Glass News July 2013 by Christina Shaw

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper ALUMINIUM – PAGE 23

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

TRANSPORT & HANDLING – PAGE 42

Alan Robinson, director of specialist aluminium door and window fabricator, Alumen, advises how to decide on the best aluminium options for your business.

Issue 28 | July 2013

ARCHITECTURAL – PAGE 58

First impressions last - and in most cases your van is your customer’s first impression of you.

Oakland Glass is a high volume insulated glass unit manufacturer, operating from a 35000 square feet factory, which can produce in excess of 9000 IGU’s and 10,000 m2 in-house toughened glass per week.

A company led recovery can

buck the economic trend With half the year gone, and Wimbledon and the British Grand Prix just fading memories, it feels as if we’re rapidly heading for autumn without a real summer, yet again. But we can be forgiven for feeling there are the first signs of optimism for many a long year.

No one will deny that the first quarter was tough with the weather hampering the installation of windows and doors. D&G Consulting’s quarterly window Industry tracker confirmed that, overall, the window and door industry was down in the first quarter by around 4% compared to 2012. The awful weather in the first quarter showed temperatures were well below average for the quarter , as a whole, compared to previous years and previous quarters. Then there was the austerity measures causing consumers to ‘hunker down’ and put off home improvements after the Christmas and New Year spending. Finally completing the misery, the construction industry as a whole saw a contraction of 2.5%. However, there is evidence that the second quarter has perked up and there are positive signs of an improvement. What is clear is that

some companies have found the going tough since the start of the recession. Companies are now keen to maximise their potential with products, markets, customer service, productivity and promotions all on the agenda. But turnover is vanity while profit is sanity; and that profit is the key to survival.

shouldn’t the ‘man in the street’ be informed so they can ensure the products they buy have the required Certificates of Compliance or ‘Rainbow’ energy rating stickers? It seems that many companies are spending good money on

the necessary compliance without seeing any real benefit. Chris Champion, Editor Email Chris: chris@glassnews.co.uk

So, with the night’s drawing in while we wait for the summer that may have already gone, what will happen in the second half of the year and beyond? David Amos of D&G Consulting says: “Forecasts still indicate a performance marginally down on 2012. However, we are confident of a company led industry recovery as successful companies, fed up with waiting for the economy to pickup, are driving their businesses forward.” With forecasts through to 2016 showing small single figure growth the ability to buck the trend with innovative products and marketing, seems key. We might have hoped that the Green Deal would help our industry but recent progress reports from the DECC show the only beneficiaries to date being boiler installers. Indeed a less than scientific survey of family and friends, the odd shop keeper, accountant and local councillor; virtually no one knew anything about the Green Deal and what it might do for them. And more worrying, U Values, WERs or CE Markings didn’t register at all. When regulation is introduced to, presumably, benefit the buying public as well as count towards our quota of carbon reductions,

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TRADE NEWS

Glass News Makes it into Top 20 Most Influential Online! Green Deal Homes have released their latest Top 20 Twitter leader board, which showcases the most influential Twitter users within the double glazing industry. First released in late 2012 the quarterlyupdated list identifies the users most active on Twitter with their overall score based on several combined metrics such as followers, mentions, re-tweets and user engagement.

We want to showcase the leaders in this field which other double glazing and home improvement firms can use as a benchmark and a source of inspiration.”

The purpose of the list is to highlight the most active and influential users to encourage companies within the industry which are less active on Twitter just how important this channel can be to their business to connect with local customers and business contacts, whilst helping build their brand reputation and profile online.

3. Glazingblogger 41

According to a recent Experian/Hitwise study 22% of all time spent online in the UK in 2012 was spent on a social network, making up 13 minutes of every hour online, which highlights the potential and importance of using social media for your business.

9. Peter Doran - Heritage Windows 30

Ian Vaughan a veteran freelance provider of online marketing and web usability services was approached by Green Deal Homes to compile a list of the 20 most influential Twitter users in the double glazing industry. Commenting on the latest findings, Ian Vaughan said:“Twitter is a very important part of a company’s marketing plan. It’s pleasing to see independent glazing firms making the top 20 who may not have large PR/marketing teams alongside large national installers such as Anglian Home Improvements who are currently leading the way. Green Deal homes added “Twitter is becoming such an important communication and marketing channel in the fenestration industry and it’s great to see how it is developing and growing in the industry.

“According to a recent Experian/ Hitwise study 22% of all time spent online in the UK in 2012 was spent on a social network, making up 13 minutes of every hour online, which highlights the potential and importance of using social media for your business.”

Rank & Score 1. Anglian Windows 46 2. Mark Warren 46 4. Glazedale 41 5. GlazingGuru 37 6. NEW Yale Security 35 7. MPN Windows 33 8. Ben Warren - Legacy Windows 32 10. NEW The Glazine 30 11. Finesse Windows 29 12. Classic Windows 29 13. Glass News 29 14. Nick Alum Trade Supply 28 15. Elmhurst Windows 28 16. NEW Spectus Windows 28 17. Fensa 27 18. Roseview Windows 27 19. NEW REHAU Windows 27 20. NigelGrantUPVC 26 http://www.greendeal-homes.com/doubleglazing-twitter-top20.php

About Green Deal Homes Green Deal Homes are a local South Wales company providing customers with a one stop shop for their Green Deal requirements from assessment to installation covering windows and doors to new central heating systems.

The Guardian Plus Technical Centre has proved to be a priceless asset across the Glass and Glazing Industry, providing instant answers to technical enquiries and questions. Based on a keyword search facility, which scans hundreds of technical documents relating to glass and glazing, the Guardian Plus Technical Centre answers even some of the most obscure of technical questions. Taking this further the Guardian Plus Technical Centre provides a PDF download option associated to your enquiry which not only answer the question but can be passed on to customers or consumers alike to help support the position of the Guardian Plus member. Since launching Guardian Plus at the end of last year the Guardian Plus membership has grown with over 850 members and more joining on a daily basis. Guardian have also had over 15,000 unique visitors to the new website with over 8000 documents and technical notes downloaded over the last 8 months. The Guardian Plus Technical Centre is becoming a key tool for any business involved in the glass or glazing industry and it’s free to join.

One of the key features of the Guardian Plus technical centre is the acoustic table which enables customers to get instant acoustic performance certificates for over 470 glass and glazing configurations. The new acoustic table has been very carefully designed and tested by Guardian and Guardian Plus members to ensure it meets the exacting needs of our industry; the result is one of the most useful tools for acoustic calculations available! The table can be filtered to find the acoustic performance or glass / IGU configuration to suit you and your customers needs. As an example; you can search an Rw (db) rating of 38, refine the results in the table to match the most viable selection of glass or IGU configurations and

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http://www.greendeal-homes.com

About Ian Vaughan Ian Vaughan is a veteran web marketer and developer since the early days of the internet in 1995. Now specialising in online marketing for the double glazing industry covering – SEO, PPC, Website Conversions, Usability and Social Media – providing consultancy and managing online marketing strategies for forward thinking double glazing businesses.

Follow him on Twitter @ian_vaughan or visit his website at http://www.idvaughan.co.uk 0713-0002

Free acoustic calculator attracts hundreds of new members to Guardian Plus

July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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then print the results on the page. You can then associate a price to each unit option which meets the required acoustic performance and once your customer has made a decision on the right unit and price, print the certificate for that configuration and send it to your customer, all in a matter of minutes! There are many other ways to use the acoustic table to suit your business needs, but the best way by far is to try it yourself! Join Guardian Plus today and see how the Technical Centre and other Guardian Plus benefits can help streamline your business. Visitwww.guardianglass. co.uk and select Guardian Plus for more details and to join the programme.

GLASS NEWS WELCOMES CHRIS CHAMPION, AS EDITOR With some 48 years racked up in his working life, Chris Champion retired from his latest incarnation at the end of April. Having been at Distinction Doors since 2007 when he was taken on as a consultant to manage Distinction’s appearance at the Glassex Exhibition, he has worked in marketing and sales for the company. He’s got his hands dirty in technical sales and fit ups with fabricators all over the UK, and only slightly less dirty writing articles, press releases and newsletters, as well as presenting and speaking at a variety of customer and supplier conferences and meetings. In fact Chris’ career has been all about communication

June Winners! Sudoku: Sharon Bennett, Clacton on Sea Crossword: Peter Davies, Ruthin Spot The Difference: Nick Dixon, Stockport Eye Spy: G Robertson, Ivybridge

and his joining Glass News is an extension of that experience. From his early days as an auctioneer in the West Country to presenting the Miss Great Britain competiton for a number of years; and from building an e-commerce website on Tomorrow’s World, to appearing on television and radio in a variety of countries; whether in travel and tourism, raising money for management buy-ins and buy-outs, software development or door sales, communication has been the one common denominator. He has been, and still is, a voiceover artist for TV and Radio ads as well as corporate and sales videos. As a presenter and moderator he has ‘performed’ at national and international conferences - he even has a series of DVDs still on sale in WH Smith! So with a communication background, plus knowledge of the Glass, Window and

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

CONTENTS

Door industry, we welcome Chris to Glass News as its new editor. “It’s an exciting yet daunting prospect ,” said Chris, “but I’m looking forward to widening my knowledge of the industry and its products and services, renewing some friendships and acquaintances, and meeting a lot of new and interesting people.” “This is an industry that, like many others, has been affected by the economic downturn. It has survived and, although a little leaner in many respects, is in a good position to benefit from the recovery that we are promised. All our trade magazines including Glass News, the trade’s only monthly newspaper, want to encourage growth and prosperity and where possible influence trade bodies and government departments to assist our industry in its future success. Glass News is a significant player amongst the trade journals and with its growth in stature and extent... regularly in excess of 90 pages.... it has increased its personnel with Sheilah joining as Features Editor and now me, as the latest recruit. We all look forward to bringing you the trade news and helping promote your businesses and products to a wider audience.” Christina Shaw, Owner & Publisher of Glass News, comments: “I feel extremely

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4 Trade News

68 Software & IT

23 Aluminium

72 CE Marking

24 Bolton 2 Bolton Charity Bike Ride

75 Product News

28 Trade Counter Partnership

79 Glass People

30 Conservatories 34 Windows 42 Transport & Handling 44 Focus On Installers 51 New Products

lucky that Chris has decided to take on the role of Editor. Chris and I have known each other for a number of years, and when I heard he was retiring, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to offer Chris the odd editorial assignment. Having spoken at length over the last few months, it became apparent that Chris would be ideally placed as Editor, and there you have it. People who already know Chris will understand completely that this position is perfect for him, and a real coup for Glass News. Welcome on board Mr Champion!” If you have comment, news, or an opinion that needs airing, contact Chris on 07850 267223 or email chris@glassnews.co.uk.

Chris Got Something To Say? Email Chris at: chris@glassnews.co.uk

54 Doors 58 Architectural 60 Ask The Expert: Hardware & Accessories

76 Recruitment 81 Dinner Date 82 Machinery 84 Ask Jim! 86 Monthly Horoscopes 87 Comment Piece 88 Time Out! 89 The Basman 90 Find A Supplier

Contact details Publisher & Owner: Christina Shaw E: christina@glassnews.co.uk T: 01302 759096 M: 07805 051322 Advertising Enquiries: Christina Shaw E: christina@glassnews.co.uk T: 01302 759096 M: 07805 051322 Editor Chris Champion E: chris@glassnews.co.uk Features Editor Sheilah Reed E: sheilah@glassnews.co.uk T: 0114 2885988 M: 07880 990144 Trade Counter Distribution Department Roz Worgan E: roz@glassnews.co.uk Graphic Design: hook-a-duck Deadline for copy: 28th of each month

With thanks to our contributors: Double Glazing Blogger, Danny Basden, John Warren for Emplas, Grimwood Associates for Sika Roof Assured, Green Deal Homes, Pearl Window Systems. 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.

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July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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TRADE NEWS

Consumers best VEKA says cheers REHAU BACK AT to long-standing FIT SHOW IN 2014 protected by written contracts customers He was recently presented with a signed Celtic shirt to mark his 25th Anniversary with VEKA, and now Sales and Marketing Director Colin Torley has been presenting some of the company’s long-standing customers with gifts to mark their own 25 years. Colin travelled to Bower in Caithness to present the team at Norscot Joinery Ltd, and then to Stockport-based Force 8, with a personalised gift of cut glasses and a decanter for 25 year celebrations. As Colin explains, Scottish fabricator Norscot Joinery, which was established in 1984, has been trading with VEKA since 1988: “Norscot has been one of VEKA’s largest customers north of the border for 25 years, and we have a great respect for them. Just as VEKA has evolved over the years, Norscot has done the same, and we are thrilled to be marking a quarter century partnership with them.” In Stockport, Colin presented Force 8 MD Dennis Sumner with the gift. The composite door specialist is commemorating its 25th year in business this year, coming from humble beginnings in 1988. Now supplying customers nationwide and across Europe, Dennis says: “We are thrilled to be presented with

this token gift for our 25th Anniversary, it is a massive achievement for us, and to be recognised for that from VEKA is fantastic.” Colin concludes: “It is refreshing to see companies that have stood the test of time in this ever-changing industry, and such an occasion should be shouted about. VEKA has been established for almost as long as PVC-U has existed as a building product, with a heritage stretching all the way back to 1969, and it remains family-owned to this day. This year has seen some fantastic business achievements not just for us, but our customers too, and we wanted to say thank you to those customers, by recognising such momentous milestones.”

REHAU’s success at this year’s FIT show has prompted it to rebook for 2014 – retaining both its premium stand position and its exclusive sponsorship of the bar and café areas.

Wolfgang Gorner, Business Unit Director at REHAU Window Division, said: “Like the vast majority of exhibitors at the FIT show in April, we felt that it was an overwhelming success. We were delighted with the overall event and particularly the response we got from visitors. We had customers queuing up to join the new REHAU RELATION reward scheme we launched on our stand and it gave us the perfect platform to showcase all our latest new product and service innovations to both existing and potential customers “Since the show, we’ve analysed the feedback and enquiries we received and we feel it definitely justifies our investment for a second time. “I think it’s particularly important that the big names in the industry back the show once again so that it has the chance to become an established fixture in the fenestration calendar and the industry gets back the dedicated event which I think it deserves. “The organisers did a great job and we’re certainly backing them for 2014.” Customers can stay updated with all REHAU’s trade news via the new website at www.rehautrade.co.uk.

www.vekauk.com

“VEKA has been established for almost as long as PVC-U has existed as a building product, with a heritage stretching all the way back to 1969, and it remains familyowned to this day.”

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Brian Berry, the Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “The Government is right to want to increase protection for consumers against rogue traders and to ensure they are better informed about their rights. However, the idea that consumers will be willing and able to record verbal agreements on their iPhones is misplaced.”

rights is almost impossible if something goes wrong on a home renovation or repair project. Consumers should always draw up a written contract with their builder and agree a payment plan to suit both parties in advance of work starting. Template contracts written in plain English can be downloaded by anyone for free from the Federation of Master Builders’ website.” Berry concluded: “If the Government really wants to tackle rogue traders, it should cut the rate of VAT on all housing renovation or repair work.”

“The best way for consumers wanting to protect themselves when commissioning home improvement or repair work is to insist on a written contract.”

“This will help reduce the number of firms who are offering a cheap deal that comes without a proper contract or any kind of paper trail, and level the playing field for those professional builders who want to do things above board.”

“This simple requirement will weed out the cowboys from the professional builders.”

The FMB also organises the Nail the Rogues campaign, in conjunction with Trading Standards.

Berry continued: “Without a written contract or any kind of paperwork, the enforcement of consumer

For more details and to request an information pack, please visit www.nailtherogues.org.uk.

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GLAZERITE CUSTOMERS BET ON ANOTHER GREAT

RACE NIGHT

Now an annual event in its 6th consecutive year the Glazerite Race Evening took place at the end of May with a full house of more than 160 guests.

L-R Norscot’s Jason Fraser, Callum Grant, Ian Body, Colin Torley, John Paul Body.

Written contracts for building work is the best option for consumers wanting to protect themselves from unscrupulous tradesmen, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to the publication of the Draft Consumer Rights Bill.

Although the Towcester weather disappointed, guests were determined not to let anything get in the way of the event and betting and refreshments flowed in equal measure. Glazerite sponsored the whole meeting with guests The KJM Group and Temple

Glazing Products winning the opportunity to have a race named after them, with another supported by Network Veka. Resultant TV, press and off-track bookie coverage resulted in all brands being promoted in front of more than 750,000 race fans. However, publicity was not the primary purpose of the event: “The Towcester Race Day is our way of saying thank you to our customers,” said Glazerite director Jason Thompson. “A lot of

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July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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Anthony Cahill, Amy Cahill, Andrew Snart, Amy Donning from City Glass (Manchester) Company Limited were amongst 160 guests at this years Glazerite Race Evening which took place at a very soggy Towcester Race Course.

companies have cut back on events such as this but we feel it is vital to let our customers know how much we appreciate the business and that they are not taken for granted.” www.glazeritewindows.co.uk

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July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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TRADE NEWS

VEKA welcomes SMART staff from around the world The industry-leading VEKA UK Group recently welcomed representatives from VEKA sites around the globe, including the USA, Brazil, China, Russia, Spain, Poland and Germany.

is the world-leader in the extrusion of PVC-U window profile systems, and twice a year we meet with our counterparts from around the globe to share learning in extrusion, lamination and mixing plant technology.”

All the visitors, Heads of Manufacturing at the VEKA plant in their country, visited the 400,000 sq ft Burnley factory, and looked around the extrusion lines and construction of the new mixing plant technology, which is due to be completed soon.

“One of our annual meetings is held at VEKA AG in Sendenhorst and, for the second, one of the daughter companies is chosen. Last year we were in France and next year we will travel to the USA.”

Adrian Lord, Head of Production for The VEKA UK Group explains: “The worldwide VEKA Group

“This year is the turn of the UK and we were extremely proud to show them around our site, which will soon feature the most advanced mixing plant in the UK. We

GLAZERITE GANG CELEBRATE BIGGEST EVER GRAND SLAM IN NETWORK VEKA AWARDS Glazerite installers are celebrating scooping more awards and trophies at this year’s prestigious Network VEKA awards. The Heads of Manufacturing from VEKA factories across the globe visited the UK site in Burnley.

were also keen to share with our colleagues the energysaving measures we have implemented across our extrusion area, which has saved a massive 2200 tonnes of carbon over the last few years.” “The VEKA UK Group has always remained at the forefront of environmental issues, so these twiceyearly meetings are highly

valued as they allow us to share energy-saving practices which can then be implemented at VEKA sites across the globe.” The VEKA UK Group's MD Dave Jones was in also in attendance, as was Pete Eatough, VEKA's Quality and Engineering Manager. Tel: 01282 716611 www.vekauk.com

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REHAU REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO IRISH MARKET REHAU staged two seminars in Dublin and Cork recently as it took to the road to reaffirm its commitment to the Irish market. The company, which is the leading systems brand in Ireland, hosted seminars to showcase both its 60mm and 70mm product ranges and to give fabricators and installers useful, practical advice on both WERs and CE Marking. More than 30 fabricators and installers attended the event in Dublin, with a mix of existing and potential customers coming along to meet with REHAU’s sales, product development and technical services teams.

At Cork, there were 25 existing and potential customers, all of whom took the opportunity to see demonstrations of the new REHAU CE Marking tool on the website at www. rehauanswers.com ahead of the deadline for CE marking on 1 July. Among the customers attending in Cork was long established trade fabricator Jim O’Mahoney of Kratos Windows who said: “The seminar was a great opportunity to see some of the new REHAU products which I hadn’t seen before and to meet some new faces. It was good to see REHAU

Customers at the recent roadshow in Dublin.

Glazerite Windows Director Jason Thompson said after the ceremony: “They all performed superbly well; we are very proud of them – and proud of our own support that has helped them to get where they are. “When we agreed to sponsor the pre-dinner champagne at the event, we never realised we would have so much to celebrate.”

Roadshow in Dublin.

doing something new in Ireland and it was certainly a worthwhile investment of a day’s time.”

out on the road at the end of last year, we received a really positive response from customers across the UK.”

Darragh Kane, director of DK Windows and Doors who went to the Dublin event was equally enthusiastic: “I have been buying REHAU profiles for several years and am a loyal customer. What this event helped to do was reinforce to me the fact that I am buying the right profiles and that I have chosen the right partner for my business.”

“We wanted to share that with our customers in Ireland as well and to give them the chance to find out a bit more about the technical, product and sales support services REHAU offers.

Chris Tudgay, Business Team Manager at REHAU Window Division who presented REHAU’s product range at the seminars, said: “When we first took our seminars

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They not only took ten of the 30 Regional Award finalist slots and four out of the ten Regional Trophies in the prestigious annual awards but also accounted for three of only seven members to be enrolled in this year’s coveted 100% Club and one of only two winners in the organisation’s newlyestablished brand promotion awards. They also accounted for all three of the finalist positions in one of the regions and two of the three in two others.

“Both Declan Coulter and Nicola Kane from our Dublin sales office were on hand to meet with customers, put fabricators and installers in touch with one another and talk about how they can best use REHAU to exploit new opportunities as the market in Ireland starts to recover.”

And he added: “The champagne did however give us the chance to show our respect for all the other winners at the event.

In the newly-established category of ‘Embracing and Promoting the Network VEKA Brand,’ Shane Howells won the trophy for the South. Ledburybased Howells also took the regional prize for Central England alongside Goliath Homeworld of Cannock for the Midlands, Nottinghambased Trent Valley Windows for Eastern England and the KJM Group of Andover for the South East. As well as the four, the other Glazerite finalists were The Window Shop, Wellingborough; Halls Property Services, Norfolk; Prestige Glazing Services, Bedford; Barrett’s Glass & Window Centre, Dorchester; Mews Windows, Great Wyreley and Gardinia (West Wales) of Narberth. More than 170 delegates and guests attended this year’s Network VEKA AGM and Annual Awards, held at the St John’s Hotel, Solihull. www.glazeritewindows.co.uk

KJM Group were amongst several Glazerite installers that won awards at the recent Network Veka AGM. Seen here are KJM’s Dan Legg (l) and Paul Ginger with Network Veka’s John Ogilvie.

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July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Network VEKA sets high standards – not only at the awards but in its members’ everyday work – so every one of the winners deserves congratulation and we were happy for them all to have a drink on us.”

www.glassnews.co.uk

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July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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TRADE NEWS

Guardian celebrations

a resounding success

Guardian’s triple anniversary event saw all areas of the glass and glazing industry come together to celebrate Guardian’s 10th year as a UK float glass manufacturer, the 5th year of their state of the art laminating line and the launch of their magnetron sputter coater which has been in production since September last year. The who’s who of the industry attended the event from large well know distributors to national window companies and smaller businesses, there were popular faces from the trade press and trade associations, as well as well known editors from the trade magazines, along with architects and specifiers from around the country. Professionals from our industry travelled far and wide to attend the event and celebrate with Guardian. It was clear to all of those attending that Guardian’s presence in the UK market is well supported by all areas of our industry. Scott Thomsen – President of Guardian’s Global Flat Glass Division gave the keynote speech for the event, talking about the industry on a global scale and explaining his idea’s and views on innovation and adding value to the flat glass products so intrinsic to our businesses. Scott then went into some detail about Guardian’s new magnetron glass coater and how vacuum sputter coaters offer the pinnacle of modern glass coating technology and represent the future for all new flat glass coatings. Scott finished by explaining how Guardian has always worked to support the independent glass & glazing industry and the mutual benefits of working closely together as a long term strategy to help both our business and our customer’s businesses grow. Scott stated “We know that our success is based on your success. We are doing what we can to help you grow your business and we know the benefits are mutual. We keep our eyes on that fact.” Scott then reminded us of something Bill Davidson had said when Guardian’s UK plant was opened, “Bill Davidson, our late founder and CEO, told you back when we opened the UK plant that we are the independent supplier serving the independent customers. We reminded you of that pledge when we met five years ago and launched the Lami line and the Glass Room. We continue that commitment to you today”.

grown over the last 10 years, he talked about the hurdles Guardian had to leap to establish itself in the UK and the mutual support between Guardian and the independent businesses around the UK and Ireland. Mark finished by looking to the present and the future, talking about Guardian Glass UK’s magnetron glass coater and its most recent innovation – Guardian Plus and how it has taken Guardian’s long term “best in service” approach to the next level by providing an unparalleled system of industry support both technically and from a sales and service perspective. Mark stated “The success to date of Guardian Plus has exceeded our expectations. Already we have over 850 Guardian Plus Members. Over 12,000 unique visitors have now visited the site and more than 8000 pieces of literature, technical data and specification tools have been downloaded.” Both Scott Thomsen and Mark Bristow’s speeches were warmly received and set the scene well for the cutting of the ribbon when the coater was officially opened by Scott. After lunch tours set off all around the vast float glass plant, visiting the facilities with detailed explanations of all the equipment and machinery required to service the UK market. Finally the day was concluded with a tour of the Glass Room and Guardian’s Innovation room which presented new products launched by Guardian alongside older, popular products which have carried the test of time. Guardian’s SunGuard EC was on display showing advanced electrochromic technology, as well as other new products such as ClimaGuard Dry – Anti External Condensation Glass, which may not be the product for today, but is sure to be a product for the future as more highly efficient IGU’s and triple glazing become common place in the market! All in all the day was a resounding success and well received by all those that attended. www.guardianglass.co.uk

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Camden Boxframe gains Grade 2 approval from Camden Council, with a little help from Edgetech When joinery specialist Camden Boxframe was awarded the task by Camden Council via an architect of fitting new double glazed sashes and frames into a Grade 2 listed property they were only too aware of the pitfalls that such a project can involve, having built strong relationships with Camden Council directly, as well as building contractors, housing associations and private customers over their 17 years of trading. The company’s challenge was to ensure the installation of new double glazed, energy efficient windows, which are in keeping with the rest of the building & the surrounding area and so the sashes and frames had to perfectly match the original windows. They achieved this with the aid

of Super Spacer in white from Edgetech, a Quanex company, and the installation has become the first of its kind to gain approval from Camden Council. Calvin Stroud, Managing Director of Camden Boxframe and Calvin’s Mill Ltd explains: “Grade 2 listed properties are notorious for their strict requirements in terms of keeping with the original feel of the building, so it is great that there is such an effective warm edge spacer option which can be used for projects of this nature. We are

Alan Fielder, Director of Sales and Marketing at Edgetech adds: “We are delighted that Super Spacer has helped Camden Boxframe achieve the first approval from Camden Council for a Grade 2 listed building. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Camden and firmly believe that this approval will be the first of many.” 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 Camden Boxframe call 0207 284 4401 or visit: www.camdenboxframe.co.uk.

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‘Business of the year’ award for The VEKA UK Group There were celebrations all round as The VEKA UK Group scooped the Business of the Year Award at the Burnley Business Awards recently. Held at the historic Townley Hall, The Burnley Business Awards is an evening of pride, celebration, glitz and glamour that acknowledges and rewards the achievements of its local businesses and individuals. As The VEKA UK Group's MD Dave Jones explains, the team are thrilled to be presented with the award: “Our win for Business of the Year is a fantastic accolade, and we are elated to have been recognised for our hard work by our home town, of which we are unequivocally proud.” VEKA has been a huge part of its area's manufacturing heritage for more than 25 years, and during 2011, following the acquisition of the £58M Bowater Building Projects, Burnley became home to the UK's largest systems manufacturer.

a turnover annually in excess of £85 Million. Since the beginning, VEKA has continually invested in its people, plant and products, and we are currently partway through an ambitious £10M investment programme, which we believe will essentially future-proof our business and allow us to have total control of the raw materials which go into our products. This programme includes the build of a new £4M mixing plant and our recently opened new Quality Control lab.” “We are extremely proud of what we do at VEKA, and can only achieve the results we do thanks to the unwavering commitment of our staff – many of whom have been with us right from the very beginning, with the vast majority coming from Burnley itself and the surrounding area.” Tel: 01282 716611 – www.vekauk.com

Dave continues: “The acquisition deal was an exciting event during a great year for VEKA; in May 2011 we celebrated our 25th anniversary of manufacturing in the UK, and we are now known as The VEKA UK Group, with 0713-0017

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pleased to announce that this was the first double glazed installation into a Grade 2 listed building to be approved by Camden Council.”

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TRADE NEWS Deceuninck Vice Chairman Arnold Deceuninck approves plan for Deceuninck’s UK growth Arnold Deceuninck, Vice Chairman of Deceuninck nv, visited the UK this week to meet Roy Frost, the new UK Managing Director. The visit took place shortly after Roy’s plan for growth in the UK was approved by the main board and a significant investment to help achieve it was signed off, so it was the perfect opportunity for Roy to take Arnold through it in more detail. The ambitious strategy has been designed to double market share within the next four years. “It was great to meet Arnold and take him through the strategy and plan. I was delighted to see he was as excited by them as I am,” said Roy. “I can’t go into too much detail at present, but I can say they are designed to help our fabricator and installer customers grow, as well as attract disillusioned fabricators and installers who want to work with a systems partner who can help them increase sales.”

It’s been seven difficult years since Arnold’s last visit, and succeeding in today’s market is harder than ever for fabricators, installers and systems companies. Deceuninck recognises how difficult the market is now, and we’ve already made a lot of changes in the UK to help customers compete more effectively and grow. Roy Frost plans to take those changes to the next level in the UK market and make Deceuninck a formidable systems company partner. “If there are any frustrated fabricators reading this who believe they have the potential to double their own sales and are being held back by their systems suppliers’ attitudes or problems, call me on 07808 365234 today.” Tel: 01249 816969 – www.deceuninck.co.uk

He added, “We have some great products, and we have more in the pipeline. My background with Everest means I know about generating leads and selling to homeowners and I want Deceuninck to be a company that helps businesses reach their full potential, no matter what the state of the market.” 0713-0018

FIT Show scoops major award FIT Events, the powerhouse behind this year’s inaugural FIT Show, recently beat some of the most experienced exhibition organisers to scoop the prestigious Best Trade Launch Show at the AEO Excellence Awards 2013, which took place on 21 June at beautiful Old Billingsgate, on the River Thames, London. Announcing the winner, the judges said: “This launch really had a personal feel to it, which brought the industry along with it. It also had to restart an industry that had got used to not exhibiting – no small feat in today’s climate. A gritty and hugely engaging approach that was expertly executed.” The Best Trade Launch Show is designed to showcase new trade shows that have exceeded expectations and staked a strong claim in their chosen market. The judges were looking for innovation, strong exhibitor and visitor support, and the long-term potential of the event. FIT Events were shortlisted alongside big names such as Cantaur Exhibitions, i2i Events Group, and UBM Live.

some serious players in the sector. But to win – we can’t believe it! While we will treasure this award, the real measure of our success was the 6,000 industry leaders who took time out of their busy schedules to visit the show.” The FIT Show organisers have confirmed that over 50% of exhibition space for 2014 is already occupied – a full year ahead of its hosting – confirming that there is definitely long-term potential in the event. The glittering awards ceremony was hosted by comedian Mark Dolan and was a complete sell out. Guests enjoyed a drinks reception on the Terrace at Old BIllingsgate followed by fine dining and first class entertainment from Nina Conti. 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.

