Glass News March 2015 by Christina Shaw

Ahead of next month’s Budget, the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has written to the Chancellor, George Osborne MP to outline GGF Members’ concerns on several issues that are affecting the Glass and Glazing industry.

“Once again, we urge the Treasury to seriously look at the possibility of reducing the VAT rate to boost our industry and the economy as well as improving the UK’s housing stock over the next ten years and beyond.”

In his letter to the Chancellor, Nigel Rees, GGF Group Chief Executive, referenced the importance of energy efficient windows for homeowners and growth in both local and national economies. The GGF highlighted how the 20% rate of VAT has created an uneven and unfair playing field that energy efficient installation companies and homeowners face when installing energy efficient glazing.

Nigel Rees commented “Like most other energy efficient products, windows and doors that have been specifically designed to save energy should receive the lower 5% rate of VAT that applies to other energy efficient products. There are significant long term benefits if the VAT rate on energy efficient glazing is reduced from the current rate of 20% to a rate of 5%. This inequality is both a disincentive for homeowners to install energy efficient glazing and also a trading

disadvantage for glass and glazing companies. Once again, we urge the Treasury to seriously look at the possibility of reducing the VAT rate to boost our industry and the economy as well as improving the UK’s housing stock over the next ten years and beyond.” Also in the letter the GGF outlines the lack of incentives for homeowners to make their homes more energy efficient through schemes such as the Green Deal and ECO, with the suggestion of an incentive through a lower rate or refund in council tax. Chancellor George Osborne will announce the Government’s Budget 2015 on Wednesday 18th March 2015.

PAGE 13

Philip Harmer

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March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

MARCH 2015

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Pre-election bribes are always welcome, plus a brand new legal column and advice service for Glass News readers From a seemingly never ending Christmas and New Year break, 2015 has broken into a veritable gallop and almost instantly, it seems, the end of the financial year is nearly upon us and the end of the first quarter. By the time the April edition of Glass News is published, we shall have a fair idea of how the industry has performed in this first period, but will that be a pointer to results for the rest of the year? It seems as if January and February have been good months for the industry. No figures yet, of course, but the second quarter will be interesting with the election, on the one hand, and the lowest inflation we have seen for some time allied to rising wages, on the other. A feeling of wellbeing may well persuade homeowners to continue spending on home improvements while the fear of the unknown, post-election, may make people think twice. Will we be offered ‘bribes’ by the contesting political parties to influence the voting, and will the winners be in a position to deliver on those promises should they hold the balance of power? Already the building trade is being wooed with a £6billion investment to rebuild and improve schools in England, thanks to that nice Mr Clegg. Just this week an announcement has been made that some £6 billion is to be invested to rebuild and improve schools across England. It is said that 277 schools will benefit under the flagship priority school building programme with a spend of around £2 billion, whilst over £4 billion will be allocated between 2015 and 2018 to schools, local authorities, academy trusts, and voluntary-aided partnerships to help them improve the condition of schools across the country.

And for those of you of tender years who have never heard of a guinea, it was £1 and 1 shilling in ‘old money’, predecimalization. So £1 and 5p, today. As a young auctioneer I used to sell beef cattle at guineas per cwt (hundredweight) and no, I’m not going to start converting hundredweights into kilograms! But I digress. We have been very fortunate to secure Philip Harmer, the Senior Partner of legal firm Stormcatcher, to write a legal column every month. Where Philip differs from many of his peers is that he has worked in the real world – in construction and property as well as car sales, repair centres, and finance and leasing, and this gives him a true commercial outlook to the business of law pertaining to commercial and company law including employment, anti-bribery, competition and ethics, anti-money laundering, consumer law and trading standards, for the small and medium sized businesses, as well as PLCs and large firms. Philip is Head of Commercial Dispute Resolution and a practising employment and commercial lawyer holding a LLB(Hons) from the University of Kent (Medway), LLM in International Commercial Law from the University of Kent (Canterbury) and post graduate law qualifications from BPP Law School, London. Before Stormcatcher, Philip was a Commercial Director at the Direct Group and a consulting partner at a family owned Construction and Property Development Company. Not only is Philip going to keep us up-to-date with legislation relevant to our businesses but he has also kindly offered to field questions via ‘phone or email, free of charge to our readers. This is not an empty gesture and he really welcomes interaction from YOU. See Page 90 for the first ‘Call Saul’ column and details of how to contact Philip.

www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2015

See page 4

CONTENTS

CONTACT DETAILS

4 Windows

Publisher & Owner: Christina Shaw 9 The Paddock, Tickhill, Doncaster, DN11 9HS M: 07805 051322 T: 01302 759096 E: christina@glassnews.co.uk

13 Doors 24 Glass News Interview: Direct Trade 26 Installer Focus 30 Face To Face 31 Trade News 44 Voice Of The Industry 50 Glass News Exclusive! 54 Face To Face 56 Conservatories 60 Glass News Interview: Supalite

‘TIME OUT’ Winners

– February!

Crossword: Tim Booth, The Conservatory Company, Cheshire

62 Machinery 66 Face To Face 68 Glass News Interview: Padiham Glass 70 Glass 74 Hardware

Eye Spy: Lavinia Grainger, Heads Nook

83 Case Study

Spot The Difference: Carol Hearn, Deceuninck, Wiltshire

86 Aluminium

Sudoku: Mr J V Finch, Mendip Wells Congratulations to all our winners! Good Luck in this months Time Out pages!

84 Tech Talk 89 Face To Face 90 Legal Eagle 91 Recruitment 93 Time Out! 94 Face To Face 95 Find A Supplier

February 2015 crossword solution: @GlassnewsMag

Advertising Enquiries: Christina Shaw M: 07805 051322 T: 01302 759096 E: christina@glassnews.co.uk Editor: Chris Champion T: 07850 267223 E: chris@glassnews.co.uk Features Editor: Sheilah Reed M: 07880 990144 E: sheilah@glassnews.co.uk Sales: Kathy Leeming T: 01405 947279 E: cathy@glassnews.co.uk Trade Counter Distribution Department: Roz Worgan E: roz@glassnews.co.uk Graphic Design: hook-a-duck Deadline for copy: 28th of each month glassnews™ is a registered Trademark. The views contained herein are not necessarily those of glassnews™ and whilst every effort is made to ensure information throughout is correct, glassnews™ does not accept liability for errors. The views expressed by contributors and the content of letters, are not necessarily those of glassnews™ and therefore cannot take responsibility. The paper we use is 100% recycled.

Christina Shaw

/GlassNews

I’m sure any announcements regarding funding of any kind will be regarded as preelection bribery, but why not just view it as good news? Anything building related that could mean involvement of our fenestration industry, has to be welcomed. Just a matter now of finding out how we can get a slice of the action! Talking of bribery, or at least getting things for free (OK, I admit this is a very tenuous link!) Glass News brings you something new for March, and something that should be of value. The legal profession is not renowned for its generosity and we’ve all heard stories to back this up. I remember my father claiming to have received an invoice from his solicitor that quoted: ‘To crossing the road to say good morning, and finding it wasn’t you - 2 guineas.’

WINDOWS!

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

Joined the Golf Register? Chris Got Something To Say? Email Chris at: chris@glassnews.co.uk

Just email chris@glassnews.co.uk with your name, company, address and golf handicap (or what you play off). You never know, you may just get an invite to a corporate golf day in 2015! 3

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The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Software specialist reaches

30 year milestone Windowlink are celebrating three decades of providing first-class manufacturing and presentation software for the fenestration industry. Established in 1985, Windowlink were one of the first to create software solutions for the industry, with the aim of helping window companies streamline their business. Back then, the activity in the industry was much more integrated, with many uPVC companies doing everything from profile extrusion, to manufacturing and retail/installation. Mark comments: “Three decades ago, the opportunities introduced by uPVC were enormous, but so were the challenges. The first software solution we launched, Preview, was designed to help window companies speed up their manufacturing processes and eliminate mistakes. It was a complete success.”

As part of the strategy to adapt, Windowlink shifted its focus from manufacturing software to presentation software, to help installers when selling to homeowners. The move reflected the changes taking place in the industry. As it became more economically efficient for window companies to specialise, businesses moved away from manufacturing, choosing instead to buy-in and install. Mark comments: “As the industry transformed, so did our business. With massive developments in the IT sector, our software grew ever more versatile and adaptable to the individual needs of each client.” Today, Windowlink are renowned for their market leading sales software, Focus for windows and doors, and Vector for conservatories, which are helping installers large and small to significantly increase sales, save time, reduce training costs and eliminate human error. Mark said: “A huge milestone for us was the launch of Vision,

Mark Dudley designing a conservatory with the Vector module.

the presentation software which introduced the superimposing feature in 1999. This helped installers when selling by allowing them to show potential clients how their windows and doors will look on their house before they committed to buy. We have perfected this feature with our current modules, Focus and Vector,

enabling our clients to use a very effective tool in their sales pitch.” Mark concluded: “Looking forward, we will continue to adapt both Focus and Vector to the changing market trends, helping retail window companies maximise their sales potential and increase profits. We will also focus on

New components reach further to provide

extra support for ISO-TOP WINFRAMER window installation system

Extended reach and increased overhang of installed windows is provided following the addition of new components to ISO-Chemie’s thermal insulating and load bearing bracket system, ISO-TOP WINFRAMER. ISO-TOP WINFRAMER system is based around a 1,200mm length pre-fabricated composite installation frame, which can be cut to size on-site and secured in position using an adhesive. This enables installers to quickly fit windows into the insulation area between the inner and outer walls, avoiding the need to use metal brackets which can cause non-repeating thermal bridging and give extensive problems when the windows need replacing.

available in three sizes: a 80mm wide x 80mm high bracket to fit the majority of UK window sizes and a 140mm wide x 90mm high option for deeper window profiles, or for use with combination products such as roller shutters. A third bracket size (200mm wide x 110mm high) is ideal for reaches from 160mm to a maximum of 200mm, providing a robust, strong and high performance support frame with a high load-bearing capacity that’s capable of supporting heavier window loads as well as bi-fold doors. Installation is quick with windows attached directly and secured mechanically using either standard fixing screws or fixing lugs in the usual manner. A hinged insulation core combines with the composite wood structural bracket to become an integral part of the overall wall structure, providing compliance with window energy saving regulations (EnEV) and the RAL quality assurance association.

Now, a selection of new system brackets have been introduced to provide increased overhang whenever necessary. These are

“A hinged insulation core combines with the composite wood structural bracket to become an integral part of the overall wall structure, providing compliance with window energy saving regulations (EnEV) and the RAL quality assurance association.” 4

the manufacturing side of the business in order to develop a comprehensive solution from quote to order and production.” For more information visit www.windowlink.com or call 01452 348575. READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0004

“A major end-user benefit of the new system is that when a window needs to be replaced at a later date it is not necessary to remove the internal plaster finish of the reveal wall to remove the old metal brackets and fit new ones, saving further disruption, refurbishment time and costs.” New system boards, available in thicknesses of 30mm wide x 50mm high, 50mm wide x 60mm high, 30mm wide x 80mm high and 50mm wide x 110mm high, are available in a 1,200mm length for additional overhang capacity or incorporation in a front-of-wall installation system. ISO-TOP WINFRAMER can be used with a range of ISOChemie foam tape sealant systems to provide effective and high performance window sealing. These include ISO-BLOCO One, ISO-BLOCO One Control, ISO-BLOCO 300 and 600, the ISO-CONNECT Vario range of self-adhesive foils and fleeces, and ISO-TOP Flex Adhesive WF for bonding and sealing to masonry and joint/corner sealing A major end-user benefit of the new system is that when a window needs to be replaced at a later date it is not necessary to remove the internal plaster finish of the reveal wall to remove the old metal brackets and fit new ones, saving further disruption, refurbishment time and costs. Resistant to temperatures between -50ºC - +100ºC, ISOTOP WINFRAMER offers excellent acoustic insulation performance (up to 50dBA), high humidity resistance and can be over plastered for decorative finishes. More at www.iso-chemie.co.uk or email p.thompson@iso-chemie.co.uk. Tel: 01207 566874.

ISO-Chemise’s ISO-TOP WINFRAMER now features new system components for extended reach.

READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0005

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2015

WINDOWS

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GROSVENOR & GLAZERITE DELIVER SILVER STANDARD FOR AFFORDABLE HOMES Two blocks of new affordable homes in Salford will have even more affordable heating bills, thanks to high specification energy efficient windows from Bolton-based Grosvenor Windows Limited.

COMMERCIAL COLOUR IN STAFFORDSHIRE FROM FRAMEXPRESS

THE ULTIMATE

GUIDE TO WINDOWS

TruFrame have just re-printed their 68 page guide to windows, doors and conservatories, which also includes sections on glass and triple glazing. Since its initial release last year, the guide has proven to be an invaluable selling tool for both retail and trade salespeople at the forefront of the industry.

The guide aims to provide a true selling advantage for the user, by presenting extensive and in-depth product knowledge in a beautifully presented, clearly explained and easily digestible format. The first section highlights TruFrame’s close relationship with Liniar and the extended warranties offered by both companies. Product design is at the heart of the offering, with what they believe is the perfect sixchambered profile (available in both sculptured and chamfered options), incorporating integrated reinforcing and optional centre seal flipper gasket and thermal dam profiles. This is the true modern uPVC profile, engineered to be energy efficient from the outset. Also clearly described and illustrated is TruFrame’s unique 4-step hand-finishing process, an important part of the enhanced product quality offered by the Melton Mowbray based fabricator. The windows section is thorough and includes dedicated spreads focusing on the various types of window, the Yale high security locking

“Our guide to windows, doors and conservatories has been developed to specifically cater for the requirements of our most exacting customers.”

systems, the differences between astragal/ Georgian bars and bays/bows and a printed foil swatch finished with spot UV laminate. Images of decorative, leaded and obscure glass are also included in the brochure and there are details on residential doors, patio doors and bi-folding doors. A detailed section on conservatories, including a homeowners guide to the buying process from start to finish, concludes the impressive ‘bible’. A number of salesmen have been able to use this to show the most exacting details of the products offered by TruFrame, which has helped close more sales. Patrick Firmager, marketing director of TruFrame commented: ‘Our guide to windows, doors and conservatories has been developed to specifically cater for the requirements of our most exacting customers. It is our belief to offer the very best products, backed up with exemplary levels of support. It’s effective marketing that really works, meaning more sales for our customers and therefore ourselves.’ For further information, or to view the guide to windows, doors and conservatories online, go to www.truframe.co.uk. Alternatively, call the sales office on 01664 410140 to get a free copy of their 68 page guide sent to you in the post. You can also add to their growing following on Twitter @TruFrame. READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0007

frameXpress Ltd, the Midlands leading window and door manufacturer, was recently commissioned to supply 125 units for a South Staffordshire Housing project in Stone, Staffordshire. The contract included a mix of casement windows and balcony doors for a number of new rental apartments being constructed in the area. The highest production standards were specified for the commercial installation which included A rating and Secured by Design products as standard. With architects and specifiers enjoying the wide choice of colour foils and off the shelf colour options available to them, the company has been well positioned to supply customers with an extensive choice to meet those requirements. The company now offers two grey foils as standard, Anthracite (RAL 7016) and Slate Grey (RAL 7015) whilst a new Hazy Grey (RAL 701) has been launched and added to the portfolio. Sarah Price, Commercial Manager at frameXpress Ltd considers that architects are enjoying the vast choice available to them which is making commercial design more dynamic. She comments, “The striking grey finishes blend so well not only in respect of modern architectural design, but also they sit alongside aluminium products beautifully, which is giving architects much more scope when it comes to high performance specifications and building industry legislation. Traditional heritage colours are also popular amongst our customers particularly where there is a need to be sensitive to the surrounding environment on projects which could include private hospitals and care homes.

Grosvenor gained AECB Silver Standard accreditation for its U-Value 1.2 windows using 6.8mm laminate glass, Styrofoam LBH-X inserts in the reinforcement steels, plus additional gaskets, in grey VEKA Matrix 70 frames designed and fabricated by Glazerite Windows Ltd. The blocks were part of a development of 19 affordable and private residential new properties by Seddon Homes in the city’s Bowker Street. The contract was especially challenging at the tender stage because of the requirement for AECB (Association for Environment Conscious Building) Silver Standard for the affordable homes, especially achieving U-Value 1.2 while using laminated glass, according to Grosvenor Commercial Estimator Lauren Wilcox: “But after all the planning and discussion, the actual installation went extremely well and was completed well within the required timescale. Given such a demanding specification, the technical support we received from Glazerite and VEKA plc proved invaluable, as it has done many times before.” Glazerite Director Jason Thompson added: “There are lots of jobs out there that can be made achievable for any competent installer with the right kind of technical support, as many of our installer partners have already discovered. More and more commercial clients and main contractors are taking matters such as energy efficiency far more seriously but this work need not be out of reach of any professional installer.” Grosvenor also provided the windows for the private residential side of the development as well as all the French doors, which were Secured by Design accredited. Glazerite is VEKA’s largest trade fabricator in the UK as well as a prominent and long-standing Network VEKA member. It offers a fully nationwide service based on manufacturing units in Northants and Greater Manchester as well as a distribution hub in Bristol serving South Wales and The West of England. www.glazeritewindows.co.uk

Our range lends itself well to both modern and traditional building styles offering optimum performance, durability and security, all at the right price.” FrameXpress has a broad portfolio to suit all sized commercial projects offering a 5 – 7 day turnaround, delivering direct to site or company via the national fleet. Those wishing to discuss new projects and the breadth of product choice available then please call Sarah Price on 01952 581100. READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0008

READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0009

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

WINDOWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Trojan’s Pegasus High Security Window Lock

achieves BBA accreditation

Leading window and door hardware manufacturer, the Trojan Group are delighted to announce that their innovative Pegasus High Security Window lock has just been awarded a BBA (British Board of Agrément) Certificate. Tony Chadwick, Trojan Group’s Managing Director, commented, “We’re delighted to have attained the certification on Pegasus because it’s testament to the product’s technical excellence, performance and overall quality. We put a lot of work into ensuring that the design and manufacturing quality of every one of our products is the best it possibly can be. This is reflected in this achievement.” BBA Certificates are only awarded after rigorous assessment and are recognised by specifiers and other decision-makers as an indication of quality, so Trojan can be justly proud. The assessments included salt

spray, cycle and security testing to confirm its durability. The quality of the Pegasus sit alongside a wealth of other benefits that are certain to appeal to fabricators and installers. It is one size fits all, so a single lock is suitable for all sashes from 400mm to 1750mm, giving valuable economies of scale. It’s quick and easy to install too because the keeps are easy to position in the centre and corner of the windows for every application and gasket compression can be adjusted up to 0.75mm. Offset applications are also achievable from the standard product and the compact central gearbox, which is just 65mm long, means minimal routing is required. The Pegasus High Security Window Lock has multi point locking and guaranteed centre and corner locking for additional security with every installation. It has an extended 20mm reverse locking action ensures

the lock which provides enhanced security. What’s more, when windows are jemmy attacked, the locking actions intensify rather than disengaging as is the case on most locks. The strength of the security credentials are also demonstrated in the lock’s PAS 24 accreditation when fitted as part of a window assembly. Tony concludes, “The Pegasus High Security Window Lock delivers in all areas: it has outstanding security credentials while also offering excellent cost savings. Having achieved BBA accreditation will further enhance the product’s credibility.” Tel: 01922 713 933

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www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2015

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Accept no other imitation IMPROVED

Genesis VS is the real PVC-U alternative to timber The aim behind the development of the Genesis Vertical Slider was simple: to create a window that could become a viable alternative to timber windows in Grade II listed and conservation area buildings. Two years on, that’s exactly what has happened. The Genesis Vertical Slider is regularly being accepted for use in heritage buildings where previously timber would have been the only option, including Grade II listed and conservation area properties. While it’s hardly surprising given the level of acceptance it has achieved amongst planning officers, the first thing that strikes you about the Genesis VS is just how authentic it looks. There are two key reasons for this. The first is the use of traditional timber jointing methods on the frame and sash rather than the usual 45 degree PVC-U weld. The second is the full range of heritage colours and woodgrain foil finishes that replicate the traditional appearance of timber rather than the high sheen finish usually associated with PVC-U. These key features are complemented with other carefully-considered touches of authenticity. The window uses elegant high security Acorn cam locks, sash buttons and other complementary hardware in various traditional or contemporary finishes. It has a deep bottom sash rail, run-through sash horns and colour coordinated pile seals as standard. A wide range of authentic milled Georgian Astragal bars designs are also available in the full range of heritage colours and woodgrain foil finishes. Despite the window’s heritage appearance, the Genesis VS is very much a modern window.

It is as easy to fit as any other PVC-U vertical slider. It has a tilt open facility for easy cleaning and is capable of achieving window energy rating (WER) of A, B and C. The combination of craftsmanship and innovation mean the Genesis VS is the most authentic vertical slider on the market. So if you don’t think PVC-U can be accepted in Grade II listed or conservation area buildings, think again. And if you’re specifying PVC-U vertical sliders in a heritage building, remember: accept no other imitations. The Genesis VS is the real PVC-U alternative to timber. Tel: 0800 138 3838 - www.bisonframes.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0013

NEW SHEERFRAME 8000

MAINFRAME BOASTS 8-CHAMBERS Sheerframe 8000, the very latest suite of lead-free 70mm window system profiles from the pioneers of thermoplastic extrusion, now offers a new 8-chambered mainframe option designed to provide an array of specification benefits.

PVC foam Thermlock frame reinforcement and 44mm Argon gas-filled triple glazing, the 8-chambered mainframe window specification will comfortably deliver an A+ WER “zero carbon” thermal performance with an impressive U-value of just 0.8 W/m2K.

Available in popular contour styling, the new 8-chambered mainframe is slim in appearance with a large face of 52mm to complement the 60mm intermediate frame and the 70 x 70mm large frame. When used in combination with a 5-chambered sash fitted with an expanded

With a 14mm wide rebate upstand and a 56mm glazing area the Sheerframe 8000 system offers a future proof choice of 28mm, 36mm, and 44mm double and triple glazing along with a glass bonding platform built in from the start. “The 8-chambered mainframe gives greater structural strength and enables fabrication of large-span windows requiring no reinforcement in most cases,” comments David Strang, Sheerframe’s Group Key Account Director, “and this new Sheerframe 8000 profile specification is also a winner in terms of reduced cost and superior thermal performance.”

SOLAR WINDOWS PERFORMANCE WINS REHAU FOR SYNERJY TILT & TURN INSTALLATION OF THE YEAR COMPETITION

Synseal’s ongoing investment in new extruded profile tooling means that the company’s popular SynerJy 70mm PVC-U system can now provide a tilt and turn window solution with reduced sightlines and greatly improved thermal performance. In addition to the multi-chambered outer frame which has a slimline height of just 60mm, the 4T1 transom and 4T11 tilt and turn sash can now be used with PTI1 and a new PTI11 plastic thermal reinforcement profiles to give a combined intermediate sashto-fixed light sightline of just 122mm, which is 20mm reduction on traditional frame constructions using the 4T2 transom and steel reinforcements. Manufactured from 100% recycled PVC-U, Synseal’s plastic thermal reinforcements offer a number of practical advantages over steel, such as reduced thermal conductivity, less weight, excellent screw fixing retention and lower material cost. The new PTI11 plastic thermal reinforcement is key to unlocking a new improved level of thermal performance for SynerJy tilt and turn windows. Assuming a 28mm DG specification using Total+/Argon/Float glass with warm edge spacer bar, the new 3rd generation multi-chambered tilt and turn solution will deliver an A-rated WER with a U-value of 1.3 W/m2K, which compares favourably with the equivalent U-value of 1.5 W/m2K delivered by the traditional triplechambered and steel reinforced approach. “Tilt and turn windows are a very popular choice in certain regions of the UK including Scotland,” comments Steve Brown, Synseal’s Products & Customer Service Director, “and our very latest and improved SynerJy solution using multi-chambers and PTRs will certainly look good and keep consumers warm.” For further information contact Mark Schlotel on 01623 446207 or 07764 229694; email mark.schlotel@synseal.com.

For further information contact Mark Schlotel on 01623 446207 or 07764 229694; email mark.schlotel@synseal.com. Sheerframe 8000 8-chamber triple glazed.

READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0014

READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0015

Commercial specialist Solar Windows has won REHAU’s first ever Installation of the Year competition. The Caerphilly based fabricator’s installation for Crest Nicholson at Rosewood Park in Colchester was chosen as the winner in an independent online vote. The striking, contemporary project features a mix of tilt and turn windows in REHAU TOTAL70 profile and French doors in the fibre composite REHAU GENEO® system, all finished externally in light grey foil. Dean Read, the Solar Windows Business Development Manager responsible for the project, was delighted. He said: “This is a huge new build development with more than 1000 REHAU frames installed on two phases. Our team were on site here for much of 2014, so it’s great that all of our hard work has been recognised. I think the project probably appealed to voters because it showed a contemporary take on traditional ‘Essex’ house design and showed how successfully PVC-U can take on aluminium in the new build sector.” Gareth Jones, REHAU’s Marketing and Technical Director, presented Dean with the winner’s trophy and a personalised iPad. He added: “The competition was designed to showcase the very best work which we know REHAU fabricators and installers are doing across the UK and it certainly achieved that with a stunning mix of entries including this one from Solar. We’d like to thank all of the companies who submitted projects this year and encourage even more of our customers to start thinking about the projects which they could maybe enter into the competition for 2015.” The three other finalists for the Installation of the Year were New Look Windows for an installation in Golden Oak in a half-timbered property, The Window Company (Contracts) for an installation in white with Astragal bars in a post war cottage and Inspire Windows for a black/brown project with leaded stained glass. READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0016

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

0315/0017

Traditional Genesis recreates the timeless beautiful styling of a traditional timber sliding sash window like no other. With its authentically jointed frame and sash it replicates the windows of yesteryear that are found in period cottages, older properties and conservation areas. Modern With its elegant styling and precision design, the Genesis vertical sliding sash will enhance any modern home as well as a traditional property. Designed for modern living, Genesis combines cutting-edge technology with the traditional character of a box sash window. Precision-engineered for smooth, simple operation, Genesis effortlessly complements your modern lifestyle.

Home to the

The NEW Genesis VS SASH WINDOWS A new generation of vertical sliders

range of products

Vertical Sliding Sash Windows / Flush Casement Windows / Fold & Glide Doors Introducing the New GENESIS VS with traditional jointing methods taking aesthetics to the heart of the design process.

Unique joint design to both sash and outer frame replicates a timber window for a truly authentic appearance, setting your windows apart from the rest. Combined with period hardware and a complete range of heritage finishes, the Genesis VS pushes the boundaries of modern PVC-U sliding sash windows.

Tel: 0800 321 7284 Fax: 01226 707 947

Email: sales@bisonframes.co.uk

www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2015

@bisonframes /BisonFrames

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WINDOWS

Munster Joinery says it uses SWISSPACER for both Quadruple and Triple glazing Munster Joinery says it uses SWISSPACER for both Quadruple and Triple glazing. SWISSPACER, the UK and Ireland’s favourite warm edge spacer bar, achieves outstanding results in both triple and quadruple glazing. Tried and tested to give the best performance, Munster Joinery confirms that: “Windows with SWISSPACER warm edge spacer bars inside can achieve U-Values of 0.7 W/m2k with triple glazed sealed units and 0.5 W/m2k with quadruple glazed sealed units.” SWISSPACER ULTIMATE is the best warm edge spacer bar in the world for thermal efficiency: 80% of Passivhaus windows have SWISSPACER inside. Passivhaus is the world’s leading fabric first approach to low energy buildings. SWISSPACER is the first warm edge spacer bar to achieve Passivhaus standard and the only warm edge spacer that has been rated energy efficiency class A by the German Passivhaus Institute. SWISSPACER has also been designed to last for decades thanks to its High Tech Gas Barrier which stops gas and moisture penetration through the spacer bar. In a well-made sealed unit, it will save energy for decades. SWISSPACER Marketing and Sales Director, Peter Appel, says: “Quadruple glazing is becoming increasingly popular in parts of Europe and in China. SWISSPACER offers the best results and is ideal for both triple and quadruple glazing because of its top thermal performance and strong, rigid structure. Triple and quadruple glazing with SWISSPACER inside provide the most energy efficiency solutions, also the production is easy and simple to do.” For more information call SWISSPACER on 0845 601 1265, visit www.swisspacer.com or follow @Ultimate_Spacer.

READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0018

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

LOOKING FOR A CIRCULAR RESIDENCE

KOMMERLING’S

NEW SPECIFIERS

GUIDE

Universal Arches recently manufactured a circular pivot window for an impressive Residence 9 refurbishment project in eclectic grey in Audley, Stoke-On-Trent. Residence 9 is a premium window system that’s been designed and engineered by Eclectic Systems to replicate the 19th Century flush sash timber window. It can be considered for use in Conservation Areas due to its authentic appearance and is also appealing to any homeowner who wants a top end luxury window brand. Eclectic Systems and Universal Arches agreed a relationship back in 2012 to exclusively develop fully welded, shaped frames with flush sashes, including circular, arched head windows and angled frames in the Residence 9 system, in a variety of through colour, foiled finishes. This latest project was also part of a re-development that included other windows and a Solidor R9 composite door. In recent years Universal Arches has built trading relationships with the likes of Rehau for curved cable management systems, Thomas Sanderson for arched heads to their latest range of shutters and Solidor for the UK’s first true arched head composite door. With around 65% share of the bending sector, Universal Arches has been able to help shape the bending sector as a whole with new initiatives, quality standards and have even been involved in the UK’s largest commercial project for shaped frames with Dempsey Dyer, something recognised when both companies were a joint finalist in the G14 Awards for Commercial Project of the Year. Leon Day, managing director of Universal Arches commented: ‘Our business relationships reflect the way in which we work, professionally and with a quality-led culture as our ISO9001:2008 certification shows. Our product quality is also exemplary and one of the main reasons why we were solely chosen to work with the Residence 9 product by Eclectic Systems.’

