Glass News August 2013

The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper TRADE NEWS – PAGE 10

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

DOOR EXPERT – PAGE 27

Innovative trade fabricator Dempsey Dyer has sold more than £100k of timber in one week for the first time in their 35 year history.

Issue 29 | August 2013

TECH TALK – PAGE 56

When Andrew Glover and his wife Nicola looked for a luxury and stylish front door to their house, they called upon industry pioneers, Solidor.

Buy virtually any consumer item from anywhere along the High Street and chances are you have a six month guarantee at best.

The trade confirms the signs of economic recovery A tentative retail recovery is underway in the UK after the Office for National Statistics (ONS) confirmed UK sales growth.

The figures were first seen in the British Retail Consortium-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor earlier this month. The total value of sales growth reported by the ONS, which is not seasonally adjusted, was 4 per cent in June compared with 3.7 per cent a year ago. The figures outstripped the BRC’s own figures, released on 9 July, which showed total growth of 2.9 per cent. In May the growth rate was 3.9 per cent.

So FENSA’s report that installations have bounced back in the 2nd quarter confirm a general improvement and British Retail Consortium Director General, Helen Dickinson’s opinion that this offers further

evidence that tentative signs of a consumerled recovery are beginning to take hold.

Meanwhile FENSA say that the quarter to June 30th 2013 has been the best April, May and June for installation of replacement windows and doors in domestic properties since 2010. There were three successive months of growth, compared with the same period in the previous year, for the first time since the recession hit in 2007.

April was up 11.3% on 2012, May up 2.9% and June up 12%. In total the quarter was up 8.53% on last year - though the figures are down 27% on the same period in 2007.

“A disappointing first quarter which has been superseded by an encouraging second quarter,” comments FENSA Operations Director Chris Mayne. “These figures support positive comments and statistics announced by other glazing sector businesses in recent weeks and months.”

89% of all window installations are covered by FENSA according to DCLG.* And apart from trade bodies and national statistical offices, is there a feeling within the trade that things are on the up? Glass News asked around the trade.

Ryan Johnson.

Ryan Johnson, Emplas’ Joint Managing Director, commented: “Emplas trade sales have increased by than more than 20% in the second quarter compared to last year, and more in turnover terms as the switch to glazed frames has been gathering pace all

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year. We have also seen a huge uplift in core products at our local retail subsidiary, T&K, up more than 60% in the same period with record levels of new enquiries too.

Continued on page 4...

Vinod Gopal.

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GREEN SHOOTS OF RECOVERY

“At a time when we can actually see some of these, so called, ‘green shoots of recovery’, we would really like the harvest from them to end up in our barn, and not in that of someone else!”.

Is it just me or do others feel that constant change in regulations, laws, ratings and statutory requirements are taking up a disproportionate amount of time? While we appreciate that income and outgoings must be

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accounted for and taxes and levies of every type must be paid, the constant updating of regulations, and new requirements for us to follow means that we spend a large amount of time making sure we are legal and above board - time that could be better spent earning a living and putting the odd crumb of food on the table.

Just what percentage of the working week and number of man hours is devoted to this regulatory stuff?

Now, don’t get me wrong, regulations that improve working conditions, make life safer for everyone and ensure that the buying public actually get what they have paid for, is necessary and admirable. It’s part of being civilised and improving the Congratulations to all our winners! Good Luck in this months Time Out pages!

Last months crossword solution

quality of everyone’s lives.

But if a disproportionate amount of time and money is spent on abiding by the rules, we reduce profits, make it harder to pay decent wages and, probably, prevent us from providing gainful employment. On the other hand maybe not!

Is all this regulatory stuff just a way to increase the country’s employment by introducing more and more quangos, regulatory bodies and associations and groups of every sort? After all, so much emanates from the EU in some way shape or form and look at the numbers employed at the Brussels HQ! This month we’ve seen issues concerning CE Marking and who is and who is not a ‘notified body’, a new group to replace the BFRC to regulate spacer bar thermal values, we have WERS and A+ ratings.

To adhere to requirements, all these things take time and cash and at a time when we can actually see some of these, so called, ‘green shoots of recovery’, we would really like the harvest from them to end up in our barn, and not in that of someone else!

Call me old fashioned, actually just call me a

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grumpy old man, but I don’t believe I’m the only one who thinks we are addicted to regulation, and not just in our industry but in the country as a whole.

Regulation is all well and good but it strikes me that, so often, we are not clear what that regulation means to us. After all, I didn’t see all that banking regulation doing a lot of good.

If I was to make a plea to anyone seeking to introduce us to a regulation of any sort, it would be this. Please make it clear and transparent, easy to understand and interpret, and make sure all the ‘ifs and buts’ have been ironed out by Day One. It will save us time and money ....and unnecessary angst!

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

4 Front Cover Story 4 Trade News 26 Door Expert 38 Conservatories 40 Windows 48 Glass & Glass Processing 52 Security & Hardware 55 GQA Newsletter 56 Tech Talk 57 CE Marking 58 Colour 62 Product News

64 Comment Piece 66 Fabricator Focus 68 Trade Counter Partnership 70 Recruitment 74 Glass People 78 Monthly Horoscopes 79 Letters 80 Time Out! 81 The Basman 82 Find A Supplier

Publisher & Owner: Christina Shaw E: christina@glassnews.co.uk T: 01302 759096 M: 07805 051322

With thanks to our contributors: Ryan Johnson – Emplas, Mark Atkinson – Hurst Plastics, Vinod Gopal – Everglade, Kevin Greenfield – KLG Amazing Glazing, Ian Longbottom – Sliders UK, Guy Hubble – RegaLead, Gemma O’Connor – RegaLead.

Contact details

Advertising Enquiries: Christina Shaw E: christina@glassnews.co.uk T: 01302 759096 M: 07805 051322 Editor Chris Champion E: chris@glassnews.co.uk T: 07850 267223 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

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FRONT COVER STORY Continued from page 1...

What would I put this down to? Consumer confidence is on the rise, less bad news bringing a release of pent-up spending, and a recovering new housing market. Talking to other window manufacturers recently, some are doing well, others less well, I believe those companies who are proactive in their market approach, whether trade or retail, can expect decent results in the second half of the year, and significantly better than 2012 - Emplas and T&K certainly can.”

Kevin Greenfield.

Hurst Plastics’ Sales Director Mark Atkinson: “The first half of this year has proven to be our most significant for over 5 years with sales growth of over 35% on the previous year alone and an impressive 20% against what was initially billed as an ambitious first half budget!”

“Interestingly, and commercial contracts aside, our growth has spanned the full product mix – the mature panel and the ever emerging composite both have swelled significantly in number! Indeed, such is the growth of what is billed as the declining panel market, we are now investing in new composite style panel designs to further stimulate, support and maintain this trend bucking product!”

KLG Amazing Glazing’s Managing Director Kevin Greenfield: “Orders received for the second quarter, against the first, shows an increase of 79%, while orders received for the second quarter against the same period 2012 shows an increase of 34%. I am optimistic that this trend will continue for the remainder of the year. Growth areas continue to be in the Conservatory and Composite Door areas of the business although new build appears to be making a small revival.”

Ian Longbottom, Managing Director a Sliders UK, stated: “I can concur with FENSA’s impression. Indeed I would go further. Both Duraflex and Eurocell are claiming that figures for the second quarter are the best since the start of the recession. Ours own figures are over 21% up on 2012 as a result of increased market share, a change in product focus and continued differentiation through Secured By Design accreditation.”

“The total value of sales growth reported by the ONS, which is not seasonally adjusted, was 4 per cent in June compared with 3.7 per cent a year ago. The figures outstripped the BRC’s own figures, released on 9 July, which showed total growth of 2.9 per cent. In May the growth rate was 3.9 per cent.” this will happen without a lot of hard work because we know there’s still a lot of volatility in the market. We will continue to keep ahead of sales trends and help customers sell more.”

Ian Longbottom.

“Our growth at Hurst Plastics, some 30% on last year’s actual volumes alone, is not entirely due to additional business as we have seen a sizeable proportion of mature panel customers increase their panel average. Given where panels are on the product life cycle it would appear that they’re not ready to lie down and die just yet!”

“With increases of over 40% on last year’s Composite volumes, this trading period certainly gives rise for much needed optimism and confidence – something we need to take into the back half of the year if we are to emulate the successes of the first half. Coupled with industry forecasts suggesting a more positive longer term outlook, and for those still ready to adapt and fight, the struggle would appear to be becoming potentially less onerous!”

TRADE NEWS

Mark Atkinson.

“My prognosis for the second half of the year is more of the same, aided by the good weather. Margins remain tight as the industry in over-supplied (and full of desperados and idiots!). That said the new CE marking rules are likely to shake a few out of the tree in coming months!”

Vinod Gopal, managing director at Everglade Windows, comments on FENSA’s results: “Sales for Everglade Windows are up. In Quarter 2 we’re up by 30 per cent, compared with Quarter 1. What we’re finding is the growth is not evenly spread over the range of our full range of products. Aluminium windows, Scenic aluminium Sliding and Bi-fold and Fortis Timber Core Doors are the top sellers. We’ve been watching this trend grow over the last two years as installers are switching to added value products.”

“We expect the upturn to continue and Quarter 3 started strongly. We don’t think

“The strategy to helping customers sell higher value products has been in place for two years. We could see there was a change in the way customers bought home improvement purchases. As people were moving less, there was a move away from quick fix to long term purchases that were lifestyle choices.”

“Aluminium sliding and bi-fold doors have seen massive growth as more homeowners choose open plan living. From this increase there’s been a knock on effect with customers looking again at aluminium windows and sales of domestic aluminium have risen greatly. In addition Fortis Doors, engineered

by Solidor, has shown its credentials as a top selling product to homeowners. Everglade Windows, the number one fabricator for installer support, offers a complete range of products backed up with a comprehensive marketing. This means installers can offer everything their customers want and they can get it all from Everglade Windows.”

Glass News will be watching the ongoing quarterly results with interest as the trade as a whole trusts the upsurge in business is here to stay. Although the GDP preliminary results for Q2, released on 25 July, show a growth of 0.6% over that of Q1, the economy is ‘still behind the eight ball’ with the Q2 GDP some 3.3% behind the economy’s peak in Q1 2008.

The message appears to be “Go and get it!” or as Del Boy Trotter said, “Who dares, wins, Rodney!’ *Calculated from the most up to date window and door installation figures - period April, May & June 2013.

“Glass News will be watching the ongoing quarterly results with interest as the trade as a whole trusts the upsurge in business is here to stay. Although the GDP preliminary results for Q2, released on 25 July, show a growth of 0.6% over that of Q1, the economy is ‘still behind the eight ball’ with the Q2 GDP some 3.3% behind the economy’s peak in Q1 2008.”

BFRC announces important changes to determination of spacer bar thermal values On 15th July 2013 the BFRC announced important changes to the way spacer bar thermal values are determined and handed responsibility for spacer bar thermal values to the European Warm Edge Working Group. The BFRC has written to thermal simulators and sealed unit makers to advise them of these changes.

“Until January 2014, BFRC is also accepting equivalent conductivity reports for spacer bars tested to WA17/1 that do not yet have an official 2-box report.”

The European Warm Edge Working Group is made up of the leading warm edge spacer bar suppliers in Europe and is run under the guidance of the Bundesverband Flachglas (BF) – the German Flat Glass Group.

Each warm edge spacer bar on the BF website has been tested by ift Rosenheim under identical agreed conditions.

The results are published on the Bundesverband Flachglas website and thermal simulators and sealed unit makers now need to refer to the datasheets on this website and use the equivalent 2-box model conductivity values for spacer bars.

The datasheets can be accessed and downloaded at http://www.bundesverbandflachglas.de/shop/kostenfreie-downloads/bfdata-sheets-english.

Swisspacer claim the test results show that Swisspacer Ultimate is the best warm edge spacer bar for thermal efficiency.

Under the current rules of substitution, Ultimate is the only warm edge spacer that can be substituted for any other spacer bar.

Until January 2014, BFRC is also accepting equivalent conductivity reports for spacer bars tested to WA17/1 that do not yet have an official 2-box report.

However, from 1st January 2014, only the spacer bars listed on the Bundesverband Flachglas website will be valid for use in Window Energy Ratings.

See also Thermoseal press release on Page 20.

When two leading companies have widely differing interpretation of spacer bar thermal performance it is clear that the European Warm Edge Working Group needs to clarify the situation, and we invite a spokesperson for the group to enlighten us all – Ed.

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TRADE NEWS

HOUSEBUILDERS & DEVELOPERS ONLY NEED ONE SHADE OF GREY! Experienced Self Builder Mr Colin Goodwin has recently used Freefoam Anthracite Grey fascia and soffit to create a striking contemporary roofline on his new four bedroom property. Freefoam added Anthracite Grey, Ral 7016, to its range in response to increased demand from builders and developers. The colour offers an exact match to specified window frames and doors.

Bespoke Marketing Portal from Network VEKA Network VEKA is delighted to be able to offer member companies the chance to personalise a wide range of professionallydesigned marketing materials – all at the click of a button.

The Network VEKA Marketing Portal was unveiled at the organisation's recent AGM in Solihull. The Marketing Portal is an online facility that will allow members to access truly individual marketing materials that feature their own USPs. John Ogilvie Network VEKA MD explains: “We've always been extremely proud of the marketing support we offer to Network VEKA members and now we've made it even more convenient and cost effective. Members can simply log in via the Network VEKA website to view everything from adverts and posters, to mailers and brochures and then personalise these items to suit their individual company.

Once a company's logo has been uploaded, they just need to add any extra details they wish. It's an extremely cost-effective solution which ensures that marketing is consistent and professional - and as we've commissioned the designs and copywriting already, there's only the printing and postage costs to pay.”

“Items can be personalised in various ways including your logo, contact information, energy ratings, company history and/or discount information. Communication is the lifeblood of marketing. There's no point being the best at what you do, if you don't shout about it. Having demonstrated the Marketing Portal at the FIT Show and officially unveiled it at the AGM, we have already seen a lot of interest in this system and we expect it to be an extremely valuable asset to our membership.”

Tel: 01282 473170 – www.networkveka.co.uk

Situated in an established residential area of Grimsby the property sits on a ½ acre site previously occupied by a 2 bedroom bungalow Mr Goodwin has already built three other self build properties but all were in a traditional style. He explains “We wanted a much more contemporary feel for this house. The large windows on two elevations of the property were a key feature of the exterior design. I chose a grey finish for the frames to give a modern feel but wanted to make sure that everything else matched to create a unified sleek look. I was introduced to the grey fascia and soffit through my local supplier and hadn’t realised it was available.

The Freefoam Anthracite Grey in Ral 7016 was an exact match to the window frames and coordinates well with the metal rainwater

Freefoam is the colour specialist. Recognising the growing importance of colour for architects, specifiers, self-builders and homeowners it seized the opportunity and generated its patented ColormaxTM technology. Offered in a range of ten colours with built in colourfastness, colour variety, and reliable colour matching all with a ten year guarantee. With many colours available straight from stock with no lead time, more competitive pricing and a broader range of matching accessories Freefoam has made colour roofline a natural alternative to white and a realistic proposition.

Tel: 01604 591110 – www.freefoam.com

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Low-carbon regulations will hinder housing supply New building standards announced today will hinder the supply of new housing, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Reforms to Part L of the Building Regulations, to be implemented in 2014, will involve a new target for fabric energy efficiency and a 6% improvement on 2010 standards.

Brian Berry, the Chief Executive of the FMB, warned the new standards will hit smaller developers harder and faster than the rest of the industry: “FMB surveys of house-builders indicate the cost implications for smaller developments will be significantly above those estimated by the Government’s impact assessments.

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system so made the perfect choice. We’re very pleased with the result.”

“In a still fragile housing market, in which homebuyers are not prepared to pay the extra for energy efficiency, these extra costs will continue to come off the bottom line of builders, threatening the viability of many developments and further hindering hopes of a boost in housing supply.”

“Smaller house-builders without large banks of prior planning consents will be hit first by these changes.”

Berry added: “As well as increased costs, the new fabric energy-efficiency standard

will involve complex calculations and a steep learning curve. For those small housebuilders who have not been building recently, the barriers to re-entry will be raised again.”

Berry continued: “The new standards will kick in next year, with a further change in standards already being planned for 2016. Yet very few homes in Britain have been built to the 2010 standards as it is.”

“There is simply too little evidence of how current standards are working on which to base decisions about a further uplift in standards at this point.”

Berry concluded: “We support the idea that ‘zero carbon’ should be the end destination, but the timetable for achieving it must be realistic and deliverable.”

“The overwhelming feeling in the industry is that policy is running well ahead of the industry’s ability to deliver on these commitments. There was some hope that the long delay in an announcement meant that the Government had seen sense and realism had prevailed. Instead we seem to have ended up back where we started, with potentially serious consequences for capacity and supply within the house-building industry.”

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TRADE NEWS BUSINESS PEAK FOR

Network VEKA unveils digital marketing tools

Newcastle-based Pennine Home Improvements has joined the Conservatory Outlet Network of Dealers to become the one and only dealer for the North East region.

An exciting new range of Network VEKA Web Tools has been launched by the organisation in order to help their members get the most from their websites.

PENNINE HOME IMPROVEMENTS

An award-winning installer with its previous supplier, Pennine has assumed exclusivity as a Conservatory Outlet Dealer in Newcastle, Darlington, Durham, Sunderland and Cleveland - an area with a population of more than 2.6 million people which neighbours existing Conservatory Outlet Dealers: Orion Windows in North Yorkshire; Kendal-based Planet South Lakes; and Mitchell Glass on the Scottish Borders.

There are a number of features to choose from and members can decide whether to go for the “full package” including a brand new website or simply pick and choose the pages that will best complement their existing site.

Pennine Home Improvements boasts a half million pound show site in the North Tyneside district of Longbenton, numerous satellite branches, a 14-strong sales force and 18 fitting teams.

The partnership was marked by a presentation day for the sales team of Pennine Home Improvements which was cohosted, rather fittingly, by Geordie and industry specific sales trainer Paul Clifton who regularly works with Conservatory Outlet and its network of installer customers. Paul opened proceedings by thanking Conservatory Outlet for joining forces with an installer in the North East, saying: ‘It’s refreshing to be able to speak Geordie for once, instead of having to speak English all the time!,’ in reference to the work he does across the whole of the UK for the fabricator’s other regional dealers.

This was not just a one off gesture though and Paul Clifton will now deliver a full programme of retail sales training tailored for Pennine Home Improvements and completely funded by Conservatory Outlet to complement the fully optimised, lead generating website also provided.

‘We do a lot of research in the regions that do not have a Conservatory Outlet Dealer, striving to find the best installer in each location, but this groundwork wasn’t necessary in

Greg Kane.

the North East, said Conservatory Outlet sales director, Greg Kane. Pennine Home Improvements’ reputation precedes itself and this partnership is considered as a huge coup for Conservatory Outlet.’

Pennine Home Improvements managing director, Graham Auld, added: ‘Pennine is and has long been a thriving company which has sought to make improvements even when there is seemingly no scope to do so. Since joining the Conservatory Outlet Network we have increased our enquiry yield from the internet, our sales team has been reinvigorated thanks to the training and sales aids provided, and the proactive nature of the Network has more than lived up to my expectations.’

Tel: 01924 239813 – www.conservatoryoutletdealers.co.uk

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Help to Buy needs small developers to succeed The Government needs to incentivise smaller housing developers to build more homes to help meet the rising demand sparked by the Help to Buy scheme, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Help to Buy has contributed to an upturn in demand in the housing market, while mortgage approvals have also seen a significant year-onyear increase. To remove the obstacles restricting the supply of new homes, the Government needs to ensure small developers have access to the business finance they need to get projects off the ground. They will also need to place renewed emphasis on improving the supply of smaller, easier-to-deliver sites and reduce the cumulative burden of

regulation and developer contributions, which so often discourages smaller developers from bringing new homes to market.

Brian Berry, the Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders, said: “The Help to Buy initiative is helping to revitalise the flagging housing market, and the Government is to be applauded for having worked hard to make the scheme more accessible to small builders and developers. Rekindling demand in this way helps create the environment for developers to start bringing more homes to market, but there is still a long way to go before we are once again building the 200,000-plus new homes we need each year just to keep pace with demand.”

Network VEKA MD John Ogilvie explains: “After personal recommendations, the internet has quickly become the “first port of call” for homeowners looking to improve their property.”

“With the home improvement industry becoming more and more competitive, Network VEKA’s Web Tools allow

Berry continued: “In 1988 SME house builders built two thirds of new homes in the UK, but now that proportion has dropped to just one third. This trend has not been helped by the recent recession, the worst in living memory. To build on the current tentative upturn in economic conditions, and to secure the diversity of housing supply, we need government at all levels to properly engage with smaller housebuilders to establish how we can bring more homes to market.”

Berry concluded: “To avoid any risk of the Help to Buy scheme creating a housing bubble, the Government now needs to increase the supply of land. It should also lift local authority borrowing caps to help build more social and affordable housing.”

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The impressive web enhancements included are: a Price Engine, a Feedback Generator, a Showcase Page, a Discount Voucher Engine and a Control Panel to allow members to edit and manage all the various features.

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members to capitalise on this with a strong online presence and a professional looking website.”

“The idea is that these simple-to-use tools have been designed to combine with members' existing advertising and PR to turn increased web traffic into quality sales leads.”

The team at AWC Home Improvements have already trialled the “complete package” and were impressed with the difference they found. Director Michael Griffiths revealed: “We’ve really seen a difference since implementing these tools.

We’ve had some really good enquiries and feel that this has been a fantastic move for our company.”

“It’s important to drive traffic to your website in order to benefit from these tools so we made sure that the call to action on our adverts and press releases directed people online. We’d like to thank Network VEKA for all their support.”

You can learn more at www.networkvekatools.co.uk.

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TRADE NEWS

TradeMark registers

with Conservatory Outlet TradeMark Windows, Doors & Conservatories has moved to join the Conservatory Outlet Network of Dealers and become the local installer for areas of Berkshire, Hampshire and Surrey.

Spearheaded by managing director, Mark Ashwell, the Wokingham-based TradeMark becomes the eighth Conservatory Outlet Dealer in the South of England and, with its 20 years’ experience, adds to both the reputation and coverage of the installer network.

Retail sales training and product familiarisation sessions with Conservatory Outlet’s affiliate mentor, Paul Clifton, have been added to the fabricator’s sales and marketing support package, which has long included a new lead generating website, bespoke literature and a unique online customer review facility. TradeMark Windows’ sales team enjoyed its first session with Paul at the beginning of July as he

visited the Wokingham showroom which is both luxurious and current, housing two Loggias amongst several other fully furnished conservatories and orangeries.

From this modern headquarters TradeMark has placed itself at the heart of the community, supporting numerous local groups and initiatives, and wins almost a third of its new business by way of recommends.

The partnership with Conservatory Outlet guarantees to increase enquiries from another source – the internet – and enable TradeMark to be a part of the community that exists within the Network of Dealers, which currently comprises of approximately 50 business directors and twice as many retail sales advisors.

Outlining his reasons for choosing Conservatory Outlet, Mark Ashwell said: ‘I’d been observing the fabricator and its installer network from afar for some time, and it became increasingly obvious to me that

TradeMark’s Wokingham Showroom.

TradeMark and Conservatory Outlet would complement each other extremely well. There is actually more to being a Conservatory Outlet Dealer than perhaps meets the eye and many facets of TradeMark have already seen a benefit.’

Greg Kane, director at Conservatory Outlet, added: ‘After our discussions earlier in the year, April’s FIT Show gave Mark a chance to carry out further due diligence before joining our network by speaking to many of our existing dealers, including representatives

from the companies that TradeMark now neighbours.’

Mark’s company and his approach to business both suit the Conservatory Outlet Network perfectly and I’m delighted to welcome TradeMark at a very exciting time as we plan product training sessions and other network events which will take place in the second half of 2013.’

Tel: 01924 239813 www.conservatoryoutletdealers.co.uk.

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INSTALLATIONS BOUNCE BACK IN 2ND QUARTER – SAYS FENSA

First £100k timber week

for Dempsey Dyer

Innovative trade fabricator Dempsey Dyer has sold more than £100k of timber in one week for the first time in their 35 year history.

worked closely with the architect Mike Hall of Jefferson and Sheard to ensure the windows were accepted by the areas conservation officers.

Four factors contributed to the record breaking sales – Dempsey’s commercial division winning a number of lucrative timber contracts, existing timber customers growing, uPVC customers moving into timber and new customers coming on board.

“Dempsey Dyer went above and beyond to ensure they won this contact, even going to the extent of designing a bespoke window that was ultimately accepted by the conservation officer” architect Mike Hall commented.

Peter Dyer is delighted with the healthy order book: “Dempsey Dyer has manufactured timber windows, doors and conservatories since 1977 so it’s a nice feeling to break our timber sales record. The timber market is particularly buoyant at the moment, both in the commercial and domestic sectors, and Dempsey Dyer has worked hard to get a slice of this and support our trade customers so they win more orders.”

One major project that has contributed to the record sales is Acre Mill, a listed wire mill which adjoins Huddersfield Royal Infirmary. The mill is being converted into a 56,000 sq ft centralised outpatient centre that is expected to serve over 200,000 appointments every year, and is due to be operational by mid-2014.

Dempsey Dyer designed an original hopper style window for the project and

Dempsey Dyer have recently helped several customers enter the lucrative timber market, including Surrey based Sheerwater Glass. Dempsey recently helped Sheerwater revamp their showroom, including a section that now displays timber windows and doors.

“Historically Sheerwater Glass has installed uPVC and aluminium windows, doors and conservatories, but following several meetings with Peter Dyer and a visit to Dempsey’s impressive factory in West Yorkshire, I decided now was the right time to increase our product offering to include Dempsey Dyers complete timber fenestration range” said Mark McCluggage from Sheerwater Glass.

Mark continued: “Since the opening of our timber showroom 6 weeks ago, we have secured in excess of £95,000 of new business and have found that margins are better with timber windows

and doors. It’s also much less stressful entering a new market with the backing of an established and quality supplier such as Dempsey Dyer, who is willing and able to help with extra business elements such as showroom designs”.

Dempsey Dyer offers a wide variety of timber windows, doors and conservatries, all of which are manufactured using high quality timber species such as Accoya, Sapele, European Oak and European Redwood and carefully crafted to ensure they stand the test of time. An example of Dempsey’s timber expertise is is the 7 degree slope they build into all their frames. This slope stops moisture penetrating the external seals and rotting the wood.

For more information on Dempsey Dyer call 01977 649641 or visit www.dempseydyer.co.uk.

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The quarter to June 30th 2013 has been the best April, May and June for installation of replacement windows and doors in domestic properties since 2010, claims FENSA. There were three successive months of growth, compared with the same period in the previous year, for the first time since the recession hit in 2007.

April was up 11.3% on 2012, May up 2.9% and June up 12%. In total the quarter was up 8.53% on last year - though the figures are down 27% on the same period in 2007.

“A disappointing first quarter which has been superseded by an encouraging second quarter,” comments FENSA Operations Director Chris Mayne. “These figures support positive comments and statistics announced 0813-0017

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“These figures support positive comments and statistics announced by other glazing sector businesses in recent weeks and months.” by other glazing sector businesses in recent weeks and months.”

89% of all window installations are covered by FENSA according to DCLG. *Calculated from the most up to date window and door installation figures - period April, May & June 2013.

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TRADE NEWS

Deceuninck awarded Gold in RoSPA Occupational Health & Safety Awards

TOP NEWS SLOT FOR

Deceuninck has just been awarded Gold in RoSPA’s annual Occupation Health and Safety Awards, for the second year running.

Peter Rich, Deceuninck’s Operations Manager, accepted the award at the ceremony held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel.

Commercial projects are increasingly turning to PVC-U as the material of choice, as Synseal fabricator and installer Complete Windows found when it recently installed 104 windows on the Stourbridge News building, a 1960’s office block that was originally fitted with steel windows.

The RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) awards scheme recognises commitment to continuous improvement in accident and ill health prevention. The scheme not only looks at accident records, but also entrants’ overarching health and safety management systems, including practices such as leadership and workforce involvement. David Rawlins, RoSPA’s awards manager, said: “RoSPA firmly believes that organisations that demonstrate commitment to continuous improvement deserve recognition.

Deceuninck has shown that it is committed to striving for such improvement and we are delighted to honour it through the presentation of an award.”

Peter Rich adds: “Our people are our most important asset. They have a right to expect a safe and healthy working environment and we work hard to ensure that we provide it. We don’t implement or revise procedures or aim to improve year on year in order to win awards, but it is great to be recognised for our commitment.”