“This is a fantastic recognition of all the hard work that our dedicated team have put into hosting this year’s FIT Show,” Paul Godwin, FIT Events managing director, said. “To be honest, simply being shortlisted was enough for us – we knew that we were coming up against

Buy With Confidence Approved Installer Status Awarded To Surrey Double Glazing Company With many homeowners throughout the UK seeking to improve their homes with replacement windows and doors, choosing the right double glazing supplier has often proved to be a difficult decision. With horror stories ranging from ‘cowboy builders’ and aggressive sales tactics to companies going bust and therefore unable to honour their product guarantees, it’s easy to see why making the right choice when it comes to choosing an installation company is so vital; delivering a much-needed solution to homeowners is the ‘Buy With Confidence’ Scheme. The ‘Buy With Confidence’ Scheme was launched in 1999 by Hampshire Trading Standards in response to concerns regarding product and installation quality and a subsequent crack down on so-called ‘rouge traders’; following its success in the Hampshire region the scheme has continued to grow, with over 50 local authorities now participating and it is rapidly becoming the Approved Trader scheme of choice in the UK. hilst there are many ‘assured’ home improvement trader schemes in operation none of them offer the independence, impartiality and reassurance to the consumer of a scheme approved and backed by Trading Standards. Each business that applies for membership is thoroughly vetted and subject to a visit by Trading Standards to check that their business complies with relevant legislation and to ensure that they operate in a legal, honest and fair way.

Those applicants who meet the strict membership criteria and are awarded ‘approved status’ all comply with the following: • Member companies are all fully audited by a Trading Standards Officer to ensure they trade in a legal, honest and fair way • All staff who visit your home have passed a criminal records (CRB) check • All members are properly insured • Advice and help from Trading Standards Officers should any issues arise • Complete peace of mind that the member is competent, experienced and skilled to do the job • Clear pricing with no hidden extras One of the most recent companies to have passed this strict vetting process and be awarded ‘Approved’ Buy With Confidence status is double glazing company Three Counties Ltd (http:// www.threecountiesltd.co.uk) of Camberley, Surrey. With over 20 years’ experience installing quality uPVC, timber and aluminium double glazing replacement windows and doors throughout Surrey, Berkshire and Hampshire, Three Counties Ltd are a true local success story. Simon Claxton, Founder and MD of Three Counties Ltd, comments “We’re thrilled to have been awarded Buy With Confidence status; it’s an increasingly popular and more widely recognised scheme and offers genuine reassurance and protection for the consumer.”

“We pride ourselves on operating a completely open and honest pricing policy and have always placed customer satisfaction at the very centre of our business ethos and this scheme underlines our ongoing commitment to product quality, service and customer satisfaction.” Supplying a comprehensive range of double glazing home improvement solutions, ranging from casement and sash windows to bi-folding, stable and composite doors, Three Counties Ltd have recently added ultimate compliment their product offering. Installing market leading double glazing across Surrey, Berkshire and Hampshire, each of their energy rated, high security products are individually tailor-made to order and are available in a huge range of colours, wood effect finishes and decorative glazing options, each designed to truly transform and add value to your home. Each product is backed by a comprehensive guarantee for year-after-year peace of mind. To further support Three Counties Ltd’s policy of fair, honest and open pricing they have recently invested in a double glazing price calculator (http://www. threecountiesltd.co.uk/ Instant-Online-Quote.aspx) available on their website for homeowners to instantly obtain a guide price for their windows, doors and even conservatories, all from the comfort of their own home!

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TRADE NEWS

REHAU RELATION

MOVE FOR AN IMPROVED PATIOMASTER

SCHEME PROVES POPULAR REHAU says that it is delighted with the response so far to its launch of the REHAU RELATION customer reward scheme.

PatioMaster Midlands, part of the UK’s leading network of patio door manufacturers, has moved into more modern premises, after an increase in demand for their market-leading in-line sliding patio doors. One of eleven dealers in the PatioMaster network spanning the UK, Patiomaster Midlands has been supplying locally from its Kidderminster branch on Wilden Lane, Stourport-on-Severn, since the PatioMaster brand began thirteen years ago. After an increase in output of nearly 10% compared to the previous year, PatioMaster Midlands has invested in more equipment – including a Stuga Ecoline to speed up the manufacturing process with its sawing and machining capabilities – to cope with the increase in demand. The company has also employed four more personnel, who are being trained to specialise in fabrication. Mark Morton, Operations Manager for Patiomaster Midlands, said: “Following a general increase in orders – no doubt thanks to the trend of ‘improving, not moving’ – we felt it was time to expand our capabilities, so that we can continue to offer our customers the same high quality and service that they have come to rely on.

The PatioMaster Staff at its new premises in Stourport-on-Severn.

“It’s been great to take advantage of our increased demand by reinvesting back into the company, and especially into the training of new personnel. In training up our next generation of skilled fabricators, we should be able to continue to deliver our highly personalised and reliable local service, with the back-up of being part of a trusted national name. And judging by the number of leads that came out of our recent appearance at the FIT Show, we’ll be glad of this investment in the coming months!” The PatioMaster range offers fabricators and installers a complete proven package of design choice, advanced security features and energy efficiency accreditations. The range of patio doors is easy to install and operate, all supported by a network of 11 regional manufacturers offering national coverage. Tel: 0800 178 3370 – www.patiomaster.co.uk

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VAT cut can succeed

where Green Deal is failing Reducing VAT to 5 per cent on energy efficiency improvement work would help more households than Green Deal finance can, said the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to the latest statistics from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC). 38,259 Green Deal assessments have been carried out, but only four Green Deal plans have so far been signed. Research commissioned by the FMB shows cutting VAT to 5 percent on energy-efficient glazing and boiler replacements could result in an additional 57,668 households with both measures installed by 2020. Brian Berry, the Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “These latest Green Deal statistics show the scheme is attracting some interest. However, there are disappointingly few households actually using Green Deal finance to pay for the work.” Berry continued: “Green Deal finance was supposed to bring about a dramatic increase

in the number of people improving the energy efficiency of their property by removing the upfront cost, but the complexity of the scheme and the high interest rate is severely limiting the number of households that see the Green Deal as relevant. Instead reducing VAT on energy-efficiency improvement work would create a real incentive and allow small, local firms to carry out the work, which they are currently struggling to win under the Green Deal.”

The REHAU RELATION scheme is designed exclusively for customers who buy REHAU profile and is REHAU’s way of saying Thank you for their business and for being part of the REHAU family. Members who sign up to REHAU RELATION receive a card which they can use in stores or online to access discounts and special offers from local and national retailers, restaurants and leisure outlets. Big name High Street retailers such as Boots, Costa, Sports Direct and Tesco are all signed up to the scheme, along with online specialists such as Amazon and Expedia.

“Customers can use it to buy discounted gift vouchers, they can get cashback deals from items they order online or they can take advantage of special offers and secret sales exclusive to members.” “They can also use the card to get discounts at lots of independent local retailers and restaurants so that they can make the most of the scheme no matter where they live. They receive a booklet with their card so that they can see the sorts of offers available in their area and they can even sign up to receive weekly emails with updates and exclusive deals.” Richard Barlow, a Director at trade fabricator UK Window Systems, has already received his own REHAU RELATION membership card and is so impressed with the benefits on offer that he is organising an Open Day at his Stoke on Trent premises shortly to promote the scheme to his installers.

Run and managed by one of the UK’s largest and most established loyalty card providers, it is a simple discount scheme which allows customers to save money on the things that they and their families buy every day.

He says: “We can certainly see the potential of using the REHAU RELATION scheme as an incentive for our customers. We’ll be encouraging them to sign up and take advantage of the rewards for themselves – it’s simple, free and very easy to use.”

“Big name High Street retailers such as Boots, Costa, Sports Direct and Tesco are all signed up to the scheme, along with online specialists such as Amazon and Expedia.”

REHAU RELATION is open to any fabricator or installer who can demonstrate that they buy REHAU profile. REHAU is reassuring all its customers that there is still plenty of time to sign up to the scheme and to get hold of a personalised card. Full details are on the new dedicated trade website at www.REHAUtrade.co.uk/relation.

Berry concluded: “Government is doing its best to portray the Green Deal as a success, but it’s now time for honest debate on how to inspire greater uptake of energy-efficiency improvement work in order to cut carbon emissions and protect households against rising energy prices. We need to see a range of fiscal incentives to stimulate a long-term increase in demand for this type of work, including a targeted VAT cut and a reduction in Stamp Duty Land Tax for the most energyefficient properties.”

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More than 100 customers registered for details when it was launched at the FIT show amid REHAU’s popular Meet the Family campaign, and the response since then has been so positive that over 100 fabricators and installers have already been issued with their personalised membership cards.

Wolfgang Gorner, Business Unit Director at REHAU Window Division, said: “The great thing about REHAU RELATION is that there is something for everyone.”

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TRADE NEWS

Construction SMEs are failing to win 9 out of 10 public sector contracts More than 40% of construction SMEs are failing to win nine out of ten public sector contracts and over half have seen their success rate fall when bidding for public sector work over the past five years, according to a new report by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Improving public procurement for construction SMEs’ examines the barriers facing small construction firms when attempting to engage with the public sector procurement process, and outlines a series of recommendations to

tackle the problems. These include requiring all public sector clients to: use PAS 91as the basis for their construction pre-qualification questionnaires; review the limitations they impose when assessing the financial viability of SMEs attempting to get on to a framework; and use their regional on-line portals to advertise opportunities to buyers. Cabinet Office Minister Chloe Smith MP gave the keynote speech at today’s launch event in the House of Commons, attended by MPs, Peers, local government representatives and FMB members. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “Public sector construction contracts are worth more than £37bn per year – almost 40% of all construction output – so it is vital that SMEs are able to win their fair share of this work.” “The economic and environmental arguments for procuring with small

“At the heart of this, councils are ensuring that they are open for business, in particular working with SMEs and local suppliers.” local businesses are widely accepted, so now it’s a case of finding ways to increase this type of procurement.” Berry continued: “Our report highlights a number of barriers that are preventing construction SMEs from winning public sector contracts, and proposes a range of sensible and achievable recommendations for how these can be overcome.” “Although some parts of the public sector are good at engaging with construction SMEs, others are not and our report shines a light on best-practice in the hope that it will improve performance right across the public sector.” Berry concluded: “I’m delighted the FMB is working with the Cabinet Office and the Local Government Association on these important issues, as it will take a co-ordinated and collaborative effort by both government and industry to improve the public procurement process for construction SMEs.”

Fleming continued: “At the heart of this, councils are ensuring that they are open for business, in particular working with SMEs and local suppliers to make it easier for them to bid successfully for public contracts on everything from building houses to caring for the elderly. Indeed, many councils from all over the country now award more than half their contracts to small and medium-sized UK businesses.”

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Fleming concluded: “But with council funding being cut by more than a third by central government, there is simply less work around, particularly in the construction sector.” “The LGA is therefore working with the FMB to highlight local authorities that have streamlined their procurement practices or introduced support for local suppliers and using these examples to promote best practice across the sector and help level the playing field as much as possible for SMEs.”

Cabinet Office Minister Chloe Smith MP addresses attendees at the launch of the FMB’s report in the House of Commons.

Cllr Peter Fleming, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Improvement and Innovation Board, said: “Councils have a vital role to play in driving economic growth, helping to create the right infrastructure and environment for local businesses to succeed.” 0713-0024

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TRADE NEWS

Network VEKA AGM report 2013

Members shown how to take the spotlight

This year's Network VEKA AGM was another great success, with delegates travelling from every corner of the UK to attend the event at St John's Hotel in Solihull. The whole AGM had a 'Hollywood' theme, as the evening awards and dinner dance encouraged guests to dress to impress for 'A Night at the Movies' and the day's conference explained why Network VEKA surely deserves the accolade of 'Best Supporting Role' for all the marketing assistance on offer. The afternoon's conference focussed on addressing changing consumer buying habits, with speakers highlighting the wide variety of new online marketing opportunities available to members. In the spirit of modern marketing practices - the event was tweeted live throughout the day. The AGM was compered once again by John Meredith and his own brand of tongue in cheek humour.

Getting personal Trevor Hind from Network VEKA's longserving marketing agency, The Image Works, spoke to the membership about the cost-effective merits of 'organic' Search Engine Optimisation before showcasing the impressive Network VEKA Marketing Portal. Trevor explained: “Network VEKA's Marketing Portal offers member companies the chance to personalise a wide range of professionally-designed marketing materials – all at the click of a button.” “Members can simply log in to view everything from adverts and posters, to mailers and brochures and then personalise these items to suit their company. All the items already feature their individual details and logo – and they can then add any extra details that they wish, such as special offers or other company-specific information.” “It's an extremely cost-effective solution which ensures that marketing is consistent and professional and - as Network VEKA has commissioned the design and copywriting already - there's only the printing and postage costs left to pay.”

way to boost your web traffic and get your business to rank highly on the major search engines.

Hollywood glamour was the order of the day.

explained how these online tools can be implemented to make sure that very member company is getting the most from their website and converting more online visits into sales. “There are a number of features to choose from and members can decide whether to go for the 'full package' including a complete new website, or simply pick and choose the pages that will best serve their existing site. Pages include: A Price Engine, Feedback Generator, Showcase Page, Discount Voucher Engine and Control Panel to edit and manage all the various features.” “These simple-to-use tools have been designed to help Network VEKA members establish a stronger web presence and get more out of every possible sales opportunity online. The idea is that by combining these tools with your existing advertising and PR, you can turn more web traffic into quality sales leads.” www.networkvekatools.co.uk John also made the exiting announcement that The VEKA UK Group's online 'Design a Door' facility is being made available - free of charge - for use on the websites of those members that carry the Bowater composite door range. www.frontdoors.uk.com

A social occasion Next up, independent speakers discussed social media with the AGM attendees, with a particular focus on Google+ and how a combination of social media activity and a 'pay per click' approach can be a very useful

John Ogilvie rounded off the afternoon's AGM with a rousing speech encouraging the membership to take advantage of all the online services on offer from Network VEKA. “In a changing, modern market - modern practices must be adopted in order to stay ahead of the game. Cumulative sales for the Network have already reached £770million and I'm looking forward to seeing the installation that takes us over the £800million mark. Let's make it sooner rather than later!”

A black and white classic The evening's festivities began with a champagne reception sponsored by Glazerite, before guests - dressed in their Hollywood finest - made their way along the red carpet into the ballroom for a night of glitz and glamour. Other companies that supported the event with sponsorship were Glazpart, The Image Works, Prefix Systems and Clearview & ProInstaller Magazines. Charity envelopes were collected and a generous £630 was raised for Burnley Neonatal Unit. The awards were presented by Network VEKA MD John Ogilvie who was delighted to congratulate all the award winners on their continuing hard work and high standards. John explained why he feels the awards are so worthwhile: “It's a great representation of what Network VEKA is all about. These customer satisfaction ratings come directly from the homeowners, and we collate the results from around 16,000 questionnaires every year. It's a true reflection of how our installers' customers feel they are treated.” “Network VEKA members collectively have an average customer satisfaction rating of 97%, compared with a recognised industry average of just 83%. I'm more than proud to be part of an evening that recognises and celebrates this level of service.”

Aberdeen-based Thistle Windows broke the company's own record for the number of awards collected at this annual event. The Scottish company's representatives Paul Mair and Andy Cadman were understandably proud to claim the regional award for Scotland and the overall award for customer satisfaction. This year's success takes the tally up to an impressive 13 awards for Thistle over the years.

Getting into the swing During the meal, music was provided by the talented Brothers of Swing who serenaded guests with a host of classic favourites from the silver screen. Steve Hancox from Goliath Homeworld was just one of the guests to join the boys in showing off a swinging singing voice. The evening was topped off with live music from Radio followed by a disco to keep the dance floor busy until the early hours.

And the winner is... • Best New Member: Rodda and Hocking • Embracing and Promotion of the Network VEKA Brand (North): AWC Home Improvements • Embracing and Promotion of the Network VEKA Brand (South): Shane Howells • Regional Winner for Scotland: Thistle Windows • Regional Winner for the North East and Yorkshire: David Brunskill Windows • Regional Winner for the North West: AWC Home Improvements • Regional Winner for The Midlands: Goliath Homeworld • Regional Winner for Central England: Shane Howells • Regional Winner for Eastern England: Trent Valley Windows • Regional Winner for the South East: KJM Group • Regional Winner for the South West: Heavers of Bridport

www.networkveka.co.uk/marketing-portal

Tools of the trade Network VEKA MD John Ogilvie then took to the stage to introduce the new suite of Network VEKA Tools, which can be added to members' websites to help them compete for more business in their local area. John

Thistle come as no surprise... overall winner!

• Regional Winner for Wales: MPN Windows • Regional Winner for Ireland: Better Homes LLP The evening’s dinner dance was a black and white ball.

Thistle’s Paul Mair and Andy Cadman collect their award.

• Overall Winner: Thistle Windows

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TRADE NEWS

Edgetech launches

TruPlas rigid spacer bar

Arriving at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena, one couldn’t help but be impressed at the queue forming near the main entrance to the Jaguar Suite and feeling, with this interest, to be privileged to be included on the guest list for Edgetech’s launch of their TruPlas rigid spacer bar. The giveaway should have been the host of collapsible canvas chairs and sleeping bags, clear evidence that these people had been camped here for some days and indeed, they had, waiting for ‘The Boss’. Only in this case it was Bruce Springsteen as opposed to Edgetech’s UK MD, Andy Jones. Although both entertaining in their own right, Bruce’s knowledge of spacer bar technology leaves something to be desired while Andy’s singing needs a little work. What came across strongly from Edgetech’s excellent presentation was the pedigree behind their products and the importance of sourcing high grade components when constructing or manufacturing goods of any kind. The savings of a few pennies in sourcing components can translate into liabilities that can ruin a company if something goes wrong. While a spacer bar may be a small item within the construction of a double glazed unit, its

fitness for purpose is paramount and saving money on low quality dessicant or other items is asking for trouble, particularly as the difference between a high and low grade spacer bar accounts for around £3.88 across the price of the windows for an average house. So what makes TruPlas different? Andy Jones takes up the story: “This new composite warm edge spacer is compatible with all secondary sealant types with butyl primary seal, and features our tried and tested true vapour barrier. It’s available with standard or gas filled corner keys and the product has passed EN1279 Part 2, 3 and 6. Significantly, it can be processed with standard equipment and requires no investment in specialist machinery - just a visit from our nationwide technical team. For companies requiring high volume production we have machinery available which automates manufacture by bending the spacer.”

Edgetech MD Andy Jones at the launch of Truplas.

There is also a solution for divided lights with surface mounted astragal bars and gives a traditional appearance, plus outstanding thermal performance. Andy continues, “The addition of TruPlas to our product portfolio means Edgetech customers benefit from a choice of spacer types for every application including single seal with Duralite which requires no backing seal and is ideally suited for a company which manufactures both its own windows and glass bringing the two together before delivery, dual seal with TruPlas rigid and Super Spacer

$107million cash deal and the combined group expects to produce over 300 millon metres of spacer bar in 2013 - enough to produce over 400,000 sealed units per day, globally.

Trade Press and Customers at the Ricoh Stadium.

the UK’s leading flexible WET, and triple seal spacer systems with Triseal and T-Spacer which have been especially designed for the high end architectural market.” The inevitable questions of colour will always be raised and, certainly initially, TruPlas will be available in black and grey. Originally shown at FIT 2013, Edgetech has already received orders from existing Super Spacer customers, as well as completely new customers. Edgetech benefits greatly from being part of the enormous Quanex Building Products Group, headquartered in Cambridge in the US. This $1billion, New York Stock Exchange listed company, has no debt, 3153 employees in 28 locations and trades in over 90 different countries. Their Insulating Glass Division has existed from the ‘60s and was heavily involved in warm edge technology from the 1970s and is now in its third generation of warm edge spacer bars. Quanex acquired Edgetech in 2011 in a

Truplas rigid spacer.

Edgetech are very proud of their accreditations and the eight quality checks that are made on their production line goes a long way towards a rejection rate of only one quarter of one per cent. And if quality is their watchword, Edgetech are determined to go the extra mile to work with their partners and customers. Andy Jones made a valid point when he emphasised that TruPlas has been developed in cooperation with their customers, and this emphasis on customer support is backed up with new customer start up help, quality audits, testing, servicing of equipment and importantly, in this day and age, financial assistance, ranging from lease, purchase deals with interest free payback and hire purchase too. But listening carefully to what Edgetech had to say, their sourcing of quality raw material from a tried and tested supply chain, means that their products can be relied on not just today but for years to come. Andy Jones made a great quote that certainly appears to sum up the company’s attitude: “Edgetech strive for perfection knowing we may never reach it, but in the pursuit of perfection we will achieve excellence.” Edgetech Tel: 08700 566844 –www.edgetechig.co.uk Chris Champion, Editor of Glass News Tel: 07850 267223 – chris@glassnews.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

Roof Assured

Encourages Installers

to Gain CompetentRoofer Approval Sika Roof Assured has responded to the National Federation of Roofing Contractors notice to members announcing that Local Authority Building Control (LABC) is conducting a ‘purge’ on Building Control Notification in five pilot areas running throughout the summer. The LABC has the authority not only to fine companies but to review all work over the previous two years to ensure compliance with Building Regulations. In light of this latest LABC notification, The NFRC reiterates its advice to roofing contractors to become part of the CompetentRoofer scheme. The scheme is run by the NFRC and is open to all roofing contractors whether they are members of the NFRC or not. However, following a strict audit process with the NFRC it has been concluded that Sika’s site inspection processes and contractor training exceeds the standards required. This means Roof Assured installers are eligible to join the programme through

Kevin Hodge, Managing Director County Flat Roofing, CompetentRoofer member.

their association and training with Sika. Rod Benson, National Sales Manager, Roof Assured commented on the LABC notification: “We welcome any initiative that distances us from roofing contractors that do not work ‘within the rules’. At Roof Assured we focus our efforts by partnering with installers committed to joining a growing and successful brand. We encourage all of our partners to comply with local authority regulations relevant to them.” Selected installers come from roofing and home improvement companies and undergo a four day training course at the Sarnafil training academy in Welwyn Garden City. Once qualified, Roof Assured continues to invest in their developments and skills through monitoring and continual training. Business Development Executives and Sika Regional Field Technicians are always available offering support, monitoring projects and collating all important feedback.

Trainee Installer at Sika Roof Assured Training Academy, Welwyn Garden City.

Kevin Hodge of County Flat Roofing, a Roof Assured registered installer, views their CompetentRoofer membership as an important part of building confidence with homeowners: “It is becoming increasingly important to show customers formal evidence of competence in delivering work that is compliant to a high standard.” “As a fully registered member of the scheme we can self-certify refurbishment work for Building Regulations so there are also cost and time saving benefits which really add value to our service as well as offering peace of mind to customers”.

“We welcome any initiative that distances us from roofing contractors that do not work ‘within the rules’. At Roof Assured we focus our efforts by partnering with installers committed to joining a growing and successful brand. We encourage all of our partners to comply with local authority regulations relevant to them.”

Rod Benson continues: “We continue to support those companies that need our assistance, and we provide guidance from our expert technical team when and if help is needed. After all, we want to make sure that all our roofs are fitted properly so that we can meet consumer expectations of product quality and workmanship to give them the best value. It’s as simple as that.” Where do we go from here? This latest LABC purge can only be welcomed and perhaps will help to lay rest the ‘dodgy roofer’ cliché, stereotype that has blighted the industry for so long. At the end of the day it’s about protecting the consumer and protecting the professionalism of good installers. If you are interested in becoming a Roof Assured by Sarnafil installer visit http://www.roofassured.co.uk/installer or 0800 614 821. Follow us on Twitter @RoofAssured.

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TRADE NEWS

Tailor-made IG solution

for Armour Sealed Units Ltd. in Bristol Those who believe that insulating glass (IG) manufacturers are always located on industrial estates on the outskirts of towns are very much mistaken.

A completely tailor-made solution

The route to Armour Sealed Units passes through the centre of a quiet residential area in Bristol and ends in a cul-de-sac. An older building, measuring almost 250 square metres with the white-red company logo can be found at the end of this cul-de-sac. Company founder and owner Peter Crowley explains how his desire for an insulating glass line in the small factory was fulfilled thanks to Bystronic glass and tells of the challenges that had to be overcome. Peter Crowley founded Armour Sealed Units Ltd. in 1983 and, since then, has been able to acquire numerous regular customers from the surrounding area for his insulating glass. Two years later, the family company – his

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son is the head of production and his wife takes care of the office work – moved to the current location. Initially, the insulating glass production was largely performed on a manual basis. Later, it was only the sealing that was performed manually. "For a long time, I could not imagine that a complete insulating glass line including a sealing robot would fit in our small factory", explains Peter. However, the entrepreneur was fully aware that he needed to invest in his production facility and modernise the old machinery in order to remain competitive and continue to be able to produce premium products that meet the current legal requirements.

What does not fit is made to fit Following intensive meetings with Steve Powell, Head of the Bystronic glass Sales and Service Subsidiary in Great Britain, it was decided that everything that was unable to fit into the factory at first glance would be adapted by Bystronic glass. Subsequently, Armour Sealed Units received an insulating glass line consisting of a washing machine, air cushion conveyors, a station for glass inspection and frame positioning assembly, a gas-filling press robot as well as a compact sealing robot in spring 2012. "Bystronic glass was the only provider that was able to offer me a fully-equipped insulating glass line for my factory that only measures about 20 metres in length", explains Peter and goes on to say: "What most impressed me was the fact that Steve did not want to force a standard solution full of compromises upon us; he fully recognised our production needs and the onsite conditions."

The insulating glass line is configured in an extremely individual manner but the delivery of the unit was every bit as unusual: "We had to arrange for all parking spaces in the access roads of the residential area to be cordoned off in order to ensure that the large HGV carrying the machines was able to fit through the narrow streets and get around the bends", reports Steve. Luckily, the residents are accustomed to such things: The arrival and departure of, admittedly significantly smaller, HGVs carrying glass and insulating glass units takes place many times every week. Since 1985, this has represented an enormous relief as a dairy that was accessed by HGVs many times every day was based where Armour Sealed Units is now located. "The older residents may even be able to remember the times when a fire station was located on the current Armour Sealed Units premises", reports Peter Crowley upon the history of his company building. But now back to the present: Peter is completely satisfied, both with his tailor-made insulating glass line and with the Bystronic glass service "that is unrivalled in Great Britain", as he emphasises. As expected, the new insulating glass line has made the production of Armour Sealed Units significantly more efficient. The company produces up to 4,000 insulating glass units every week – completely in accordance with the customer requirements: Rectangular and shaped units with low-E coated, tempered or decorative glass as well as laminated glass and units with muntin bars come off the production line. In order to ensure better thermal insulation, 90 percent of the units are filled with gas, which is the standard in Great Britain. Peter is happy that, in Bystronic glass and its cooperative partner Hegla, he has two companies by his side that consider excellent service and quality to be just as important as he does. www.bystronic-glass.com www.armoursealedunits-bristol-ltd.co.uk

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July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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TRADE NEWS

Nick Ross: “Ombudsman schemes are ‘gold standard”;

DGCOS & TGO go head-to-head Previewed at the FIT Show, a new, third edition of the Consumer Protection Report has now officially been published.

TV’s consumer champion and DGCOS ambassador Nick Ross.

Originally released in 2011, the Report proves that consumer protection is diversifying all the time, with a flurry of new initiatives launched since the last edition. Commissioned by DGCOS, this independent Report includes important updates to aid both consumer and installer understanding. Author David Herman, FCA, who has many years’ experience working at senior management level within a national double glazing company, comments: “There are a surprisingly large number of organisations in the industry that claim, in some form, to provide consumer protection. But the very number, scope and diversity is part of the problem for homeowners.

In particular, a new table will help homeowners see through ‘the smoke and mirrors’ and help them understand what actual protection is being provided by each organisation.”

In his foreword, consumer champion and DGCOS ambassador Nick Ross challenges anyone to contest ‘the essential truth’ of the Report’s findings, adding that “Ombudsman schemes are the gold standard of consumer protection.” The Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS) and The Glazing Ombudsman (TGO) also go head to head in a direct comparison. “Taken on face value, the two schemes appear to offer the same thing, but in essence the truth is somewhat very different,” explains David Herman. “The role of one scheme is to provide an arbitration facility while the other’s is to provide comprehensive

consumer protection with the Ombudsman facility being only one working part.” David Herman has first-hand experience in the glazing industry and compiled the report from information freely available to consumers. David was previous employed as the Finance Director of Anglian Windows and now helps the Citizens Advice Bureau with consumer rights issues.

The third edition also features a blueprint for an ‘ideal consumer protection organisation’ and an easyto-read chart to demonstrate how organisations compare against it. David Herman comments: “Consumer protection operates much like a chain where all the important elements need to be present and linked for it to work, and for consumers to be

Front of the Consumer Protection Report.

fully protected. If one link is broken or missing the chain doesn’t work. Organisations that provide some elements of protection but not others risk letting consumers down when they need help most.” For more information go to www.dgcos.org.uk , or to receive your copy of the Consumer Protection Report contact DGCOS on 0845 053 8975.

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Emplas sets the date for industry ‘micro-exhibition’ Trade fabricator Emplas will give installers the opportunity to find out about the very latest in product innovation and new customer support initiatives at its Customer Conference on Thursday 17 October. Held at Emplas Wellingborough manufacturing hub, last year’s event was attended by more than 100 Emplas customers, prospects and industry media. This year’s offering builds on that successful format to include updates on industry developments from regulation through to the Green Deal, retail lead generation, plus the very latest in must-have product innovation from some of the sector’s biggest brands. Mike Crewdson, Sales and Marketing Director, said: “Our conference is an important part of our customer engagement programme. It’s a showcase for industry innovation, product development, new customer support and marketing initiatives

but most importantly, they get to talk to not only us but to each other and to discuss what’s working, what isn’t and where they may wish to go next. “Equally it’s an opportunity for us to feedback on our analysis of the retail market, based on our experience through our retail business T&K and share with them the products, techniques, and new support and marketing packages that are working for it, as a retail business.” It is also an opportunity for existing Emplas customers to get a sense of the scale of Emplas’ trade offer which extends from high end orangeries through to triple-glazed, vertical sliding and casement ranges. It also includes a new GRP composite door range manufactured in-house by Emplas. Unveiled at last year’s customer conference, it combines a tried and tested GRP leaf with a wide choice of glass and quality hardware.

