll be able to make the round of parties again.

GEMINI

LIBRA

AQUARIUS

The desire to desire to distinguish yourself from the crowd prompts you to go on a shopping spree in early June. Treat yourself to some eye catching clothes and accessories. The more distinctive your appearance, the more popular you’ll be. The days surrounding the 8th are perfect for showing off your creative work. You’ll find a receptive audience for your writing, acting, or musical talent. Your appeal isn’t only artistic. Don’t be surprised when an old friend makes a pass at you. The two of you will make a fantastic couple, provided you’re willing to give each other lots of freedom. Money from an inheritance, refund, or legal settlement is awarded near the 23rd. Use this sum to buy something that makes your daily life much easier, like a car or computer. Don’t worry more moneymaking opportunities will arrive as June turns to July. Look for jobs related to childcare, hospitality, and catering.

The spotlight will be trained on you throughout the first half of June. Although you’d never admit it, you love all the attention. Be sure to look your best whenever you go out, for you never know whom you will meet. If you want a high profile job, now is the time to apply for it. You’ll make an excellent impression on an employer. Schedule as many job interviews as possible in the days surrounding the 8th. Be sure to emphasise your talent for working as part of a team; this will prompt your future boss to offer you the position. Selling or buying property will go well around the 23rd. If you want to buy a piece of property, look for something that needs a little work. You’ll get a good price for it, if you’re willing to negotiate. The final days of June bring you fame and acclaim. Don’t be surprised if you’re given a promotion, prize, or award.

Sparks are flying between you and a wild rebel at the beginning of June. The object of your affection has a unique outlook on life that is incredibly inspiring. With this lover at your side, you can realise your creative potential. A new job will be offered to you in the days surrounding the 7th. Not only will this position afford lots of emotional satisfaction, but it will be financially rewarding, too. Take a bold risk in June. Enter a contest, make an investment, or submit your creative work for review. The results will be exhilarating. You’ll have a rare opportunity to rest and relax near the 23rd. Head off for a secluded beauty spot where you can think your own thoughts and set your own schedule. Although you’re very sociable, too much company after a prolonged period can wear on your nerves. Step up your exercise routine toward the end of June. If you stick to your routine, you’ll get in the best shape of your life.

Mar 21st – Apr 20th

Apr 21st – May 21st

May 22nd – Jun 21st

CANCER

Jun 22nd – Jul 23rd

Aug 24th – Sep 23rd

Sep 24th – Oct 23rd

SCORPIO

Oct 24th – Nov 22nd

Working in seclusion helps you develop a brilliant idea in the beginning of June. If there’s anything you hate, it’s being micromanaged. Fortunately, the powers that be will leave you alone, so long as you ask for a little breathing room. A lover will try to use sex as a weapon in mid-June; fortunately, the two of you will be able to resolve your argument in bed. There’s an exciting undercurrent of tension that runs through this relationship. It’s an utter mystery to innocent bystanders, but it works for you and your amour. Doors that have always been closed to you will fly open in the final days of June. Take this opportunity to travel, write, and study. If you don’t have the money to expand your horizons, apply for a scholarship or grant. Religious, cultural, and educational institutions can finance your adventure, provided you’re willing to fill out lots of paperwork.

Jul 24th – Aug 23rd

Early June will be one of the most romantic times of the year, when a bold flirt makes their way into your life. If you’re single, you could meet someone special while vacationing abroad. The locals are deeply attracted to your particular brand of charm. It’s nice to be appreciated! If you’re already in a relationship, take this opportunity to inject more passion into your relationship. Expand your bedroom repertoire and spend more time on your appearance. Your efforts will get an eager response from your amour. An inheritance, refund, or legal settlement will enrich your bank account in the days surrounding the 8th. Use this money to buy a new computer, car, or appliance. A degree or certificate will be awarded to you near the 23rd, improving your employment prospects. You may want to look for work overseas in the final days of June. Working in a foreign country will be emotionally and financially rewarding.

June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Nov 23rd – Dec 21st

CAPRICORN

Dec 22nd – Jan 20th

Your mind, body, and soul are intimately tied at the beginning of June. Go to the gym when depression rears its ugly head. Better yet, join a sports team or exercise class. The more active you are, the better you will feel. An exciting job will be rewarded to you on or around the 8th. This position will have unorthodox hours, which is why you’ll enjoy it so much. If there’s anything you hate, it’s a boring routine. By the middle of the month you will be able to upgrade your computer or phone system. Don’t beat yourself up over the expense; consider it an investment in your future. Fame and acclaim will be yours on the 23rd, when word spreads of your incredible talent. You will meet some very influential people in your desired industry near this fateful day; be sure to get their contact information. Two heads are better than one at the end of June. When in doubt, confer with your romantic or business partner.