The RoSPA awards scheme dates back 57 years and is the largest and longest-running programme of its kind in the UK. It is open to businesses

and organisations of all types and sizes from across the UK and overseas.

Health and safety in the workplace often gets a bad press. But there can be no doubt that organisations that strive to provide a safe and healthy workplace are demonstrating a clear commitment to the wellbeing of their staff and to quality throughout the business. Deceuninck is one such company.

Tel: 01249 816 969 www.deceuninck.com

PVC-U PROFILE

Complete Windows manufactured the A-rated windows using Shield profile foiled with Artisan in Black/ Brown on white, along with grey infill panels.

The Dudley-based company fabricates about 100 windows per week, and installs around 20% of them mostly to domestic customers.

because we prefer to be paid in regular instalments, and don’t like the uncertainty they can sometimes bring.”

“However, we have a long standing relationship with Paul Wentworth Builders – the main contractor on the job – who was keen to push the work our way. Everyone was more than satisfied with the outcome on this project.”

John explained that an increasing number of people are choosing coloured windows. “Products like Artisan are really opening people’s imagination,” John said.

“The woodgrains and colours are really transforming

consumers’ expectations of what they can expect from PVC-U windows.

“For example, we are often replacing 10-year-old 70mm white PVC-U windows with 70mm coloured or woodgrain PVC-U windows – it is a real selling point.”

John also explained that he was pleased with the customer support from Synseal.

“They are a really good firm to deal with, and will always stick to their word,” he said.

“I believe the support has got even better since the management buy-out.”

“Our only marketing budget is the £150 we pay to Yellow Pages to feature in the FENSA section,” explained director John Pearson.

“All of our work comes in from recommendations, and we will travel anywhere in the UK to work.

(L-R) Michael Hampson, Vice Chairman (RoSPA) and Peter Rich, Operations Manager, Deceuninck.

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CONSERVATORY OUTLET GOES ABOVE & BEYOND Fabricator Conservatory Outlet has joined the 5% of Investors in People organisations that can claim a ‘Beyond The Standard’ Bronze status.

is to achieve Gold status,’ said Conservatory Outlet director, Greg Kane.

The Wakefield-based manufacturer surpassed the entry level Investors in People standard, offering more than 26 pieces of additional evidence of best practice.

Investors in People (IiP) define Bronze organisations as ‘at the leading edge of best people management practice in the UK in their chosen areas.

Bronze organisations are advanced Investors in People, using the framework to meet their goals, progressing well beyond The Standard.’

‘We’re absolutely delighted but, naturally, the next step

En route to achieving IiP Bronze, the company

implemented a number of positive changes which entailed: developing clear expectations for managers and a business plan for each department of the business; empowering staff to be innovative and flexible, complemented by a regular review process; and a formal development programme for senior managers, designed to enhance strategic thinking.

‘Conservatory Outlet is very well accredited as a supplier, but both myself and

my fellow director Michael Giscombe were very keen to obtain formal recognition as an employer, continued Greg. Conservatory Outlet now employs more than 100 people, including an increasing number of young adult graduates and also many people from the local area. There’s no better recognition as an employer than an Investors in People award.’

IiP Assessor Grant Hamilton commented: ‘Michael and

Greg have made a concerted and continuous effort over the course of many months to achieve this award. It’s a great accolade in itself but it also stands Conservatory

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Outlet in very good stead to earn Gold status, which less than 3% of IiP organisations can currently claim.’

Tel: 01924 434416

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13

TRADE NEWS

CAB Announce Optimism for Sales & Capital Investment the next 12 months and that CAB member companies had reported increased expected capital investment in plant and equipment, property, e-business and R & D over the same period.

The Council for Aluminium in Building celebrated its 19th AGM and Annual Dinner at the Belfry in early July in defiant mood.

CAB President, Mo Panam, announced that the Association’s latest Q2, 2013 State of Trade Survey highlighted that a net balance of 64% of members expected sales growth over

The event which included a golf and activities day attracted a record attendance of members and their guests.

Speaking just prior to the dinner, Mo Panam, CAB’s President was upbeat about the future of the Association and the growing confidence.

“Obviously we have been hit by the reductions in government expenditure, but Aluminium fenestration continues to gain ground

over other materials in the home improvements sector, as homeowners see Aluminium as a high quality material that has a very long life. After CAB’s recent project work with BRE, powder coated aluminium windows can now achieve ‘A+’ and ‘A’ ratings for commercial and domestic applications respectively and this can only support this momentum.”

The President welcomed six new members into CAB membership since the beginning of the year, Float Glass Industries, Jack Aluminium, Emperor Shopfitters, Total

Aluminium, Dutemänn and Metalline (Services). CAB’s support for the businesses that interface directly with the aluminium in building supply chain is attracting further new fabricator members in 2013.

CAB released its 2013 Annual Report at the AGM which looks at a dynamic year in the Association’s development and includes the appointment of a new Technical Director, Dr Justin Furness.

With a larger team, CAB is set for future growth and welcomes the challenges ahead. Mo commented, ‘There has never been a

CAB’s President, Mo Panam, addresses the AGM.

better time to join and make use of the vast array of technical and marketing added value services’.

For more information on joining CAB or to download

a copy of the 2013 Annual Report, view the Association’s website at www.c-a-b.org.uk, contact the office on 01453 828851 or email julie.harley@c-a-b.org.uk.

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PROMAC Gives Customers Xtra Promac, the industry’s leading supplier of machinery, service, spares and tools has an already enviable track record for innovative products and services. And the company’s latest raft of added value services that aim to make customers’ lives easier, are already proving popular especially the Xtra reward card initiative.

Xtra, which saw its official launch at this year’s FiT Show, is a corporate card that can be used to earn points against the purchase of goods and services from Promac.

The customer can then redeem accrued points against an existing account or use them to purchase items from a merchandise catalogue. The reward card scheme works on a 1% basis, so for every £10,000 spent, the customer receives £100 in points, which can even be used towards an iPad.

“We have been working hard to implement a number of initiatives, many of which were exhibited during the FIT Show.”

Interest in the scheme has already been very high, as Joe Hague, Promac’s Group Managing Director explains: “We have been working hard to implement a number of initiatives, many of which were exhibited during the FIT Show. These are all designed to improve our customers’ overall experience by providing the very best service and value, a

mantra that lies at the core of our business.”

“Customers have shown a real interest in the Xtra rewards scheme, with lots of people signing up for the scheme during the FIT Show.

Since, demand has shown no sign of slowing down with almost 100 customers now on board.”

“It just serves to reiterate our belief that for Promac and our customers to keep ahead in a difficult market, we must offer the very best value we can. It makes sense to us to reward our customers by giving something back.”

For more information about Xtra from Promac, and their products and services, visit www.promac.co.uk or call 01788 577 577.

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Deceuninck absorbs profile price rise to support customers’ sales No one likes price rises.

But with rising energy and transport costs, they keep coming. There is not a lot we can do in the UK to ignore them, the costs of products and services affected by them, or raw material cost increases.

The problem is if retail installers lack the confidence to pass on those increases to consumers then they weaken their margins and ability to grow sustainably. That’s why, as part of a new strategy, Deceuninck UK is absorbing the current round of cost increases rather than raise prices, as others are doing. Instead, it has invested in extensive technical and commercial innovations and sales tools to help its network of fabricators and installers compete more effectively and grow.

“There’s always pressure to follow the herd,” says Roy Frost, Managing Director Deceuninck UK, “to take the opportunity to recover costs when your competitors do, especially with profile price rises of 4% to 7.5%. But,

we’re not going to because Deceuninck’s restraint has to be seen as part of a bigger picture. For years, installers have struggled to pass on price increases when their competitors have been discounting to win business.

So, unable to pass on the full increases, fabricators have been absorbing them. This has affected hardware, sealed unit and systems companies.

Margins have weakened along the entire supply chain and damaged the industry as a whole.

“At a time when the industry needs more innovation – commercial as well as technical – to help fabricators and installers sell more effectively at higher margins, most systems companies have cut back on R&D and innovated less because returns have been poor. As a new Managing Director with an Everest background it is easier for me to see the consequences of this weak consumer interface.

I believe the industry has many frustrated business

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Deceuninck’s Managing Director Roy Frost.

builders, fabricators and installers who have found it hard to fulfil their ambitions because we’ve not provided them with the right tools and support to grow sustainably.

I’m determined to change this and our new strategy is geared to releasing their potential. If that helps them grow, we’ll grow too.

The Deceuninck business we’re building in the UK is uniquely well placed to empower fabricators and installers who believe they can do better,” Roy confirms.

“So, if there are any frustrated fabricators reading this who have the potential to double their sales and are being held back by a lack of confidence at the consumer interface or a lack of investment from their suppliers, call me personally on 07808 365234.”

TRADE NEWS

On a winning run

with Modplan

A combination of exceptional products and genuinely committed customer service has been winning VEKA trade fabricator Modplan increasing numbers of customers.

But winning new business isn’t the only success story at Modplan at the moment.

Also proving a success is the horse that Modplan owns and competes in British Eventing competitions, Penstrumbly Barnacle Bill, known as Charlie.

Charlie and his trainer, Luis Principe, have been proving formidable competitors in the challenging event, which tests both horse and rider to the full. The pair did exceptionally well in

the 2012 season and look set to repeat that success in the 2013 season, which started in June.

The sport features three different disciplines: dressage, show jumping and cross country, each designed to test a different set of skills. The sport is run on a cumulative penalty basis and the competitor with least penalties at the end of each competition is the winner.

David Burles, Chairman of the Burles Group plc, Modplan’s parent company, says, “Penstrumbly Barnacle Bill might be his official registered name, but as that’s such a mouthful we call him Charlie. Watching Charlie compete is always exciting. To be successful, horse

and rider need to be a real partnership and that’s exactly what they are.”

Given that Modplan’s commitment to building strong partnerships with each of its customers is proving such a winning strategy too, it’s clear that the partnership approach is paying off for the company both in business and in competition!

Tel: 01495 246844 www.modplan.co.uk

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After the strategic reorganisation

Bystronic glass Management Team is Complete At the beginning of 2012, Bystronic glass announced a reorganisation which nearly a year and a half later is now almost complete.

Both the Strategic Business Unit (SBU) automotive glass and the machine service team for architectural glass cutting machines are under one roof at the Bystronic glass Swiss location in Bützberg. The SBU insulating glass and SBU laminated glass/handling now share the infrastructure at the company’s southern German location in Neuhausen-Hamberg.

Accompanying this reorganisation came some changes to the group management, starting with André Brütsch who was appointed CEO of the Bystronic glass Group at the beginning of 2012. Since the beginning of 2013, Manfred Dietrich, who has been with Bystronic glass for a good seven months now, has become the Head of SBU Automotive Glass in Bützberg. A new face is Michael Rudloff, who has been Head of SBU Insulating Glass at Neuhausen-Hamberg since 1 July 2013.

Originally located in Gunzenhausen before relocation to NeuhausenHamberg Bernd Bedner continues his responsibility as Head of the SBU Laminated Glass/Handling, a post he has held since 2003. “I am very pleased that the trio of SBU managers in the product division is now complete“, said André Brütsch who added: “This means that we are well positioned for a successful future.“

Strengthening areas of competence The reorganisation has proceeded hand in hand with a relocation of the Bystronic glass Group Management from Bützberg in Switzerland to Neuhausen-Hamberg in Southern Germany. “Harnessing our strengths and focus at the locations has made us both flexible and more powerful, enabling us to supply customers with high quality products and services to an even better level than previously“, said André Brütsch. “This has enabled

us to considerably strengthen our core competencies architectural glass and automotive glass.“ The global Bystronic glass Sales and Service Organisation has remained almost unchanged. It continues to nurture close relationships with the customers in the most important markets and offers a high quality local customer service in the customer’s language. The Sales and Service Organisation forms a separate entity in Europe. www.bystronic-glass.com

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Left to right Michael Rudloff, Bernd Bedner, André Brütsch and Manfred Dietrich.

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TRADE NEWS

The trade support

Help for Heroes

Andy Jones, Joe Hague, Michael Thomas and Rob Bloomfield.

Mark Bowskill, Kevin Caveney, Lee Clarke and Paul Edwards.

Chris Champion, Kevin Greenfield, Nick de Burgh Whyte and Paul Buckley at Old Padeswood GC.

Linsey de Burgh Whyte, Guy Hubble, Bob Sturrock and Chris Kemp.

The sun finally shone as we shrugged off an indifferent early summer and temperatures rose to the dizzy heights of 30 centigrade. It shone on the righteous. A bit over the top: and seeing 16 assorted window, glass and door industry colleagues, suppliers , customers and competitors gathering to watch the sun come up to herald the start of RegaLead’s Help for Heroes 3 country golf challenge, righteous was hardly the word when examining the interesting collection of golf handicaps that had been declared!

Whether it’s a charity ‘do’ or any other gathering of the great and good of our industry, you can’t obliterate the competiveness that abounds. And that’s not a bad thing - it’s positively healthy. There was the usual ribald humour and a great collection of one liners as everyone gathered in every type of apparel from shorts to plus fours, even though it was only 04.30 on a Thursday morning following the contingents’ wending its way north to begin the challenge in Scotland.

Every accolade should be handed to RegaLead’s Joint MD, Guy Hubble, and his team of bandits colleagues who came up with this innovative way to support the Help for Heroes campaign. “Why don’t you join us in raising money for a deserving charity, with a game of golf?”

credit, or perhaps it was the genuine interest shown in RegaLead’s development of this facility, that GH escaped without serious injury. In fact the visit was very interesting seeing the techniques employed in producing resin bevel designs, sand blast and ‘squirty lead’ work and their new pride and joy, a glass fusion system. With expert guidance from Nick and Linsey de Burgh Whyte and a very amusing and totally irrelevant explanation of the reason for Hawick’s existence, the visit was very worthwhile and recommended for those looking to source decorative glass for their composite door sets.

“Help for Heroes was our nominated charity for this year and the £760 we saved by not sending Christmas Cards, the money raised from our 3 Peaks Challenge in June and now our Golf Challenge, means that very nearly £10,000 will go to the charity.”

RegaLead’s Rob Bloomfield lets one go, resplendent in Plus Fours!

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It was only after the ugly rush to have a round of golf on a working weekday had been accepted with some glee, that it transpired that Guy’s cunning plan was to play a round of golf in three different countries, and all in 24 hours. Presuming that Guy’s spelling was up to its usual standard, we all thought playing the rounds in three different counties was entirely possible... and a lot of fun! Alas and alack, on this occasion the spell check was correct, and we were all committed to a round trip of 458 miles, with golf thrown in.

Never one to miss an opportunity, a detour to the wilds of Roxburghshire in the east Southern Uplands of Scotland saw us arrive at Hawick having braved a minibus journey from RegaLead’s Sharston HQ, for a factory visit to Decorative Door Products, one of the company’s subsidiaries! It is to everyone’s

Not the place to be! Chris Champion exits a bunker at Moffat GC.

Another hard day at the office! Partner Chris Kemp does the work while Guy Hubble relaxes.

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TRADE NEWS

Paul Edwards and Mark Bowskill examine the resin bevel units at DDP.

From left to right: Guy Hubble, RegaLead; Kevin Greenfield, KLG Amazing Glazing; Michael Thomas, RegaLead; Lee Clarke, My Trade TV; Andy Jones, Edgetech; Bob Sturrock, Abacus Agents; Linsey de Burgh Whyte, Decorative Door Products; Paul Edwards, RegaLead; Colour Sergeant Kirk Nicholson, 2 Scots; Joe Hague, Promac; Chris Champion, Glass News; Kevin Caveney, Nationwide Windows; Nick de Burgh Whyte, Decorative Door Products; Chris Kemp, Inagas; Paul Buckley, RegaLead; Mark Bowskill, Master Glass GB; Rob Bloomfield, RegaLead.

A rally drive through beautiful Scottish countryside, saw the intrepid 16 in position at Moffat to commence the challenge. And so, with sun coming up and the Scottish midges biting away, the first 18 holes were completed by 09.00 hours. With a brief stop to be photographed with Colour Sergeant Kirk Nicholson, one of 350 soldiers from The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 SCOTS), who deployed to Afghanistan in March for a six-month operational tour and who had only returned from Afghanistan to the UK that very morning, we set off for Wales in a humbled atmosphere and with a clear reminder of why we had raised money with colleagues friends, suppliers, customers and, yes, competitors, for this very worthy cause.

A long and less than comfortable ride to Old Padeswood Golf Club at Mold saw the

Kevin Caveney tries his hand at screen printing at Decorative Door Products.... a worried DDP employee looks on!

Just a walk in the park! A lovely evening at Chorlton um Hardy GC.

A fox joins us at the 14th in the twilight at Chorlton cum Hardy GC.

second round commence at around 13.30 in the heat of a glorious and hot British summer day. Departing at around 18.00 for the final Golf Club at Chorlton cum Hardy, there was some trepidation as to whether it was actually feasible to get to Chorlton and play 18 holes before we lost the light. In practice, it took some interesting golf and a complete lack of golfing etiquette to actually do it.

Standing on the hallowed fairways of Chorlton cum Hardy to play your second shot with drives from the team behind raining down on you, was not for the faint hearted. On the other hand, being in the team behind and one of the guilty parties, ‘bomb alley’ was not something I personally had to experience! Completion of RegaLead’s 3 Country Golf Challenge saw all 16 participants complete the 54 holes of golf in

Kevin Greenfield discusses DDP’s new fused glass products.

one day, albeit playing the final holes in almost pitch dark and driving and walking off hoping that your ball was there waiting for you in the middle of the fairway!

For the sake of good order, it must be said that the overall winners of the stableford format over 54 holes was Promac’s Jo Hague, playing off 6, abetted by Andy Jones of Edgetech, who apparently has never lost a golf competition!

I’m reliably informed that copious draughts of lager does not constitute a ‘performance enhancing substance’. As we go to press, the R & A has taken particular interest in a number of players - and not to invite them to play in the Open at Muirfield!

A great day, great company and nearly £4,000 raised for Help for Heroes. Special thanks should go to Moffat Golf Club, Old Padeswood Golf Club and Chorlton cum Hardy Golf Club for their hospitality and help and, indeed, welcome for a bunch of industry golfers ranging from handicaps of 6 to 26.

The main accolade must go to RegaLead and their team, too numerous to name. Their organisation and generosity meant that everyone was well watered and fed and that every possible £ donated would go straight to the charity.

An 04.30 start at Moffat before the sun comes up.

All action with Linsey de Burgh Whyte.

August 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Eventual winner Joe Hague gives a knowing smile as partner Andy Jones tees off at Moffat GC.

A final word should go to Guy Hubble,“We really appreciate the support from the trade for this event from both players and those who have given donations so generously.”

“Help for Heroes was our nominated charity for this year and the £760 we saved by not sending Christmas Cards, the money raised from our 3 Peaks Challenge in June and now our Golf Challenge, means that very nearly £10,000 will go to the charity.”

“You can still donate by going to http://www. bmycharity.com/RegaLeadGolfChallenge. We may even exceed our target!”

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TRADE NEWS

GGF’s Fire Resistant Glazing Group Unveils New Fire Safety Campaign

New Website for Bohle

by Graffika Graffika Media and Design have recently completed a new website for Bohle Ltd. The new site is an e-commerce sales platform for the company’s convex mirror range, and replaces the original outdated version. Graffika worked closely with the team at Bohle to ensure the navigation and functionality of the website had everything they would require for both now and in the future.

Created with the user experience in mind the main design feature of the website is the facility to adapt its appearance depending on which device it is being viewed on. The new responsive system was an integral requirement to the design as nearly half of internet searches are now made on some form of mobile device such as tablets and smart phones.

The site is a fully content managed system, giving the team at Bohle full control and management. Alic McCabe, Business Development Manager at Bohle Ltd commented “the new website is simple to use and is easy to manage and update. There is now an area where we can check ongoing sales on the system, which was not present on our original website”.

The FRGG has been working hard in the background to develop and establish these principles as the Group continues its commitment to the development and advancement of best practice in the manufacture, testing, specification, application and installation of fireresistant glazed systems.

The Group has many concerns, including failure to follow GGF’s best practice guidance, weak compliance with regulations, the use of untested substitute systems reductions in the level of protection, and the employment of engineered solutions that aren’t adequately validated.

To view the new site and see how the responsive system works on different devices visit www.bohleconvexmirrorsystems.co.uk.

To find out more about responsive websites, please e-mail info@graffika.net or take a look at the examples at www.graffika.net.

“Graffika worked closely with the team at Bohle to ensure the navigation and functionality of the website had everything they would require.”

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Kevin Hulin.

Following a series of concerns with fire safety glazing systems the Glass and Glazing Federation’s Fire Resistant Glazing Group (GGF FRGG) has developed a five point code of core governing principles for all glass and glazing system products that have the stated purpose for safety in case of fire.

The principles are as follows: • The glazed element - as designed and specified to be installed, including named components - must be tested as an applicable system, under scrutiny by a notified test body according to approved common test standards.

• The system as installed must faithfully follow the relevant approval, based on either test or assessment referred to applicable and suitable

test evidence, carried out by an accredited notified body.

• The main components (e.g. glass and sealants) of the glazed system must be produced to a defined individual product specification including the key individual product properties, confirmed by the manufacturer.

• The manufacturer must be able to demonstrate that they operate the appropriate production quality control system to consistently meet that defined specification.

• The scope of application of the proposed glazed system must be backed up by properly constituted independent third party certification schemes, including the necessary provision for product independent auditing if necessary.

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With their concerns over responsibility, risk and safety, the FRGG is also seeking Government, fire sector and industry support and endorsement for its five core principles.

Chairman of the Fire Resistant Glazing Group, Kevin Hulin of Mann McGowan commented “The FRGG believe that whilst industry is capable of policing itself, there does need to be government and industry support for adherence to these principles in order for this to be effective. Working with the GGF and GK Strategy, we are actively seeking support and endorsement of these principles so together we can create a safer and more stable built environment.”

For further information on the GGF’s Fire Resistant Glazing Group please contact Russell Day, GGF Chairman of the Fire Resistant Glazing Group by email rday@ggf.org.uk or by telephone 020 7939 9114.

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TRADE NEWS

Thermoseal & spacer bar thermal values

Thermoseal Group’s Sales Director, Mark Hickox writes to say: “You may have recently received correspondence stating that the BFRC have retracted values for spacers previously published, implying that this will be an issue for some spacer bar suppliers. This is simply not true.

Please find below the relevant excerpt from the letter in question from the BFRC to simulators, which simply states that all current values MUST be confirmed with a valid conductivity report (IFT -WA-17/1).

Please see below the relevant excerpt from BFRC’s letter to simulators: “From the date of this letter, Certified Simulators are required to include in the simulation report a copy of the relevant source of the conductivity data for the spacer bars used in the simulations. Failure to do so will render the simulation report invalid.

Please note that from 1st January 2014, it is proposed that only official 2-box values obtained from the European Warm Edge Working Group BF Datasheets will be deemed to be acceptable for use in BFRC Energy Rating reports. This decision will provide an additional level of confidence to suppliers and users of warm edge products alike that all conductivity values used in simulations have been validated by an external body that is completely independent of the BFRC, and who are technically qualified to carry out this validation.”

As mentioned in the above excerpt, a date has been proposed to move over to the 2-box model calculation method. This will require only test data that has been approved by IFT Rosenheim and the BF. At this point I’d just like to clarify the 2-box model: Box one will include the value for spacer bar, desiccant (and PIB in dual seal systems); Box two includes the secondary sealant. The figures generated from this method should bring an end to the conflicts arising from warm edge suppliers publishing claims of the best spacer. This is due to the fact that the figures generated from this calculation method take into account the thermal performance across the edge of the unit which is heavily influenced by the secondary sealant.

Thermoseal Group has supplied IFT Rosenheim data (the figures for Box 1 of the 2 Box method) which has been accepted by the BFRC. In terms of the proposed changes for January 2014, a confidential document detailing a sealed unit edge systems comparison method similar to the BF 2-box model method of calculation has been formulated by the GGF working group to allow for simple BFRC substitution and comparison of systems. As far as we are aware the exact criteria of substitution has not yet been confirmed. However, it is thought that the minimum sealant depth used by the BF will not be adopted by the BFRC in preference of average sealant depths more reflective of the products sold in the UK marketplace.

If and when the GGF two-box model becomes official, a simple comparison chart with the correct sealant depths and spacer dimensions will be published and distributed to both sealed unit and window manufactures to prevent misinterpretation.

Please take into account that from January 2014, whichever method is agreed, should a 2-box model be adopted it will be the sum of the 2 box values and the overall sight line that determines if BFRC substitution is allowed without the need for a new simulation report.

To carry out EN14351/10077 calculations only valid evidence of performance to a European standard is required by the Simulator/Window supplier, not exclusively an IFT report. Thermoseal Group is now a member of the Warm Edge Working Group and has submitted reports to the BF for inclusion on the website.

In our opinion, there is no comment required from the Warm Edge Working Group/BF/ IFT as the only value that is likely to be used by the BFRC from the data sheets is the box 1 value data. Other data required is likely to be unique to the BFRC WER system.

See also Swisspacer press release on Page 4.

When two leading companies have widely differing interpretation of spacer bar thermal performance it is clear that the European Warm Edge Working Group needs to clarify the situation, and we invite a spokesperson for the group to enlighten us all – Ed.

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GLASSOLUTIONS GROWS WITH NEW NORTH EAST OF ENGLAND BRANCH Leading UK glass processor and distributor Glassolutions Solaglas is growing with the opening of a new branch in Gateshead to enhance its service to the door and window industry and building trades in the North East of England.

Conveniently located in premises on the Team Valley Trading Estate just off the A1, the new Glassolutions Solaglas branch will provide a wide range of glass products including CONTRAFLAM® fire-resistant glass, EcoClear® double and triple glazed sealed units and VITRIO® coloured glass for splashbacks.

Like all Glassolutions Solaglas outlets, Gateshead features a trade counter to serve passing local tradespeople and offers delivery services throughout the region.

Initially creating three new jobs, the branch will serve customers across Tyne & Wear, Northumberland, County Durham and Teesside.

The move reflects the company's focus on getting close to its customers across all sectors as part of its 'your glass, our world' programme following the rebrand from Solaglas to Glassolutions last year. The group now has 18 trade outlets across the UK and has recently also strengthened its presence in the insurance market.

New Glassolutions Solaglas branch supervisor at Gateshead Peter Ward says: “For many years we’ve served a loyal customer base throughout the North East from our Bradford branch and this has worked extremely well.

“Equally though we recognise that many of our customers value being able to pop into one of our local branches, access face-to-face technical advice and build a relationship with their local team – this all adds up to Glassolutions Solaglas delivering an even better service locally.”

Glassolutions Solaglas expects its choice of location at Team Valley to prove popular with local tradesmen and women who already purchase many of their building materials from various outlets on the trading estate, including from the neighbouring branch of Saint-Gobain Group sister company Graham Heating Spares.

To find out more, visit www.glassolutions.co.uk or call the branch directly on 0191 497 1710.

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ORIGIN AWARDED ISO 9001 ACCREDITATION Origin Frames Ltd, award winning UK manufacturer of aluminium bi-folding doors, has been awarded the prestigious ISO 9001 certification for excelling in its operations.

The globally recognised accreditation is achieved only by businesses that meet the highest management standards and is a stamp of exemplary product and service quality within the industry.

The ISO 9001 system offers a framework for managing all processes in the design and development of products, as well as the delivery of training. The accreditation shows that Origin continually exceeded objectives within the framework, to ensure superior product quality and unrivalled levels of customer service.

“In demonstration of this priority, we offer a 20 year guarantee on our Origin Bifold system and work to a ‘your lead time not ours’ philosophy that allows customers to decide when they want their bespoke doors delivered, eradicating lead times. We are very proud to have a 100 per cent record of delivering on time to our customers,” Neil continued.

“As our business continues to grow and expand into international markets, the ISO 9001 quality management system means the business can maintain a structure for controlling and improving activities, to ensure consistency of quality throughout the business,” concluded Neil.

Neil Ginger, Origin CEO, said: “As a British manufacturer, customer satisfaction, personal service and attention to detail are core to our business, so we have implemented a number of processes to make sure we always offer a superior level of service to our trade and retail customers. By achieving ISO 9001 certification, our customers know that the highest standards of customer care are, and will continue to be, our priority.