Deceuninck’s products are a ‘shining light’

Kömmerling have just launched a new and comprehensive 48 page specifiers guide that details all the technical aspects of their product range including the C70/O70 Gold® window system, lift and slide PremiDoor and the Passivhaus certified KBE System 88. With commercial specifiers increasingly looking at energy efficiency and product design, this new specification guide provides comprehensive information on each system, seven in total. There are detailed charts, scaled cross sections, details on Passivhaus, acoustic glass specifications, a section on energy efficiency, quality standards, test certificates and Kömmerling’s commitment to the environment within the guide. The guide also highlights the 40 colours and woodgrains in the various product ranges and there are also sections on specifier support, PremiLine patio door, bi-folding door and the new AluStar, aluminium cladding system. In all, it’s a complete technical resource for both fabricators and commercial sector specifiers. Gareth Parton, commercial manager of Kömmerling comments: ‘The new specifiers guide showcases our impressive window and door systems for the commercial market in a great format. It’s a product range that’s packed with technical features as you would expect from a major European systems company.’ For a free copy of the specification guide, call 01543 444900, e-mail enquiries@ profine-group.com, or download it from www.kommerling.co.uk. You can also add to their following on Twitter @ kommerling_uk.

FastFrameUK’s website built by Deceuninck’s web builders.

Nottingham based Deceuninck national trade fabricator FastFrameUK is rapidly expanding, backed by Deceuninck’s quality products, support and reliable service. FastFrameUK Sales Director, Paul Moody, says: “We started the business 14 years ago using Deceuninck profile and I’ve never had a reason to switch. The quality of its products is a shining light. The Heritage 2800 range in particular is very attractive and unique.” Paul also praises Deceuninck’s unrivalled service and marketing support that enables FastFrameUK and its installer customers to stand out from the crowd. It is the latest fabricator to benefit from Deceuninck’s ‘Website Builder’ service that helps customers build a custom-built site easily and cost effectively. FastFrameUK is also the first to benefit from a professionally-tailored animated explainer video, from Deceuninck’s unique MyBrand suite of tailored marketing. The video is on the new website and will be used in direct marketing to communicate the benefits of FastFrameUK’s products and service. Paul continues: “Deceuninck is an extremely professional company and a great business to work with. We have a strong and longstanding relationship with the team, and their service has always been there for us. Deceuninck’s on time and in full deliveries, and short lead times on colour mean we can deliver to our installers and help them sell. Our new website and animated video have given us an excellent platform to communicate our message to customers and prospects. Both are very engaging and we are excited with the difference it will make to our business in generating new leads. Deceuninck really supports its customers and we look forward to growing with them”. To find out how Deceuninck can support your growth call Sales Director Rob McGlennon on 07818 383385, follow @DeceuninckUK and visit www.WhyDeceuninck.co.uk.

For further information Universal Arches log on to www.universalarches.com, call the sales office on 01744 612844 or follow them on Twitter @universalarches. READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0019

FastFrameUK says

READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0020

READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0021

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

13x31.5cm Glass News Advert_Layout 1 20/02/2015 14:00 Page 1

WINDOWS

CARAMEL SWEETENS THE DEAL WITH IRISH OAK FROM BARRETT’S AND GLAZERITE Not every home suits Irish Oak woodgrain, says David Moors of Dorset installer Barrett’s Glass: “But when you find the right one and do it right, it can look superb.” Doing it right in this case meant not only choosing the right supplier, Glazerite, but also putting extra care into carefully matching the foils of every component – even down to the specially ordered caramel base profile to keep the match when windows and doors are open. David said: “We talked over a lot of options with the homeowners and they eventually settled on Irish Oak but they insisted on colour-matched profile underneath rather than just white. That was no problem

for us because Glazerite could do it to order and when you see the finished work, you can see it was well worth it.” Giovanni Sangiovanni of Glazerite’s South West division added: “The attention to detail really shows in the entire installation. Barrett’s have done a great job coordinating all the products – windows, doors, roofline conservatory roof. The result is one of the best uses of Irish Oak I’ve ever seen.” The house, in Dorchester, previously had timber windows and roofline and an old conservatory. Along with VEKA FS casement windows, Barrett’s used a Solidor timber composite door, VEKA FS French doors and resi door and an Ultraframe double-hipped Edwardian conservatory roof. The Irish Oak theme was given a contrasting highlight with plain black guttering and drainpipes. Glazerite Director Jason Thompson said: “When

winning the job depended entirely on accessing one non-standard product, this shows how important it is for a trade fabricator to listen and respond to the needs of its installer partners. We were able to come up with the goods and the finished job is something the installer can be proud of.” Barrett’s Glass and Window Centre is a long-standing Glazerite customer and Network VEKA member and has been operating in and around the Dorchester area for over 30 years. Glazerite is VEKA’s largest trade fabricator in the UK as well as a prominent and longstanding Network VEKA member. It offers a fully nationwide service based on manufacturing units in Northants and Greater Manchester as well as its South West distribution hub in Bristol serving South Wales and The West of England. www.glazeritewindows.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0022

The Georgian Bar Company Ltd

The ONLY snap-on Georgian Bar System Call us today to learn about Geofast from the Georgian Bar Company or visit www.geofast.co.uk to see the best solution for Astragal Georgian Bars.

Head Office (Unit 1), Warehouse & Distribution (Unit 8), Clifton Business Park, Preston New Road, West Preston. PR4 0XQ Tel: 01772 631441 Fax: 01772 679886

Email: sales@geofast.co.uk

Web: www.geofast.co.uk

Geo-fast is also available to buy direct from your system company:

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www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2015

WINDOWS

Trojan launches New Pegasus High Security window lock repair keep

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

The Trojan Group has just announced the launch of a new Pegasus window repair keep for use with its Pegasus High Security Window lock. The new repair keep is compatible with all major profile systems. Once again, Trojan has designed a product that not only performs to the highest product standard, but reduces product inventory too. Just one Pegasus Window lock and three repair keeps are all that are needed for any solution making this product a fitters dream while keeping stockholding for trade counters to an absolute minimum. The Pegasus repair keep meets the same exacting standards offered by all Trojan’s products. Tony Chadwick, Trojan Group’s Managing Director says, “The Pegasus repair keep is a small product that makes a big difference. Its clever design means the

“The Pegasus repair keep is a small product that makes a big difference. Its clever design means the installer does not need to stock various keeps in the hope of having one that fits when he gets to site.”

installer does not need to stock various keeps in the hope of having one that fits when he gets to site. Our universal keep fits all major profiles systems giving the installer a simple but effective one stop solution.” The repair keep is compatible with Trojan’s popular Pegasus Window Lock. The Trojan Pegasus window lock offers a stylish high quality lock that saves time and money by dramatically reducing purchasing costs, making budgeting simple, reducing product inventory and speeding up installation times. The Pegasus Window Lock has a one-sizefits-all approach and a single lock is suitable for all sashes from 400mm to 1750mm. This gives Trojan, fabricators and installers much improved economies of scale and serious stock rationalisation. The one size, nonhanded design and single price point makes ordering and budgeting easy too. The Pegasus Window lock has been independently tested to EN1191 and BS EN 1670 Class 5 and has PAS 24 accreditation when fitted as part of a window assembly. As further evidence of the quality, the lock has a 10 year guarantee against corrosion and mechanical failure and has recently achieved BBA accreditation Tony concludes, “The new repair keep alongside the Pegasus High Security Window Lock helps fabricators and installers to maintain their competitive edge without compromise.” Tel: 01922 713 933 - www.trojangroup.com READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0024

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March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

DOORS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

DOORCO PLACES EMPHASIS ON

EXCLUSIVE DESIGNS & CUSTOMISATION Setting out its store early in 2015 DOORCO is introducing several exciting new door styles to give the trade - and in turn homeowners - a wider choice than ever with an emphasis on customisation and exclusivity. Care has been taken to ensure both traditional and modern tastes are catered for in the new products, which include four new designs which have been launched for traditional and contemporary tastes. Of the traditional styles St Andrews and Gleneagles are unique to DOORCO, whilst the Sunningdale and Belfry Farmhouse styles are manufactured from brand new moulds. Crucially this means they are not routed from a flush door, a process that inevitably weakens the panel and the usual method by which such products are manufactured by other suppliers. Thus, aesthetics, operation and performance are authentic and especially pleasing when installed in a traditional setting. To provide balance, at the opposite end of the styling spectrum are the new contemporary Monza, Seminole, Inox Lyon and Inox Barcelona designs. These set new parameters for modern, upmarket entrances, combining clean lines with a range of glazing options for installations in which personal expression and customisation are key. All products are available in 44mm and 68mm versions to extend appeal to a wider range of homes at all price points. Individualisation of all doors is increased

Detailing of DOORCO’s new products is superb, especially with the glass options.

“These are the first of a range of new designs that will be introduced throughout 2015 to ensure that our fabricator and installer customers always have something fresh to offer, to allow them to stand out from the crowd in a busy market.” through DOORCO’s inhouse paint line providing an almost limitless choice of colours with fast turnaround. The new doors enjoy the reinforced skins that are standard across the whole DOORCO range. Offering substantially increased resistance to forced entry and violent attack as well as a more substantial feel, the thicker skins anticipate impending changes to the Building Regulations and steal a march on most other door manufacturers that have yet to react. The DOORCO door has been tested and passes the key thumb test, part of PAS 23/24.

www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2015

“As competition in the market increases and homeowners become more discerning when replacing their entrance doors,” says DOORCO’s Dan Sullivan. “We understand that we need to provide our customers and in turn their customers, with greater choice and higher quality. These are the first of a range of new designs that will be introduced throughout 2015 to ensure that our fabricator and installer customers always have something fresh to offer, to allow them to stand out from the crowd in a busy market.” “The investment we have made during the past two years has led us to this point, where we continually innovate to bring something fresh to the market, in volume slab supplies just as readily as prepped doors. The choices we are offering are designed to create excitement amongst homeowners choosing a GRP door for their properties.” “We have a lot more to offer throughout this year,” adds Dan. “We are door specialists – hence the name – and we promise continual door product innovation throughout 2015.” READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0026

New for 2015

Introducing our 26th pre-mixed shade Pantone® colour of the year 2015

Marsala DoorColour - the only paint system designed specifically for GRP doors! Purchase the entire system including colour formulator, colourants, swatches and materials for both PVC frames and GRP doors, to create any colour from: • RAL • Pantone • BS • Dulux • Farrow and Ball Or choose from the range of 26 fantastic pre-mixed colours. RegaLead Limited Columbus House I Altrincham Road Sharston I Manchester M22 9AF Telephone 0161 946 1164 Email sales@regalead.co.uk www.regalead.co.uk

0315/0027

DOORS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

WB Group ‘tools up’ with Wegoma machinery When WB Group, one of the North’s leading manufacturers of PVCu windows and doors, GRP composite doors and PVCu door infill panels, decided to invest almost £500k in new machinery as part of its philosophy of continued investment and improvement, Wegoma was the obvious choice to speak to. WB Group, which employs over 90 staff and operates from a 60,000 sq ft production plant in County Durham, has grown substantially – 19% in the last year alone . The company, based in the North East of England, is in its 34th year of manufacturing window and door products, supplying trade customers from the North of England to the central belt of Scotland. With volumes continuing to increase, WB Group depends on reliable and efficient machinery in order to manufacture the highest quality products through the most efficient processes. Tony Craggs, Managing Director, explained: “We’ve been using Wegoma for around 20 years and know and trust the team – so when we decided to invest in our latest set of new machinery, they were the obvious people to speak to, as well as looking at alternative suppliers as a benchmark. “After several conversations and lots of research, we visited the Wegoma stand at the FIT Show in 2014 and did the deal there and then. In all, we’ve invested almost half a million pounds on two Wegoma WSALVE quad welders, two Wegoma WSAUNI 4-head inline welders, a Wegoma DS130ac computerised double-mitre saw, an Urban SV530 CNC corner transom cleaner, and an Urban AKD 6605/8 8-head welder.

“We decided to install the machinery in a phased approach from September, and it’s all gone very smoothly – any problems were dealt with immediately and we’re now just finishing off the implementation of the 8-head welder. “We’re already seeing efficiency improvements from the new kit, with products moving through the factory more quickly resulting in better lead times for our customers. Product quality has also improved with the new investment. “The Wegoma team has been responsive and really helpful throughout the process, and even trained our staff to use the new machinery. Everyone on site has got to grips with it all really quickly and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Wegoma if you need any advice about PVCu window machinery.” The WB Group can be contacted on: 0191 410 9333 or via their website: www.wbgroup.co.uk. Wegoma Machinery Sales can be contacted on: 01332 883883 or via their website: www.wegoma.co.uk. READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0028

Hardware specialist VBH advises that timber double doors can now benefit from the new Mullion Free Double Door Lock system from MACO. The system utilises two C-TS lever operated locks with vertical shootbolts, which combine to provide a secure central meeting stile with a smooth locking action. The lock on the master leaf locks into that on the slave leaf, but only after the slave lock has been thrown into its locked position, eliminating the risk of leaving doors only half secured.

VBH Timber Product Manager Simon Eshelby states ‘The MACO Mullion Free system simplifies the construction of timber double doors as there is no need for a floating mullion.

with Listers Gallery Doors

Some of the new machinery in use at WB Group.

VBH Offer Mullion Free Solution for Timber Double Doors

The master lock features solid steel hooks for excellent security, helping the lock to achieve a pass at PAS24:2012 and Secured by Design (SBD) approval. By fitting a C-TS split spindle kit, the lock can be converted from a standard lever/lever operation to a split spindle style for doors where access should only be available from outside via a key.

A Bigger Picture

A 10 year guarantee, along with PAS24 and SBD approval are testament to the strength and security of the locks, while the C-TS lock case and tapered hooks provide a very smooth operation, too. It’s proving to be an excellent addition to the VBH timber range.’ More on the MACO Mullion Free door lock can be downloaded from www.vbhgb.com or can be requested by calling VBH on 01634 263300. READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0029

Phil Warren, Sales Director, with one of the new Gallery Door options

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 9 years since Lister Trade Frames of Stoke on Trent, launched their Dual Rebated Composite Gallery Door range. Debuting at Glassex in 2006, Listers introduced a high quality bespoke range of composite doors that offered the homeowner vastly improved energy efficiency, security and a range of colours and wood grain finishes that were well ahead of its time. Phil Warren, Sales Director for Listers, said, “We’d been looking for alternatives to the more common PVCu panelled door but wanted to offer a higher quality alternative to the composite doors available back them. Working along with Halo, we developed and launched the first Dual Rebated Gallery Composite door.” The Gallery Door’s selling features revolved around its construction which included steel reinforced sections with no use of timber. It was a 68mm slab compared to the 44mm standard on lesser composite doors and of course, they were dual rebated, combining all the best weatherproofing, installation and thermal aspects of the PVCu door with the added strength, security and solidity of a Composite product. Listers also took the unique approach of adding Secured by Design locking as standard to all Gallery doors for extra peace of mind. “As with any new product though, there were some initial restrictions,” commented Phil, “not least the fact that there were a limited number of styles. We were only able to offer 12 variants and although this served us well

for a number of years, as the market and tastes changed, we needed to expand that range and add more features to stay ahead of the competition.” Fortunately thanks to an excellent working relationship with Halo, Listers worked alongside them to help develop the next generation of the door range. Now Listers have just launched the extended range at their trade opening day in December 2014. “The options are incredibly exciting,” remarked Phil, “and we now have huge amount of styles to choose from. Not only that, but we are now offering any RAL colour to either side of the frame and slab, as well as a very impressive selection of contemporary hardware. The new styles are so varied and modern, they’re already attracting a new customer base.” The new door styles were met with great enthusiasm by Listers trade customers who saw straight away the potential of the new options. When asked, Geoff Hodkinson, of Prospect Windows who attended the launch simply said, “A new Gallery door at last! Now I have even more to offer my customers.” The industry has also recognised Listers quality and service in the composite door market having picked up the National Fenestration Award in 2014 for their composite and panelled door range. “We’re already convinced that the new family of Gallery Composite Doors will be a massive hit for Listers and the Trade,” said Phil, “and you will be seeing lots more Gallery Doors popping up on an installation near you over the next few years.” READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0030

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

Bi-Folds by Sliders UK: The Ultimate in Style, Security and Choice

There’s no wider range of doors than under our roof.

Choose from our original Ultimate UPVC Bi-fold Doors, Ultimate Aspect UPVC or Ultimate Aluminium Bi-fold Doors. All our Ultimate Bi-folds have been tested and approved in line with the UK Police’s Secured by Design initiative. They also come with a ten-year security guarantee for added customer peace of mind.

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Secured by Design accredited Variety of colours, finishes and sizes Fast turnaround Nationwide delivery Highly competitive trade prices

Win more sales with The Ultimate Door range from Sliders UK.

T : 01772 698222 W : www.sliders-uk.com Sliders (UK) Limited Unit 232, Oldfield Road, Walton Summit, Bamber Bridge, Lancashire PR5 8BG

www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2015

DOORS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

The more a customer personalises their order, the more important great service becomes

Whether you are buying something from the corner shop, eating at a restaurant, or staying in a hotel, ‘service’ is something which is common to all; it stands out if it is good, and it stands out if it is bad. But the level of importance you attach to service depends on how much what you are doing means to you, indeed how personal it is to you. There is no doubt that the more personal something is to you, the more the standard of service means. That is why where Composite Doors are concerned the service levels have to be outstanding at all times; they cannot simply meet expectations, they have to exceed expectations. Buying a Composite Door is now one of the most personal purchases a person can make. Every item on the door from its basic style to a decision about numerals is personal to them; it is their choice. Using on-line door designers simply makes this process even more personal; a consumer is investing their time and emotion into choosing a life style product which is for them as well as being chosen by them. They do not therefore want their door to turn up poorly manufactured, poorly delivered, and

“Composite Doors are now a very aspirational product, and with that comes an expectation to receive great service.” 16

certainly they do not want it poorly installed. They also do not want to feel that they have had poor service in terms of communication.

being fundamental to our success and that of the installers who buy the Truedor range from us.

Composite Doors are now a very aspirational product, and with that comes an expectation to receive great service. The quality of finished products needs to be perfect, the delivery process, and the communication process need to be absolutely perfect, and installation needs to be carried out by people who care every bit as much about the door as the customer does.

Richard Kirman is Sales and Marketing Manager for Truedor from IG Doors.

It is attaining and maintaining these service levels which set Composite Door suppliers, and Composite Door installers apart from the rest. It is a fundamental principle which should not be compromised at any stage and it is something we at IG Doors have identified as

Tel: 01633 627 190 www.truedor.co.uk

Triple Dog Bolts fitted as standard to Truedor The latest product enhancement from IG Doors for their Truedor range is the inclusion of Triple Dog Bolts as standard. Speaking for the company Richard Kirman explained. “For us, wanting to sell our product to the consumer market through our installers it is really important that we understand the needs and wishes of that market”. “Security remains a significant factor in the buying process and that is why we have developed and are fitting as standard our new Triple Dog Bolt. It is important to make the point; we are not offering this as an extra, we are fitting it as standard as the latest great feature of our product and to demonstrate that we fully understand the market we are serving”.

READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0032

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

0315/0033

IG Glass News Mar15 Ad AW.indd 1 www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2015

15/02/2015 20:11

DOORS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

GLAZERITE ‘S IMAGINE SUITE ANOTHER NEW

GETS FLUSH WITH NEW DOOR RANGE After being unveiled by VEKA PLC at last year’s Fensterbau Frontale and then previewed again at the FIT Show a month later, the time has finally arrived for Glazerite Windows Limited to officially launch its new Imagine doors.

Composite door pioneer, Solidor, have again announced another industry first with the introduction of Painswick to their range, which now extends to 18 colours and woodgrains inside and out.

Proud to offer installers the new door with its seamless and ultimately stylish flush finish, the National trade supplier – which this February celebrates 15 years in business – has an energy-efficient alternative to traditional French and residential doors on its hands that also compliments the Residence 9 flush sash window system that the company launched back in August 2014. Continuing to expand on Glazerite’s visually stunning Imagine suite, Glazerite Director Jason Thompson compares the design of the latest addition to another of the its popular products: “Like the Imagine Bi-Fold Door, the Imagine Single and French doors have been designed from scratch. There has been no compromise on hardware as The VEKA UK Group teamed up with ERA - one of the country’s top names in locks and security mechanisms - to design an exclusive range of hardware including hinges, locks and handles. “As with the Imagine Bi-Fold Door System, the Imagine doors are available with a choice of three threshold options: standard, low threshold (Part M compliant when used with ramps) and ultralow internal room divider.” Going on to add that the doors are backed by the ERA Five Star Guarantee, something found to be a major selling point for discerning homeowners, according to Jason it offers up to £5000 worth of benefits. Triple-glazing ready, the doors come with various customising options including: a range of 18 coloured and woodgrain effect foil options; a fully welded outerframe or mechanically jointed one (making it ideal for properties with access difficulties); chamfered and sculptured sashes as well

COLOUR FOR SOLIDOR

as glazing beads are available; the door to door gasket is available in white or black to complement the hinges; and there’s an option for fitting an aluminum low threshold with internal, external or both transition ramps for wheelchair access. “The thermal performance is excellent,” Jason concludes. “This is because of the 5 chamber sash and 6 chamber outerframe. The maximum sash width is 1000mm while the outerframe has been stepped down to 70mm, making it ideal for coupling to existing frames in porches and conservatories.” Glazerite is the largest trade fabricator of the VEKA systems in the UK and also a prominent Network VEKA member, with a reputation for unsurpassed customer service as well as a comprehensive product range. The company offers a fully nationwide service based on manufacturing units in Northants and Greater Manchester and a distribution hub in Bristol. www.glazeritewindows.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0034

The new Painswick foil will be available on both the door slabs and also on the Kömmerling C70 and O70 Gold® door frames. In addition, the new colour will also be made available in a 62mm door slab for the new Solidor R9 range, which has it’s own 9 chambered door frame and dedicated threshold. This latest colour has been inspired by the Cotswold town of Painswick and sits alongside other heritage colours such as Chartwell Green, Duck Egg Blue and French Grey in the range. Other more individual and unique finishes in the Solidor range include Rich Aubergine and the luxurious Mocha (Nut Tree) woodgrain. All 18 finishes are now available in all door styles including the luxurious Italia Collection, stable doors, French doors and also in matching side panels. It’s an important distinction between Solidor and the GRP-based composite doors in that they use proven window grade foils/laminates so that the door frames perfectly match the door slabs in finish and these are factory bonded onto a solid hardwood slab. The use of a solid and robust 48mm hardwood slab is better for security and allows for better fixings of drip bars, door knockers and numerals. Joe Martoccia, managing director of Solidor Group comments: ‘Innovation is one of

our core competencies, we are the industry pathfinder in style, design and technical performance and the introduction of Painswick is another first for us. If Chartwell is too green and anthracite is too grey, the subtle tone of Painswick is ideal. Whilst the colour reflects a bygone era and conjures up an image of traditional doors on quaint chocolate box Cotswold cottages, it also looks stunning on our contemporary designs, giving subtle tones allowing the design element of the door to really stand out. He continues: ‘Painswick will also feature in our new Door Designer App, now featuring 18 beautiful colours, a perfect way to experience our range of colours and woodgrains inside and out.’ For further information on Solidor then log on to www.solidor.co.uk, e-mail enquiries@ solidor.co.uk or call their sales office on 01782 847300. You can also add to their Twitter following @solidorltd. READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0035

REHAU BACKING ROCAL’S ENDURANCE DOOR CAMPAIGN REHAU is backing Rocal’s high profile campaign promoting its Endurance Solid and Secure range of composite doors. Having been a supply partner to Rocal for more than 10 years, REHAU is already supplying outer frames for the Endurance range in its energy efficient REHAU TOTAL70C five chamber profile in a wide choice of colours and finishes. It will also shortly begin supplying outer frames in its sculptured REHAU TOTAL70S profile,

to give customers an even wider choice. As Rocal introduces new branding for Endurance, a dedicated website and a new full colour 64 page brochure for customers, REHAU is preparing for an increase in associated profile sales. Katrina Earl, the REHAU area sales manager responsible for Rocal, says: “We’re really excited about the new 2015 campaign to promote the benefits of Endurance. It’s a great product with a 48mm solid timber core, a fully reinforced PVC-U frame and full PAS 24: 2012 approval. It has huge potential in the retail market with 21 different door styles and 10 glass designs

– one of which is even named the Katrina after me! The new branding and marketing support campaign is really exciting because now the product will have the backing it needs to take it to the next level.” Rocal’s Managing Director Stephen Nadin is equally enthusiastic. He says: “Endurance is a quality product backed by great suppliers including REHAU. We’re investing in this high profile new marketing campaign to raise awareness of the range amongst trade customers and to give them the tools they need to promote it to consumers.” READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0036

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

DOORS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Aluminium Patio Doors added

to Made For Trade range

Bi-fold door supplier Made For Trade have welcomed SMART systems’ Visoglide Plus patio door into their product range. With improved U-Values and superior thermal performance, the company are hoping the new product will become as popular as their best-selling Visofold aluminium bi-fold door.

resistance and featuring an extended Polyamide thermal break in the main sections that allow it to achieve a U-Value of 1.6 W/ m²k when installed with a suitable sealed unit.

Bradley added: “We are excited to be able to offer such an exceptional product to our customers and having had ten years of supplying to trade across the UK, we are proud of our reliable and quick service. The high percentage of customers returning to us prove that we are very hard to beat.” The company has enjoyed rapid expansion and growth over recent years, with two new factories, a sharp increase in staff numbers, and the release of a brochure to meet interest and demand in 2014. This year, Made For Trade has started supplying their products into Scotland from their base in the North East, close to the border. The introduction of the Visoglide patio door into their catalogue is likely to be the first of many new products launched in the near-future.

Made For Trade, who also supply conservatory roofs, have opened a new premises specifically for the manufacture of the Visoglide patio doors, in addition to their separate bi-fold door and roof factories. Managing Director Bradley Gaunt said: “With our vast experience in manufacturing and supplying aluminium bi-fold doors and conservatory roofs, we felt this was the right time to extend our range.

For more information on Made For Trade’s Visoglide Plus aluminium patio doors, call 01642 610798.

“Highly versatile and of fantastic quality, the Visoglide Plus was the perfect product in which to do this.” The Visoglide Plus is an upgrade to SMART’s existing Visoglide patio door range, giving improved strength and weather

READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0037

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DOORS

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Trojan extends Elite Stainless Steel Range Trojan has just added three new products to its Elite Stainless Steel product range: a T Bar Pull Handle, a Central Door Knob and an Escutcheon. Tony Chadwick, Trojan’s Group Managing Director said, “The three products have an upmarket contemporary look and bring Trojan quality and innovation to three core hardware items.”

Distinction Doors gets insight into government plans Distinction Doors’ Finance Director, Vickie Brown, was recently invited to hear Prime Minister David Cameron and Chancellor George Osborne speak at an Institute of Directors forum.

Vickie explains, “I am on the Institute of Directors’ committee for the South Yorkshire region. It’s a great way to make sure that Distinction Doors has a good strategic insight in the region, not least because it gives us access to events like this one.” David Cameron and George Osborne spoke for around 45 minutes, outlining their plans for the north of England generally and Yorkshire in particular.

The Elite Stainless Steel Range is Trojan’s premium stainless steel offering and all components are manufactured from stainless steel. The T Bar Pull Handle, Central Door Knob and Escutcheon join the Door Handle, Letterplate, Door Knocker, Numerals and Letters in the range and, like all Trojan’s stainless steel products come with a 25 year corrosion guarantee making them genuinely fit and forget. The three products come in a brushed stainless steel finish and suite perfectly with not only the brushed steel options in the Elite range but also in the Premium and Standard ranges for a perfect mix and match solution at all price points. The Pull Handle is available in two variants: a bolt fix version and a back to back version. The bolt fix version includes an M8 threaded rod, fixings and cover caps, plus optional clear washers to protect the face of the door if required. The back to back version includes an M8 threaded rod, fixings and grommets. The Central Knob is supplied unassembled. The main knob body is connected to the rose with a friction fitting and the rear spike on the knob can adjust to allow a firm positive fixing to the base rose. The Escutcheon consists of an inner with screw fixings and a cover for a concealed fix application.

Vickie comments, “It was very interesting to hear what they had to say. Amongst other things we learned that the intention is to invest £6.4 billion in road and rail links in the region and build 20,000 new homes in Wakefield and York.” “We also discussed extensions of the free trade agreements that are currently being looked at for China and India.” Distinction Doors is the UK’s biggest composite door supplier and a significant name in UK industry: it was recently included in the Sunday Times Fast Track 100 and the top ten SME businesses in the Sheffield City Region. With a significant presence at events such as the Institute of Directors forum, it is clear that the company is consolidating its position as one of the UK’s biggest success stories. However, what is also clear is that the company is not content with simply consolidating its position: it has ambitious plans for growth and increased market share. And with an exceptional product range, continuous investment in the business and a reputation for proactive customer service, there can be little doubt it will succeed in its ambitions.