Available in five solid and 21 glazed styles plus four stable door options, it features ‘cherrypicked’ hardware from Fab and Fix, Hoppe and Securistyle to create an affordable but high quality offer. The Customer Conference programme will also include the findings of an independent customer satisfaction survey. Comparing Emplas’ own performance against the wider industry, the benchmarking exercise last year found that product quality was rated good or excellent by 98.7 per cent of respondents compared to an industry average of 78.6 per cent. Complete and on time deliveries similarly gave Emplas 97.2 per cent compared to a 71.4 per cent industry average. Crewdson concluded: “We place huge emphasis on support and quality control but also on the support we offer to our customers. We give them their own retail literature, we have an online ordering system, we’ll sit down and support their lead generation strategies.

“We’re committed to doing absolutely everything we can to support them in growing their business because we see our own future going hand-in-hand with theirs” The full Emplas Customer Conference itinerary will be published shortly. For more information visit www.emplas.co.uk, email info@emplas.co.uk or call 01933 674880.

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July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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TRADE NEWS

GGF REACTS STRONGLY TO GREEN DEAL & ECO REPORT The GGF reacted strongly to the Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation (ECO) first quarter Statistics issued yesterday by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC). The report shows Green Deal: • 241 Green Deal Plans are in the system as of 16 June 2013 • Four Green Deal Plans are pending • 38,259 Green Deal assessments have taken place as of 16 June 2013 • Windows/glazing was a recommended measure in 1,668 Green Deal Assessments (only 5% of the total recommended measures) • Of the 1,668 Green Deal Assessments that recommended windows/glazing • 1527 Double Glazing recommendations • 124 Secondary glazing recommendations • 17 Triple glazing recommendations • 5,118 cashback vouchers had been issued to 16 June. Of these, 968 cashback vouchers had been paid following installation of measures. Most of the vouchers paid to date have been for boiler replacements. No cashback vouchers have been paid for windows/glazing. ECO: • 81,798 installations (measures) have taken place with the support of the new Energy Company Obligation (ECO) • 72,525 unique properties (In England and Wales) improved their energy efficiency under ECO up until 16th June 2013 • Of the 81,798 installations of measures only 37 installations were windows/glazing On seeing the overview of the report Nigel Rees, GGF Group Chief executive commented, "The recent figures are both unsurprising and uninspiring. To show that only 37 window or glazing installations have taken place out of almost 82,000 installations under ECO in the first quarter clearly shows that ECO is not a complete solution with its very low level of funding available for

replacement windows. By not replacing windows that are energy inefficient, the ECO plan is simply not addressing the issue of making homes effectively energy efficient. There's no point putting in loft insulation when the heat can escape out of old energy inefficient windows." Greg Barker Minister for Energy and Climate Change stated that "78 per cent of people who have received a Green Deal Advice Report, following a Green Deal assessment, said they had, were getting or would get energy saving measures installed. This too is a great sign – many people are increasingly looking to make their homes more energy efficient and keep bills down." On the published number of Green Deal Assessment recommendations for windows and glazing, Nigel Rees commented, "In the pilot scheme for Green Deal last August in the North East, it showed that over 80% of participants wanted replacement windows under Green Deal. The recent report however shows that replacement windows and glazing are only recommended in 5% of the Green Deal assessments because of the limitations of the RdSAP software used by Assessors. One of our own GGF staff received a Green Deal assessment yet because his house was mainly double-glazed, the remaining single-glazed doors and windows were not recommended for replacement. This indicates that the measures being recommended are not always considering a whole house approach." The report also showed that under ECO there were 3489 installations of solid wall insulation yet only 37 window or glazing installations, meaning that 98.9% of solid wall insulation installations did not upgrade windows. Giles Willson, GGF Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Technical Affairs commented, "If homes are being installed with solid wall insulation and not upgrading windows, this could result in thermal bridging and potential water ingress and could be detrimental to the building. The ECO criteria and planning has to be reviewed and amended, to ensure the interface between the solid wall insulation and fenestration products is correct"

at Portcullis House earlier this week where Ed Davey, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change and Greg Barker, Minister for Energy and Climate Change both spoke and took questions from a diverse audience of manufacturers, installers, trade associations, finance companies, energy suppliers, local housing associations, consultants and advisory bodies.

consulted with GGF Members and raised their concerns, asking Government to address the problems with Green Deal bureaucracy, golden rule, the software used for the assessment, the involvement of SMEs and so on. Many of these issues have still not been addressed and until they are then Green Deal and ECO will simply not work for the replacement window industry." In addition to ongoing dialogue with DECC officials on Green Deal and energy efficiency issues, the GGF will also be attending the UK Green Building Council Conference "Green Deal – 6 months in" on 11th July in London.

Another real concern for the glazing industry has to be the ineffectiveness so far of the Green Deal cashback scheme for glazing. Out of a total of 968 cashback vouchers that have been paid to 16th June following installation of measures, none have been for windows/ glazing.

At the meeting, both Ministers were questioned about; the complexity of Green Deal, the delivery from assessment to installation as well as the consumer awareness and interest in the scheme. Many questions focused on how SMEs are not fully benefiting from Green Deal and ECO. Both Ministers accepted there were many issues but reiterated that Green Deal was a long term (25 year) plan and that teething problems were anticipated. Mr. Davey emphasized that "the success of Green Deal was down to everyone involved and not just the Government."

The GGF attended the All Party Parliamentary Green Deal Group Meeting

Following the meeting Giles Willson commented, "For over two years we have

To read the press statement and full report from DECC please visit the website https:// www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ department-of-energy-climate-change . For more information on Green Deal and its impact on the glazing industry please visit the GGF website www.ggf.org.uk.

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TRADE NEWS

Prince Charles given a Senior’s Thermally Efficient welcome in Stoke on the Case To aid and inspire specifiers during the design process, Senior’s have launched a portfolio of sixteen diverse case studies of projects recently completed in the UK. Projects range from the Grand Pier at Westonsuper-Mare to the stunning Marks & Spencer flagship Eco Store at Ellesmere Port. Many of the projects have achieved a BREAAM rating and use a significant amount of glazing, proving that when correctly designed, in conjunction with high thermal efficiency doors, windows and curtain wall framing, glazing actually contributes to sustainability. Designers can specify either high performance aluminium or the ground breaking aluminium timber composite system, ‘Hybrid’. Both profiles are available in a wide range of systems from Senior’s to accommodate any design requirements. To ensure optimised use of high performance glazing coupled with aluminium or ‘Hybrid’ profiles, it is

important to seek advice at the early concept design stages to ensure both insulation and solar gain characteristics of the design are positive for the buildings useful life and contribute towards a sustainable high BREAAM result. Senior’s provide dedicated specialists to advise on selecting the best products to suit any project requirements.

When HRH Prince Charles walked through the entrance to the Cooperative Academy of Stoke-on-Trent it is unlikely he knew he was walking through one of the most thermally efficient commercial doors on the market, Jack Aluminium’s Jack Door TD68.

Case studies are available in both PDF and printed form, PDF copies can be downloaded from the company’s website at www. seniorarchitectural.co.uk, please contact Senior’s head office in Doncaster for printed copies.

Picture courtesy of Staffordshire Sentinel News & Media.

Systems, the glazing and curtain walling contractor. Jeff Pearson, Jack Aluminium’s sales director says: “Jack Door TD68 is ideal for schools and public buildings with its low U-value of 1.7, high throughput, ability to take electric strike opening and an automatic

Jack Aluminium’s Jack Door TD68 at the Co-operative Academy in Stoke low.

door header bar option for high foot traffic or disabled access. I hope the Prince took notice of Jack Door’s thermal efficiency when he visited. Who knows, maybe he’ll choose it for Clarence House!” Tel: 024 7646 7449 www.jackaluminium.co.uk

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Not so run-of-the-mill installation for Halo customer No-one knows better that no two jobs are the same than Wakefield-based Bennion & Sons, as they were recently asked to do an installation on a rather unusual property – a windmill!

Director Sam Bennion explains: “The job was to remove the existing windows and replace them with highspec, double-glazed PVC-U alternatives, however due to the style of the property, the owners had to get planning permission from their local planning authority to replace the windows.”

He was also given a tour of the state-of-the-art building. Jack Aluminium’s high usage Jack Door TD68 was chosen for the £23M project by Duplus Architectural

Further case studies are already being produced which will demonstrate Senior’s experience across a wide range of building types. It is hoped that all case studies will offer inspiration and advice to specifiers.

The Halo customer was asked to supply and install 13 new windows in the domestic property, which is connected to a windmill, after the customer sourced the installer via the Which? website's recommended double glaziers.

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The Prince visited the academy to meet students on The Prince’s Trust Industrial Cadets scheme.

“After originally requesting aluminium windows, both the homeowners and the local planning office were more than impressed with the sample of the Halo Eclipse 70mm window, with cream textured foil finish that we supplied, and gave the thumbs up for the installation. In addition, dummy sashes were used to give the new windows the realistic appearance of timber windows.”

Georgian style, makes these high performing Halo windows the ideal system for this installation. They will not rot or warp and require little or no maintenance.”

leader in environmental issues, responsible for creating the industry's first purpose-built PVC-U window recycling plant as well as the UK's first BFRC 'A' Rated window.

Halo is a brand within The VEKA UK group, a world-

Tel: 01282 716611 www.whshalo.com

The windows, cream on both sides with Georgian bars, have been installed in one half of the property, and the owners were so impressed with the windows that they have asked Bennion & Sons to replace their home's remaining windows. Sam continues: “The advanced technology that Halo is renowned for, combined with the classic

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July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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ALUMINIUM

Take your partner (but choose wisely) There’s no denying that aluminium is increasingly in demand. Alan Robinson, director of specialist aluminium door and window fabricator, Alumen, advises how to decide on the best aluminium options for your business. UK buildings clearly have a love affair with aluminium, in fact, it is the second most widely used metal, with a whopping 40% of annual UK production used within the construction sector alone.* This is particularly evident in the in the window and door sector, which has seen demand for aluminium profile significantly increase in recent years. As one might expect in a tough market, fabricators have been quick on the uptake, incorporating this growth material into their offerings. But with such a high number of fabricators now offering aluminium windows and doors, how can you tell what sets them apart, and, more importantly, which aluminium fabricator partner is the right one for you? The key to this decision, as with any important implementations to your business, is to listen to your customers. What are they requesting? Is there a current trend of several customers asking for the same thing? Then think about your relationship with your fabricator, have they done likewise and asked your opinion? If so, can you be sure they can provide what you and your customers require?

“The allowance of more sunlight into a building increases the temperature inside, helping to reduce energy bills, and with the great leaps in technology by manufacturers to control solar gain, homeowners and workers can control the amount of sunlight to suit them.” The profile is also ideal to provide superb kerb appeal, with its ability to accept a variety of surface finishes. Once you’ve made the decision to incorporate aluminium, the next question is which products. Your customer will want to see a variety of quality options from which you can work closely with them to determine what works best for their particular requirements, rather than giving them only one option. At Alumen we recognised this and as of last year we offer a choice of both Schueco and SMART aluminium bifolding door systems, alongside our in-house expert advice on the right product for the right application. Obviously, if you are considering integrating aluminium into your portfolio, there is a high chance that your competitors are doing the same, and the best way to stand out from the crowd is by adding value. Wired electronic integral blinds, for example, can help to ensure privacy, particularly in a conservatory or garden room that is used as an office or

At Alumen we closely monitor industry trends to ensure our customers are kept ahead of the game. Most recently we have seen the trend for extension and improvement of existing homes continue to gather pace, as many people continue to take steps to improve rather than move. Because of this, consumers are making higher value investments in improvements such as conservatories, orangeries and garden rooms. We have noticed in particular, a huge increase in the number of aluminium bi-folding and sliding doors being sold to projects like these in order to combine outdoor and indoor living areas.

extra bedroom. The Sunbell electronic blind has proved very popular when used in conjunction with our aluminium bifolding and sliding doors for conservatory and garden room installations as it can be operated either by a switch panel or a remote control, eliminating the need for unsightly battery packs or solar panels. These blinds are particularly ideal for sliding doors as they have no controls to interfere with the operation of the door, unlike some manual blinds which require magnets or pulleys that foul the meeting style when opening. Each blind can be activated independently and they are available in a wide range of colours and sizes, including large enough to suit a high end orangery. If you’d like to benefit from these products why not call on Alumen’s extensive technical expertise? We also offer a supply only or complete supply and installation service with full 10-year guarantee through our sister company GRP Designs. A wide range of complementary aluminium products is also available including windows, sliding doors, contemporary doors, rooflights, and conservatory roofs. If you are looking to take advantage of a still potentially lucrative sector in our market, contact Alumen today. We are keen to partner with proactive installation companies across the UK so if you are interested in growing your sales with the support of the Alumen door and window brand, call us on: 01536 312939 or visit: www.alumen.co.uk. * Use of Aluminium in Building Construction, Prof. Madhuri K. Rathi, Mr.Ajinkya K. Patil, Amrutvahini College of Engineering, Sangamner, for engineeringcivil.com.

Bi-folds provide an opportunity to create greater flexibility in terms of living and working spaces, due to their ability to provide a 90% opening onto a conservatory or garden room. They also allow maximum natural light into the building, which can help promote wellbeing over artificial lighting. For your eco-aware customers, who demand high energy efficiency, you have the added benefit of reassuring them that bi-folds have something to offer here too. The allowance of more sunlight into a building increases the temperature inside, helping to reduce energy bills, and with the great leaps in technology by manufacturers to control solar gain, homeowners and workers can control the amount of sunlight to suit them. Aluminium bi-folds ensure all the additional benefits associated with such a material. They are light in weight with high levels of strength for ease of handling and a long life. 0713-0042

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BOLTON 2 BOLTON CHARITY BIKE RIDE

GLASS NEWS REPORTS ON BOLTON 2 BOLTON CHARITY Bike RIDE, WHICH RAISED AN AMAZING £31,064.19! Daily commentary supplied by Mark Gore of Pearl Window Systems. DAY ONE Arrived at the first hotel in Shrewsbury, with only one breakdown. Biked a total of 78 miles, burning 5,367 calories!

DAYS TWO & THREE Completed 83 miles on Friday without any incidents. Saturday, this wasn’t the case, we lost our support vehicle for 2 thirds of the day, one of our riders unfortunately left the road, collided with a bollard resulting in a trip over the handles bars, a few deep cuts, bruises and potentially a fractured thumb, numerous breakdowns made it a tough day. We have been delighted though at the donations along the way, people we have never met before in hotels and pubs have been so generous, we even met a guy on the top of the Severn Bridge who took a group photograph and donated to us on line that night saying “ Total respect” to us for our determination, we have now reached a staggering £26,262.38 plus some off line donation which will go on when we complete the ride, I personally am touched by everyone’s generosity, our target was 30k, I have everything crossed in a hope that we will get somewhere near our target before we get home. We have completed the dreadful Dartmoor section and that’s being kind 68 miles, 5442 feet of climbing plus 4695 calories burnt along the way, we are now in Bodmin and as you read this email we will be well on our way to Lands End and the half way point, its painful I don’t mind saying, we have all had to overcome different obstacles including pain barriers, 95 miles was a milestone for us all.

HALF WAY - MADE IT TO LANDS END We are all unsure if it’s a relief, but here we are at Lands

End!! It’s the half way point and tomorrow is the start of our count down home. The hills in the last two days have been as relentless as we were told; however, we had no cycling incidents today apart from the pain and endurance. The really funny thing for us (not for Phil our support driver), is that he fell out of the door in the cafe at Lands End, and is now limping with a swollen ankle. It was one of those, “you had to be there” but after everything we have been through, only Phil could manage to hurt himself at the end if the day, with no one else around!! Thank you for the donations yesterday, every one is a boost for us throughout the day.

Checking our data tonight, we have broken “Strava” records, which is a web based performance cycling data app. With the wind behind us we were cycling up some of the hills at 27 miles per hour!! Strava is a globally recognised app which means we have managed to complete some of the leg of the trip scoring trophy points for performance along the way :) In conclusion, we had no major issues today apart from Phil managing to fall of the kerb at one of our stops and twist his ankle again :( Our Stats for today: • 3400 feet of climbing compared to 3000 yesterday • 45 minutes quicker than yesterday :)

THE JOURNEY HOME! 12 June 2013

13 June 2013

The day started initially on a low :( We realised first thing that we had left our banner at Lands End with all our excitement from getting there!

Magnificent Seven combined Rider Stats:

Phil jumped into the van and left to go and find it. Fortunately it was still there, but in the bin!

• Total Hours on the bikes: 221

We still got our team shot which was great and the weather forecast was as predicted, wet, windy and dark!

• Total feet climbed: 192,059

Dressed accordingly, we were still all dreading this day as we were sure it would be a tough day.

• Top speed of 51MPH!!!

We couldn’t have been more wrong. We set of in the rain and within 10 miles we were in dry weather, making good pace and having to stop to strip off!! Until we reached our destination we didn’t realise how much quicker we had completed the trip - almost 45 minutes quicker than the previous day!!! We are now all buzzing with the thought of heading home. It has been great and exiting to say the least (hopefully tomorrow and the rest of the trip we feel the same).

• Combined age of: 316 years! • Total Miles travelled to date: 3514 • Total Calories burned: 238,697 Our trip back from Lands End to Bodmin couldn’t have worked out any better for us after having had trepidations due to the weather. Once back in the hotel and having had Cunners ´Blag´ us a second free breakfast (that the boys have donated to the charity - £160) we sat down for dinner, which was very nice! After departing the dining room, we were disappointed to see that our ´usual table´ was being ´hogged´ by two ´lovers´, who it turned out were on their first date! They were good game and after donating to our cause, they moved and let us take our table back.

The names of the riders: Jeff Walsh (Green Lantern) Pearl Windows, Anthony Holiday (Captain America) Pearl Windows, Bryn Williams (Iron Man) Pearl Windows, Andy Cunningham (The Black Widow) Total Hardware, Darren Bohm (Banana Man) Pearl Windows, Paul Baxter (Spider Man) good friend, Chris Roebuck (Thor) Pearl Windows, Phil Johnston (The Hulk) Support Driver

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BOLTON 2 BOLTON CHARITY BIKE RIDE The final leg of the ride after the bridge was past Chepstow race course and as we were still in costume, we decided to take some pics next to the famous track club-house. As it happened, one of the staff popped his head out of the window to enquire “what we were up to” and he then came down to introduce himself as a keen fellow cyclist, offering to post some of our pics on their official web site! And so our epic 90 Mile leg of our ride was coming to an end, BUT, not before the testosterone within the VERY tired bodies of our Magnificent Seven riders was to rise again. Down the last slopes into the beautiful Wyre valley and stunning location of Tintern Abbey, the boys were thrashing it out on the slopes to attempt the similar glory of Dazzlers bragging rights the night before. A GREAT day was had by one and all. Almost There!

15 June 2013 By the time you get to reading this commentary, the ride will be over. Despite being in one of the most idyllic places in the UK - Tintern Abbey in the WyeValley, we were about to have another damp start. We posed for our daily team pic right in front of the remains of Tintern Abbey, which was raped and pillaged of its lead glass windows by King Henry VIII Once again we were blessed with stunning views as we wound our way through the WyeValley to Monmouth. Whilst we were decidedly “wet” from the rain (super heroes aren’t really too much bothered by this!) we were actually assisted by the winds, which were again in our favour. The BIG man upstairs was helping us once again. Spiderman and Cunners, did the usual rounds in the bar and gained yet more extremely kind donations into our pot, we are convinced our collection bucket will have in excess of £500 in by the time we return, the donations have been amazing. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jean Gittins from Heaton Dene Children’s Nursery who had enjoyed a milestone birthday on Saturday and chose our charity bike ride as a substitute for presents; the end result is a donation of £240 for which we are extremely grateful. Our day today was ´hampered´ slightly by the rain (40 miles in the rain was tough), but undeterred, we again managed a great team effort on the journey back to Tiverton 69 miles job done. Along the way, (Jeff) didn’t ´spit his dummy out´ but decided to ´throw his bottle´!! As he reached for his drinks bottle, it slipped from his hands and landed right in the path of an oncoming BMW on the A30 at 70mph plus, who in turn hit it and forced it to hit one of our fellow riders!! Fortunately, we sustained no damage there. A single puncture later on was soon fettled and we were on our way once again, slick tyres in the wet don’t go well so we had a few out of body experiences on some of the down hills when close to 50mph approaching bends on the country lanes. A mammoth four mile climb seemed to annoy some of our fellow road users with us being verbally abused, by not one, but two cars! Apparently we are ´a bunch of amateurs´ which actually, we are! We can’t type what the other car called us :( but we responded accordingly)! To top it all off, there were ´bragging rights´ up for grabs as the last 100m up to the hotel is a steep climb, and the ´Dazzler´ took the top spot :)

14 June 2013 Magnificent Seven Conquer the “Severn”. Our Day eight was a damp start and our cycling shoes “cleats” proved a little awkward, resulting in us to having to have an impromptu stop in a cycling shop to buy some spares later in the day in Taunton. The predicted strong winds were mostly assistance to us, but when they were side-ways on they proved somewhat difficult to handle at times! Whilst riding through Bridgewater, some seagulls enjoying an old “bag of chips” were startled and flew straight into the ride path of Spiderman, who used his super human skills to avoid a collision - just!! We reached Taunton, and without too much fuss found the bike shop for our much needed shoe spares. Whilst doing this, Jeff spotted a cafe named “Biddy’s Burgers” which made him giggle as Spiderman’s schoolboy nick name was Biddy Baxter. Paul had his pic taken in front of the cafe and the owners, whilst finding it a bit strange, donated to our GREAT cause. The rain, whilst patchy, was somewhat of a nuisance, but didn’t really faze our “magnificent seven”, who still managed to keep up a very good average speed under the circumstances. The icing on the cake of today’s ride was conceived on our original SevernBridge crossing. We had decided to do the return leg in “Character Costume” and duly donned our gear. Once on the bridge, and with many cars and wagons piping their horns in appreciation of our efforts, it dawned on us that we had no photographer, as Phil wasn’t able to stop the van. Lady luck was once again on our side as a fellow cyclist stopped to assist with our task at hand. Quite a giggle was had by all.

July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

We were scooting along in the relatively tough conditions, when we happened upon Maggie’s Butty Van on the A49 near Hereford. As we descended upon her, eight hungry blokes (tough work driving a van eh Phil?) we ordered eight brews and seven bacon butties, which Mad Madge did us proud with and was super slick with her delivery, the fantastic thing was Madge gave us all the drinks for free and £5 to our charity, this was the equivalent of £13 so it would be wrong not to put this on the donation site with a mention. Fed and watered, we set of again, with a bit of sunshine to boot! The sunshine didn’t last too long and there was a point that it was actually considered completely BARMY to carry on, but carry on we did. We were riding in the roads with rivers running down them, which was bearable, but when the trucks were coming past we were getting even more drenched. Even the ducks had revved up and left for the day!! We persevered tens of miles down the road and happened upon an Afgan butty van, who had been more than generous on the way down with a free brew (due to the fact he didn’t serve bacon) and offered the same on our way back. He was completely true to his word and we were never more glad of a cup of coffee on a very wet and cold penultimate ride home, another generous man which has contributed another £16 which really has to go on the donation site. We set off once again on the last leg of our journey and decided to split into two groups as a continuo’s ride of seven seemed a little awkward for some motorists to deal with. This proved more than successful, though the testosterone once again kicked in towards the end, with Dazzler and Jeffers taking the bragging rights over the group as they sped off in the final several miles ahead of the group still pushing hard, 80 plus miles into the ride, job done!

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BOLTON 2 BOLTON CHARITY BIKE RIDE

Total Raised:

£31,064.19 For full details please visit our website:

www.Bolton2Bolton.co.uk We arrived safe and sound to our hotel and caught a glimpse of a chap loading a vintage bicycle, complete with 52cc engine into his van. A group of family and friends had been celebrating the life of a chap who had restored the beautiful bike. Cunner tried to buy it to complete our ride, but was informed it was NOT for sale. Incidentally, Paul’s Speedo finished the day on 1111.1Kms :) and we have now travelled through 11 Counties ready for our final day.

19 June 2013 We made it home safe and sound, riding through the sunshine on Saturday with more mechanical issues then any other day, to top it all we arrived at the hospice in the rain to be met by our friends and family, it didn’t really matter what the weather was doing as we were all full of joy at the sight of our family and friends there to great us. I am pleased to say that our efforts have seen our target reach £30,606.55, our web site is still open for a good period of time as we have further pledges and charity boxes on there way into us that will see our total rise still further, even good old “Spidy” managed to raise £200 on his flight home to Spain which is fantastic considering he contributed greatly dressed as spider man every night we were away raising more than a £1,000 in total (with a little help from his friends). I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our sponsors and donors, the cyclists themselves and the tremendous support by our wives and children for many months of training prior to the ride together with the sacrifice of 10 days away from home; we have managed to succeed in our goal to do something special for both Derian House and Martin House, who support terminally ill children within our communities. It’s been an absolute pleasure and I am really grateful to everyone including the team for a huge achievement, in the coming months once our site is closed I will let you know our final figures. The stat’s! • Per rider x 7 riders • Total miles 766.37 5,364.59 • Time in saddle 47.02 hours 329.14 • Total climbing (big hills) 42,707 feet 298,949.00 • Calories burned 54,729 383,103.00

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BOLTON 2 BOLTON CHARITY BIKE RIDE

A huge thank you to all our sponsors... Supported by:

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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

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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: Stephen Groves Branch Manager: Kevin Seal (Frames)

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Branch Manager: Glenn Collins

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

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

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

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

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Branch Manager: Claire Boden

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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

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SUNDERLAND

NATIONAL ROOFING

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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

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

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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

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CHELTENHAM – NEW BRANCH

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CONSERVATORIES

LIFE IN THE OLD MARKET YET There is plenty of life in the conservatory market – that is Synseal’s assessment of the market following the systems company’s successful outing at this year’s FIT Show.

FIT Show, and we even sold the one we had on the stand. It has really caught fitters’ imaginations.”

Synseal has announced that its Global Summer orangery received an almost unexpected amount of interest at the FIT Show, with installers clamouring to get their hands on one.

David explained that the company had already invested in a considerable amount of time canvassing the views of installers in a bid to develop a product that would both rekindle homeowners’ love of conservatories while being fitter friendly.

“Even we were surprised at just how popular the Global Summer orangery was,” David Leng, Synseal’s chief executive, said. “We‘ve had an uplift in order intake for our orangeries following the

“Prior to the FIT Show, we had already received plenty of positive feedback from our customers who said that they are mightily impressed with the Global Summer orangery as an exciting new

product, while appreciating the concept behind it,” David said. In the research and development process Synseal was keen to design a high-end aspirational conservatory that was cost effective and simple to install. To this end, the Nottingham-based extrusion company held a series of workshops where it canvassed the views of the very people who would be delivering the final product. As a result, Global Summer has two main fitting options: raised line and low line, which alters the height that the decorative gutter fascia

sits above the conservatory windows. Raised line installations add grandeur, providing a more authentic orangery look and distinguishing them from standard conservatories, while low line installations are ideal when the overall conservatory height needs to be contained, or to fit in with a more compact property’s proportions. This modern approach to design fits in with Synseal’s new relationship that it’s developing with its installers via the new Synseal Registered Installer (SRI) scheme.

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CONSERVATORY ROOF SOLUTIONS CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY Wirral based roof fabricator CRS is celebrating its 10th year in business and vows to maintain the excellent customer service that has allowed it to go from strength to strength over the last decade.

“Today, things haven’t changed that much: indeed, the only thing we don’t do now is onepiece delivery, but only because it is easier and safer to assemble the roofs on site prior to installation.” The other constant has been the unrivalled support provided by CRS’ chosen system supplier, Aztec Conservatory Roof Systems, the largest independent conservatory roof system on the market. Dave Frost remarked, “We chose the Aztec system from the outset for its reliability and simplicity of fabrication and installation. It has several unique features which give us

the edge against other systems and provide our customers with a product that they can literally fit and forget, saving them, and us, valuable time and money addressing remedials.” Tim added, “We have a fantastic relationship with Aztec. They are able to provide us with a system that is so versatile we can supply roofs in numerous colours and finishes with minimal stockholding requirements, and, with the advent and of glass roofs and bifold doors, we are now able to span 5.7m with our structural eaves beam. Perhaps though, the most important thing from our point of view has been the fact that we are supported by our system provider rather than having to compete against them as some other less fortunate fabricators have to….”

While the conservatory market may have fallen from the lofty heights of 10 years ago, the opportunities for the Garden Room are considerable both for new installations and for the replacement market, which it is estimated at around 3million conservatories. A number of customers of Prefix are already generating leads by the week for Garden Rooms, as they look to satisfy the demand of consumers for new ways of extending their living space.

The new canopy feature has been launched and this latest development provides an area to sit in the shade during the day and a place to relax under light in the evening. People are now beginning to understand the premise that the Garden Room roof will help re-define the conservatory sector. The Garden Room roof, conceived back in 2006 has rejuvenated the fortunes of many installers and now thanks to the expertise of Tim Harris, Prefix’s structural engineer, they are now able to advise customers on structural issues when it comes to conservatory and Garden Room roofs. With the recent changes in planning that came into effect on 30th May 2013, more homeowners can now build their Garden Room under the guise of permitted development, thanks to the larger house extensions regime. Chris Cooke and Chris Baron, co-directors of Prefix commented: ‘The design brief for our Garden Room roof was that it was thoroughly engineered and tested with the involvement and input of a number of our customers. Now, the launch of the canopy option which is part of our on-going development process clearly shows that we are taking a lead in re-defining the conservatory sector.’ For further information and a free copy of their new Garden Room brochure contact the sales office on 01254 871800, e-mail enquiries@ prefixsystems.co.uk or add to their considerable following on Twitter @prefixsystems. You can also download their new iPhone and iPad app from the App Store.

CRS covers the whole of the Wirral and Merseyside; CRS provides services to the trade, retail and commercial sectors. Talk to Tim on 0151 604 0040, email info@ crswirral.co.uk, or visit www.crswirral.co.uk.

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ROOM DEVELOPMENTS Following the overwhelmingly successful launch of the Garden Room roof in 2012, Prefix Systems have continued the development programme and with it launched a new striking canopy option.

Since its humble beginnings in 2003, CRS has seen the business grow from nothing to a million pound turnover company. The key to our success has been our commitment to provide our customers with the level of service we believe they are entitled to expect. Explains managing director Tim Franks. “When we started, our technical manager Dave Frost and I had no idea whether we could make a go of it, yet we were both determined to provide solutions no other roof fabricator was willing- or able- to do at the time. We would go to site and take sizes for the client, including frame styles. We delivered roofs complete on a trailer where possible, and even helped install complex structures.

MORE GARDEN

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CONSERVATORIES

GLOBAL’S FINER DETAILS

The success of Synseal’s Global conservatory roof can be attributed in no small part to the company’s focus on the finer details, such as the ridge, crestings and internal claddings. In the latest Global technical brochure (a must-have for any

conservatory specialist), Synseal pays close attention to the important aspect of ridge design, and subsequently offers a selection of three alternative details which can accommodate varying roof pitches ranging from 15 to 35 degrees.