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August 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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August 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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TRADE NEWS

AluK systems specified for the award winning Tata Steel stores facility, training and visitor centre AluK (GB), a leading aluminium window, door and curtain walling systems manufacturer, is proud to announce its products were supplied for the construction of the Tata Steel stores facility, apprentice training centre and visitor and heritage centre in Port Talbot, Wales.

Recommended by Powell Dobson Architects in collaboration with Dawnus Construction Contractor for the project, AluK windows, doors and curtain walling systems were installed in the award-winning project to enable a fully integrated scheme.

“Our brief was to deliver high-quality and visually attractive facilities to a tight

timescale and budget, while gaining significant social and environmental benefits”, says Peter Savill, Project Architect at Powell Dobson.

“The technical excellence of the thermally broken AluK systems, together with their aesthetic qualities, provided us with an ideal solution to help us achieve our BREEAM Outstanding target.”

Combining design flexibility with functionality, the SG52 and SL52 Curtain Walling Systems were fitted in the Tata Steel stores building (SG52 and SL52), training centre (SG52 and SL52) as well as the visitor centre (SG52). Both systems are available in any RAL colour, enabling specifiers to create impressive continual expanses of glass façades that

provide the performance needed to meet and exceed current standards.

Powell Dobson Architects were looking for a company that would be able to fulfil the project requirements, not only in terms of the functionality, high quality and aesthetics of the systems supplied, but also in terms of service offering. Peter Savill goes on to say: “We’ve previously worked with AluK on the Tenby Water’s Edge development, which included specific weather testing. It was of the utmost importance to us that AluK was able to provide comprehensive testing, ensuring that the systems were fit for purpose and answered the needs of the Tata Steel project”.

AluK's South Wales testing facility is the only of its kind operated by an aluminium systems manufacturer in the UK, allowing the company to develop and test bespoke solutions quickly and effectively. Furthermore, the company provides a range of services such as thermal calculations, modelling, sampling or onsite advice to support specifiers in delivering outstanding projects.

"Whether offering their technical expertise, being present on site to oversee the quality of the building or recommending an installer the AluK team supported us from the pre-planning stage and throughout the project's construction." adds Savill.

Another key factor when choosing systems for the Tata Steel facilities was the final security of the premises.

All the AluK window and door systems installed in the project, including 72BD Door System for the escape doors, GT55 NI Door System for the entrance doors and 72BW Window System for the entrance lobby, are certified under the 'Secured by Design' scheme.

AluK is one of a few UK manufacturers whose products are certified under the 'Secured by Design’ scheme operated by the Association of Chief Police Officers. AluK systems are tested to many levels of security: from opportunistic attack covered by PAS 24:2012, to higher levels of attack by organised crime covered by LPS 1175:SR2.

Combined with the inherent

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strength of aluminium, AluK door and window systems are some of the most secure available on the market.

and the incorporation of fixed lights, opening vents and an extensive range of doors.

"Tata Steel was a fantastic project and we are very excited that our door, window and curtain walling systems were specified in the first multiple building site to attain BREEAM "Outstanding" in Wales," says Russell Yates, Managing Director, AluK (GB) Ltd."

Window and Door Systems

The Tata Steel project is also a Constructing Excellence pilot site, which will be utilised as an exemplar scheme in Wales. The project has won the 2013 Sustainability Award (LABC South Wales Building Excellence Awards) as well as the 2013 Innovation Award (Construction Excellence Wales Awards).

AluK products used in the Tata Steel project Curtain Walling System The SG52 Curtain Walling System, used in all three buildings (front elevations, glass entrance lobbies), is a thermally broken, high performance structurally bonded system, which has been designed to offer flexibility in specification and installation. It enables specifiers to create impressive continual expanses of glass that not only enhance the aesthetics of a building but also provide the functionality and performance required to meet and exceed current standards.

The SL52 Curtain Walling System, used in the stores and training centre building (side/back elevations, saw tooth elevation), is a capped solution that is tailored to meet the need of the project's aesthetic and performance requirements. It includes a wide selection of cap designs

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August 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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The 72BD Door System, used in all three buildings (escape doors), delivers a secure and high performance entrance solution for commercial or residential properties.

The system has been certified under the ‘Secured

by Design’ scheme and incorporates high security multipoint-locking systems and a range of customisable door furniture.

The GT55 NI Door System, used in all three buildings (entrance doors), provides the ultimate in security, certified to LPS 1175:SR2 and by 'Secured by Design'.

The GT55 NI door system is one of the most secure swing doors available on the market. The system has been fully tested with full glazing, no use of steel reinforced panels, as well as with semi-glazing and can be integrated with AluK Ground Floor Treatment Systems. It is suited to high traffic environments where no insulation is required.

The 72BW Window System, used in the stores building (entrance lobby and saw-tooth elevation), is a three chamber aluminium window system that offers high performance alongside a wide range of adaptable features, formats and configurations to meet the demands of your project.

It is available in three styles; Soft-line, Square and Picture Frame, as well as in Top Hung, Side Hung, Tilt before Turn, POV and Pivot formats. It has received 3rd party certification under the BSI Kitemark scheme and is certified under ‘Secured by Design’ scheme.

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TRADE NEWS Tel: 01295 222400 www.glazpart.com

SUMMER NEWSLETTER Glazpart launched our innovative range of

background trickle ventilators Glazpart was proud to launch a new range of plastic injection moulded trickle ventilators to meet the needs of today’s building designers, window fabricators and installers, at the FITSHOW 2013.

They launched the first of the “Link-vent” range of patent applied for trickle ventilators. Developed in 2 sizes the vents performance will be 5000 EQA and 2500 EQA. Equivalent area (EQA) is used instead of free area for the sizing of trickle ventilators as it is a better measure of a ventilators air flow performance. The vents are designed to meet the requirements of building regulations, Approved document F1 2010 (Means of ventilation) whilst delivering a product to meet the needs of today’s ventilation and window markets.

• Stock colours: Cream, Anthracite Grey, Chartwell Green.

• Wood grain print effects for Irish Oak, Golden Oak, Mahogany and Rosewood.

• Paint spraying of ventilators from our stock to ANY RAL, BS colour a colour swatch matching service is also available.

The link vent range is in addition to currently the only available BBA approved trickle vents in the UK today.

These include the standard (screw fixed), Slimline (clip fixed) and modular background trickle ventilators. All of which are available in a range of standard colours.

Key features include

Dean Bradley Sales and Marketing Manager, Glazpart Ltd.

• Versatility • Meets F1 requirements for new build and replacement sectors.

• Designed for use on all window types (UPVC, Aluminium and Timber).

• 1000’s of colour decoration options, delivered in any combination or packaging requirement.

• Compact • The Link-vent 5000 EQA delivers significantly more EQA performance compared to similar overall length traditional 4000mm2 (free area) ventilators.

• The Link-vent 2500 EQA delivers approximately the same performance of a traditional 4000mm2 in the length of traditional 2000mm2 (free area) ventilators.

• Efficient • 2500 EQA is delivered through a 204 mm x 13 mm slot size, reducing routing machine times and waste materials generated. For simplicity the 5000 EQA has 2 slots of the same size.

• Use of ASA in this application delivers • Excellent UV colour stability • Good mechanical properties • Clever design • Positive closing action.

• Innovative “link” avoids draughts.

• Split closure plate for ease of operation.

• Radius ends allow for fitting to timber windows.

• 1000’s of Colour options • Standard colours: White, Dark Brown, Black and Oak Brown.

“The most versatile and efficient trickle ventilator on the UK market today.”

5000 ventilator in profile.

Glazpart launches new website at

www.glazpart.com Banbury-based Glazpart, is a specialist injection moulding company with extensive experience in the fenestration industry, employing 80 staff at its ISO 9001:2008 certified site, producing millions of mouldings each month.

Glazpart has launched a new website covering its extensive range of products and services. These include trickle vents and Glazing accessories for the window industry, tube inserts and furniture fittings for its joinery markets and an overview of its custom moulding, injection tool making and surface decoration services.

product ranges or if you prefer review the catalogues online as "flip files" to read the technical details as though reading a paper copy!

New to the site is the option to keep in touch through social media and you can add your details to our email mailing list to find out the latest developments at Glazpart.

Now available on the site are easily navigable product summaries and technical detail by part number as well as general advice and technical information to assist in understanding often complex applications and regulations.

According to Dean Bradley, Sales and Marketing Manager: “This is a key step in supporting our customers to access the right technical data easily whilst providing useful background information to improve knowledge regulatory understanding to raise standards across our key markets.”

Product catalogues can be downloaded instantly on our Tricklevent, Glazing accessories and Furniture fittings

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August 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS Fabricator & installer database passes 14,000 email contacts Insight Data has announced that 95% of window companies now use email, a rise of 50% in just three years. The number of fabricator and installer email contacts has risen from 9,000 in 2010 to a record 14,000 addresses in July 2013.

Helen Costeloe-Hughes, commercial director at Insight Data, explains; “there is a real change in attitudes. While much of the industry is email-savvy, there has always been a strong element that was old-fashioned and preferred telephone and fax. But now even the most traditional window companies have moved to email.”

Part of the change has been the growth of mobile devices such as iPhones and tablet computers, as fabricators and installers find these business tools indispensable and with 53% of people now using their mobile device to access emails.

“With over 14,000 fabricator and installer email contacts, updated live in real-time by the Insight research team, this creates enormous opportunities for email marketing. At Insight Data we have seen a significant rise in open rates and enquiries from email as fabricators and installers are more open to email communication” adds Helen.

Insight Data update the email database in real-time, with over 1,200 changes every month. “Email data degrades faster than any other data, so it is essential that the information is continuously updated. 98% of emails from the Insight database are delivered, compared to around 75% which is the industry norm for prospect data.”

Insight Data has an in-house email marketing team and send over 3 million emails every year. “For those companies who don’t have the expertise or resources for email marketing, or simply want to improve response rates, we can provide a complete start-to-finish service” adds Helen.

The Insight Email database also includes architects, local builders, house-builders and main contractors, with over 52,000 email contacts across the building industry.

For more information contact Insight on 01934 808293 or visit www.insightdata.co.uk.

The Derek Bonnard Award for Excellence back at the G13 Awards As entries open for the G13 Awards, Promac is delighted once again to show its support for the glass and glazing industry with the Derek Bonnard Award for Excellence at the 10th annual celebration of industry top performance.

This year’s winner will be following in the venerable footsteps of Lister Trade Frames who last year scooped both Fabricator of the Year and the Derek Bonnard Award for Excellence.

Joe Hague, Promac’s Group Managing Director explains: “This very special award was introduced in 2011 to honour the memory of our dearly departed MD, who was clearly a very special man in the industry.”

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by the judging panel independently makes it a fantastic coup for the winner.

With trading conditions still challenging, any company who has endured the turmoil of the last few years should be proud to have survived.”

“The Derek Bonnard Award for Excellence will be presented to a business that has not only survived but thrived, proving itself the best in the field – and we look forward to sharing the celebrations on the evening.”

For more information visit www.promac.co.uk or call 01788 577 577.

“The Award for Excellence recognises the best of the best from the winning entries, and the fact that isn’t a category a business can enter, but that it’s awarded 0813-0043

Planning your last quarter advertising?

Features List, final quarter September

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

• The Window Expert

• Colour Foiling Expert

• The Machinery Expert

• The Timber Expert

• Aluminium

• In Profile (Systems Companies)

• Transport & Handling

• 2013 Product Review

• Marketing & Business Expansion

• What’s New for 2014

• Profile Bending • Machinery

• The Conservatory Expert

• Software & IT

Contact Christina!

Tel: 07805 051322

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August 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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DOOR EXPERT

THIS MONTH WE FOCUS ON:

DOORS

Mark Atkinson, Sales Director at Hurst Plastics, explains to Glass News how technology can give you the edge.

SMART SOLUTIONS FROM HURST

With positive signs that the industry is emerging from the recession with good growth potential, Mark Atkinson, Sales Director at Hurst Plastics, explains how technology can give you the edge.

A recent industry report by D&G Consulting has predicted that the window and door industry is set to increase by as much as 14 per cent to £6,000 million in 2016. It’s encouraging to know that, at last, there is future growth potential for the market. So with a positive forecast, we need to ensure that we take advantage of the consumer’s increased spending confidence and turn this potential into a reality.

Embracing this trend for portability, we have developed a host of innovative solutions to give our customers more power to sell to the homeowner using any device.

door builder software. This allows them to create their own personalised composite door and even see how it will look on their own home.

Our newly overhauled website, for instance, provides access to more information than ever before. It also features our brand new ‘Hurst Live’ tool. This innovative tool provides live information on literally anything, from order status, to personalised pricing and technical downloads. Customers can even place their door orders direct online and gain access to their order history from the last two years.

Technology is a powerful tool, but I believe that people are what really make a business. You need to be able to build confidence in your brand and nurture relationships and you can’t do that solely on an iPhone.

For the homeowner, we’ve provided glossy brochures in an easy to read format and access to our WindowCAD

At Hurst, we have been working hard to support our customers and arm them with the very best tools to help them sell. 21st Century technology has been at the heart of this move.

There’s no denying that many of us are now living far busier lifestyles and whether we like it or not, we can feel the need to be permanently ‘switched on’. That’s when we really appreciate the benefits of modern technology; the instant access it brings, saving us time and making us more productive.

The computing platform of choice for many is the Smartphone or tablet. Small and portable, they allow us to stay in touch whenever and wherever we are. Global shipments of Smartphones, tablets and laptops are predicted to reach 1 billion this year, so their potential is huge.

Last year, Yahoo! CEO Marissa Mayer made a controversial decision when she insisted that all of her staff should be office based, claiming people are more effective when they are together.

At Hurst, we work very hard to build personal relationships with our customers. They appreciate the technology they now have at their fingertips but they also know that there is substance to our relationship. We’re flexible and approachable and offer a very personal service.

We have dedicated face-to-face and internal customer service staff, meaning we are only a phone call away from solving a technical query or updating your order.

It’s tempting to reduce staff numbers in a tough climate but at Hurst we simply refuse to compromise on our most important asset - our people. Technology is vital to us and our customers, but it would be nothing without the people behind it.

For a demonstration on the new website or Hurst Live, please contact Hurst on 01482 790790.

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GLAZERITE LAUNCHES EXCLUSIVE BI-FOLD & PATIO DOOR PORTALS Leading trade fabricator Glazerite Windows Limited is further underlining the importance of bi-fold and patio doors with the creation of separate web portals exclusively for each range.

The portals, designed in association with Business Micros, enable trade customers to log on and gain access to a range of valuable features including Glazerite’s trade price list and a facility to design a bi-fold or patio door for the customer to see, as well as quotation and finally ordering, all instantly and online.

One extra to the design facility is a 3D simulation for bi-folds, to give the homeowner the clearest possible picture of the numerous opening options and how they will work on their chosen design. Both ranges are based on the acclaimed VEKA frame systems, with the option of the original Matrix 70 bevelled or the fully-sculptured Matrix FS, plus the choice of the recycled Infinity profile for the bi-folds.

product, both in their technical excellence and in the reputation that goes with the name. Our own reputation is built on strong customer service and now these new bi-fold and patio door portals will provide the additional marketing support to match that quality and service. These portals not only have a wealth of facilities for our customers, to save time and make them more efficient, but the design function also gives them real closing power in their own right.”

Director Jason Thompson said: “The VEKA systems provide an excellent base for any

The two new portals join the similar facility for Glazerite’s own range of VEKA Composite

Doors that was launched recently along with a new brochure. www.glazeritewindows.co.uk

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August 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

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DOOR EXPERT

GLOVER’S GONE GREY When Andrew Glover and his wife Nicola looked for a luxury and stylish front door to their house, they called upon industry pioneers, Solidor, to add a touch of continental chic to their property just outside Wakefield, West Yorkshire.

Andrew Glover is the managing director of West Yorkshire Windows and Chairman of Wakefield Wildcats rugby league team.

Though Andrew will be swapping his director’s box for a bike saddle in September as he embarks on GM Fundraising’s Hope 66 challenge, along with Solidor’s managing director, Gareth Mobley.

The installed Milano French Doors are part of Solidor’s exclusive and luxurious Italia Collection and include a full length stainless steel handle, low threshold and key only security locking system. One of the fundamental features of the Solidor range of composite doors is their impressive range of 17 colours and finishes inside and out and this particular installation incorporated two anthracite grey door slabs with a matching foiled grey outer frame.

are absolutely delighted with the end result and it has made a real feature on our home.’

Gareth Mobley concluded: ‘What better way to promote your products than a testimonial from an important and well respected customer. Our Italia Collection offers something a little more individual and stylish and that’s why homeowners across the UK and Ireland are now asking for a Solidor!’

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.

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Andrew commented: ‘We already sell a number of Solidor composite doors at West Yorkshire Windows and they are a firm favourite with the staff and our customers. We 0813-0047

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DOOR EXPERT

ASPIRE TO LUXURY DESIGN

WITH NEW SLIDING-FOLDING DOOR SYSTEM ESG Ltd has unveiled its latest innovation with the launch of the new ESG Aspire Sliding-Folding Door System, creating a truly ‘responsive building material’.

A premium sliding-folding door system for interior use, the ESG Aspire offers quality and design excellence by combining switchable technology with a minimalist frameless design.

Harnessing ESG’s switchable glass technology, at the touch of a button, the glass can let light through or ensure complete privacy. The ESG Aspire offers a flexible design feature, which is ideal for dividing living and working space, and can also be combined with coloured interlayers to fit in with interior schemes.

The frameless design has no visible wiring, no bottom track and the top track can be discretely recessed into a bulkhead, maximising unobstructed viewing. Quickly and easily, the doors concertina and fold back to give the room more space, light and air.

The standard Aspire range is available in twopart or three-part options, up to 2500mm x

“This new innovation makes ESG the forerunner in controllable glass system solutions. ESG Aspire has an elegant and quality design, ideal for a minimalist look whilst still achieving a flexible use of space.”

2500mm in size, with double-handed options up to five meters across and other bespoke options available on request.

ESG can supply and install the complete system including low voltage track, conductive fittings and accompanying electrical controls.

The Aspire system can also be integrated with most home automation and building control systems. Showcased at Grand Designs Live, the Aspire system is part of the technical glass manufacturer’s range of Controllable Intelligent Glass Systems, which use glass as a truly ‘responsive building material’.

Commenting on the launch of the new ESG Aspire Sliding-Folding Door System, Managing Director of ESG, Scott Sinden, said: “This new innovation makes ESG the forerunner in controllable glass system solutions. ESG Aspire has an elegant and quality design, ideal for a minimalist look whilst still achieving a flexible use of space.”

“The ESG Aspire Sliding-Folding Door System has wowed the crowds at shows such as Grand Designs, and this versatile system has been developed in response to customer needs for more advanced solutions to suit their design requirements. Our range of Controllable Intelligent Glass Systems shows how adaptable technical glass can be, and how it is being used for a range of architectural uses. We manufacture of all our glass here in the UK to a very high standard, with our own quality assured supply and fit service.”

To find out more visit www.essexsafetyglass.co.uk.

CAPSTONE FIRE DOORS SET THE MARKET ALIGHT Capstone Door Ltd has turned up the heat in the fire doors sector with the introduction of a number of new features including styles, colours and performance in its FD30 range.

The Capstone FD30 Fire Door is available in no less than seven styles and specifiers can now further customise these with any RAL colours and even custom finishes through the company’s new paint plant.

Accreditation has now been extended to Winkhaus Ecoframe with toplights and sidelights. All doors may be dry-glazed using the Trisys re-glazeable cassette system from Capstone – a substantial benefit to the fabricator in terms of labour and cost which includes an adjustable glazing clip. Overhead and concealed door closers have been successfully tested for use on the Capstone Fire Door, although these must be subject to the approval of individual installations.

These additional features combine to make the Capstone Fire Door one of the most comprehensive available today. With its high performance GRP skin construction, phenolic foam core and LVL and engineered wooden

Steve Mahoney, director at Wirral Glazing, says: “The specification for the doors was more complicated because the developer wanted a bespoke solution to ensure that the design was contemporary and interesting.”

The final door specification comprised of Hurst’s solid panel composite doors to the rear of the 29 houses and tailor-made glazed composite doors, which featured four small glazed panels, to the front. The 22 first floor apartments are fitted with Hurst’s composite fire doors. These are indistinguishable from the standard Hurst composite doors, which

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For further information please email info@capstone-door.com and visit www.capstonedoor.co.uk.

THE ONLY WAY IS ESSEX FOR HURST & WIRRAL GLAZING

The Essex Way development in Trafford Park in Manchester combines a mix of 29 two storey houses and two blocks of flats, which provide an additional 33 dwellings.

Whilst cost was an obvious factor in choosing construction materials, it was important to the partnering contractor Cruden Construction Limited that the scheme was visually attractive and consistent too.

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rails and stiles, the FD30 is accredited for use in combination with several PVC-U profile systems as well as “Ecoframe” and tested in accordance to BS 476: Part 20/22: 1987.

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When Wirral Glazing won a prestigious contract to supply windows and doors to a new social housing development in Manchester, they made Hurst Plastics their first port of call for the composite doors.

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Capstone’s FD30 Fire Door offers one of the most competitive and comprehensive packages on the market including a huge range of styles and colours.

are fitted to the 11 ground floor apartments.

For consistency all the doors were supplied in a special blue RAL colour to match each other and complement the grey windows used throughout the Trafford Housing Trust development.

Nick Harrison, commercial sales manager at Hurst, added: “This was a superb project and one that demonstrates that you don’t have to choose between design and performance, even on a social housing scheme.”

Using the latest in fibreglass door technology, the Hurst Composite door offers proven levels of high security. It is fitted with the very latest Yale multipoint locking system, endorsed by the Master Locksmiths Association. Meeting the requirements of Secured by Design, it has been independently tested and achieved full accreditation for the PAS 23/24 standard for both extreme weather conditions and severe physical attack. The Hurst composite door also comes with a comprehensive 10 year warranty.

Tel: 01482 790790 – www.hurst-plastics.co.uk

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DOOR EXPERT

ECO-DOOR’S SOLID-DOR

Tested to the limit

Blackburn based Eco-Door has been using Solidor slabs for the last 6 months in the manufacture of their own complete composite door sets which are offered with a dedicated Rehau door frame.

Windows and doors are the crucial first line of defence to keep homes safe, weatherproof and secure.

Innovative fabricator Whiteline ensures that products are tested and accredited to the latest standards for security and weather testing, BS7412/7950 (Windows) & PAS023/024 (Doors), by regular submissions to their nominated testing houses.

PARTNERSHIP …and beyond

Eco-Door decided upon Solidor, due to the fact that the product had a wealth of sales features, including 15 colours inside and out at the time, which have now been extended to 17. The fact that Solidor slabs have a proven exterior grade laminate, rather than a painted, stained or embossed finish along with a range of over 14 styles were further features that impressed the team at Eco-Door.

By their very name, Eco-Door are sending an environmental message out to their customers and the fact that the Solidor slabs can be completely recycled is a big plus for the business at a time when GRP based doors are destined for landfill at the end of their useful life.

Away from the packed features of their composite doors, Solidor have built a reputation as a truly customer focused business and much has been done in the back office to ensure that as they continue to grow, that customer care remains paramount.

Dean Livesey, managing director of Eco-Door comments: “It was a relevantly easy decision for us to take the Solidor slab and they have also proven to be a great business partner for us.

We’ve experienced considerable growth since the start of the year, up to 60 slabs per month and hope to be able to build on this and our relationship with Solidor for many years to come.”

From left to right: Dean Foley of Solidor with Dean Livesey of Eco-Door.

Dean Foley, area sales manager of Solidor comments: “We’ve got a great working relationship with Eco-Door and hope to work closely with them moving forward. It seems everyone loves a feature packed, solid and environmentally friendly composite door!”

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.

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certificate. We then agreed with Mila that they could continue the testing…to destruction.

Their engineers proceeded to attack the door for a further 10 minutes until, leaving many a mark on the door but failing to gain entry, they eventually decided to give

“A recent batch of products, as expected, all passed with flying colours. But then with Mila who test our doors we took things a little further” explains Leighton Baitup, Production Manager at Whiteline.

The latest Whiteline PAS 024 security specification door incorporates laminated glass; aluminium reinforced panel; panel clips; Liniar screw retainer; security lock keeps; security lock cylinder and a new Berwick security handle set developed with Fab&Fix. The door was tested with the ‘standard’ toolkit for a period of 3 minutes without entry gain, securing a pass 0913-0056

Composite Doors Get a New Face The Door Factory, based in Staffordshire, has developed a brand new concept for composite doors.

The external face of the company’s rebated doors can now be clad with a series of aluminium extrusions which lock together to replicate a traditional door construction. This means doors can be finished with vertical, horizontal or diagonal panels. There are just 3 components; bottom/ mid-rail, top/side-rail and the plank panels.

The aluminium facings are available in Golden Oak, Rosewood, Cedar and Walnut woodgrains, which

are finished using the Decoral sublimation process. Powder coated RAL colours are also available, but on an extended lead time. Those opting for a RAL finish can also specify the texture of the facings.

The doors can be supplied complete in a Veka PVCu outer frame (70 Fully Sculptured or Matrix 70) or just the leaf, enabling fabricators to utilise their normal frame and locking system. Door leaves can be produced in various thicknesses to suit most frame systems.

Door Factory MD Bob Wakelin states ‘Composite doors continue to be a

growth mass market, but we wanted to offer something different to attract high-end retail clients. The simple construction process means that customers can mix and match finishes to create their own truly bespoke door. For example, they can mix colours, textures, plank orientation or all three.

‘Hardware distributor VBH featured one of our doors on their FiT Show stand back in April. The door had a white textured inner and flat black outer to show the versatility of the cladding system. We geared it with greenteQ satin chrome hinges and furniture, and VBH also supplied a

Maco Colonial high lock case door lock, a product for the bespoke, rather than mass market. The unusual lock case position and contemporary look of the door as a whole ensured our door received a lot of attention.’

For more information on The Door Factory’s doors please contact Bob Wakelin on 01543 575935 and information on greenteQ hardware and Maco door locks can be found at www.vbhgb.com.

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up. “Which demonstrates the quality of Whiteline PVCu product construction and the strength of the supplier partnerships that help to create our new designs” confirms Baitup “So you can rely upon them.”

Tel: 01323 723724 www.whiteline.co.uk

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DOOR EXPERT

APEER AT now on tour THE DOUBLE

New Wave’s mobile showroom

New Wave Doors is taking to the road in a striking new liveried demo van. The van is a mobile showroom containing a working ‘Slide & Swing’ door. And with the first van booked to capacity, a second van has been ordered and is due to arrive soon.

Kevin Harvey, New Wave Doors Managing Director commented: “The best way to understand the radical difference between Bi-fold doors and our ‘Slide & Swing’ doors is for customers to touch and see the doors in action. We’re making it easy for fabricators and installers by bringing the door to them.”

The van can be parked on site and everything is self-contained. And the door is ready to show as soon as the van stops. There is no set up time. Contrast that with a sensitive Bi-fold which doesn’t travel well! Visitors to the van get to see how each door sash moves and locates independently. This means you can split the multi-pane door any way you like. Other key advantages are that the 'Slide & Swing' doesn't encroach on internal living space or patio space when opening or closing, is more secure than a Bi-fold and has virtually no visible hardware, thanks to the ingenious use of magnets in the door’s construction.

Apeer doors is gearing up to double capacity at its Northern Ireland manufacturing base to meet a boom in orders.

Kevin Harvey and New Wave van.

And it doesn’t stop there. Kevin explained: “Fabricators are welcome to use the van for their own shows and events. With its eye-catching design and strapline ‘Doors that do what Bi-folds don’t’, it’s not unusual for passers-by to stop us at traffic lights and on the street to find out more. There’s a phenomenal interest in the door.”

If you’d like the New Wave van to visit you, call Kevin for an appointment on 07896 152433. www.newwavedoors.co.uk

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PANEL SALES SOAR

Nice Door Panels, sister company to Solidor, has reported half year sales up 17% on the same period in 2012.

The company believes that the disappearance of some of their low cost, budget competitors have helped boost sales, along with their extended product range, short leadtime and customer focussed approach.

Nice Door Panels also shares transport and other key resources with Solidor in order to help minimise their carbon footprint.

The product range now extends to 19 designs and an incredible 16 colours and woodgrains. Some of the latest finishes include Mocha, French Grey, Chartwell Green and Duck Egg Blue. The company has also experienced the growth in conservatory panels and has also introduced 36, 40 and 44mm panels over the last 12 months.

Like sister company Solidor, Nice Door Panels aren’t afraid to commit to product development and

have launched a number of industry firsts. The company also utilises CoolSkin technology which has been developed by 3D Laminates, specifically for the panel market and has been proven across the extreme climates of Europe.