Tony Chadwick concludes, “Our stainless steel range is proving its worth to more and more fabricators and installers. By extending our Elite range with these three items we are rolling out the anti-corrosion benefits of stainless steel to more products and opening up new opportunities for our customers to differentiate their offering.”

Tel: 0845 2000 816

Tel: 01922 713 933 READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0039

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Find local installers and the elusive white van man, with Glass News. We distribute to trade counters, as well as posting copies to a database of installers.

Email: christina@glassnews.co.uk March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2015

DOORS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Composite door competition Secured by Design as Standard

winners announced On Emplas Composite Doors Emplas is now offering one of the industry’s most competitively priced composite doors with Secured by Design as standard.

Featuring five solid styles, 21 glazed options, four side panels and four stable doors, Emplas launched its new composite door offer last summer. This followed a rationalisation of its previous offer following extensive consumer research, with the aim of simplifying composite door sales and increasing margin without compromising on quality by shifting focus the from range of slabs to glass, fixtures and hardware and the price point. Now adding Secured by Design as standard to its range, Emplas Sales and Marketing Director Mike Crewdson, said that the fabricator’s offer would deliver higher margin sales to installers. “Secured by Design is a tremendous asset. Consumers get it and understand it. That we’re able to bring that to the trade as standard, without charging a premium is a very tangible commercial advantage to our customers. Phil Myers, Managing Director of York Trade Windows (left) with Wesley Buchan, Sales Director of Vista (right).

As part of its 20 year anniversary celebrations, specialist composite door manufacturer Vista is giving away an XtremeDoor every month to two lucky customers that have ordered online. Winners are drawn at random and the prize draw takes place on the 20th of each month. January’s winners have been announced as York Trade Frames and Rapid Frames, both of whom were recently presented with their free XtremeDoor by Vista sales director Wesley Buchan. Synseal fabricator York Trade Frames have been buying in composite doors from Vista for the past year and supply around 20 composite doors per week. Managing director Phil Myers comments: “We buy-in XtremeDoor because the wide choice of colours and glass options help us differentiate

ourselves from the competition. XtremeDoor is a superb product so it was a nice surprise when Wesley called to say we had won.” Rapid Frame meanwhile are an Aluplast fabricator based in Walsall, supplying nationwide. The company has been in business for 17 years and have been a Vista customer for 10 years, buying-in around 10 composite doors per week. Managing Director of Rapid Frame, Andy Young commented: “We were delighted to win the competition and would like to thank Vista for the generosity in supplying a free door. Vista are an excellent supplier and I think the competition is a great way to celebrate their 20 year anniversary. 10 years ago an industry colleague recommended we try Vista and we’ve never looked back. They’re a very likeminded company and they’re focus has always been on quality. Vista’s level of service is excellent, if we need anything all we have to do is pick up the phone, and Vista has helped with our marketing too, providing us quality images to use in our brochures.” Vista Sales director Wesley Buchan, who presented both

companies with their free XtremeDoor, commented: “I would like to offer my congratulations to York Trade Frames and Rapid Frames for being the first winners of our 20 year anniversary competition. We value all our customers and the competition is our small way of saying ‘thank you’ for their business over the past two decades.” XtremeDoor is a one of the highest specification composite doors on the market and offers a range of benefits including extreme thermal efficiency, weatherproofing and security. If you would like to be in with a chance of winning one for free, simply order an XtremeDoor through Vista’s online ordering service located on the Vista website www. vistapanels.co.uk. Two winners are then randomly selected on the 20th of each month.

“That we’re doing that without compromising on levels of quality or the market leading support that we offer to those installers who we supply, gives them a very real opportunity to add margin to their composite door sales and their bottom line.” Emplas’ composite door offer comes with a host of glass options, including twin-glazed Georgian or standard lead, a fusion offer featuring Murano; Fleur or Mackintosh in resin and Inspiration and Diamonds as overlay. Triple glazed options feature Zinc or Brass Carnes, Andaman. Flores, Kara, Scotia, Abstract, Prairie, Royale and Simplicity. Door leafs are available in Black, Blue, Green, Red, White, Gold Oak and Rose Wood as standard, Emplas also offers heritage colours including Chartwell, Duck Egg and Ice Cream through to a host of specialist finishes. Bespoke RAL finishes are available through its own in-house paint-shop Kolorplas.

It also feature fully adjustable hinges; a high security locking mechanism featuring two hook bolts and a dead lock; multiple threshold options and a u-value as low as 0.9 W/m².K . Hardware is Fab&Fix, featuring the Balmoral lever, which is available in a choice of white, gold, chrome and satin, with high security cylinders and cylinder guards as standard. Doors also feature a fully reinforced 70mm PVC-U outer frame, jambs and head. This is underpinned by Emplas’ market leading commitment to retail support and includes unique retail brochures and point of sale materials. This includes a highly ‘personalised’ retail brochure which give installers the opportunity to rename ranges to reflect the local area in which they work. Representing just 19 per cent of the market in 2007 composite door sales have increased so that in 2012 they represented 38 per cent of all entrance doors sold, with forecasts of continuing growth through to 2017 and beyond (Palmer Market Research) This is also reiterated in the findings of the 2014 Emplas State of the Market Report. When asked to rank which products they believed would be the primary drivers of growth in 2015, respondents to the poll listed foils, better aesthetics and composite doors as joint-top, followed by conservatory/orangery hybrid products. Crewdson concluded: “This is a high-end door, the product quality and manufacturing quality are both high and it’s being delivered with all of the usual support that you would expect from Emplas. What we have tried to do is to be efficient in the way that we’re bringing it to market so that we can be more flexible in the price we offer to installers.” To find our more follow us on twitter @ emplaswindows. For more information visit www.emplas.co.uk , email info@emplas.co.uk or call 01933 674880. READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0044

Winners will be announced on the Vista website each month and you can also follow @VistaPanelsltd on Twitter using the hashtag #XtremeDoorWinner For more information call 01516081423 or visit www.vistapanels.co.uk. READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0043

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

DOORS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Dempsey Dyer helps installers

stand out in premium door market

The market for premium products has gone from strength to strength, and as part of this premium doors such as wide-span patio doors and bifolds have become extremely popular. uPVC and timber fabricator Dempsey Dyer is helping installers take full advantage of the premium door market by launching a new slide and swing door. Manufactured using Deceuninck’s Traditional 2500 profile, the uPVC slide and swing door from Dempsey Dyer is a multipane door which offers numerous benefits over bifold and patio doors. The door features patented MagnalineTM slide and stack technology to operate, where panels slide one at a time and stack to the left, right or both ends of the door. This gives the homeowner the freedom to be able to open all or part of the wall for ventilation and access, and unlike a bifold door the

panels will never encroach into an internal space or outdoor patio area. When closed, the doors interlock together, creating a solid wall which is far more secure than a traditional bifold or patio door. Sales and Marketing Director of Dempsey Dyer, Peter Dyer comments: “Our slide and swing door has numerous aesthetic and operational advantages over patio and bifold doors. For example the seamless lines means no unsightly connecting hardware or guides; the only hardware seen is on the traffic door. “Minimal hardware also makes our slide and swing door quick and easy to install and reduces the likelihood of maintenance call-backs. On top of this the door offers excellent thermal and weatherproofing performance.” Peter Dyer comments: “The market for premium products is presenting

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unlimited product choice for you, the installer... opportunities for installers to improve profit margins through targeting consumers at the higher end of the market. The launch of our slide and swing door will enable installers to take advantage of these opportunities and at the same time offer a specialist product that not many fabricators are making, helping them stand out from the competition.” For more information on Dempsey Dyer call 01977 649641 or visit www.dempseydyer.co.uk. READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0045

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GLASS NEWS INTERVIEW: DIRECT TRADE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Direct Trade’s

Continued Success Over 15 Years Glass News’ Editor, Chris Champion, gets the opportunity to see Direct Trade’s operation at Doncaster and talks with Managing Director, Steve Green.

It’s good to meet you, Steve, after a couple of abortive attempts in another incarnation! I had tried to meet with you but, as it transpires, you were already buying our products from one of our customers…

Steve Green in the Trade Counter and display area

It’s true that it isn’t always easy to pin me down and, in all honesty, in many cases we have a long relationship with our existing suppliers. Relationships are important to us, whether with customers or suppliers, and it makes for a pleasant way of working.

We have had a period of expansion with the acquisition of additional premises to allow for the growing business. Not an easy thing to do. Finding the right premises on the same industrial estate has been a bonus, and we’re very fortunate.

Direct Trade is one of the big fabricators but is, how shall I put it… one of the quietest?

The main building looks as if it has almost been purpose built, allowing a logical work flow, even down to the covered loading

We are inclined to keep ourselves to ourselves and get on with what we do best.

bays, which are really extensive… It is an ideal building, but just not big enough! Hopefully now, with two 40,000 sq ft units plus the additional 7,500 sq ft we have the opportunity to manufacture the new product ranges being introduced in the near future.

Before we get into the product line up, can we talk about your background?

Danny Colton, General Manager; Steve Green, Managing Director, and Mark Powell, Sales Director.

I started with Aluminium windows as a YTS, did production management with Danum Windows, was General Manager for timber windows and had an area sales management job with Premier Profiles. Direct Trade was established in 1998, manufacturing and supplying PVC-u windows in the Veka Halo profiles, to the trade. Our product lines have been introduced over a period of time and we now supply single and dual rebate composite doors, Globalconservatories with polycarbonate and Smart glass roofs as well as the Ultraframe roof.

It’s true to say you were the founder of Direct Trade, isn’t it? It is, both myself and a business partner who exited the business about 7 years ago, but the company is run by three directors.

That’s a refreshingly small board of directors when it seems that many companies have HR Directors, IT Directors – in fact a director for every facet of the company! The three of us, working together, is right for Direct Trade. We also have a very talented array of managers who we meet with, daily. Those managers ensure we are operating correctly and efficiently. We must provide our customers with quality products in the timeframe they demand and a daily meeting makes sure nothing gets missed.

On the shop floor.

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

GLASS NEWS INTERVIEW: DIRECT TRADE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

The impressive loading bay.

Cleaning and QA process.

Composite doors.

Isn’t that daily meeting time consuming? Not at all. Everyone wants to get on with their own areas of the business. Some mornings there may be no issues at all and the meeting is over in a few minutes. The point is that communication is key. Communication amongst ourselves in the business and with our customers. Good communication not only solves problems, it also does much to stop problems altogether.

The new production unit.

It’s obvious that there has been substantial investment. Is that ongoing?

We have about 170 staff and we don’t have office politics!

Getting the new building has been an investment! We are constantly upgrading machinery to ensure we have the best and most efficient for the purpose. We currently have five Stuga processing lines, Urban quad welders and CNC corner cleaners and, of course, a substantial fleet of 25 delivery vehicles including 12 and 7.5 tonners and Sprinter vans enabling site deliveries.

You’ve built up, over the years, to the point where you are manufacturing around 2,000 frames per week. That puts you in the very large fabricator bracket… Growth also comes with new products added to the portfolio. For instance, composite doors and Global roofs. We now offer aluminium for bi-folds and sliding doors using AluK products. Also the Ultraframe system with a choice of polycarbonate or Smart Glass roofs alongside the recently added flush sash frames. There is constant change in the market place and it’s vital that we keep pace with it.

And glass? Glass has always been an integral part of what we do and, again, quality matters. We buy our glass from Pilkington and our standard IGU is complete with Energikare to achieve a Window Energy Rating of A as standard with A + available.

Bifold manufacture.

range of foiled finishes as well as Kolorbond, in any RAL colour, that offers a soft sheen, durable finish, the quality of which can match powder coated aluminium. It’s UV resistant and guaranteed to hold its colour for 10 years. Being able to satisfy the demand for colour is important as it represents a significant growth area.

It doubles as both. We think it’s important for customers to actually see the variables they can buy so, yes, you’re right, the trade counter showcases our products and we can give technical advice to our customers while they can see the options available.

Colour featured highly with the products on display…

www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2015

We have grown year on year for the last 15 years and, in most cases, have enjoyed 15 to 20% increases. The downturn in the economy was a critical time but we maintained our level of service to our customers and that has proved important, not just to our customers, but in attracting new customers. Bifolds.

We do our very best to provide an excellent service to all of our customers, not just in getting the goods to them on time and in full but providing a technical service and the help to sell our products to their customers.

Steve, I’ve enjoyed meeting the three of you and seeing Direct Trade. It’s very impressive. Do you encourage customers and prospective customers to look round…I know from personal experience you don’t encourage reps trying to sell you something!

Yes, I saw that in your trade counter….the trade counter is actually an excellent showroom…

Again, all governed by demand. We have an excellent spray shop and can offer a wide

And have you kept increasing your turnover, even throughout the recession?

We’re very proud to show people round, Chris, as long as they aren’t trying to sell to us!

Kolorbond application.

READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0048

INSTALLER FOCUS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

VEKA installer an invitation scheme adds value Sternfenster launches

for Modplan’s customers Modplan’s status as a VEKA Approved Fabricator has helped a significant number of its customers to benefit from membership of VEKA’s Approved Installer scheme. Chris Reeks, Modplan’s Sales Manager, says, “The scheme was only launched in the latter part of last year, but the take up has been considerable and customers who are members of the scheme are already reporting seeing increasing numbers of leads, which is great news.”

“The high quality brochure has been designed to appeal to style conscious homeowners. We’ve used Modplan hardware in all the photographs so homeowners have peace of mind that what they are ordering is exactly what they see in the brochure.” What is also clear is that the scheme has an excellent profile amongst homeowners. One Modplan customer, Ultimate Windows, reports winning a sizeable retail job thanks to their membership because it was one of the homeowner’s key criteria for choosing a supplier. Membership of the scheme also gives businesses access to a range of exclusive marketing materials to help drive sales. And in order to maximise the potential, Modplan has just tailored the approved installer retail brochure so it shows the Modplan range of hardware. Chris says, “The high quality brochure has been designed to appeal to style conscious homeowners. We’ve used Modplan hardware in all the photographs so homeowners have peace of mind that what

they are ordering is exactly what they see in the brochure.” The brochure can be ordered via the Installer Scheme marketing hub and can be overprinted with the installer’s logo and contact details as required. VEKA’s Approved Installer scheme was launched to help PVC-u window and door installers differentiate themselves from the 12,000 other installers in the UK. Membership is free but businesses are required to demonstrate and maintain extremely high standards of installation and customer service as well as purchase products from an Approved Fabricator such as Modplan. Modplan manufactures and provides a comprehensive range of products that includes three VEKA profiles, composite doors, PVC-u and aluminium patio and bi-fold doors, conservatories, the Vertex solid tile-effect roof and glass and polycarbonate conservatory roofs.

installers can’t refuse

With only weeks to go until the official roll out of Sternfenster’s new range of uPVC windows and doors, the Lincoln-based fabricator has launched an invitation to all installers to register their interest in becoming an approved dealer. The sales team at Sternfenster is carrying out face-to-face meetings with installers keen to have a sneak peek at the new range. Steve Lane, Sternfenster national sales manager, comments: “Our exclusive range will set us apart from other fabricators and will give our clients a major competitive advantage, enabling them to offer new and unique products to the market, unlike anything else currently available. “Installers wanting to find out more about our new range are invited to get in touch with us via phone or email, or even drop by at our Lincoln factory to see how we manufacture these revolutionary windows and doors, which will be available on the market through a network of approved dealers.” The new windows and doors from Sternfenster feature a unique, high quality finish that is set to captivate homeowners’ attention and win their favour against regular uPVC products, ideally positioning approved installers to win more business. The fabricator is the UK’s first to manufacture uPVC using the state-of-the-art seamless Graf Welder for impeccably-looking windows and doors that are also stronger. The superior

“Our exclusive range will set us apart from other fabricators and will give our clients a major competitive advantage, enabling them to offer new and unique products to the market, unlike anything else currently available.” quality is taken a step further thanks to the mechanically jointed transoms and mullions, for an overall look that leaves regular uPVC windows ages behind. Steve added: “The initial tests we have conducted with our exclusive windows and doors have had an incredibly positive feedback from both the installers, as well as their clients. Our exclusive range is answering to a so far unmet need in the market for better-looking, better-quality uPVC windows and doors.” Homeowners are naturally inclined to opt for the aesthetically superior product; at the same time, they want a consistent finish on all their windows and doors, which opens up huge upselling opportunities for the approved installer. “The general consensus is that our new range will change the end-consumers’ expectations of how uPVC windows and doors should look and perform. We welcome all installers who are interested in differentiating their offer with a range of products that offer a consistently superior finish,” concluded Steve. For more information contact Sternfenster on 01522 512525, or visit www.sternfenster.co.uk. READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0050

Its status as a VEKA Approved Fabricator and its commitment to helping businesses secure sales proves what increasing numbers of customers know – Modplan offers a high quality product range and an outstanding level of support. For more information on any of Modplan’s products, simply Ask the Man from Modplan. Tel: 01495 246844 www.modplan.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0049

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

10 reasons installers love Liniar 1. Easy to fit

6. Wide product range

Liniar’s patented designs were built with the installer in mind so all our windows, doors and roofs are simple to fit, saving you precious time on the job.

Matching products include windows, patio, bi-fold, French, residential and composite doors as well as conservatory roofs, giving installations a seamlessly stunning finish.

2. A+ energy rating

7. Customer choice

The latest multi-chambered technology delivers an A+ Window Energy Rating as standard, keeping your customers’ fuel bills down.

With options including Liniar’s ultra-low thermally broken threshold, together with a wide range of colours and security options.

3. Goodbye to draughts

8. Quality assured

Liniar’s patented double-action bubble gasket means a continuous seal around the windows, even in the corners - so no call-backs to deal with draughts.

All Liniar products undergo extensive testing and checks achieving PAS 24:2012 Enhanced Security Performance and cyclic tested for durability.

4. Made in Britain

9. Designed by experience

With a state-of-the-art factory in the heart of the UK, you can rest assured the Liniar team are on hand to help with any installation queries you may have.

The Liniar team is made up of industry experts with more than 500 years of experience between them. They know the challenges you face and find ways to address them.

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All Liniar profiles are guaranteed for 10 years against discolouration, splitting, warping, or cracking - so they stay beautiful for longer.

For more information call 01332 883900 or email sales@liniar.co.uk 0315/0051 Untitled-3 1 www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2015

www.liniar.co.uk/GN1 20/02/2015 11:09

INSTALLER FOCUS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Record Year

PIONEER

for Roof Assured Executive

TEAM UP WITH

BUSINESS MICROS

Tony Poole, Business Development Executive for Roof Assured by Sarnafil is celebrating a record 2014 with sales for his area, covering Southern England, showing a 35% increase on the previous year. Roof Assured by Sarnafil, the domestic division of the global Sika Sarnafil brand has reported steady growth since its inception in 1993 and predicts an ongoing increase in sales in 2015. Tony attributes his success to having a great product with the Sarnafil single ply membrane, great installer training, the combined expertise of the Sika Field Technicians and the registered installer network. A changing consumer attitude towards flat roofing has also had a positive impact. Tony explains: “The last couple of years have seen many homeowners deciding to stay in their current homes and the trend to ‘improve not move’ has served us well. We’ve seen a rise in the number of flat roof extensions, conservatories, orangeries, loft conversions and improvements to porches, garages and even dormers. The flat roof has ditched its 1960’s image of awful designs and poor performance and reinvented itself into a stylish, sleek, high performance roofing choice. We’ve also seen a steady trend in renovators and self-builders specifying a flat roof in their ‘grand designs’ projects. That’s where we come in. We also benefit from the fact that for many

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Architects and Specifiers, a flat roof solution IS the Sarnafil single ply membrane.” Sika Ltd has plans for continued investment in the Roof Assured brand through increased activity in B2B and B2C marketing and will be exhibiting at four major Homebuilding & Renovating exhibitions in 2015. Tony adds: “We are getting enquiries daily from home improvement companies who can see the opportunities in extending their product portfolio to include the Roof Assured flat roofing solution. My success in 2014 was due to a whole team including our excellent technical, marketing and sales support people back in our offices at Preston and Welwyn Garden City. We’ve started 2015 with high targets and high expectations.” Tel: 01772 255024 READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0052

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Pioneer Trading, the multifaceted Essex-based trade fabrication, IGU manufacturing and retail group, has teamed up with Software Solutions company Business Micros to offer their customers an Online Ordering Portal that makes it easier to order from their extensive range of products. After last year announcing the commissioning of the Evonet Production and Despatch Planning and Reporting module – another impressive system provided by Business Micros – which enables the tracking of orders from the initial contact and quote stage through to delivery, the latest phase in Pioneer’s quest to help their customer will make things all the more easier according to Mike Whitlam, Pioneer’s Business Development Manager.

Modplan’s Open Canopy provides

a flexible outside space Modplan’s Open Canopy is a valuable addition to any portfolio because it provides another option for homeowners looking to make the most of their outside space. Whether it’s a carport, a covered seating area, a children’s play area or just somewhere to sit on a summer’s evening, the Open Canopy has the answer. Chris Reeks, Modplan’s Sales Manager, says, “The Open Canopy provides the answer many homeowners are looking for – additional space without the formality of a conservatory or orangery construction.” The Open Canopy has a contemporary design with slim sightlines, meaning it is an elegant and understated addition to any outside space. The integral gutter features stylish corbels while the downpipe is concealed and the drainage is housed unobtrusively at the foot of the support post to maintain the sleek aesthetics. It is available in a choice of RAL colours so homeowners can choose a colour that blends in or stands out. The Canopy’s unique gutter system is constructed from GRP, and coupled with the Aluminium roof bars means it is strong enough to withstand the harshest of winter weather conditions. Homeowners will also love the minimal maintenance benefits. A simple wash down with a garden washer will keep it looking pristine and the guttering features a hedgehog gutter guard so leaves and debris cannot block it.

“It’s very easy to use,” says Mike. “Not only that it’s secure and allows customers to order directly with Pioneer. It also gives you an accurate cost when ordering your doors and windows and it’s online 24/7, 365 days a year. One of my favourite parts of the Ordering Portal is that as an installer you’re able to quote your retail customer direct with your built in margin.”

The Open Canopy is available in a range of standard sizes and bespoke options are also available. It has been designed to accommodate various roof pitches, including 5°, 10° and 15°, to maximise the projects it can be used in. A choice of glazing, either glass or polycarbonate, allows the homeowner to tailor the Open Canopy to complement their surroundings and also their budget.

Other features and benefits include: being able to look at quotations raised by Pioneer, order and delivery statuses are visible to the user, job histories are easily accessed and installers are able to invoice their customers straight from the system.

Modplan manufactures and provides a comprehensive range of products that includes three VEKA profiles, composite doors, PVC-u and aluminium patio and bifold doors, conservatories, the Vertex solid tile-effect roof and glass and polycarbonate conservatory roofs. For more information on any of Modplan’s products, including the Open Canopy, simply Ask the Man from Modplan.

“All I can say is that our customers are going to love it,” Mike concludes. “Easy ordering available around the clock is great in my book.” READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0054

Tel: 01495 246844 - www.modplan.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0055

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

Genius!

Targeted, low cost lead generation for installers from just £1 each GoSend.it is a revolutionary drop-card mailer service that makes it easy to promote your business to households around a selected address generating high-quality, high-converting sales leads, without the hassle. Simply log-in, choose your design from a range of templates, edit and personalise, and we'll print and mail directly to the neighbours around your chosen address, using our consumer database of 29 million homes.

GoSend.it is a great lead generator that also promotes our brand. We use it on all our installations and it’s a great investment – a real winner for installers that want more leads”. Lee Parrott – Managing Director, Reddish Joinery

www.gosend.it

0315/0056

www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2015

FACE TO FACE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

THIS MONTH: Marco Zen UK and Ireland Sales Manager, AGB A championship winning ski-orienteer, mountain biking enthusiast and aspiring dancer who brought AGB Imago Lift & Slide Doors to the UK from Italy.

It’s all about you Where you were born and live, currently… I was born in, and still live in Bassano del Grappa, Italy. It is just over an hour away from Venice, situated at the foot of the Dolomites mountain range and is also the birthplace of AGB Hardware.

Your education and the subject or activity in which you excelled… I studied Economics at the University of Padua and specialised in Marketing. It became clear early on that marketing was what I wanted to do. The next stage of my education happened at AGB Hardware. I worked in marketing and communications for over ten years before joining the export sales team.

Your favourite sports or interests… Mountain biking is my absolute passion. I would love to hire a bike

in the UK and try all of the amazing trails you have in England, Scotland and Wales. I am lucky where I live that I have ski slopes on my doorstep, so I spend a lot of time skiing and snowboarding. I also like orienteering which combines cross-country mountain biking and skiing into one.

Doors. But if I had the chance again I would go back and complete my painting course. I grasped the basics quite well in two years and I would have liked to learn more and seen what I could really do.

Your biggest regret in life…

I would have to say dance. I don’t have the skills but I would like to learn Tango.

I started an oil painting course a few years ago, but gave it up after two years. It was a very time consuming hobby and with all of the other sports I like to do, I had to give up something to make more time.

Someone or something that inspires you… I cannot choose one person that inspires me. I like to keep my eyes and ears open and pay attention to all the interesting people I meet, so I can learn from them. Working in Italy, UK and Ireland and with beautifully designed products like Imago Lift & Slide Doors puts me in contact with some very interesting business people, architects and designers.

The talent you would like to enhance…

and your future The temptation you can’t resist… A downhill. Yes, that’s right a downhill. It goes back to my passion for mountain biking. When I was younger I was totally fearless on my mountain bike, but I kept get injured and then broke my shoulder. I realised then it was time to take it a bit easier, but I still love to ride and take the odd calculated risk.

your career When and how you joined this industry… Whilst at university I had the opportunity to take part in the Erasmus Programme for exchange students and travelled to Austria. But it wasn’t German that I learnt. I worked with many British, American and Canadian students which improved my English. It was then that I decided I wanted to use my foreign language skills in my career. After graduating from university, I joined my father’s local machinery

business, but knew I wanted to travel a little more than just the traffic jam to the offices. I moved to international company, AGB Hardware in 2002 and now get to travel to some incredible places to work with customers.

The job you do in 25 words… I travel the UK and Ireland and talk to joiners, architects and designers about the most beautiful Italian hardware for timber and also PVC doors and windows.

Your greatest achievement… Last year I won the Silver medal in the Italian Long Ski-Orienteering Championship. It’s a very niche sport and I was completely surprised to achieve second place in the whole country. It was so exciting to make it onto the podium at the event.

What you would like to do if you weren’t in this industry… It’s a great industry to be a part of, but if there was any other I’d work in it would be doing this exact same job, but in the mountain bike industry.

A particular ambition… Professionally, I would like to continue gaining more sales experience and learning about the export market. Eventually I hope to combine my marketing communications background and sales experience and become a sales and marketing director.

The way you want to be remembered… A reliable colleague and efficient manager. And hopefully a good guy to talk to and be friends with.

The mistake you’d like to correct… In my job now, we talk a lot about framing the view to the outside using timber Imago Lift & Slide

If you would like to appear in ‘Face to Face’, or would like to nominate someone else to be featured, simply email chris@glassnews.co.uk. 30

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Deceuninck’s

Network VEKA supports its members through

changes in consumer finance regulations

customers grow 27% in 2014 Deceuninck and its customers were well ahead of the industry in 2014, growing 27% year-on-year. In June 2014 Deceuninck, one of the world’s leading PVC-U window and door systems companies, set itself the ambitious target for the UK of getting into the top three, Deceuninck’s normal position in all major markets. It’s on its way to achieving that.

Rob McGlennon, Deceuninck Sales Director.

products and developed existing products, to help customers stand out and sell.

Deceuninck Sales Director, Rob McGlennon, “Our Slide & Swing New Wave Door is says: “Last year the market was up 8%. We revolutionising patio doors. Homeowners knew it would bounce back after recession, so love it! So it’s time to say bye-bye to bi-folds,” we made sure we were ready. We developed continues Rob. “And our ‘All-in-one’ windows ColourExpress, our coloured foil range now have PAS24, the best energy ratings and available from stock in 9 colours and 18 colour are renowned for being pretty. So we have ways. This has helped our customers lead in a burglar proof, weather proof, thermally colour, selling 50% more than the industry efficient beautiful window with nationally average. We launched MyBrand, our tailored recognised accreditation. With all these tools marketing service for our fabricators, and their our fabricators, and their installer customers, customers, which helps them build their brand can reliably offer great products on time and stand out in a crowded market. And we and in full. As our growth shows, when our make sure our fabricators can get what they customers do well, so do we.” need, when they need it, on time and in full To find out how Deceuninck can help your by keeping it in stock and with our unique company grow call Rob McGlennon 07808 ordering system Deceuninck Online. ” Trickle Vent Advert_210mmx144mm_0714_Layout 1 01/08/2014 09:08 on Page 1 365234, visit www.WhyDeceuninck.com and But it’s not just service and support that follow @DeceuninckUK. puts its customers ahead. Deceuninck has introduced stream of innovative new Trickle aVent Advert_210mmx144mm_0714_Layout 1 01/08/2014 09:08 Page 1 READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0057

Industry-leading installer organisation, Network VEKA has proactively addressed changes in the regulation of consumer finance, helping its member companies to continue winning the larger contracts typically associated with such funding. Consumer finance is regulated by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), formerly the Financial Services Authority (FSA). Since the FCA assumed responsibility for consumer finance in April 2014, the regulatory regime for companies wanting to promote consumer finance has become more challenging - the process

involved in applying for consumer credit licences being a case in point. Network VEKA's Managing Director, John Ogilvie explains: “The FCA's regulatory changes make greater demands of companies that wish to offer consumer finance - so much so that many businesses have been dissuaded from doing so. Knowing that the ability to offer consumer finance often allows companies to command orders of greater value – homeowners opting to re-glaze their whole house rather than, say, just the front or back, for example – we recognised the need to put mechanisms in place that would preclude our members from missing those opportunities.” Realising that not all Network VEKA member companies were interested in actively promoting consumer finance, the organisation has introduced two kinds of support, as John describes: “Besides the offer of assistance with applying for

consumer credit licences, members could instead opt to add a Network VEKA banner to their website, directing homeowners to finance providers who can potentially offer personal loans for home improvement expenses. “Customers benefit from very competitive rates compared to other sources of finance, making this a mutually advantageous offering for both them and our member companies. It's this kind of forethought and provision that has kept Network VEKA at the vanguard of the industry for so many years and resulted in the unprecedented membership renewal figures we've reported recently.” Companies interested in learning more about the benefits of Network VEKA membership can visit the organisation's new-look website for information: www.networkveka.co.uk/trade. READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0058

0315/0059

Tricklevents from Glazpart Tricklevents from Glazpart Have you chosen your colour yet?