“A ridge isn’t simply a ridge,” explained David Leng, Synseal’s Chief Executive. “If the technical details aren’t precisely right and the ridge assembly is tricky to fit, then the conservatory installation subsequently can run the risk

of failure, so we have provided a choice of three ridge details to ensure that each project has an appropriate ridge for the job.

“These practical ridge designs are easy to fabricate and install, with no risk of subsequent draughts or water ingress.” Synseal also highlights the importance of the finer aesthetic and functional points. For example, the internal eaves beam cladding has been designed to be easily removed for access, and is available in either chamfered or contoured ovolo profile to suit the style of the conservatory’s windows and doors. For consistency the cladding is available in the same traditional woodgrain and painted-effect foils as the conservatory roof and matching frames - if Synseal profiles are specified for the window walling. One of the most visually striking and classical design aspects of a conservatory are the finials and

crestings, and Synseal has paid close attention to the detailing of these eye-catching features to ensure Global conservatory roofs are finished off perfectly.

The interlocking PVC-U sections of the crestings incorporate an interlock to ensure that once connected they remain in a perfect line, and the range of decorative finial designs are also available in suited colours to match the roof. “Global roof took the UK’s number one position in 2005 and has been there ever since, accounting for at least one in four of every conservatory roof installed today,” David said. “This well-engineered and proven roof has been designed to be easy to specify, easy to fabricate, easy to fit and easy to maintain. That’s what makes the Global roof the ideal choice for conservatory projects both in the UK and worldwide.”

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CONSERVATORIES Garden Spaces reaches dizzy heights at Grand Designs with Alumen

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Grand Designs Live came to ExCel London in May, to a great response from visitors eager to witness new products and ideas from the 500 exhibitors. So when the Grand Designs Magazine team found themselves having to choose the top exhibitors from so many, it was no mean feat, and Garden Spaces was delighted to be picked amongst these, bringing a very satisfying end to an already successful show. The contemporary garden building manufacturer launched a new range of outdoor living pods at the exhibition, which are designed to further extend the useability and versatility of the garden room. For its windows and doors, the company worked closely with Alumen Ltd, the specialist aluminium door and window sister company to long-established GRP Designs, which supplies aluminium doors and windows and integral blinds for the garden room designs. Bi-folding doors are particularly popular in this market due to their ability to provide a 90% opening onto a conservatory, patio or garden room, for a feeling of extra light and space, and the aluminium frame ensures a light weight, yet strong and long lasting product. Alumen

supplied a cornerless set of sliding doors next to bi-folding doors for Grand Designs Live, resulting in a completely open space, with no need for a corner post. The opening up of space within a garden room was integral to Garden Spaces’ success at Grand Designs, with the company’s garden rooms praised for falling within permitted development rules of 2.5m high, but also providing more than adequate internal headroom, removing any feeling of claustrophobia. Roger Hedges from Garden Spaces explains: “People are surprised by the amount of internal headroom we can create without compromising thermal performance. This is a real differentiator for us due to our clever floor and ceiling structure that enables us to achieve up to 2.2m (7’2”) of internal headroom and still meet the 2.5m height requirement to avoid planning on most occasions.” Alan Robinson, Director of Alumen adds: “It is important when creating an extra living space to ensure it is not only functional, but also comfortable and stylish. We are very pleased that Garden Spaces had such a successful exhibition, and we were glad that we could help them add to the feeling of light and space within their designs.

“The door combination was a bit of fun really. Last year we supplied a set of cornerless bi-folds, where the two doors opened up to leave a completely open corner. This year we decided to go one better and couple a set of sliding doors with a set of bi-folds in a cornerless configuration. I don’t know whether this configuration has ever been achieved before, but I do know that it has proved successful as we have already taken orders for some more.” Alumen offers a choice of Schueco and SMART aluminium bi-folding door systems, and can provide generous size limitations of up to 1,200mm wide sashes – ideal for the creation of space. Complementary aluminium products are also available, including windows, sliding doors, contemporary doors, rooflights, and conservatory roofs, and the recently launched electronic integral blind is ideal for adding value to bi-folding and sliding doors as it has no controls to interfere with their operation.

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Ultraframe announces

price increase

Ultraframe has announced a price increase to take effect from 1 August 2013.

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Sales and Marketing Director, Joe Martoccia explains: “In an effort to support our network partners we have absorbed rising costs whilst continuing to offer our customers very cost competitive prices. This period has coincided with significant investment in new, ground breaking systems and market leading dealer support packages. Together, this combination has resulted in many of our partners being

able to stay ahead of the competition whilst still offering the best range of glazed home extensions systems and conservatories.” “From 1 August 2013 we are introducing a modest 4% increase on a number of Ultraframe, Wendland and Quantal products, whilst at the same time continuing to accelerate our product innovation and development to the benefit of all our network partners.”

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July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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WINDOWS SELECT WINDOWS, PIONEERS OF

THE GREEN DEAL

Select Windows (Home Improvements) Ltd, has recently attained the nationally recognised PAS: 2030. The accreditation means the Walsall based supplier of PVC-U windows and doors has been successfully assessed and is now one of the first window companies in the UK to be officially recognised as a Green Deal Installer. The family owned company, established in 1980, went through a rigorous training and assessment programme organised by The British Standards Institution (BSI), to attain

the certificate as an answer for its systems to become more energy efficient and to strive to improve the quality of its installation. As Gary Wylde, Managing Director of Select Windows commented: “We’re really pleased to attain PAS: 2030, it means that as a company, we comply fully with current legislation and that our green credentials are second to none. It enables us to deliver an enhanced quality to all the products and services we currently offer.” Select Windows fabricates its products using the Profile 22 system and the award is made doubly special as Select Windows is one of the first Profile 22 Approved Commercial Contractors to attain the award. “We’d like to think we’re pioneering a greener way of thinking within our specific industry sector,” said Gary Wylde. “It’s becoming more apparent that the retail market is asking for more environmentally friendly products and we’re more than happy to supply this demand.”

Neil Jones and Nigel Court (General Manager) at Select Windows (Home Improvements) Ltd with its PAS: 2030 certificate of accreditation.

For more information on the Approved Commercial Contractor Scheme from Profile 22 visit www.profile22.co.uk or call 01952 290910.

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BRIAN BLESSED

EXTOLS THE VIRTUES OF ‘THE PORTALS OF MAJESTY’ IN SIGNATURE WINDOWS HILARIOUS HEART RADIO CAMPAIGN Signature Windows, the retail brand of Chelmsfordbased fabricator Pioneer Trading, has launched a hilarious and powerful radio campaign featuring non other than actor Brian Blessed and his formidable, booming voice to extol the virtues of the brand’s window, door and solar offer. Part of the powerful Signature marketing package that promotes the brand to homeowners, the highly popular actor uses his trademark thunderous voice to urge listeners to turn to ‘the keepers of the portals of majesty’ and ‘banish the chill winds to the wastelands’ by installing new Signature Windows and doors. Signature Solar will, says Blessed reaching a crescendo ‘Annihilate the one called bill!’. The advertisements are being broadcast by Heart Radio, through as many

as 100, 30-second spots per week over a 12 month burst. Initially the Signature ads will be broadcast in London, Beds, Bucks and Herts, Essex and Harlow. The advertisements will then be rolled out to other regions throughout the year. “We were deciding on the right voice for our radio commercials when I heard Brian and his famous cry ‘Gordon’s alive!’ from the movie Flash Gordon and I knew his was the right voice for us! We then worked on a script that made the most of

his incredible voice, all thunder and lightening, death and glory and God-like. It works like a treat and is bound to get a lot of notice – especially advertising home improvements,” laughed Danny. The consumer advertising is just part of the support provided for the Signature Dealer Network and is part of one of the most comprehensive marketing packages available through a dealer network in the UK. Listen to the Signature commercials here: http:// tinyurl.com/lcf9oye

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ANOTHER NEW ADDITION FOR INTERNORM The KF410 is the latest in a range of UPVC and UPVC/ aluminium window systems from Internorm, the leading window brand in Europe. This system caters for the growing demand in energy efficient windows and builds on Internorm’s already extensive triple glazed product range.

The system offers a thermal insulation value of up to 0.62 W/m2K – this is largely due to the product’s fivechamber system, made of highly thermally insulating thermal foam. In addition, the KF410’s soundproofing abilities are second to none with an acoustic insulation of up to 45dB.

The new KF410 model, part of Internorm’s Home Pure range of windows, has been designed for the contemporary style home and is an ideal product choice for a light-flooded living environment. Furthermore, it offers customers the aesthetic flexibility to help achieve specific style aspirations.

These features are further improved through the use of the company’s FIX-OROUND technology, which is a continuous all around fixing of the glass pane. This technology also ensures better stability for a longer life span of the window and provides higher burglary protection.

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With three continuing gaskets on all sides for maximum impermeability, the triple gasket system guarantees superior performance. To achieve Passivhaus certification or optimal energy efficiency targets, the KF410 can be installed with an aluminium attachment that provides a highly efficient fixing detail. For more information on Internorm, visit www.internorm.co.uk.

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WINDOWS

Modplan’s windows & doors used in “off grid” eco house Leading VEKA fabricator Modplan Ltd have just been used in a trailblazing eco project in Wales. The project was to build a sustainable farmhouse that was completely “off grid”, with no mains electricity, gas or water. It was backed by energy supplier SSE, the Building Research Establishment, Constructing Excellence Wales and Caerphilly County Borough Council’s RDP Sustainable Energy Team. As you would expect in a sustainable home with no access to mains utilities, energy efficiency was of paramount importance and all the building’s components needed to meet strict requirements. When it came to the windows, the specification required a u-value of 1.4 and to incorporate laminated glass to reduce noise levels (the house’s location on a Welsh hillside means it is particularly prone to extreme weather conditions). The aesthetics were also important: as the design of the house was based on a traditional Welsh longhouse the windows needed to complement the characteristic design. Modplan was approached to supply the doors and windows and the company

was delighted to be involved in such a cutting edge project. The solution that Modplan used more than proved the company’s ability to meet a strict brief. The VEKA window frames blend seamlessly into the feature tapered outside reveals making the most of the picturesque views over the landscape, while the traditional style stable door combines modern energy efficiency with rustic farm appeal. One potential difficulty was the requirement for a particular RAL colour, which was

applied in Modplan’s specialist paint facility. The finish meant the frames needed to be fully reinforced, something that would normally affect the u-value. However, despite this, Modplan still managed to achieve the specified u-value of 1.4, a testament to the technology used in the windows. The farmhouse will be lived in by award-winning sheep farmer Arthur Davies and his family and means that Arthur will be able to live on his farm and will no longer need to commute to look after his livestock. The house will also act as a guide for future eco projects: Constructing Excellence Wales are monitoring the home’s power and water usage to help understand the behaviour and lifestyle changes required for the effective transition from grid to off grid living. Chris Reeks, Modplan’s Commercial Manager, said, “Projects like this one are vital if we are going to live more sustainably. We were delighted to be involved and hope that the lessons it provides can be put into practice in other sustainable projects.” Tel: 01495 246844 www.modplan.co.uk

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UK’s first Passivhaus window uses SWISSPACER 0713-0061

SWISSPACER’s leading warm edge spacer bar was specified in the UK’s first Passivhaus window. The window was developed by Custom Precision Joinery and Thomas Joinery, forming the Vale Passive Window Partnership.

the Vale Passive Window - we use SWISSPACER in our other windows and have always been very happy with its performance.”

The ‘Vale Passive Window’ was the first certified Passivhaus window manufactured in the UK where the UK supplier holds the certificate. A timber window system, it sets a new standard in design, longevity and energy efficiency. To meet the stringent Passivhaus requirements, the window needed to have a U-Value of 0.8 or less. Craig Lovatt of Custom Precision Joinery explains why SWISSPACER was the obvious choice of warm edge spacer bar: “The Vale Passive Window has a triple glazed sealed unit with SWISSPACER inside to achieve the extra-low U-Value. We didn’t even consider using another brand of warm edge spacer bar in

Based in North Wales, Custom Precision Joinery fabricates and installs high specification timber windows, doors and conservatories and bespoke products. For further information visit www.cpjoinery.co.uk or call 01244 550 444.

The Vale Passive Window uses SWISSPACER as standard.

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Craig continues: “We were awarded Passivhaus status for the Vale Passive Window in 2010 and there’s been growing interest in the product since then. At Custom Precision Joinery we’ve definitely noticed more demand for high performance windows and triple glazing. SWISSPACER is a vital component in our windows, helping us achieve the best energy ratings.”

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SWISSPACER is the UK and Ireland’s No. 1 warm edge spacer bar. It combines the best thermal properties with long lasting performance. For further information visit www.swisspacer.com/ en or call 0845 601 1265.

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WINDOWS

THERMAL PERFORMANCE

DUNGANNON INTRODUCES – IT ALL ADDS UP FOR CUSTOMADE EUROSASH VERTICAL SLIDER INNOVATIONS TO THE UK MARKET The Customade Group has the full Duraflex range of become the first window and door fabricator to be approved to simulate, calculate and declare the thermal performance of its own products using an inhouse calculator.

The Gloucester-based firm has developed an in-house performance calculator, which is covered by Initial Type Testing (ITT) from BSI. It calculates the thermal transmission of its Fineline range of aluminium windows and doors against EN14351-1:2006. Markus Springer, group product development manager at Customade, said: “As the deadline for CE Marking is fast approaching, everyone needs to able to demonstrate the thermal performance of their windows and doors.” “We are naturally delighted to have been approved to calculate the thermal performance of our Fineline windows independently of a notified body.”

“Customade was established in 1979 and fabricates the full Duraflex range of products to a consistently high standard. The company cleans and wraps every single PVCu window by hand and fully inspects it before it leaves the factory.”

desires and, with further product enhancements on the horizon, we are looking forward to taking this product to the next level,” he added. Customade was established in 1979 and fabricates

products to a consistently high standard. The company cleans and wraps every single PVCu window by hand and fully inspects it before it leaves the factory. Customade also uses a much heavier reinforcing section in its doors and windows to minimise problems after installation.

The £20 million turnover Customade Group, which employs 230 people, also includes Atlas Glazed Roof Solutions, the Bi-Fold Shop, Fineline Aluminium, which supplies designer architectural aluminium products with very slim sight lines, and Hourglass Seal, which manufactures glass and sealed units. For further information, please contact Customade’s marketing hotline on 0800 0094 203 or visit www.customade.co.uk.

Building on 25 years of industry firsts in the Irish window market, vertical sliders specialist Dungannon Windows is taking on the UK, with a series of unique innovations. Based in County Tyrone, Dungannon Windows offers a unique integrated top sash fly screen, ideal for homes near water or woodland, plus an electric vertical slider that can be opened and closed remotely by people with disabilities or in high-level installations.

“This exciting move underlines our commitment to lead the industry with technical expertise, innovation and a strong focus on customer service.”

Also available under the Eurosash range are anti-ligature sash windows approved for healthcare buildings; dual opening sashes for maximum ventilation; and a well-established mechanically joined vertical slider offering a more authentic timber-like appearance.

“With the introduction of the CE-marking, I am pleased to see the focus back on the U-value rather than the window energy rating. The demand for lower U-values in construction products will stimulate change within the building industry, in terms of new products and new construction details. However, it is not just about product performance; customers also demand products that are aesthetically pleasing and user friendly. Our Fineline system satisfies those

Dungannon’s triple glazed vertical slider has also proved popular in Ireland, being the only vertical slider on the BFRC scale, with an overall U-value of 1.1w/m2k and a centre pane U-value of 0.7w/m2k. The innovations are the latest in a long line of product developments from Dungannon Windows, which began with the manufacture of the first PVC-U sliding sash windows in Ireland. The company is now fabricating over 150 Eurosash vertical sliders a week from Spectus profile and is helping trade customers across the UK to reap the benefits of buying in vertical sliders and avoiding disruption to production lines. Company founder and Managing Director Tom Givans, explains: “Dungannon Windows offers unique products that have simply not been seen before in the UK.

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“Our integrated fly screen is a great example. We are the only company to offer this optional protection from flies and other insects, and it’s proving particularly popular for kitchens and bathrooms in homes but also catering areas and canteens in schools and hospitals, where hygiene standards are so important. “After many years of continued success in Ireland, we are keen to explore new opportunities in the UK and we received some great feedback on our specialist Eurosash products from both new and existing customers at the recent FIT show. “With Spectus profile, we know we are using the best vertical slider system on the market and combined with our steady stream of innovations, we can help customers to maximise sales opportunities with vertical sliders and grow their business.” Dungannon Windows also offers A rated vertical sliders, curved vertical sliders and arched heads, plus a choice of coloured and woodgrain effect foils. The vertical slider is one of Spectus Window Systems’ most popular products, combining the high performance of PVC-U with the appearance of a traditional timber sliding sash window. The window offers full ovolo detail throughout, a tilt-in facility for easy cleaning from the inside and the depth of the outerframe enables the vertical slider to suitably replace most timber box sashes. For further information, please visit www.dungannonwindows.co.uk.

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WINDOWS

A-RATING AS STANDARD FOR POPULAR VS 0713-0069

Synseal’s Evolve VS is now A-rated as standard, making the industry’s best-loved VS even more appealing to homeowners. When it comes to sliding sash windows, timber is often the go-to material for homeowners wanting to stay ‘true’ to the style of their property. What they don’t often realise is that authorities in conservation areas are increasingly accepting of PCV-U alternatives to what were traditionally timber products. Sarah Starkey, Synseal’s very experienced VS sales manager, said: “The standard Evolve VS window, which can be ordered through our fabrication partners, far exceeds the current building regulations by being A-rated as standard. Our range of VS frames are designed to prove acceptable in environmentally sensitive locations and properties by offering a finish that is indistinguishable from high quality timber, but which offer market-leading energy rated performance.” Sarah explained how Evolve VS windows are manufactured to maintain the elegant proportions of traditional sash windows, while incorporating the very best of modern day technology. “Evolve VS windows enable your customers to enjoy the low maintenance and high security of PVC-U without the problems associated with timber sash windows,” she said. Evolve VS windows feature tilting upper and lower sashes for ease of cleaning, low line beads and gaskets for improved sight lines, energy efficient glass to reduce heating bills, and they are quality assured for customers’ peace of mind. “From a terraced house to a stately home, our vertical sliders ensure that every property retains its character and charm,” Sarah said. “The fittings and balances are of the highest quality

and will outlast anything else available, whatever the frame material, while being competitively priced and easy to install and set up.” Synseal’s sliding sash windows have been designed to blend into their surroundings, and boast an array of traditional features, including: sculptured astragal bars; authentic-looking run through sash horns; two sliding sashes; and a choice of high quality hardware. Fully CE Marked, Evolve VS are available in a range of colours and are guaranteed for 10 years as they are manufactured with the highest quality materials under the strictest quality controls.

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CONSERVATION HOME FOR SYNSEAL’S VERTICAL SLIDERS PVC-U vertical sliding sash windows from Synseal help companies reach a wider customer base, especially in conservation areas, according to Neil Wakeman, operations director at Millennium Windows.

customers are always impressed with the results. The run-through horns and high quality hardware are particularly convincing, and they make a huge difference to customers, especially when the windows are in colour.”

The York-based Synseal fabricator and installer recently fitted VS windows into a renovated cottage in the village of Burton Leonard, which is in a conservation area. The owners, Mr and Mrs Taylor, were delighted with the result but, more importantly, the installation was signed off by Harrogate District Council after it passed its strict renovation rules.

Neil explained that like every customer looking to replace their VS windows, they are drawn initially to timber replacements. “When we showed Mr and Mrs Taylor the VS from Synseal, and what we could do with it, it was very easy to get them to consider a material other than timber,” he said. “They didn’t realise how good the PVC-U alternatives were until we showed them Synseal’s range of vertical sliders.”

“We manufacture and install casement windows in any colour to discerning customers in Yorkshire,” Neil explained. “However, considering the area we are in, there are a significant number of period properties with VS windows. The A-rated Evolve VS windows from Synseal are in a class of their own, and

Mr and Mrs Taylor chose to have their windows spray-painted Heritage Green, a specialist service that Millennium Windows offers. However, Neil explained that he prefers to promote Synseal’s foiled products. “Synseal’s

foiled products are authentic and very hardwearing,” he said. Millennium Windows has also completed a large project in nearby Boroughbridge, which used Synseal’s spray-painted VS windows in a conservatory. Millennium Windows has more than 40 years of combined experience designing, manufacturing and installing high quality A-rated windows, doors, and low cost conservatories in North Yorkshire and the surrounding area.

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TRANSPORT & HANDLING

Top Fleet

THE ULTIMATE GLASS RACKS First impressions last - and in most cases your van is your customer’s first impression of you. For over 25 years, Wolverhamptonbased glass frail manufacturer Top Fleet has been making sure their customers truly look the part, each and every time they arrive at a new job. This award-winning company has developed a reputation as THE market leader in glass carrying systems, offering a high quality range of products at competitive prices, and always delivered on time and with an unrivalled level of customer service and attention to detail. 2013 has so far been the company’s busiest yet, as an everexpanding list of customers from one-man businesses to blue chip companies turn to Top Fleet to provide them with the lightest, safest and best value glass frail systems to keep them looking great on the road every day. Jonathan Brown, Managing Director puts the company’s success down to a number of simple factors on which the business is founded: “Plenty of companies put out boastful claims about outstanding customer service, great value and quality craftsmanship. But at Top Fleet these really are the three simple values on which we pride ourselves, and which ultimately have set us head and shoulders above the competition. A number

of other businesses have tried to imitate our products and services over the years, and most have been short-lived and fallen by the wayside. My team and I have never rested on our laurels - we’re constantly innovating and looking for new ways to improve our products and make life that little bit easier for our customers.

Brief product range • The Pole System is designed for sheet glass, sealed units and shop fronts. • The Strap System is a frame rack for transporting UPVC windows, large frames, conservatories and even garage doors. • Internal Glass Racks are made from the same high grade aluminium as external frails, light yet strong and safety tested. • Fascia Roof Racks are specialist five metre roof racks for fascia, soffit, ladders and materials. External Racks are tested by Ceram for strength and carrying capacity: tests found that the ultimate failure load was in excess of 20kN per metre length of ledge, equivalent to more than two tonnes per metre length meaning Top Fleet’s racks are more than up to even the toughest job. Remarkable when you consider the average racking systems weighs a mere 69kg! Visit www.topfleet.co.uk for product videos or call 01902 404050.

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FOCUS ON INSTALLERS

GLAZERITE’S A SAFE BET FOR NEW CUSTOMER SAFEHOUSE Every business likes a happy customer but for the latest installer in the Glazerite fold, the compliments started right from day one – even if it took a 200-mile round trip to find a supplier that just happened to be a near neighbour! It was not until Stewart Tyler of Rushdenbased Safehouse visited The FIT Show in Telford that he met Glazerite – based just seven miles down the road in Wellingborough. He was not only so impressed that he placed his first order on the spot but he was so delighted with the service that he put his thoughts in writing immediately after the first delivery. “I wanted to say how impressed we were with the quality of the service and products we have received so far. From the delivery lorry to the driver...to the sales team but mostly the condition of all the windows. Also thanks for your commitment in providing us the competitive quotation.” He concluded: “You obviously know how to treat your installers and for that we are very grateful and look forward to placing many more orders.”

Glazerite Director Jason Thompson said: “We built our entire reputation on our commitment to customer service so we’re used to a few compliments but we obviously tick all the boxes for Stewart. We did very well from the FIT Show but it was ironic that we had to go all that way to meet such a near neighbour.” Stewart added: “Glazerite gave me the confidence to switch supplier. I gained the clear impression that things would be better with them. Visiting the FIT Show and meeting Glazerite was the best thing we have ever done for the company and our customers.”

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MTC is Coming

FENSA Can Get You Ready! From June 2014 all installers and surveyors of replacement windows and doors in domestic properties will need to prove compliance with the new Minimum Technical Competencies (MTC) being introduced by Government (Department for Communities and Local Government - DCLG). The simplest way to achieve compliance will be by registering on the FENSA MTC Card scheme.

Carded Experience The FENSA MTC Card recognises levels of competence achieved through the installers’ or surveyors’ relevant industry experience – and a minimum of two years is required. Installers and surveyors will be able to obtain a provisional card immediately upon registration but they will also be required to undertake online tests and onsite assessments that will allow a full card to be issued. These tests and assessments will need to be completed by June 2014.

Carded Qualifications The FENSA MTC Card can also recognise that the installer or surveyor holds relevant glazing sector qualifications – a minimum of NVQ Level 2 (installers) or Level 3 (surveyors).

Holders will have to demonstrate competence with the latest measures by being reassessed. The FENSA MTC Card is a simple, easy and costeffective way of recognising Minimum Technical Competence. The holder can clearly prove that they have the experience, skills and competences to carry out the contracted job to a nationally recognised standard. FENSA has partnered with GQA Qualifications Ltd (Glass Qualifications Authority), which has been recognising individual competence for over 20 years in a wide range of glazing and building sectors, and will be managing and verifying this carded system. The FENSA MTC Card recognizes and records an individual’s qualifications or experience and shows the identity of the holder. This information can be viewed by scanning with a smart phone, revealing information held by GQA. This technology ensures the information is always up to date. The card is held by the individual and is transferable

Registration for the FENSA MTC Card is now open at: http://www.fensa.org.uk/mtc.aspx Don’t just say you can do it – prove you can with the FENSA MTC Card. 0713-0076

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across employers and Competent Person Schemes. MTCs work hand-in-hand with the declarations of installer and surveyor experience or qualifications made by installation companies as they transition to Certified Installer status.

Act Now Installers and surveyors wanting to use their experience and resultant professionalism to satisfy MTC requirements need to register on the FENSA MTC Card now. “Our industry, following other construction sector professionals such as gas and electrical installers, is moving to a workforce with nationally recognised standards,” comments FENSA Operations Director Chris Mayne.

Costs Initial registration for the FENSA MTC Card is £30. The costs for the online tests and onsite assessments are currently being finalised. Funding may be available for undertaking NVQs. Once the full FENSA MTC Card has been obtained, cardholders will not need to be re-assessed for another five years.

FOCUS ON INSTALLERS

Roof Assured Launches

New RWD Website

Sika Roof Assured has launched a new, B2C, responsive website (RWD) to appeal to homeowners looking for a flat roofing solution.

a new focus on converting potential customers for the installer network, while adding extra sales and marketing support to existing and new installers.

The re-design is part of the Roof Assured brand development roll out. It gives

With an estimated 39% of consumers using mobile handsets to access the

internet (Ofcom Q1 2012) and an expected 23.2 million tablet and mini tablet users in the UK by 2016, it was important that the site was developed using responsive web design, so that it adapts to the size of screen/device a customer might be using.

Content is now optimised for desktop, tablet and mobile, meaning that wherever you are, or whatever device the reader is using, visitors to the Roof Assured site will be

able to view it in a quick to download and easy to view format.

Jon Morris, one of the Roof Assured web development team, said: “We are facing a trend of smaller screens and bigger audiences.” “In 2012 9.8 million UK consumers used a tablet to access the web (Source: eMarketer, Nov 2012) and we have to make sure that we are getting the right message

to the right people in the way they want to receive it”. The new site also helps Roof Assured installers by featuring case studies/blog posts on recent installations to support their own sales and marketing activity. For new or potential installers, a B2B landing page gives a few topline facts, contact details and an application form. Jon adds: “We recently exhibited at the National

Home Build & Renovating Show 2013 and FiT Show 2013 where we picked up on the sort of questions consumers and potential installers want answering. So we are confident that the site gives answers to all their burning questions.” For more information on becoming a Roof Assured installer visit www. roofassured.co.uk/installer or telephone 0800 614 821.

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SALES LEADS FOR LOYAL INSTALLERS

OPENING THE DOOR TO THE HOMEOWNER

Installers who have signed up to the Synseal Registered Installer scheme (SRI) will receive a host of covetable benefits, including a listing on Synseal’s new homeowner website directory.

Installers of Synseal products now have access to the most professional suite of retail sales literature on the market.

SRI was launched at this year’s FIT Show and rewards loyal Synseal installers. The benefits are numerous, and include marketing support, optional web design, and a discounted FairTrades subscription. By being listed on Synseal’s own consumer-facing website – www.synsealhomeowner.co.uk – installers will be exposed to more than 4,500 unique visitors a month (a figure that is steadily increasing). Synseal’s homeowner website has been expanded and redesigned with a fresh new look to specifically appeal to the great British public.

highlighted on this section. These have been divided into six separate groups: windows and doors; conservatory roofs; orangeries; bi-fold doors; patio doors; and vertical sliders. Therefore, the more products companies buy from Synseal, the more homeowners will be attracted to their individual installer profile. “Consumers search online to find the best home improvement products and tradesmen,” Mark Schlotel, Synseal’s Head of Marketing, said, “so our aim is to give homeowners some really useful information as they look for a local tradesman to fit the products they want.” Mark confirmed that initial research conducted by Synseal as the SRI scheme was being designed

highlighted the desire among installers to receive homeowner sales leads, alongside other forms of marketing support such as retail brochures and advertising templates. “Synseal’s ongoing investment in digital promotion, using techniques such as search engine optimisation (SEO) and pay per click (PPC), is designed to continually drive consumers to the homeowner website and generate sales enquiries,” Mark said. For more details about the SRI scheme, and how to become a member, visit www.synseal.com or information can be requested through Synseal’s extensive network of local fabricator partners.

The market leading systems supplier has just published its retail brochure for residential, bi-fold and patio doors, which completes a range of sales literature that is aimed squarely at UK homeowners. The 12-page lifestyle publication is brought to life with stunning photography that wouldn’t look out of place in a coffee table design magazine. Alongside the illustrations, Synseal explains why homeowners should take care over their choice of door design, including aesthetics, thermal efficiency, acoustics and security.

Synseal then talks the homeowner through the features and benefits of each door design the company supplies, including front and back residential doors, French doors, patio and bi-fold doors. This is then followed with illustrative details of hardware and colour options.

This retail sales brochure completes a comprehensive suite of nine brochures that Synseal will use to appeal directly to the homeowner via installers, while generating important sales leads for its fabricator customers though the consumer website www. synseal-homeowner.co.uk.

“Doors can create just as much of an impression as an expensive piece of furniture in your home,” explained Synseal’s Head of Marketing Mark Schlotel. “They are seen every day, so homeowners should select a style with features that match the rest of the home as closely as possible. Choosing new doors requires as much care as picking out furniture or decor.”

“Each publication aims to both inform and inspire the reader,” Mark explained. “There are plenty of photo illustrations and reassuring text that clearly explains how installing Synseal’s products can greatly improve homes and transform living spaces.” Installers who sign up to Synseal’s Registered Installer (SRI) scheme will receive a selection of these brochures free of charge in their welcome pack, which are also available to purchase in bulk quantities at unbeatable cost prices. Other business support benefits of the SRI scheme include a 25% reduction in the standard price of FairTrades association membership, and support options to create a personalised website if they don’t already have a web presence.