Jan 21st – Feb 19th

PISCES

Feb 20th – Mar 20th

Your family provides much needed financial support in early June. If you’re looking for a job, spread the word among relatives. A parent, aunt, or uncle may hear of the perfect opportunity for you, and throw your name in the ring. If you do land a position through such a recommendation, be sure to show your appreciation with a gift. You can’t take your family for granted at this pivotal time. The 8th is wonderful for moving, selling property, or buying a home. Be sure to move like lightning if you get an offer or find a place you like; deliberating will undermine your profit margin. A roommate or relative will join your household at mid-month. Fortunately, you’ll enjoy their company. Your creativity will soar in the closing days of June. Take this opportunity to write a novel, screenplay, or musical score. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never tried such an endeavour before. The important thing is to commit your ideas to paper.

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COMMENT PIECE

Standing On The

Side Of Business

Recent discussions in the industry online have been about the skilful art of our clientèle holding back final payment for completed works. As a member of the family business, I understand how infuriating this sort of behaviour and treatment towards a business is. Personally I blame the compensation culture that has been nurtured by programmes like Don’t Get Done Get Dom and similar others. It has given the consumer a very highly inflated sense of righteousness and the crazy idea that they can just demand whatever they want and they shall get it! I would like to point out right now that the majority of consumers out there are quite reasonable people who don’t make such idiotic demands and requests and treat companies with the respect they deserve. However, there does seem to be an ever growing “empowered” population that seem to think they can treat businesses how they want, be as unreasonable and hard work as they see fit and then withhold final payment for as long as possible. It is this sort of behaviour that we have to start standing up to as it is increasingly damaging and something we have to put right before these sorts of instances increase further.

The Customer Is Always Right...Except When They Are Wrong Whoever came up with that saying needs a right good slap! Customers are not always right. Saying that neither are all businesses but that’s not today’s subject! It is statements like this which have given people this false sense of right. Plus the

current state of the laws don’t lend much protection to SME’s at this present time.

Ladies and gentlemen it is time to start to stand up to these sorts of consumers. We don’t get many, probably less than half a dozen per year on average per company I’d say. But it is these people where we have to stand firm, allow ourselves to firmly but fairly carry out our duties to the customer which benefit us. We have to be allowed to rectify issues without the stupid threat of compensation every time something doesn’t go quite perfect. We have to be allowed to operate our business day to day without verbal abuse down the phone. We have to be allowed to obtain final payment on the day it is due...without a surprise list of snagging issues designed to prolong payment! It is these examples of unacceptable consumer behaviour which I have seen with my own eyes far too often which makes customer not always right. Imagine going into Tesco or Asda, loading your trolley with £100 worth of shopping then saying to the till operator that you’ll be back in a couple of weeks to pay up! It just wouldn’t happen, so it shouldn’t happen with us! It’s time to toughen up!

Protect Profit I cannot tell you how many times I have banged this drum, but maintaining a profit margin is absolutely imperative. The industry is only just starting to get back on it’s feet, so for God’s sake why not try and make a bit of money in the process?! One way our industry needs to start standing up for itself, especially with the consumers, is the bottom line. I am still hearing of far too many example of companies constantly undercutting each other in the name of just getting the work. This idiotic practise will come back to bite those companies right on the arse. Personally, I have rarely given a discount to any of my

“Hold your ground, push your USP’s and earn something decent out of your hard work. If you’re not in business to make money, you shouldn’t be in business.” customers. I don’t have a discount structure and have never needed one. I have simply sold on the quality of my product, the quality of installation and the high degree of our customer services. These are points which have allowed me to maintain my profit margin for the company and allowed me to make something out of the contracts I sell. Question: What do you do if a customer says “what can you take off the price?” Or, “I can get it cheaper elsewhere?” If you yield to a demand like that, you are leaving your profit margin well and truly up for slashing by the customer. Remember most consumers making these demands expect to be shot down. So why give in? Hold your ground, push your USP’s and earn something decent out of your hard work. If you’re not in business to make money, you shouldn’t be in business.