No. 96/3217

Have you chosen your colour yet?

For more information or to find your local stockist visit: glazpart.com/products/trickle-ventilation/ to see ourinformation range of BBAorcertified ventslocal or call For more to find your stockist visit: 01295 264533 to speak with one of the team. glazpart.com/products/trickle-ventilation/ to 2015 see our range of BBA certified vents or call www.glassnews.co.uk | March 01295 264533 to speak with one of the team.

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Astraseal mark 25 year REHAU partnership

by signing new supply agreement

One of the UK’s largest and longest established fabricators, Wellingborough based Astraseal, has marked their 25 year relationship with systems company REHAU by signing a new supply agreement. The agreement ties two companies together for the forthcoming years, strengthening a partnership that over the last quarter of a century has seen Astraseal grow into one of REHAU’s largest customers in the UK. Mark McMullan, managing director of Astraseal comments: “One of the core philosophies at Astraseal is to build strong partnerships with all our suppliers and customers. Our reputation is built on stability and continuity, and the latest supply agreement with REHAU forms an integral part of this strategy. We look forward to the continued manufacture of REHAU’s market leading products and supporting them as they

develop new solutions for the future.” Martin Hitchin, chief executive of REHAU commented: “Astraseal is a superb example of a successful fabricator and I’m delighted they are committed to us for another term. REHAU is a very quality focussed business and Astraseal are a perfect fit because they share the same values. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Astraseal and supporting them with

our market leading products and service as the business continues to grow.” Astraseal operates from three manufacturing sites, totalling 110,000 square feet, and fabricates a comprehensive range of REHAU products including the Total 70 system in chamfered, semi sculptured and fully sculptured profiles; the Geneo system; bi-folding doors, vertical sliders, fully reversible windows, curtain walling and composite doors set in a REHAU outer frame.

Mark Warren, Listers MD remarked, “We’ve operated in Stoke since the midseventies and have built up the business from very humble beginnings. Having been recognised for this top award by a panel of leading business judges, is a great tribute to all the hard work that we have put in over the last year.” As the area’s leading manufacturer of Aluminium, PVCu and Composite glazing products, Listers currently employ 116 people and generated a £10.75M

Solidor are back in the finals again at the Sentinel Business Awards 2015 which covers North Staffordshire and South Cheshire, in the Business of the Year category, having already won the award in 2014. The Sentinel Business Awards are now in their 19th year and will take place at the King's Hall in Stoke-on-Trent on March 24th, 2015 and Solidor will hope to make it back to back wins in the Business of the Year category. The company is a shining success in the

manufacturing sector in Staffordshire, employing over 150 staff and are one of the fastest growing companies in the trade sector of the glass and glazing industries. With a robust new ownership structure in place through DW3 Product Group, Solidor is firmly poised to continue on their incredible growth programme, as they challenge for true market leadership in the composite door sector. Joe Martoccia, managing director of Solidor

As well as manufacturing all sealed units in-house, Astraseal also offers Smarts and Reynaers aluminium windows, doors, curtain walling, bi-folding doors and shop fronts; along with Global conservatory roofs, Synseal inline sliders and vertical sliders; making them a true ‘one stop shop’ for the installer. Mark McMullan corporate director of Astraseal (left) shaking hands with Martin Hitchin chief executive of REHAU (right).

For more information call Astraseal on 01604 630630 or visit www.astraseal.co.uk. READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0060

Listers are Business of the Year Finalists Lister Trade Frames of Stoke on Trent have just been nominated finalists in the North Staffordshire and South Cheshire Sentinel Business Awards as contenders for “Business of the Year” 2015. Having won numerous national industry awards over the last ten years, Listers consider this recent local recognition as a great honour.

SOLIDOR’S A BACK TO BACK FINALIST

turnover in 2014. With an enviable reputation within the industry, Listers have never lost sight of their roots and maintain a close relationship with the local community. “Our workforce are predominantly from Stoke and we have an excellent relationship with a local training firm who provide us with a stream of willing Apprentices,” said Mark. “We’ve also established great relationships with local suppliers, businesses and charities. Stoke is our home and we try wherever we can to give back to the city that has helped us grow.” 2014 saw Listers make some serious investment into the business with the support of a Regional Growth Fund grant, enabling them to expand the business with new innovative products and services. 2015 promises to be another pivotal year for Listers as they continue

comments: ‘We’re thrilled to be back in the finals again in the same category, having already been crowned Business of the Year in 2014. It’s an incredible business we have at Solidor and one that represents true innovation in a market segment that’s plagued with me too products. He continues: ‘Recognition from our peers in the local business community is both welcome and important as we continue to grow. I’m looking forward to the night and will be keeping my fingers crossed in the hope that we can add to our already burgeoning trophy cabinet.’ For further information on Solidor then log on to www.solidor.co.uk, e-mail enquiries@solidor.co.uk or call their sales office on 01782 847300. You can also add to their Twitter following @solidorltd.

READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0062

Last years Business Award with the Solidor team.

FREEFOAM SCHEDULING SERVICE

DELIVERS RESULTS

to expand their product portfolio with a range of PassivHaus products and high end glazing solutions. The Sentinel Business Awards is the showcase of the area’s best businesses and people, so to have been selected as a Business of the Year finalist has given Listers a real boost. “It’s a team effort and our staff have helped myself and my fellow Directors build a business worthy of this recognition, and we’re really appreciative of that,” commented Mark. The Award Event dinner takes place on 24th March and Mark and his team will be there cheering on the winners… with the hope that it will be Listers! Tel: 01782 391900 www.listertf.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0061

Freefoam Building Products report that its scheduling service is achieving real results for Freefoam customers. Over the last 12 months the service has generated significant business with an impressive 62% of schedules resulting in orders. 2014 saw a new member of staff joining the team, Tish Redmond. Promoted from within Freefoam Tish manages the whole process providing an accurate product specification and quantity breakdown from drawings for all elements of the roofline

product range including fascia, soffit, rainwater and cladding materials. With a quick ten day turn round it’s a service that an increasing number of customers are finding extremely valuable to their businesses. General Building Plastics with branches throughout the Midlands use the service on a regular basis. Alan Sutherland, Managing Director, explained “We’ve submitted plans from various contractors and been very pleased with the results, winning 70% of schedules. We get a quick turn round

with a full breakdown emailed back to us with all the components itemised. Accurate specification means that our customers can be confident they are ordering exactly what they need, eliminating wastage and saving money. We are a growing business so the service saves us time and is helping to secure valuable new business.” If you are interested in finding out more about the scheduling service contact New-Build Manager Chris Fenney T: 07880 712774 chris.fenney@freefoam.com New Build Manager Simon Parrott T: 07787 520071 simon.parrott@freefoam.com New-Build Co-ordinator Tish Redmond T: 01604 683862 tish.redmond@freefoam.com READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0063

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

0315/0064

www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2015

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Qualplas manufactures VEKA

door & window order for challenging West African beachfront development

St Helens-based VEKA fabricator, Qualplas has recently fulfilled one of the more unusual contracts of its 25year history by manufacturing windows, doors and French doors for a residential project, under construction in Ghana! The contract was referred to Qualplas via The VEKA UK Group website following initial contact from contractor Barry Alger, who is coordinating the project from his beachfront property nearby. Andrew Smith, Qualplas’ Managing Director explains: “Barry was sold on using VEKA systems having been so impressed with the durability of the units installed on his own property, which neighbours the new development. “The VEKA UK Group referred the project to us as Barry had specified that he wanted to use a reputable fabricator with a longstanding relationship with VEKA.” “His other main criterion was our closeness to the Liverpool Docks, purely for the comparative ease of shipping the finished units to West Africa.” The new development is situated on Victoria Beach near Takoradi, Ghana, and will consist of 24 serviced apartments, office facilities, a bar and restaurant area overlooking the seafront and a bathing area / swimming pool. Oil has recently been discovered in the region and it is envisaged that a company involved in that industry will lease the entire purposebuilt development for the use of its workers.

The significant size of the project meant Qualplas received an order comprising around 40 Matrix 70 windows, 19 sets of French doors and additional residential doors. VEKA door and window systems are therefore used exclusively throughout the development, paying testament to Barry’s confidence in their weather resistance and technical performance. Andrew continues: “The photos Barry has sent us of the construction site demonstrate just how exposed the new development is to the elements. Not only will the window and door installations have to withstand savage sea winds, rain and salt water erosion but, with the changing seasons, there will be huge variations in temperature from extreme heat to bitter chill.” Colin Torley, Sales and Marketing Director for The VEKA UK Group added: “Qualplas’ commitment to fabricating VEKA systems not only secured the company this fascinating contract but reassured the customer that the products he chose have been thoroughly tested to withstand the world’s most unforgiving climates. “VEKA subjects its systems to prolonged testing in extremes of heat and cold as part of its development and ongoing quality control process, ensuring that the challenges presented by developments like Barry’s are comprehensively catered for.” “We can’t wait to see pictures of the finished project and are proud that systems from The VEKA UK Group, fabricated by Qualplas - a long-standing, UK-based VEKA fabricator are being championed on a world stage.” Tel: 01282 716611 - www.vekauk.com

READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0065

National Fenestration Awards

Continues It’s 2015 Progress

More than a third of categories now live Time really does seem to be flying at the moment, as the National Fenestration Awards continues it’s extensive nominations phase. With over a third of the categories for this year’s competition now live, and the monthly Cool Wall competitions in full swing, the NFAs are now stepping it up a gear. With 18 categories this year, this makes the National Fenestration Awards one of the most all-inclusive and representatives awards available to the industry. And with 5 brand new categories for 2015, including awards such as Conservatory Roof Fabricator, Training Centre 2015 and Machinery Company of the year, the NFAs are comprehensively covering areas of our industry that have previously been ignored, despite their vital importance. Even in these early stages, there have been plenty of nominations already submitted. Given the activity surrounding the awards, and even a strong increase in followers on social media, this is a further sign that the awards continue to go from strength to strength, and point to a strong 2015 overall. Taking part in the awards is simple and open to everyone who works in the UK fenestration sector, in any position. Simply register on the National Fenestration Awards website in less than a minute, confirm registration via email, and that’s the process complete. From there, all users will be able to nominate once per category. Each and every nomination really does count and makes a real difference as to who makes it to the final voting phase later on in the year.

Truemans Windows sponsors NFA stopover The NFAs have also announced that Truemans Windows, double winners in the awards last year, are to be the main bar sponsors at the NFA stopover event after the motor racing day celebrating the 2014 winners.

“Simply register on the National Fenestration Awards website in less than a minute, confirm registration via email, and that’s the process complete. From there, all users will be able to nominate once per category. Each and every nomination really does count and makes a real difference as to who makes it to the final voting phase later on in the year.” Jason Grafton-Holt, Director of the NFAs said: “It’s great to have Truemans supporting the 2014 winners event. They supported the awards brilliantly last year, showing support not only for the categories they were participating in, but the awards in general. To have double-award winners on board is fantastic!” On sponsoring the stopover evening event, Joe Trueman, MD of Truemans Windows said: “The NFA’s really stand out for us; they’re well-managed and professional from start to finish, and it’s important for growing companies to get recognition any industry. The winners are decided by public vote making it fair for everyone involved. We we’re over the moon to pick up two awards, so once we heard the bar sponsor was available, we couldn’t resist! Me and my team are really looking forward to the event. The stopover event at a hotel near the Oulton Park racetrack is a chance for the winners and main event sponsors to relax and enjoy a drink after an energetic days racing. The stopover is also an open invitation for the whole industry to get together. So if there are people in the industry who would like to enjoy a few free drinks and get to meet some of the winners, then they are very much welcome! To find out more about the National Fenestration Awards, visit www.fenestrationawards.co.uk, find them on Twitter: @NatFenAwards or email them on info@fenestrationawards.co.uk. READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0066

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2015

Local Authority Building Standards Scotland

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Brouha Shortlisted for Two B2B Awards Specialist glass and glazing marketing communications agency Brouha Marketing is delighted to announce more award success with its two shortlisted positions in the prestigious PRMoment Awards 2015. Previously known as the Golden Hedgehog Awards, and with big name sponsors including event partner the Public Relations Consultants Association (PRCA), the national PRMoment Awards recognise excellence in all areas of PR and integrated communications. “We were pitched against multi-service agencies in the Midlands, Wales and the South,” explains Helen Savage, Director of Communications at Brouha, “and are one of the lucky few to have been selected by the judges to run for first place in Best B2B Campaign of the Year and Best B2B Agency of the Year.”

“It’s always great to be up for an award but we are particularly proud to have been selected by our peers for these categories with independent judging carried out by high quality, senior agency and in-house PR professionals.” “To be shortlisted amongst impressive brands such as The Red Consultancy,

Frank PR and Man Bites Dog, as well as the communications teams behind Santander, McDonalds and Vision Express is the icing on the cake.” “We’ll be keeping our fingers tightly crossed on the night of the awards where the winners will be announced, but whether we win or

Network VEKA member companies outstrip market growth rate while membership renewals reach 99.2% high Respected glazing industry organisation Network VEKA has posted figures showing how its members’ businesses far surpassed the average market rate for growth in 2014. Their successes are reflected in the Network’s unprecedented membership renewal rates.

Experiencing business growth at more than double the rate of the rest of the market in 2014, Network VEKA’s member companies have understandably been keen to re-sign with the organisation, helping to fortify its position as the industry leader for the promotion and provision of the highest standards of PVC-U installation. The VEKA UK Group’s Sales and Marketing Director Colin Torley commented: “We’re delighted to start the year spurred on by such an encouraging set of figures. Network VEKA pioneered standards organisations in the PVC-U glazing industry and stats like these affirm that the package we’ve honed over the past 19 years really delivers. “Being a member of our organisation can clearly be seen to have a positive effect on business growth. Companies see that benefit, gain a deeper understanding and commitment to the standards we promote and, therefore, have no hesitation in continuing their membership.” Central to the Network’s customer-centric approach has always been its package of insurance-backed guarantees, reassuring homeowners that any work carried out by a Network VEKA member company is covered for the next ten years. Its comprehensive marketing support offers a significant incentive for installation companies looking to broaden their market. Members, in turn, commit to maintaining the Network’s exacting standards, regularly being audited to demonstrate that they do so.

Colin continues: “Membership renewals stand at 99.2% for the past year – an unprecedented uptake that further confirms how well our offering fits the bill. We continuously consult our members to ensure that we provide everything they need – from customisable marketing materials to supplementary products from carefully selected affiliate suppliers and, of course, with the benefits that come from being part of The VEKA UK Group. “The end of 2014 saw our members’ cumulative weekly sales top £1m and registrations reach an eight-year high. We aim to continue this growth throughout 2015, bolstering our standing with both homeowners and installers. “Our members install the best, most-versatile systems, market themselves in a professional style that most installation companies can only dream of, and enjoy the backing and kudos that only comes with being a Network VEKA member.”

not we are proud to have got this far and see this as cause for celebration!” “Good luck to everyone who has been shortlisted in the North and South PRMoment Awards!” READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0068

GGF WELCOMES

NEW VICE PRESIDENT The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) is delighted to announce the appointment of Andrew Glover, Managing Director of West Yorkshire Windows as the GGF’s new Vice President. Andrew not only brings a huge amount of industry experience but also a solid understanding of the GGF, having worked with the GGF Technical Groups under the Home Improvement Executive for a number of years in his role as Chairman of the Window and Door Group. On his appointment Andrew commented, “I am pleased to accept this new role at a time of much change in our industry. I look forward helping the Federation meet the many challenges ahead and to representing GGF Members as Vice President.” Nigel Rees, GGF Group Chief Executive added, “We are delighted Andrew has agreed to become our new Vice President and I am sure he will be a great asset to the GGF. With so many issues affecting our industry, his experience and input will be invaluable.” www.ggf.org.uk

Companies interested in learning what it takes to join Network VEKA can learn more at the organisation’s new-look website: www. networkveka.co.uk/trade.

READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0069

READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0070

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2015

0315/0071

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Your invitation

to join PIGS in Manchester With a record number of sponsors for PIGS in Manchester on 5 March, it looks like it is set to be a great night for the industry. PIGS – or to use its full title: People in Glazing Society – is a networking group originally set up 11 years ago. Initially started for the press and marketing professionals, it was soon clear that other people in the industry would benefit from networking. 18 sponsors have put their hands in their pockets to ensure a well-stocked bar at The Castlefield Rooms in Manchester. Anyone from the glazing industry is invited. It’s in the Brindley Suite

and entry is by ticket only. Registration is FREE and very simple by going to https:// pigsontour.eventbrite.co.uk. “Without sponsorship PIGS wouldn’t exist. That’s why it’s really fantastic that so many people have come forward to back it this time,” says PIGS’ organiser Sarah Ball. “Several companies have already said they’ll support all three events planned for 2015. The others will be in London and Birmingham.” PIGS is not a company, it does not make a profit and its existence relies solely on the fact that the industry supports it. Massive thanks to the sponsors for PIGS Manchester. They are:

• Avantis-International • Balls2 Marketing • Bohle Group • Business Micros • Edgetech UK • Emplas • Glass and Glazing Federation • Glassparts.co.uk • Glass Times • National Fenestration Awards • Quickslide • RegaLead • Solidor • Stuga • Ultraframe • Universal Arches • The VEKA UK Group • Windows Active For updates, you can follow PIGS on Twitter: @ PeopleInGlazing, like the ‘People in Glazing’ page on Facebook, or join the ‘PIGS: People in Glazing’ group on Linked In. Sarah Ball at Balls2 Marketing is the organiser of PIGS. If you’d like more information about attending or becoming a sponsor, please call 07540 049655 or email sarah@ balls2marketing.com. READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0072

Shadow Chancellor calls in on

Anglian Home Improvements

Anglian Home Improvements welcomed the Shadow Chancellor, Rt. Hon. Ed Balls MP, to its Ossett branch in West Yorkshire on 23 January to discuss key industry issues, including how to boost energy efficiency within the UK housing stock. The visit was organised through the industry body, the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF), as part of its strategy to lobby GGF members’ MPs on industry concerns in the run-up to the General Election on 7 May. Following the visit, Ossett branch manager, Mark Allen, said, “It was a successful meeting and a pleasure to meet Mr Balls. He was very receptive to our concerns and the broader campaigns that the GGF is lobbying for our industry, including issues around the overly complex and bureaucratic Green Deal and the GGF’s ‘Cut the VAT’ campaigns on home improvement, maintenance and repair work and on energy efficient windows. “We discussed the sales of energy efficient windows to the residential market and outlined how reducing VAT to the rate of 5 per cent instead of the standard rate of 20 per cent would benefit the customer, putting A Rated and A+ Rated windows within more homeowners’ reach financially, as well as helping to reduce carbon emissions and enable companies like Anglian to boost the economy by providing additional employment opportunities.” While being shown around the depot, Mr Balls was interested to learn that Anglian is the only vertically integrated manufacturer and direct seller of windows in the UK. He expressed an interest in finding out more about the company and indicated that he would like to visit Anglian’s main

Pictured, left to right: Mark Allen, Northern Region Sales Manager, Anglian Home Improvements, Rt. Hon. Ed Balls MP, Shadow Chancellor, Giles Willson, Deputy Chief Executive & Director of Technical Affairs for the Glass and Glazing Federation and Alan Beesley, Installation/Operations Manager, Anglian Home Improvements.

manufacturing base in Norwich, which covers over 300,000 square feet, to learn more about the industry and issues. Giles Willson, GGF Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Technical Affairs, said, “It was a pleasure to support Anglian for this high profile visit and I am pleased our campaigns resonated with Mr Balls. We are delighted to offer further opportunities to meet with the Shadow Chancellor and to provide more detailed information on our multiple campaigns.” Established in 1966, Anglian Home Improvements is the UK’s biggest window, door and conservatory specialist. With almost 50 years’ experience, Anglian offers an extensive range of home improvement products, including double glazed and triple glazed windows, doors, conservatories, rooftrim and much more. To find out more and view the full range, visit www.anglianhome.co.uk. READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0073

SYNSEAL NOMINATED FOR THE

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS Synseal has secured a nomination for the 2015 Business Excellence Awards in recognition of the company’s operating performance and dynamic business growth achieved over the last two financial years. The prestigious annual Business Excellence Awards were launched by Acquisition International

Magazine in 2010 to highlight and celebrate excellence, innovation and performance across the business, legal, financial and investment communities worldwide. Success of businesses is largely down to the collective effort of all staff employed however the role played by leaders, especially in the current challenging corporate environment, is a critical factor. The Business Excellence Awards seek to prove that in times of economic turmoil, good leadership can deliver the difference between surviving and thriving. 2015 award winners will be determined through a rigorous

3-part methodology which assesses votes received online, supporting documentation evidence of merit, sheer determination and hard work from nominated companies and in-house research to identify final winners. “We are delighted to have received this Business Excellence Awards nomination,” comments Synseal’s Chief Executive David Leng, “and it is encouraging to see that the ongoing corporate development of our Synseal Group through organic sales growth and strategic acquisitions is gaining recognition across the broader business and investment community.”

For further information contact Mark Schlotel on 01623 446207 or 07764 229694; email mark. schlotel@synseal.com. READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0074

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2015

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Fresh window of opportunity as VEKA customer Stevenswood secures £3.5m BGF investment

Made For Trade Expands into Scotland with Conservatory Roofs and Bi-fold Doors Following rapid expansion in 2014, conservatory roof and aluminium bi-fold door company Made For Trade are now bringing their products into Scotland in their bid to become the UK’s fastest growing trade supplier. Having established a database of over 700 customers mostly in England, Made For Trade have now finalised a deal provide glass to Scotland, allowing the company to start delivering north of the border. Bradley Gaunt, the Managing Director, explains: “We are based in the North East and manage to deliver to the South coast with no problems, therefore it makes perfect sense for us to supply the short distance to our Scottish neighbours.” He continues: “I am pleased to announce we are now ready to offer fantastic deals on market-leading conservatory roof kits and aluminium bi-fold doors to Scotland.”

The company’s recent expansion into Scotland is the latest campaign to become a force to contend with in the industry. Having grown on average by over 60% year on year since 2010, Made For Trade has seen a busy 2014, with a significant increase in factory space for the manufacturing of aluminium bi-fold doors, the addition of 18 new employees to the team, and the release of a new brochure. Expansion is expected to continue in 2015, with the introduction of aluminium sliding patio doors into the trade range, adding to the existing products; bi-fold doors and conservatory roofs. Other new products are also in the pipeline. Bradley explains: “As a company relatively new to Scotland, please let us reassure you that with 35 years experience in the conservatory business and ten years of supplying quality roofs across England, we pride ourselves on our reliable and quick service.”

Bradley adds: “For the high volume of orders we process and dispatch, mistakes are incredibly rare and are rectified instantly, allowing our deliveries to be 99.5% on time and in full. The high percentage of customers returning to us prove that we are very hard to beat.” For more information on Made For Trade’s conservatory roofs and aluminium bi-fold doors, please visit the website at www.madefortrade.co or call on the below numbers: Conservatory roof department- 01642 610799 Bi-fold doors department – 01642 610798 READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0076

As a result, noise intrusion was reduced to 26decibels as against 32dB elsewhere. Alongside the glazing, the contract also specified a series of aluminium panels in various colours as a visual feature of many of the properties.

Working often against adverse weather to meet deadlines along with main contractor Galliford Try, Grosvenor had two teams fitting 547 windows over a seven-month schedule on the Humphrey Booth Gardens development of residential and affordable homes in Salford. Based on grey VEKA Matrix 70mm frames from Glazerite Windows Ltd, the installer used 10mm and 6mm acoustic glass in eight of the plots where specified, to combat higher traffic noise levels.

Grosvenor’s Steve Rigby said: “There were many challenges to the contract, not least the winter weather, but we really enjoyed being part of the project. The result looks superb and we know the residents will benefit from the extra bit of peace and quiet.”

The homes are new but the area’s history goes back nearly four centuries to two of Manchester’s most prominent social benefactors, the father and son both named Humphrey Booth.

The £11m turnover business, which manufactures more than 1,000 windows and doors per week, currently sells its bespoke manufactured products through its trade counters in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Kilmarnock, Dundee and at its headquarters in Livingston. The £3.5m investment from BGF, the independent company established to help the UK’s growing businesses, will see Stevenswood open additional trade counters across Scotland, as well as expanding its kitchen operations to meet the growing demand for its quality products. BGF has taken a minority stake in Stevenswood with Patrick Graham joining the board as Investor Director. The board has been bolstered with the appointment of David Pearson as Chairman and Murray McGarvie as Finance Director.

GROSVENOR KEEPS DOWN THE DECIBELS FOR HISTORIC BENEFACTORS’ LEGACY SITE Life will be a little quieter for residents of a new development near central Manchester where special acoustic glazing by Boltonbased Grosvenor Windows has drastically cut the noise intrusion from the busy streets around.

One of The VEKA UK Group’s leading Scottish fabricators - Stevenswood - will be expanding its production capacity and network of trade counters across the country thanks to a £3.5m investment of growth capital from BGF (Business Growth Fund).

Grosvenor is one of the most prominent customers of Glazerite’s North West division and has gained a growing reputation among the region’s commercial and social housing bodies as well as many domestic consumers. Glazerite is VEKA’s largest trade fabricator in the UK as well as a long-standing Network VEKA member. It offers a fully nationwide service based on manufacturing units in Northants and Greater Manchester as well as its South West distribution hub in Bristol serving South Wales and The West of England. www.glazeritewindows.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0077

Pearson brings extensive experience of working with institutionally-backed manufacturing businesses. He is the current Chairman of Nenplas Ltd and DPP Ltd. In his earlier career, David was the Group Commercial Director of Focus Wickes. McGarvie is an experienced Finance Director with a proven track record in both manufacturing and retail businesses. The Livingston-based business was founded in 1997 by the current Managing Director Ron Hepburn and his now retired business partner Dave Flynn, initially focussing on the installation of windows and doors. It was the first company in Scotland to offer VEK’s 70mm Fully

Sculptured frames, which are now the industry standard. The strategic recruitment of Director Duncan Murray in the year 2000 moved the direction of the business to focus on manufacturing its own products. During the last decade it has invested more than £1.6m in a new site and stateof-the-art machinery. All manufacturing now takes place at its industrial facilities on a five-acre site in Houston Industrial Estates in Livingston. Ron Hepburn, Managing Director of Stevenswood, explained: “We have been reinvigorated about the future prospects of our business thanks to BGF’s growth capital investment. The period around Dave’s retirement made us all reflect on the journey we had taken and what we had achieved and a sale was seriously considered. But an introduction to BGF allowed us to see more immediate opportunities to grow the business we had worked so hard to create. “The BGF team could see the commitment to investment we had already undertaken with our new site and advanced manufacturing equipment at Livingston so they knew that their investment would be focused on avenues of growth rather than capital expenditure.

As a business that trebled its turnover during the recession we are confident that our quality products and our established reputation will allow us to experience rapid growth.” Patrick Graham of BGF said: “Ron is a talented and very personable businessman with a great team around him that have continually invested in the business, diversified and evolved when many in the sector collapsed. We’re excited about expanding awareness of its product range to new trade audiences. “BGF has backed 23 British manufacturing businesses in the past three years, from laser specialists in Glasgow to carpet makers in Kidderminster. Stevenswood is a brilliant example of a strong, established business that has immediate potential and assists our goal of supporting sustainable growth in British manufacturing while creating local employment.” www.stevenswood.co.uk www.bgf.co.uk

READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0078

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

QUICKSLIDE ACCEPTED BY GUILD OF MASTER CRAFTSMEN Window and door fabricator Quickslide has been accepted as a member of the prestigious Guild of Master Craftsmen after thorough and rigorous examination of its standards and procedures. The company will not only have the right to display the Guild emblem as proof of its quality but it will also gain a listing on its national consumer lead generation site, http://www. findacraftsman.com along with other benefits. Chairman Adrian Barraclough says the accreditation will stand as further visible proof of the standards the company has always upheld: “Our existing customers don’t need convincing of the quality of products and service we offer but it is always reassuring to have such independent acclamation to show the rest of the world. The Guild is a highly respected body and we know from the

application procedure that it doesn’t take its standards lightly so we know the emblem will mean a lot to our customers. “This industry is all about quality companies standing apart from the rest and making that difference clear to their customers. This has always been at the heart of our own philosophy so we are delighted to have been accepted as members.” Quickslide is best-known for its acclaimed sliding sash windows, and the company has been instrumental in bringing this former niche product into the mainstream of the retrofit and new-build markets, but it also manufactures a wide range of other styles of windows and doors for trade, commercial and domestic customers. The Guild of Master Craftsmen is the UK’s most established trade association representing skilled tradesmen who strive for excellence in their workmanship. It represents over 500 different trades and professions and all Guild members have been assessed and vetted to earn the right to be called master craftsmen. Once accepted as members, they are required to maintain the Guild’s aims and objectives. In the event of any dispute, The Guild of Master Craftsmen has a proven procedure for conciliation.

READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0079

Disco the night away

with Network VEKA!

Industry-leading organisation Network VEKA is making preparations for its everpopular AGM and Awards Evening on Saturday 21st March. With a large number of sponsors supporting the event (listed below), specialist hardware company ERA is the Main Sponsor, From 12 noon, attendees will be able to visit exhibitors at the ‘Network VEKA Business Centre’ and talk to suppliers such as finance and marketing specialists, affiliate companies, training partners and more, to learn how their services can help enhance their business.

their best black-tie attire - will be welcomed once again, by Brand Ambassador Steve Davis and have the opportunity for celebration photos with the Six-Times World Snooker Champion. Network VEKA MD John Ogilvie says: “This year’s event is gearing up to be one of our best yet. We even have a new award this year with lots of our member companies currently battling it out to have one of their team shortlisted for ‘Fitter of the Year’. We will be announcing the shortlist soon.

This part of the day will be rounded off by the official AGM programme, with Network VEKA MD John Ogilvie and The VEKA UK Group’s MD Dave Jones.

“The results of all the regional awards are very, very close - so there might even be some surprises on the night. We’re looking forward to celebrating another successful year of maintaining high standards with our membership.

The Gala Dinner and Awards Evening will kick off at 6pm with a champagne reception sponsored by Renolit. Visitors - wearing

“After the awards, we’ll be treated to a delicious meal and then the evening will kick off with a fantastic 70s band and disco. There’ll be

optional fancy dress items available from 10pm and it’s a great opportunity for hardworking member companies to really let their hair down!” If you haven’t booked yet, you’ll have to act fast to secure your place! Email rjohnson@networkveka.com Network VEKA is delighted to have the support of the following sponsors for the event: • ERA • Dugdale Ltd • Assure • Renolit • Euroseal • Glazpart • Chick Plastics • Glazerite Windows Ltd • IKA • B&I Fabrications • The Image Works Ltd Tel: 01282 473170 www.networkveka.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0080

Listening to the Customers Voice “Most companies who pioneered warm edge glass units alongside Edgetech are still customers today. Talking with customers and learning from their experiences was crucial as we grew this market together,” says Alan Fielder, Sales and Marketing Director at Edgetech UK, a Quanex company. “Asking customers what they think of Edgetech as a supplier is important. We’ve always challenged what we consider to be true with forums, workshops or face-to-face meetings and two years ago we launched a quarterly Voice of the Customer survey. By listening to customers we learn most about what we can do to make improvements to

www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2015

products and services and stay ahead of their wants and needs. As usual we had an excellent response to our latest Voice of the Customer survey and the results are encouraging. All respondents were 100 percent satisfied with the value of our service and Super Spacer scored well on performance. The majority of customers rated it better or much better than competitive products for both productivity and ease of use.” “100 percent of responses stated that our team were knowledgeable and able to answer their questions. It’s an important score. Edgetech’s growing range of insulated glass unit components means we must be able to

give customers the information they need, when they need it. We don’t ask leading questions. There is no point asking questions we already have the answers to. In fact we learn more from asking customers about the things that matter to their business, warts and all. So when results are good it means even more to us, but we know there is always more to be done.” “We’re launching exciting new initiatives and products to support customers over the coming months so we’ll have even more to ask about in our next the Voice of the Customer survey.” Tel: 08700 566844

Krishma Patel, Marketing Assistant at Edgetech UK. READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0081

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VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY

What’s your opinion?

“If you had the opportunity to influence an incoming Prime Minister’s thinking and could persuade him, or her, to adopt policies that could help our industry be more successful or profitable, what would those policies be?”

John Crittenden Managing Director, Carl F Groupco

Mike Bygrave Marketing Manager, Roseview Windows

Haydon Statham Sales Director, Phoenix Doors

Joe Martoccia Managing Director, Solidor

I would encourage a new Government to put in effective measures to support the construction industry. We have experienced some regeneration and benefitted from the green shoots of growth but this needs to be sustained, we need focus on this issue including provision of some tangible support.

As a uPVC sash window manufacturer, Roseview regularly works in the heritage sector. This sector is growing, and there are more and more uPVC companies and profiles targeting it.

Reduce the rate of VAT to the lower rate of 5% on double glazing and, of course, composite doors or PVC doors installed in residential properties. This would then be in line with other energy-saving products and home insulation measures, such as roof or internal wall insulation.

I am concerned by the growing problem of the black economy in the home improvement market.

The incoming Government should be encouraged to place emphasis on ensuring sustained development: the construction industry should not be allowed to plateau. One specific way a new PM could really help is with a reduction of VAT for replacement windows and doors in refurbishment projects, if this was addressed this would have a significant beneficial impact on the industry. The UK is still only producing around half of the new build housing required for sustainable growth: I would urge a new PM to put this issue high on their list of actionable considerations. We have seen an upturn but this is after many years of very challenging recessionary periods, we cannot afford to stagnate.

While local Conservation Officers are gradually becoming more responsive to sensitively designed heritage products, there are no consistent rules governing this area. As a result, it ends up being little more than a postcode lottery for consumers who want modern heritage products installed in their homes. While, quite rightly, Conservation Officers are supposed to judge projects on a case-by-case basis, in reality many work to internal local policies. So while one Officer may be open to new products and materials, others reject uPVC without further consideration. We feel that everyone from planners to consumers would benefit from a set of well thought-out, consistent, national guidelines in this area. This would help iron out unfair prejudices against uPVC, and allow all heritage products to be judged on a level playing field.

In today’s eco-conscious times, the UK needs to be more energy-efficient and the government had rightly introduced tax incentives for insulating residential property. Installing double glazing and thermallyefficient, draught-proof entrance doors is a key element of making many homes more energy-efficient, and should attract this lower 5% rate. According to the Energy Saving Trust, one of the most cost-effective and carbon-reducing measures we can take in our homes is to replace single glazing with double glazing. This will reduce heating bills by at least 15%. Yet double glazing is specifically excluded and attracts VAT at 20%. In today’s eco-conscious times, we’re all urged to do our bit for the environment. A simple VAT cut would benefit everyone – even the occasional passing polar bear!

This is a serious issue, which not only blights our industryÆs reputation, but from a Government perspective, diverts serious amounts of money away from the exchequer, particularly the VAT element. The issue of the amount of work being done for cash was highlighted at a recent GGF meeting, Bona Fide businesses who follow the law, the correct GGF or FENSA guidelines, meet all the legal requirements of running a business, are losing out to trades offering a more attractive æcashÆ price.á á So what I would like to ask the Prime Minister, is what will they be doing to help businesses who pay their taxes, implement effective health and safety practices (to protect consumers and the workforce), train employees and provide a robust guarantee for the completed job? A reduction of VAT on home improvements might compel more homeowners to go with the æregulatedÆ option. It might even have the net effect of driving more revenue into the exchequer.

Iain McInnes Managing Director, McInnes Communications Ltd While incentives are in place for other energy efficient measures to the UK housing stock, I believe a reduction in the VAT to 5% that’s been suggested by the GGF would be great for the industry and the country as a whole. This puts the glazing industry back firmly on a level playing field with other measures including wall and ceiling insulation, controls for central heating systems and eco-friendly energy creation. At present there is a distinct lack of incentives for homeowners to install energy efficient windows, with the Green Deal stalling at best. While the Energy Savings Trust suggests that 23% of the energy lost in a home comes through directly as a result of the existing windows, so the opportunities for improvement are considerable. With a 5% VAT levy on windows, the country would also see a boost in the overall economy, creation of jobs and a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. It’s a triple whammy that I’d like Mr Cameron or whoever to consider…

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Mike Gaillard Joint Managing Director, CENSolutions Ltd The Prime Minister can help our industry by ensuring existing good policies are enforced! We talk to companies of all different shapes and sizes and time and time again we discover that CE Marking is not yet in place and in some cases, even Document L isn’t being adhered to. Our customers have worked hard to become and remain compliant but they continually come up against companies who offer illegal products, because no-one is checking them. There is also an assumption that members of industry federations and certification schemes comply, but this is not necessarily the case. It’s not just the companies that are trying to do the right thing that suffer either – the government will not hit its CO2 reduction targets if it assumes that policies are being met by industries like ours, when in reality they are largely being ignored. So for the benefit of government, our industry and the consumer who is being seriously misled, I hope whoever is Prime Minister after the next election ensures they have the resources to back up existing policies before they move on to introducing any more.

Darren Waters CEO, ERA Without question reducing VAT on home improvement projects is probably top of the agenda for the entire industry – encouraging British home owners to improve the efficiency of their homes surely ticks several policy boxes? I think we need to praise this Government for tackling the issue of improving home security in new build situations as we anticipate that the new Regulations regarding home security will be effective for all planning applications from October 2015 – good news for all. Of course, where the new challenge lies is in the refurbishment market, which still accounts for 80% of doors and windows manufactured in the UK – where regulation is non-existent. Reality is, until the refurbishment market is subjected to the same rigorous policy as the new build market, those fabricators that embrace new technologies and use approved UKAS testing to achieve full compliance with security standards, will still potentially lose out to a non-compliant competitor providing an inferior product at a cheaper price. An issue that undermines our entire industry.

www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2015

Dave Barrett A&B Glass Group & CEO of the CIN (Certified Installer Network) I’m concerned about the Government’s attitude towards VAT on replacement windows and doors, classifying them as a luxury household appliance is obserd. Using what is now sound knowledge, correctly manufactured windows will significantly create energy savings to all homes and collectively reduce CO2 emissions – a fact that seems to allude today’s Government. It is well documented that the UK struggles to meet EU targets to reduce CO2 emissions and as a consequence faces billions in fines. A 15% reduction on VAT for triple glazed replacement windows could be similar to the actual cost of supplying triple glazed units which would maximise home energy savings and contribute towards a reduction in CO2 emissions. It’s not a dark art, and for once, home owners are completely on board with the benefits triple glazing brings. Yes, it would give our industry a boost and what’s wrong with that? Everybody wins, including Mother Earth.

Stefan Seidel Managing Director, profine (UK) Ltd A highly contentious suggestion would be to either radically change the way the Window Energy Ratings (WERs) are calculated or remove them altogether. As a panEuropean Group we’ve been using the tried and tested method of U-values, which are also used in other home improvement products such as insulation. Simplifying the process of WERs would be good for the whole supply chain adding a greater level of transparency and will also be easier to manage as future Building Regulations change. Furthermore as a group we believe that we should be taking into consideration the whole window or door opening. A £1 tube of silicone around the edges of a window isn’t good enough and as an industry we should adopt the use of the latest thermal sleeves irrespective of legislation. In short, the WERs should be re-assessed or removed altogether with the overriding legislation covering the complete opening. This will be good for the consumer and for all of us throughout the supply chain.

Mick Clayton CEO, GQA A realistic skills policy that recognises that people development is not a ‘one size fits all’ activity. The Fenestration Industry, fully inclusive across all sizes of employers, needs a programme that will support the development of new entrants – be that through real apprentices or people changing industries – and upskilling of those currently working within the industry. That support should start at talent identification and financial support for real training delivery, through to succession planning and business continuity. An apprentice should be exactly that – a young person that can be shaped and developed to understand what is needed and be able to put it in to practice in an efficient, customer focused and compliant manner. Where will our industry be in ten, fifteen or twenty years if we don’t have the guidance and support that is relevant to our industry, as opposed to something that is developed in consultation with big employers from other sectors and made to fit for everyone?

Andy Jones Managing Director, Edgetech UK, a Quanex company I would like the Government to get serious about energy saving and not get diverted by low energy prices. The figures stack up for businesses and consumers to reduce their energy usage by creating more thermally efficient buildings. The glazing industry has been at the forefront of getting these messages across to consumers over the last decade. But the Government has not done anything to support this. The Green Deal has not worked. I would encourage the Government to create clear messages for energy users and easy access to subsidies and incentives. I would also want the Government to reduce VAT to 5 percent for energy efficient glazing. We know there’s an appetite for incentives if they’re easy to access but we would want to ensure they’re sustainable, unlike the fiasco with solar subsidises a few years ago. This would also give more stability for the window industry and that’s got to be good all round.

VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY

Lucia Di Stazio Director, MRA Marketing Please Prime Minister: We’re not building enough homes and we haven’t for a long time. The planning regime is a major blockage that’s pushed up property and land values so it’s prohibitively expensive. First time buyers who can afford to get on the ladder don’t have the cash to spend on improvements. Homes and room sizes have shrunk as housebuilders squeeze as many dwellings as they can onto exorbitantly expensive land. Take a bulldozer to planning regulations and replace them with simple ones that are fit for purpose! The green belt is used to stop building. But it was created to prevent urban encroachment[1] not to protect the green countryside despite what everyone thinks. Then scrap the Green Deal and replace it with an Insulation Deal and simpler incentives, access to finance at a decent rate via normal providers and a minimum of red tape to upgrade existing homes. Do that and you’ll get my vote!

Vic De Costa, Marketing & Sales Manager, UK & Ireland SWISSPACER The best thing for our industry and the country would be for the incoming Prime Minister to enforce energy efficiency targets. Government is targeting an 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050 and has not abandoned its aim of making all new buildings zero carbon by 2016 although reality is some way off. But at some point we have to walk the talk. The ongoing savings for individual homeowners and the UK will be huge when these targets are implemented. However, the only way these targets will be met is by enforcing legislation to make all homes as energy efficient as possible. Although many factors affect the energy performance of a house, windows are one of the most important. The best performing window depends on the quality of its components. SWISSPACER Ultimate is the best performing warm edge spacer bar, achieving the top thermal values. Its warm edge technology makes it a top choice for energy efficiency.

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Steve McIntyre Marketing Director, Ultraframe I don’t think this Government has a clue about the actual contribution this industry has made to reducing the nation’s CO2 emissions with the delivery of innovations that drastically improve the thermal performance of a property. Whilst I’m not suggesting we should receive taxincentives to further our R&D efforts (although that would be a bonus) the market for replacement roofs and efficient glazed extensions would see a substantial increase if new conservatories on existing properties were subject to the same zero VAT rules that apply to the new build housing sector. It’s a simple mechanic that would broaden the appeal to more cost-conscious consumers. In addition to the new build challenge, one area that could be easily tackled is the replacement roof market. Surely it’s a sensible step to incentivise home owners with out dated and inefficient conservatories to upgrade the roof system and bring the building in line with acceptable u values? Gets my vote!

Jeff Pearson Sales & Marketing Director, Jack Aluminium Systems What we really need to enable steady business growth is a stable economy and to reduce debt. You only have to look at the situation in Greece to realise that debt reduction has to remain a priority. My hope is that the Prime Minister adopts a more thoughtful approach to new policies and resists the temptation to make knee jerk reactions to challenges. Historically this has been proven to create havoc for the economy, fuelling the boom and bust cycle. This Government’s policy for cutting needless red tape has been good for business. It has given companies the time to focus on making the most of initiatives and government guidance that are actually useful. Jack Aluminium has used this as a driver to benefit customers. We’ve designed new products from scratch to achieve the higher standards of security and thermal performance required in commercial building. My hope is that the incoming party will keep the pressure on the supply chain and carry on pushing the industry to hit these new standards.

David Firmager Managing Director, TruFrame

Andy McDowell Commercial Director, Pilkington

A clear strategy for the long-term future of Energy Ratings would be at the top of my list.

We’d encourage a policy that ensures the UK’s legislative and regulatory framework helps to maintain sustainable and profitable flat glass manufacturing.

Whilst the current WER system is popular and well recognised, I believe the processes and methodologies behind it can be somewhat confusing. I would like to see the system be redefined to include all kinds of fenestration products under Document L, with them all being assessed on a level playing field, including doors, which are only a mandatory scheme under the BFRC at present. The necessity for continuous development could also be addressed by periodically ‘nudging the goalposts’ forwards. For example, today’s minimum requirement for replacement windows is a ‘C’ rated window, but over time this minimum requirement should increase to a ‘B’, then and ‘A’ and so forth. This would encourage R&D within our industry, as well as nurturing a landscape for healthy competition, all for the advantage of the consumer who enjoys the benefits of more energy efficient products in their home.

This could involve more financial support for our industry, which is, itself, energy intensive but yet delivers products that are energy saving and guarantee carbon payback wellwithin products’ lifetime. We only need look at the disappointing pick-up of windows under Green Deal to know heavyweight energy saving policies, of benefit to both manufacturers and end users, are needed. Glass is a ‘hi-tech’ industry and we’d like the Government to recognise it as such. The continuation of its UK operation is essential in delivering a stronger economy and it makes financial and environmental sense that flat glass used in the UK is made in the UK. Finally, to protect the future of the industry, the Government needs to back more skilled apprenticeships. The glass manufacturing workforce is aging, and needs young talent if it is to tackle the skills gap in the future.

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Steve Hacking Operations Manager, Supalite Roofs

Tom Crosswell Marketing Manager, Quotatis

Danny Williams Managing Director, Pioneer Trading

Jason Thompson Director, Glazerite Windows Ltd

As someone who has been involved in the conservatory sector for over 20 years I have seen many changes in building regulations and planning permission procedures.

The mismanagement of the green deal has meant that it never really encouraged home owners to improve their property.

The government’s Green Deal has failed. I believe that the Green Deal is tainted and should be completely remarketed to shake off the negatives.

There are so many things that I believe would make a huge difference to homeowners and public sector landlords which in turn would boost the home improvement industry with very little downside. Zero rate VAT or a significant reduction on energy saving products is the obvious move. So many models have been produced on this over the years which show the sense of such a move.

In recent times a relaxing of planning permissions for building extensions has been helpful to our industry, but as with all things, changes which are designed to help can also cause new areas of confusion or uncertainty. What I would like to see is very clearly defined, unambiguous and easy to understand set of rules regarding the building of extensions and conservatories, orangeries, and sun rooms. A simple set of rules which are easy for the consumer to understand and for builders to understand will take away any confusion.

A relaunched Green Deal that focused on home improvements beyond simply loft or cavity wall insulation would benefit the industry. Interest rates on the Green Deal loans need to be competitive, so lower interest rate than what you could get by simply adding the cost to your own mortgage. The administration fee and the large amount of red tape for the homeowners and the companies must be removed if the Green Deal is to ever have a major impact.

‘Life style’ living is the thing of the moment, and if through government help we can make the whole process easier then everybody will benefit. Of course, if they reduce the rate of VAT to 5% as with other energy efficient products that would also be a huge boost.

www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2015

Under a replacement deal to stimulate the window sector my suggestion would be to create a window schedule of rates for different styles and designs with accredited manufacturers and installers. This would avoid profiteering by industry undesirables. These should be funded through a secured interest free loan scheme over a five year period subject to reasonable qualification criteria . Not only would this stimulate the industry but it would give people who can not afford home improvements or who are sound but with credit issues the opportunity to take advantage and increase their standard of living, thus raising standards for a far wider spectrum of people.

And why not take a step further, in real joined up thinking, and incentivise the use of products that are manufactured from recycled material? That has become a real sales closer now for some homeowners and PSLs so recognition of a genuinely sustainable PVC-U window would help to remove some of the stigma created around the material by so called ‘eco-worriors’. On a corporate level the Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) that will stand at £500,000 from April until December this year will return to just £25,000 in 2016. This 100% allowance against expenditure on plant and machinery has been a very real help to us as we have expanded. As the economy is growing again maintaining this figure at a meaningful sum will help to sustain the recovery.

Paul Godwin Managing Director, FIT Events Ltd (FIT Show organiser)

Simon Scholes Business Administration Manager, VEKA Recycling Ltd

In my work with The Build Show as well as the FIT Show it has become clear to me that skilled labour shortages pose a significant threat to the sustained growth of the UK.

I would ask that the PM sets out a clear strategy for waste management and recycling. We need to make recycling something we WANT to do, not something we have to do because the council says so.

Training and education – and the attitudes towards these crucial elements of any society – must become a far more important pillar of the next government’s policies and drive. I would therefore implore the next PM to place far more importance and urgency on the training – and re-training – of people in what we would have called ‘trades’ when I was growing up. Building trades such as bricklaying, also plumbing, heating, electricians and others such as in engineering, service and maintenance. But also we need to change the attitude of society towards people that choose to not attend university in favour of apprenticeships and vocational training. There is an attitude that anyone not attending university is throwing away their lives, that any alternative is second best. That must be changed to ensure that we have the skills - and attitudes - needed to build and sustain this country.

Recycling needs to be led by central government. Presently each council operates a different recycling strategy, with no standard quality for materials, how they are collected or what happens to those materials. Mistrust is rife because some councils have a far more creative and robust policy towards recycling than others. It’s a free for all. Within a government initiative should be education - what are the truths about recycling and recycled products? Are plastics bad per se, or do we just look after them badly at the end of their lives? PVC-U windows may be recycled into new windows ten times and more, surely dismissing the claim of so called ecowarriors that plastic is ‘bad’. The plastics industry doesn’t want it buried.

VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Chris Globe Director, Inside The Box Marketing Limited

Richard Gyde Managing Director, Mila

Jim Cronie Technical Director, Business Micros

Chris Baron & Chris Cooke Co-directors, Prefix Systems

Andy Ball Managing Director, Balls2 Marketing

Martin Hitchin Chief Executive, REHAU

It is a broken record but I would like to see a new government wholeheartedly and fully commit itself to a sustainable approach to buildings - existing even more than new.

The most obvious thing would be to remove VAT on home improvements, or at least to reduce the level it is charged at. I know there’s plenty of lobbying going on already to try and achieve this, but I think it would do a lot to help stimulate demand for double and triple glazing and for upgrades on conservatories and roofs.

For a number of reasons, the UK has a workforce that is getting older.

From our perspective the whole conservatory, including replacements, and tiled GardenRoom market legislation and planning requirements needs looking at. At best it’s confusing, while Local Authority Building Control inspectors aren’t consistent regardless of type approval, while at the same time the whole planning process is full of delays.

I would persuade the Government to push the boundaries and set Building Regulations higher. Previous Governments have bowed to pressure from big construction companies and dumbed down proposed changes to Building Regulations. This doesn’t encourage developers to build better private homes and can stifle product development. The reality is that we end up with thousands of homes built to the lowest common denominator that just meet Building Regulations.

I feel passionately that there should be more support for businesses providing apprenticeships and training to young people – not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because in the long term it will be good for our industry.

I am as fed up as the next man hearing about government initiatives designed to reduce CO2 emissions and to improve thermal efficiency. The latest in a long line of failures of course has been the Green Deal; the reality is that such schemes are no more than political sound bites. It is time for a new government to get off what from a political point of view will undoubtedly be a multi-coloured fence, and genuinely commit. No more talk. It is time for action. Within any government initiatives and grant schemes Windows and Doors need to be given equal billing with other energy efficient products and measures. It is time the government gave the industry the tools to market it products to the consumer with its full support and with the same backing as it gives to other sectors.

From an environmental perspective, I’d also like to see those responsible window companies who invest in recycling rewarded via carbon credits or at least a carbon offset programme. More controversially, if the incoming government is really serious about promoting UK manufacturing, then they would have to significantly tax imports to allow UK based companies to compete with Asian manufacturers. At the moment, it’s impossible for them to compete on commodity type products but with a favourable tax regime and the economies of scale which would come from higher volumes, they would have a real chance again.

In the short term this is beneficial for employers as we retain that invaluable experience which has built up over many years. Taking a longer term view, however, it may have a damaging effect as young blood is not being brought in as quickly as in previous years. Also, from a socio-economic perspective, the country has a problem with youth unemployment and the ability for the young to get on any sort of career ladder. So, what could an incoming Prime Minister do to address this issue? I would like to see a Mentoring Initiative established to make it financially attractive for businesses to bring in new talent (perhaps exemptions and credits against employers NI). This would be designed to link new, young employees with longserving members of staff nearing retirement as their mentors to pass on, in a real world environment, their knowledge and experience.

The replacement conservatory market is completely unregulated, poses fantastic sales opportunities, yet also the risk of a consumer backlash as more and more companies fail to incorporate the necessary structural products. In an ideal world all manufacturers of conservatories and tiled GardenRooms would hold BBA and be working towards some of the standards set down in the Eurocodes. There’s also the opportunity for our sector to work towards Building Information Modelling that could satisfy the demands of Planning and possibly Building Regulations, and join up to CDM as this responsibility starts to move more towards the product designer. The market for conservatories has changed into one for extended living and so to should the frameworks and legislation that guides us.

This means they’re not as well designed, definitely not as energy efficient as they could be and less secure. But these things are important to homeowners. Often the specification of social housing is higher than private due to the requirements of social landlords. There’s a definite link between legislation and what gets delivered. So upping the ante would mean homeowners would get better homes to live in. Product manufacturers would find it worthwhile to invest more in research and development to create better performing products. This could be improving longevity, energy efficiency or installation techniques and we would start to future proof our housing stock.

Large systems houses like REHAU benefit considerably from being able to provide both production and commercial apprenticeships and effectively grow our own workforces, and I’d like to see much smaller businesses being able to enjoy similar benefits. Like so many others, I’d also like to see a new, workable platform which incentivises homeowners and commercial developers to fit energy efficient products. Fuel costs might be low at the moment but they will certainly rise again in the future and, of course, all of our commitments on climate change still remain in place. A new government should be looking to move on from the Green Deal and introduce a practical new scheme which is straightforward to access and cost effective to administer.

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

0315/0083

www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2015

GLASS NEWS EXCLUSIVE!

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Congratulations

ON A GREAT PERFORMANCE, AT NATIONAL PLASTICS ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND DINNER

A crisp and sunny day, 10th Jan 2015, the setting for The National Plastics Annual Conference and Dinner, at the wonderful Celtic Manor Resort, set in 2,000 acres of panoramic parkland in the beautiful Usk Valley. Starting off the day was a supplier exhibition, giving management and staff the chance to meet their suppliers face to face, with exhibitors having the opportunity to showcase their latest products. It was a busy and successful afternoon, with enhanced enjoyment in the form of bacon butties and a racing track (scalextric to be precise); of which the majority of guests participated. Following on from the fun and frolics came the actual conference itself, in which, a number of presentations took place, giving insight into the companies previous years performance, as well as objectives and forecasts for the next two years.

Following on from the fun and frolics came the actual conference itself, in which, a number of presentations took place, giving insight into the companies previous years performance, as well as objectives and forecasts for the next two years.

A busy pre-conference gathering.

The conference kicked off with Managing Director, Geoff Foster (aka The Tasmanian Devil); and for anyone who knows Geoff, no further explanation is required! For those that don’t know him – a wild guess? Next on the podium was Paul Brough, Operations Director, followed by Finance Manager Julian Burton and last but not least, the lovely Marketing Manager, Carrie Burton. It was interesting to hear that imports now play a part in the National Plastics portfolio. Year on year sales growth, the introduction of many new products and record sales reported for both roofline and fabricated sales were also attributed to the success of 2014. Acquisition has also been a core focus for the Group, with Silplas acquired in June 2014 and further acquisitions planned ahead. However, more focus has also been placed on current routes to market, an extended offering on the existing product range as well as major investment within individual trade depots, as well as further new branches outlined, vehicle fleets, marketing and staff training.

The giant size scalextric.

Overall, an impressive performance with major growth plans steaming ahead.

Amy Grundy of Veka was kept busy all day talking to customers about the Network Veka Approved Installer Scheme.

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

GLASS NEWS EXCLUSIVE!

During the evening, presentations took place, to reward the hard work of staff and depot members, across the UK: Congratulations to: • PORTSMOUTH National Plastics Depot of the Year – Runner UP • NEWPORT National Plastics Depot of the Year - Winner • CHELTENHAM Depot – Highest Growth Achieved • SWANSEA Depot – Highest Sales Achieved • NEWPORT Depot – Highest Profit Contribution • WALES Depot – Highest Average Area Sales

Special congratulations to individuals of long service: • ANDREW PARNELL – 15 years of employee service • JULIAN BURTON – 10 years of employee service Alan Hague of Bowater Doors, ready to meet the Depot members.

• MARTIN ROGERS – 10 years of employee service National Plastics are specialist suppliers of quality building products to the trade. Stocking thousands of superior quality products at extremely competitive prices, the extensive range consists of: uPVC windows and doors, conservatories, orangeries, pavilians and rainwater guttering, fascias and soffit boards, dry verge, external cladding, EPDM rubber roofing, PVC fencing. In addition they stock building tools, trims, consumables, workwear and accessories.

L to R: Geoff Foster (National Plastics MD); Christina Shaw of Glass News and Carrie Burton (National Plastics Marketing Manager).

Currently with 30 branches UK wide, and an additional 20 depots planned by 2017, National Plastics is your one stop shop for all your building materials.