Installers will get their own personalised listing on the ‘Find an Installer’ postcode directory, which will be regularly updated. The Synseal products that they currently buy through their preferred fabricator will be 0713-0078

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FOCUS ON INSTALLERS

POINTS WIN PRIZES IN PLANITHERM NETWORK PROMO Planitherm Network members now have even more reason to get active, thanks to a major incentive promotion launched by Saint-Gobain Glass. Any member can win high cash value points by just doing what they do best – making the most of the Network’s benefits – then spend them as High Street vouchers or redeem them for even higher values of Planitherm branded items or any service from the Planitherm Marketing Portal. The promotion, which runs until October means member companies can score one point for every £5 of print via the Portal, 5 for each homeowner entered in the Network’s prize cash-back draw, 10 for each Installer Toolkit order and a generous 100 points once all of a company’s customerfacing staff have completed the online training module. Each 100 points are worth £100 in shopping vouchers or £150 in Planitherm products and services

Network continues to prove itself in that respect. But this new points scheme is the icing on the cake – an extra incentive with a completely flexible way of rewarding extra effort put in by members simply by making full use of the benefits the Network has to offer. The scheme was received very enthusiastically when we launched it at the FIT show and it is already proving very popular in the short time since then.” Members signing up for the promotion will enjoy one additional bonus – any activity since the beginning of 2013 will be backdated to provide extra points.

The Planitherm Installer Network now has more than 750 members since its launch a little over two years ago. Each enjoys many benefits including extensive marketing support, sales leads from the high-profile TV advertising campaign, online training and the chance of local media exposure from Planitherm’s quarterly draw where consumers can win back up to £10,000 of installation cost. For more information on Saint-Gobain visit www.saint-gobain.co.uk.

INSTALLERS HAIL THE SYNSEAL FAIRTRADES PARTNERSHIP A SUCCESS Within a couple of months of the Synseal Registered Installer scheme (SRI) being launched, new members were hailing it a success, with particular praise given to the FairTrades tie-up. New SRI members get a 25% reduction in the standard price of FairTrades membership, which gives installers access to HomePro insurancebacked guarantees (IBGs), Trustmark accreditation, and BM TRADA’s Competent Persons Scheme. Installers have reported that this is worth signing up to the SRI on its own. “I’ve won work thanks to being able to offer a HomePro IBG,” explained managing director of Aylesbury-based Fineglaze Mike Noden, who installs Global conservatory roofs. “They really get the thumbs up when selling to homeowners. We are not a large outfit, but this service allows us to compete with the bigger companies with ease. The FairTrades membership certainly wins respect from customers.”

Ian Handy at FairTrades explained why the organisation was prepared to offer such a generous discount to companies that bought Synseal’s products. “Fabricators of Synseal and K2 products supply over 3,200 installers in the UK,” he said. “This relationship has opened up new channels of communication for us, and the applications are starting to roll in.” Ian explained that for many – often smaller – installers, there was an issue with credibility. “Homeowners are very distrusting,” he said. “Membership of a credible trade association helps them to prove themselves to their potential customers.” FairTrades’ own statistics are enviable: one million IBGs have been issued since HomePro was launched, and 3.9 million homeowners visited the Trustmark website last year – an increase of 400,000 on the previous year. Ian also explained that FairTrades has well trained account managers who keep regular contact with members to

make sure they are getting the most out of the scheme. “We will call every six weeks without fail,” he said. “After all, we are a business support unit and that relationship is important to us.” Fabricator customers also benefit from the scheme, as Synseal’s Head of Marketing, Mark Schlotel, explained: “Of our 450+ Synseal fabricators, over 80% also install, therefore the new SRI scheme overtly supports our direct customers. In any case, anything that promotes increased business for our fabricator partners can’t be a bad thing – all sales will be conducted through them since we don’t deal directly with the installer. Even the boxed SRI welcome pack is sent to the sponsoring fabricator to be picked up by the installer. FairTrades membership will certainly appeal to many of our fabricators who wish to access powerful benefits, such as Trustmark accreditation.”

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Residential Market Manager Craig Dodsworth said: “Obviously, the greatest incentive for our members is closing sales and the Planitherm Installer

Looking for a new supplier or product, but don't have time to contact everyone?

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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.

Finding a new supplier couldn’t be easier!

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Summer

NEWSLETTER

Welcome To Our

Summer Edition Newsletter “Its been an amazing first half of the year, with sales exceeding expectations!”

“We’ve introduced new products whilst maintaining existing ranges. Our portfolio now includes the K2 Conservatory Roof with all glass options or polycarbonate, Guardian Warm Roof, Bi-Folding Aluminium Doors and our own range of Solaris Glass! We hope you enjoy our news. Four Seasons have helped hundreds of installers over the years, call us today and see how we can help.” Phil Foulgar, MD Four Seasons

IN THIS ISSUE:

Replacement Conservatory Roof System Takes Industry by Storm

July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Beautiful Bi-Fold

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A New Standard in Conservatory Roof Glass

Beautiful

Bi-fold! Things are very busy for Four Seasons Conservatories! Not only have they just launched their own conservatory glass range, Solaris, they also have a beautiful range of bi-fold doors. Becoming increasingly popular with the homeowner, bi-fold doors are a must for any installer portfolio. With today’s society opting for home improvements, rather than relocation, the bi-fold is ideal for that extra room, whether it be an extension or a conservatory. Four Seasons folding doors transform the home and the way consumers live, with stylish open plan areas. Installers need to sell the dream to the end user, and with the Four Seasons product range, any aspiration is possible. Not only is the folding door stunningly attractive, you are assured of a quality design. The aluminium profiles are made to give strength and durability to ensure a structurally sound product that requires minimal maintenance and delivers reliable performance over a lifetime of use. Aluminium sections utilise the latest polyamide thermal barrier technology. This

Replacement Conservatory Roof System Taking The Industry By Storm! The Guardian Warm Roof, available from Four Seasons Conservatories UK.

advanced profile technology creates a thermal transmittance barrier between the cold outside and the warm inside, keeping the home warm and comfortable even in the coldest weather, helping to reduce energy bills. The sashes can be glazed with a range of double or even triple glazed sealed units up to 38mm, and threshold options are available to give improved weather performance. Sliding sashes have the option of folding back internally or externally with a wide choice of sash configurations. For ease of access you do not have to open the doors 100%. Open in the centre like French doors, or from the side like an entrance door. Aluminium profiles are finished in polyester powder coated paint and are

available in a huge range of colours and finishes that includes dual colour, realistic wood structure and metallic paint options. The polyester powder coated paint finish is produced to the highest standards and quality assured with a 25 year paint finish guarantee (conditions apply). Assurance is given by high security multi point locking mechanisms fitted on opening sashes, shoot bolt locks on floating mullions and internally glazed units.

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

system comprising of a preengineered lightweight frame, two layers of rigid insulation board, internal insulated plasterboard, exterior grade plywood, vapour membrane and a choice of external tile finishes. The Affordable Warm Roof Conversion System

Roof Design Options • Edwardian • Lean-to

• Reduced fuel bills for the life of the roof.

• Combination

• Comfortable ambient temperature all year round. • A wide range of roof colours and finishes available. • Achieves a U-Value of 0.18 (England & Wales) and 0.15 (Scotland). • Thermal, structural and condensation risk tested. • Fast installation utilising existing walls, windows and doors.

All in all, it’s a beautiful folding door, and one the homeowner will be delighted to have installed in their property.

• Victorian • Gable Ended

Warming to the idea of the Guardian Warm Roof? Four Seasons Conservatories place a great deal of emphasis on supporting their installer customers and have recently undergone a number of significant changes to bring you a product range which is, quite simply, second to none. You can now buy the Guardian Warm Roof Conversion System from Four Seasons, and you’ll receive full technical support for the installation process. Not forgetting the very popular K2 Conservatory Roof System, along with aluminium bi-folding doors, Four Seasons can supply you with a whole host of quality products, no matter what your project.

If you are looking for a product that will sell, take a look at the Four Seasons bi-fold door (brochures available). Full marketing support is available.

July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

• With planning consent, internal dividing doors or walls can be removed to provide a permanent extension to the living room or kitchen etc.

• LABC Registered (minimises building control checks & approval process).

Tel: 01909 735 833 | Email: gareth@four-seasons.co.uk

• Fully guaranteed.

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There’s only one company you need to call...

Tiled conservatory roofs

Bi-fold & inline patio doors

K2 conservatory roofs

• Roof U-value 0.18

• Beautiful, obtainable and the smart choice for slide folding doors

• BBA approved fabricator conservatory roofs

• Reduced sightlines gives slim, attractive profile

• Many extras fitted as standard

• Quick, easy installation • Plaster, timber or UPVC clad interior finish • Ideal for the replacement or new build market

• A variety of colour choices • Aluminium windows also available in range of finishes

• All glass options available • Orangeries, portals, any style conservatory roof – no matter what the project • Online Roof Quota available

Deal direct with the Directors...

Tel: 01909 735 833 | Fax: 01909 735 385

www.fourseasons-roofs.co.uk | info@fourseasons-roofs.co.uk Conservatory & orangery roofs | aluminium windows | doors | bi-folding & inline sliding doors

July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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CERTIFICATE No. 04/4110

Sola

For more g

We are now selling New Wave Doors New Wave have brought to life a whole new concept in sliding door systems. With ground breaking design and engineering excellence no other sliding door system on the market can match New Wave for it’s elegance and ease of use. • Seamless beautiful lines no unsightly hardware • Easy to operate - slide one panel at a time • Open any part of the door you like. Even operates as a partition • More living space - inside and out • ABS 3 Star kitemark accredited lock - available on request • Excellent thermal and weatherproof performance • Patented Magnaline™ slide and stack technology • Maximum door height 2200mm, width on application New Wave Doors are a revolutionary new way of fabricating, transporting and installing multi pane patio doors. Using a concept first engineered in the US, the technical team at New Wave Doors™ spent 18 months developing a system that is truly unique in patio door systems. The New Wave Door™ is a true solution to problematic bi fold systems which are widely accepted to be difficult to make, move and install. The solution – don’t connect the doors! Don’t use face fix and problematic hardware. Each door moves and locates independently, giving the customer the option of opening the door in any position they choose, giving the opportunity to use the door

solaris

as a true partition. There is virtually no visible hardware on a New Wave Doors™ making them the most strikingly beautiful patio door with the cleanest sight lines. The unique and patented Magnaline™ technology means that the operational hardware is concealed in the top and bottom tracks, the doors glide effortlessly and the living and patio space is not affected or encroached when the door is opening or closing, another feature which sets this door apart from its contemporaries. The New Wave Doors™ system was first manufactured in our factory in Bristol but has grown quickly due to its popularity with fabricators and installers alike. Our aim is to make New Wave Doors™ the number one choice for fabricators manufacturing patio doors, french doors, juliet balcony doors, in line patios and bi folds. This system is easy to fabricate and our network of fabricators are enjoying the benefits of the simplicity and beauty of New Wave Doors™. New Wave Doors™ will provide you with either fully manufactured doors or if you wish to fabricate the system we will provide you with the hardware kit you require to make your door – all you have to do is make the individual equal sized sashes and door jambs! The door is available currently in beautifully sculptured PVCu and will soon be accompanied by the aluminium version.

glass

A New Standard In

Conservatory Roof Glass Introduced to the marketplace earlier this year, Solaris Glass claims to be at the forefront of glass technology, offering superior thermal benefits as well as an extensive option list for installers. Perhaps the most impressive benefit of Solaris Glass is that it can achieve 80% heat reflection*, with a U-Value of just 1.0! Making Solaris the best performing glass on the market today! The Solaris range of conservatory roof glass features, as standard, self-clean technology. Whilst many types of roof glass simply use an ‘easy clean’ coating, Solaris Glass has the self cleaning technology built in. The many benefits of which include increased longevity (compared to standard coatings which can wear off over time, and are costly to replace). What’s the difference between easy-clean and self-clean technology? Over the years, several approaches have been made to fight the build up of dirt on roofs, facades and windows. Self-cleaning coatings are improving constantly. Currently, there are two main categories of self-clean coatings: hydrophobic and hydrophilic. Hydrophobic These coatings repel water and dirt and prevent water drops from drying on the glass pane and from leaving ugly water marks and stains. The problem with this type of coating is that most hydrophobic coatings do not give enough hydrophobicity (contact angle with water >

Heat Reflection

Solar Factor

U-Value

Light Transmission

True Self Clean

Warmedge

Argon Glass Filled

Solarius Blue

80%

20%

1.0

27%

Yes

Solaris Aqua

78%

22%

1.0

32%

Yes

Solaris Neutral

71%

29%

1.0

37%

Yes

Solaris Bronze

66%

34%

1.0

42%

Yes

Solaris Privacy

57%

43%

1.2

62%

Yes

Standard Glazing

24%

76%

1.2

81%

Yes

15 degrees) for the self-cleaning effect to work. These coatings are often referred to as easy-clean. Hydrophilic The literal meaning of this is ‘attracting water’, and is the opposite of ‘hydrophobic’ (water-repellent). Basically, it means water spreads evenly over the surface of the glass to form a thin film that washes away and dries off quickly without leaving ‘drying spots’. Hydrophilic - water attracting – coatings can be photocatalytically active and break-up organic dirt, which can be washed away by the water-sheeting effect on hydrophilic surfaces. Hydrophilic coatings are mechanically much more stable, and some would say, much more effective. Solaris Glass uses hydrophilic self clean technology, as standard. Take a look at the technical specification, which includes the many options available: Popularity of Solaris Glass is rising fast, and with demand on the increase, it is imperative that anyone interested in the product, act now. Full marketing support is available, with retail brochures included.

Credit where credit is due Phil Foulgar launched Four Seasons over 13 years ago, originally manufacturing the K2 Conservatory Roof System. Since then, the Company has grown ten fold and with the assistance and help of fellow Director, Gareth Maseutivus, the Company now offer the Guardian Roof (tiled roof), as well as the Smart Aluminium folding door system. Not one to let the grass grow under his feet, Phil spotted the opportunity to produce their own glass option, giving customers a wider choice, as well as maintaining the supply of K2 Conservatory Glass options. Overall, customers now have the flexibility of choice, the credibility of Four Seasons and it’s supplier partners, and a product range which simply covers any installation project you have in mind. Four Seasons are where they are today because they have kept their eyes and ears open and listened to their customers. If you want to join in the success, then give them a call today! Ask for them by name… For more information telephone 0845 680 9465 or email: info@solaris-glass.com. *using premium glass Solaris Blue.

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Tel: 01909 735 833 | Fax: 01909 735 385

www.fourseasons-roofs.co.uk | info@fourseasons-roofs.co.uk Conservatory & orangery roofs | aluminium windows | doors | bi-folding & inline sliding doors

July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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CERTIFICATE No. 04/4110

Units

NEW PRODUCTS

KAYFLOW LAUNCHES SUPERDEEP GUTTERING SYSTEM Kayflow, the rainwater, underground and soil systems specialist, has launched a new high strength, high volume guttering system, the SuperDeep 170. It has been designed to handle a much higher flow rate than standard guttering systems. With four of the top five wettest years occurring since the millennium, and data revealing that the frequency of extreme rainfall in the UK may be increasing, the SuperDeep 170 is raising the benchmark for guttering systems. Recommended for fixing at 600mm intervals, each fascia bracket is able to carry a weight of 125kg, that’s around 19.5 stone; more than enough to handle a gutter full of water, ice and snow. With a market leading flow rate of around 10 litres per second, the SuperDeep 170 has the capacity to carry over 10 times more water than a standard half round gutter and at least five times more water than a standard deep system.

wall thickness. The Super Deep 170 fittings are designed with strength in mind and are positively fixed, including the 90˚ angle which has been produced in external and internal formats. This increases the strength of the system and provides additional support in the areas where it is needed most. Kayflow has co-extruded the SuperDeep 170 gutter profile onto a white base with a black or grey outer skin. This helps to deter heat

build-up, a common enemy of large guttering systems due to the expanse of material. The white base will help to reduce expansion and contraction within the system thus reducing the risk of leaks. “The SuperDeep 170 is a ‘solution’ product,” said Dave Osborne of Kayflow. “With persistent recordbreaking rainfall, the building and construction industry needs a guttering system that is strong and reliable. This can hold over

The strength of the SuperDeep 170 system comes from its carefully designed structure and superior

125kg from just one fascia bracket; we know because we’ve tested it; it really is super strong as well as super deep.” Kayflow’s SuperDeep 170 is ideal for large commercial developments like agricultural buildings, hospitals, schools, and factories; buildings that have large roof areas. Due to the capacity of the system it can even reduce the number of downpipes needed. The Kayflow SuperDeep 170 guttering system comes with a 10 year guarantee and is fully BSI Kitemarked.

The Kayflow Range The Kayflow standard rainwater products are available in round, square, deepflow and ogee systems, and in a range of colours; white, black, brown, grey or caramel. They are also compatible with many other systems. The Kayflow offer also includes half-round and ogee cast iron effect options in black with specially moulded components that closely

reflect the traditional detailing of cast iron systems. Both systems carry a 10 year guarantee. Soil ranges come in high gloss finish, are easy to fit and are compatible with many other competitor systems. Kayflow’s durable and impact resistant underground systems come in both 110mm and 160mm diameters and are fully tested to BS EN 1401-1:2009 PVC-U underground drainage systems. For more information please visit www.kayflow.co.uk. For Literature and POS material; or if you’re interested in becoming a Kayflow stockist please contact a member of the team on 01827 317 200.

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July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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NEW PRODUCTS

ISO-CONNECT Vario Fix

delivers for faster airtight sealing

New ISO-CONNECT Vario Fix from leading foam sealant suppliers ISO-Chemie is an advanced foil that provides a permanent airtight seal of window and door connection joints, which can then be plastered over.

and doors as well as the RAL quality assurance association. It is compatible with the Fabric First principal and is able to accommodate extremes of temperature changes – from - 40°C to + 80°C.

Quick and easy to install on concrete, wood, brick and masonry surfaces, the self-adhesive polymer fleece ISOCONNECT Vario Fix features a wide self-adhesive strip and an integrated plaster mesh for improved plaster bonding to give a smooth and decorative final surface finish.

ISO Chemie is one of Europe’s main producers of impregnated foam sealants, specialising in the manufacturer of foam products from polyethylene (EPE), polypropylene (EPP) and polyurethane (PUR) using the latest production techniques.

The foil can be applied to both the window or door frame and the reveal in a single, easy step to save time and once in place, reacts to seasonal temperature gradients to provide a high drying effect in the joint all year round. Product complies with the European energy saving regulations (EnEV) on windows

The company’s new UK operation is based in the North East of England, supported by a dedicated logistics service to ensure customer orders are completed as quickly and efficiently as possible (usually next-day delivery). Tel: 01207 566874, visit www.iso-chemie.co.uk or email p.thompson@iso-chemie.co.uk.

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SGG DECORGLASS: EXCLUSIVE RANGE OF TRADITIONAL PATTERNED GLASSES

Saint-Gobain Glass has launched SGG DECORGLASS, a range of clear patterned glass. Providing an alternative to what is currently available on the market, this exclusive range offers

six new designs creatively named WATERDROP, ENTRELAZADO, PIXARENA, LISTRAL M, MARIS and THELA.

For use within exterior and interior applications, SGG DECORGLASS is perfect for

creating bright and spacious areas with different levels of privacy. Its range of designs and textures is suitable for the decoration of both residential and commercial premises, installed in

windows, doors, partitions, shower and bath screens, furniture, internal/external barriers and street furniture.

acoustic insulation and privacy is a requirement.

Offering a unique approach to patterned glass, SGG DECORGLASS can be processed as any other glass.

SGG DECORGLASS is available with a range of visibility factors, developed by Saint-Gobain and called the SGG Vision Control Factor.

It may also be assembled in double-glazed units to provide effective thermal insulation combined with privacy, or incorporated with SGG STADIP SILENCE acoustic safety laminated glass in locations in which

These range from 1 to 10 based upon their individual visibility, 1 offering the greatest privacy. The product fully complies with the requirements of standard EN 572-5 and carries the relevant CE mark.

“Brochures and samples packs have been designed to help showcase the unique patterns to the market.”

The product range has enjoyed much success in the European market and the aim is to spark the same interest in the UK. Offered as a unique alternative to existing patterns, the range will offer companies a point of

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July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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differentiation from their competitors, inspiring fresh and new designs.

Brochures and samples packs have been designed to help showcase the unique patterns to the market. The range is complemented by SGG ARENA C and SGG KATMIN; patterns which have been designed with a more traditional look and feel. A wired glass option is also planned for the future to complete the patterned glass portfolio. The launch of SGG DECORGLASS is the next stage of a range of exciting interior products to be introduced to the UK market throughout 2013. For more information on Saint-Gobain visit www.saint-gobain.co.uk.

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July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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DOORS

PVC-U door panel still A FLAIR GIVE AWAY has its place, reports Phoenix Door Panels Buoyant sales of its PVC-U door panels are proof that the product still has its place in the replacement market where purchasers value the cost-effectiveness of this entrance door solution, reports Phoenix Door Panels Ltd, a division of Masco UK Window Group Ltd. The Cambridgeshirebased composite door and door panel manufacturer, which recently celebrated its one millionth panel manufacturing milestone, says strong demand has seen production regularly top 1,500 panels per week.

it still sells well, it’s a product that performs and it’s a product that’s inexpensive,” he continues. “If you want to change the look of your house with a new entrance door, the PVC-U door panel will achieve that without breaking the bank. It’s not such a major investment.”

look good for a reasonable price. And in the unfortunate event of any damage, it is less expensive to replace it. Phoenix goes from strength to strength with panels and we’re gearing up to do well over 1,500 a week come the autumn as the market takes its seasonal lift.”

Haydon also cites the strong buy-to-let market as another factor responsible for driving panel sales, adding: “Landlords want an entrance door that will do the job and

Contact Phoenix Door Panels on 01487 740469, email info@ phoenixdoorpanels.co.uk or visit the website at www. phoenixdoorpanels.co.uk.

Following on from a hugely successful FIT Show, Flair Plastic Products have now presented Gemini (Telford) Ltd with their Kömmerling PremiLine patio door, which the company won in the ‘Beat the Buzz Wire’ challenge on the Flair stand at the trade exhibition.

Gemini was presented with an unglazed, two-pane patio door, which is currently on promotion from Flair at a price of £199+VAT, up to 3 metres wide. The Kömmerling PremiLine patio door is the perfect match to the C70 and O70 Gold Systems, which are also both available from Flair. Given the innovative design of the outer frame on the PremiLine door, which is 70mm deep tapering out to 80mm to accommodate the sash, it can be easily coupled to any Kömmerling 70mm frame and benefits from a large range of ancillaries. It

“Sales are going a storm and Phoenix is selling more panels now than ever in its 21-year history,” comments Haydon Statham, National Sales Manager. “A panel still fills the same ‘hole’ as a composite door, so in a replacement market for every five doors that are sold, one is a composite door and four of the five are panels and glass.”

also boasts the option of low sightline gaskets in black or grey and there is a wide range of colours including white, rosewood, mahogany, golden oak and even black directly from stock. The system also offers a low threshold option, outer frames can be welded or mechanically jointed and there is also the choice of a full length aluminium handle for further stability and to add a touch of designer appeal. The PremiLine patio door is part of a range of specialist door systems from Kömmerling that are available from Flair which include a bi-folding door and the impressive Lift and Slide PremiDoor. Adrian Keegan, strategic consultant for Flair Plastic Products comments: ‘We were delighted to be able to present the door to the winning team from Gemini and thankfully they weren’t

based in the farthest point in Scotland! We believe that the Kömmerling PremiLine patio door is the best in it’s class and we were proud to show off a number of their impressive systems at the FIT Show.’ Installers looking to switch to Flair are promised first class products, excellent customer service and a free showroom support package. For further information contact Flair on 0121 624 5001 or e- mail sales@ flairwindows.com.

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A COMPOSITE LOVE AFFAIR! Quickslide are the latest company to fall in love with the Solidor composite door, which has quickly established itself as the benchmark in the sector, both as a product and as a customer focused business.

According to Haydon, for cost-conscious consumers, the PVC-U door panel scores highly on price, yet does the same low-maintenance, aesthetically-pleasing and robust job as its costlier composite counterpart.

With a range of colours that now extends to 17 inside and out, along with exclusive hardware agreements with Avantis and for a range of black antique hardware, the product offering is by far the best in the sector the company claims. They have also recently returned from the FIT Show with a large number of high quality enquiries for their solid core composite doors.

“The panel still has a place, 0713-0090

Similarly, Quickslide has also built up a reputation as a dynamic player in the glazing industry having won G11 Fabricator of the Year, in recognition of their efforts as a business under the leadership of chairman, Adrian Barraclough. The company’s core product is their vertical sliding sash, but in recent years they have introduced complementary casement windows, bifolding doors and more recently Solidor composite doors, to satisfy the demand of their customer base.

by offering a cutting edge range of products. As a business partner their effort to help us launch this range with staff product training and technical and marketing support has been overwhelming. Above all, it’s great to have fallen in love with a company who loves us to!’ Gareth Mobley, managing director of Solidor Group comments: ‘We’ve already built a great relationship with Adrian and his team as the picture shows, but we’re not one to rest on our laurels. Hopefully the industry’s love affair with Solidor will continue!’ To find out more about Solidor including their Recommended Installer campaign then log on to their new website at www.solidor. co.uk, call their sales office on 01782 847300, or add to their Twitter following @solidorltd.

Adrian Barraclough, chairman of Quickslide commented: ‘Bringing the Solidor product on board has allowed us to enhance our brand, 0713-0091

From left to right: David and Graham Beverley of Gemini with Adrian Keegan, Flair.

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July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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DOORS

Door-Stop sales up 30% as panel doors decline Door-Stop sales in May have increased by 30% on last year’s figures. The growth is coming both from existing installer customers, who are buying 10% more Door-Stop composite doors than this time last year, and from new customers joining at a rate of 24 a week. Nick Dutton, Managing Director of Door-Stop, comments: “These figures represent a significant increase on last year’s good results.”

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“We’ve seen a trend of customers ordering more composite doors as the trade in panel doors falls.

Homeowners are demanding better security, energy efficiency and a quality door that looks like timber. I don’t believe the total number of new doors sold across the industry has increased by such a large percentage but I’m sure composite doors are making substantial gains at the expense of panel doors. To stay ahead of demand, we’ve invested in another CNC machine – bringing our total to eight.” To buy composite doors with guaranteed 3-day delivery visit www.door-stop.co.uk. Follow Door-Stop on Twitter @doorstopdoors.

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Whiteline First with Patio Plus Innovation South East fabricator Whiteline is first on the market with a really innovative new patio door system called ‘Patio Plus’. ‘Patio Plus’ introduces new levels of style, design, ease-of-use and security that are set to rekindle the market for replacement PVCu in-line patio doors. The 2, 3 or 4 pane system looks great with fully sculptured, thermally efficient frames and sashes, slim 80mm sightlines and double or triple glazing options. Available with a wide choice of colour finishes and furniture, ‘Patio Plus’ doors have a personalised style to suit any home.

Whiteline are truly committed to their new range and have invested in their factory and systems to gear up for the ‘Patio Plus’ sales opportunity. “Following on from our traditional look ‘FlushSASH’ range we can now offer ‘Patio Plus’ doors as another attractive offering for our installer customers,”

For customers the doors are a real pleasure to own and use. Openings and closings are smoother, more balanced and quieter as the ‘Air-Glide’ action feels like floating on air. A bespoke wrap over threshold prevents scuffing and keeps its good looks for longer. Clever, patented design features come as standard, from the unique centre seal to the internal ‘crash stop’ decelerator damper and more, whilst the Modlok™ security mechanism, developed with Yale, offers the peace of mind of multiple hooks and shootbolts with a simple one piece locking keep. 0713-0097

July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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commented Whiteline Operations Manager Peter Hand. “And with great customer service back-up, it’s not just our doors that work smoothly”. Tel: 01323 723724 www.whiteline.co.uk

DOORS

YALE LOCKS INTO PARTNERSHIP WITH WINDOW WARE Window Ware has locked into partnership with Yale Door and Window Solutions to distribute the revolutionary Doormaster™ replacement multipoint lock range. As part of its extensive offering, Window Ware now offers the complete range from Yale’s Doormaster™ collection, including the Professional, Adjustable and Universal series multi-point door locks, to enable the instant replacement of up to 90% of PVCu door locks in just one visit. Rachel Attwood, Managing Director at Window Ware said: “Being able to offer our customers, 9 times out of 10, the ability to change a multi-point door lock on their first visit by using the Yale Doormaster™ is something we are really very keen on. So we’re delighted to be working with Yale on Doormaster™ to develop the market’s awareness of this great product. It certainly lives up to Window Ware’s promise of “we’ve got it” – meaning our customers can get the job done knowing homeowners will be confident in the Yale brand to keep their home secure.” Yale Doormaster™ presents a compact range of replacement multi-point door locks, replacement gearboxes and “overnight” locks, which enables installers to instantly repair or replace the multipoint locks in virtually all PVCu and the majority of composite and timber doors.

extremely straightforward, eliminating the need for loose plastic packers. Kevin Hill, Managing Director of Yale Door and Window Solutions added: “Yale continues to work hard to remain the number one choice for security products and services. It is known globally as a home security specialist and consumers are aware of the host of solutions on offer that guarantee their home is as safe as possible.

and Secured by Design approved. To find out more about the Doormaster™ range, please visit www.yaledws.co.uk/ doormaster. To find out more about the Yale locks available at Window Ware, or to plan an order, please visit www.windowware.co.uk.

“We continue to listen to our customers and respond with market leading solutions such as the Yale Doormaster™ range. This ensures we can continue to build on successful partnerships with leading suppliers such as Window Ware to offer installer friendly, high quality security solutions.” The Yale Doormaster™ replacement multipoint lock range is based on the latest Yale YS170 product platform and enables installers to instantly replace the multipoint locks in virtually all doors with just six product variants. Both the Professional and Adjustable replacement multipoint locks are PAS 24 door set capable

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The keeps on all Doormaster™ replacement locks for PVCu doors feature the patented Uni-packer™ system pre-assembled along their length. This market leading innovation will easily fit all PVCu profiles and makes keep installation 0713-0098

July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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ARCHITECTURAL

A door system that AWARDED CONTRACTS combines strength and performance

HAZLEMERE COMMERCIAL SUCCESSFULLY

AluK is proud to announce the launch of the GT55 TB aluminium commercial door system which is one of the most robust thermally broken commercial door systems available on the market. The system has been fully tested and can be integrated with AluK’s GT55 ground floor treatment system or installed as a stand-alone door. This robust and low maintenance door provides complete flexibility in entrance solutions and is available in a wide range of colours and finishes to suit any project.