The increase follows the company’s hugely successful launch of its latest Diamond Doors and all-new Apeer MODO collections, both supported with new brochures and a stand at the FIT show in April.

Said Apeer md Asa McGillian: “Our new contemporary door ranges have been extremely well received.”

“The new designs, along with our reputation for a total quality product have combined to produce a significant surge in orders.”

Apeer plans to recruit a further 30 to 40 new staff over the next six months to support the doubling of its production capacity.

These will include a new production manager, supervisors, factory floor workers and a new UK sales rep.

Said Asa: “From an employment perspective it represents a significant investment for us, but the increased level of business coming in to the factory

means we need to staff up to meet the demand. We are also embarking on a major training programme over the next six months with the aim of upskilling our existing employees.”

With a reputation for producing the most advanced door entrance systems on the market, Apeer doors – all CE marked and Apeer branded from July 1 – offer an enviable quality pedigree: • All door and entrance glass is BSI Kitemarked (following certification of the door itself several years ago, it means everything within an Apeer entrance system can be BSI approved) • As the first ever all-glass reinforced plastic (GRP) composite doorset, Apeer doors have eliminated problems with movement, distortion or bowing which is a major problem in the industry • All doorsets (including black and dark coloured options) carry a 10 year structural guarantee • Apeer doors were among the first to be Energy ‘A’ rated

Gareth Mobley, managing director of Nice Door Panels comments: ‘This is a great performance by us and reflects the fact that there remains a buoyant and sustainable market for door panels. Our second generation products are also proven to offer long lasting performance and are a perfect match for laminated and foiled door frames.’

For further information log on to www.nicedoorpanels. co.uk, e-mail enquires@ nicedoorpanels.co.uk or call their sales office on 01782 847300 for a free brochure.

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“Our determination to stay at the leading edge of quality and design is now reaping rewards with a significant increase in orders. There is simply not a doorset on the market to rival ours for construction, security and insulation.”

• Apeer doors are ‘Secure

By Design’ and feature a Kitemarked cylinder, multi-point locking system and steel dog bolts, AV2 Heritage slam lock OR standard lever handles plus a choice of five bar pull handles with AV2 lock Said Asa: “Our determination to stay at the leading edge of quality and design is now reaping rewards with a significant increase in orders. There is simply not a doorset on the market to rival ours for construction, security and insulation.”

Tel: 028 2563 2200 www.apeer.co.uk

DOOR EXPERT

HURST - A RATINGS WINNER!

Hurst Plastics is the first company in the industry to be approved under the Door Energy Rating (DER) scheme by the Certification Body Certass and accredited Notification Body Build Check for its

range of composite doors.

With robust performance and manufacturing quality standards already in place, Hurst comfortably demonstrated compliance at every stage of the rigorous process.

Samantha O’Neill, Quality Manager at Certass, said: “There are many stages to go through to satisfy the requirements needed for DER scheme approval and companies need to demonstrate that they follow very stringent procedures in order to qualify for their door energy label. We’re very pleased that Hurst Plastics is the first company to be approved by Certass and we hope that this Certification will further enhance their business.”

Independent testing and certification specialists Build Check visited Hurst’s premises in Kingstonupon-Hull to inspect the

company’s manufacturing processes including their factory and quality control procedures. Build Check also provided thermal simulation, air leakage testing at 50Pa and product certification for the Hurst composite door.

As a result, Hurst Plastics is now able to offer A rated doors across their full range of composites. All doors featuring glazed units, incorporate Edgetech’s unique foam based spacer bar Super SpacerTM. The move has improved productivity on Hurst’s sealed units and helped the company to maximize the overall efficiency of its glazed composite doors.

“Rising heating costs are making homeowners more aware than ever before about the importance of energy efficiency.

Composite doors are without a doubt the most energy efficient doors available today.”

Darren Glew, Operations Director at Hurst Plastics, said: “Rising heating costs are making homeowners more aware than ever before about the importance of energy efficiency. Composite doors are without a doubt the most energy efficient doors available today. We have welcomed the DER scheme, which has led us to focus very strongly on maximising the energy performance of our composite doors. But perhaps most importantly, the rating gives the end user the reassurance that our doors are not just designed to perform, they are proven to perform.”

Hurst’s own glass shop has also just achieved BS EN 1279: Part 2 accreditation for its in-house range of composite and door panel glass units, which incorporate Super SpacerTM within the sealed unit.

Hurst’s standard 24mm air filled glass units, with Super SpacerTM, were rated as ‘excellent’.

Hurst Plastics is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of high quality PVC-U door panels, infill panels, composite doors and associated laminated products. Products are manufactured at Hurst’s 50,000 square foot purpose built factory in Kingstonupon-Hull and supplied to both the domestic and commercial markets throughout the UK and Europe. Hurst Plastics is a member of the Hurst Group, which was established 40 years ago. With expertise in joinery, building services, ceilings and flooring, the Group is recognised as a major force in the contracting and glazing industries.

Tel: 01482 790790 www.hurst-plastics.co.uk

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DOOR EXPERT

LONG LASTING TIMBER ELEGANCE MORE STYLES, MORE FROM BLACK MILLWORK COLOURS, MORE CHOICE – GLAZERITE LAUNCHES NEW COMPOSITE DOOR PACKAGE A range of timber windows and doors from Black Millwork have been specified for a barn conversion in rural Derbyshire – achieving the perfect balance of classic wood aesthetics and low maintenance requirements.

Glazerite customers can expect more of just about everything in the trade fabricator’s new and enhanced composite door package – features include online design, quotation and ordering via the company’s new web portal.

The portal, built in conjunction with Business Micros, can be personalised and linked to an installer’s website which enables consumers to design their own door online and even superimpose their chosen door on to a photo of their home.

After requesting a quotation, and in return for their contact details, they then receive an emailed picture confirming the design as well as their chosen options - a message then follows stating the company will be in touch with a price.

The consumer details are immediately emailed to the installation company hosting the portal on their own website allowing them to generate a quotation with their own bespoke version any time of the day.

It’s returned to the customer and the door is then shut on the competition.

Owners Carole and Clive McPherson converted the main part of their picturesque red brick barn into a family home 20 years ago and have now embarked on a second phase of work, in which the garage has also been renovated to provide additional living space.

Using this as an opportunity to refurbish the property’s fenestration, Carole and Clive chose products from Black Millwork after meeting the manufacturer at a trade fair.

Manufactured in either the Bevelled Matrix 70, exclusive to Glazerite, or the ever popular Fully Sculptured FS70, the door range now offers more colours and styles as well as other new features including independent secondary dead lock, auto-locking door lock, stainless steel bar handles, grey outer door frame, and an expanded range of glazing options.

Perfectly matching the VEKA windows being installed alongside the composite door, the choice of either sculptured or bevelled outer-frames is visually very appealing.

Glazerite Director Jason Thompson said the new range and features will not only offer installers more

options for their customers but the enhanced portal will also give them a valuable sales tool in its own right.

“When they receive a lead they can follow it up knowing it has been passed only to them,” he explains.

“This and the choices on offer ensure that this is one of the leading packages featured on today’s market.

The VEKA system produces an excellent door; now we are making the most of that quality with marketing support to match.”

Alongside the new composite door material, Glazerite will also be launching separate portals exclusively for its range of bi-fold and patio doors. www.glazeritewindows.co.uk

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“We were really impressed with the quality and finish of the Black Millwork products and so it was a straightforward decision to specify them for our project,” Carole commented. “One of the main advantages was that we could have the oak finish on the interior of the building and the treated finish on the outside of the frames, where they are open to the elements.

This means that we can enjoy the warm wood look indoors without having to worry about the constant repainting that is normally required by timber framed windows.”

Carol and Clive specified 13 Andersen A Series Casement windows, all in the oak interior and Sandtone external finish.

Andersen windows from Black Millwork feature a unique Perma-Shield® system that forms a tough protective shell to safeguard the inner wood. This exclusive cladding repels water, and resists dents and corrosion, keeping the window in top condition and reducing future maintenance.

To complete the specification, the couple also chose a Black Millwork oak entrance door.

Incorporating high performance insulated panels to ensure excellent levels of thermal efficiency, Black Millwork’s range of high quality timber entrance doors offer the best in terms of strength and durability. The range boasts thicknesses of up to 68mm to fully comply with European Standards and is available in a variety of doorset designs to suit any property or dwelling, from traditional and period styles to more contemporary, urban options depending on the desired look and character.

All Black Millwork branded windows and doors are manufactured from high quality,

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knot-free engineered oak and engineered Baltic pine, which have been produced to ensure defect-free timber and eliminate the problems previously associated with the performance of wood in varying temperatures and humidities.

“We’re really happy with the windows and doors from Black Millwork, they’ve certainly helped brighten up our property and it’s reassuring to know that we won’t have to spend lots of time maintaining them in the future,” Carole concluded.

For more information please visit www.blackmillwork.co.uk.

“One of the main advantages was that we could have the oak finish on the interior of the building and the treated finish on the outside of the frames, where they are open to the elements.

This means that we can enjoy the warm wood look indoors without having to worry about the constant repainting that is normally required by timber framed windows.”

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DOOR EXPERT

Distinction Doors invest £¾ million in decorative glass stock “Continuity of supply is everything,” says Distinction Doors’ Director, Dave Gomersall, and you would presume he is referring to the £3.5 million worth of insulated GRP door blanks and glazing cassettes they hold at their 80,000 sq ft Tankersley based warehouse. But Gomersall is referring to the vast holding of decorative glass that Distinction stock for distribution to their ever growing customer base.

“Showing our 12 ranges of decorative glass at FIT 2013 was key”, he says, “and we devoted a lot of effort to researching the range we designed and now offer to our customers.”

Distinction has taken a lot of trouble over their decorative glass offering for the composite door, providing designs that cover both the traditional as well as modern and contemporary styles, and all coloured to complement the colours within the composite door range.

In addition to this, all glass designs and door styles offered by Distinction, have safety glass, tested and certified to EN12150 or EN14449 or can be supplied with Low E or laminated outer

Distinction’s Glass Wall at FIT 2013.

panes. All units are manufactured to EN1279 standard and when glazed in the Distinction door, comply with building regulations so that door sets are within the 1.8 w/mtr2/k for England and Wales and 1.6 w/mtr2/k in Scotland.

We wanted to provide ranges that cover the majority of customer requirements and give our fabricator customers a ‘one stop shop’ to get door blanks, glazing cassettes and all their decorative glass, backed up with a coffee table styled brochure that was available to our customers to distribute in quantity. The 12 ranges have proved to be correct. Not too many, such that the end user can’t make their mind up, but enough to give a real choice.”

Dave Gomersall continued: “It’s one thing to offer the range, and another to ensure that there is continuity of supply, which we recognise is so important to our customers. That’s why we have invested over £3/4m into this new venture, and now hold in excess of 25,000 decorative triple glazed units.”

“Our supply chain is varied such that traditional hand-made zinc and brass camed glass comes from China, whereas the satin glass designs, screen printed, and ‘resin lead’ designs are UK sourced. For the real traditionalist, we also offer a popular resin bevel option”.

So why triple glazed units? While some may argue that triple glazing provides enhanced insulation both to sound and heat, Distinction also believe that triple glazing is about providing protection for the decorative glass centre pane and preventing the build-up of dust on the glass pieces and bevels. In short, just a wipe over the protective outer panes keeps the unit looking as good as new!

Glass Collage, from left to right from top: Andaman clear with zinc caming; Tasman; Celebes purple/yellow; Coral blue with zinc caming; Flores clear with zinc caming; Kara green with zinc caming; Laptev blue; Timor grey glass bevels; Sulu resin bevel; Java red with zinc caming; Scotia green with zinc caming; Marmara red fused tiles.

However Distinction, apart from holding the vast range of triple glazed units, also maintain a large stock of the decorative centre panes. Distinction was determined to ensure that they could satisfy demand and, by having centre panes in stock, can make up units to satisfy customer requirements and changing trends. It also enables customers to specify laminated glass to meet the requirements of Secured By Design, and Low

E for those who want to demonstrate even more advanced performance from their door set.

Decorative glass and the techniques employed has come a long way from its roots in Italy in the 8th century and there is documentary evidence of stained glass as decoration as early as the 10th century. Now highly decorative glass is both affordable and energy efficient, available off the shelf, and backed by a brochure that really sells the products.

The final word to Dave Gomersall: “If we were to provide decorative glass to complement our popular insulated composite door blank, we had to ensure that its availability matched our service for both blanks and cassettes. This is why we have invested so heavily in stock and why our customers can have confidence in selling our products.”

For more information about Distinction Doors call Dave Gomersall, Director, on 0845 2000 816, email davidgomersall@distinctiondoors.co.uk.

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CONSERVATORIES

DGCOS Helps BBC TV’s Don’t Get Done Get Dom Richard Christie, Chief Executive of the Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS) appeared on BBC2 consumer rights programme, Don’t Get Done Get Dom on Monday 15th April.

Richard Christie advised the show on condensation in conservatories because the show featured a homeowner who had battled with an installer for four years, and had already employed an independent inspector to find out what was causing their excessive condensation and mould problems.

The installer was adamant the condensation was caused by the customer using a washing machine and tumble dryer in the conservatory. Condensation was not covered by their 10 year guarantee and as a result the company advised the room needed additional ventilation.

Dominic Littlewood, the show’s presenter, turned to DGCOS to find out more about condensation in conservatories.

Richard Christie explained that when installers deal with customers who say they have condensation or damp, it is important to establish which one it is.

“Condensation is moisture appearing on a surface whereas damp is moisture that is actually within the substrate itself.”

In DGCOS’s experience condensation can occur in conservatories, but the majority of cases condensation is not caused by the conservatory itself. They are to do with the way that the conservatory is being used.

Richard added: “Conservatories are not considered habitable rooms, you definitely shouldn’t be looking to use them as kitchens, bedrooms or bathrooms.”

“Anything that’s going to put moisture into the atmosphere is definitely something that you should avoid doing.”

Richard Christie on BBC’s Don’t Get Done Get Dom.

After the BBC2 consumer rights programme intervened, the installer employed an independent inspector to investigate.

The report concluded that the customer was not at fault and the company rectified the problems.

For more information about how DGCOS investigates complaints and helps homeowners and installers resolve them go to www.dgcos.org.uk or call 0845 053 8975.

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SYNSEAL REPORT: MODERN CONSERVATORIES SAVE YOU MONEY Synseal has published a report that demonstrates how much - in cash terms - a modern conservatory can save a homeowner when compared to an older conservatory.

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!

The headline figures are striking. If a conservatory is separated from the main house with thermally efficient doors, a householder can expect to save about £30 a year. If the conservatory is open to the house, the savings are far greater – more than £140 a year.

Furthermore, the Synseal Thermal Calculations Report has received the explicit approval from Assent Building Control, a provider of approved inspector services, who said: “It shows satisfactory regulatory compliance.”

Greg Tabberer, Synseal Extrusions’ R&D Engineer (and WER Simulator) said, “Synseal is passionate about improving the quality of our products and supporting our customers when they promote those products in the market. We cannot do that effectively if we are simply guessing what impact our products have on the day-to-day use of, say, a conservatory.”

and aluminium conservatory roof glazed with Celsius Elite high performance double glass with a U value of 0.9W/m2K. Everything else about the conservatory remained the same.

The calculations were performed in accordance with procedures set out in Approved Document L1B of the Building Regulations, and they show that by upgrading the glazing element of a conservatory that is fully opened up, the adjoining house can have a cost benefit of £142.71 per year (based upon gas central heating), or £124.86 per year (based upon electric under floor heating).

For a conservatory with thermal separating doors between the conservatory and the adjoining house (heated only when in use), the savings amount to £29.12 per year (based upon gas central heating), or £25.48 per year (based upon electric under floor heating).

To test the theory that modern conservatories are more efficient than their older counterparts an “old” conservatory was made using double-glazed 3-chamber PVC-U windows, with units made from float glass and aluminium spacer bar, and a PVC-U and aluminium conservatory roof glazed with 16mm polycarbonate.

The conservatory was then upgraded to new Legend triple-glazed multi-chambered PVC-U windows, with argon-filled units made with two low-e panes of glass and one float and Superspacer, and a Global PVC-U 0813-0071

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CONSERVATORIES

A CONTEMPORARY ORANGERY IDEAL FOR TOWNHOUSES? NOW THAT IS A REFRESHING IDEA, FROM SYNSEAL OF COURSE The relationship between Synseal and K2 is bearing further fruit, this time in the form of an orangery roof system with which the designers have brought the genre right up to date.

The Modena offers all of the benefits of structural orangeries but in a form that is highly suited to contemporary buildings.

With this new design the market is therefore broadened to include more modern homes, including styles such as the ubiquitous town house which is essential for the London property marketplace.

Incorporating the same popular K2 fully-insulated warm roof construction as the Venetian, the Rio, and the Integra designs, the Modena is a new contemporary-styled structural orangery solution that comes in the usual easy to fit kit. Designed to be fitted on brick build columns or on K2’s proven

structural aluminium portal frame posts, the Modena features an additional cantilevered perimeter beam to provide an external overhanging soffit which can be fitted with downlighters. A substantial integrated aluminium gutter is 1200mm wide and faced with a modern design frieze and a 604mm deep internal plasterboarded soffit

completes the installation, to create an impressive “double soffit” look.

capability to incorporate bifolding doors up to 6300mm in width.

It is remarkably easy to install, supplied in a kit that requires no drilling or cutting of the aluminium sections and the sturdy gutters can be walked on to greatly simplify maintenance. Subject to size and loading limitations, the Modena also has the design

K2 can provide structural and heat loss calculations in addition to full technical drawings and technical support for the Modena kits, thus ensuring that both straight-forward or ambitious projects may be undertaken with complete confidence.

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NO COMPETITION…!

No competition is the guarantee being offered to conservatory fabricators who switch to the Aztec roof system.

Unlike other roof systems on the market, Aztec not only promises that no other fabricator will be established within a 25mile radius of its customers.

colour, with no minimum stockholding, and deliver next working day.

“We exist to support our customers, not compete against them,” says Tim Franks, Aztec Conservatory Roof Systems managing

director. “Because we specifically aim to help our customers, almost all of our customers have been with us for over a decade, and grown from strength to strength: strong proof of the quality of our fabricator package- and that of our system!”

In addition, it as a company will not compete with its customers, either by selling product direct or retaining certain prestige jobs inhouse. To further enable its customers to remain competitive, Aztec has further enhanced its service whereby it will supply as little as one bar length, or a single roof in one

The protection of customers’ business is just part of the Aztec package. The conservatory roof system has always claimed to be the most fabricator/fitter-friendly on the market, through the simplicity of its design, enabling optimum variations to be produced from a core base of components, and its on-site speed of build: fitters report it saves up to 30% in erection time, and corresponding labour costs, enabling optimisation of total project cost.

To become an Aztec fabricator, contact Tim on 0151 678 0691, or email tim@aztecsystems.net. *Subject to terms & conditions.

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WINDOWS

SECURED BY DESIGN FOR

MIGHTON’S LATEST VENTLOCK Mighton Products have just launched the CableVentlock®, a Secured by Design casement window restrictor that’s part of the same product range that includes the world renowned Angel Ventlock® for sliding sash windows.

The CableVentlock® from Mighton is suitable for timber, PVCu and aluminium windows as well as doors and includes casement and tilt and turn designs where security is of prime importance. This product is quick and easy to fit during the manufacturing process or as a retro-fit option once the window is installed and is the first product of it’s kind to achieve Secured by Design status.

Secured by Design is the official UK Police flagship initiative supporting the principles of 'designing out crime'. Established in 1989, it’s owned by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and is the corporate title for a group of national police projects focusing on the design and security for properties and car parks, as well as the acknowledgement of quality security products and crime prevention projects.

Mike Derham, chairman of Mighton Products comments: ‘The CableVentlock® is the latest addition to our range of safety and security devices for windows and doors, something that I’m passionate about. This new product is easy to install can contribute to the reduction in crime and importantly is the first product of it’s type to carry Secured by Design.’

For further information go to www. mightonproducts.com, follow them on Twitter @mightonproducts or phone on 0800 056 0471 for your free catalogue. Mighton Products are also the headline sponsor for GM Fundraising’s next cycling adventure, Hope 66.

Tel: 01223 497097

TRIPLE GOES ON GROWING FOR GLAZERITE INSTALLERS Glazerite installers are defying the doom-mongers and proving that triple glazing is not just a fad nor a phase but a real boost for business as well as a welcome benefit for consumers.

It is also emerging that the bonus of extra sound insulation is proving a major part of the buying decision – in some cases a bigger factor than the more obvious heat retention.

Mark Pearce, MD of Andover-based KJM Group, says he has not looked back since he first put triple glazing into his own home when he bought it two years ago.

“Nearly 20% of all our window sales are triple glazed,” said Mark, “It’s a niche product that can be sold for a premium. Plus the benefits are really appreciated by the homeowners. In my own home, it has noticeably improved the sound insulation as well as giving me a warmer house and our customers say just the same.”

In addition to Secured by Design, CableVentlock® conforms to the appropriate quality standards in the form of BS EN 143511:2006, BS EN 13126-5:2011 and BS EN 1670:1998.

The CableVentlock® is key lockable and can be fitted to windows and doors wherever increased security and safety are required.

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KJM opted for the highspec 44mm system from Glazerite on VEKA profile because he says consumers are buying on the strength of the U Values that can be achieved.

Meanwhile, Hillview Windows of Coleshill, has seen triple glazing rise to as much as 90% of sales, and Proprietor Paul Hill says it has transformed the business completely: “It’s worked wonders. I’m booked up until Christmas and I’m even considering taking on a second fitting team. The feedback from customers is excellent and many remark on the noise reduction as well as the energy saving.”

Paul, who works mainly with 36mm, states he doesn’t put a big mark-up on the price differential but gets the benefit from the boost to sales that it brings.

“Glazerite and VEKA have both been a great help. I moved onto another system a while ago but I soon came back,” he added.

For Hillview customers Kevin and Mandy Dobbins of nearby Kingsbury, the noise reduction was the biggest factor by far, as Kevin explained. “We live beside a play park with both a railway line and a scrapyard nearby...and when the wind was in a certain way, we could hear the drone of the M42 from early morning onwards. The new windows and door have pretty much cut it all out. It didn’t cost a lot more to go for triple glazing which in turn meant it was very well worth it.”

Glazerite Director Jason Thompson concluded, “We are hearing the same from many installers. We have always supported our customers in promoting triple glazing and now we see that decision is paying off.” www.glazeritewindows.co.uk

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Bergson & Eaton switch to Dekko for Residence 9 Buckinghamshire based installer Bergson and Eaton are now sourcing their flush sash Residence 9 windows from leading trade fabricator Dekko, having originally bought from another supplier.

Bergson and Eaton’s managing director Jim Bergson has been delighted with the quality and service since switching to Dekko, and plans to start really pushing R9 as an alternative to timber to their high end customer base.

“Dekko offers everything you could want in a supplier and thanks to their support we’re really gearing up to grow the R9 side of our business” Jim comments. “The Dekko R9 is incredibly well-made - for instance their astragal bars have the same depth as the bead

to giving a more authentic look, which is not something every supplier offers – and they also offer excellent technical support and are always on hand to deal with any queries.”

Jim continues: “We’ve put an R9 window in our 12,000 sqft showroom and to say it’s gone down a storm is an understatement.

The product is positioned next to a timber window and nine times out of ten the customer can’t tell they’re made from different materials. When they discover it’s actually a modern composite material, and then learn more about the low maintenance and energy saving benefits, they are always incredibly impressed.”

Dekko’s sales director Kurt Greatrex is pleased that Bergson and Eaton are enjoying success

with R9: “Bergson and Eaton is a very long established installer and I’m delighted they’ve chosen Dekko as their R9 supplier. Dekko has supplied Bergson and Eaton with our Deceuninck uPVC windows and doors since we were first established, and as soon as Dekko launched R9 they were one of the first installers to come on board.”

Dekko started manufacturing R9 at the start of the year and are now firmly positioned as one of the industry’s leading R9 fabricators. The company operates from a 28,000 sq ft factory in Bedbury, Cheshire, and also offers Deceuninck and Kommerling uPVC windows and doors.

For more information contact Dekko on 01614 060055.

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WINDOWS

GLAZERITE GOES GREY TO MATCH ALUMINIUM IN TOWER BLOCK REFURB A multi-million refurbishment of two old inner-city tower blocks was made easier and more cost-effective by a five-day turnaround on each of more than 900 bespoke windows, thanks to fabricator Glazerite Windows and installer Grosvenor.

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The special grey on white PVC-U tilt/turns were chosen to match visually the aluminium frames on neighbouring blocks but the whole project was based on a deadline of two flats completed per day so a great deal depended on consistency of supply. Grosvenor worked for six months on the renovation, which also involved improved insulation and many other energy-saving features from other subcontractors via main contractor Seddon, so the tight deadlines were essential.

The Princess and Empress Towers were part of the former Seven Sisters estate built in the sixties in Manchester’s Old Trafford district as part of a slum clearance project in the city. Now, with several of the original towers demolished, the remaining ones are finding new life, partly thanks to Government support for the energy-saving improvements.

Jason Thompson, Director of Glazerite Windows said both the grey exterior and the rapid turnaround were essential to the contract. Glazerite, with bases in Northamptonshire, Avon and Lancashire is the UK’s biggest VEKA fabricator and found VEKA’s Matrix 70 grey (RAL 7016) on white ideal for the job.

He added: “We have always taken pride in going the extra mile for all of our customers and we were able to accommodate the

five-day turnaround without problem, even over such a long period as the six-month contract. As well as being backed by the reputation of VEKA, the Matrix grey on white PVC-U also came in at a very favourable price against aluminium.” www.glazeritewindows.co.uk

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LEGENDARY PERFORMANCE Ray Hill, director of Synseal fabricator and installer Polar NE, recently built his dream home in a picturesque village in Teeside, using all the latest building components and techniques available to him, including Legend PVC-U windows from Synseal.

“After a lifetime of buying and renovating second-hand properties, and not getting what we really wanted, we decided to design and build our own home when the opportunity presented itself,” Ray explained. “One of our main objectives was to build it to the best possible standard.”

Once insulated and airtight, the house was efficiently ventilated using a heat recovery system, which made the house the most efficient building in the area according to the local council.

Polar NE started life making domestic PVC-U windows, before moving into the commercial aluminium

sector. However, Synseal windows still account for about 20% of the business and Ray was keen to choose Legend windows foiled in Golden Oak for his own property. “We are very proactive about keeping upto- date with energy ratings,” Ray said, “and I knew we couldn’t achieve a top energy rating with an aluminium window at the time.”

The Legend windows were made using double glazed units with a warm edge spacer, argon gas, and low-e glass; “the best I could get without being silly,” Ray said.

“We’ve been in the house five years now, and the windows have really stood the test of time – they are still as good as new.”

To this end, Ray followed the mantra ‘seal tight and ventilate right’, which required the careful selection of building materials, since “many traditional building methods are not typically airtight,” he explained.

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WINDOWS

LOOKING FOR SWISH INSTALLERS! The introduction of the Swish Twenty Four Seven window and door system has been a great move for Stoke-on-Trent based Cutting Edge UPVC and the company is now actively looking to attract new members to the proven Swish Authorised Installer Scheme.

In addition to the new Swish system, Cutting Edge has also introduced vertical sliding sash windows and a range of aluminium windows and doors, including bi-folding doors to their product range. This new range of products is also available through their successful trade counter.

Specifically, Cutting Edge is looking for installation companies to join the Swish

Authorised Installer Scheme in Cheshire, Derbyshire, Shropshire and Staffordshire and even further afield. Nigel Grant, one of the industry’s foremost Tweeters and a finalist in the Master Fitter Challenge has recently become a member of the Swish Authorised Installer Scheme for the Staffordshire based fabricator.

The scheme includes an advertising campaign that includes Grand Designs, Home Building and Renovating and Real Homes magazines and the Swish website harnesses Pay Per Click (PPC) advertising and Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) techniques to help drive consumer enquiries. There’s also a dedicated Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG) and Cutting Edge are offering a marketing rebate scheme whereby members can have access to brochures, drop cards, installation boards, leaflets, posters, banners and branded merchandise.

Richard Hammond, sales and marketing director of Cutting Edge comments: ‘We’re actively looking for new installers to join the scheme in key areas and can offer them what we believe is one of the best marketing packages in the industry, along with our proven and enhanced levels of customer support.’