Christina and Carrie - ready to enjoy the evening ahead!

www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2015

READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0084

A buzzing drinks reception. As you can see Geoff loves having his photo taken!

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March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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0800 014 2769 | Email: sales@pearlwindows.co.uk 53

FACE TO FACE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

THIS MONTH: Paul Garforth Technical Manager, Liniar Paul’s role at Liniar keeps him busy in the office, but he certainly doesn’t believe in doing much relaxing when he’s not at work. Here he talks biking, swimming, playing guitar – and even a little about work...

It’s all about you Where were you born, and which part of the country do you currently live? I was born in my parents’ front bedroom in the family home in Darton, just outside Barnsley. I haven’t moved far afield and now live in South Huddersfield.

Your favourite sports or interests: I’m a very keen mountain biker. I’ve got a collection of five bikes, and will hopefully be adding a sixth soon (if I can convince my wife!). I’ve always cycled and I try to get out most weekends. It’s the off-road, rough terrain that I like. I also have regular trips away with the boys when I can – bikes, beer and, erm, bruises! I love open water swimming and also ran a few 10ks

last year. When it comes to sport I prefer to have a go rather than just watch.

Someone or something which inspires you: I suppose I should say Roger Hartshorn, Liniar’s MD – but I don’t want to get stick for creeping! I’m inspired by people who just get on with things and don’t give up until they succeed, in all walks of life really.

A temptation you cannot resist: A good pint of real ale and a bit of chocolate – lovely!

your career When and how you joined the industry: I stayed on at school until I was 18 and then joined a fabricator in Wakefield as a trainee production

planner in 1985. It was a family-run business and was a great opportunity for me as I’d usually have finished all of my work by lunch time so I used to wander into the factory to talk to the lads in there and started to pick up the processes and see ways to improve them. It got to the point that I was spending more time in the factory than I was doing the planning and that led me to being appointed production manager at the age of 20.

The job you do in 25 words! I manage a team of technicians across the country, handling customers’ every day needs and requirements, plus setting up new fabricators on to our system.

What do you think is the most important thing when dealing with customers? I’m a firm believer in offering good service and meeting the requirements of our customers. It might sound like a simple thing,

but just being responsive and doing what you said you’d do is vital to maintaining good relations and keeping communication lines open.

Your great achievement: Professionally, I’d have to say joining Liniar seven years ago has given me great career advancement. Outside of work, obviously I’m immensely proud of my three daughters, but my greatest personal achievement would have to be swimming Lake Windermere last year. I swam the one mile distance in 36 minutes which I thought was pretty good in my first open water event – although I did practice in a pond beforehand!

The talent you would like to enhance: Everything! I’d like to be better at all the sports I do, but what I’d really like is to be a better guitar player. I’m teaching myself and I’m not really interested in being the next Jimi Hendrix, but I am fascinated by the technical aspects of playing and would like to get to grips better with that side of things.

and your future What would you do if you weren’t in the industry? In an ideal world I’d have liked to have been a professional mountain biker – who wouldn’t want to get paid to do something that they love?

What is your biggest ambition in life? To retire, wealthy, healthy and happy! Although I’m not particularly bothered about the wealthy bit to be honest, just as long as I’d got enough to be able to afford to do what I’d like to do. I’d love to set off and tour the full coast of the British Isles, just me and my wife, a motorhome and some bikes, no timetable or deadline, taking our time and having fun – bliss!

If you would like to appear in ‘Face to Face’, or would like to nominate someone else to be featured, simply email chris@glassnews.co.uk. 54

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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CONSERVATORIES

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

THE ULTRA IN GLASS PERFORMANCE FROM TUFFX TuffX Processed Glass has added another stunning roof glass option to its Ambience conservatory roof glass range.

glass which increases the recreational possibilities for conservatories, especially in conditions with strong sunlight.

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This new option in the Ambience portfolio offers exceptional glare reduction and UV solar control with up to 91% solar heat reflection.

“This new option in the Ambience portfolio offers exceptional glare reduction.” capabilities, coupled with its exceptional light transmission properties, gives a distinctive appearance and provides an even cooler more shaded environment, beyond that of the best, existing high performance conservatory glass. It can also be incorporated into bifold doors. As with all products in the Ambience range, AmbiULTRA is available in sizes up to 4000mm. For more information please visit www.ambiglass.co.uk or call 0184 3 400 200.

PREFIX’S BED OF ROSES Conservatory and extended living space specialists, Prefix Systems, have just been nominated finalists in four categories for the Red Rose Awards, an event where Lancashire business, commerce and industry are celebrated at a gala dinner. On the 12th March at the magnificent Empress Ballroom at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, the winners will be announced with over 1,000 guests in attendance. Now in it’s 5th year, the Red Rose Awards is an achiever in itself, having been named the best B2B awards event of 2014 at the PPA Connect Awards. Prefix Systems have been nominated as a finalist in Construction Business of the Year, Innovation of the Year, Manufacturing Business of the Year and Medium Business of the Year categories, an incredible achievement. In many ways 2014 was a

defining year for Prefix as the company broke the £10 million pound barrier in terms of turnover on the back of further developments to their impressive tiled GardenRoom roof and other solutions for the emerging extended living space market. While the conservatory market still yields sales opportunities, Prefix believe that the future is in what they categorise as home improvement specialists, who have transformed from their core conservatory market from the last decade into additional building trades skills. Single storey extensions are now part of this market as is the conservatory replacement sector. Chris Baron and Chris Cooke, co-directors of Prefix Systems commented: ‘To be nominated in one category would be an achievement, but in four is quite incredible. We’ve invested considerably within the business for future growth and to take a lead in the market for extended living, which we see very much as the future for us and our valued partners.’ For a free copy of their latest trade brochure, contact the sales office on 01254 871800, e-mail enquiries@prefixsystems.co.uk or add to their considerable following on Twitter @ prefixsystems.

READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0087

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CONSERVATORIES

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

UltraSky the only rooflight available in PVC and aluminium

Award winning roof system manufacturer Ultraframe has launched a rooflight system to meet the needs of its network partners looking to eliminate the need to dual-supply rooflights – UltraSky is the only system available in PVC or aluminium.

The UltraSky system is designed around the BBA approved Classic roofing system so there’s no nasty surprises or awkward fitting on site, ensuring that every job is seamless and fast. The UltraSky system is further enhanced by the versatile colour options – available in white, anthracite grey or satin black and is available in a broad range of sizes up to 2000mm wide and up to a length of 4000mm. Regardless of the size, each UltraSky is designed around maximum uninterrupted sight lines – bar numbers are reduced and the ridge board and hub ends are as unobtrusive as possible ensuring clear sightlines between the room and the sky. In addition, UltraSky is designed around a thermally broken aluminium ridge, which delivers improved thermal performance. UltraSky will have many applications and once again adds a new dimension to a retail offering. Steve McIntyre, Ultraframe marketing director

comments on the retail support underpinning the launch of UltraSky: “with the launch of UltraSky we have a complete end-toend roof solution from our classic glazed roof systems right through to our solid roof offering with realROOF and the award winning LivinROOF – the addition of UltraSky will ensure that every one of our loyal network partners can meet the needs of every home extension design. “We’re complementing our technical outputs with a broad range of consumerfocused literature with the primary aim of inspiring and informing homeowners. Our website is becoming a number one resource for homeowners seeking home extension inspiration and UltraSky will further attract a new market of homeowners looking for a rooflight solution.” To access UltraSky literature contact Adam Wilde at Ultraframe adam.wilde@ ultraframe.co.uk. READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0091

Conservatory Outlet capitalises on rise of mobile search Yorkshire based Conservatory Outlet’s plan to build brand new, fully responsive websites for its retailers is well underway. Directors at the company say it is a proactive move that will allow its customers to maximise all commercial opportunities brought about by the digital age.

“Customers now prefer to do their earlystage research online, where they can access product information and company reviews that help them make informed decisions when creating a shortlist of suppliers. This is why we’re focusing on offering a unique,

high-quality experience for the visitors on our websites, whether they use a mobile phone, tablet or desktop computer. “User friendly and versatile websites act as a suitable introduction to the service

Over the last decade, the way consumers shop for home improvements has changed, with more and more choosing the convenience of the web before visiting brick-and-mortar sites. And with 53% of internet searches now being conducted on a mobile device, being able to offer a great mobile site experience is becoming increasingly important for all retailers, installers included. Conservatory Outlet managing director, Greg Kane, comments: “Nowadays, technology enables a rapid change of the modern consumers’ buying habits, which is why Conservatory Outlet invests heavily in effective marketing tools that ensure its network benefits from the most up-to-date commercial approach. Ultimately, this translates into more, and better quality, consumer enquiries.

and product variety on display at our retailers’ regional showrooms, which remain paramount despite advances in online capabilities.” The mobile websites boast review sections highly regarded by visitors and search engines, which help the regional installers to rank better when potential customers look for windows, doors or conservatories. Designed with busy consumers in mind, the new platforms have a modern, clean look that focuses on high quality imagery, easyto-read information, and offer various ways to get in touch or request more information. Features such as the dynamic background colour, which changes to compliment every picture, deliver an overall enhanced experience for the visitor. With the internet being such a rapidly changing environment, the fabricator is constantly working on updating and improving the online strategy for its customers. For some of the longest established members, this will be their third online upgrade since joining the Conservatory Outlet Network. For more information visit http://www. conservatoryoutletdealers.co.uk/ or call 01924 239813.

Fully responsive websites for Conservatory Outlet’s network

READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0092

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

CONSERVATORIES

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

A PERFECT SUNSHADE

AZTEC ROLE

IN LIVERPOOL HOUSING REGENERATION

The regeneration of Liverpool’s iconic Dock area has hit the roof, with help from Aztec Systems... As part of the City’s £1.6billion residential development programme, to provide some 5000 new homes, a former warehouse in Duke St has been converted into a prestigious four-storey development of four x fourbedroomed apartments on the upper floors, with bars and restaurants below. The penthouse apartment features a new, 18m (60ft) x 4.6m (15ft) 25° pitch rooflight. Created using technology from Aztec Systems’ conservatory roof, by Wirral fabricator CRS, the white rooflight has been glazed with opal polycarbonate, to deliver high impact resistance and privacy to the occupants below. “There was originally a Victorian style rooflight there, which had virtually rotted away. The building, although high, is still overlooked by neighbouring properties, so opal tinted glazing was recommended to combine natural light transmission into the apartment below but still afford privacy,” explained CRS’ Dave Frost. “The customer felt the Aztec roof system was the only solution he could find, in that it assembles easily and quickly, and can accommodate components as large as required

for this project. Our only problem was physically getting the parts up to roof level!” The Aztec conservatory roof system, originally designed and engineered by conservatory fitters to address the common fabrication and installation issues inherent in other roofs, is claimed to reduce on-site build time by up to 30%, and almost eliminate risk of remedial call-backs. It has a number of unique features, including a one-piece panel support that simultaneously seals the edge of the glazing panel and locks the glazing into the ring beam, twin beads to facilitate installation of glazing panels, clip-on finials and crests, and a structural ring beam capable of spanning up to 6m in a single length- almost double the distance of any other roof system on the market As well as offering a roof with a raft of unique features, Aztec Systems offers its fabricators unique benefits- including guaranteed areas of work without competition and no business taken direct. As a result, Aztec (www.aztecsystems.net) is now the leading independent conservatory roof systems company. READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0093

Is your supplier letting you down?

FROM AMBIENCE The popularity of the Ambience range has increased steadily since its initial launch, giving customers greater scope when approaching consumers. The specialist conservatory glass roof manufacturer has seen very positive trading figures, particularly last year, with month on month increased sales figures for the product. The introduction of Ambi Sunshade Blue has proved an encouraging move for the company with the best performing solar controlled glass to date, impressing both customers and homeowners alike. The latest addition to the Ambience range offers solar properties that provide up to 80% solar Heat Reflection and up to 29% light transmission. Advantages from Ambi Sunshade Blue include greater glare reduction, improved temperature control and greater protection from furniture fade.

Andy Hayes, Sales Manager comments, “Ambi Sunshade Blue maintains a traditional sky blue tint and offers a striking finish to any new installation or retrofit project. We believe that this product will become Tuffx’s most sought after product to date” For more information please call 0845 3 400 200 or visit the website www.ambiglass.co.uk. READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0094

Conservatory Roofs Get a price comparison now! 3m x 2m Lean-To 25mm Opal

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www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2015

made for trade www.madefortrade.co 59

GLASS NEWS INTERVIEW: SUPALITE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Rapid growth from Supalite!

And with new products, just around the corner… Glass News’ editor talks with Supalite’s Sales Manager, Joe Leeming and Operations Manager, Steve Hacking about the rapid growth of the company.

Being able to pin you down for a day, Joe, and talk about Supalite, is a success in itself! Joe Leeming: I probably get in to the office for one or two days per week but you’re right, my territory takes me from Aberdeen to the Channel Islands, and everywhere in between. Keeping in touch with our customers and visiting both prospective installers and fabricators is very important. After all, we’re still a growing company…

Growing certainly, and I presume that’s why we’re meeting at Bamber Bridge as opposed to your Preston base? Joe Leeming: We’ve just moved into this new facility and it’s indicative of the growth of the company. We originally had 6,000 sq ft at Preston which grew rapidly to be 20,000 sq ft and now this new facility adds another 40,000 sq ft to the operation. As you can see, we’re filling this very quickly!

Is it a matter of having space for stock? Joe Leeming: We’re carrying stock certainly but it isn’t just warehouse space we need. We are adding manufacturing space, with additional machinery and assembly room, to keep pace with demand.

Can we go back a bit and talk about how Supalite came about? Maybe this is one for Steve? Steve Hacking: Dave Watters founded Supalite back in 2009, designing the lightweight roof and bringing to market in 2010. The year on year growth has been dramatic, hence our additional space at Bamber Bridge. We’re now turning over

Aluminium stockholding for quick despatch.

Supalite's Sales Manager, Joe Leeming.

Steve Hacking, Operations Manager.

around £12m per annum: for instance our January 2014 to January 2015 performance shows a 34% increase.

What’s your own background, Steve?

What made Dave start Supalite? Steve Hacking: His background was in conservatories and roof systems and he saw an opportunity for Supalite, not just as a replacement roof for conservatories but also for garages, extensions and upgrading of flat roofs. He wanted a system that was fool proof for the installer and also found there was a demand from fabricators who wanted to buy bar length and fabricate themselves. It’s a combination of the two that has made Supalite successful.

Steve Hacking: Pretty varied! From installing aluminium windows and shop fronts to surveying at Ultraframe and order processing. Technical and R & D and providing a technical role, on the road, to General Management at Taylor Roofing and then Shepley, Operations Director at Planet plus running my own business until joining Supalite.

And Joe. How about your background? Joe Leeming: Sales. That’s it! I joined this industry by working at Padiham Glass and joined Supalite in 2013.

How is the company run? I keep hearing the Watters name…

Is Supalite aimed purely at the replacement roof market?

Steve Hacking: Dave owns the business and the structure comprises me as an Operations Manager with Joe as Sales Manager, Nina (one of Dave’s daughters) looking after accounts, Alan Watters in Order Processing and Mick Stewart oversees Production. Cassie Watters has now joined and is working with Joe and taking on a marketing role.

Joe Leeming: It certainly started as that but new build is also growing. Currently, new build represents 40% of our turnover. The Supalite roof is adaptable to so many situations and can be used with an aluminium conservatory base, with timber, brick or stone. We’re seeing more and more new builds with brick or stone pillars and the Supalite roof ’s adaptability makes it a good choice. It’s the ease of fit that sets apart. We have

New premises at Bamber Bridge.

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Checking the fit prior to despatch.

Checking for fit.

With customers all over the UK, how do you transport the goods? Joe Leeming: We have our own fleet and drivers. We believe that is very important so we have complete control – and our drivers become known to our customers. Communication is vital. From me in sales, through the order processing and design stages, right up to delivery. Our customers are special to us and we want them to feel that. I’m not sure I could give you the exact fleet size as it seems to be increasing all the time. It’s around 20 to 25 vehicles ranging from 12.5 tons to delivery vans.

On the shopfloor.

less fixings which helps the installer, in fact less components altogether. Add to that that there’s no drilling necessary and, for instance, that the cleats are on the glazing bars, and it does what an installer needs. Quick, easy fitting, without problems.

So how is the design and manufacture handled? Joe Leeming: We use a software programme that we have had adapted to our own needs. The design is then manufactured as a complete kit for the installer. If it is a very specific design, for instance a P shape, we will put the kit together to ensure everything is aligned and works before despatch. Each process is monitored to ensure quality. Our aim is to produce a kit for our customers that works, straight out of the packaging.

Joe Leemimg - ready for the road.

www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2015

GLASS NEWS INTERVIEW: SUPALITE

And what of the future for Supalite? More products coming to market? A silence pervades as everyone looks at each other… Steve Hacking: Let’s just say that we shall be bringing additional products to our range!

OK. Without letting any ‘cats out of the bag’, can we say it will be roof oriented as opposed to diversifying into other products? Steve Hacking: Supalite is a roof specialist, so I think it’s safe to say any developments, or new products, will be directly associated with roofs.

And what about customer profile, Joe? Joe Leeming: We started out by supplying roof kits to installers and that installer base is constantly growing. We fell into supplying bar length to fabricators and really did little to expand that type of customer. Now, however, we are actively looking for more fabricators. Bamber Bridge is really the hub for distribution to the fabricators and we are working on an approved supplier scheme. Within this we will send leads to our network.

You are supporting your network of installers with leads, but what about technical support? Joe Leeming: We operate an ‘assisted fit’ service for our installers. This is particularly helpful in the early stages of an installer taking on the Supalite roof and we have 4 technical people on the road to provide that help and assurance. It’s a form of ‘training on the job’ and it works very well. No one is left in a situation that could be an embarrassment in front of the paying homeowner.

I look forward to finding out about your new products, in due course. Joe Leeming: Watch this space, Chris! READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0096

Marking up for despatch.

On the shopfloor.

MACHINERY

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Haffner’s to Stay Ahead SMR-4 welder of Demand proving its worth

Wintech Invests

Leading UKAS accredited testing specialist Wintech Engineering Limited has invested in its Telford based laboratory to ensure it stays ahead of the increased demand for its services.

NEW CNC MACHINE FROM SCHUECO WILL BOOST PRODUCTIVITY Leading sustainable building envelope specialist, Schueco UK Ltd, has just launched a new 3-axis CNC machine with a pneumatic rotating support table, capable of delivering a significant boost to both productivity and manufacturing quality and at a price that is extremely competitive. Designated the Schueco AF 250, this advanced machine is able to increase throughput of windows and doors by reducing fabrication time and enhance the quality of individual components, thanks to the precision and repeatability inherent in computer-controlled machining.

“The Schueco AF 250 is simple to operate using modern control software and connects to Schueco’s advanced SchuCal programming software. Its versatility in use, laser-measured x-axis and automatic 3-sided machining without an angled head, enable it to set new standards in its price class.” steel machine bed can support heavy loads, while its absolute axis position-measuring system saves machining time by obviating the need for a reference run. Two collapsible fixed stops accurately define the zero point enabling profile lengths up to 6 m to be processed.

For example, for doors the Schueco AF 250 can perform the functions of four different fabricating machines – a copy router, an end-milling machine, a door-hinge drilling machine and a punch – leading to savings in both capital requirements and factory space and optimising overall efficiency.

Accessories available include a profile length measuring system, a second tool changer magazine with 3 spaces (in addition to the 5-space automatic tool changer provided as standard) and a ceiling kit consisting of a polycarbonate roof panel with fluorescent lighting.

The Schueco AF 250 is simple to operate using modern control software and connects to Schueco’s advanced SchuCal programming software. Its versatility in use, laser-measured x-axis and automatic 3-sided machining without an angled head, enable it to set new standards in its price class.

The AF 250 CNC machine is part of Schueco’s philosophy to provide its fabricator partners with a wide range of advanced machinery to enable them to achieve the highest levels of productivity and consistent quality.

Measuring 5280 mm (L), 1640 mm (W) and 1990 mm (H) and weighing approx 2200 kg, the Schueco AF 250 is air-cooled with 3.8 kW spindle running at a maximum speed of 18,00 rpm. Its inherently strong, electro-welded

“We are in the process of extending our laboratory building to facilitate more testing equipment, which should be complete in the summer,” explains Michael Wass, Technical Director of Wintech, “but we have already purchased a second enhanced security rig to ensure we meet the increased demand for security testing now. More and more companies are choosing Wintech for their testing needs because we offer high quality testing solutions at competitive prices with a personal service and flexible lead times. “The new security rig consists of a revised, more high tech design and will be used to carry out testing in accordance with PAS24:2012, EN 1627-30 and BS 6375-2. The new design will not only increase our capacity but will also allow us to test significantly larger window and door samples than we have previously been able to. We can now test samples up to 3.2m high and 3.5m wide. This means an improved service for our customers due to the growing demand for testing large doorsets like patios and bi-fold doors. “The significant investment in the enhanced rig and the expansion of our premises demonstrates our commitment to delivering the very best to our customers and is particularly fitting for 2015 as we celebrate 20 years in business this year. We are proud of our successful heritage and have ambitious growth plans to ensure we continue to deliver the service our customers have come to expect from us, for the next 20 years.” Tel: 01952 586580 www.wintechtesting.com

When Haffner Murat launched the SMR4 welder it was billed as a revolution in welding machinery. It seems that the market agrees because sales of the SMR-4 continue to grow. In fact, the welder is proving so attractive to fabricators that Haffner Murat will install seven machines in January and February alone. Dave Thomas, Managing Director of Haffner Murat, says, “The SMR-4 is the fastest and most accurate welder available today. It’s one of those machines that simply sells itself because fabricators can immediately see the difference it will make to the quality and efficiency of their production.” The SMR-4’s key selling point is the automatic self centering of transoms and mullions, which ensures 90 degree transom welding even with uneven arrow heads. It means that welding can be undertaken without the need for a skilled operator. The welder also offers a retracting middle corner fence, three square welding and an on screen window display that makes checking progress easy. Finally, drop down support arms help to anchor small frames, making the production of these much easier. As the high volume of SMR-4 installations suggest, 2015 has started very well for Haffner. As the market continues to recover and more and more fabricators look to invest in new machinery, Haffner is taking on new staff to meet demand while continuing to offer the exceptional level of service it is renowned for. A new salesperson started at the beginning of February and a new workshop engineer is due to start at the end of the month. Dave concludes, “It’s great to see demand picking up because it means confidence is returning to the market and fabricators are looking to the future of their businesses.”

For further information and full technical details of the Schueco AF 250 CNC machine or any other item in the Schueco machinery range, please email mkinfobox@schueco.com.

Tel: 01785 222421 READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0097

READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0098

READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0099

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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MACHINERY

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

EMMEGI MACHINES PROVE THEIR METAL The installation of a new Emmegi machining centre and double mitre saw at architectural steel fabrication specialists Arkoni Ltd is continuing to prove the strength and durability of the Italian crafted machines.

Arkoni Ltd has invested in a 1,600m² extension at its Brighouse premises to house the new Emmegi machinery which it is using largely to fabricate windows in the Janisol Arte steel renovation window system. The company chose the Emmegi machines primarily because they were already being used by system supplier Schueco Janson themselves in Germany, and a joint visit to the factory by the teams from Arkoni and Emmegi (UK) showed just how well the machines were performing.

An Emmegi Phantomatic T3 star four axis CNC machining centre has been installed at Brighouse along with a Twin Ferro heavy duty electronic double mitre saw, both of which have the additional strength required for cutting and machining steel rather than aluminium. As well as the installation in Germany, Emmegi (UK) could also prove the performance of the machines with reference projects at steel fabrication companies in the UK and in Switzerland. Emmegi (UK)’s team worked closely with Arkoni to identify the best machinery solution for the profiles and volumes they are manufacturing, and also worked with software specialist Business Micros Aluminium to help provide an effective and user friendly installation. Ian Latimer, Managing Director of Emmegi (UK), says: “This was a very significant investment for Arkoni – not just in terms of the size but also because it represents an important strategic shift for the business into the fabrication of windows in the slim sight lined, thermally broken Janisol Arte system.

“We were able to offer proven machines which could cope with the challenging profiles, as well as unrivalled expertise and exceptional levels of customer service which ensured that the installation and commissioning process was smooth and efficient.”

company to increase capacity as it expands into the Irish market. Further information on the range of Emmegi machines is available at www.emmegi.com and on Arkoni at www.arkoni.co.uk.

In addition to the Janisol Arte windows which Arkoni is supplying into the heritage building sector in the UK, the new machinery is also helping the

READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0101

Leading specialist glass processors, TuffX, has invested in a new, fully automated vertical drilling machine with washer, which in January, was installed at the company’s modern manufacturing facility in Knowsley, Merseyside.

The 50,000 sq ft factory already houses the latest technology for specialist glass production, however this new equipment will give greater accuracy and help to increase efficiency at the company. Currently, senior management are focussing on the further development of both architectural and domestic sectors as the entire Ambience and TuffX brands continue to set standards for the industry. The Schramal top drill machine, drills glass thickness from 4 – 19 mm and offers greater accuracy during the production process. This will ensure that TuffX maintains

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a competitive advantage in respect of output, product quality and service support. This investment was instigated as sales have increased considerably throughout 2014 due to product diversification and customer demand. Graham Price comments, “Our investment has already started to pay off with the new machinery helping us to achieve improved results, which sends out a clear message of strength and success to the industry.” For more information please visit: www.ambiglass.co.uk or www.tuffxprocessedglass.co.uk.

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READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0102

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

0315/0103

www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2015

FACE TO FACE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

THIS MONTH: John Cooper Market Development Manager, SWISSPACER UK & Ireland John recently joined SWISSPACER to support its growing share of the warm edge spacer bar market in the UK and Ireland. He’s been in the industry for 32 years, starting his career with Alcan Aluminium before moving to Schuco International where he developed a wide range of skills.

It’s all about you

your career

Where you were born and live, currently…

When and how you joined this industry…

I was born in Hoddesdon in Hertfordshire, just off the M25. I live with my partner Rita in both Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

I got involved in this industry when I left school, around 32 years ago. I started at Alcan, and was asked by a visiting supplier (Cotswold Architectural Products) to go out on the road as a sales representative. I then returned to Alcan (by invitation) as Field Sales Manager before joining Schuco as an Area Manager in PVC-U. There I progressed through the ranks to be National Commercial Manager in the Residential Division, which I also set up. I then moved back to the commercial division as National Commercial Manager to implement a new venture in the Light Commercial Market. Although I worked for just one company, I had seven different jobs in that time. One of the Managing Directors recognised I got bored easily and always needed a new challenge, which is why I stayed so long I guess!

Your education and the subject or activity in which you excelled… I was educated at Broxbourne Grammar School and my favourite subjects were History and Sport.

Your favourite sports or interests… My favourite sports are Squash and tennis, although I am too injured to play them now at a competitive level. I also enjoy walking our dog, and discovering parts of London with Rita that we never knew existed.

Your biggest regret in life… Staying at one company for too long (although it was an excellent employer)

The job you do in 25 words…

Roger Federer. He is talented, super cool and never gives up.

My job involves business development and increasing product awareness through specification. Although I am in one industry, it involves a wide spectrum of different businesses.

The temptation you can’t resist…

Your greatest achievement…

Someone or something that inspires you…

Spending too much money in Costa Coffee and drinking wine!

Without doubt, my three children.

“I started at Alcan, and was asked by a visiting supplier to go out on the road as a sales representative.” The mistake you’d like to correct… Not changing employer earlier. As I said previously, it was an excellent employer, but I enjoy new challenges and would have liked to have moved around a little more.

The talent you would like to enhance… I wouldn’t say I have a talent in this area, but I would like to understand modern technology more. It seems to change daily and my kids are ahead of me!

and your future What you would like to do if you weren’t in the industry… A sports teacher.

A particular ambition… To live (in part) somewhere near Barcelona at some time in my life .

The way you want to be remembered… As someone who loved his family.

If you would like to appear in ‘Face to Face’, or would like to nominate someone else to be featured, simply email chris@glassnews.co.uk. 66

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

Turn the heat up with ATS ECO CONVECTION 2700 5500 Thinking of changing, adding to or simply buying a new glass tempering plant then look no further than Mappi and their range of ATS ECO furnaces supplied by Promac. Our latest machinery venture provides revolutionary innovation in furnace design and technology that guarantees improved quality, performance and productivity. The entire Mappi range of furnaces will provide up to 50% saving in running costs using specialized technology regarding heat source, patented convection, quench and insulation. The onboard control system delivers hyper accurate tempering and data reporting which can be archived meeting all of the requirements of ANSI and CE Standards. Offering incredible reliability, low maintenance and key benefits like complete overnight shutdown, rapid restart (within an hour back to temperature), high speed recipe changes all without any need to operate using SO2. At Promac we are proud to partner Mappi International in this new venture with our UK and Irish based sales, service and technical support. Designed, Engineered and Competitively priced to deliver lasting benefit.

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www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2015

0315/0104

GLASS NEWS INTERVIEW: PADIHAM GLASS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Padiham Glass’

35 year anniversary,

an d t he c o m pan y c o n t in u es to g r o w

It’s a family affair at Padiham Glass and Chris Champion talks to Wes Clarkson, Sales Director, about the long history of the Glass company.