The commercial branch of Hazlemere Window Company has recently been awarded two multimillion pound projects which will see the replacement of no fewer than 2,117 windows that have been in-situ for more than four decades. New County Offices in Aylesbury, home to Buckinghamshire County Council, and the Merton Civic Centre in London will soon benefit from new Sapa energy efficient windows, courtesy of High Wycombe based Hazlemere Commercial. The Aylesbury New County Offices contract was awarded in late 2012 and work commenced on the 1,437 window contract in February 2013 at a cost of £2.1m. Buckinghamshire County Council finance and resources cabinet member Peter Cartwright explained that this was money well spent, in an article for the Bucks Herald: “This capital project ensures we have windows that meet modern energy efficiency requirements, and which will reduce the cost of heating and cleaning, while also improving working conditions. We have given the job to a local contractor, providing local work for local people.” The project is expected to last 9 months and result in a 15% reduction in energy costs for the council premises. Likewise the Merton Civic Centre in Morden, was wrapped in scaffolding at the beginning of May 2013 in preparation for the replacement of its 680 steel framed windows, deemed unfit for purpose by an independent glass and glazing consultant. As part of their contract, Hazlemere Commercial will recycle all the old windows, replacing them with

highly thermally efficient aluminium double glazed windows, manufactured from 100% recycled aluminium billet. The new energy saving products being installed by Hazlemere Commercial are Sapa Dualframe top swing reversible windows that will enable all the windows to be cleaned safely and easily from inside the building, with resultant health and safety and cost saving benefits.

It is ideal for a range of heavy duty commercial and public sector applications including offices, hospitals, schools, warehouses and other industrial applications. • U-value performance of 2.0 W/m²K (Based upon 1.2 CP 28mm unit) • Green Guide Rating C • Single and double door configurations, with standard or Anti-finger trap hinge options • Max leaf weight of 90 kg • 110mm x 55mm profiles for thermally broken door and screening options

This refurbishment work will be carried out over the course of approximately 12 months at a cost of £2.5m by Hazlemere Commercial, accredited to BS EN ISO 14001:2004 for environmentally friendly wastage disposal. The successful completion of both projects relies heavily on the experience of Hazlemere Commercial. However, the New County Hall contract in Aylesbury entails one site specific issue that the company has never encountered in over 25 years; a Peregrine Falcon that uses the building for nesting. Both Buckinghamshire County Council and Hazlemere Commercial unanimously agreed that the project must cause the least possible disruption to the resident bird of prey. The capture of these commercial contracts, and many others like it, has resulted in Hazlemere Commercial becoming one of the largest users of Sapa Building Systems aluminium. For further details on Hazlemere Commercial’s specialist design, manufacturing and installing capabilities contact Simon Keegan, Hazlemere Commercial’s Commercial Sales Director on s.keegan@hazlemere.co.uk or 01494 897600 or visit www.hazlemerecommercial.co.uk.

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The inherent strength of aluminium construction combined with AluK’s unique thermally broken profile ensures maximum

performance and robustness, making the GT55 TB Door System one of the most robust fully glazed swing doors available on the market.

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• Can accommodate glazing sizes between 24mm – 40mm (Door) & 8mm – 32mm (Screen) • Internally glazed for added security • Available with thermally broken ancillary profiles i.e. sub cills, drainage trays etc • Single point and multi point locking options • Anti-finger trap panic bar profiles also available • DDA compliant closer to control opening forces • Currently being added to our market leading Secured By Design Certification

ARCHITECTURAL

CONTRAFLAM® PROVIDES FIRE SAFETY

ASSURANCE IN ICONIC BUILDING’S NEW ATRIUM A stunning glass atrium in the newly opened £85 million extension to the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) has been created using CONTRAFLAM® fully insulating clear, fire-resistant safety glass manufactured by GLASSOLUTIONS Solaglas.

(60 minutes integrity and insulation) in screens on the ground floor areas. In addition to the CONTRAFLAM glazing, GLASSOLUTIONS also supplied designed, manufactured and installed five rooflights, one of which is used in the roof of the atrium, utilising SGG COOL-LITE® solar control glass.

Installed by leading façade designer and contractor Charles Henshaw & Sons, the fire rated glass atrium provides protection from the first floor through to the roof level, and helps to create a light and spacious area.

Graham Chung, sales director at Henshaw said: “The EICC was already a landmark Edinburgh building, but the impressive new extension makes it very special and it’s a project we’re proud to have been involved with. CONTRAFLAM has enabled us to meet the brief extremely well thanks to the unique unit construction that utilises toughened glass which assisted in meeting the guarding loads and acoustic reduction value.”

The extension to one of Edinburgh’s most iconic buildings was designed by BDP Architects and completed by main contractor Sir Robert McAlpine, with project management by Mace Group. Manufactured by GLASSOLUTIONS Solaglas, in conjunction with sister-company Vetrotech, at their dedicated Coventry production facility, two formats of CONTRAFLAM were supplied for the EICC project to suit the different requirements within the new atrium. Henshaw installed 1,500m2 of EI30 CONTRAFLAM (30 minute integrity and insulation) in screens within the main atrium and 250m2 of EI60 CONTRAFLAM

CONTRAFLAM®: http://www.glassolutions.co.uk/products/contraflam Charles Henshaw & Sons: http://www.charles-henshaw.com/ Sir Robert McAlpine: http://www.sir-robert-mcalpine.com/projects/?id=32254

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Senior’s Invest

Senior Architectural Systems are well known in the UK as a leading window systems provider of aluminium and ‘Hybrid’ systems for commercial and residential use. Senior’s are also known for providing a wide range of glazing solutions through their glazing division, Senior Glass Systems, based in Scarborough. Acquired in October 2009, the facility provides Senior’s with a 4,000 sq.m. glass processing division which supports Senior’s growing fabricator base across the UK. The result is a systems company that fully understands the needs of the fenestration industry and the industry challenges which lie ahead. Steve Wightman has overseen many changes in the business since its acquisition and comments, “Glazing turnover has steadily

grown over the last few years both with our systems customers and local trade supply. In order to keep up with the growing demand, and provide products and service our customers have become accustomed to, we are investing heavily in new plant and machinery.” The company has recently invested in two new Mercedes delivery vehicles, two new automated cutting tables and a new toughening furnace. Further plant and machinery is currently on order. Senior Glass Systems are part of Senior’s nationwide delivery network providing the major conurbations with a twice weekly delivery service. Having agreements with several glass producers ensures Senior’s can offer both competitive and comprehensive supply double and triple glazed units, incorporating specialists solar control glass and gas filling. No project is to large and Senior Glass Systems welcome all enquiries.

Further information on Senior Glass Systems is available on the company’s website at http:// www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk/glass-systems/

SUCCESSFUL WALLS MOUNTED BY ECO i-PANEL Recent projects incorporating the revolutionary eco-i spandrel panel from TuffX have proved very successful for specifiers due to its high thermal performance and slim line appearance. The versatility of the product has impressed Trevor Warner, Technical Sales Consultant with Anglia Fixing Limited who considers it an aesthetically beautiful product that simplifies installations and completely satisfies the end user. For commercial curtain walling projects such as schools and business parks, where specifiers must work to planning departments stringent regulation standards the eco i-Panel has proved an excellent introduction onto the market for Mr Warner. Simplifying installation is an added bonus for installers with less site time and fast turnarounds reaping time saving benefits. Developed along side world renowned glass companies the eco i-Panel brings to the market a new concept for commercial applications and residential developments, offering exceptional high performance and an insulation value as low as 0.17.

two panels of toughened, screen printed glass. Additionally, the eco i-Panel conforms to all Building Regulation requirements and European safety standards and having been rigorously tested it ultimately provides a sizeable carbon footprint reduction. Trevor Warner comments, “As building regulations tighten and green issues become more of a priority in urban design the eco i-Panel brings a vibrant new option for stylish, low-carbon design.” Graham Price, Managing Director, TuffX Processed Glass comments, “Meeting the demands of an ever changing market that requires only the best in terms of combined performance and style, will always be a focus to the TuffX team.” “It is rewarding to see that we can support the needs of customers, specifiers and planning departments through our ongoing research, design and product development.” For more information on the range of products available from TuffX please visit: www.ambiglass.co.uk or www.tuffxprocessedglass.co.uk.

With an overall thickness which starts from just 28mm it can be produced in most RAL colours and can be fitted directly into existing glazing systems, which Mr Warner considers makes it an ideal product for commercial applications that adds a stylish touch to the finished project. Glass toughening line.

Senior Glass Systems.

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This niche alternative incorporates a high performance insulated core encased between 0713-0104

July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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HARDWARE & ACCESSORIES

THIS MONTH WE FOCUS ON:

HARDWARE & ACCESSORIES Tony Chadwick, Managing Director of the Trojan Group, shares the secrets of his company’s hardware success with Glass News. The Trojan Group has seen strong and sustained sales growth in each of the past five years. Given the tough economic climate that has affected so many so badly, I think this demonstrates we’re doing something right. We attribute our success to several reasons. Firstly, our investment in high quality, innovative products that add value to our customers’ businesses. A perfect example of this is in our new generation Stallion 3 Window Lock and the Sparta 3 Window Handle. We recognised that in this economic climate we needed to focus on developing products that offered financial benefits without compromising on the quality. The result is that this new generation of products deliver outstanding features but – more importantly – because we have designed them to have reduced variations and stocking levels, they offer up to 50% financial savings. The developments mean you don’t need to tie up so much capital in stock, helping you to run your business. Then there’s our range of market leading stainless steel products, developed to offer the ultimate in corrosion

resistance. With guarantees of up to 25 years on every product in the range, both you and your customers know that the quality and reliability is not in doubt. All our products are designed and manufactured within the Trojan Group. This guarantees we can keep a tight control over quality and cost, so that in turn you can keep a similarly tight control. It also means we can keep our patented designs and manufacturing processes confidential, which many people demand. This control and traceability is very difficult to maintain when complete products are outsourced. You can also see our commitment to supporting our customers in our manufacturing plants. As well as a UK base, we also have bases in China and – as of this year – Vietnam. In China, we have recently implemented optimised lean manufacturing and are continuing to automate manufacturing processes. As a result, we have increased production capacity while further improving quality and maintaining competitive prices.

can help to protect your business from rising prices and market forces, helping you to keep control over your costs. Trojan Group is one of the largest privately owned window and door hardware manufacturers and our independence allows us to deliver a rapid and personal response at all times, something which all our customers have come to expect. It also lets us take the time to listen to you and react to your needs so we can be a valuable partner to you. Of course, the biggest reason for our success is the support of our customers. They provide us with valuable input to our new and existing

product ranges and tell us how we can help them in their businesses. One example of this is the recent launch of our first consumer brochure that helps our customers showcase to homeowners the quality of the hardware they use. It’s easy to think of hardware as a secondary component in windows and doors: U values and energy efficiency, for example, offer much more immediate benefits for consumers. But the right choice of hardware can make a real difference. Our products help you in your business and help to make your customers’ enjoyment of their windows and doors even greater. It’s simply a winning combination.

The investment we are making in Vietnam strengthens our ability to meet your requirements. It also allows us to offer stability as all the signs are that production costs in China will rise in the coming years, not least because the value of the pound is weakening. By forward planning like this, we

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BARRIER COMPONENTS EXPAND

SINGLE POINT FIXING OFFER

Specialist architectural hardware supplier, Barrier Components Ltd., has extended their range of Single Point Fixing hardware, a product used to affix glass panels to walls in hundreds of commercial applications. Whether it be for signage, screens, splashbacks or counters in shop fitting or office refurbishment, quality fixing hardware is essential and a cohesive range important to

allow ultimate flexibility of material choice, thickness and weight. Check out this new range from Barrier Components Ltd on their website at

www.barrier-components.co.uk or contact their technical team on 01708 891515 or sales@barrier-components.co.uk.

“Whether it be for signage, screens, splash-backs or counters in shop fitting or office refurbishment, quality fixing hardware is essential.”

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July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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HARDWARE & ACCESSORIES

greenteQ Doctor ANTIQUE HARDWARE & Pony Tail Door FROM MIGHTON Knockers from VBH Mighton Products have just launched their new range of antique hardware for both timber and PVCu casement windows, including a dummy hook with the promise of next day delivery.

The new antique range of hardware includes Monkeytail stays in 8”, 10” and 12” lengths, locking and non-locking hook/mortice fasteners both left and right handed and a dummy hook, which is fixed to the window. The dummy hook is proving particularly popular on more traditionally appearing PVCu windows when used in conjunction with espagnolette rods and shootbolt systems.

Following the success of the greenteQ Kappa Slim and Classic Urn door knockers, VBH will add to the range with this summer’s launch of the Doctor and Pony Tail styles. Both are hugely popular on traditional period properties, where timber doors were personalised by a huge choice of furniture styles from local ironmongers. Doctor and Pony Tail allow modern door manufacturers to offer their customers increased personalisation through a wider choice of greenteQ knocker styles. The Doctor knocker features the flamboyant flowing lines often chosen by the Victorian professional classes. The fact that the

design allows for a hefty rap on the door to wake a sleeping physician in the event of an emergency may also be a factor in the name! Making less of a statement, perhaps, but according to VBH, no less stylish, the Pony Tail knocker offers a more compact and subtle design that provides homeowners with another attractive alternative to the standard knocker styles. Both new knockers feature the greenteQ quick fit fixing method to speed up and simplify the fitting process, whilst removing the need to fix through the door. They also both feature the familiar groove that marks them out as part of the popular greenteQ Suite.

Doctor and Pony Tail knockers are available in PVD Gold and Polished, Satin and Smokey Chromes and will be available from August. Gary Gleeson, VBH marketing manager, states ‘We previewed both knockers on our FiT Show stand back in April and they met with great approval. Although it’s only a small detail, the message coming back to us from installers was that the ability to offer a wide choice of knockers as a finishing touch could be the difference between gaining and losing a sale.’ More detail can be downloaded from www.vbhgb.com.

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While the antique range of casement window hardware was almost solely aimed at the timber market in years gone by, the recent developments in more traditionally appearing PVCu windows with butt jointed profiles has seen a surge in interest in the antique black Monkeytail handles and hook/mortice fasteners.

all orders placed before 4:30pm. Visitors to the site can also process payments online and enjoy end of line products at the very lowest prices. Mike Derham, chairman of Mighton Products comments: “Our new range of antique hardware for casement windows boasts quality and value and we can offer these by the single unit or in bulk volume within 24 hours. As a business we’ve evolved from a sliding sash hardware specialist to one that can now serve the mass PVCu and timber market.” For further information log on to the new Mighton website at www.mightonproducts.com, call 0800 056 0471 or add to their following on Twitter @mightonproducts.

These new products are featured on the Mighton Products website which boasts thousands of parts for both timber and PVCu windows and doors and next day delivery for 0713-0110

UAP takes the next step

in Letterplate design with the iPlate Letterplate designs have been pretty stagnant for the past few years, with new releases being a variation of one basic design. But now UAP has done something about this and taken the Letterplate to the next level. UAP’s iPlate has a unique frameless design, patent pending soft close mechanism, corrosion proof construction, a unique unsprung hinge and a patent pending magnetic ‘click to close’ feature. Inspiration for the letterplate came from an unusual place as David Jennings, MD for UAP Limited explains: “I took the idea for the soft close mechanism on the iPlate from a toilet seat, I saw it at work one day and thought why not for a letterplate, it makes perfect sense and stops the problem of the flap snapping back onto the postman’s hand.”

forget’ Anodised range and for areas with high salt levels, such as coastal regions, or high pollution, UAP’s Nanocoast range which protects against corrosion and has a life time guarantee. David adds: “Thought has been put into every aspect of the iPlate to ensure it sets itself apart from anything else currently on the market and to make sure that it is the next step up from current letterplates. From moulded in rubber ‘brushes’ being used to solve the issue of lost brushes on inferior products, to the frameless design which not only looks modern but also stops the problem of finding a frame the exact colour of the flap.” Tel: 0161 796 7268 – www.uapcorporate.com

The Royal Mail was consulted during the design process for the iPlate to ensure that it is both postman and child friendly. Like other UAP Letterplates the ‘brushes’ are on the outside, making it easier for letters to be pushed through and putting a stop to unwanted items being pushed into the cavity. The iPlate is available as part of UAP’s ‘fit and 0713-0109

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July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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HARDWARE & ACCESSORIES

VBH Stocks Maco M-SPAG VBH stocks M-SPAG, Maco’s latest outward opening window shootbolt. M-SPAG is telescopic, with just 4 main sizes, and all fixings are applied from one direction. VBH advise that this makes M-SPAG quick and easy to fit as the window needs less handling, the quantity of parts required per sash is reduced, and there is no need to crop any hardware to size. This has a knock-on benefit of cutting out waste caused by mismeasuring. The sliding elements are streamlined and made from silver-look plated steel to give the installed M-SPAG a neat finish. The steel shootbolt ends hint at the product’s strength in use. M-SPAG is fully tested to exceed the current required standards and is approved under the MACO Secure Plus guarantee scheme.

M-SPAG is supplied in silver look as standard. This provides 480 hours neutral salt spray test performance. However, even greater corrosion resistance can be achieved if Maco Tricoat PLUS coating is specified. M-SPAG is supplied in Maco’s new M-PACK packaging, which is designed to increase box stability and access to the product when on the work bench. VBH marketing manager Gary Gleeson states ‘M-SPAG is the latest in

a long line of innovative casement window products from Maco. Fabricators love it as it is easy to stock, quick to fit and can be used on all sorts of windows including single and double sash windows and tall top hungs, where it works in conjunction with Maco’s centre lock system. It can also be used with the handle offset to the bottom of a side hung sash where access to a central handle is difficult.’ More on Maco M-SPAG can be downloaded from www.vbhgb.com.

GLAZERITE’S UK FIRST WITH

MACO PROTECT AUTO LOCK

Glazerite, which also helped to pioneer the Maco Secure Plus scheme, will offer the key-based version of Maco UK’s Z-TA Comfort lock, which has already earned acclaim elsewhere for its technical excellence and user-friendly operation. Jason Thompson, Glazerite Director said: “This lock is a new approach to providing high security combined with ease of use for the homeowner and is a very advanced solution. We’re very proud to be offering it to our trade customers and we are sure the end-users will see its value. This also means our composite doors will comply with Maco

Secure Plus so our installers will have even more USPs to offer homeowners.” The lock combines high security with ease of use. It eliminates the need for a lever/lever or lever/pad door handle and offers excellent convenience in everyday use without compromising security. Pushing or pulling the door closed with the bar handle will throw the hooks and deadbolt or, for added security, a turn of the key will deadlock all locking points; it may then be unlocked with just a half turn of the key. In a further measure to increase performance Glazerite’s lock comes with Fab & Fix stainless steel bar handles as well as security cylinders to prevent cylinder-snapping. The Maco Secure Scheme offers up to £1,000 security excess in the event of a

A key requirement of a hinge is durability – bear in mind the number of opening and closing operations a pedestrian door will have to withstand compared to most windows – so strength should be a given. A hinge that cannot bear the weight of the door or handle the demands of traffic will, over time, begin to fail and result in costly call-outs. Additional service costs are the long-term effect of the wrong choice of hinge; the short-term effect could be failure to perform to current standards. Hinges are integral to the security of a doorset – but it is important to realise that security is not inherent in every hinge. The PAS 24 enhanced security test standard certifies that a door, frame, lock and hardware set has withstood a series of physical tests, based on common methods of burglary, so choice of hinge is as important as choice of lock. Hinge specification can also impact on profitability and ease of installation. Tempting though it might be to shave cost, a cheap door hinge can arrive, literally, as a bag of bits which could take up to ten minutes to assemble before you can even begin to fit it to the door. This multiplied over the number of manufactured doors will more than negate the original cost saving. A hinge like the ERA Ultim, on the other hand, is presented in a pre-assembled pack, comprising the three parts, enabling frame and sash side components to be fitted separately, saving time in fabrication. The Ultim is designed specifically to meet the PAS 24 security standard for PVCu doors, offering four screw port fixes into the sash reinforcing chamber which provides optimum security if the door comes under attack. Another security feature is that the anti-lift feature is only accessible when the door is in the open position – once closed, the door stays secure. Choosing a hinge with full 3D adjustment can also have major benefits in terms of time

saving and ease of installation. The market leading compression, lateral and vertical adjustment of the Ultim hinge makes it quick easy to square up the door and the unique design ensures that the finished adjustment is invisible, preventing unsightly misalignment of the hinge axes. Another consideration for installers is on-site handling. The Ultim hinge design enables the door to be lifted from the frame with only 13mm head clearance, making it easy for one person to install the door or to lift it off the frame for servicing, even with tight reveals. One of the main reasons for householders to replace doors is to increase the security of their property. To meet the demands of customers who want the best in security, it is important to be remember that the hinge, as well as the lock, plays its part. Choosing a hinge that offers security benefits combined with features designed for ease of fabrication and installation is good for the customer – and good for business. For more information, contact ERA on 01922 490060 or visit www.era-security.com. For further information on Grouphomesafe products and companies, visit http://www.grouphomesafe.com/.

break-in through a Macoequipped door or window as well as a ten-year 24/7 repair and replace scheme and optional lost key service, secure key holding and alarm response.

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SPECIFICATION

Security has become a strong selling feature for installers, with much emphasis on highsecurity locks. However, as Ben Penson of ERA explains, choice of hinge has an equally important part to play in designing a doorset that will meet PAS 24 standards.

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Trade fabricator Glazerite is once again leading the field, this time as the first in the UK to offer the revolutionary Maco Protect Auto Lock for its composite doors.

IT ALL HINGES ON

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July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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HARDWARE & ACCESSORIES

FAB & FIX LAUNCHES ANTIQUE BLACK HERITAGE RANGE FOR PERIOD PROPERTIES Fab & Fix, the UK’s leading designer and distributor of perfectly-matched hardware, has introduced an exclusive new finish for its range of classicallystyled door and window components, which lets fabricators create a period look. The Antique Black Heritage finish is inspired by 19th century ironmongery and is ideal for the sympathetic refurbishment of period properties, allowing homeowners to benefit from the enhanced thermal and security performance of modern windows and doors while retaining a classic look. The black hammered finish is, like all Fab & Fix products, salt spray tested to 480 hours (BS EN 1670: Class 5) and is applied to die-cast zinc, a much harderwearing material than traditional iron. Will Butler, managing director of Fab & Fix, explained: “Our Antique Black Heritage finish provides the fabricator

with a positive selling opportunity, allowing them to create windows and doors which retain the look of period properties without compromising on security. The range is fully compatible with modern espagnolette locking systems, offering homeowners the benefits of a classic aesthetic combined with contemporary security and thermally-efficient profiles.” The Antique Black Heritage finish is now in stock and available on a range of classic window and door furniture including the Monkey Tail range of window handles and stay bars, as well as Swan Neck door handles and the best-selling Nu Mail letterplate. Further matching door hardware including, knockers and numerals, are also available in the finish. For further information on Fab & Fix, visit http:// www.fabnfix.co.uk/store/ downloads/antique_black_ heritage_range/.

“Our Antique Black Heritage finish provides the fabricator with a positive selling opportunity, allowing them to create windows and doors which retain the look of period properties without compromising on security. The range is fully compatible with modern espagnolette locking systems, offering homeowners the benefits of a classic aesthetic combined with contemporary security and thermally-efficient profiles.”

UAP Puts MAX6MUM SECURITY into

Mortice Locks

UAP has put the 6 into MAX6MUM SECURITY with the introduction of 6 Lever Mortice Locks to the range of affordable, high quality door security products.

The MAX6MUM SECURITY Mortice Locks are available as a Sash Lock or a Dead Lock, both of which are to the BSi Kitemark BS3621 Standard, Secured by Design Approved, and as they are 6 lever they meet the insurance requirements for domestic locks. Offering high security has been the emphasis with the MAX6MUM SECURITY Mortice Locks, they are 6 lever which gives them greater security against picking, and they have a unique extended warding developed by renowned Locksmiths Chris Belcher and Martin Pink to aid the anti-picks. UAP also own the registered design of the key, meaning it has a restricted keyway that cannot be legally copied. For times when a

spare key is needed, spare key blanks are kept in stock.

UAP MD, David Jennings said: “Security is high on the agenda at the moment and so every effort has been put into making the MAX6MUM SECURITY Mortice Locks more secure than others currently on the market. We are so confident in the anti-pick capabilities that we have previously held an open competition in which £1000 was offered to anyone who could pick the lock in less than five minutes. No one came close.” The MAX6MUM SECURITY Mortice Locks

are ideal for Composite and Wooden Doors and are available with two different sized cases, 2.5 inch and 3 inch and come with either Stainless Steel Face Plates or Brass Plated Plates. The Mortice Locks can be keyed alike in pairs or keyed alike, for instances where one door requires a dead lock and the other a sash lock, keyed alike is available too. The Mortice Locks will shortly be available in MAX6MUM SECURITY yellow and black retail packaging. Tel: 0161 796 7268 www.uapcorporate.com

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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.

Finding a new supplier couldn’t be easier!

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July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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HARDWARE & ACCESSORIES TOP GLASS PARTNERSHIP FOR KENRICK & NORTHWICH FABRICATOR

A 15 year partnership between hardware supplier Kenrick and Northwich Glass has seen the Cheshire-based fabricator fit no less than 60,000 of Kenrick’s Excalibur window locking systems. Northwich Glass now fits the Excalibur shootbolt as standard on the fully sculptured Synerjy profile system from Synseal. Both Excalibur and Synerjy have been designed to be quick and easy to fit, enabling Northwich Glass to maximise the speed and efficiency of every installation they do. Gerard Hickie, director at Northwich Glass, says: “When we started working with Kenrick back in the late 1990s, we chose them because of the quality of their product, their people and the after sales service they provided. And 15 years on, those reasons still stand true. Few relationships last the test of time, so we are very pleased to have shared such a successful partnership

with Kenrick. Here’s to the next 15 years!” Created to provide years of trouble-free service, the Excalibur system is Secured by Design approved and one of the most secure multi point window locking systems in its class. Excalibur benefits from a robust unhanded die-cast gearbox and bi-directional die-cast claws. It is both fitter and user friendly and is backed by a comprehensive 10 year performance guarantee as well as an exclusive security backed guarantee scheme. Steve Jones, Kenrick’s managing director added: “We are all operating in a challenging and competitive environment, but one where, sadly, good product quality and customer service are all too often things of the past. That’s why we are delighted to celebrate such a long standing relationship with Northwich Glass. We look forward to continuing our partnership with them and helping to support their business long in to the future.”

Northwich Glass has been a family owned and run business since it was established in 1959 by the founder, George Taylor. The company originally fabricated aluminium windows and now manufactures both high quality PVC-u windows and the very latest aluminium windows at its purpose built production factory in Northwich in the heart of Cheshire. Kenrick is a leading supplier of hardware solutions for PVCu, aluminium and timber window and door systems. The company has a proud heritage spanning more than 200 years, having been established by Archibald Kenrick who manufactured buckles and livery fittings. Kenrick’s range of top quality products includes the market leading Excalibur multi-point window shootbolt are extremely cost effective and easy to install. Tel: 0121 553 2741 www.kenricks.co.uk

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As Window Ware, the leading nationwide distributor of door and window hardware embarks on an extensive development programme including a rebrand and re-launch of its Bedford trade showroom, HOPPE, the hardware manufacturer synonymous with innovation, quality and performance is playing a key role. Rachel Attwood, Window Ware Managing Director comments: “Our relationship with HOPPE has worked well for so long because we both want the same for our businesses – an enduring reputation for excellent service and a product offer that is flexible for today’s demands. That reputation is something we have built up over the last 25 years and has been reflected in our most recent expansion plans – we have developed a new logo (with the same recognisable Window Ware colours of red, white and blue) and a strapline “We’ve got it” prompted by our customers’ own perception of Window Ware – they ask for it and we send it. Window Ware’s Product Manager Richard Bryant adds: “We have been very happy to continue to work closely with HOPPE and when the Birmingham handle was launched, that seemed a perfect product

for us to roll out to our customers. We recognised instantaneously that this was a great value offer with the HOPPE quality and aesthetics – a real day in, day out product – and that our customers would appreciate this and also the flexibility to trade up to the Atlanta for those special occasions.” Stewart Lamb, National Sales and Marketing Manager of HOPPE (UK) Ltd comments: “We’ve seen some great sales of the Birmingham handle with Window Ware, as trade customers take advantage of its consistently good value. A duranorm® product, the Birmingham handle offers value for money at the lower price level area of the market, but retains HOPPE’s handle of excellence brand values. With efficiencies gained through basic packaging which reflect the keen price point, the Birmingham

Window Ware is delighted with the support of HOPPE on its extensive development programme.

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HOPPE Supports Window Ware on its Extensive Development Programme

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July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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handle which is suitable for domestic applications comes in seven different finishes with two back plate choices. For peace of mind, it also comes with a 5 year surface guarantee across all finishes and a 5 year mechanical and operational guarantee. But HOPPE’s philosophy has always been about more than just supplying products in boxes. That’s why we’ve been delighted to support Window Ware with the opening of their new trade counter featuring strong visual merchandising for customers that we collectively hope makes the hardware buying experience easy and enjoyable.” For more information on HOPPE (UK) Ltd visit www. hoppe.co.uk or call 01902 484 400.

HARDWARE & ACCESSORIES

VBH Stocks New Maco C-TS Door Lock Range VBH stocks Maco’s new Protect C-TS locks, which allow a wide range of door styles to be fabricated using the same lock, thus reducing fabricators’ stock levels and simplifying their order process. C-TS has both lift/lever and split spindle capabilities. The function is selected by the choice of spindle fitted; solid bar for lift/lever or Maco split spindle pack for split spindle function.

with the striker plates unless the door is attacked. All lock cases are compact to minimise the profile routing requirement, and the central lock case will accept either sprung or unsprung 92PZ door handles such as the greenteQ Alpha original or Curve. C-TS locks are supplied in silver look as standard. This provides 480 hours

neutral salt spray test results. However, even greater corrosion resistance can be achieved if Maco Tricoat PLUS coating is specified. C-TS locks are approved under the MACO Secure Plus guarantee scheme. More information on Maco C-TS door locks can be downloaded from www.vbhgb.com.