For further information about how to become a Swish Authorised Installer through Cutting Edge then call the sales office on 01782 599955 or e-mail sales@cuttingedgewindows. co.uk. You can also see their website at www. cuttingedgewindows.co.uk or add to their Twitter following @CuttingEdgeUPVC.

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A+ RATING FOR ENERGY

EFFICIENT WINDOWS LAUNCHED BFRC has officially launched a new ‘A+’ band at the top of its energy efficiency scale for Window Energy Ratings (WERs).

BFRC is now accepting applications for the new ‘A+’band, which applies to windows only. Any BFRC ‘A’ rated product which achieves a rating index of 10 or more can be upgraded to an ‘A+’ for an administration fee of £50 (ex VAT).

Alternatively, manufacturers can also apply for new ‘A+’ licences. All applications must be accompanied by a simulation report and can be

made either directly to BFRC or through an Independent Agency.

These new ‘A+’ licences are available both as Simplified Energy Licences (SELs) and Detailed Energy Licences (DELs). The first batch of ‘A+’ rated windows will all be announced on the same day in mid to late August.

“The availability of the BFRC ‘A+’ rating band allows manufacturers to offer the most energy efficient product to homeowners,”

commented BFRC Chairman Giles Willson.

“It also allows the most technically advanced producers to benefit from the marketing opportunities derived from BFRC ratings and being among the first in the industry to offer ‘A+’ windows”.

For more information on ‘A+’ please contact BFRC direct.

Tel: 020 7403 9200 or email: enquiries@bfrc.org.

“The availability of the BFRC ‘A+’ rating band allows manufacturers to offer the most energy efficient product to homeowners.”

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Bison Genesis VS Proves A Hit In The Highlands Bison Trade Frame’s latest invention - the Genesis Vertical Slider – has met with approval north of the border after the product enjoyed a highly successful showcasing at the recent Royal Highland Show.

Holyrood Contracts, Edinburgh’s leading manufacturer of bespoke joinery products, contacted Bison shortly after the unveiling of the revolutionary PVC-U sliding sash window at The FIT Show, eager to take stock of and parade the product themselves at Scotland’s largest annual farming and countryside showcase.

The Genesis VS visually replicates the character and charm of timber and combines it with the very best modern technology, making it the perfect window solution for both period properties and contemporary households. It also possesses traditional jointing methods used on every joint and comes available in a wide selection of Heritage finishes giving the truly realistic period appearance of its timber ancestors.

Martyn has so far been delighted with the response to the Genesis VS: “Since the launch of the Genesis VS in April we have been inundated with interest and requests for samples

First hosted in 1822, the Royal Highland Show on average attracts over £200 million in business.

Company directors Mark Tetley and Martyn Haworth were only too happy to pass on a sample of the Genesis VS along with the entire contents of their exhibition stand onto Holyrood Contracts who gave it prominent positioning at the very forefront of their own stand, generating a substantial level of interest.

More than 170,000 visitors attended the event, held in Ingliston over four days, which gave further significant exposure to a product that is already widely considered to be the next best alternative to the traditional sliding wooden timber window.

from installers across the country. Now that the product has reached Scotland and been given an airing at such a prestigious and historic show by a company of the stature of Holyrood Contracts we expect to receive a similar amount of interest from that part of the world.”

David Gill, Commercial Director at Holyrood Contracts was unequivocal in his praise for the Genesis VS: “The Royal Highland Show is a major event and 2013 was the first year that Holyrood Contracts has had a presence. Our company, based in the heart of Scotland’s capital city Edinburgh, has been synonymous with the manufacturing of high quality sash and case windows for almost 30 years. As a major supplier of windows we are often asked if we can supply UPVC products and to date we have never been able to confidently promote such a product until now.”

“The Bison vertical slider is superb and constructed unlike any other. We were impressed with both the quality and finish of the product. After approaching Mark and Martyn with a view to promoting their products at the show we were delighted when they offered us their entire display.”

“We received a fantastic response from the public and trade alike at our first show event. We now look forward to developing our alliance with Bison Trade Frames in the future.”

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WINDOWS

Retail window firms can step into the digital age An exciting new website aimed specifically at SMEs within the glazing industry has been launched by digital specialist The Consultancy.

The Glazing Vault offers companies a variety of ‘off the shelf ’ solutions which are both cost-effective and tailored to meet their customers’ needs.

The online offering enables companies to easily custom build their own website with individual sections they feel are most relevant to their own business.

By logging onto www. theglazingvault.com, visitors have the option of taking an existing website theme and turning it into the site they want by choosing the colour, text, layout and products that best fit their own business requirements.

And where a bespoke online presence might cost several thousand pounds, the package created by The Consultancy will start at £799 with a small annual hosting charge.

a website to accurately showcase the different products they sell because we know that not all doors, windows and conservatories are the same.

“This package is userfriendly, very competitively priced and most importantly, modifiable to meet each individual customer’s needs.

They can choose the colour theme they want, how they’d like the site to look and what sections they want included; so it is essentially customised for them without setting them back a small fortune.”

As well as being SEO (search engine optimisation)friendly and optimised for mobile phones, the website

offers a range of additional sales tools including door and window design visualisers. This feature allows homeowners to go on the site, upload a photograph of their home and try out different doors and window styles and colours to see what would look best on their own homes. And there is an add-on that allows online payments.

Richie added: “It’s a great innovative tool and can really help clinch a sale when a customer can see exactly what their home will look like before they buy. We think this package is going to prove incredibly popular within the industry.”

Richie Thornton, director of The Consultancy, said: “We have developed something which we think will meet the needs of the companies within the industry who are directly dealing with homeowners and need

RAD Window Services add warmth into Midland Heart Since RAD Window Services installed new windows for Midland Heart, one of the largest housing and care organisations in the UK, tenants feel a “big difference of more heat and more comfort” according to Sam Raddie, Tenants Committee Member.

Midland House, a six storey block of flats in Leicester, was built in the 1960s and originally fitted with Crittal Windows. Until recently the building was thought to be in a conservation area which left the 52 flats with draughty old windows in desperate need of replacement.

RAD Window Services working on behalf of Midland Heart housing association consulted the local planning department and agreed a plan to fit bespoke aluminium windows that would meet the conservation criteria.

RAD Window Services specified its thermally broken casement aluminium windows, which would not only meet the requirements needed to be in keeping with the area, but also provide an energy efficient solution for tenants. In addition part of the building is overlooked by an office block which was a privacy concern for some tenants, so RAD put a reflective sheen on the glass.

RAD Window Services used its extensive experience

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working with housing associations and Leicester City Council to complete everything from the project planning and design to installation and managing an Asbestos removal team - and all within a 12 week timescale.

Chris Wyatt, Midland Heart Senior Program Delivery Officer: “The work was done to schedule and residents were kept informed throughout the process.

There were areas cordoned off for safety and everything was kept to the plan.”

It was a challenge to minimise disruption to the tenants and local businesses on the ground floor while work was carried out.

RAD worked efficiently to weatherproof and install windows into four flats per day and glazed the windows internally allowing any future maintenance to be carried out from the inside of the flats.

RAD also provided tenants with vouchers for a nearby NCP car park, ensured that scaffolding was erected outside of shop opening hours and installed temporary business signage.

Sam Raddie, Midland House Tenants Committee Member says: “Some people gave their keys as they went to work in the morning and came back to find their old windows gone and replaced with completely new ones. Obviously some

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tenants were worried about broken glass when the old windows were removed but the flats were left with no mess and no smashed glass. It’s been just over a year since we had the windows fitted and you can feel the big difference of more heat and more comfort.

I’m sure that people have seen some reduction in the amount of energy they’ve used too.”

Glenn Rivers, MD RAD Window Services added: “We always make sure that we do our research beforehand so that we can specify the best windows for the job and install as quickly as possible.

It’s satisfying to see that all the tenants are happy with the work done too.”

Project: Window replacement at Midland House Client: Midland Heart Ltd Authority: Leicester City Council Planning Tel: 0121 331 1131 www.radwindows.co.uk

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GLASS & GLASS PROCESSING

Joint trade fair stand with Hegla at Vitrum 2013

Future-oriented systems for glass processing

At this year's Vitrum trade fair taking place in Milan between October 23 and 26, Bystronic glass and Hegla will emphasise their preferred partner cooperation and will share stand space measuring 300 square metres.

There, they will present their machines together: Bystronic glass handling equipment will equip a Hegla cutting table with glass. Of course, the other specialist fields of insulation glass production, laminated glass production and the pre-processing of automotive glass will also be showcased on the trade fair stand.

The Bystronic glass lines for insulating glass production and the systems for laminated glass production work together perfectly alongside the solutions for flat glass cutting from Hegla. As a result, the joint trade appearance offers a definitive advantage to customers and interested parties: They will be able to conduct talks comfortably with experts from both companies where necessary and obtain advice about the captivating technologies, all from one source.

Insulating glass lines for the most diverse demands Irrespective of whether a fully-automatic line for insulating glass production with warm-edge spacers or an entry-level solution: At Bystronic glass, every insulating glass manufacturer will find the line or machine that meets their requirements. The benchmark in this sector is the modern speed’line production line, which can be used to produce triple insulating glass units in the same time it takes other lines to produce double units. The line consists of two tps’applicator components arranged one after the other in order to apply the spacer, the new

speed’assembler for the quick assembly and gas-filling of insulating glass units as well as the speed’sealer sealing robot. On the other side of the product range is the comfort’line, the ideal entry-level solution to industrial insulation glass production. Anybody on the lookout for an inexpensive opportunity to expand their production capacity is also well served with this model: The comfort’line offers high quality manufacturing of gas-filled insulating glass units at an excellent cost/ performance ratio. In addition to the proven Bystronic glass quality, the insulating glass line convinces with its high productivity, low investment costs, a compact unit layout and individual expansion possibilities.

Proven, revolutionary technologies for laminated glass In the laminated glass production sector, customers can obtain information about the eco’lamiline, the new production line, with which all versions of laminated glass can be produced in an energy-efficient manner – from simple constructions through to complex shaped formats with special films – all on a single system. The eco’convect, the pre-nip that is proven and continues to be revolutionary enables a homogeneous heat input that is obvious in the quality of the end product as it is crystal clear. And the "eco" part of the product name is not just down to chance: The radiant heater technology of the pre-nip controls the energy consumption to match the size of the laminate, meaning that a small laminate only requires half of the radiant heater output by comparison to a large laminate for example. The convection system also ensures a homogeneous heating in the pre-nip, even enabling the rational lamination of highly reflective, coated

glasses. The omission of compressed air in the clean room of the eco’lamiline in favour of the servo technology that is seven times less expensive offers a further potential for saving that is beneficial both financially and in time management terms whilst also being beneficial to the environment.

Glass handling – take it easy At the trade fair stand, customers will also be able to try a selection of rational handling equipment for all flat glass and plate processing sectors for themselves. This also includes the best seller, the Easy-Lift, which has been impressing customers from the glass processing industry with its rigid guidance and its own low dead weight since 1998. In recent years, the handling equipment has also gradually asserted itself with large window manufacturers as it is extremely flexible in terms of frame design and therefore fulfils their requirements. Track-mounted equipment as well as battery-powered suction frames complete the range.

Quick and precise processing of automotive glass A few years ago, Bystronic glass introduced a completely new machine generation for the pre-processing of automotive glass onto the market in the form of the champ’speed. More than 100 champ’speed units sold speak for themselves. In the meantime, the champ’speed 2in1 version, the first machine in the world that can break automotive glass with or without a template on a single machine has established itself. In addition to templates that support the glass during the cutting process and ensure a correspondingly high quality on the break edge, the champ’speed 2in1 is equipped with a freely manoeuvrable underlay that aligns itself to the break edges.

Customers gain both functions in one cell and can flexibly switch between breaking with or without a template. This provides them with the opportunity to deploy the machine according to their requirements or orders as well as to optimise their production processes at the same time.

Service – wherever our customers need us Right from the very first minute, Bystronic glass supports its customers during the planning of their unit. The customer service department is then on hand all over the world for the delivery of spare parts and on-site support. Maintenance contracts and individual training sessions round off the range of services on offer. Expert contact partners will be on hand at the Vitrum trade fair stand to provide information regarding the Bystronic glass service.

Hall 13, Stand H21 www.bystronic-glass.com

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Quality partnership for two likeminded companies

When you manufacture one of the most authentic uPVC vertical sliding sash windows on the market today, every product you produce needs to be of the highest quality. It’s only fitting then that leading sash window fabricator Roseview Windows chose the UK’s biggest independent sealed unit manufacturer Glass Systems as their sealed unit supplier.

“Because of the nature of sash windows, we have to supply all our products fully glazed” explains managing director Willie Kerr. “We used to manufacture our own sealed units inhouse but found it was easier and more costeffective sourcing them from Glass Systems.

Glass Systems offer three weekly deliveries; fitting in perfectly with our manufacturing schedule, and meaning we don’t have to hold too much glass in stock. They offer the competitive trade prices you would expect from a company that produces 35,000 units plus per week and the product quality is consistently high; a factor I suspect that’s down to the massive investments they have made in recent years.”

compromise the excellent service we offer our customers. With Glass Systems as our supplier we are confident we can in turn offer our customers with fast deliveries and a better overall service.”

Dave Summers, regional sales manager at Glass Systems comments: “It’s good to be working with a likeminded company who puts quality at the heart of everything they do. Roseview have some very innovative products, such as their mechanically jointed Ultimate Rose window, and we look forward to helping them continue their success into the future.”

Glass Systems offer a wide range of glass types including soft coat, toughened, laminated, obscure and decorative. The company has invested £millions in new manufacturing equipment in recent years, enabling them to enhance quality and efficiencies throughout the factory and improve the energy efficiency of their products.

For more information call 01792 773752 or www.glasssystemsltd.co.uk.

The switch from in-house manufacturing to using Glass Systems as a supplier not only means better quality for Roseview’s products, it also means better quality of service for their customers.

Willie comments: “A great product is only one side of the story. If the sealed-units are late problems are going to occur and this will 0813-0095

SECURE SUCCESS FOR TUFFX As the TuffX team enjoys one of its most successful sales periods to date with record achievements that have increased the company’s customer base by 26% during the first five months of 2013, management team are driven to develop more options for customers.

After a record weekly sales intake in May this year, TuffX has seen an overall increase in orders of 18% by comparison to the first half of 2012. This has been attributed to a variety of reasons including choice, professionalism, quality and reliability which all combine to give customers the highest standards in relation to products and service support.

Whilst the conservatory sector as a whole has faced incredibly difficult times, TuffX has been at the forefront of high performance, solar control, self-cleaning roof glass design ensuring that customers can offer unique products that will improve profit margins.

As conservatory design has developed over the years, product innovation has become a priority to the TuffX team to ensure customers have the best choice of coloured, high performance, self-cleaning roof glass for year round use.

The advantages of the entire Ambience portfolio including triple-glazed options have been repeatedly endorsed by customers due to the choices of colour available and the high thermal performance benefits achieved.

The Ambi-Aqua tint offers the best performance roof glass at 78% reflection when it comes to heat reflection and solar control than any other on the market.

With positioning having a huge effect on temperature control and year round use, tinted roof glass options such as blue, neutral and clear should be remembered as they may better suit the location and homeowners’ need.

Graham Price, Managing Director comments, “The Ambience range from TuffX has been developed to provide maximum choice in relation to glare, reflection, light transmission and privacy. Products such as the revolutionary Ambi-Aqua and Ambi-Blue glasses have proved extremely popular with both installers and specifiers as the product guarantees, aesthetics and performance values are unmatched in the industry today.”

The niche glass roofing option Ambi-Max, launched by TuffX initially to eliminate common problems associated with muntin bar leaks has also proved a very popular product from the range. For many customers it has become the product of choice for both

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domestic and commercial applications due to the added aesthetic finish it provides.

Additionally it substantially reduces call back and has created new opportunities with more scope in relation to impressive roofing designs.

Senior management believe that the range has broadened scope for those customers looking to offer more options in a very aggressive industry which requires constant evaluation and revitalization.

Understanding customers’ tight schedules remains a priority for the TuffX team, with fast turnaround times offered by the flexible national fleet, which delivers all products either direct to site or factory.

All products are produced in-house at the company’s modern manufacturing facility in Knowsley, Cheshire, which was specifically designed to accommodate the production of all glass types from the range. There are few companies today that can manufacture supersized units for example, within such a fast turnaround and which all adhere to the necessary industry standards.

Thanks to machinery investments, TuffX can produce the range which also includes Ambi-Bronze and Ambi-Neurtal within 5 – 7 working days.

Graham Price, Managing Director comments, “TuffX as a company has adapted and grown considerably over the years to ensure that our customers needs are met and exceeded.

With simple solutions and one of the broadest colour ranges on the UK market we feel installers can reap many benefits from this regarding lead generation and improved sales figures.”

Working alongside leading glass companies, innovation does not stop there for the TuffX team. The company is excited to announce that “Pilkington Activ Blue sunshade”, a new solar controlled, self-cleaning product will be added to the range shortly. It is expected that this high performance product is likely to supersede most other products currently available on the market.

Graham Price, concludes, “As a company we are determined to continue to place our focus on advancement, with a desire to provide only the highest standards of glass specification for the conservatory industry.”

For more information on products from the Ambience range please visit the website: www. ambiglass.co.uk or call 0845 3 400 200.

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GLASS & GLASS PROCESSING

Guardian SunGuard SNX leading the way in triple silver glass coating technology Some of the most advanced coated glasses available today apply three layers of silver during the magnetron sputter coating process; these are more commonly known as “triple silver” coatings and provide the glass with the broadest level of selectivity currently available on the market.

Selectivity refers to the ratio between light transmission and the solar factor or g value.

Architects today are asking for the highest light transmission combined with the lowest possible solar factor, however they don’t just stop there, most specifying architects also want a natural appearance to the glass with exceptionally low U values of around 1.0 W/ m2K. Guardian’s SunGuard SNX 60/28 is amongst the most technically advanced coated glass products available on the market and provides all of these factors in a single coated glass.

With a 60% light transmission and a low 28% solar factor reflecting 72% of the sun’s heat away from the glazing, SNX 60/28 achieves an optimum selectivity ratio of 2,14 which is currently the best performance available on the market.

60 Holborn Viaduct is a landmark project sitting on the through road between the City of London and the West End. Specified by KPF Architects who also supplied the project image, it’s one of the first project’s of its size in the UK to be completed using advanced triple silver glass coating technology. Guardian are pleased to confirm that SNX 60/28 was the glass of choice by KPF Architects for 60 Holborn Viaduct offering Guardian the perfect opportunity to showcase their new glass on this striking facade.

SunGuard SNX is part of Guardian’s SunGuard High Selective glass range which

offers some of the best performing glass available on the market. The patented use of a TPF (Temporary Protective Film) during processing makes it notably easier to process and provides much higher yields. As with the majority of Guardian’s coated glasses, SNX 60/28 is coated on Extra Clear float glass, which gives a better level of clarity and less colour distortion compared to clear float.

Extra Clear glass has a reduced iron content and a clearer more crystal like appearance.

This helps to make Guardian’s SNX 60/28 and other SunGuard glass ranges, amongst the very best on the market.

customer at the heart of its operations. The TGI®-Spacer offers low Psi-values for the glass edge, significantly improving a windows U-Value, and can be processed on all standard bending machines. It can also be cut and corner keyed, should the manufacturer prefer this method.

the market today, but we recognise that a warm edge spacer needs to offer more than just energy efficiency. The ability to save the manufacturer time and money is equally important.

For more information on Guardians SunGuard range and their new SNX 60/28 please visit www.guardianglass.co.uk.

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Seeing the bigger picture

Andrew Jenner, product manager of warm edge spacer manufacturer, Technoform Glass Insulation, discusses the ‘bigger picture’ of energy efficiency

stays warm, and so almost eliminates the likelihood of condensation forming.

The thermal performance of a window, door or conservatory is determined by a wide variety of factors. These include the frame material, the number of chambers within the frame, the glass type, the number of glass panes, whether the unit is filled with air or gas, the type of gas, the seals, the quality of installation and much, much more.

Whilst warm edge spacers do influence the energy efficiency of a window, door or conservatory, it is important not to get too obsessed over such a small component. Bigger components such as the frame and glass have a greater impact on overall performance, rendering the small thermal differences between many of the leading spacers systems insignificant.

Warm edge spacers Another key factor is the spacer. Broadly speaking you have two types of spacer – aluminium and warm edge. Aluminium spacers are very practical, durable and easy to process, but they are not very energy efficient.

Aluminium is a conductor, allowing the cold from outside to be transferred through the spacer and in turn cool the warm air inside a property.

By contrast, warm edge spacers are incredibly energy efficient. They cancel out this ‘thermal bridge’, keeping the inner and outer panes of glass at different temperature and stopping any undesirable loss or gain of heat. This difference in temperature ensures that the pane of glass in contact with the warm air

The bigger picture

In Germany, where 7, 8 or 9 chambered window systems are commonplace, manufacturers do not choose warm edge spacers purely for their thermal performance, they choose the spacer that will be easiest to manufacture, will offer greater longevity and use the supplier that can offer the best overall service. As long as they are using a good quality warm edge spacer, German window companies know that their 7, 8 or 9 chambered system will enable them to meet the most stringent standards in energy efficiency.

A great ‘all-rounder’

The TGI®-Spacer is used by many of the leading German and French IGU manufacturers, thanks to its easy, costeffective processing, and has proved a big hit here in the UK too, with many big-name British companies switching to Technoform Glass Insulation in recent years.

The TGI®-Spacer is a great ‘all-round’ spacer supplied by a company that always puts the

Technoform Glass Insulation cannot claim to offer the most energy efficient spacer on

We also recognise that a warm edge supplier should ‘go the extra mile’ for its customers.

This is why you can only buy direct from Technoform Glass Insulation, not through distributors, meaning we can offer better service, hands on technical support and a one day turnaround if need be.

For more information please call 0121 506 9740 or visit www.glassinsulation.co.uk.

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SECURITY & HARDWARE

greenteQ Alpha Pull Handle for Inline Sliding Doors Hardware supplier VBH has added the Alpha Patio Pull Handle to its greenteQ range of suited door and window furniture.

VBH advise that inline sliding patio doors can now be suited with resi-doors and windows on a whole house installation as the new handle shares the same design traits of the other components of their greenteQ Suite, including the decorative greenteQ groove around the edge of the backplate.

The new handle is available in the six standard greenteQ finishes of white, black, PVD Gold, and Polished, Satin and Smokey Chromes. greenteQ Alpha Patio Pull Handle suits the popular Roto and Yale (Paddock) inline patio locks and is available with or without a cylinder hole. Blank outer plates are available.

SFS INTEC PROVIDES INSTALLER SUPPORT AT HANWELL LOCKS

More information can be downloaded from www.vbhgb.com or requested from 01634 263300.

SFS intec has supplied 900 window bracket systems – the JB-DK – for the £3 million Hanwell Locks construction, which comprises twelve private homes, all built to achieve Code 4 Sustainable Homes status.

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Made up of jamb and sill brackets and secured from the light steel frame inner wall leaf, the JB-DK bracket system was attached to the window unit at numerous vital support points. Set at a cantilever of 120mm, the system securely set the windows over the external insulation zone while accommodating the dead loads and imposed loads acting on the frames. By installing the windows over the insulation, the thermal efficiency is dramatically improved - a significant element in helping to achieve Code 4 Sustainable Homes.

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Tony McLaughlin, Company Director at Frames Direct Ltd, said: “We’ve noticed a real increase in the specification of external wall insulation and triple glazed windows, given their ability to substantially improve a building’s energy efficiency, but until now, we’ve not

had a bespoke engineered support system which can guarantee the security of the windows.

“Triple glazed units in particular, are much heavier than typical double glazed units, so the fact that the JB-DK can hold up to 132kg in weight is ideal. Especially given the timings of the new build, it meant that the windows would be installed and then left to hang there until the outer leaf brick layer was installed, so it was key that we could ensure their stability for that time.

As well as that, the JB-DK was easy to handle and install - I’d certainly use it again.”

With warrantees available for a variety of applications - from commercial through to longer residential requirements - the JBDK system passed IFT Rosenheim testing for static positive and negative pressure with + 2000 Pa, non permanent additional load up to 800 N on an open sash and also simulated use with 10,000 leaf/sash movements.

Jamie Lewis, Off Site and Facades Business Development Manager

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“Triple glazed units in particular, are much heavier than typical double glazed units, so the fact that the JBDK can hold up to 132kg in weight is ideal.” at SFS intec, said: “There are currently few suitable solutions available on the market to enable the fixing of windows over insulation zones, meaning that installers are often left to fix them in place using substandard methods. This naturally has concerning and potentially costly consequences, resulting in maintenance issues for years.

However, our JB-DK bracket system is enabling the trade to confidently fix the windows in place, without the risk of failure.”

Hanwell Locks residential living was built in two stages – first, six 3-bedroom houses were built and the second stage, more recently, consisted of six 4-bedroom houses.

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SECURITY & HARDWARE

SYNSEAL SIGN EXCLUSIVE HARDWARE PARTNERSHIP WITH CRYSTAL DIRECT Synseal has once again proved that systems suppliers should be relied on for more than just lengths of profile, by signing an exclusive hardware supply agreement with Crystal Direct.

While buying hardware from its profile supplier certainly saves on paperwork and unnecessary deliveries, Crystal has discovered numerous other benefits, as Tim explains.

“Primarily, this agreement is a further example of the close relationship we have with Synseal,” he said. “We have noticed a significant reduction in the number of call backs to jobs where the hardware has either failed, or not performed as expected.”

“To put a figure on it, customer service calls associated with hardware failures fell by 29.6% between January and May this year. With that said, not only has the quality improved, but the choice in terms of available colours has been embraced by our customers. The hardware sample case provided will enable us to demonstrate the quality and colour range to those that have not yet experienced it.”

Synseal’s hardware range brings together the very best residential handles, hinges,

TO COMPLEMENT VEKA LITERATURE Glazerite customers will now be able to show homeowners a clearer picture of their hardware choices with the launch of a dedicated brochure for them to use in conjunction with existing VEKA marketing material.

The Letchworth-based fabricator has been buying all of its hardware from Synseal since the end of 2012, a decision that was based on more than just convenience.

“Crystal Direct is one of the country’s premier fabricators,” says Tim Goldspink, Crystal’s Operations Director, “and we have achieved that status by developing strong relationships with our key specialist suppliers.”

GLAZERITE LAUNCHES HARDWARE BROCHURE

Director Jason Thompson explained: “The VEKA literature features generic installation pictures from a number of manufacturers and installers who all use different hardware from various sources.”

Synseal’s Hardware Category Manager Mark Frain hands over some demonstration cases to Tim Goldspink, Crystal’s Operations Director, to show installers the quality products available to them.

“Our bespoke hardware brochure shows the quality of the fittings used whilst also explaining in laymen’s terms the features and benefits to the homeowner. We have now

shootbolts and accessories from industry leaders, such as Yale and Mila, at the lowest possible prices.

Trade customers are able to show consumers details such as Glazerite’s choice of offset handle, as well as locking mechanisms, door handles and of course the choices of hardware colours.

The brochure also explains how the company offers a ten year guarantee on all of its hardware and how consumers can upgrade their security options and even gain the benefits of being covered by the Maco Secure Plus scheme.

Jason Thompson added, “Many homeowners may not think about the hardware very much when they’re choosing windows, doors or conservatories. Often they may not even realise that they have any options at all. But the market is changing, and why should a simple question such as, “What does the door hinge look like?” stop a sales person from closing the deal and making a sale?

This brochure adds clarity and credibility to the products as well as making the choosing process easier.

Customers can order any product online 24 hours a day, and with up to six weeks’ worth of every item in stock at any one time they needn’t worry about being caught short.

“Choosing the right hardware can be difficult,” admits Synseal’s hardware category manager Mark Frain. “From ensuring that all components meet the most stringent of standards, to checking that they work together effortlessly and carry the necessary guarantees can be both time consuming and frustrating. That is why we have invested in creating a range of hardware available ex-stock, tailored to our customers’ needs.

We aim to offer hardware components carefully chosen for their reliability, technical performance and value for money.”

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made it easier for homeowners to clearly see the options available all in one place, which in turn helps them make a more informed decision by using this brochure alongside the VEKA material.”

“The VEKA marketing material and the installation pictures are a great showcase for its products but we believe it will be far more complete as a selling tool with our hardware brochure used alongside it.” www.glazeritewindows.co.uk 0813-0105

VBH stocks Maco Automatic Lock Is a key really needed? VBH say ‘not with the Protect Z-TA lock range’.