With a brother as Managing Director and yourself looking after sales, it’s very much a family company… It’s been a family company since the early 1980’s and started out supplying glass and joinery products to the trade, plus domestic board up services. This then developed over a ten year period into providing commercial, trade and domestic services with glass processing and glazing services. We also have Jeremy Kemp, who’s almost like one of the family; he’s been with Padiham Glass for almost 25 years and has been our Trade Counter director for the last ten. We’ve continued to grow, and invest in the company, building a very loyal customer base.

Is it now a case of supplying to the large fabricators? Not at all. We supply to very large architectural firms sourcing products for commercial developments as well as the ‘one man band’ operation. We treat everyone the same. We’ve built our business by working with people and providing them with a very high level of quality and service and have structured our divisions to provide the ‘Padiham’ experience to

certification. Has that proved difficult?

every customer, large and small.

As far as investment is concerned, just by looking around it’s obvious that serious money has been spent… It has, but in a very controlled way. It was back in 1996 when we commissioned our first toughening plant and we developed an investment strategy to take the company forward. It was important to us to demonstrate a commitment to both our customers and our employees by investing in state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment.

You weren’t always based on this site. When did the move come?

Wes Clarkson.

So the ‘noughties’ was an important growth era for Padiham? The company grew significantly in that period and it’s only fairly recently that we diversified our product range to include solutions for the Fire Glass market.

Certainly the whole issue of fire solutions has grown rapidly and demand is still growing. It is, however, an area where particular care has to be given to licensing and

We bought the land and constructed a 35,000 sq ft purpose built production facility in 2004. This was mainly to house our second toughening plant but also to bring in additional automated processing machinery. Mind you, it was only a year later that we then added a 10,000 sq ft extension for an automated double glazing line and robotic warm edge spacer bar applicator.

Not difficult, as such, but it is paramount the correct licensing and manufacturing certification is in place. It is an area where fabricators can get into trouble – it isn’t just a case of putting some fire glass into a fire door and putting it into someone’s house. We do our very best to ensure our customers understand the issues surrounding fire regulations.

In-house toughening plant.

You mentioned earlier about the divisions within Padiham Glass. What are they, specifically? We have four divisions; Commercial and Architectural, New Build and Trade, Trade Counter and Fire Glass Solutions. Each of those divisions is headed up by very experienced managers and it is their job to ensure their teams provide solutions that are right for their customers. It’s that level of involvement

Just one of Padiham’s large fleet of vehicles.

with our customer that differentiates Padiham from our competitors. We don’t want to just sell anything to our customer: we want to sell the right thing. I believe it’s that relationship that has made the company what it is today and the fact that we have very long standing customers speaks for itself.

Can you describe a bit more about the Commercial and Architectural Division?

Almost immediately after that we acquired a further automated line! Automated IGU line.

That division is concerned with high performance glass for both public and private sector contracts. It includes glass for curtain walling, units that require specific solar or acoustic

specifications plus a whole range of products that can be used with PVCu, aluminium or timber.

And the Fire Glass Solution division? In 2014 we became fully certified to manufacture Pyrotherm Insulating Glass ™, our own brand of fire resistant IGUs. We are currently using Pyroguard products but are listening to our customers and hoping to extend our range to offer a number of alternative fire glass products. We offer a full range of protection options from integrity ratings only, to integrity and insulation ratings. This provides safety solutions for all kinds of buildings. Importantly, we can also provide test data

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

GLASS NEWS INTERVIEW: PADIHAM GLASS from toughened and laminated IGUs to coloured spandrels and curtain walling. Is having this type of material available the reason why you don’t have salesmen on the road? We do try to ensure that the marketing material we offer is comprehensive and I’m sure it must help our sales effort. I have to say I really think that everyone in the company is in sales; no matter what anyone’s position is, we work as a team and support our customers. We’re fortunate in that many customers come by recommendation and we have a nationwide customer base.

Labelled and ready for packing.

New Hegla Float/Laminated Cutting Table.

and all the products are CE marked as standard.

Is this very much a developing division? Absolutely. The demand for fire rated products is ever increasing and we shall continue to add products to our range. It is also very important that our staff are properly trained and are kept up to date with product development and legislation so they can advise the customers of the best solutions for their specific needs.

And that must present its own problem when it comes to shipping of goods…

I noticed as we went round that there was someone constantly testing units… Quality control is vital and that department is continually testing units and ensuring that they are to specification. This includes testing for the argon filling….around 80% of all IGUs are now argon filled as standard. Everyone is responsible for quality though, it’s a key part of

Hand leading decorative glass.

what we do which is why we employed Trevor Crossley as our Quality Manager last year because we wanted to make sure quality was high on our list of priorities. We work to GGF guidelines for appearance and visual quality and we want to ensure every unit is to

specification. Are there ever problems? Of course. But it’s how you deal with the problem that sets a good supplier apart from a mediocre one. At Padiham we work very hard to get it right first time – hence the constant quality control process – and the long

relationship we have with our customers speaks volumes about our service and attention to detail.

The new Trade Counter is really impressive… We only recently moved our trade counters back to the Padiham base. We felt that we could give a better service and more technical advice by operating from premises much closer to the support of the sales office and the main factory. It will take a bit of time, but our customers seem to like the new set up.

Reading through the Customer Information brochure answers pretty much everything a customer could ask and covers everything Quality Checking – Trevor Crossley appointed as Quality Manager in 2014.

www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2015

The new Trade Counter.

We have invested in a substantial fleet including 18 tonners as well as 14 tonners, 12 tonners 7.5 tonners and commercial vans. Getting the product to the customer when they need it, is paramount.

You’ve grown even during recession, turnover is about £8 million and you’re producing around 10,000 IGUs every week; what does the future hold? We are constantly improving our manufacturing processes and adding products to our portfolio so onwards and upwards I guess. You can never fully map out what will happen 5, 10 or another 35 years down the line, but for now, we’re happy to continue growing organically and look forward to whatever challenges this market throws at us! READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0105

GLASS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Pyroguard Reveals ‘First in Fire Glass’ Vision Pyroguard, a leading independent manufacturer of fire glass, has revealed strategic changes which will better align its sales structure with the construction supply chain and enable the company to achieve major expansion and growth plans in 2015. The first of these updates is the company’s trading name changing from CGI International to Pyroguard UK. Already a well-known fire glass solutions provider, this will improve brand recognition and make the customer’s choice of fire glass supplier clearer than ever.

350TH ANNIVERSARY

CELEBRATIONS DRIVE FURTHER COMMITMENT TO CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR GLASSOLUTIONS

The company name change will be accompanied by a brand identity update, composed of a new vision and strapline: ‘First in Fire Glass’. David Jolliffe, Pyroguard CEO, explains: “Our core purpose is to make buildings safe, but also to enable the contractor deliver the architect’s vision, after all glass is a preferred material to work with from an aesthetic perspective. To better reflect this fresh impetus, we will become ‘First in Fire Glass’ – a vision which encapsulates our core values and what will differentiate us from the competition.”

David Jolliffe, CEO of Pyroguard.

closer to our customers, for example, offering a custom range of counterpanes.

The acronym ‘First’ from the strapline represents the following values:

• Responsive – From specifiers and building owners to processors and installers, we are responsive to their needs and are responsive in terms of time. We aim to respond to enquiries within a day and to fit to customer lead times wherever possible.

• Flexible – Our customers’ needs come first, which means we need to be flexible in every area of our operations, not just in terms of product availability, but also in our approach to service.

• Specific – Fire glass is our complete focus. Specialising exclusively in this niche we are better equipped than anyone to provide expert advice and dedicate our entire R&D efforts to advancing fire glass solutions.

• Independent – Our independence sets us apart in the market. It gives us the ability to provide a personal service and be much

• Technical – Pyroguard is built on solid technical foundations. From frontfacing technical sales teams to our PhD R&D engineers, our team is industryleading. Our products are certified to the most stringent technical standards and supported by extensive technical materials.

“Our core purpose is to make buildings safe, but also to enable the contractor deliver the architect’s vision, after all glass is a preferred material to work with from an aesthetic perspective. To better reflect this fresh impetus, we will become ‘First in Fire Glass’ – a vision which encapsulates our core values and what will differentiate us from the competition.” 70

David concludes: “This year, we aim to be ‘First in Fire Glass’ - better, quicker and more responsive. As a service orientated company, we will raise the bar for industry standards and aim to deliver improved sales and service which better map the needs of our valued customers.”

READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0106

A video detailing the complex installation of glass floor walkways at London’s Tower Bridge has heralded the start of a momentous year for GLASSOLUTIONS as it celebrates its parent company Saint-Gobain’s remarkable milestone of 350 years in business.

captures the design and innovation involved in the project and the excitement of the general public as they experience the breath-taking views looking down from 42 metres above the Thames for the first time.”

“The focus of our celebrations is exploring how we continue to deliver real advantage to our customers and our partners,” says Mike Butterick, marketing director at GLASSOLUTIONS. “The new glass floor at Tower Bridge is a great example of how we collaborated with our sister companies in Europe to meet this technical challenge – and help create a fabulous new dimension to one of the world’s most iconic tourist attractions.

“Customers value much of what we do so it’s important not to lose sight of our strengths whilst at the same time working on the areas where we believe that improvement can be made to better serve the needs of our customers.”

“The video shot over the two day installation really

One of the commitments made by GLASSOLUTIONS in its anniversary year is to continue to invest in innovative materials, new ideas and new techniques for those involved in creating a better built environment. It will also continue to put customers first and has just released the results of a 12 month customer research programme. Says Mike: “Customers value much of what we do so it’s

important not to lose sight of our strengths whilst at the same time working on the areas where we believe that improvement can be made to better serve the needs of our customers. We’re implementing a cultural shift – instilling a culture throughout the entire organisation of customer focus to ensure that the team always goes the extra mile to achieve customers’ needs – and that our systems and processes allow that to happen. “Some areas of the business are outstanding and we need to replicate that so all our customers benefit from consistently high levels of service and remain committed to us as we embark on our next 350 years.” For more information about Saint Gobain’s 350th anniversary visit: www.glassolutions.co.uk. To view the video detailing the complex installation of glass floor walkways by GLASSOLUTIONS at London’s Tower Bridge visit: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=MegwQt_ mFo4&feature=youtu.be.

READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0107

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

GLASS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

1,000,000 Super Spacer units milestone for Padiham Glass The automated Edgetech Super Spacer line has gone through the milestone of 1,000,000 units at Lancashire based Padiham Glass, manufacturers of high performance insulating glass units. Starting with a manual Super Spacer line, the fully automated Forel line was installed as part of the £2million expansion in 2007. Managing Director for Edgetech UK, a Quanex Company, Andy Jones congratulated the team at Padiham Glass: “As one of

the first companies to offer Super Spacer, this is a great achievement.” The significant occasion may have been missed if it wasn’t for an eagle-eyed analyst. During an audit he told Wes Clarkson, Padiham Glass’ Sales Director, the million was close. Wes said: “We were on the lookout to see what customer order would be on the Super Spacer line as we went through the one million mark. It’s really appropriate that it was one of our longest-

standing customers Darwen Windows.” To mark this special occasion, a magnum of Champagne was presented to Bill Ainsworth, Managing Director of Darwen Windows. Bill said: “We’ve always had a very good relationship with the team at Padiham Glass. We get high-quality products with competitive pricing and we have always found the service to be excellent. I’m sure the relationship between our businesses will continue well into the next million.” “Reaching this milestone in our 35th anniversary year is great for Padiham,” adds Wes. “We manufacture to very high standards and hitting the million mark in warm edge glass units shows we can depend on Edgetech Super Spacer to perform consistently.” READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0108

RegaLead offers full EVA solution with TK Tekno Kilns Following the successful launch of Glass Processing Products (GPP) by RegaLead at the end of last year, the company is now pleased to announce that it has partnered with Italian machinery specialists TK Tekno Kilns. Alongside its existing relationship with Folienwerk Wolfen to supply the pioneering evguard films to the UK, this new partnership means that GPP can offer a full solution for customers looking to start with EVA lamination. Based in Lecco, an area famous for its glass machinery companies, TK is a strong believer in manufacturing excellence for its range of tempering, laminating and bending ovens. With distribution around the world and offices in Russia, Brazil, and the USA, the UK can now also benefit from TK’s high quality equipment following RegaLead’s appointment as the UK and Ireland distributor of lamination kilns.

Guy Hubble, Joint Managing Director at RegaLead explains: “When we launched GPP it was with the purpose of providing glass processing customers with the highest quality added value products for glass, alongside the expertise, advice and support RegaLead provides as standard. In line with this we have taken delivery of a Lamijet 01 from TK for our new training facility in Manchester so customers can come and see the equipment for themselves to appreciate its build quality, ease of use and unique features.” Sturdy and equipped with a fully extractable trolley for glass loading and unloading, the Lamijet 01’s heating chamber is coated with dust proof calcium silicate sheets which have a low thermal inertia and a limit temperature of 500°C. Infra red heaters are situated above and below the work surface, supported

TK Tekno Kilns’ Dominico Tanera (left) and RegaLead’s Guy Hubble (right) with the Lamijet 01 kiln.

by ceramic insulators. In addition, the machine incorporates a built in silicon membrane bagging system with quick Lock Seal closing, so flat and curved glass can be laminated without using a disposable bag and the Bentrup controller provides a simple to use interface for ease of operation. For more information about Glass Processing Products by RegaLead visit: www.regalead.co.uk or call 0161 946 1164. READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0109

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0315/0110

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www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2015

GLASS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

SAINT-GOBAIN CELEBRATES ITS 350TH ANNIVERSARY

TUFFX LAUNCHES

NEW ULTRA GREY GLASS OPTION In line with its commitment to offer premium products that will accommodate more dynamic design concepts, TuffX now offers a new ULTRA GREY glass as part of its portfolio. The highly body-tinted float glass is manufactured in-house in the same way as standard float glass which provides a high shine and intense grey colour. This gives customers more scope with both commercial and domestic projects. The new ULTRA GREY is ideal for a wide variety of applications as its colour and opaqueness intensifies with its thickness, providing a variety of benefits. Uses include shower screens, cubicles, splashbacks, partitions and wall panelling as well as radiators and internal doors. The new glass makes an equally attractive furniture option as

In 2015, SaintGobain is celebrating its 350th anniversary, 350 reasons to believe in the future.

a table top, shelving or even cabinet doors. The unique colour and opaqueness intensifies from a dark grey in the 4mm thickness to a virtually opaque black in the 10mm thickness. The 4 and 6mm options provide privacy or vision control. Depending upon the light, when used between rooms the interior of a lighter room can be observed without the viewer being seen. Furthermore, from the lighter side, the glass appears as a black lacquered glass thus providing a one way function. The 6mm and thicker makes an ideal choice for wall panelling or furniture with the glass being opaque enough to hide imperfections on a wall or cover the front of a cupboard or cabi At 8 and 10mm thickness, the glass appears as virtually opaque black giving a solid, stonelike appearance, that looks like onyx.

These thicknesses give customers greater business scope with an attractive high shine aesthetic appearance that is combined with the flexibility of traditional float glass processing. For more information on the ULTRA GREY option available from TuffX Processed Glass please call 0845 3 400 200 or visit the website www. tuffxprocessedglass.co.uk.

READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0111

Backed by its experience and capacity to continuously innovate, Saint-Gobain, the world leader in the habitat and construction market, creates and delivers innovative and high-performance solutions to enhance our habitat and our daily life. Saint-Gobain’s global strategy is focused around meeting some of the fundamental challenges faced by the world today: reducing energy consumption, limiting our impact on the environment, and creating a new generation of buildings which are safe, comfortable and energy efficient. With 2013 sales of €42 billion, Saint-Gobain is

present in 64 countries and employs over 190,000 people worldwide, including over 17,000 in the UK & Ireland. It was founded in 1665 to deliver a world first – the production of glass on an industrial scale - and has continued to grow its business via the ongoing development of new services, products and ways of working with customers. As one of the world's top 100 innovators, Saint-Gobain spends €400m a year on R&D globally, tackling some of the biggest challenges of our time. One in five products manufactured by Saint-Gobain did not exist 5 years ago. Saint-Gobain in the UK and Ireland is committed to investing in training for the next generation of contractors and professionals, as well as supporting existing professionals looking to upskill. Our Training

Academy Network, including Greenworks, has delivered more than 70,000 hours of training since 2011. In the UK and Ireland, some of the best known and respected companies in the construction sector are part of the Group, including British Gypsum, Isover, Glassolutions, Saint-Gobain Weber, Saint-Gobain Glass, Saint-Gobain PAM, Pasquill, Celotex and Ecophon. Together they offer a range of high performance energy-saving products and solutions to help create a more sustainable built environment. For more information on Saint-Gobain visit www.saint-gobain.co.uk. READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0112

0315/0113

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

GLASS

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

CENSolutions and Heywood Glass Celebrate 11 Year Partnership CENSolutions was established in 2004 and is now widely recognised as the leading consultancy, certification and test facility for the window, door and glazing industries, but some of its customers have been with the company for the duration.

advice and expert service – all of which are competitively priced.”

Heywood Glass Limited, is a 27 year old moderately sized family run glass company with a reputation for quality, good service and giving back to the local community.

As well as its glass expertise, Heywood Glass likes to give back to the community: “For the last few years we have been organising and hosting a Christmas party for the elderly in the local area,” David explains. “With the help of the local council and charities such as Age Concern we invite elderly residents who are living alone and don’t necessarily have friends and family to care for them, to our party to meet other residents, hopefully make new friends but at the very least have an enjoyable day out. The most recent party in December was such a success we had to team up with another well-established local firm, Hopwood Electrical Services Ltd, to fund the additional guests. Held in the local Albany Hotel we put on a three course Christmas dinner, free bar, raffle, Christmas gifts, transport to and from the venue and organise entertainment – this time it was the Children’s Choir from the All

Heywood Glass Ltd’s Managing Director, David Wiseley explains why the two companies have worked together so well for so long: “We were one of the first companies to switch from BSI to CENSolutions in 2004 and we’ve had a great relationship with Wayne and his team ever since. They are always on hand to offer support and their consistently good advice has kept us going down the right track. In our experience customers will put quality and service at the top of their list of requirements when looking for a supplier and we do too. Of course you have to be competitive as well, but that is rarely the most important thing. CENSolutions reflects these values in its perfect mix of quality

Heywood Glass is a glass specialist, and in David’s own words: “if it’s out there, we can do it.” Supplying double and triple glazed units with Swisspacer, argon gas and Low E glass, the company is seeing an upward trend in the demand for triples with approximately 10% of the units it makes being to triple glazed specification. “All our products are also fully CENSolutions EN 1279 CMS Quality Marked, CE Marked and compliant with EN 1279 Parts 2, 3 and 6,” enthuses David.

Souls School in Heywood. All completely free of charge. In previous years we have had between 25 and 30 people attending this event but this time over 70 people joined us. Looking after the elderly in your own community is something close to my heart so as long as I can afford it, I hope to continue this tradition in Heywood.”

amaze me. The company is committed to supplying quality products in every stream of the business, with a second to none service to match and yet they find time to support the local community in this way too. We have enjoyed working with such a dedicated team of people and look forward to more of the same for the next 11 years!”

Wayne Rogerson, Joint Managing Director of CENSolutions says: “The team at Heywood Glass Limited, led by David never cease to

For more information on CENSolutions, call us today on 01785 716625, visit www.censolutions.com.

READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0114

Leading Independent IGU Manufacturer Introducing...

• Fire Rated Glass Solutions • Competitive pricing and lead times • Attestation level 1, CE compliant and licensed www.padihamglass.co.uk/pyrotherm

0315/0115

GLASS

HARDWARE

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SERVICE FROM APEER for Carl F Groupco Orders for Apeer’s bespoke glass artwork service are booming.

SAPPHIRE GLASS TAKES EDGETECH’S

HERITAGE OVERSEAS

Sapphire Glass Merchants Ltd has won a £1.4 million contract to supply slim, low sightline insulated glass units to Lithuania using Super Spacer Heritage manufactured by Edgetech, a Quanex company. The Lithuania contract follows another substantial order of 1,500 Super Spacer Heritage units to Compass Windows in Northern Ireland. “Due to the significant increase in sales for slim Super Spacer Heritage units, we have now introduced the product to all of our customers and had a fantastic response in sales,” says Stefan O’Meara director of Sapphire Glass Merchants. “There is a growing demand for warm edge products that can be used in conservation areas or to achieve a traditional look and the slim 4mm option from Super Spacer Heritage works really well. The architect for the Lithuania project saw a Super Spacer Heritage installation we had recently finished in Pimlico and specified the product.”

The neutral appearance of Super Spacer Heritage and 3mm depth for ultra slim sightlines help it to blend with any frame finish. It facilitates the use of Low E glass double glazing where there was previously only space for single glazing, reducing U-values from typically around 5.6 W/ m²K to below 2. The acrylic adhesive and multi-layer vapour barrier backing on the pre-desiccated silicone foam spacer are combined with Bostik 5000 hot melt butyl secondary sealant supplied by Edgetech to provide outstanding durability and gas retention. Stefan adds: “We’ve been customers of Edgetech for five years now using its Super Spacer products and started using the Heritage product two years ago. Working with Edgetech to supply Super Spacer Heritage has helped us to win two key contracts this year and we’re now hoping to expand in the New Year with a second Super Spacer line.” “Speaking to customers, standard aluminium or warm edge spacer bars can intrude over the low bead line of traditional style windows. Super Spacer Heritage reduces the sightline to eradicate the problem. We’re also hoping to add more colour options in the New Year,” says Alan Fielder, sales and marketing director at Edgetech. “We’re pleased to be supporting a long-standing customer in winning some great contracts.” Tel: 08700 566844 READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0116

The company, which has its own in-house glass studio and employs a team of 13 decorative glass technicians, says the improving economy along with growing awareness of the service have resulted in a surge of orders. Apeer is also one of the very few UK-based door manufacturers – if not the only one – that hand crafts its standard glazing designs to order and offers a completely bespoke glass design service. Already ahead of the field in terms of an almost unlimited colour offer and leading edge construction, Apeer’s reputation for decorative glass panels provides retailers with yet another point of difference for their customers. Says Lisa McClean, head of the in-house studio for Apeer: “Our bespoke work is becoming increasingly popular with people who really want to give their homes an individual look. They do that in all sorts of ways – from pictures of their pets or a favourite landmark

to one we did recently with the couple’s names on it. “We’re even fairly flexible about small changes to our standard designs – something we are able to do because each one is made to order. It means homeowners can create their own truly unique entrance system – something we are not aware that anyone else offers. “Obviously every piece of work we do is very time consuming and bespoke designs can add extra time onto the process, so we cost these according to the complexity of the design.” Reinforcing its position as a luxury end producer, Apeer’s glass studio is part of the company’s start-tofinish manufacturing facility at Ballymena in Northern Ireland. Bespoke designs for glass panels, sidelights and windows are individually drawn up in consultation with the homeowner but its standard glass designs are all featured on the company’s ‘Doorbuilder’ software system which is available to all Apeer stockists. For more information about Apeer visit www.apeer.co.uk. READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0117

A major West Port contract to supply Center Parcs’ new Village, Woburn Forest, has resulted in one of Carl F Groupco’s largest orders for fittings – photographs show a lodge interior (left) and a cluster of lodges set in the forest (right).

A prestigious contract awarded to West Port Windows and Doors Ltd manufacturers of high performance, bespoke timber windows and doors, has resulted in one of Carl F Groupco’s largest orders for fittings. Carl F Groupco is preferred window hardware supplier for a West Port contract supplying Center Parcs’ new 362 acre woodland Woburn Forest site in Bedfordshire: the facility features 625 lodges, a 75 bedroom hotel and six Spa Suites for overnight spa stays. West Port was awarded the contract to supply 4,000 timber windows and 2,000 timber doors, including sliding patio doors with electronic locks to maximise natural light and provide outdoor access. Fittings provided by Carl F Groupco for West Port’s “System X” window included Peder Nielsen Side Swing gearing, the MACO RAILespagnolette and MK 1 shootbolt locking systems and Hoppe Tokyo espag handles. As part of Carl F Groupco’s service that supported West Port’s delivery on time and to specification, the hardware supplier provided a solution

for fire escape windows by specifying the Trojan Mega Egress hinge with 90º opening: this allowed West Port to supply windows on time and to specification. Commenting, Sean Parnaby, West Port’s Managing Director said: “The contract is an excellent example of Carl F Groupco’s ‘one stop’ service, partnership approach to hardware supply and ability to provide high volume orders to meet exacting lead times. The company’s contribution included working with West Port over a 13 month period developing specifications for all window systems fitted on site. The resulting data sheets, which are designed to ensure consistency and accuracy of orders, are used by West Port’s factory and purchasing staff, as well as Carl F Groupco’s sales teams.” In line with West Port’s stringent criteria to control impact on the environment, all Carl F Groupco hardware is supplied using a Kanban system: this provides West Port with a customised, returnable packaging design to reduce carbon footprint and comply with the company’s environmental policy. West Port Windows & Doors Ltd Tel: 01900 811328 www.west-port.co.uk Carl F Groupco Limited Tel: 01733 393330 www.carlfgroupco.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0118

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

0315/0119

www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2015

HARDWARE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

The Original – Made by Schüring MILA AND Schüring is a pioneer SAFESTYLE in the field of precision engineered RENEW door and window SUPPLY hardware, enjoying global success over AGREEMENT the last 55 years. systems and in 1980, the first multi-point lock for PVC residential doors.

Strategic alliances

The only place fabricators can buy these innovative products in the UK is from hardware supplier VITA. MD Stewart Lamb explains more. 2015 sees us celebrate the first anniversary of VITA’s exclusive UK rights to the distribution of the Schüring range of German hardware. Its comprehensive collection of UK focused products includes premium door hinges, locks and accessories, specialist hardware for tilt and turn, side hung and sliding windows and its popular multi-point lock. When you’ve been in the market for over five decades, you’d expect to notch up a few industry firsts, and this is something that Schüring has in spades. In fact, when VITA first took the decision to partner with the German pioneer a year ago, our management team were bowled over by Schüring’s continuous innovation and new product development for the PVC-U door and window industries. Accolades include an impressive 450 patents and as far back as 1979, the company developed the first dedicated hinge for PVC doors. Also in the 70s and 80s, Schüring was among the first to bring to market tilt turn locks with mushroom headed cam locking, residential door sills for PVC

2015 will see us continue to focus on this alliance as we further develop and grow the UK market for both brands. Offering both VITA and Schüring gives our customers access to a complete range of products to suit most requirements and most budgets. With more than three decades of global experience in hardware design and manufacture – including in the UK for 15 years – VITA’s own roots lie in the door and window handle market. This legacy dovetails perfectly with Schüring’s innovation, durability and ethos of in-house development, manufacture and distribution. VITA’s wholly owned ISO9001 certified production plants in Taiwan and China - which supply to distribution and sales facilities in the UK and US - make for an enviable fully-integrated supply chain with complete control over what is developed. Because of this, we are able to reflect the ever changing needs of the market and meet increasingly stringent standards with fast and relevant product development. Thanks also to substantial investment in our in-house testing facilities including endurance test rigs, neutral salt spray testing, durability and UV testing, customers can rely on products guaranteed for superior resistance to corrosion, scratch and static electricity. Supplying pertinent, value for money products for windows and

doors that deliver on quality and aesthetic appeal is key, and having both VITA and Schüring products in our portfolio allows us to do just this.

Fit For the Future While it’s only a year since we took over the distribution of Schüring in the UK, we’re pleased with the brand penetration into the PVC-U door and window fabricator market so far. Of course there is always more to do, and we intend to focus efforts to raise more awareness and understanding of the Schüring range in the UK and the benefits it can bring to companies. Our sector little needs reminding that recent years have been tough with the double whammy of global recession and a generally saturated door and window market. As tough as it can be while you’re living it, the companies and brands that have come through the other side are those more likely to stay the course in fitter shape. But nothing stands still and in addition, new market entrants are emerging, bringing fresh approaches driven by a hunger to play a role in the next generation of our industry. The relationship between VITA and Schüring offers the market the best of both worlds: our combined heritage of over eight decades means customers can trust us, but can also benefit from our renewed commitment to innovate, help customers differentiate and offer value for money while continuing to notch up those industry firsts. For more information on VITA and the Schüring range of products, visit www.vitahardware.co.uk. or call 01422 371384. READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0120

Mila and Safestyle UK have renewed their long standing supply agreement for a further two years. Mila’s Managing Director Richard Gyde and Safestyle’s Operations Director Mark Scaife signed a deal recently which will extend the partnership between the two businesses to more than two decades. Richard Gyde said: “We have a really strong relationship with Safestyle, which is one of the UK’s largest retail fabricators producing more than 6000 items per week, but we are never complacent about our position. We work just as hard as we did 20 years ago to win and retain their business, and the process of renewing the contract gets more rigorous every time. “Understandably, Safestyle is an incredibly demanding customer but we relish the challenges they set us to go on delivering incremental improvements at every stage of our supply contract.

The Mila warehouse in Daventry.

“We already achieve On Time In Full performance figures for Safestyle in excess of 99% but as we move forward with the new agreement, we have undertaken to deliver even more new service initiatives which will enable us to reach even higher peaks in supply chain performance.

top of our standard dual sourcing policy, and we have committed ourselves to complying with the Ethical Trading Initiative base code which is now a requirement for Safestyle’s suppliers, as well as reducing the tonnage of cardboard in our packaging by 22% over the course of the next two years.”