Operating forces are extremely low due to increased handle movement and MACO ‘D’ drive technology, alongside a locking procedure that ensures all gasket compression is achieved via the roller cams. The forged steel hooks provide security to PAS24:2012 standard and do not come into contact

Trojan Group launches online purchasing system Leading hardware supplier Trojan has announced the launch of their new online purchasing system. The system, which goes live in July, will allow customers to securely login to their accounts and place orders 24 hours a day seven days a week. The system has been fully integrated with Trojan’s accounting and stock control systems so customers will also be able to see real time stock availability as well as account information.

service. Trojan is renowned for its development of innovative, cost-effective products. But as Trojan’s customers already know, that commitment to products is matched by an equal commitment to customer service. The addition of online purchasing demonstrates that commitment perfectly. Tel: 01922 713 933 – www.trojan-hardware.com

With the ever increasing use of the internet for the procurement of products, it was crucial that the new Trojan online ordering platform was not only secure but easy to use. Tony Chadwick, Trojan’s Group Managing Director, said, “We have carefully designed the system to ensure it will add genuine value to our customers’ businesses. We hope it will make it easier for them to administer their accounts with us, not to mention let them place orders whenever they need, not just in office hours.” Customers will still be able to place orders by phone or fax, but by adding online ordering, Trojan is adding another dimension to its

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July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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SOFTWARE & IT

LONG STANDING CHALLENGE, SOLVED WITH JOTIKA SOFTWARE Oakland Glass is a high volume insulated glass unit manufacturer, operating from a 35000 square feet factory, which can produce in excess of 9000 IGU’s and 10,000 m2 in-house toughened glass per week. Oakland has recently invested in a new Optimax Plus 3 x 2 float cutting table with automatic double sided loader. To make the most from the new investment, Oakland commissioned JoTiKa Software to implement their OptimiserX+ software, to take full advantage of the new equipment.

John Gold explains the project: “Access to stock glass had been a longstanding challenge at Oakland. This meant that sequencing of glass at cutting was forced to be for one material at a time, which restricted batch size, as mixing different materials in a single batch proved difficult, as enlarging the batch would mean frequent manual stock changeovers.” “It had always been presumed that a modern autoloader system could not be installed to effectively replace the two existing cutting tables, but we worked with Steve Goble of Hegla to specify what range of access to different glass stock would take Oakland forward, and Hegla designed a cutting and autoloader system to fit the space available.” “There were many discussions prior to the order being placed with regards to production flow and bottle necks within the Oakland Glass factory. A major factor discussed was the increase in float glass product types and the limited loading available within the existing cutting solution (three positions). The Hegla solutions was to offer a loading system in the same space with seven glass loading positions as well as a faster cutting table with twin soft coat edge deletion.”

simply cut the appropriate glass sheets from the clearly marked Stock Running List, and then finish off the rest afterwards. This answers the traditional view that merging batches reduces flexibility. Tina Birkenshaw – Managing Director at Oakland Glass is happy with the results: “The week OptimiserX+ was installed we saw an immediate drop in glass waste at cutting by 20%, and are really pleased with the results. We are still tweaking batches to find the right balance between production volumes (i.e. getting work ready for the shop floor) and getting the best yield; as we offer many different glass types and have different customer requirements to meet.” “We have never been a company to hide in the shadows and not have a go at something or try new technology, and OptimiserX+ has definitely lived up to expectations.” JoTiKa (Midlands) Software Ltd Tel: 01386 793415 – www.jotika.com

“The Hegla cutting table connects directly to the loader thus being able to load from any position automatically as dictated by the cutting code; this is a very important factor when integrated to the Jotika System. With the old system of three racks there was constant down time for product changing and limits to what the software could achieve with the seven rack positions allowed.” Steve Goble – MD Hegla UK As a consequence of this increased access to different glass stock, JoTiKa were able to work with Oakland to mix a much wider range of different products together, using slot racks to organise output by next production point e.g. to tempering, or leads. The number of generated offcuts reduced first through a reduction in the total number of daily batching of the same material, but also in terms of being able to pack batches more effectively. It also allowed Jotika’s OptimiserX+ with filler technology to be used for the first time at Oakland. OptimiserX+ allows manufacturers to retain the production flexibility offered by small batches, whilst actually generating fewer much larger batches. There is a direct correlation between the number of offcuts generated, and collected cullet. Reduce the number of generated offcuts and true waste falls. OptimiserX+ does not just eliminate offcuts at the end of the batch, it rearranges all sheets to get the maximum packing density. Clear identification of groups allows any group of work to be prioritised, even if this was not planned at optimisation. Users 0713-0124

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July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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SOFTWARE & IT

New Software

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.

• 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). 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.

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 further information contact Giles on 07775 433122 or email giles@bradleygiles.co.uk.

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”

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

“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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July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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CE MARKING

Its here, you can't get out of it, and by law you now have to comply. Probably the group most worried about CE Marking are installers.

AluK offers a solution to CE Marking

Many column inches have been devoted to CE Marking in recent months in the advent of the mandatory July 1st deadline. But proof that there are still many companies requiring help for compliance is demonstrated in the number of requests for Edgetech’s online CE Marking Packs in the last few weeks. Since being launched at the start of June, at the time of writing, over 2953 IGU manufacturers, fabricators and installers have visited www.edgetechig. co.uk/ce-marking.asp for advice.

This change means that it will be mandatory in the UK for building products to comply with CE Marking requirements, and most external windows and doorsets will need CE Marking. In preparation for the change, Edgetech has created three plain talking CE Marking packs for IGU manufacturers, window and door fabricators and window and door installers.

Forthcoming changes in the Construction Products Regulation 2011 (CPR ) have been designed to remove technical barriers to trade for construction products, creating a new conformity across the rules that make up the Construction Product Directive (CPD). This will standardise some elements of testing and should provide many benefits, ensuring that products across the European market are produced on a like for like basis. However, these changes that are set to come into force on 1st July 2013, have major implications for window, door and curtain walling fabricators. From this date, the person responsible for CE marking is the ‘manufacturer’. The ‘manufacturer’ is deemed to be the company that produces the final ‘construction element’. In the case of windows, doors and curtain walling this means the company that supplies the final frame and glass, thus the Fabricator. At AluK the technical team has been working on limiting the impact of these changes on its customers and has developed unique software that will help them to deliver CE Marking effectively and efficiently. AluK recently held a CE Marking Seminar at the head office in South Wales, which was well attended, and to help Fabricators understand the implications of these changes the company has also created a helpful Guide to CE Marking that is available to download from www.aluk.co.uk. AluK's unique software is available to all customers and seamlessly integrates with its current Logikal estimating software, allowing Fabricators to quickly and easily comply with the new regulations when constructing AluK window, door and curtain walling systems. 0713-0129

with Edgetech for CE Marking

Most of us are now aware that from July the 1st, the current Construction Products Directive will be replaced by the Construction Products Regulation.

Panic not, we've rallied together a whole host of suppliers who can help you with CE Marking. Its not an answer to everything, you have to do some of the work yourself, but these companies can help ease the pressure. Most of the larger fabricators have held, and are still holding seminars on CE Marking. So, if you haven't attended one yet, its worth taking a day out to do so. Speak to your suppliers and ask for as much help as possible, its in their interest to ensure you comply!

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July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Alan Fielder, Director of Sales and Marketing at Edgetech comments on the company’s latest free initiative for the industry: “There has been lots written about the implications of CE Marking, and we felt it important to help make the transition for companies as easy as possible.” “There are essentially four main steps to CE Marking IGUs or windows and doors, and at each step, Edgetech has made it as simple as possible for the entire supply chain.” “Step One is the requirement for a Factory Production Control System (FPC), a quality system that documents the procedures and processes for controlling both the source of components and the manufacture of products in accordance with either EN1279 or EN14351 standards.” “While most IGU manufacturers will already have an FPC in place to document compliance with EN1279, installers will need to detail the source of both frames and glass to ensure the components satisfy the specification detailed on the Declaration of Performance. As part our CE Marking packs, Edgetech provides FPC templates and guidance for IGUS, windows and doorsets.” “The second step is the requirement for Initial Type Testing (ITT) to demonstrate the essential performance characteristics of the product.” “This testing can be carried out on a worst case scenario to reduce the number of tests required, and data can often be cascaded down from suppliers and systems houses. This

“There are essentially four main steps to CE Marking IGUs or windows and doors, and at each step, Edgetech has made it as simple as possible for the entire supply chain.” is the case with Edgetech where our products have been tested by a Notified Body, and ITT data for thermal transmittance is available for IGU manufacturers.” “We can also help with step three which Declaration of Performance (DoP) which states how the product will perform by listing the essential characteristics as well as ITT reports.” “For most windows and doorsets, performance has to be declared for thermal transmittance, load bearing capability of safety devices and dangerous substances. DoPs also need to contain traceability details of the IGU, window or doorset including manufacturer’s contact information. Once again, as part of our packs, Edgetech is providing template DoP documents for IGUs and window and door sets.” “The final step is CE Mark labelling which is required to be visible on every product, its packaging or within the document pack. However, because the DoP can work on the worst case scenario basis, many installers will only need one CE Marking label for each window and doorset type they sell. Edgetech provides CE Mark label templates for IGUs, windows and doorsets.” “The packs are free of charge and are available to download from our website at the following address: http://www.edgetechig. co.uk/ce-marking.asp. Alternatively from our homepage, choose CE Marking from the Products menu dropdown.” “With support from suppliers like Edgetech, the impact of CE Marking on individual businesses shouldn’t be too onerous, and we really want to help make the transition as simple as possible for everyone – after all, as the IGU solutions partner of choice, that’s exactly what we’re here for.” For more information on Edgetech’s range of Warm Edge Technology, call 08700 56 6844 or visit www.edgetechig.co.uk.

“Edgetech is providing template DoP documents for IGUs and window and door sets.”

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CE MARKING

VALUABLE CE MARKING HELP FROM SYNSEAL Synseal has published an indispensable guide to CE Marking that has been designed to help steer fabricators and installers through this new piece of European legislative uncertainty. ‘CE Marking – are you ready’ follows a series of extremely successful and well-attended customer workshops where Synseal’s fabricator partners were walked through the unfamiliar process by a team of experts to prepare them for the July 1 deadline. In fact, the first series of CE Marking seminar events that commenced back in July 2012 were so popular, they had to be repeated in January-March 2013. From July 2013 almost all windows and doors sold within the European Union must show the CE Mark. This mark is a declaration by the manufacturer that the product meets the legal requirements of the marketplace. By CE Marking their products, companies are demonstrating that their products can legally be offered for sale. Depending on the type of product CE Marking may be simple or complex, and may need to be independently tested. “With CE Marking, the usual distinctions between manufacturers and nonmanufacturers have become blurred,” explained Steve Brown, Synseal’s Head of Customer Services. “For example, if you are an installer who buys his frames and units from separate companies, then you will have to go through the CE Marking process in order to comply with the law. Our guide has been carefully designed to explain exactly what you must do to comply with the law.” Synseal has partnered with independent certification 0713-0131

CE Marking

Don’t get caught with your trousers down, warns Phoenix Door Panels With CE Marking legislation due to come into force on July 1st 2013, Phoenix Door Panels warns many installers could be unprepared and fall foul of the law if they fail to check that their doors meet the latest European regulations.

“CE Marking – are you ready’ follows a series of extremely successful and wellattended customer workshops where Synseal’s fabricator partners were walked through the unfamiliar process by a team of experts to prepare them for the July 1 deadline.” company Build Check, who presented the recent seminars and contributed the valuable expert information contained in Synseal’s newly-published guide to CE Marking. Synseal has also provided appropriate technical information to Build Check so that Synseal customers can use its market leading Fenestration Oracle U-value calculator to ensure regulatory compliance with minimum of fuss. “Of course, we also provide fully-manufactured and glazed specialist products for niche market applications, such as our Evolve VS, Evolve Patio, and Evolve Bi-Fold,” Steve said. “Our customers can be rest assured that our Evolve range products will all be CE Marked and ready for the July deadline.”

After that date, making and selling residential doors that are not CE marked will be illegal. Haydon Statham, National Sales Manager at Phoenix Door Panels, a division of Masco UK Window Group Ltd, says companies could be putting themselves at risk by ignoring the law. Under the forthcoming mandatory CE Marking requirement, Trading Standards officers can insist that any installed products that are not CE marked are removed and replaced. Installers who ignore this can be fined, with repeat or serious offenders facing fines up to £5,000 or even three months imprisonment and to be forced to cease trading. Haydon also suggests that the new legislation could open up further opportunities for those bona fide door manufacturers with CE Marked products as smaller manufacturing companies may be forced out of the market.

He says: “The legislation brings into question the smaller fabricator who’s making 10 to a dozen doors a week; is he really going to bother to spend the time to get CE marking on his composite doors? So the message has to be ‘Don’t get caught with your trousers down!’ Ensure you comply with the law by buying your composite and panel doors from a bona fide manufacturer. All Phoenix Door Panels’ products already carry the all-important CE Marking and the company has notified all its customers that the necessary accreditations are in place ahead of July 1st. This includes supplying the required documentation based on the requirements of EN14531 / CE Marking, covering composite door sets, UPVC panels (thermal transmittance data as required by EN 10077 and the BFRC schemes – DSER’s and WER’s), glass units to EN 1279 and toughened glass to EN 12150. In order to comply with current and future Building Regulations, Phoenix Door Panels has already achieved BFRC DER’s and can offer products holding Secured by Design accreditation where enhanced security is required. Haydon adds: “From a manufacturer’s point of view, there are going to be

future sales opportunities as installers will have to buy their doors from professional companies, like Phoenix, that can demonstrate their legal compliance. However, it remains to be seen how effectively this new legislation will be enforced – hopefully Trading Standards will take a firm and robust approach that will help them enforce this important legislation.” Tel: 01487 740469 Email: info@phoenixdoorpanels.co.uk www.phoenixdoorpanels.co.uk.

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MARKED UP & READY TO OPEN With the introduction of CE Marking on the 1st July 2013, it’s important to note that composite door pioneer, Solidor, have been ready for a number of months now and they can also boast that each of their doors carries BSI Kitemark (KM), among other recognised quality standards. In the case of doors, CE Marking is a declaration that a product meets the performance characteristics of the relevant standards, something that Solidor products achieve with relative ease. In addition, Solidor products also carry Secured by Design and achieve PAS 23/24, along with the fact that the company carries BSI ISO 9001:200/2008.

fact that they specify hardware from leading brands such as Mila and Avantis International. Combined with the fact that their products are manufactured in the UK, there’s overwhelming confidence in their feature packed range of solid composite doors, which are now also being sold through a nationwide Recommended Installer network. Given that Solidor has now become the fastest growing composite door company in the sector, investment in staff, capital equipment and world class

manufacturing processes has been of prime importance. The company also suggests that people should also look beyond CE Marking, which is not a quality mark, to other standards such as Kitemark and Secured By Design as a means of assessing the capability of suppliers. Pierre Mifsud, operations director of Solidor comments: ‘We have been ready for CE marking for a number of months now and can boast much more in terms of recognised standards. The fact that all of our doors are manufactured in the UK rather than from imported door blanks from the Far East is another important feature of Solidor.’ For further information about Solidor, log on to www.solidor.co.uk, e-mail enquiries@solidor.co.uk, call the sales office on 01782 847300 or add to their following on Twitter @SolidorLtd.

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CE MARKING

Trading Standards CUSTOMERS ON CE MARKING issues stark warning at CE marking seminar

REHAU STEPS UP SUPPORT FOR REHAU’s mission to ensure that all of its customers are prepared for the CE marking deadline on 1 July is well underway.

The company previewed its free online tool guiding customers through the four steps necessary for compliance at the FIT show and in the first month that it went live at www. rehauanswers.com, the home page had already been visited almost 450 times. This says Dean Franklin, the Technical Applications Engineer at REHAU who is responsible for supporting customers with CE marking, shows the level of eagerness amongst fabricators and installers to make sure that they are not caught out by the new rules. He says: “The response to the online solution has been really positive – the vast majority of fabricators were aware of the fact that they had to take some action on CE marking but until we launched the online tool, many of them didn’t really know where to start.”

the tool and template to fabricators and whenever additional support is required, Dean has been visiting customers to provide further help.

One of the key areas where he has made a difference is in helping customers to put in place a Factory Production Control system if they have not had one previously. For fabricators like Centaframe PVC-U Systems based in Llandeilo, this has been a huge help. General Manager at Centaframe Leighton Jones said: “We are a relatively small company with limited resources so we simply didn’t have the time or the knowledge to create our own FPC system from scratch. “Dean provided a real lifeline - providing practical help and support and answering all our questions. We’ve listened to all his advice and we’re now in the final stages

of completing the process required so that we can CE mark with confidence.”

Another area where fabricators have been concerned about CE marking is in how they can cascade the information on ITT and DoPs to their installers and REHAU has even delivered seminars for fabricators like Quality Trade Frames in East Kilbride, Scotland to show how easy the process can be. Since the FIT show, Dean has travelled across the UK to help and support customers and will continue to do so even after the deadline to help with any ongoing issues of concerns. He adds: “Much of what is required for CE Marking is simply best practice and we are certainly committed to spreading that message to our customers and to the wider marketplace.”

The Cairngorm Group, which includes Cairngorm Windows and Alba Trade frames recently held a seminar, at The Castle Stewart Golf Links, the home of the Scottish Open. The group asked Martin Althorpe, Technical Director at Swish Window & Door Systems, to deliver the keynote speech on CE Marking. It was at the meeting that Trading Standards issued its warning to the industry, be compliant or be prepared to take the consequences. The seminar was convened and hosted by The Cairngorm Group in an effort to explain the intricacies of CE Marking to its trade customers. The meeting was very well attended by a cross section of the industry in Scotland, from some of its leading house builders to ‘one man bands.’ As Chris Dowling, Director of The Cairngorm Group explained: “Our motivation behind hosting the seminar was to ensure that our contacts within the industry were all conversant with the current legislation. Martin Althorpe gave a detailed and insightful talk to the group, which included two representatives from Trading Standards. It was

REHAU deliberately designed its four step tool to offer its customers a fast and simple route to compliance. They simply click through to the CE marking page on the www.rehauanswers.com website and then progress through the four clearly defined stages. This starts with how to demonstrate manufacturing consistency via a Factory Production Control (FPC) system; it then progresses through documenting the required Initial Type Testing (ITT) to confirm the level of performance, producing the written Declaration of Performance (DoP) on a specially developed REHAU template and finally production of a printable label.

Chris Dowling (Cairngorm Group) Martin Althorpe (Swish Window and Door Systems and Scott Dowling (Cairngorm Group).

their comments during the question and answer session that really made the attendees sit up and take note.”

further, by stating that no grace period will be given as the industry has had over six months to comply with CE Marking legislation.”

When the question of policing the industry over CE Marking arose Trading Standards was unequivocal with its reply. If compliance isn’t achieved by July 1st then it will take robust action. The penalty for non-compliance with CE Marking is a £5,000 fine and the possibility of a 6 month custodial sentence.

In spite of the stark warning or perhaps because of it, the seminar was considered a great success by those who attended and also by those who spoke at the event. As Martin Althorpe said: “I must congratulate The Cairngorm Group on having the foresight to host this seminar, hopefully we were able to dispel most of the myths surrounding CE Marking, and through the positive statements made by Trading Standards, we were able to demonstrate the values of compliance and the consequences of avoiding it.”

Chris Dowling: “Trading Standards made it quite clear to those of us present, that it will actively police the situation. In fact the industry was asked to help by reporting any rogue traders it may come across. It was a tough warning, and it went

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www.swishwindows.co.uk

PRODUCT NEWS

UAP Maximise Window Safety UAP Limited, leading supplier of door security products, is now offering its customers safety solutions for windows with the launch of the MAX6MUM SECURITY Window Restrictor. UAP Limited recently launched MAX6MUM SECURITY, a range of affordable high security door hardware aimed at homeowners, and it has now started to appear on the shelves of local DIY and Hardware stores. The Window Restrictor is the latest addition to the range and is available now in the eye catching yellow and black blister packaging. It will appear on the shelves as the MAX6MUM SECURITY Baby and Child Window-Safe™ Restrictor to help promote the fact that it has been designed to help prevent children from falling out of windows. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents report that each year 4,000 children under the age of 15 are injured by falling out of a window, the restrictor provides a simple, affordable and very effective solution to this. The restrictor can be fitted to a window in minutes; it has a 20cm long cable to restrict the opening and can withstand forces over

100kg, so the house holder can have the window open without the worry of their children falling out. The MAX6MUM SECURITY Window Restrictor also complies with fire safety as a key is provided; this means that in cases of emergency the window can be quickly and easily opened fully.

FREEFOAM LAUNCH

NEW FORTEX LITERATURE With an ever increasing focus on energy efficient, environmentally friendly building products Freefoam Building Products has now launched new benefits led literature to promote the PVC Fortex cladding range. Homeowners who have done many of the obvious improvements like loft insulation may have overlooked the large gaps of poorly insulated wall where money just leaks out.

David Jennings, MD of UAP Limited, comments; “The MAX6MUM SECURITY Window Restrictor is a fantastic device and a very simple solution to a very serious problem.”

PVC Cladding is the ideal solution.

“Anyone will be able to fit it, no skill is required and it will fit to almost any window.” “We have also taken the step to ensure that it is not only the cable that can withstand forces over 100kg but the device as a whole as well, this has resulted in it exceeding the required safety standards almost twofold.”

Fortex PVC cladding is manufactured using an environmentally friendly lead-free formulation to provide a consistent, stable low maintenance long life external wall covering with excellent thermal conductivity of between 0.06

Fortex cladding has been designed to be easy and fast to fit. It’s four times lighter than cement fibre board and requires no specialist storage or cutting equipment.

and 0.1 W/mk, depending on profile thickness. The range is not only hard wearing, qualifying for a 20 year guarantee on white products, is also aesthetically pleasing with its embossed textured wood graining and a range of seven subtle ‘heritage’ style colours developed using the unique patented Colormax™ technology.

Colin St John, UK General Manager commented “There is a surprising amount of clad properties in Britain’s housing stock and many are in need of refurbishment to improve the standard of insulation and energy saving.” “The new literature will enable us to promote the range to developers, suppliers and installers to generate awareness and capitalize on opportunities” Literature can be downloaded at: http:// freefoam.com/trade/ brochures-and-tech-info.

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The MAX6MUM SECURITY Window Restrictor will fit all types of windows and even doors, including uPVC, aluminium, wooden and metal profiles. Tel: 0161 796 7268 www.uapcorporate.com

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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

UKBA sponsored worker compliance made easy with the launch of uComply Responding to the needs of companies sponsoring non-EU workers into the UK, uComply has launched new integrated immigration compliance software which is simple to use yet meets the exacting standards of the UK Border Agency (UKBA) for exemplary record-keeping. Says Managing Director Kim-Marie Freeston, “As former MD of a major recruitment group, I know how onerous the UKBA requirements to check and constantly monitor sponsored employees can be for busy HR professionals. So I set out with a team of experts to develop

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“I know how onerous the UKBA requirements to check and constantly monitor sponsored employees can be for busy HR professionals.”

a software system that would be easy for staff to use but would eliminate the need for costly specialist legal advice, while proving a complete audit trail in case of a UKBA inspection.” “We have achieved this with uAuthenticate, which quickly validates Right to Work documents from the UK and overseas presented by potential employees (identifying fakes in seconds) and uSponsor, which allows organisations to control and monitor the status of sponsored workers at all times, reduces the need to employ immigration legal services, is always kept up-to-date with changes in the law and helps eliminate paper or disparate systems.” uSponsor is aimed at companies or organisations with a significant number of sponsored workers and is available through a number of different pricing models.

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July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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RECRUITMENT

The greater the risk, the greater the gain?

When recruiting new staff for any given position , is it wise to recruit people from other industries?

Could be a transport manager, sales manager, machine operator or contracts manager, it seems in our experience that all companies want to recruit staff with backgrounds in this industry, this is obviously getting harder as the industry contracts. We have found in the last couple of years that a great number of people have had to relocate or are travelling greater distances to do the same job for a company in

another part of the UK. In many instances these are office based positions not just field based, and we have seen that this has been detrimental to the success of the business involved. Relocation is not an issue, and properly managed this can work well, however, it does need to be considered carefully, from both the employee and employers point of view. Obviously there is a risk when recruiting someone with the experience you require but not the industry knowledge, however this can have great benefits. You are going to employ an individual that has no preconceived ideas as to how the job should be done “but I have always done it this

way” one could question, is this the reason that the person is in the job market in the first place? There is also every chance you will gain if the individual has been developed and trained in another industry, they are very likely to bring ideas and quite possibly solutions to issues or problems that you may have harboured for a number of years without realising it? They are also very likely to cost less to employ. In an ever tightening market, which is what we are faced with currently, it is interesting to notice that many companies are fighting over getting the experienced field based staff, especially in sales. There is understandable,

but sometimes unrealistic pressure on generating sales, and possibly a false belief that the best and quickest solution is to employ someone that seems good and works for a direct competitor. We all started in this Industry at some point, inexperienced, eager to impress, hungry for success, tenacious and determined. With very hard work, management and guidance we succeeded and repaid our employers for believing in us. It is great to be working with some clients that are taking on and taking the time to develop and train some younger sales people

that deserve the opportunity to prove their worth. With good training and guidance these individuals are achieving more than their experienced and possibly complacent counterparts, at half the employment cost!!

risk is not as great as you may think. It sets you apart from your competitors.

We have to start giving those that deserve the opportunity the chance, they are our industries future, and your

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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July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

www.glassnews.co.uk

RECRUITMENT

“Mat, I need a left handed Astronaut, can you help?”

“It was one of the more amusing starts to a conversation I have had” says Mat Gibson of Chase Taylor Recruitment “but the point wasn’t lost. This was a client who was looking for a very specific individual to fulfil a very specific position within their company; and in asking if we could help he recognised that we are an organisation with a reputation for fulfilling the most challenging demands”. “Did we find the ‘astronaut’? Yes, absolutely we did, and the key to doing so is the quality of our candidate database, driven by our extensive vetting process which ensures that we don’t miss a single thing from a person’s history and experience when completing their profile”. “We don’t miss a single thing from a person’s history and experience when completing their profile” It is this attention to detail which has earned Chase Taylor Recruitment their outstanding reputation in the Glass and Glazing industry, fulfilling requirements from the PVCu and Aluminium, Glass, and Hardware sectors in equal measure.

It is why they are the first port of call for many of the big names in the industry when they are looking to recruit, and the reason why their client satisfaction and repeat business rates are so impressive. It is not nearly enough for Chase Taylor to put a selection of candidates in front of a client and feel that they have fulfilled their obligation. The company’s philosophy is geared to ensuring that every candidate who is put in front of a client is a genuine potential employee. The company’s philosophy is geared to ensuring that every candidate who is put

in front of a client is a genuine potential employee. Mat continues “we know in these times more than in any other, that if a client is going to spend money it is imperative that everybody we put in front of them could genuinely be the employee they are seeking. For us it is not about numbers, it is wholly about quality and ensuring that the people we put forward for interview are qualified in absolutely every way to do the job the client is advertising. When we engage with a client we aim to ensure that they can undertake a proper selection process which includes a number of equally suitable candidates”.

“Knowing the industry as we do gives us a huge advantage; we know what a client is asking us for, and we know how that relates to a candidate’s skills. It is our singular focus only on the Glass and Glazing industry which delivers this and which guarantees that our clients will find exactly the person they want….even if it is a left handed Astronaut!” You can contact Mat Gibson of Chase Taylor Recruitment on tel: 01543 404646 or email: mat@chasetaylor.co.uk. www.chasetaylor.co.uk

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July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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GLASS PEOPLE

NEW HEAD

OF TECHNICAL SERVICES AT REHAU Mike Hart has been appointed as the new Head of Technical Services at REHAU. He has been a key member of REHAU’s seven strong technical team for ten years and during that time has worked as both a systems and product development engineer. In his new leadership role, Mike will be helping to drive REHAU’s ongoing product development and technical support programmes, ensuring that the company meets and even surpasses the needs of customers.

Mike will work closely with REHAU’s technical teams in Germany and across Europe, sharing knowledge and experience in areas such as CE marking and energy efficiency. With a degree in product design and previous experience in surveying, Mike brings both theoretical knowledge and practical experience to his new role.

He says: “As their systems supplier, it is important that REHAU continues to anticipate market requirements on behalf of customers and has the products available to help them take advantage of any new opportunities. Equally important though is our role in providing all of the necessary technical support documentation so that customers can comply with all the relevant legislation. The Technical Services team is a significant resource within REHAU, and one of my key objectives is to ensure that we provide a range of services which have a real value for customers.”

Gareth Parton has joined profine UK as commercial manager and will be responsible for developing the KBE and Kömmerling brands in the commercial market, with a new and impressive product range. Reporting to UK managing director Robert Thiroff, Gareth will work closely with existing customers to develop business opportunities in the commercial sector. Kömmerling’s product range already extends to three sliding door systems, the C70 and O70 Gold window and door and specialist products such as KBE System 88, GlassWin and the new ground breaking AluStar aluminium cladding product. In a newly created role at profine, Gareth brings with him considerable experience and expertise, having worked at PVCu systems companies in various roles involving business development, account management and commercial procurement. New commercial

This week, the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) welcomed Ann-marie Waugh to the Federation as the new Regional Executive for GGF Scotland, the North of England, the North West and North Wales, and Midlands Regions. Ann-marie joins the Federation bringing a wealth of operations experience having worked for many years in the Scottish Parliament and subsequently in the transport industry. A key part of her role will be the effective representation of the GGF at meetings with Scottish Parliament and external agencies in Scotland.

sector especially when there is so much going on in the industry at this present time. I am really looking forward to meeting with Members, listening to their concerns and working with them on the key issues." For further information go to: www.ggf.org.uk.

On Ann-marie's appointment Nigel Rees, GGF Group Chief Executive commented, "We welcome Ann-marie to the Federation and see her as an integral member of the Regional Management Team. I have no doubt she will bring a fresh energy to the role and help the GGF develop its Membership in Scotland, the North and North West of England, North Wales and in the Midlands." On her new position, Ann-marie commented, "I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to work in the Glass and Glazing

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NEW FACE AT PROFINE UK

GGF WELCOMES NEW REGIONAL EXECUTIVE

Ann-marie Waugh.

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NEW SALES OFFICE MANAGER AT MILA Gareth Parton, commercial manager, profine UK.

Mila continues to invest in its team with the appointment of Maria Ludlow as the new Sales Office Manager.

software has already been implemented with a view to developing a profine UK commercial customer base. Gareth Parton, comments: ‘I’m thrilled to be joining profine, a company I firmly believe is the best in the sector in terms of product range and that customers enjoy working with. This is a huge opportunity for us and our valued customers, especially given some of the forthcoming product innovations over the next few months.’

Maria joins Mila from the aerospace sector and will be looking to transfer many of the skills she acquired in terms of motivation and performance management to the hardware industry. She says that one of her key aims is to ensure that the internal sales team can offer unrivalled product knowledge to customers helping them to make the most informed choices about what they buy, and she is pressing ahead with the roll out of NVQ Customer Service training to everyone in her team.

Robert Thiroff, managing director profine UK, concludes: ‘We’re delighted with the addition of Gareth to our team and he has already settled in to our successful team culture. I believe we have an unrivalled offering for the commercial sector and I have no doubt that Gareth will bring success to us and our customers with a sense of professionalism and commitment.’