Hardware supplier VBH has added the automatic locking Maco Z-TA multi-point door lock to its range of keyless door locking solutions.

Suitable for all Eurogroove doors, Z-TA features 3 locking latches, 2 hooks and a central deadbolt. When the door is closed all 3 latches pull the sash in against the frame, providing compression over the full door height.

A magnet in the latchplate then triggers the locking mechanism to engage the deadbolt and hooks. A single turn of the cylinder now renders the door fully secure, making Z-TA ideal for the elderly or infirm. If no lever is fixed to the outside, it is not necessary to turn the key to deadlock the door, although VBH point out that it will still be required to gain entry.

Z-TA can be fitted with an optional electronic motor that allows it to be used with the MACO openDoor range of access control readers. These enable access via car key or Maco blue transponder, credit card (chip or swipe), key pad, fingerprint scanner or mobile phone.

“When the door is closed all 3 latches pull the sash in against the frame, providing compression over the full door height.”

VBH marketing manager Gary Gleeson says ‘Part of our role as a hardware supplier is to offer our customers new innovations that they in turn can offer on their products as standard equipment or as an upgrade. Whether the innovation makes their product more ‘exclusive’ or, more tangibly, better in use, it differentiates them from their competitors, thus allowing them to sell on features rather than price.

‘Maco Z-TA scores well on both counts and impresses everyone we’ve shown it to.’

More on Maco Z-TA locks can be downloaded from www.vbhgb.com or requested from 01634 263300.

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GQA NEWSLETTER

AUGUST 2013

GQA Receives Certificate of Achievement for Health & Safety GQA’s move into the new offices at 12 O’clock Court coincided with our annual Health and Safety review, and to add further to the timeliness I had just completed my IOSH Managing Safely course.

had been dealt with externally.

Until the move into our new office we were in rented premises, so the wider aspects of Health and Safety other than our immediate work area were the responsibility of the building owners.

One of the reasons for taking the course was to give me a greater understanding of the processes involved with a full Health and Safety review of a business operation, as I had taken over this responsibility for GQA, where in previous years this responsibility

Working with Peninsula Business Services we carried out a full review of all aspects of Health and Safety, writing new risk assessments and updating policies, processes and procedures to ensure we stayed compliant with legislation and had

a safe working environment. The review saw us introduce a number of practices that as explained previously, had not been our responsibility, these included fire alarm testing and drills, checks on safety lighting etc. and a robust system to record information on visitors and sub-contractors coming on site.

It was very encouraging to receive information that GQA had been nominated for an award for its approach to Health and Safety and even better news when we

were received the Certificate of Achievement for commitment to workplace Health, Safety and Welfare. This is now proudly displayed in the GQA Office.

Unique Window Systems Vintage Windows 15 achieve Fabrication of Glass Supporting Structures Level 2 Unique Window Systems, based in Leicester, prides itself on their heavy investment into the latest technically advanced manufacturing of PVC-U windows and doors, together with the training and development of it’s employees.

Their facility in Leicester boasts an impressive array of fenestration machinery and a skilled workforce of 80 employees. Chetan Lakhani the Quality Manager at Unique Windows recognised the need to put their employees through the qualification process, and after a considerable amount of research, chose to do GQA Qualifications through GQA centre Dianne Smith Associates. Chetan said, “I was searching the web for ways to get the staff qualified and I came across Dianne Smith Associates offering GQA Qualifications, and with the tremendous help of Dianne, Unique Window Systems can now sell our products stating we have a qualified workforce,

which has made a huge difference”.

The 15 workers at Unique Window Systems have successfully completed their GQA Level 2 Certificate in Fabrication of Glass Supporting Structures in June 2013 under the guidance of Dianne Smith Associates.

Dianne Smith Associates based in Nottingham have been a GQA centre since 2004, they are a training provider who specialise in the Glazing industry. Chetan continues to say “The whole qualifications process with Dianne Smith was excellent, the guidance the staff received from Dianne Conroy was fantastic, in fact, I would go so far as to say, faultless. The qualifications are well written and easy to follow. I would like to thank both Dianne Smith and GQA for making the whole process an enjoyable one”.

Unique Window Systems are one the many companies who have benefited from GQA’s work based

qualifications. When asked “what are the future plans for the company with regards to qualifications” Chetan stated “I have personally gone through both level 2 and 3 qualifications with Dianne Smith and it is a consideration for staff that show potential in the future to progress onto level 3”.

Derbyshire based Company, Vintage Windows, is celebrating the achievement of three of its fabricators who have recently gained their Advanced Apprenticeships in the Fabrication of Glass Supporting Structures through the GQA Approved Centre, Mount Training Solutions of Wolverhampton.

Lance Robinson, Production Manager is pictured with Paul Hibbitt and Dean Hurrell receiving

their NVQ Certificates from GQA External Verifier, Tom Steele.

Lance commented that he and his team found that the programme had enhanced and confirmed their knowledge and competence in the workplace in line with business needs to ensure success. Lance also mentioned that as a result of this successful venture, three more of the team are now on track to complete their Advanced Apprenticeships by the end of 2014.

To find your nearest GQA Training Provider go to www.gqaqualifications. com/approvedcentres.

Candidates: Unique Window Systems – 15 Employees Training Provider: Dianne Smith Associates Qualification: GQA Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Fabrication of Glass Supporting Structures Date Certified: June 2013

Tel: 0114 2720033 | Fax: 0114 2768466 Web: www.gqaqualifications.com | Email: marketing@gqaqualifications.com GQA Qualifications Unit 1, 12 O'clock Court, Attercliffe Road, Sheffield S4 7WW

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TECH TALK

GUARANTEED TO BE

THE BEST? Buy virtually any consumer item from anywhere along the High Street and chances are you have a six month guarantee at best.

‘Fitness for purpose’

The Sale of Goods Act actually gives customers a one year guarantee if an item is faulty but, after six months you have to prove that the fault is not down to misuse by you, the buyer.

When we talk about ‘fitness for purpose’ we know, for example, that every new Mila branded window handle design has been tested way beyond the requirements of all the relevant industry standards.

I understand that there is actually an EU directive which came into the UK in 2002 which allows buyers to claim for faulty or misdescribed goods for two years from when they were bought but as far as I can see, this is not widely publicised or adhered to.

In fact, we ensure that all our window handles are cycle tested to a minimum of 25,000 cycles or the equivalent of opening and closing the window between 6 and 7 times a day for 10 years. Our best selling ProLinea espag handles has actually been successfully tested to 500,000 cycles under load which is the same as opening and closing a window more than 136 times a day for 10 years!

In reality, you would probably get a refund or a replacement for up to a year on a product if it was faulty or what is defined as not ‘fit for purpose’. So, if you bought a new kettle and it stopped boiling after a couple of months or you bought a TV and the picture failed , then you would be perfectly entitled to get a refund from the person who sold them to you.

But, if you want protection for longer, then you can be sure you will be encouraged by most retailers to buy an expensive extended warranty – complete with lots of exclusions.

How does this compare then with the relatively humble window and door hardware manufactured and sold by companies like Mila? We routinely offer 2 year labour guarantees and 10 year mechanical warranties on our own branded products, and either 5 or 10 years on our finishes depending on whether they are plated or powder coated.

So, if a customer were to contact us a year after they had purchased a window handle to say that it wasn’t operating, we would either send out our own engineer to repair or

Added to this, we know that when we guarantee the finish on our own hardware for 5 or 10 years that it has successfully withstood between 240 and 480 hours in our salt spray booth.

replace the handle or reimburse the company who fitted the handle to do the work on our behalf.

Even if that same handle stopped operating after 9 years and 11 months, we would still send out a replacement handle free of charge for them to fit themselves. Of course, that hardly ever happens!

At the same time, most of the fabricators and installers that Mila deals with offer their own 10, 15 or even 20 year guarantees on their products as well which I applaud, but the industry, and of course the consumer, almost takes them for granted.

It seems to me that at almost every level our industry offers a better deal to consumers than they can get virtually anywhere else and we should be proud of that and certainly be shouting about it a lot more.

We’ve all got used to being an easy target for so called consumer champions and certainly, I would be the first person to acknowledge

that this industry, like every other, has its fair share of rogues. But, when you look at what we actually offer to consumers as standard – then it stands the very highest levels of scrutiny.

Take this example. If you buy a £20,000 car, you might get a three, five or even seven year warranty, but you will be expected to pay for regular servicing to keep that warranty valid and of course there will be lots of repairs and replacements which are simply not covered.

Buy a £20,000 conservatory though and the chances are you will have a minimum 10 year guarantee which will cover everything from the handles to the cappings and in the vast majority of cases you will not be required to do even as much as apply a spray of lubricant to keep that guarantee valid.

From my specific Mila viewpoint, the reason why we can offer such solid guarantees and warranties is that we know our products are of the very highest standard.

This booth creates an environment designed to grade products from ‘no defined corrosion resistance’ (grade 0) to ‘exceptionally high corrosion resistance’ (grade 5). When you consider that the saline concentration in the spray booth is around 50g/l (5%) and sea water is only 35g/l (3.5%), then you can see that this is a really severe test.

Most significantly perhaps, all of our guarantees are offered free – think about it, that would not be commercially viable for a business of our size if we weren’t completely confident in the quality and durability of all our products.

Mila has always been committed to encouraging best practice across this industry and a key part of that comes from offering and of course honouring worthwhile guarantee schemes. This industry is already way ahead of the High Street on this – now we need to focus our efforts on promoting these strengths.

By Strafford Cooke, Technical Manager, Mila.

Tel: 01327 312400 www.mila.co.uk

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CE MARKING

CENSolutions aids Tradelink offers simple CE Marking CE Advice to all of fire resistant IGUs & panic devices July 1st has come and gone all too quickly, and yet confusion still remains from many quarters about CE Marking and what needs to be done. For all the companies that have been ready for some time, there are still questions about some of the practicalities of compliance, for example, how CE Marking is policed, how products will be labelled etc.

CENSolutions, the leading consultancy and test facility for the window, door and glazing industries, is pleased to announce that, due to its strong relationships with TUV Rheinland and ER Certification Ltd, it can offer the testing, certification service and the consultancy related to the required Level 1 Attestation for fire resistant IGUs and Panic Devices on Emergency Exit doors in line with the Construction Product Regulation’s compulsory CE Marking.

With the recent announcement by Trading Standards that there is to be no grace period, and that those found not to comply could be fined £5,000 or even incur a custodial sentence, it is vital that any remaining confusion or concerns be addressed, and with due haste.

July is already upon us, and in order to ensure their fire resistant IGUs and panic hardware comply, manufacturers need to supply a publicly available Declaration of Performance which demonstrates that they conform to all the mandatory requirements under EN1279 (fire resistant IGUs); EN179 and EN1125 (panic devices) to Level 1 Attestation. Thanks to CENSolutions, they will be able to do this with relative ease.

We are here to help you make sure that your products comply, and we are delighted to announce that these products can also include fire resistant IGUs and panic devices. We can talk you through any concerns or questions you may have and we have also made available a series of guides, including information on EN1279 for IGUs, which you can access by visiting our website.”

Once there is an effective Factory Production Control procedure in place, fabricators and IGU manufacturers can simply cascade all the relevant test information and works instructions down to CENSolutions from their supplier partners, along with their written permission.

The consultancy then organises the contract to be signed and sent between the manufacturer and TUV to show intent to proceed, before ERC Certification Ltd carries out an audit on behalf of TUV. Upon passing this audit, the test certificate is awarded by TUV.

The audit must take place annually, and CENSolutions can assist you at every step of the way to ensure ongoing compliance, as Mike Gaillard, Joint Managing Director explains: “As most people know, we have long been promoting the upcoming compulsory CE Marking and the effect it will have on the UK glazing industry. It is worrying that even now there is still some confusion about people’s responsibilities, particularly when you consider the potential consequences associated with noncompliance of a fire resistant IGUs or panic devices.”

“We are here to help you make sure that your products comply, and we are delighted to announce that these products can also include fire resistant IGUs and panic devices.

We can talk you through any concerns or questions you may have and we have also made available a series of guides, including information on EN1279 for IGUs, which you can access by visiting our website.”

Tradelink, the trade fabricator with 20 years’ experience of understanding installers’ needs has long advised that by far the easiest way to go about ensuring compliance is to purchase frames fully glazed from a trusted fabricator partner who can take on all the hard work. The company has been fully ready for CE Marking for some time now and is passing this onto its installer customers.

those who will want to shop around for their glass and frames. To that end, it has available a Guide to CE Marking which provides enough information to learn to CE Mark within the hour!

The guide 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 by everybody regardless of how you purchase your frames and glass.

Managing Director, Jim Moody comments: “We’re already reached July 1st, and yet there are still questions surrounding compliance.

It is now or never for these queries to be addressed and, as well as the potential penalties enforced, by not complying, your business

could be hugely affected.

For those still worrying, we strongly advise that you speak to your fabricator partner and look to purchase fully glazed. If this is not an option for you, we’d be glad to hear from you about any questions you may have.”

“Our Guide to CE Marking contains everything you need to learn how to CE Mark within the hour and it is available to everybody who may need it. We have also set up a dedicated email address for CE Marking queries: cemark@tradelinkdirect. co.uk - where we aim to get the best written advice back to you within 24 hours.

Whatever your solution, you need to take action now.”

If you’d like to order a copy of the guide, visit www. tradelinkdirect.co.uk, e-mail: cemarking@tradelinkdirect. co.uk or call 01354 657650.

Equally, however, Tradelink understands that choice is an essential part of conducting business, and there are 0813-0110

For more information, call us today on 01785 716625 or visit www.censolutions.com.

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COLOUR

The Future’s bright, the future’s...

any colour you want it to be!

John Wood of Colourcode tells us that far from being damaging to his business, the greater flexibility towards colour being shown by the PVCu extrusion companies has been a real boost to the ‘painted’ option for colouring frames…

times or ‘minimum runs’, and of course that they will be able to order exact colour matched ancillaries to complete the job.”

The option for a smooth finish is extremely popular in today’s market…

“Using a painted option we are also able to be extremely versatile in the range of products we can offer the market. As well as a limitless range of RAL colours, we can also offer a

“You could be excused for thinking that the vast array of colours which extrusion companies are now offering their fabricators would be damaging to our tried and tested business of painting PVCu windows. In fact, the reality couldn’t be more different.

What it has done is to create a greater awareness of the range of colours that are available in the market place and a greater desire for people to use colour as a USP as a part of the selling process when trying to win more work.”

“This is great for a business such as ours, because by using the painted option customers can truly get a limitless range of colours to choose from. Fabricators and installers know that they can offer their customers exactly what they want, and that their choice will be cost effective. They also know from the outset that their orders will not be subject to variable lead

“This is great for a business such as ours, because by using the painted option customers can truly get a limitless range of colours to choose from.” wide variety of finishes - the option of a smooth finish is as readily available as a grained finish, and a gloss finish is as easy to do as a matt finish.”

“If you wanted a pearlescent finish, we could do that too!

In todays’ market, the smooth finish option is becoming increasingly popular. The fact is, that painted products offer the greatest flexibility in the market, and overall remain significantly more cost effective than the foiled alternative when you look at the whole cost”.

A one stop shop for everything from your windows and doors, to your slotvents and drain caps…

“Of course one of Colourcode’s biggest advantages is that we are a one stop shop for everything that our customers require.

As well as windows and doors we can paint the full range of ancillary items, from drain caps and slotvents all the way up to fascias and soffits and everything in between. For people who want fascias and soffits the service levels are even greater; as a stockist we simply draw the product down from our own stock, paint it and supply. It couldn’t be simpler.”

“It is this complete service offering which helps us to remain such a popular choice for the growing number of fabricators and installers wanting to offer products to the rapidly growing coloured window market”.

Versatility and flexibility are the key words. Colourcode is able to paint a single window as easily as helping you fulfil commercial contract requirements. They offer a complete range of colour options across all product types and can paint PVCu, Aluminium, and Glass.

“In fact, the reality couldn’t be more different. What it has done is to create a greater awareness of the range of colours that are available in the market place and a greater desire for people to use colour as a USP as a part of the selling process when trying to win more work.”

Visit www.colourcode.net or contact John on 0800 678 5515.

The future is indeed bright…

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COLOUR

ICENI WINDOWS HELPS TRADE CUSTOMERS

WIN BUSINESS IN COLOUR

Direct Glazing in Ascot is using the product range and customer service from Essex based Iceni Windows to help it win new business towards the top end of the market where activity remains relatively buoyant.

Direct Glazing is successfully using Iceni’s foiled windows in the REHAU TOTAL70 system to target customers replacing timber in upmarket properties across Berkshire and Surrey. Recent

installations show foiled windows in Golden Oak and black on white finish successfully replicating stained timber windows to provide the homeowners with energy efficient, low maintenance alternatives which preserve the essential character of their homes.

team couldn’t be more helpful and this helps us to deliver a prompt and efficient service to our customers and, most importantly, the product quality and superior window specification gives us the edge when targeting discerning buyers.”

Karl Davy, a director at Direct Glazing, said: “We’ve been a customer of Iceni for 5 or 6 years and we’ve always felt valued and important to them. Their service is excellent with quotes provided in just a few hours and sample windows available as we need them, as well as fast and efficient delivery. The Iceni

As standard, Iceni’s windows in the sculptured REHAU TOTAL70S and chamfered REHAU TOTAL70C profiles are supplied WER A rated. They are fitted with high quality Fab & Fix hardware and high security sash bolts and customers can choose double or triple glazed white frames for delivery in just eight working days. The windows are available in all of REHAU’s woodgrain and foiled finishes and in a choice of 150 RAL colours if required.

Direct Glazing has been established since 1985 and supplies retail customers and small building firms throughout Berkshire and Surrey. Iceni Windows, based in Witham, Essex has just celebrated its 10th anniversary and has been fabricating in REHAU since it was founded.

One of the key differentiators for this vibrant, dynamic company is the commitment of the directors Paul Foyle, Tony O’Mullane and Tina Beal who all proactively support customers with technical advice, commercial input and adopt a ‘can do’ approach.

Iceni’s Sales Director Tina Beal says: “We want customers like Direct Glazing to feel special and that Iceni is helping and supporting them. It sounds like a cliché but we really are prepared to go the extra mile for our customers.”

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ADDING APPEALING COLOUR TO ORANGERIES Few homeowners would choose orange as the colour of their new orangery, says Mark Schlotel, Synseal’s Head of Marketing. But there are plenty of other colours to offer your customers…

The conservatory market has moved on from the little white boxes on the back of houses, something that, arguably, led to the slow down in the market for what was once one of the most desirable must-haves for homeowners.

Now, with the advent of stunning new designs and innovations that have raised the perceived and actual value of conservatories sales are reviving and crucially, the average spend has increased substantially.

Homeowners are prepared to spend more to make their conservatories look and perform better, something that has to be good for the whole market.

A crucial element in the revival of conservatories has been the orangery, a design that Synseal, together with its sister brand K2, has played a key part in popularising: “Synseal has been right behind its fabricators, and their customers when it comes to broadening the appeal of conservatories,” explained Mark. “So when orangeries proved to be a popular costeffective method of extending the home - in

the same way standard conservatories were we provided our fabricators with the products and services to take advantage of them.”

Orangeries form part of the platform of high-end products that are gaining popularity as homeowners at last appear to be enjoying greater confidence and are prepared to once again improve their homes.

Homeowners are seduced by the classic look that an orangery offers. It stands proudly like an extension, but brings in an abundance of light, and gives the impression of being outside the home, while not being isolated.

The solid wall and flat roof element also make orangeries easier to retain warmth – a plus point in our increasingly energy conscious society.

Therefore, orangeries – along with other higher value products such as bi-fold doors and coloured profile – are generating intense interest from consumers. “These are all areas in which Synseal excels,” says Mark. “We are aware that the market shifts, therefore we add to our product offering accordingly – bringing in the relevant expertise where it is needed.”

The introduction of colour to orangeries in particular marks a fundamental change in homeowners’ attitudes to colour.

Whereas more than 85% of conventional conservatories used to be white, colour is increasingly used by the homeowner to blend an orangery in to the host property. The range of colours available with the Global Summer orangery is exactly the same as Synseal’s market-leading Global conservatory roof. In fact Synseal offers most available colours on the same turnaround time as white profile, so customers can access non-standard finishes such as golden oak, cherrywood, mahogany and anthracite grey without undue delay.

Coloured profiles are a major area of growth for the PVC-U window industry.

Many installers of Synseal-made windows have used the Artisan-foiled profile to help them win business and enter markets that were previously closed to them, such as commercial applications.

By offering this flexibility to the orangery market, Synseal is keeping its fabricators one step ahead of the market. One example of this commitment is the fact that the company stocks the more popular Artisan foiled profiles so orders are turned around quicker.

Optional decorative features such as GRP orangery pilasters deliver added value and these specialist design elements are available in a limited range of painted colours to match

the most popular conservatory roof finishes: white, blu white, cream and chartwell green.

“Colour has proved to be extremely popular with those fabricators and installers who have been using it,” Mark says. “Therefore, if we want to continue to grow this side of the business, then we have to provide it in a timescale similar to white. Colour has delivered on its promise to give fabricators and installers an edge, and we are now delivering this to the orangery sector. As a result, this should continue to help revitalise the conservatory market.”

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COLOUR

IS GREY THE

NEW WHITE? Perfect package We’ve recently developed a package to help our customers maximise the potential of the growing bi-fold doors market and to give them access to the best quality, service, support and price on every bi-fold door they buy from us.

The package promises a fast 10 day delivery from receipt of order to next delivery day on doors in our popular ‘off the shelf ’ stock colours. It also provides access to showroom support and display models of the bi-fold doors. And to help our customers even more, we are also offering some superb special rates on both glazed and unglazed bi-folds.

With a glorious few weeks of summer weather and a Royal baby getting everyone in the party spirit, the bi-fold door market is positively booming. Glass News talks to Andy Thomas, Customade’s sales and marketing director, about the rise of the bifold and trends in colours.

At Customade, we have seen a growth of 50 per cent in our aluminium products and one of the main reasons for that rise is the bi-fold door. Fuelled by a wealth of home improvement TV programmes and glossy magazines, the demand for bi-fold doors has soared in recent years.

And it’s easy to see why UK homeowners can’t get enough of them. Providing a large glass area, the bi-fold allows maximum light to flood in without obstruction, whilst seamlessly integrating the outside and inside.

Homeowners are more design-conscious than ever before; they want products that perform well without compromising on style. This has led to record bi-fold door sales for the Visofold 1000 internally beaded 70mm system from Smart Architectural Aluminium and a marked shift towards stronger monochrome shades, like black and grey.

black and anthracite grey are the most popular colours at the moment, because they complement modern and traditional properties equally well and suit most styles of interior and exterior décor.

Demand is huge for our stock colours - Gloss White (RAL 9010), Matt Anthracite Grey (RAL 7016) and Matt Black (RAL 9005) - and these are literally flying off the shelves!

For added choice however, we can produce our bi-fold doors in more than 200 RAL colours. The versatility of powder-coated aluminium means that homeowners can now easily create a totally bespoke coloured door that makes a real style statement on their property.

Customade was established in 1979 and offers a comprehensive range of bi-folding aluminium doors and commercial products, including the Visofold 1000 door and Visoglide patio door. 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 on Customade’s range of bi-folds doors, please contact Customade on 0800 0094 203 or visit www.customade.co.uk.

We are able to supply our bi-fold doors in dual colour options to match or contrast with the exterior fixtures and internal décor of a property. Door handles are available in any RAL colour to match or contrast with the door.

And to add more choice in colour, we also have an exciting collection of integral blinds. The blinds are available in a wide range of colours, including three choices of silver, cream, white and a number of pastel shades. They can be either manually or electrically operated. For added peace of mind, we also offer a comprehensive 25 year guarantee on paint, 20 years on glazing and 10 years on installation.

Complementary colour The desire for alternatives to standard matt white has really grown in recent months as homeowners have become more aware of the choices and finishes available to them. White, 0813-0115

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COLOUR

A DOOR OF MANY COLOURS Gareth Mobley is the managing director of Solidor, the UK’s fastest growing composite door manufacturer. They now boast an incredible 17 finishes inside and out…

Our brand is now clearly driven by the consumer and by that we include both our new website, product development programme and Recommended Installer initiative. We’re even taking our 2nd generation composite doors to Grand Designs Live at the NEC from the 4-6 October.

When it comes to the number of colour and wood grain finishes we have led the composite door market for some time.

Our finishes are a window grade PVCu laminate and that means it’s a perfect match to a foiled PVCu door frame and the reassurance that’s it’s going to last for a very long time as our exhaustive testing programme has shown. It also means that we’re able to offer a 10 year warranty on all of our doors.

Our woodgrain finishes for example extended beyond the typical Rosewood, Golden Oak and Mahogany options to the popular Irish Oak and even new luxurious Mocha finishes.

Colours are also extremely popular and we’ve experienced an increased demand for Chartwell Green and more recently launched Duck Egg Blue, French Grey and Rich Aubergine over the last 15 months.

Consumers have a wealth of door colours and woodgrains to choose from and there is no restriction on inside or outside colours. Similarly, outer frame options extend to 18 and there’s a choice of either a chamfered Kömmerling C70 or ovolo O70 Gold door frame. Given that both the door frames and

composite door slabs are a laminated and through colour finish from Solidor, there’s the re-assurance that together they will perfectly match, unlike some painted, stained and embossed offerings in the market.

It’s important for us to be able to offer perfectly matching doors for the door frames and there’s the re-assurance that the foils that we use on our products have been tested for many years across Europe. Our experience and that of our installers suggests that painting is not an ideal finish for a door that has

to withstand the harshest conditions of the UK and it often results in a door that weathers at a different rate to the frame.

Colour and finish is also at the very heart of our very latest Door Designer App for iPhone, with one for the iPad soon to follow through Apple’s App Store. Consumers also visiting our website can also create a bespoke door through the online Door Builder. Ultimately, colour and finish is at the very heart of what we can offer the most discerning homeowner.

Tel: 01782 847300

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PRODUCT NEWS

Advanced foam tape technology seals it for offsite construction The flagship Green Deal is one way the Government hopes to drive down the impact that carbon emissions are having on all areas of the construction sector. Another is to encourage those within the supply chain to work more closely through the adoption of more offsite modular manufacturing and construction.

Peter Thompson, general manager UK - ISOChemie, looks at the issue and the role of the latest generation of high performance foam sealing tapes, and others including airtight and vapour control tapes, play in facilitating faster installations.

According to Building Cost Information Service research on behalf of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, only 63% of site-based construction projects are delivered on time and only 49% are delivered to budget; so it’s clear that offsite modular construction, with faster lead times and cost savings, represents a step change in how buildings are being designed and built in the UK. Indeed, insistence on selecting optimal build solutions at the front end of all projects is already becoming a part of the preconstruction strategy for contractors in the construction and building sector, marking what could be seen as an evolutionary change to what the construction industry accepts as the norm and improving efficiencies, driving out waste and most importantly adding long term value for customers and end-users.

Offsite construction involves projects utilising products and systems delivered to site already pre-assembled and tested with guaranteed quality built-in and installation times reduced.

The approach also allows contractors to carry out smart engineering and co-ordination at the front end of a project, avoiding the problems often associated with putting fitted together systems on a construction site, leaving behind a legacy of a quality installation that can be easily maintained throughout its whole life cycle.

Companies like ISO-Chemie, which provides foam and other tapes solutions for the high performance sealing of windows, doors, construction joint gaps and facades, are actively working with other building

regulation, the tape installation itself gives less than 0.01 m³ air loss when tested at 1,000 Pascals air pressure difference. All three levels are designed to accommodate movement between the adjacent materials.

products suppliers to develop integrated solutions which meet the demands of offsite construction and deliver even more added value to the supply chain. One such is supplier is Smartroof, a roofing specialist making considerable strides among contractors with its patented and innovative panel system which slots together and spans from gable end to gable end.

Now installed at Hayesfield Girls’ School, ISO-BLOCO One ensures the building is better protected from elemental factors like wind, dust and moisture ingress by accommodating the changes in structural movement caused by environmental, cyclical and settlement factors.

Smartroof is a complete panelised roof system, from ‘wallplate level up’ for constructing 100% habitable room-in-theroof space and providing advantages in terms of faster installation times when compared to traditional roof construction techniques particularly for new build town houses.

The system is factory insulated to the client’s specification and ISO-Chemie’s foam sealants are used to under seal the party wall panels and the block work wall to provide an effective airtight, acoustic and thermal seal while accommodating potential differential movement between the two surfaces before shipping to site and final installation.