Green Deal Lays Waste To Cavity Wall Industry You may now be aware of some seriously devastating figures released which demonstrates the now dire state the cavity wall insulation industry currently lies in. The website Building has released figures which show that since Green Deal has been introduced, cavity wall jobs have fallen an appalling 97% in April 2013 compared to the year previous! To shed more light on this terrible situation, the 2012 monthly average of installations stood at around 40,000. The 2013 monthly average up until April

June 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

stood at a measly 11,000. That’s a drop of 29,000 per month! What is worse, April saw just 1138 cavity wall jobs completed across the whole of the UK!

So why the sudden drop? When Green Deal came into being, it cancelled out the existing obligations placed on the energy companies to bring the existing housing stock up to date with the latest home improvement measures, with cavity wall insulation being one of them. But with take up on the Green Deal so poor, the number of jobs have just fallen off a cliff. What is really frustrating is that Government research from as far back as 2010 warned that this exact scenario would happen. All the way through 2012 it was warned by so many different people and bodies that this would happen. Yet, despite years of warning, the Government went ahead and is now letting a vital industry go to the wall.

“The general public are far more in tune with everything VAT and would quite easily have welcomed a genuine reduction in the cost of new energy efficient windows and doors.”

I have been told that the Government is looking into ways it can support the ailing cavity wall industry and supply extra funding for Green Deal. But I have to ask the question, why pursue something which is causing so much harm? It would be very interesting to see the latest figures of other energy efficient industries since the introduction of Green Deal. Personally, I would be very worried about my employment within the cavity wall industry. These figures make for very depressing reading and the signs are that things will only get worse. It is maddening to think how much damage and meddling has been done to the home improvement industry. The infrastructure we had before worked. It might not have been perfect, but it was certainly doing a lot better than Green Deal right now. It would have been far simpler to lower VAT on energy efficient windows and doors, perhaps to 5% like other energy efficient products. The general public are far more in tune with everything VAT and would quite easily have welcomed a genuine reduction in the cost of new energy efficient windows and doors. Bit serious this time round. So, on a lighter note, there is some DGB 3.0 news later on in this issue!

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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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The Thoughts of the Basman Growth indicators show we must remain

positive!

Today is my first day back at work following my knee replacement operation. Having taken a very keen interest in the market during my period of recovery, the signs are very positive that the country is showing some signs of growth at last. The majority of the major house builders have shown significant rises in their share prices. This in tandem with the announcements almost daily of new housing projects being started can only be encouraging to all areas of the country. It is also interesting to see the number of new projects by independent construction companies starting to grow from behind the vanity screens and fences in various parts of the region I live in. I deal across the range of businesses in our sector and am encouraged to hear that a number of the small to medium companies are reporting sustained growth and demand for their manufactured goods. The increase in their spend for the consumable products I sell are testament to this.

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Last week, the association of Estate Agents reported house prices are on the increase. If this can be sustained it will give another small but important boost to the overall recovery picture. I recently entered into the minefield that is house insurance. Having used the same insurance company for in excess of 10 years, and been entirely happy with the service etc. in that time. I was horrified at the renewal quote that came, quoting a 300% increase in the premium. I have recently moved house, to a smaller property with the same postcode. However the might of the insurance company and their inability to show any understanding of the situation led me to take the necessary action. (I expect to get my first Meerkat toy any day soon). In keeping with the signs of a recovery, the recent good weather will have had a big uplift in the country enjoying the feel good factor. Sun on our backs and the undeniable smell that only a BBQ can provide is what makes the nation smile. With the end of the football season, lots of the male population will now be put under pressure to fulfil the promise made over the last nine months to complete all of those jobs in the garden and house that previously were

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put off due to the necessity of having to watch the match. This in turn will help with the economy benefitting from the additional sales of the timber and fencing etc., to make good the promises. The leads from the Fit-Show are still being worked all around the country. The buzz that the show has given the industry will ensure the success for next year. The show was an unprecedented success and achieved all of the primary aims. This coupled with the industries grasp of the social media sites like Facebook and Twitter are leading our industry to new heights. The information available and the response times to lots of the forums and questions are instantaneous. This can only be good for all of us if used properly and responsibly. I have written before about how we as an industry have gone through the pain of the austerity measures imposed on us over recent years. I have continued my survey into the ramifications of these measures and feel that having cut our cloth accordingly we remain in good shape with all of the hard work completed to enjoy the benefits of the growth as it starts to emerge. We now offer better show sites, services and choice than ever before. The Green Deal and CE marking are all small but necessary additions.

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

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