Maria takes over the role from Vicki Sanders who was promoted to Head of Sales at Mila earlier this year managing both the internal and external sales teams as well as business development and key accounts managers.

Tel: 01543 444900

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Leading an internal sales team of 12, Maria’s role is to provide the leadership and coaching which will help ensure that the team delivers consistently great service to customers over the phone, and to introduce new initiatives designed to further increase sales. The first of these, for example, will streamline the issuing of customer quotes.

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July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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GLASS PEOPLE

Biography

Chris Watson

Polyframe Group Managing Director Educated in York and Perth in Scotland, Chris began his career working in Engineering at Weir Pumps Ltd. After steady progress from apprentice engineer to Production Engineer and finally to Production Manager at Howard Rotavator in Tyne & Wear, Chris moved south to Norwich with a promotion to Works Manager at the same company. After 2 Years working in Norwich Chris’s career changed direction with a move into the window industry. 1981 saw Chris appointed Manufacturing Director for Zenith Windows Ltd. Initially responsible for manufacturing and distribution of windows and doors for the company Chris was appointed Chief Executive in 1986 following acquisition by Bowater Corporation, latterly Rexam plc. Still trading as Zenith Windows Chris headed a business manufacturing and installing a range of replacement windows and doors with a turnover of £85 Million and 2600 employed and self employed personnel. In 2003 a decision was taken to merge the two direct sell window businesses of the Bowater Windows Group, Zenith and Staybrite Windows. Chris became Divisional Chief Executive of the two businesses, which had an combined turnover of £125 million and over 4000 personnel. The decision was taken at this time to include conservatories into the product offering. After 27 years as Chief Executive of Zenith Staybrite Chris took up the position of Managing Director of Polyframe, the fastest growing trade fabricator in the UK In 2008 Polyframe were a major UK fabricator producing windows and doors with the WHS Halo Eclipse and Esthetique profiles. After a period of steady growth Polyframe decided to introduce a new profile range to the portfolio and Rehau S706 was introduced at the Halifax factory. Chris was at the

forefront of integrating the new profile suite into the factory which resulted in additional growth for the business. This was followed with the introduction of a further WHS Halo profile suite being added, as Polyframe began manufacturing Rustique in 2010. With four profile suites being produced at the Halifax production facility Polyframe became the UK’s leading privately owned window fabricator. The last 3 years has seen continued growth, so it became apparent that further manufacturing capacity was required. As a result, 2011 saw Polyframe purchase the manufacturing facility of Aspen Windows, with it’s, 100 000 sq. ft., manufacturing facility in Norwich. The new factory enables Polyframe to service the ever-increasing customer base in the south and the increasing volume of business. The Norwich factory has taken the company to new levels and further augmented the manufacturing capacity. 2013 has also seen continued growth of the business with the creation of a Composite Door factory in Mansfield which enables Polyframe to offer a high quality, yet competitively priced Composite Door to its customer base. Further investment has been made in 2013 with the acquisition of a factory in Northern Ireland from Turkington Windows. This new facility enables Polyframe to expand their product offering and introduce the 60mm Tritec profile suite from Rehau that is prevalent in Ireland. Major investment has also been made in production with additional sawing centres, welders and automated corner cleaners, which will allow Polyframe to continue its plans for growth throughout 2013 and beyond. Looking to the future Polyframe has been extremely busy over the past 24 months, setting up trade centres throughout the UK. Eight Trade Centres are now fully operational in Glasgow, Halifax, Mansfield, Nottingham, Portsmouth, Hailsham, Middleton and Stockport. All branches are selling the complete Polyframe range of products direct to the local installer, quote and process all orders locally and additionally deliver direct to site where required. Glass, roofs, panels and a comprehensive range of installation materials

Chris Watson.

are also supplied to the ever-increasing Polyframe installer base. This gives the installer direct access to a large manufacturer, its marketing material and an extensive range of products. As Polyframe has grown over the past five years Chris’s responsibilities have increased and he has now been appointed

Group Managing Director with overall responsibilities for all Polyframe Manufacturing sites and Trade Centres. Polyframe Trade Ltd, Mile Thorn Works, Gibbet Street, Halifax, HX1 4JR Tel: 01422 330460 | Mob: 07825 670963

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July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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DINNER DATE

A dinner date with a difference:

‘Come Dine with Emplas’

Glass News ‘chewed the fat’ with Mike Crewdson sales and marketing director, Emplas which has issued an exclusive invitation to installers and fabricators to sample its service and product offer. As we pull-up at Emplas’ Northamptonshire manufacturing-hub it’s impossible not to notice the forest of conservatories, sun rooms and orangeries, that form the showroom of its retail business T&K. “It is its own ‘P&L’ centre”, Sales and Marketing Director Mike Crewdson quickly emphasises as he greets us. “It only operates here in Northamptonshire and we only supply the trade outside of it”, he continues. “It faces exactly the same challenges as our customers so that when we talk about the retail environment we’re doing so with direct experience and we share that experience with our customers.”

The Emplas programme takes the form of a personalised visit, each laid out over three courses and containing a ‘smorgasbord’ of choices. Guests can choose from amongst others, ‘starters’ on Emplas quality control and branding support; a full factory tour, or presentation on showroom design.

‘To start’

T&K is also Emplas ‘culinary’ experimental ground, a place where it develops and trials a retail product offer that has been brought together with an attention to detail rivalling that of any ‘al la carte’ menu.

We opt for the factory tour and are led by Crewdson through the 45,000 sq ft plant. As we walk, Crewdson enthuses about Emplas market positioning: offering installers access to an affordable but high quality product range.

As Crewdson leads us through Emplas’ stateof-the-art manufacturing plant, he continues: “We believe that there are a lot of installers out there who aren’t getting a good service from their suppliers with poor reliability, product quality and little to no support.

This approach is epitomised in the fabricator’s new composite door range - the flagship development in a raft of initiatives that combine to represent a multi-million pound investment.

“Separately there are a lot of smaller fabricators out there who are struggling and what we would say to them is that buying-in is a solution, it doesn’t require huge changes to their business model and we’re here to help them to do it.”

Combining a tried and tested GRP leaf with a wide choice of glass and quality hardware, Emplas unveiled its new high specification composite door offer at the end of last year.

“Our composite door offer has been pitched to be affordable but to deliver a direct advantage to the installer through the high standard of specification and finish”, continues Crewdson. “It’s something that is immediately tangible to the homeowner and as a retailer it makes it easier to make and equally importantly defend sales.”

Main course ‘Main courses’ include: lessons learned from Emplas’ own retail business, T&K; a design your own 20-page retail brochure and composite door brochure sessions; retail and business-to-business marketing seminars; Window Designer training for your own quotes and remote ordering; a bespoke guide to lead generation and showroom opening guide; conservatory design; or a business specific marketing audit by Emplas award winning team. We go for a master-class in lead generation. Here Crewdson is in his element. “The industry isn’t good at joining up ‘awareness activity’, for example newspaper advertising and lead generation and on that basis often struggles to maximise return on investment”, he says.

This is the genesis of the ‘Come Dine With Emplas’ programme, which gives the trade an opportunity to ‘taste’ first-hand the service offered by the Wellingborough fabricator.

“Retail businesses have to get better at joining up awareness activity e.g. that advertising spend, with direct lead-generation activity, for example working installations properly or direct mail.”

Open to fabricators and installers manufacturing or fitting more than 20 frames each week, visitors get an opportunity to make selections from a three-course menu of workshops, presentations and training sessions, followed by dinner and accommodation as Emplas’ guests. The ‘icing on the cake’ for those attending - a free composite door of their choice from Emplas’ own in-house ‘artisan’ composite door line and a £1,000 credit note on their fifth order for those who decide to become an Emplas customer.

Available in five solid and 21 glazed styles plus four stable door options, it features ‘cherry-picked’ hardware from Fab and Fix, Hoppe and Securistyle to create an affordable but high quality composite door offer.

He then goes on to discuss opportunities to maximise return on each of these activities with all the cunning of a fox, drawing on decades of experience in retail and trade sales. He also pulls-in the insight delivered through T&K’s ‘experimental’ and G12 Installer of the Year winning, sales and lead generation programme. Mike Crewdson.

We’re then offered a choice of desserts, selecting from a menu that includes

somewhat ‘bitter sweet’ topics including the Green Deal and CE Marking; plus frame quality, customer support; and support to diversify, for example solar panels. As a trend that has defined the retail sector since 2008, here we opt for diversification. Crewdson again draws on the T&K as an illustrative model. “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”, he says. “You may not close the next deal that day but as a retail industry you need to 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 T&K’s approach and is again carried through by Emplas into its product development strategy as reflected in its GRP door range, chamfered and fully sculptured casement windows, vertical sliders and a triple-glazed options. Emplas 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.

After dinner mint Crewdson concludes: “If you get bad service in a restaurant, bad food – you send it back. You don’t just sit there and put up with it. A meal out should be a good experience. “We genuinely believe it should be the same in the supply chain. If you’re experience isn’t good, why put up with it?” Those wishing to visit Emplas as part of its ‘Come dine with Emplas’ programme should contact the fabricator direct. For more information, email info@emplas.co.uk or call 01933 674880 and ask for Clodagh or Mike.

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July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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MACHINERY

Pinefield Glass purchase Stuga ZX3 Pinefield Glass based in Elgin, Scotland, have just had a Stuga ZX3 installed and are already feeling the many benefits of automated sawing & machining for the first time.

Stuga were well ahead of the competition in several respects with the most significant assets being as follows:

Fabricating the Eurocell Eurologik profiles Pinefield have been looking at automated sawing & machining for some time and chose Stuga for several reasons. In Scotland most fabricators talk to one another and it soon became apparent that with sixteen automatic sawing & machining centers in the Scottish market Stuga were the market leader by a long way.

• Stuga manufacture in the UK meaning they speak the same language and are in the same time zone.

Elgin has a very northerly position and it was vital for Pinefield to deal with a supplier that would be able to give them the back-up needed for their geographical situation.

• Stuga have two additional engineers based at The Saw Center in Glasgow and available for urgent back-up when required. These technicians are properly trained on Stuga products by Stuga personnel.

• Stuga are the manufacturer rather than a dealer.

• Stuga use parts resourced in the UK so they don’t have to come from another country. • Stuga have six engineers in the field able to give back-up when needed.

• Stuga sawing & machining centers have on-board camera systems as well as broadband diagnostics to give often critical help and get things moving very quickly when small issues occur. • Stuga software is written by Stuga using Microsoft Windows 7 (English language based) operating system and so is fully supported here in the UK. Pinefield Glass supply all sectors of the window and door market including retail, commercial, new build and trade so it is therefore important to the company that automation can be fully supported in order that the they can fulfill delivery promises on time. The Stuga ZX3 is capable of producing 650 to 700 windows per week and although this level of capacity is not yet required Pinefield are soon likely to grow as a result of this purchase.

The ZX3 comes with the Stuga rotary tooling system which gives it considerably more flexibility than fixed tooling heads with the ability to place a prep on any profile anywhere within three hundred and sixty degrees, profile by profile. The ZX3 also enjoys the benefits of a lateral buffer station working between the independent sawing and machining modules which means that sawing and machining almost never hold each other up as happens on machines with inline buffers or no buffer at all. It is this function that makes the ZX3 much faster than similarly sized machines that do not have this feature. Once the Stuga warranty on the ZX3 expires Pinefield will be able to purchase the benefits of a service contract that is a major preventative maintenance feature offered to all Stuga customers. It is only the breadth and depth of Stuga backup that allows the company to provide this kind of total care option to its customers and be able to give a guaranteed fast call-out for those critical moments when things go wrong just at the worst possible time. For further information on the ZX3 and any other Stuga product call 01493 742348 or visit www.stuga.co.uk.

Machiner y

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UK Window Systems places order for a second Haffner GB SMR welder The team at UK Window Systems Ltd has been so delighted by the new Haffner SMR welder that was installed a few weeks ago that they’ve just placed an order for a second one! Haffner’s new SMR 3 and 4 head welders have taken the market by storm since they

were launched a few months ago because they are the fastest and most accurate inline welders on the market. Richard Barlow Director at UK Windows is delighted with his purchase: “Quite simply, this machine does everything that the marketing material claims.

There is really nothing else like it out there and we’re genuinely impressed with the reliability, alignment, accuracy and quality it gives us.” Perhaps the most important feature of the new welders is the automatic head positioning via turret stop locators that ensure the corner and transom line up perfectly every time irrespective of the operator. Elsewhere, the touch screen display shows the operator which style of window he is welding so he can quickly see where each cut piece is positioned. At the press of a button the corner or transom fences move to their correct setting without the need for set-squares or jigs. If a transom head is selected, the middle corner fence

retracts into the table to allow the transom or mullion to locate against the rigid setting plates. The fence rises again for corner welding eliminating the need for the operator to set the machine. The transom is set at 90° by the self-centering mechanism irrespective of uneven arrowheads, this ensures perfect transom and cruciform joints, which results in better cleaning and greater frame accuracy. The two welders that UK Windows have ordered come hot on the heels of two other investments in Haffner machinery: an SBA4 machining centre and a quad welder. Richard is clear why he trusts Haffner with his machinery, saying “The

quality of the machines is excellent. Plus Dave Thomas at Haffner is upfront, reliable and honest, so we can trust his approach.” Investing in four machines in 6 months suggests a growing business, and that’s exactly what UK Windows has. The company currently manufactures between 400 and 500 windows a week and the new machinery gives them the capacity to grow

“There is really nothing else like it out there and we’re genuinely impressed with the reliability, alignment, accuracy and quality it gives us.”

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July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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while also helping them to maintain their commitment to quality and detail. Richard puts the company’s success down to a number of factors aside from the commitment to quality: an impressive product range that makes it a true ‘one-stop shop’, the launch of their fully stocked trade counter the New Plastic Depot and good, reliable customer service. Haffner GB claimed that its new welders were revolutionary. An order for a second machine from UK Windows suggests the claim was more than justified! Haffner GB Ltd Tel: 01785 222421 UK Window Systems Ltd Tel: 01782 213270

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July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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ASK JIM!

In the second of a new series of columns for Glass News, Jim Moody, Managing Director of Tradelink, answers your questions and provides advice about the issues you need to know. Dear Jim, Now that we have reached July I’m concerned that there are still some areas of CE Marking that are a little confusing. I have read up on the Construction Products Regulation and I know the theory behind what needs to be done, but on a practical side it is still a bit hazy. For example, and it may sound basic, but how do I know if my product is CE Marked? Will it be labelled and who will be enforcing the new legislation? Rob Smith, Bedford

Dear Rob, Thank you for your letter and please rest assured you’re not alone. Despite us now being in July, there is still a great deal that the industry is unclear about when it comes to people’s individual responsibilities for CE Marking. As you know, we have been advising that the simplest way to comply is by purchasing your frames fully glazed from a fabricator partner you can trust, that way the hard work is all done for you. So, to answer your questions, if you purchase your frames in this way, the labelling will be done at fabricator level and it will bear the CE Mark logo so you can ensure that you comply. Products must, under the regulation, be marked with at least a product ID number, manufacturer name and of course the logo. Professional manufacturers will go out of their way to ensure their products are correctly labelled, and indeed at Tradelink we have now added another layer to our production process, separating out those products which we sell fully glazed to ensure they all bear the mark. We also add the CE mark to our confirmations to provide traceability should you ever be asked to prove compliance post installation.

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As for your next question, who will be policing compulsory CE Marking, I don’t think it would be unfair of me to say that essentially, nobody will! It states on the Government website that Trading Standards Service will be the policing authority for CE Marking in the glazing industry and that if your product fails to meet requirements, you will most likely be offered the opportunity to ensure it is correctly CE marked. Failure to comply after this means that you will be obliged to take your product off the market and you could even face a fine or imprisonment. Of course, Government bodies will not have the resources to check each company in the glazing industry individually, hence the ‘second chance’ scenario referenced on the website - for further proof just look at the ‘cooling off period’ and the way that has been ‘enforced’! It would be far better were a specific industry body able to take on enforcement of the new regulation. However, it is certainly not worth taking the chance, and once we reach consumer level, the policing may well begin to present itself. In the age of the internet and news available 24 hours, consumers are far more aware than ever before of regulations and legislation surrounding home improvement works. So, if your customer wants to know about CE Marking or demands to see proof of compliance, you will need to be prepared, and for simplicity, it would pay to work with your tried and trusted fabricator to purchase fully glazed and save yourself having to worry. However, we fully understand that in the glazing industry choice is king, and there are those who will want to shop around for their glass and frames, for example if specialist glass is required, or simply if a customer has built up a strong relationship with their separate glass and fame suppliers. With this in mind, Tradelink has recently finalised a Guide to CE Marking, which is now available to everybody and which provides enough information to learn to CE Mark within the hour! It contains everything from simple templates for the Factory Production Control Procedure to guidance on labelling, as well as examples of all documents necessary to complete each task in the CE Marking process. This guide is designed to be used regardless of how you purchase your frames and glass. Tradelink is a World Class Manufacturing organisation and, as such we are constantly investing in our processes to make life easier for customers. If you’d like to talk further about your options CE Marking, or to order a copy of the guide, please feel free to get in touch. Visit www.tradelinkdirect.co.uk, e-mail us at cemarking@tradelinkdirect.co.uk or call 01354 657650.

Send us your questions and we will always try and help: JimM@tradelinkdirect.com 84

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July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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MONTHLY HOROSCOPES

Russell Grant’s Horoscopes ARIES

LEO

SAGITTARIUS

Love and money are like chalk and cheese in early July. There’s an even greater gulf growing between your world of work and your private life. With tensions like these pulling you this way and that you need to shed anything or anyone that has passed their sell by date. It may seem difficult, demanding and even daunting to purge your world, clear the clutter and streamline your thinking, but if you take decisive action you will soon be able to look about you and pick and choose the things you want to do rather than feel chained to the things other people want you to do. There’s romance and even growing sexiness surrounding you at the end of the month and this coupled with a special aura of success and confidence glowing around a team effort or joint endeavour that will ease your financial situation and make you the centre of some very flattering attention.

Family matters will be tense throughout the first days of July. You expect only the bests, but your relatives think you’re being too demanding. Don’t fall prey to insecurities during this period. If you continue to stick to your guns, you’ll get what you want. It’s just a matter of being patient. An opportunity to volunteer for a hospital or spiritual organisation will present itself on or around the 8th. By lending your efforts to this worthy institution, your fortunes will start to improve. Although your duties won’t be very glamorous, they will provide you with a degree of emotional satisfaction you’ve never experienced. The second half of the month will force you to act as mediator between your family and romantic partner. When in doubt, throw your support to your amour. The sooner you establish healthier boundaries between you and your relatives, the happier you will be. Single? It may be because you allow your family to interfere with your personal life too much.

July opens with an aggressive admirer trying to win your heart. Trust your instincts regarding your latest fan. It’s better to keep them at arm’s length than give them encouragement. The days surrounding the 8th are perfect for getting closer to someone you really love. Let down your defences, especially when it comes to family taboos. The values with which you were raised aren’t necessarily ones you should maintain as an adult. Build a belief system that reflects your principles. Disappointing news regarding a friend will reach your ears near the 22nd. The two of you won’t be able to spend much time together in the months ahead. You’ll have to find other ways to use your time. Developing a new creative talent would be a good idea at this time. Alternately, you may decide to get a pet. Whatever you decide, don’t let depression drag you down. Change is inevitable; you might as well embrace it.

VIRGO

CAPRICORN

July opens with an unpleasant secret coming to light. Now that you know the truth of the situation, you’ll be able to protect your interests better. It appears that a hidden enemy has been trying to damage your reputation. Fortunately, loyal friends are poised to set the record straight, and you’ll be able to clear up the situation before any real damage is done. Mid-month brings a welcome relief from stress, when you’re able to go on a fun vacation with a group of your favourite people. Being away from home allows you to relax and let your hair down. Beware of overdoing it with food and drink. Your system has always been delicate. If you treat your body like a temple, you’ll be able to take advantage of a flirtation with one of the locals. The two of you will feel an instant connection while you’re shopping in the local market. The end of July stimulates your creative instincts. Start work on a writing project.

Neither a lender nor a borrower be in the opening days of July. It’s almost impossible to forgive financial squabbles. Avoid the whole problem by relying on your own resources. If a loved one asks for money, give it as a gift or offer another form of support. An exciting business partnership is scheduled around the 8th. Having a like minded sidekick will help you focus on your area of expertise. Focus on finding new business, generating sales, and closing deals. Your partner is better suited to promotional efforts and customer service. By the third week of the month you’ll be in a good position to launch a blog or write a book. People are eager to draw on your considerable wisdom, especially since you convey lessons through funny stories. The 22nd brings an abrupt end to a source of income. You’ll have to find another way to generate funds. Unfortunately, friends may not be in the position to help this time around. Draft a resume that highlights your experience, and send out a slew of job applications in late July.

Mar 21st – Apr 20th

TAURUS

Apr 21st – May 21st

July opens with a battle of epic proportions between a relative and a lover. You’ll have to stand in defence of your amour if your private life is going to prosper. It will feel as if you’re being attacked from every side in the beginning of the month. Taking or teaching a class around the 8th will provide a healthy outlet for your frustrations. You’ll welcome a chance to share your ideas with a receptive audience. Mid-July is ideal for a taking an overseas vacation. If you’re single, you’ll meet someone special on this trip. Don’t worry if there’s a big age difference involved; this will only add spice to your union. You’ll feel torn between your public and private lives in the days surrounding the 22nd; it is time to scale back your work and political commitments for the sake of your loved ones. Schedule an enjoyable vacation for the gang. This will be a wonderful opportunity for you to reconnect with your nearest and dearest.

GEMINI

May 22nd – Jun 21st

Beware of miscommunications with hide bound people in the opening days of July. These stuffy characters won’t understand your flippant sense of humour. If you’re going to get their help, you’ll have to tone down your behaviour. Although it pains you to put on an act, it will be the only way to push through your agenda. Good news arrives on the financial front near the 8th, when you’re awarded a rise, well paid post, or cash reward. Use your money to put a down payment on a house or buy some new furniture. Disappointing news from a medical expert around the 22nd will definitely be sobering. Don’t despair. This turn of events will force you to make some changes to your daily routine. Fixing nutritious meals and taking more exercise will be burdensome at first, but you’ll soon feel the benefits of your new regime. Spend as much time with family as possible as July turns into August. The support of your relatives will turn out to be invaluable.

Jul 24th – Aug 23rd

Aug 24th – Sep 23rd

LIBRA

Sep 24th – Oct 23rd

Neither a lender nor a borrower be during the first days of July. Financial obligations will undermine even the strongest friendship. If you’re sort of cash, find ways to stretch your existing resources. A career opportunity will arrive on or around the 8th, helping you make money from your intellectual abilities. You have a way of putting customers and clients at ease, even when you’re delivering bad news. Be sure to underscore this ability when going on interviews. Mid-July finds you making more time for creative pursuits. Playing music, painting, and writing are all activities you will enjoy. Don’t be afraid to try a new medium; you have raw talent in virtually every artistic field. You’ll retire from public view as July turns to August. A little more quiet time will restore your spirits. Even a social butterfly like you needs an occasional break from parties. Take this opportunity to catch up on your sleep.

CANCER

SCORPIO

The early days of July are perfect for revamping your look. Get a new hairstyle, update your wardrobe, and buy some fashionable accessories. As a general rule, you don’t like to spend money on yourself. Stop feeling guilty about spoiling yourself. When you treat yourself well, you’ll follow suit. You’ll have a wonderful opportunity to take a romantic break in the middle of July. An argument over money will erupt as July moves into August. You’re tired of someone holding their hand out every time you have a little extra cash in your pocket. You feel you are being taken for granted and you are right. Stop letting them lay guilt trips on you or, worse still using emotional blackmail to get what they want. You work hard for your money, and have every right to spend it on exactly what you want. It’s time to draw some stricter boundaries in this relationship.

Substance trumps style at the beginning of July. Don’t try to charm an authority figure with a stunning appearance. Instead, win their loyalty with an impressive mastery of facts and figures. By the time the 8th arrives, you’ll be given a marvellous opportunity to advance your education. Studying alongside an expert will give you a new lease on life. You might even decide to change the entire course of your life, pursuing a career or lifestyle that resonates with your spirit. Your willingness to work hard and make sacrifices for the sake of a long term goal will yield rewards during July. Prepare to receive a scholarship, grant, or prize around the 17th. Family won’t be very supportive of your dreams toward the end of the month. Turn a deaf ear to their predictions of gloom and doom as July draws to a close. If you continue to have faith in your abilities, you’ll reach great heights and silence your detractors.

Jun 22nd – Jul 23rd

Oct 24th – Nov 22nd

July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Nov 23rd – Dec 21st

Dec 22nd – Jan 20th

AQUARIUS

Jan 21st – Feb 19th

Resist the urge to push a loved one around at the beginning of July. Remember you are equal partners in this relationship. You have no authority over your lover’s life. By giving your amour the proper respect, the two of you will achieve an intimacy you never dreamed possible. Your daily regimen becomes a lot more rewarding after the 8th, when you make more time for your favourite hobbies. Give an unpleasant job to a relative who hasn’t been doing their fair share. You’re tired of doing the lion’s share of work. By mid-July, you’ll be able to revisit one of your favourite vacation spots. Be sure to take a camera along to record all of your happy memories. The 22nd warns against challenging an executive’s authority. As much as you want to be a free agent, you need to the protection of a powerful organisation. A passionate affair helps your wounded pride to heal as July turns to August.

PISCES

Feb 20th – Mar 20th

Beware of overindulging in food and drink in the first half of July. It’s vital to take care of your health, as you’ll want to be in good form for all the vacations and parties ahead. The 8th is perfect for embarking on a love affair or launching a creative project. You’re determined to make more time for the people and activities you love. Take this opportunity to shed your life of some loathsome chores. It’s time your relatives and colleagues take some of the burdens from your shoulders. Of course, you’ll have to issue a few ultimatums along the way, but people will ultimately respect you for standing in your own defence. An embarrassing secret will come to light on or around the 22nd. If you don’t have the experience or education you pretend, now is the time to rectify the problem. Schedule a trip or enrol in a class.

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COMMENT PIECE

CE Shambles:

A Limp Across The Line

The deadline for CE Marking and it’s implementation into law has been and gone, and wow was it a panic to the finish!

Despite the industry having about two years in which to ready itself for these unstoppable changes, it was only until the last few weeks, or for some the last few days, before businesses got their act together and made sure they were ready for the July 1st deadline. For most of the week prior to July 1st, the majority of the discussions online were about CE Marking. What was scary was how many questions there were coming from everyone, and how many of those remained unanswered. GGF President Mark Warren and myself did try to help where we could, and Mark did ask me to write a post on DGB to try and help clarify what was and what wasn’t required. That did seem to help, though it didn’t prove a cure. The more CE was talked about, the more questions were thrown up. So many “what ifs”, which only served to fuel the confusion about what was needed and what wasn’t. Then there were rumours about small businesses, or “microbusinesses” being exempt completely. This turned out to be false. Though it was a worrying thing to see how different the CE information was coming out of different organisations.

“The more CE was talked about, the more questions were thrown up. So many “what ifs”, which only served to fuel the confusion about what was needed and what wasn’t.”

What was clear by June 28th, we weren’t all singing from the same hymn sheet! I think the industry can also be blamed for relying too much on their fabricators and suppliers. While they have commendably put together seminars and workshops to help installers get to grips with the changes, they are not responsible for doing absolutely everything. I know there are some installers out there that will always be reluctant to change anything. But CE Marking now supersedes everything, is now law and those who do not comply can face hefty fines and even 3 months in jail! So if there any installers out there still not sorted yet, do it yourself! No one else is going to help you!

The whole build up to CE Marking has been very typically double glazing. A very slow and lazy build up, followed by panic and worry just a few days before. Kind of like a teenager who has left it until the last minute to finish a major project!

the National Fenestration Awards. The winner this time round was an image uploaded by Rehau, with an installation done by their customers Abbey Windows: A great Golden Oak installation worthy of winning. Though June,

as with the previous two months, was packed full of great example of work done by the cream of our industry. PVC, aluminium and timber were all represented again which is also nice to see.

Something More Positive... Right, no more talk about CE marking. Promise! Some more light hearted commentary comes in the form of the latest Cool Wall winner for the month of June, hosted by

“I know there are some installers out there that will always be reluctant to change anything. But CE Marking now supersedes everything, is now law and those who do not comply can face hefty fines and even 3 months in jail! So if there any installers out there still not sorted yet, do it yourself! No one else is going to help you!”

July 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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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 BASMAN

The Thoughts of the Basman

IRONIC OR JUST

COMMON SENSE! As we enter the fifth year of the austerity measures imposed by the government, there is a growing irony in the everyday things we see, do and read about. Only this week, I read an interesting piece by the Double Glazing Blogger. It is a subject I have written at length about over the last couple of years and a subject I feel strongly about.

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My main reason for coming back to this is the recent difficulty one of the government committees have had trying to get Lord Levison to appear before them to answer some questions about the never ending saga that is phone hacking. There are still far too many covert investigations going on in this country for our own good. The way the British people are expected to accept without question enquiry after enquiry leaves most of us with a nasty taste in our mouths. What really needs to be addressed is the need for the Government to set up an independent panel to investigate the continuing stream of misdemeanours and mistakes perpetrated by government departments and organisations. When mistakes are made by these organisations, why do we continue to accept that when they announce an enquiry, the guilty organisation are the people who carry out the investigation into what has happened. Daily we are reading about the failings of such enquires in all corners of the country. Everybody wants to see the right outcome, it does however seem that every time we think we have an answer an apology or change in the decision seems to follow quickly afterwards. From experience, I know how hard it is to investigate your colleagues and then to criticise them and apportion blame is even more difficult. Make them independent, take away the personalities, make them transparent and find an answer that is final and not ambiguous. The great British public want to be treated properly. They want the truth, not dressed up to appease them and more importantly

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they want the perpetrators of these misdemeanours to be accountable. Well it’s that time again when most of the men in the country are suffering from a lack of football news matches and interaction. Not to worry we only have about a month to go before we are into the meaningless tournaments and endless rounds of friendlies as a lead up to the main event starting in middle of August. I am amused by the endless speculation of the transfer merry go round. I have an open mind for the coming season. With three of the top four clubs changing their managers, who knows what will happen. New managers bring new ideas, methods of training and their own rules. Whilst we are all optimistic on what can be achieved by the teams we support, we all secretly hope that our main rivals will have a mare. Or that they will lose their best players before the transfer window closes. I wonder how many of you have given the England team a thought. Roy Hodgson will have seen what has happened to the U20’s and U21’s as he plans for the remaining fixtures in the World Cup qualification. Success for the National team is good for the country and the feel good factor. Let’s be positive and support them in their quest to qualify. Give them your support. Is it ironic or just common sense!

Get in touch, email: christina@glassnews.co.uk.

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