Smartroof director David Himmons, said the foam tapes featuring in his projects are an integral feature of the company’s offsite construction activities, specified because of high performance and reliable performance while offering a very cost effective solution when compared to alternative solutions.

Another innovator in offsite construction is Modcell whose straw-filled, cassette-style prefabricated system is gaining in popularity.

The system utilises the excellent thermal insulation qualities of straw bale and hemp construction to form prefabricated panels which can allow super-insulated, highperformance, low energy ‘passive’ buildings to be constructed using renewable, locally sourced, carbon sequestering materials, ensuring that buildings can be constructed to meet the demanding PassivHaus specification, with resultant almost zero heat requirements, saving money and CO2 emissions.

Modcell has been involved with ISO-Chemie on a number of projects featuring foam tapes to provide high performance airtight, acoustic and thermal interior and exterior seals between the ModCell straw-filled, cassettestyle prefabricated panels that are used during offsite construction.

These include the new two storey 1,200 sq m Nucleus building teaching block at the Hayesfield Girls’ School which incorporates a layout of labs and classrooms arranged around a super lab and double-height learning resource centre to allow the school to extend its provision of science teaching.

Finlay White, business development director at Bristol-based ModCell, says that sustainable systems like the one his company offers are increasingly being specified as low cost, practical and eco-friendly offsite construction solutions for ground breaking projects like the one at the Hayesfield Girls’ School; so working with a partner like ISO-Chemie, whose products meet the requirements for an easy-to-install, cost effective and very reliable all round sealing solution, is not only welcome but highly beneficial.

Peter Thompson.

Fit and forget solutions Sustainability was a key driver of the project, which demonstrates the benefits of the straw bale cladding system to eliminate the need for a separate structural frame and increase the speed of on-site build through off-site prefabrication methods.

ModCell panels have been used to build the super-insulated structure to the highest ecological standards using thermally efficient, 48cm thick, prefabricated straw bale wall panels, with ISO-BLOCO One and ISOBLOCO 600 tapes filling the 10mm expansion joints between panels and around windows and doors. This is significantly helping to achieve an excellent target of <2.0 m³/hour/ m² measured at 50 Pascals air tight seal for the complete building – a good standard for the construction industry is anything between 3 – 5 m³/hour/m².

ISO-BLOCO One offers a single product ‘fit and forget’ solution for fast and effective sealing based around the European RAL principles of three level sealing - the inside seal area is more airtight than the external one, allowing any trapped moisture inside the joint, or within the wall, to escape outwards rather than into the building. The external seal area provides weather resistance and breathability with a minimum resistance of 1000 Pascals (hurricane forces), while the intermediate seal area provides extra thermal and acoustic properties, with a U-value between 0.55 and 0.8 subject to tape size, and the internal one air tightness and humidity

Significant strides have also been made in reducing on-site window and door system installation times through the introduction of offsite construction techniques. Here, one company leading the way is Sidey with its KitFix® System which adds value to timber frames and structural insulated panel systems (SIPS) while delivering significant benefits to contractors and, ultimately, customers looking for savings in the supply chain.

Unique KitFix® System enables fully glazed, fully finished windows and doors to be installed into timber frame and SIPS panels as part of the offsite production cycle while having little impact on stacking, transportation and erection of the finished panels. ISOChemie’s ISO-CONNECT Vario SD humidity regulating foil is used by Sidey in its system to provide rapid and effective year round high performance weather and air tightness sealing of the window and door frame connecting joints, facilitating faster site build.

In addition to the ‘intelligent’ humidity control, the foil comes from a new generation

“Working with a partner like ISO-Chemie, whose products meet the requirements for an easy-to-install, cost effective and very reliable all round sealing solution, is not only welcome but highly beneficial.”

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PRODUCT NEWS “The approach also allows contractors to carry out smart engineering and co-ordination at the front end of a project, avoiding the problems often associated with putting fitted together systems on a construction site, leaving behind a legacy of a quality installation that can be easily maintained throughout its whole life cycle.” of window sealing products which not only adapt to seasonal variations but also provide an excellent external weather seal that surpasses the current, and proposed, UK Building Regulations for air tightness in domestic and commercial buildings when used as an internal seal - ISO-CONNECT Vario SD is flexible enough to adapt to external and internal temperature changes which occur within the final buildings and structures, ensuring that joints remain dry and eliminating any costly damage caused by condensation build-up.

Products like ISO-CONNECT Vario SD, ISO-BLOCO One, alongside ISO-Chemie’s ISO-Connect HB-Band sealing strip, which provides improved moisture resistance, together with air tightness and thermal insulation for timber-framed buildings, are undoubtedly aiding product suppliers in the drive towards more sustainable, faster offsite construction. But equally important, with the careful management of all manufacturing logistics and sequencing, they are also helping to reduce potential waste, risk and cost in the supply chain without compromising product quality – indeed, in the majority of installations improving it.

As buildings, regulations and environmental targets have changed, so have the way sealing and joint solutions are designed, manufactured and installed, and companies like ISO-Chemie have risen to challenge of changing times with innovative, versatile and high performance products which genuinely meet and exceed the requirements of all those involved in the offsite supply chain, from the product manufacturer to the final end-user.

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 company’s UK technical and distribution 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). More at www.iso-chemie.co.uk.

FREEFOAM RIGHT ROOFLINE

CHOICE FOR SKYLINE

Skyline Roofing Centres, Freefoam stockists from London and the South East, have recorded a 25% increase in year on year sales of fascia, soffit and rainwater products.

Skyline introduced the Freefoam range to all 9 branches 18 months ago. With a steady increase in stock levels across the company these sales figures reflect the high confidence shown by Skyline and their customers in the range. Skyline’s branches have a wide geographic coverage across London and the South East up into Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire offers exposure of the Freefoam brand to a high footfall of potential customers.

Wesley Revell, Purchasing Manager, explained “We changed our main roofline supplier

to Freefoam last year and had a phased introduction of the range to each branch.

Simon Parrott, Freefoam’s Area Sales Manager worked closely with us during this period to make sure everything went smoothly and we’ve been pleased with how easily the new range has slotted in alongside our existing products. Customers have bought into the benefits of Freefoam including the lifetime guarantee and we’ve seen an increase in the number of Freefoam Registered Installers.”

Freefoam Building Products is the fastest growing roofline manufacturer in the UK offering a complete roofline solution including fascia, soffit, window boards, external and internal cladding, and rainwater systems.

Colin St John, UK Managing Director commented “This sales increase is impressive and a good example of how we work with customers to develop new relationships forming a strong foundation for mutual benefit and long term growth.”

Tel: 01604 591110 – www.freefoam.com

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TECHNICAL SUPPORT

for the UK’s leading conservatory roof As a major supplier to the window and conservatory industry, Synseal Extrusions takes its responsibilities seriously and ensures that its customers have all the support they need to specify, build, and install its products.

To this end, Synseal has published a detailed technical brochure for its market leading Global conservatory roof that will sit alongside the similar brochures in its recently launched technical folder, which is designed specifically for commercial specifiers and housebuilders.

“For the last two years Synseal has pushed beyond the boundaries of PVC-U extruder, and become an indispensable supplier and business partner to a growing customer base,” says Mark Schlotel, Synseal’s Head of Marketing. “As part of that relationship we have published a folder containing detailed information on all of our products so that they can be accessed easily, and used as a specification and project design tool.”

The new ring-bound technical folder contains comprehensive yet concise information on every one of Synseal’s product ranges - which is provided by individual technical brochures - so the folder’s contents can be tailored to meet specific customer requirements.

Explaining why it’s the most popular roof in the UK today, the Global conservatory roof technical brochure is crammed with factual information. It begins by explaining how façade-testing specialists Wintech Engineering proved that a standard Georgian conservatory with a Global roof could withstand the most extreme weather conditions.

For example, the Global roof can handle snow loads of 120kg per square metre (the equivalent of 1.3m of snow), which meets BBA requirements. Further testing found that the conservatory could withstand more than twice this limit. Tests also prove that the conservatory could withstand wind speeds

of up to 160 miles per hour, which is the equivalent of a Force 17 hurricane.

The brochure then goes through some of the compelling design features, such as the singlebolt fitting system, aluminium top caps, high strength rafters, insulated box gutters, and the choice of three alternative ridge details.

“Global conservatory roof is more than the sum of its parts,” Schlotel explains. “This technical brochure brings all these elements together in an easy-to-read format, along with available high performance roof glass options and footprint design styles.”

In closing, he adds, “This technical brochure will help our customers to present Synseal products in a professional and appropriate manner, while allowing them to specify our products in the context of the whole design and build.”

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COMMENT PIECE

The Good

National Mood

I have been accused in the past of being a tad negative. Most are probably right. Though it has been my disposition to point out the wrongs of the industry and the world. However, I am also one that likes to prove people wrong so this post is going to be about everything positive!

Over the past 12 months this country has had a lot to celebrate A huge and successful Olympics which united the country behind Team GB. Bradley Wiggins and now Chris Froome have won back to back Tour de France titles.

Andy Murray finally won Wimbledon, ending a very long wait for a British male champion.

The British and Irish Lions won a great tour down under. England are very much on top in the Ashes.

The Royal family have never been so popular, especially with a new addition to the fold. And hell, we’ve actually had a few decent weeks of a British summer!

It is fair to say that our country has had a lot to celebrate and be happy about in recent times. And it’s about time!

We are often a nation of moaners and complainers. But let’s be honest, things are very much up for us right now. Even the economy is showing signs of life, with the last two quarters displaying some early optimism for the future.

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“Everyone thought that we had finally turned the corner last year, until FENSA came out with some truly depressing figures which confirmed that our industry certainly had not come out of the other side just yet. But this recovery does feel different.”

All this really has translated into a very good national mood. And whenever there is a good national mood, spending goes up. All the sounds and signals coming out of the industry right now seem to be very positive.

Many suppliers and manufacturers are reporting good numbers.

Installers report good sales, which is the key figure, not leads. And the general feeling from the consumer is that the worst is probably now over and they can get back to living their lives a little more normally, with the purse strings not so tight.

I do hope that this is a more sustained recovery than the last six months of 2012.

Everyone thought that we had finally turned the corner last year, until FENSA came out with some truly depressing figures which confirmed that our industry certainly had not come out of the other side just yet. But this recovery does feel different. It feels more solid, strong, positive and robust.

It’s backed up by better economic data and looks nothing like a flash in the pan.

said that I am a negative sod from the North that only talks about the crap stuff!

On a side note, the July Cool Wall winner on the National Fenestration Awards was announced at the start of August, with Park Farm Design being crowned as champion for July, with this stunning installation.

Like always, the standard of work being submitted continues to be high. But I don’t think anyone can argue that this really is a worthy winner.

The July competition is now closed, but the August Cool Wall is now up and live ready to show off some of the best work our industry is doing right now. Go to the NFA website to find out how to take part.

Next month, I’m going after the “typical” double glazing people ;-)

So there we go ladies and gents, positive, from DGB! Let it never be

August 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

“The British and Irish Lions won a great tour down under. England are very much on top in the Ashes.

The Royal family have never been so popular, especially with a new addition to the fold. And hell, we’ve actually had a few decent weeks of a British summer!”

Email: info@doubleglazingblogger.com www.doubleglazingblogger.com Follow Double Glazing Blogger on Twitter: @glazingblogger

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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FABRICATOR FOCUS

Your tool kit

for success We realised we could make selling conservatories much easier and more profitable for our customers. Last year we introduced Crystal Complete Conservatories and the feedback has been brilliant. Installers get everything they need from Crystal – easy conservatories are just a call and an order away!

Making life easier for our customers Whether it’s offering the best selection of products or all-in-one conservatories, Crystal tries to make life as easy as possible for customers. We recently invested in new machinery to give consistently high quality products at competitive prices, in the shortest possible lead times. Our dedicated customer services teams are set up to turn around quotes and enquiries within 24 hours and our online ordering system lets customers check the progress of orders at any time. All Crystal vehicles are GPS tracked so you know exactly when your delivery will arrive!

Crystal Chairman Martin Randall says installers need a good choice of products and a good service from their fabricators to prosper.

We might only be just coming out of recession but some window companies are booming.

What’s their secret? Great products?

Brilliant customer service? I’d say it’s both.

I started Crystal over 20 years ago because as an installer, I was frustrated by the bad service and limited choice of products I was getting from suppliers. My aim was to give installers everything they needed to do well.

The best product range Markets evolve and tastes change: today white casement windows aren’t always the homeowner’s first choice. In fact, one out of five homeowners choose colour. That’s why we offer profile in 15 colour and woodgrain effects. Crystal is constantly adding new products so our customers can capitalise on emerging trends. Our range includes A and C energy rated windows, vertical sliders, composite doors, bi-fold doors and conservatory roofs. Our end milled and fully

CE Marking is another potential headache for installers. There’s lots of confusion about this new legislation but if you’re an installer buying frames and sealed units from different suppliers, CE Marking is your responsibility.

It’s not optional: companies found to be non-compliant can face up to a £5,000 fine or three months in prison. Bu if you buy ready-

glazed windows and doors from Crystal you’re automatically CE Marking compliant.

We worked hard before the 1st July deadline to ensure all our products are compliant, removing one less headache for installers.

If your sales are suffering, contact Crystal Direct today for all the tools you need to sell. Call 01462 489 900 or visit www.crystal-direct.co.uk.

glazed Astragal Georgian bar windows give a neat, high-end finish and they’re a great choice for period homes. We’ve worked hard to become the No. 1 trade fabricator for choice and colour.

Complete conservatories take away hassle There’s been a revival in the conservatory market recently and it’s easy to see why – there is pressure on housing and living space and conservatories are cheaper than traditional extensions. With the right glazing, they offer all-year-round living space. But they’re often a hassle for window companies.

Normally installers go to one place for the windows, another for the roof and possibly even a third supplier for the glazing. This makes more work, squeezes profit margins and increases the chance of error – and there’s always the worry that the components won’t turn up at the same time.

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

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

ABERCARN ROOFLINE

MERTHYR TYDFIL

TAMWORTH

BOGNOR

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

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

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

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

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

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Branch Manager: Eugene Miller

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Branch Manager: Glenn Collins

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ABERCARN FRAMES

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

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

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

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

Branch Manager: Martin Rogers

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Branch Manager: Jason Bishop

NEWPORT

PYLE

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

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

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

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

Branch Manager: Andrew Parnell

SHEFFIELD

Branch Manager: Darryl Race

STAFFORD

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

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WESTON SUPER MARE

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

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

SWANSEA

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

Branch Manager: Claire Boden

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

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

POOLE

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

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

Branch Manager: Heather Bell

Branch Manager: Jim Baitup

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

CORBY

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

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

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

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

Branch Manager: Ask for general manager

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

SUNDERLAND

NATIONAL ROOFING

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

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

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

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

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

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

Branch Manager: Nick Meek

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

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

PORTSMOUTH

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

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

Branch Manager: Jaz Mand

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

CARDIFF

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

WOLVERHAMPTON

Branch Manager: Neil Baldwin

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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

CHELTENHAM – NEW BRANCH

T: 01242 269674 | F: 01242 256350 E: cheltenham@nationalplastics.co.uk Branch Manager: Graham Voyle

www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE COUNTER PARTNERSHIP 0813-0125

NATIONAL PLASTICS STOCK: Window frames

COLUMNS

Door frames

INTERIOR DOORS

Conservatory roofs

WALL & CEILING PANELS

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

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

UPVC Maintenance stock: Door Hardware Window Hardware Patio Door Hardware Secuirty Items Consumables/ Gaskets Tools Lots of Brand Items In Stock

GARDEN PRODUCTS RUBBERLOK SAFETY TILES PVC SKIRTING BOARDS

SOIL,WASTE & PLUMBING DRY VERGE SYSTEMS DOOR CANOPIES &

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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

GROWTH IN ECONOMY

FUELS UPSWING IN PROFESSIONAL JOBS MARKET The recent GDP figures - which have shown rises of 0.3% and just last week 0.6% - have fuelled the beginnings of a real recovery in the professional jobs market.

The latest data from The Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) reveals an upturn in both permanent and temporary vacancies & placements with some notable sector hotspots.

Construction & Engineering Sectors paint a positive picture According to the online recruitment data within the report, there was a 59% increase in property and construction permanent job vacancies advertised during June across the UK and a 69% increase in contract vacancies. These tie in with a recent RICS survey which reported new construction projects in almost every part of the country and a net balance of 21% more surveyors reporting increases in workloads – the most positive reading in six years.

The engineering sector, fuelled by the increase in energy projects is continuing to perform strongly with online recruitment data showing a 17% month on month increase in permanent roles and a 22% increase in contract roles.

Ann Swain Chief Executive of APSCo comments: “It is encouraging to see such an upswing in a sector that has suffered so much in the last few years. The RICS survey which also points to a rise in respondents predicting an increase in workload is patently translating into organisations ramping up their hiring activity in preparation for what looks like the beginnings of a recovery.”

“The ongoing resilience of the engineering sector is obviously being driven by the huge increase in activity in the upstream oil and gas arena but as this is a global industry, the UK does have to compete heavily for talent with other locations – all of which need the same skill sets.”

Marketing sector – digital natives in short supply – youth valued over experience?

There is still a huge disconnect between placements and vacancies with APSCo members reporting a 21% decrease in placements compared to last year but a similar level of vacancies.

While some of this is being mopped up by the use of temporary and contract staff, it does look as if talent shortages are at a critical level. This could be partly explained by the fact that many organisations are putting more emphasis on their digital strategies.

According to Simon Bassett, Managing Director of APSCo member EMR, specialists in the digital space, particularly in the areas of e-commerce and CRM are in increasingly high demand as organisations invest in digital strategies to drive business growth. However – this increasing drive to digital could be leading to a situation where the industry is progressively overlooking the value that genuine experience can provide.

Simon Bassett, Managing Director of EMR Comments: “As marketing activities move increasingly into a digital space, there is a misplaced belief that younger people are better placed to use the new tools on offer – but that’s simply not an accurate picture.”

“It appears that such rapid changes in technology have resulted in companies opting for the perceived dynamism of youth over the genuine benefits of experience using traditional marketing channels. But in many cases, older professionals are the ones who work hardest to maximise the potential of technological innovations, using their knowledge and experience to greater effect than younger professionals. After all, technology is only another tool in building a brand, communicating messages and increasing engagement – it doesn’t require companies to throw everything they know about traditional marketing channels out the window.”

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RECRUITMENT

5 employment law changes that you need to be aware of Compromise agreements renamed settlement agreements Compromise agreements will be renamed “settlement agreements”. The use of these will be facilitated by new rules in relation to pretermination negotiations.

• Compromise agreements renamed “settlement agreements”.

Pre-termination negotiations become inadmissible in unfair dismissal proceedings Evidence of “pre-termination negotiations” between an employer and employee will be inadmissible in ordinary unfair dismissal claims.

This goes further than the “without prejudice” principle as it will apply even where no formal dispute has yet arisen.

The legislation applies to negotiations held with a view to terminating employment under a settlement agreement.

• What fees does a claimant have to pay when bringing an employment tribunal claim?

• Implementation date for pre-termination negotiation provisions announced.

• What fees are payable when a party appeals to the Employment Appeal Tribunal?

• Can an employee rely on confidential. pretermination negotiations with the employer as evidence in a tribunal claim?

• Can employment tribunal fees be waived if the claimant cannot afford to pay?

Claimants start paying a fee to submit a claim to an employment tribunal Claimants who issue a claim against their employer in the employment tribunal are required to pay a fee.

Fees will also be payable by respondents in some circumstances.

• Fees for tribunal claims introduced.

• In what circumstances are respondents required to pay tribunal fees?

• What happens if a claimant submits an employment tribunal claim without the required fee?

reviews and case management discussions into a preliminary hearing, revised powers for tribunal judges to strike out weak cases and a requirement that an employment tribunal must, where appropriate, encourage parties to use alternative dispute resolution.

• Government publishes new employment tribunal rules.

• What are preliminary hearings?

• Does an employment tribunal have the power to strike out a weak case?

an employment tribunal claim?

Reduced cap on the compensatory award for unfair dismissal introduced An individual cap of 12 months’ pay in relation to the compensatory award for unfair dismissal is introduced. The individual

cap will apply where this amount is less than the overall cap, currently £74,200.

• Compensatory award limit for unfair dismissal amended.

New employment tribunal rules

• Is there anything that an employer can do if it misses the deadline for submitting a response to

Changes to mployment tribunal rules include combining pre-hearing

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

• What is the unfair dismissal compensatory award?

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RECRUITMENT

Time to be innovative &

modernise

A CV is by its very name a product of the past; it’s time to be innovative and modernise…..

us all about what you are doing, what you have achieved, and what sort of position you would like to work in in the future.

Innovation is not all about products; modern ways of working and operational efficiency are as important in recruitment as they are in any other sector of our industry”.

Mat Gibson of Chase Taylor Recruitment tells us why the company has launched its ‘One Page Me’ personal statement to support people in the industry who after 20 years of working don’t have a CV but still want the opportunity to enhance their career.

We believe our new ‘One Page Me’ will open doors up to people who don’t have a CV but who want a new start in an industry which still offers excellent rewards to the right people

“I speak to a lot of people every day in the window and door industry and what comes out time and time again is that people who have been working for 20 years simply don’t have a CV; find the prospect of writing one tiresome; and don’t believe that it could possibly represent accurately what that have achieved in any case”.

“We know that there are lots of highly skilled and very dedicated people in our industry who don’t take the

“Fine, I totally agree. The CV by its very name is a dated document. It becomes less significant the more experienced you become. I wholly accept that if you have worked at a company for 10 years a CV is unlikely to truly do justice to your achievements, and if you are 50 years old does it really matter how many O-levels you have got?”

“That’s why we have launched our brand new ‘One Page Me’ registration process, a simple, verbal process where you can tell

opportunity to develop and progress their careers simply because the time and effort it takes to write a CV deters them from making a start. We believe our new way of working will open those doors up and give everybody the chance to access new opportunities in an industry that continues to offer excellent rewards for the right people”.

“We are delighted to have launched this new initiative and believe it shows again why Chase Taylor Recruitment is recognised as being a forward thinking company within the sector. It supports our key goal of being able to give clients the best candidates to choose from, and we know that capturing information in this new and innovative way will mean we are able to support both candidates and clients even more in the future”.

“The ‘One Page Me’ will help us to get to the real skills, personality, and achievements of our candidates, and it will help the large number of people out there who don’t have a CV to realise that there is a way for them to start the process of taking their career forward”.

For more details or to simply complete your own ‘One Page Me’ document ring Chase Taylor Recruitment of 01543 404646.

Chase Taylor Recruitment www.chasetaylor.co.uk email mat@chasetaylor.co.uk.

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RECRUITMENT

Improved Chances of Resolution

As Employment Tribunal Fees Are Introduced Today sees the introduction of the employment tribunal fees by the Department of Justice.

• Employment tribunal fees offer an opportunity to mediate.

• Mediation is faster, cheaper and more effective than traditional dispute resolution systems.

• At last, disputing parties will be expected to have a conversation rather than relying on litigation to resolve their disputes.

The introduction of employment tribunal fees mean that employees wishing to take their employer to tribunal will have to pay a minimum of £160 for minor claims with cost rising significantly for more complex cases.

In addition, if the case goes to a final hearing, more fees will be payable.

Those employees who wish to raise a complaint against their employer are now left with four options...

1. Risk losing money.

2. Leave the organisation - on bad terms.

3. Put up with the dispute.

4. Find an alternative way to resolve the dispute.

Workplace mediation offers all parties an alternative way to resolve their differences.

Mediation is faster, cheaper and generally more effective than formal procedures. In addition, over 90% of cases that reach mediation are successfully resolved. Mediation is a well recognised and highly effective remedy to workplace disputes.

CEO of The TCM Group, the UK’s mediation experts, David Liddle, commented today: “Mediation offers a credible and effective alternative to employment tribunals. With the introduction of fees, mediation becomes an even more attractive option.”

“Mediation gives all parties in a dispute the opportunity to discuss the issues and reach a consensus.”

“Even if the employee still decides to leave the company after mediation concludes, the process will have helped all parties to avoid the scars that unresolved conflict leaves behind.”

“What we desperately need in the UK is for HR and managers to receive basic mediation and dispute resolution skills alongside the development of a well organised mediation profession.”

Here at The TCM Group, our hope is that the new fees will encourage a more conciliatory approach to conflict in the workplace. The new legislation should promote a resolution culture across UK industries and businesses rather than the grievance heavy atmosphere that the previous tribunal structure allowed.

The TCM Group offers a fixed price for mediation meaning that the process can be entered into without the risk of spiraling fees and hidden costs.

Call us on 020 7092 3184. CEO, David Liddle is also available to comment on the changes to tribunal fees today.

TCM has also launched The TCM Model Resolution Policy to coincide with the employment tribunal changes.

This new policy is available to HR professionals and business leaders and it offers an alternative to traditional grievance procedures.

Planning your last quarter advertising?

Features List, final quarter September • The Window Expert • Aluminium • Profile Bending • Machinery OCTOBER • Colour Foiling Expert • In Profile (Systems Companies) • The Conservatory Expert NOVEMBER • The Machinery Expert • Transport & Handling • Marketing & Business Expansion DECEMBER • The Timber Expert • 2013 Product Review • What’s New for 2014 • Software & IT

Contact Christina!

Tel: 07805 051322

Please email david.liddle@thetcmgroup.com to request your free copy of the policy.

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GLASS PEOPLE

Dempsey Dyer further commit to on-going improvement programme

John Berry on site.

KOMMERLING’S TECHNICAL TALENT While many people in the glazing industry know the front end Kömmerling sales team of Kevin Warner, Dave Reay, John England and Gareth Parton, few people know of the considerable technical expertise that supports their efforts.

John Berry and Keith Vast have over 23 years combined experience working for the profine Group including the KBE and Kömmerling brands, in all aspects of technical services, production and product design. John Berry’s role is more hands on in terms of customer support and his role is heavily involved in tooling surveys and design, window testing, certification, site visits and more recently the introduction of CE Marking.

Keith Vast is further involved in product design and is the man responsible for the design of the latest O70 and C70 Gold window and door system. His role also includes the production of CAD drawings for fabricators, installers and specifiers and liaison with all the leading European hardware companies.

Both John and Keith also have the resources of the group behind them in terms of research and development, product design and testing. Ideas and resources are also shared throughout the group, the results of which have been seen in the introduction of several new products and door systems over the last 12 months, including the impressive lift and slide PremiDoor.

More recently Keith and John have been involved in the development of the AluStar externally clad aluminium products for the C70 and O70 Gold systems, which will be an important addition to the Kömmerling commercial market offering. Together Keith and John are arguably two of the most experienced and capable technical engineers in the industry, reflecting the engineering and product quality philosophies that the Kömmerling brand is directly associated with.

Pontefract based timber and Deceuninck uPVC trade fabricator Dempsey Dyer has welcomed a new addition to its team. James Murphy joins the IT department and will primarily manage Dempsey’s state of the art CRM system to further improve the quality of service for customers.

These luxurious products help installers sell into the high-end domestic market. Dempsey also fabricates Deceuninck uPVC windows and doors and recently introduced OmniRal, the first fully coloured uPVC frame from Deceuninck. OmniRal gives an all-round colour, perfect for style conscious consumers.

Peter Dyer says: As we upgrade our current CRM system James will play an important role in driving forward our on-going improvement programme to give our customers the best possible service. We all wish James the very best as he steps into this role and I’m sure he’ll prove a very valuable member of the team.”

For more information call 01977 649641 or visit www.dempseydyer.co.uk.

James Murphy commented: “Dempsey Dyer is a company that prides itself on offering quality products and service and I’m delighted to join the team. It’s great to be working with a company that focusses on what really matters to the customer and I look forward to helping improve relationships as well as growth amongst our customers.”

Dempsey Dyer is a leading manufacturer of timber and timber look windows and doors.

James Murphy.

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Total Glass gets their hands on the ‘Big Fella’ Formerly a founding director of Fair Trades Ltd, a home improvement sector accreditation body, Steve brings more than 30 years’ industry knowledge and experience to his role at the Liverpool-based PVC-U and aluminium window and door fabricator.

For information on Kömmerling, call 01543 444900, e-mail enquiries@profine-group.com, log on to www.kommerling.co.uk or follow them on Twitter @kommerlinguk.

0813-0133

Steve Roberts.

Known widely throughout the industry as the ‘Big Fella’, 6ft 6” Karate expert Steve Roberts has joined Total Glass adding some muscle to their sales department.

Steve, a Black Belt Karate instructor in his spare time, is responsible for developing sales for both the trade and commercial sides of the business across the Midlands and North West.

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“Total Glass is a very successful and progressive company with a pro-active approach to supporting its customers. I’m delighted to be part of a great team,” commented Steve.

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

GLASS PEOPLE

Securistyle completes INFLUENTIAL TWEETERS Trek50 Challenge

REHAU NAMED IN TOP 20 MOST REHAU has been named as one of the Top 20 most influential Twitter users in the double glazing market for the first time.

A new entry at number 19 in the list compiled by Greendeal Homes, REHAU has been recognised for how it uses its Twitter profile to enhance its brand, generate leads, educate the market and engage with the rest of the home improvement sector.

With almost 1800 followers, REHAU has been active on Twitter since the end of 2011 and was quick to recognise its potential as part of its social media activity.

other parts of the sector, Twitter is now an important element in how we promote REHAU and particularly in how we build contacts and relationships with architects and specifiers.

“As this most influential list acknowledges though, success is not just about how often you tweet or how many followers you have, but about how you engage with the market and tweet interesting and relevant content.

“We’re looking to build on what we’ve achieved so far and, just as importantly, encourage our customers to tap into the benefits which Twitter can offer.”

REHAU is planning a series of social media workshops for customers later in the year.

Fabricators and installers can register their interest now on REHAU’s Facebook page (REHAUWindows), by emailing: Sarah.Hitchings@ rehau.com or by tweeting @REHAUwindows.

Sarah Hitchings, the REHAU Product Manager who manages the Twitter feed, said: “We’ve always recognised the role that Twitter can play in influencing the market and it’s great that our efforts have been recognised.

Securistyle, the well-established manufacturer of quality, innovative hardware for the window industry, is celebrating the huge achievement from members of the team who successfully completed theTrek50 Challenge on 23rd June. The challenge involved a 50 mile trek around the Pennines on the Lancashire/ Yorkshire border, and this had to be undertaken in under 24 hours.

Whilst undeniably the team was able to bask in some beautiful scenery, some of the climbs involved totalled more than 2,400m, which is the equivalent to both Ben Nevis and Snowdon combined! Team members coped incredibly well however, achieving an average of 2.7 miles per hour. This certainly stood them in good stead for completing the challenge within the allotted timeframe, and in fact, they were delighted to exceed it, finishing in the fantastic time of 19 hours and 15 minutes.

What’s more, out of the 34 groups taking part, only 20 completed the course, and of those Securistyle was placed third, which was by no means an easy feat, as Glyn Jones, Sales Manager for Securistyle comments: “The whole team should be incredibly proud of their achievement, we have all put in the hours and taken training very seriously, so it’s fantastic to see it pay off. Thanks must also go to our support team for the driving, food,

“In terms of building our brand and interacting with 0813-0136

The Securistyle Trek50 team.

drink and encouragement along the way.

Would I do it again? No, never again!”

The training, hard work, stiff joints and sore feet were ultimately worth it, as the team raised an impressive £2,300 for MedEquip4Kids, a charity which helps to improve the health of children and babies by providing equipment that would otherwise be unavailable from NHS resources. In the last 27 years, MedEquip4Kids has raised more than £12 million, which has helped some 79,000 children each year.

There is still time to donate to the cause if you would like to by visiting the Just Giving page at: www.justgiving.com/glyn-jones3, where there is an option to include Gift Aid. For more information on Securistyle please call 01242 221 200 or visit www.securistyle.co.uk.

0813-0137

Agency shortlisted for

prestigious CIPR Award

Balls2 Marketing, PR and strategic marketing agency, has been named as a finalist for Corporate and Business Communications Campaign in The CIPR Midlands PRide Awards 2013.

For the shortlisted campaign Balls2 Marketing used its knowledge of the glazing industry to position Build Check as CE Marking experts leading up to the change in legislation. It focused on giving clear information to make compliance with the new law as easy as possible for companies.

“Being recognised by CIPR tops off the success we have already had with the campaign which has seen Build Check’s testing facility fully booked, team expansion to cope with demand and a 270 per cent increase in subscriptions to services between March and May 2013.”

“These are complex issues where information and interpretation changed from one month to the next,” explains Sarah Ball, Communication Director at Balls2 Marketing. “So there was a huge amount of research and reading that went into this campaign.”

“Being recognised by CIPR tops off the success we have already had with the campaign which has seen Build Check’s testing facility fully booked, team expansion to cope with demand and a 270 per cent increase in subscriptions to services between

March and May 2013. Membership of CIPR is important to us as an agency,” adds Sarah. “We are really excited to have been shortlisted with Build Check for such a prestigious award.”

Balls2 Marketing is competing against five other companies for the award, which will be presented at a ceremony in Birmingham on 8 November.

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GLASS PEOPLE

Thermoseal Group employs an Export Manager to increase its market share of Warm Edge business Dietmar Maginot has been appointed as Export Manager to spearhead Thermoseal Group’s expansion into the international market and increase its share of Warm Edge business. Dietmar’s resume includes 9 years as Head of Technical Service at Kömmerling, 7 years as Sales Manager at Profilglass and a further 7 years as Sales Director of t-si-i.de GmbH.

manufacturing output, we are now in a position to develop our international sales whilst simultaneously ensuring that U.K. manufactured IG glass components are represented globally. Dietmar Maginot has an extensive contact network throughout Europe that is sure to prove invaluable in driving Thermoseal Group’s international sales forward.”

Gwain Paterson, Thermoseal Group’s Managing Director, commented as follows: “We have a clear and ambitious strategy whereby we want to further establish our own U.K. manufactured Warm Edge products in the international market place. Having invested heavily in research, development and production facilities to increase our

“Dietmar had the following to say when asked about his new role at Thermoseal Group: “Thermoseal Group’s Warm Edge products are exceptional in their ability to minimize heat loss in sealed units and thereby maximize energy efficiency. The expanding market across Europe means that the opportunities for our Warm Edge products are definitely

there. I wanted to work at Thermoseal Group with people I have esteemed for the past 20 years, and to be part of their evolving growth strategy. I was highly influenced when I visited the Wigan production site; the production equipment and the test and research facilities were all state of the art. This shows determination not just to manufacture products but to have the knowledge to manufacture at a high quality level. I was keen to join them in their continuing success story and to use my knowledge of the industry in Europe to help Thermoseal Group become a leading supplier beyond the U.K. market.”

For further information regarding Thermobar or Thermoflex Warm Edge Spacers or any of the energy efficient

consumables or machinery available from Thermoseal Group, call 0845 331 3950 or visit www.thermosealgroup.com.

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GMF’S PUTTING PLEDGE The annual GM Fundraising Golf Day was a complete sell out and yet again proved a huge success both during the day and with the evening event, helping to raise £8,828.50 in the process.

Held at the proven Telford Hotel and Golf Resort on 20th June, 2013, teams benefitted from better weather, after the 2012 event was nearly cancelled due to heavy storms. The overall winners were Ocean Swimming Pools on 92 points, just nudging out Haffner GB on count back, with Promac Group hot on their heels with 90 points.

Top individual on 42 points was Nick Leese from Haffner, who unsurprisingly was also awarded the person with the most dodgy handicap, followed by Lee Tilley of Patterson & Rothwell who amassed 41 points. Nearest the pin was Gary Torr of Dekko Window Systems, who soon be swapping his

golf attire for lycra, as he joins the Hope 66 team for their epic challenge across the remnants of Route 66 in September. The longest drive was won by Dave Haley of Eclectic Systems, the team resplendent in matching and branded Residence 9 golf shirts, while Richard Williams of Ocean Swimming Pools won the putting competition.

Gary Morton, chairman of GM Fundraising commented: ‘Thankfully the weather was kind for us and everyone enthused about the day. A big thank you to all those involved in what was a sell out day, but now we must focus on Hope 66, which we expect to help us to surpass an incredible £1mllion raised by GM Fundraising.’

To do your bit, log on to www.justgiving.com/teamhope66 and you can either sponsor the team or any one individual. For

The Profix Team enjoying the day.

further information log on to www.gmfundraising.co.uk or add to their Twitter and Facebook following @gmfundraising.

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Further expansion at Pyramid Windows East Anglia based trade fabricator Pyramid Windows has further expanded its team with the appointment of Vinny Zagni. Vinny joins Pyramid’s order processing department following major growth of the company and will help ensure operations run smoothly during this busy period.

Sales Director Ian Cowling comments: “The appointment of Vinny means we can offer the same level of service to our customers whilst we continue to expand. We’re delighted to welcome him to the team.”

Vinny Zagni says: “It’s a very exciting time to be joining Pyramid and I look forward to helping the company grow even further in the future.”

Vinny is one of several recent new appointments at Pyramid Windows as the company looks to grow further. A key part

of Pyramid’s expansion has been the introduction of several exciting new products to the range.

Recent additions include Guardian’s Warm Roof System – a solid tile roof that eliminates the common temperature problems associated with standard conservatories – and K2’s Rio and Venetian orangery systems to help installers make the transition into the growing orangery market.

“The types of products homeowners want have changed and to help installers adapt we’re introducing lots of new innovations installers can use to appeal to consumer tastes and remain competitive in a continually changing market,” Ian concludes.

For more information call Pyramid Windows on 01603 615674 or visit www.pyramidwindows.co.uk.

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MONTHLY HOROSCOPES

Russell Grant’s Horoscopes ARIES

LEO

SAGITTARIUS

A mother figure will try to pressure you to conform in the opening days of August, but you must keep marching to the beat of your own drummer. As the month gets into its stride working from home or catching up with repairs and renovations around and about the house will help you on a creative level, but don’t let a loved one push you into buying things you can’t afford. The second half of the month finds you taking up the challenging gauntlet of the world of work. This would be a good time to apply for a promotion or ask for a rise. Alternatively you could take a progressive line against a more conservative, cautious colleague and win praise and attention for your enterprising stance. End the month by taking a break, going on holiday or enjoying the company of people from far flung lands with different creeds and cultures.

As July turns to August; you’ll have to bury your anger at a teacher or expert for the sake of a larger goal. Stop trying to impose your ideas on the process and just follow the rules. Eventually, you’ll be able to develop your own style. In the first half of the month you should listen more than you speak. Resist the urge to dramatically change your appearance around the 6th, or you’ll be disappointed.

Stick to a classic look that has always looked well on you. There will be future opportunities to overhaul your image. Mid-August is perfect for taking a short trip for pleasure. Head for a beauty spot that always helped you rest and relax. You could even find romance on this trip, if you’re so inclined. An intimate relationship will give you great pleasure in the closing days of August. Let your partner take the lead in your relationship. It will give your ego a much gratifying boost.

Resist the urge to move quickly in an intimate relationship at the beginning of August. If this romance is going to last, it needs to be gently nurtured. Yes, the chemistry between you is beyond belief. Still, that doesn’t mean you should jump the gun. Enjoy the courtship phase while it lasts; there will be plenty of time to settle into a comfortable routine later. If you’re already in a relationship, you need to be mindful of your partner’s sexual needs. Inquire about their desires and maintain an open mind. The chance to go on an overseas trip arrives quite suddenly at mid-month. Seize this opportunity the moment it is offered, or a quick thinking rival will snatch it from you. The final days of the month put you squarely in the spotlight. You’ll get plenty of fame and acclaim for your talent.

Don’t be surprised if you’re offered a high powered job as a result of this publicity.

TAURUS

VIRGO

CAPRICORN

Family relations will be strained at the beginning of August.

Your relatives won’t approve of an intimate friendship, and it feels like you’re being torn in two. Ultimately, you need to choose what is best for you. If you continue to do as your relatives wish, you’ll always feel as if you betrayed yourself. If you stand firm in your partner’s defence, the domestic drama will die down by mid-month. The days surrounding the 21st will draw fame and acclaim. Use the publicity as a springboard to a bigger and better opportunity. Jobs related to writing, teaching, and research are looking especially good. An intense romance will be a welcome diversion as August turns to September. You’re starting to realise just how deep your sensual side really is. Having an outlet for your sexual desires gives you an enticing sparkle. Don’t be surprised when heads turn every time you enter the room.

A power struggle over money erupts in early August. If you’re in an intimate relationship, you’ll have to strike a compromise with your lover. One of you is a saver and the other is a spender.

By devising a thoughtful spending plan, the two of you will be able to avoid the explosive arguments that threaten to tear your relationship apart. Single? It may be because you’re reluctant to share your resources. Try to adopt a more generous attitude. A relative may betray a secret on the 6th; it will be difficult to forgive this transgression. Fortunately, you’ll get a welcome distraction in the second half of the month, when you get fame and acclaim for a job well done. Use this success as a springboard to another plum project. By the end of August, you’ll be able to choose the clients, customers, and projects that appeal to your artistic side.

Don’t let family get in the way of your love life in the beginning of August. If a relative starts denigrating your amour, leap to your partner’s defence or your love life will experience a decided chill.

The 6th warns against leaving personal information around where anyone can find it. If you don’t take added security precautions, you will become the victim of identity theft. You may want to sign up for a service that alerts you any time someone tries to take out a credit card in your name. An exciting letter from an educational, religious, or cultural institution will arrive near the 16th. Take this opportunity to study alongside a respected teacher. The skills you acquire will make you a hot commodity on the job market. You’ll have more money for luxuries as August turns to September.

Spend a little of your earnings on a computer, phone, or e-reader.

You’re long overdue for a gift.

Mar 21st – Apr 20th

Apr 21st – May 21st

GEMINI

May 22nd – Jun 21st

CANCER

Money will go out as quickly as it comes in throughout early August. You’ll have to be frugal about day to day purchases. That way, you can cover any unexpected expenditures that come up. A business or romantic partner’s spending habits may be part of the problem. The two of you need to have a heart to heart talk about your financial priorities, or there will be rough sailing ahead.

Luckily, you’ll be able to negotiate a raise or well paid position before the end of the month. Stick to your guns and demand what you are worth. An eccentric authority figure will admire your tenacity, and reward you for it. A romantic relationship reaches an exciting turning point near the 21st. At long last, you’re able to let down your defences with your amour, which creates an intimacy you’ve never experienced before. If you’re single, you will meet someone special at a party in the second half of August. You’ll feel an instinctive pull toward an aloof rebel who makes you laugh.

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Aug 24th – Sep 23rd

LIBRA

Sep 24th – Oct 23rd

Resist the urge to go on an expensive outing you can’t afford at the beginning of August. You need to save as much as possible for an upcoming endeavour that will afford a lot more pleasure.

Troubling news about a relative reaches your ears near the 6th.

You’ll have to rearrange your schedule to care for a family member who needs help with shopping, transportation, and medical care.

Fortunately, neighbours and friends are ready to relieve some of your burdens. You will be offered a teaching or writing job around the 21st; it’s gratifying to know you’ve achieved expert status.

Working from home can take some pressure off in the final week of August. Do whatever you can to avoid long commutes as the month draws to a close. If you have to go in to an office, see if you can stagger your hours so you don’t have to battle traffic.

Jun 22nd – Jul 23rd

Jul 24th – Aug 23rd

Beware of overloading your schedule with public engagements at the beginning of August. You need to devote more time to your best friend or lover. Recently, you’ve become so wrapped up in your social obligations that you’ve forgotten your personal responsibilities. The 6th warns against revealing personal information to a new acquaintance. If you need a confidante, turn to someone who has proven their loyalty many times in the past. A business or romantic partner will encourage you to make a dream come true before the end of the month. This will involve taking a bold risk. Summon your courage and take the plunge. Venturing into unfamiliar ground will be very exhilarating. Working behind the scenes allows you to exercise your artistic talent at the end of August. Don’t show your efforts to anyone else until next month.

That way, you won’t be discouraged by an ill founded criticism. Art needs to be nurtured like a small plant in its earliest stages.

Nov 23rd – Dec 21st

Dec 22nd – Jan 20th

AQUARIUS

Jan 21st – Feb 19th

The first days of August aren’t looking too positive for intense physical workouts. Treat your body gently, or you could incur an injury. While you’re at it, avoid fatty and spicy foods. Fresh fruit, leafy green vegetables, and whole grains will increase your energy and give you a healthy glow. Work will try to impact upon your love life in the days surrounding the 6th. Don’t let your job trump your loyalty to a romantic partner. If you make it your mission to delight your partner, the two of you will have a passionate packed interlude. A creative endeavour pays off handsomely in the days surrounding the 21st. Don’t be surprised when you are profiled by a prominent website, magazine, or newspaper. The last days of August are perfect for creating some long term financial security.

Open a savings, retirement, or college fund. A series of small contributions will soon add up to a nice little nest egg.

SCORPIO

PISCES

Resist the urge to contradict an expert as August gets under way.

You don’t like taking orders from anyone. Still, it’s important to adopt a humble attitude if you’re going to master a complicated piece of technology. Swallow your pride and ask for help when you need it. Beware of accepting a work or civic assignment around the 6th. You’ve already got too much on your plate, and the duties involved with this position will only compound your problems. Give yourself time to rest, relax, and rejuvenate at mid-month. Sneaking off to some secluded beauty spot will recharge your batteries. It could also put you on the path to love. A property deal comes to a successful conclusion near the 21st. You will have to move like lightning to reap the full benefit from this sale or purchase. August closes with a glamorous party. Be sure to wear something special to this festive occasion, as all eyes will be trained on you.

The opening days of August warn against mixing romance with finance. You can’t afford to buy lavish gifts for a lover. Even if you could, it’s not a good idea to buy someone’s affection. Sit down and have a frank conversation about money with your amour. It’s time to explore your attitudes about spending and saving. You will be offered a job on or around the 6th, but it won’t be worth taking.

You’ll be expected to do a lot of thankless work for very little money, without any chance of advancement. Hold out for bigger and better opportunities, which will arrive at mid-month. Help from a government agency arrives near the 21st, allowing you to afford some high priced equipment. The waning days of August put the emphasis on partnerships. This is a great time to take on a business partner or make a romantic commitment. Two heads are definitely better than one as the month draws to a close.

Oct 24th – Nov 22nd

August 2013 – The UK’s Leading Industry Newspaper

Feb 20th – Mar 20th

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LETTERS

It’s your letters...

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

Dear Editor,

Healthcare tragedy highlights the importance of window safety restrictors It was with great sadness that we read the headlines recently about yet another instance of falling from height due to serious health and safety breaches within a hospital environment.

The case I refer to is that of Southend University Hospital, which was prosecuted on 1st July for an incident in which a vulnerable pensioner fell to his death from a third storey window after being admitted for a bladder operation. It was reported that, following surgery, the elderly patient was clearly disoriented, to the point he was moved to an individual room – with a security guard stationed outside – for, and I quote, “his own safety”. Tragically, the window in this room was only fitted with a single restrictor, enabling the patient to climb through the window and fall nine metres to the ground.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) cited the hospital’s arrangements for managing the risk of falls from windows as inadequate, having fitted only a single angle bracket restrictor, which was bent to one side on the window in question, allowing it to be fully opened. More worrying still is that this is by no means the first incident of its kind within the healthcare sector.

In light of this, the case of Southend Hospital is even more tragic, and even more frustrating in that this patient’s death and others like his, were completely avoidable. According to figures from the HSE, in the years 2008-2011 there were 50 incidents involving

falls from windows in the healthcare sector, 12 of which were fatal. Yet the simple, inexpensive measure of installing an adequate restrictor hinge would be is enough to prevent injury or loss of life from a fall.

The British Standard BS 8213 states that safety restrictors must be fitted to accessible openings where there is a risk of falling. These should limit movement so that a window cannot be opened initially beyond 100mm and should be releasable only by manipulation not normally possible by a child under five years. Conversely, if restrictors are fitted on windows suitable as a means of escape in face of fire, then they must not only achieve said requirements, but do so without the occupant having to spend excessive time searching for the release mechanism in the case of a fire. Additionally, Health Technical Memorandum HTM 55, contains detailed guidance on the fitting of window restrictors, with which all healthcare organisations should make themselves familiar.

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Hardware suppliers for healthcare projects are more than aware of the requirements involved and can advise on each project individually, so if there is any uncertainty, we are the people to contact to ensure efficient measures are put in place to prevent tragedies such as this from happening in the future.

Grant Stratford, Technical Director, Securistyle www.securistyle.co.uk

0813-0143

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TRADE NEWS Will Carney’s ‘forward guidance’ be good for our industry? Discuss...

While there has been much mentioned this month about the ‘green shoots of recovery’ and FENSA’s appraisal of an upturn in the 2nd quarter, even as we are ready to hit the presses we hear from the new governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, that low interest rates are here to stay.

On the face of it, this has to be good news. We saw people interviewed on the news that ,knowing their mortgage payments were, effectively, protected for around three years, they would be spending their spare cash. Interestingly, this was all about spending in the high street, on holidays, on meals out and so on, but one would hope that some spare cash would be spent on home improvement and directed at windows, conservatories, doors and all those items our trade seeks to sell. However, much of our business comes from an older generation that are upgrading or refurbishing their homes, the very people who will be hit the hardest by low interest rates. The money they invest is either savings themselves, or the interest earned on savings, as many are on fixed incomes... incomes that are being eroded by inflation and low interest.

Mr Carney is seeking to reassure businesses, investors and households and you can understand why. With interest rates at 0.5 per cent, set as far back as March 2009, raising those rates to even 2.5 per cent would mean those householders paying £240billion of mortgage debt would be in serious financial difficulties.

Before the rates are increased it is expected as many as 750,000 new jobs will need to created and, in the meantime, savers will have been deprived of around

£500billion in interest payments over an 8 year period. The question is: will we as industry gain more from the spending of those benefitting from low interest rates than those savers who have missed out on those £billions of interest?

Businesses, generally, have welcomed Carney’s ‘forward guidance’ policy although some warn that this could be a recipe for higher inflation.

John Allan of the Federation for Small Businesses said: ‘Forward guidance linked to unemployment is a profound shift for the Bank.

We welcome this bold and imaginative thinking.’

Meanwhile, Philip Booth of the Institute for Economic Affairs, said, ‘This is the most dangerous development in UK monetary policy since the late 1980s. Monetary policy should be designed to ensure we have stable prices. To try to use it to reduce unemployment when inflation is already above target is playing with fire.’

As ever, we’re back to a ‘he say/she say’ situation and no one knows who’s right.

What we do know is that if there is a ‘feel good factor’ amongst those who have money to spend, then we, as an industry, want more than our fair share.

With the need for additional housing, relaxation in planning requirements and low interest mortgages, the new build sector would seem to be in pole position to make the most gains.

But let’s hope inflation can be controlled and, hence, interest rates going forward.

As a 20 something year old with a young family, I well remember mortgage interest rates soaring to around 17%....something I would not wish on anyone today!

Editor, email: chris@glassnews.co.uk

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Across

Down

1 Dates in unusually made church windows (7)

1 Shelled creature with slow pace (5)

5 Tulip loving people share bills on dates (5) 8 Ran out but in confusion became military command (5,4)

2 Much something or other about nothing, Shakespeare (3) 3 Not artificial, certain to succeed (7)

9 Nearest star (3)

4 I bulldoze gang crazily to make two ply windows (6,7)

10 Type of window handle (5)

5 Australian wild dog (5)

12 Pearl do strangely make big cat (7)

6 Santa main strangely creates large Australian island (9)

13 Parting liz leg turned out to be Scandinavian window type (6-5) 15 English summer drink for rapper? (4,3) 17 Door & window fixing it would be mad to be without! (5) 19 Vegetable sounds diuretic (3) 20 Pea rib rip shaken becomes fancy smoker (5,4) 22 Road race sounds like bike (5) 23 Estimates but perhaps not accurately enough to size a window (7)

7 Gang hod upturned shows expression of defeated canine (4,3) 11 I vac me oil all over the place making phone message (5,4) 13 Tourist or drug taker (7) 14 Theresa turns out to be threatened by dieback (3,4) 16 Colourful female cat (5)

Fill in all the answers in the grid above, fill in your contact details below and send your competition entry to: FAO: Miss Christina Shaw, Glass News Competitions, 9 The Paddock, Tickhill, Doncaster DN11 9HS. Entry deadline: 31/08/13.

Fill in your answer and your contact details below and send your competition entry to: FAO: Miss Christina Shaw, Glass News Competitions, 9 The Paddock, Tickhill, Doncaster DN11 9HS. Entry deadline: 31/08/13.

Answer:

Name:

Tel: Address: Postcode: Email:

Just for fun!

Below are 7 Trade Anagrams – can you solve them? Answers below.

Tel:

1) E R P A C E L Address:

2) E E U R S C 3) D T R I E C

21 ...and outs (3)

4) I T F

Name: Tel:

5) E R O V E M Postcode:

Postcode:

Email:

6) F X I 7) U C Q I K Answers: 1) REPLACE, 2) SECURE, 3) DIRECT, 4) FIT, 5) REMOVE, 6) FIX, 7) QUICK.

Email:

80

Name:

18 Seven reconfigured made anything but odds (5)

Address:

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TIME OUT!

THE BASMAN

The Thoughts of the Basman

Can the Corporate recovery give us the Energy to climb out of this?

I, like most of you can see the signs of the recovery everywhere I look. Whilst it is good for the country the numbers and the politicians, I do fear for us, the working population.

Follow The Basman on Twitter:

@TheBasMan

During the last week, three of our biggest banks, two of whom we have a substantial stake in have published combined profits in excess of 18 billion pounds for a six month period.

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Name: Tel: Address: Postcode:

Obscene is the word that springs to mind.

In the same vein, one of the energy suppliers (who post quarterly figures) has announced profits in excess of 300 million for a three month period. These figures equate to a profit of 2 million for each and every day. I hope the sun shines for the remainder of the year to put it all into perspective. We all read constantly that the utility companies need to make these profits to reinvest in their infrastructure. I can announce I am available at their convenience to view these projects at any time.

Another pearl I heard this week is the statement that “The Government feels that the Police have been economical with the truth over the phone hacking scandal”. A show of hands if you are surprised about that profound statement. This leads me back once again to the constant in my monthly ranting’s; these problems will continue until we, and the government introduce independent panels of enquiry. Following on in a similar vein, the Police after four years have apologised to the Tomlinson family for the death of their father at the G8 London protests. They have dismissed the Policeman responsible. I find this sort of thing incredulous.

It is pleasing to get the general feeling of improvement in all areas of the country. As I go about my daily business, there is a genuine feeling that the people in all of the trade and retail groups are speaking positively. There is a feel good factor, buoyed by the continued sporting success the nation has enjoyed, the royal birth and other exciting, positive things that have happened during this wonderful year.

During the past two years, I have in my everyday work passed numerous roadside hoardings, with all sorts of meaningless advertising on them.

Now appearing from behind these wooden fences, there are buildings emerging. It is a pleasure to see and aids the recovery which we are told is steadily moving in the right direction.

As we approach the start of the football season, all of the speculation and conjecture is gathering pace. I have listened to all of the reasoned arguments and points raised on all of the main stories. For the sanity of the fans involved, I would like to see the big three talking points settled. The continuous will he/won’t he surrounding Gareth Bale, Luis Suarez and Wayne Rooney. For what it’s worth Bale will go to Real Madrid, Suarez to Arsenal and Rooney to Chelsea. (These are only my opinion). The Premiership will be more competitive this year, and the extra money will continue to see transfer fee’s reach new heights. There are numerous talking points surrounding the new season and I will try to address them through the season.

Together we will have the energy to help the recovery be successful.

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

We look forward to hearing from you!

Email:

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

BBSA (British Blind & Shutter Association) Tel: 01449 780444

Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) Tel: 01827 52337

Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF) Tel: 0207 939 9101

British Standards Institution (BSI) – Standards & Publications Tel: 0208 996 9001

Building Research Establishment (BRE) Tel: 01923 664000

Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS Tel: 0845 053 8975

GQA Qualifications (formerly Glass Qualifications Authority) Tel: 0114 2720033

Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme (FENSA) Tel: 0207 645 3700

Health & Safety Executive (HSE) – Glass & Related Industries Phil Smith, HM Principal Inspector: 01782 602300 David Appleton, HM Inspector: 0115 971 2800

BSI – Assessment & Certification Tel: 0845 080 9000 BSI – Product Certification & Testing Tel: 08450 765600

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Proskills – Head Office Tel: 01235 833 844

UK Green Building Council Tel: 0207 580 0623

Proskills – Glass & Related Industries Neil Robinson: 07917 015 322

Veka Recycling Tel: 01322 38721

Recovinyl (via Axion Consulting) Tel: 0161 355 7618

Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) Tel: 01295 819 900

The Glazing Ombudsman (TGO) Tel: 020 7397 7200

Wood Window Alliance (WWA) Tel: 0844 209 261

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