“For example, we are identifying a third source for Safestyle products, on

Mila remains Safestyle UK’s preferred hardware supplier and continues to provide the vast majority of the fabricator’s hardware requirements. This includes ProSecure handles and suited ProStyle letterboxes for Safestyle’s doors and ProLinea espag and TBT handles for its windows. Mila also supplies a range of third party products which Safestyle chooses to buy from Mila because of the guarantees it offers on delivery and availability. As part of the new supply agreement, Safestyle will have a twelve month exclusivity in the retail market on one of Mila’s key 2015 product launches. Further details will be announced when the product becomes available in late Spring. Tel: 01327 312400 www.mila.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0121

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

uPVC Door Opening Kit

UAP have designed and recently launched a brand new kit for those people who need to gain lawful access to a domestic property, or those who are just starting out in the locksmith trade. With simple-to-follow, step-by-step instructions, the UAP uPVC Door Opening Kit allows new locksmiths to easily work out the most efficient way in which to enter a building, with minimal disruption.

The Kit Contents

www.uapcorporate.com

Call our sales team today on

sales@uapcorporate.com

0161 796 7268 0315/0122

www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2015

HARDWARE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Mila’s ProSecure security door hinge comes to market, with big advantages for the fabricator The press launch of Mila’s new ProSecure hinge, which is claimed to be faster to fit than any other security door hinge on the market, provides ‘free time’ to the fabricator, a point emphasised by very special ‘free time’ offered in the form of a track day at a snowy and wet Silverstone. Driving Aston Martin Vantage V8s and Formula Silverstone Single Seaters, the trade press including Glass News’ Publisher Christina Shaw and Editor, Chris Champion, joined in the fun…

This ‘free time’ that Mila is promoting is a bit of fun but it is based on the very serious point that quicker fabrication means money saving for their customers. Anything that saves time makes great sense and in the case of ProSecure, Mila has brought a state-of-theart hinge to market. Mila has even launched a social media campaign using the hashtag #freetime, inviting production teams who start using the new hinge to show off just what they are doing with all the free time it gives them. The mind boggles. And knowing this trade’s sense of humour, Mila may have to expect some interesting examples as to how this freetime has been spent!

“As the only one piece hinge supplied ready to install straight from the box, Mila confidently predicts that most fabricators will be able to fit the new ProSecure in less than a minute.”

Richard Gyde, Mila’s Managing Director with Marketing Manager, Sarah Gyde.

Mila’s Managing Director Richard Gyde, introducing ProSecure, said: “We’re confident that the new ProSecure hinge will impress customers and, in fact, in a product preview we had very positive comments both on the speed of use and the fact that this hinge has been what the industry has waited for.” He continued: “For fabricators who are producing doors in any kind of volumes the time savings which they can achieve by using the new hinge will be really significant.” “Speed of installation is its key advantage but it also of course embodies all of the traditional Mila strengths of product quality, reliability and next day availability.”

At the launch the close working relationship with their Chinese manufacturers was emphasised. Contact via both videolink and through Mila’s own staff being based in China has meant that they could work side by side throughout the development and manufacturing process. This has meant that the concept to launch time has been only an 18 month process. As the only one piece hinge supplied ready to install straight from the box, Mila confidently predicts that most fabricators will be able to fit the new ProSecure in less than a minute. Like the rest of Mila’s premium ProSecure range, the new hinge incorporates several innovative new design features. For example, it uses newly developed ‘Glider’ technology which allows the whole hinge to slide straight onto the frame in one complete piece and this was demonstrated by Chris Harding, Mila’s Field Technician, who hung a door with the new ProSecure hinge at a ridiculously quick rate. The fact that the cars were waiting and raring to go may have had some bearing, and acted as a serious incentive, for Chris! However, the speed and ease of fitting was emphasised when Christina Shaw, Glass News’ very own publisher, was invited to show how easy the ProSecure was to fit. Wielding a drill, Christina was guided through the process by Chris, and it showed clearly that this hinge has been designed to make life very easy indeed. In fact, there are only four steps to installation, which Mila has proved under test conditions can be completed in just 58 seconds. The hinge is virtually jigless so minimal preparation is required – just two

Product Design Manager, Paul Pearson, expalins the use of the various materials in the ProSecure hinge.

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

HARDWARE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Glass News’ Publisher, Christina Shaw wields a drill under the watchful eye of Mila’s Field Technician, Chris Harding.

holes need to be pre-drilled on the frame. The fabricator then slides the whole hinge into position, pivots open the clever captive hinge lid and screws the concealed fixing datum directly to the sash.

For doors being fitted into low reveals, the ProSecure can also be front fitted just as quickly, simply by removing the steel hinge pin. Alongside Mila’s ‘Glider’ technology, there is also a smart, patented design feature for fast and simple hinge adjustment, which was developed directly as a result of feedback from fabricators. +/-5mm lateral adjustment is carried out from the front rather than from the side to make it less fiddly simply by lifting the sash cover and turning the 4mm Allen key 90º. It can then be ‘locked’ into

The ProSecure hinge is fitted.

Easy but very effective adjustment.

place to prevent adjustment creep. For full 3D refinement, vertical (+5mm) and compression (+/-1mm) adjustment can also be achieved from the top of the hinge.

Mila has successfully extreme performance tested the hinge enabling it to offer an impressive, market leading 25 year guarantee. The ProSecure has been independently tested and accredited to the enhanced security requirements of PAS024: 2012, to the extreme corrosion resistance requirements of BSEN1670: 2007 Grade 5 and to the extreme durability requirements of BSEN 1935 Grade 12.

Mila’s product design team have once again demonstrated their attention to detail on the new ProSecure hinge with a range of intelligent accessories. For example, it is supplied in innovative, fabricator friendly packaging and is protected with static-cling TechTape which stops the lid from getting knocked or scratched during fabrication and installation. It also comes with the option of loose fixing lugs so that fabricators can choose where to fit them to achieve the optimum fit on their particular profile. There is also a removable rubber tongue in place which ensures that the hinge lid remains conveniently open until installation is complete. The new ProSecure door hinge is available in eight suited colours to match the other products in Mila’s ProSecure hardware range including polished and brushed satin chrome and white, brown and black. In addition, it is being supplied in five further popular colour matched options - Chartwell Green, Cream, Anthracite, Silk and Cement Grey to suit the most popular door colour choices.

Oliver Burgess, Supply Chain Director explains the concept of #freetime.

www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2015

It is also a Police Preferred Specification product and is Secured by Design accredited. Full details of the new hinge are available on the Mila website at www.mila.co.uk including downloadable literature and a video showing just how easy the fitting process really is. In conclusion, it must be said that the Mila team has produced a ground breaking hinge and the attention to detail in researching and testing the best possible materials for each component, is impressive. Feedback from the trade at this early stage of the sales cycle gives the ProSecure hinge the big thumbs up and, after all, the fabricator is the one that will benefit from this hinge. Their confirmation that this hinge is a winner must give Richard Gyde and his team, great satisfaction. READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0123

Christina Shaw risks ‘helmet hair’ as she prepares go on track in the Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

HARDWARE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Modplan extends its

SFS 2D hinge offering

Leading VEKA trade fabricator Modplan has just announced it has extended its SFS 2D hinge range so it covers a wide spectrum of colours to complement the full VEKA range, including the Variations foil range.

JUST THREE CLICKS AWAY THE NEW KENRICK WEBSITE Visitors to the brand new website from leading hardware supplier Kenrick will be just three clicks away from where they want to be thanks to a streamlined design and added functionality.

complete product ranges which feature on the website have been rigorously tested to satisfy both PAS 24 and Secured by Design accreditation. The Centurion four point locking system, Centurion Fast-Fit ‘non crop’ shootbolt, Excalibur multi-point shootbolt, Interceptor high security espagnolette, EasiFit multi-point locking system and Excalibur high security door lock - also carry their own comprehensive product and security guarantees which can be accessed on the website.

Designed to even easier to navigate and use for busy fabricators, the new website provides fast access to Kenrick’s extensive range of products, which includes window hardware, door hardware and architectural hardware. The site features a host of downloads, including technical data, as well as Kenrick’s licences and product guarantees.

Kenrick is a leading supplier of hardware solutions for PVCu, aluminium and timber window and door systems. The company has a proud heritage spanning more than 200 years, having been established by Archibald Kenrick who manufactured buckles and livery fittings. Kenrick’s range of top quality products includes the market leading Excalibur multipoint window shootbolt are extremely cost effective and easy to install.

The website is now fully compatible with any device - from PCs and laptops to tablets - to make it even easier for customers to view products and download technical information, wherever they are. “This is a really positive step in making our website as widely available as possible, whilst bringing greater convenience to our growing customer base”, says Steve Williams, Kenrick’s Sales and Marketing Director. “It brings a great benefit for the fabricator by enabling them to reach where they need to be in just three clicks. And thanks to our comprehensive product referencing, it is now easier than ever for customers to identify parts. “We were very mindful of our customers’ needs when developing the site. Having listened to them, we knew they wanted a website that’s easy to use and provides the flexibility to access it on tablets and Smart phones whilst they’re on the move. This website does just that and we’ve had some very positive comments from our customers about it.” Kenrick’s extensive collection spans hardware solutions for PVCu, aluminium and timber window and door systems. Six of Kenrick’s

Tel: 0121 553 2741 - www.kenricks.co.uk

“This is a really positive step in making our website as widely available as possible, whilst bringing greater convenience to our growing customer base”, says Steve Williams, Kenrick’s Sales and Marketing Director. “It brings a great benefit for the fabricator by enabling them to reach where they need to be in just three clicks. And thanks to our comprehensive product referencing, it is now easier than ever for customers to identify parts.” READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0124

Chris Reeks, Modplan’s Sales Manager, says, “We are delighted to be extending our SFS hinge offering. Our customers love the quality the hinge provides and being able to use a hinge that complements the frame colour will be a value-added feature for many of them and a great way to add further quality to a sale.” The SFS 2D hinge is an innovative product that offers elegant, unobtrusive aesthetics. It has a slim profile and slim styling, giving it an understated and unobtrusive look that is perfect for today’s homeowners. And by adding the coloured hinges to its

range, Modplan customers will be able to specify matching hinge and frame colours, further enhancing an already sophisticated look. Away from the aesthetics, the security features of the hinge are similarly outstanding. It features a bespoke sash plate which is attached to the hinge body using steel bars integrated with the vertical pins, meaning the hinge is a far stronger than a standard design flag hinge and ensuring it is suitable for use in Secured by Design doorsets. The installer hasn’t been forgotten either. The SFS hinge has a unique system for fine adjustment so it is quick and easy to install and gives you a perfectly functioning doorset every time. The SFS 2D coloured hinges will be available on Modplan’s 58mm, 70mm and FS ranges. They will be

available on a standard lead time, making it an easy way to add value to a sale. Modplan manufactures and provides a comprehensive range of products that includes three VEKA profiles, composite doors, PVC-u and aluminium patio and bi-fold doors, conservatories, the Vertex solid tile-effect roof and glass and polycarbonate conservatory roofs. By adding SFS 2D coloured hinges to its portfolio, the company is demonstrating what increasing numbers of customers know – Modplan offers a high quality product range that sets installers apart from their competitors. For more information on any of Modplan’s products, simply Ask the Man from Modplan. Tel: 01495 246844 www.modplan.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0125

Trojan launches new website The Trojan Group has just launched a new website, www.trojangroup.com. Tony Chadwick, Trojan’s Group Managing Director, said, “We have worked extensively to develop a site that is user-friendly and reflects the qualities and values that Trojan Group holds. We are delighted with the result and are looking forward to hearing what our customers think.” The website was developed by Trojan’s inhouse team together with its marketing and PR consultancy, Team 4 Marketing. As Tony says, the site is a good reflection of what Trojan represents as a company.

on desktop PCs, phones and tablets. Tony says, “We know that more and more people are accessing our site on mobile devices so it was important we gave these users, as well as traditional desktop users, an exceptional experience.” The Trojan Group has seen sales increase by over 500% in the past few years, an excellent indication of the quality of the package it offers. The new website takes the quality of the Trojan brand and translates it into an online environment. As such, it looks certain to drive new sales and create greater awareness of this already successful company. Tel: 01922 713 933 www.trojangroup.com

The products take centre stage on the site, with complete information on all the ranges, including buy online facilities and technical sheet downloads. Elsewhere on the site there is information on the Trojan Group and its support services to help prospective customers understand what Trojan delivers. The latest news completes a site that aims to give visitors the information they need fast. The site has been designed to match Trojan’s offline branding using sophisticated shades of grey, orange and black. It works seamlessly

READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0126

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

0315/0127

FASTER TO FIT THAN ANY OTHER HINGE From box to fitted in under 58 seconds

FREE

WITH

EVER

TIME

Y HIN

Our ProSecure is the only door hinge supplied in one piece ready-to-fit straight from the box, features Glider technology with two installation options, has a patented front adjustment method & it’s virtually jigless. (It’s been extreme performance tested & has a 25 year guarantee too.) That’s why we’ve registered the design.

phone | 01327 312 400

www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2015

online | mila.co.uk

social | @milahardware_uk

HARDWARE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

SYNSEAL PUBLISHES A BUMPER TOTAL PACKAGE FOR TOTAL NEW HARDWARE CATALOGUE HARDWARE FROM KENRICK Kenrick has marked 10 successful years of working with national hardware distributor Total Hardware with an exclusive deal to supply more than 200,000 Standard Euro Profile cylinders a year to the Leedsbased firm.

Synseal has published a 2nd edition of its Hardware catalogue, which now features the exclusive Performance range of window and door handles. Optimised to match the company’s popular PVC-U window and door systems including Legend, Shield and SynerJy 70mm profiles, the Hardware range has been put together to strengthen Synseal’s supply chain and provide support for professional fabrication and installation of window casements, French doors, patio doors and composite doors. The new easy-to-use catalogue details a comprehensive range of branded components in four clearly-presented sections: window hardware, door hardware, patio door hardware and hardware accessories. “Since the launch of our last catalogue and the reinvigorated Hardware product range, we have listened to customers and taken a consultative approach to define priorities,” comments Synseal’s Hardware Category Manager Mark Frain. “Whilst there are many good quality window and door handles available, they are

available to everyone and not just Synseal fabricators. That’s why we have introduced our Performance range of handles that are only available to Synseal fabricators and are of our own design. What’s more, they have been meticulously tested to meet and exceed industry standards and this is reflected in the guarantees we offer.” “Our new and improved 70-page Hardware catalogue for 2015 is jam-packed with components carefully chosen for their reliability, technical performance and value for

money,” continues Mark. “All items in the Hardware range are held in stock at Synseal to ensure that our fabricator partners always have the products on hand to deliver top quality finished windows and doors to their installer customers.” For further information contact Mark Schlotel on 01623 446207 or 07764 229694; email mark. schlotel@synseal.com.

READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0128

In the last decade, Kenrick has supplied an extensive range of quality branded products to Total Hardware, including its Excalibur, Centurion and Centurion Fast-Fit shootbolts, Mushroom espagnolettes, Easi-Fit high security espagnolettes and Excalibur door locks. And now the two companies have strengthened their alliance with a deal to supply in excess of 200,000 cylinders a year to Total Hardware. The Kenrick cylinders will be held in stock at Total Hardware’s 15,000 square feet warehouse. Andy Cunningham, Director at Total Hardware, says: “We have been working with Kenrick since Total Hardware was established in 2004 and that long standing relationship is testimony to the reliability of Kenrick as supplier and the quality of the company’s products. I am delighted to celebrate a

Steve Williams & Andy Cunningham.

decade of working together with Kenrick and to complement our growing hardware suite with their durable and secure cylinder.”

corrosion resistance with a 96 hour salt spray test rating. The cylinder also achieved an overall grade 3 for key related security.

Steve Williams, Kenrick’s Sales and Marketing Director, added: “In such a competitive market, we are delighted to celebrate a significant milestone with Total Hardware. Each one of our products has delivered greater security features to their network of fabricators and, in supplying our cylinder system we will further strengthen our offering. Here’s to the next 10 years with Total Hardware!”

Kenrick’s range of Standard six pin cylinders is available in all popular sizes. Options include half cylinders, key-key and key-thumb cylinders. The cylinder has been successfully tested in accordance with BS EN 1303:2005 by Exova in Warrington. It comfortably achieved 100,000 operations during cycle testing and attained a premium result for

Kenrick Tel: 0121 553 2741 www.kenricks.co.uk Total Hardware Ltd Tel: 01132 432255 www.totalhardwareltd.co.uk

READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0129

VBH Offers New Locking Solution for Stable Doors The MACO C-TS Stable Door Lock system is the latest addition to the C-TS ‘combined’ door lock range available from hardware specialist VBH. The bottom lock features a key operated (wind up) lock case so no handle is required on the lower door; just a profile cylinder and escutcheon cover are needed. The top door features C-TS lock which can be used as

a standard lift/lever (lever/ lever) or a split spindle (lever/pad) lock if preferred. The new stable door lock features steel hooks on both leaves as standard and manufacturers can choose to order locks with or without ‘intelligent security’ IS cams. The lock has a true stable door function, offering the choice of opening just the top door or opening both leaves

together as one unit. This is achieved through a steel vertical coupling shootbolt that locates into a port on the top door when the lower door is unlocked. This connects the two halves together when the top door is opened. The shootbolt is available in two lengths to ensure it is long enough to pass from the lower door, through the transom, and into the top door.

VBH Marketing Manager Gary Gleeson advises ‘This new MACO lock is a superb solution for PVCu, timber or composite stable doors. As with all C-TS locks the solid steel tapered hooks provide supreme strength coupled with a very smooth closing action. The choice of coupling shootbolt lengths on the lower half means that only a small hole needs to be drilled through the transom

for the bolt to pass through. This represents great time, effort and cost benefits to door manufacturers used to fitting other products that require the lock itself to be fed through the transom.’ The MACO C-TS Stable Door Lock is available from VBH in a choice of 35mm or 45mm backsets. Call VBH on 01634 263300 for further information or download it from www.vbhgb.com.

READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0130

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

CASE STUDY

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

The case for folding & sliding doors

from P C Henderson

Whether specifying for a refurbishment or new build project, folding and sliding door (FSD) hardware systems can enhance the design features of a home by maximising on space and natural light.

External FSDs are ideal for merging indoor and outdoor spaces as during warm weather, opening up the doors can create a transition from home to garden allowing light, air and access to the outdoors. In winter, when specified with secure glass doors, they allow for natural light to flood into a room, offering excellent sight lines and creating an open feel. A stunning and unique house extension utilising bespoke hardwood glazed folding doors, specified P C Henderson sliding

hardware systems for its primary living space. The outward opening exterior folding doors utilised P C Henderson’s Securefold Ultra system for its performance and ability to be housed into the bespoke glazed folding doors, offering uninterrupted views into the garden and beyond. The doors open up the back of the house and are used daily during the summer months for ventilation and access to the garden area, seamlessly joining the indoor and outdoor spaces.

“External FSDs are ideal for merging indoor and outdoor spaces as during warm weather, opening up the doors can create a transition from home to garden allowing light, air and access to the outdoors.”

P C Henderson’s external sliding hardware was ideal for the project as it is designed to maximise the home’s living space by removing barriers and fully opening up exterior walls. The system operates with effortless ease and combines the benefits of folding doors with uncompromising security, weather resistance and the durability of stainless steel. Exterior FSDs can help realise the look and feel desired by a client but due to the opening size and considering the multiple points to secure, there is a need to ensure that the hardware system provided has the high performance of a secure solution. P C Henderson’s Securefold Ultra system is subject to rigorous testing such as PAS 24 and EN1627 for burglar resistance. Their hardware is accredited by the official UK Police flagship initiative, Secured by Design (SBD). Products carrying the SBD certification have been rigorously tested to withstand forced entry. Specifying hardware which meets security standards adds peace of mind and safety to occupiers and the property to meet aesthetic and functional requirements. www.pchenderson.com

“Exterior FSDs can help realise the look and feel desired by a client.” READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0131

www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2015

TECH TALK

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Tech Talk with Strafford Cooke, Technical Manager, Mila

WHAT’S THE POINT OF EXTREME

PERFORMANCE TESTING?

In my experience, most homeowners accept that many of the goods and appliances that they buy will have a limited life span. If they choose to spend £30 on a kettle or a toaster, they will probably fairly readily accept that it will need replacing within a few years. Strafford Cooke.

On the other hand, if they pay less than £5 for a window handle or door hinge, they will probably expect that item to last a lifetime!

Or to put it another way, it has to be able to open and close a 100kg door six times a day for the equivalent of more than 91 years – that’s impressive.

This industry has arguably become a victim of its own success – over the years we have built this expectation amongst buyers by manufacturing and installing components which simply don’t very often fail. Think about it - there can’t be many other £5 items which we buy and expect to use over and over, every day, without incident, for more than 20 years!

We’ve also taken the opportunity to test the new hinge to the highest grading for corrosion resistance and have achieved BS EN 1670 Grade 5. That’s 480 hours – or 20 days in a salt spray chamber with a saline solution which is far more concentrated than would ever be encountered in a real world setting.

The reason for this of course is the extremely stringent quality standards which govern the fenestration market and the hardware sector in particular and which I believe should make us all very proud. The Kitemark and the Secured by Design logo may be familiar symbols which householders know and trust, but it is the raft of other reassuring standards listed on the literature or packaging which actually ensure that the products will go on performing year after year. In reality of course, testing hardware to harmonised European standards is not compulsory on standard windows and doors, but it is the only route to achieve CE marking and certainly in the UK it is an essential part of every new product development programme. Certainly, at Mila, we test our products to every relevant standard which exists in the UK – not just because it is a good sales and

marketing tool but also because it allows us to identify and eliminate any potential weaknesses before a product is launched. Over and above this though, we also always endeavour to go beyond the most demanding standards largely because we know that our customers’ expectations are so high but also because we relish the opportunity to demonstrate just how good our products really are! For example, before we launched our new ProSecure door hinge recently, we put the hinge through the rigorous testing regime of BS EN1906. We opted for the extreme high level of testing to Grade 12 which actual involves a single hinge performing for 200,000 cycles bearing a weight of 100kg. When you work in testing and quality as I do, it’s easy to get quite blasé about these kind of numbers but, when you stop to think about it, they’re actually quite astonishing. Extreme performance testing like this means that a single hinge which will be sold for around £3.50 has to be able to open and close 200,000 times whilst at the same time supporting the weight of a baby elephant!

Similarly, in the past, we have extreme performance tested products like our ProLinea espag handle to more than 500,000 cycles and our ProSecure door handle to 200,000 cycles under load. We work on the principle that if we can demonstrate that a product has passed the test required for it to be specified for use in a heavy duty environment like a football stadium or an oil rig, then our customers can feel comfortable selling it to the homeowner who confidently expects it to last a lifetime. There are no shortcuts to performance testing though. It has to be carried out independently at a UKAS accredited test facility and of course, because of the number of cycles involved, it can take weeks or even months to complete. In my opinion, the whole industry benefits from the efforts of companies like Mila to push their products to the extremes. This raises standards and at the same time raises customers’ expectations which in turn drives us all on to keep improving. www.mila.co.uk By Strafford Cooke, Technical Manager, Mila READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0132

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2015

ALUMINIUM

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Fabricators save thousands by

“shopping around” Leading manufacturer of flexible extrusions, Birmingham-based ExtrudaSeal, who supplies half of all aluminium fabricators in the UK with a wide range of quality gaskets, weather seals and pressure plates, has seen a significant increase in the number of customers over the past twelve months. The growth is credited by the company to increased competition which is urging aluminium fabricators to reduce costs by sourcing components from specialist suppliers, rather than as a “package deal” from systems companies. Recent years have seen a rapid rise of the “shop-around” movement, with individuals and businesses alike trading the immediate convenience of a one-stop shop for long term financial gains. The change in mind-set has also reached the fenestration industry, as a growing number of fabricators are looking to cut costs in order to increase their competitive edge in a tight market. ExtrudaSeal managing director, Chris Byers, comments: “The aluminium market is obviously on the rise, but so is competition amongst fabricators who are keen to take advantage of it. As they seek to become more competitive on prices, one obvious change is their components supply chain and, as a specialised extruder of gaskets and weather seals, our volumes allow us to offer them significant cost savings.

“Our products are delivered nationwide directly to the end user on super-fast lead times.” 86

Senior’s new window of opportunity

for PURe thermal efficiency

Glazing systems designer and manufacturer Senior Architectural Systems has launched PURe, a revolutionary new aluminium window system that can help specifiers achieve exceptionally low U-values and high thermal performances. The new patent-pending PURe window range is the first on the UK market to benefit from an enhanced thermal barrier manufactured from expanded polyurethane foam (PUR). Traditionally used in cladding and insulation products, the innovative use of PUR as a thermal barrier in windows gives the PURe system the potential to achieve U-values as low as 0.71w/m2k when calculated

as a commercial CEN standard window. The PURe system is also both fully recyclable and safe to handle. Designed to exceed current and meet future requirements, the PURe range is easy to manufacture using existing tools to provide the simplest yet most effective solution to the specification of thermalefficient windows. With a generic Green Guide rating of ‘A’ for use in commercial projects and a life expectancy in excess of 40 years, Senior’s most recent product innovation has also been designed to meet the PassivHaus standard cycle. Both double and triple glazing options, up to 50mm to maximise thermal and acoustic performance, are catered for, with the additional support of specification via Senior’s dedicated glazing division Senior Glass Systems being available. With the

reassurance of Senior’s established heritage as one of the pioneers of the UK fenestration industry, the new PURe range is breaking new ground in the development of thermally efficient window systems and yet is competitively priced. Ideally suited for use across the sectors, from education to healthcare, commercial to domestic, refurbishment and new build projects, Senior’s PURe range also boasts a number of environmentally friendly features. Manufactured using aluminium, which offers ‘cradle to cradle’ recycling, the PUR thermal barrier can also be re-used as fillers for other products, with no requirement for landfill. The PURe range is available in a range of standard finishes, both painted and adonised. For more information about Senior, visit www. seniorarchitectural.co.uk.

Managing director, Chris Byers (left) & sales director, Paul James (right).

“Our products are delivered nationwide directly to the end user on super-fast lead times. We use the latest technology in manufacturing machinery for quality extrusions and a high level of flexibility, enabling a secure and consistent supply chain to our fabricator clients.” Extrudaseal is part of the Euroseal group and a leading supplier of flexible extrusions for aluminium fabricators. Their comprehensive range includes products such as gaskets, weather seals, Glazepta tapes and U channels, pressure plates, box sections, bi-folding door seals and more, all of which are compatible with many of the market leading aluminium profile systems, from Smart and AluK, to Metaltech, Senior, Kaye Building Systems and many more. For more information, call 0121 3568733, or visit www.extrudaseal.com.

READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0134

READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0135

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

ALUMINIUM

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

MD warns of looming skills shortage A number of construction industry leaders have issued a warning about labour shortages in their sector, including the Managing Director of an aluminium manufacturer. Jerry Webb, Managing Director of CDW Systems, Tim Stringer of Integral Build and Gemma Day of Dowlas have come on record following the uplift in the construction sector and the news that many more jobs in the industry are expected to be created. CDW Systems have been in business for over 21 years as specialist aluminium manufacturers and the business has experienced particularly strong growth in the last few years. But Jerry says that recruiting for new staff was more difficult than it should be, after he added a second shift at the company following record sales in 2014.

BUSINESS MICROS ALUMINIUM PREVIEWS NEW INNOVATIONS IN LOGIKAL Aluminium fabricators using the market leading LogiKal software had an exclusive preview at BAU of some of the innovative new features which are on their way in the latest version of the software. For those who couldn’t make it to the Munich show, Ian Hannis from Business Micros Aluminium, which is the exclusive distributor

“These workstations will use LogiKal saw and CNC data along with the assembly list data for each project and position. Only the information relevant to each individual workstation will be pushed there and once the activity has been completed, it will push itself to the next relevant workstation – for example, sash assembly or glazing bead cutting. “This new level of functionality within LogiKal is ideal for UK users who want to adapt LogiKal to fit into their shopfloor

The Director of Integral Build – who are a national construction and maintenance firm -Tim Stringer, has also come on record about skills shortages in the industry. He comments: “Integral Build have certainly found sourcing key trades, specifically traditional ones such as plastering and bricklaying, more difficult over the last year or so. This is still proving to be an issue going into 2015 and we can’t see it getting any better, especially as the industry gets busier. It does seems to me that the average age of the tradesmen is gradually getting older and this is a major concern for the future. Is it that young people are not excited about these trades?

Gemma Day who is Director of Dowlas, the enabling developer for the Junction 21 Enterprise Area that is one of the biggest developments outside of London, comments: “We are experiencing lots of enquiries at our site and together with our partners have already finished some projects. As things continue to pick up I am starting to see a strain on skills which is a concern. What can we do? There is no magic bullet but engaging students at a younger age is one way.”

Ian says: “We looked at the software from the perspective of our users in the UK and were very impressed with how well the product has been developed with the customers’ needs in mind and how relevant the new features are to customers in this market. “Probably the stand out innovation is a new Infoserver option, which will be ideal for established PVC businesses who are now using LogiKal for their expansion into aluminium and want it to work with their production management software.

He comments: “You can’t generalise as many young people do want to work in glazing and construction but not enough in my opinion; and it was more difficult than it should have been for us to recruit staff. We’re growing year on year and there are always positions, both skilled and unskilled, but there is a question mark around how much prestige is attached to our industry and whether enough is done to communicate the positives of working in construction to young people.”

“I would guess this is the case and the industry as a whole needs to look at itself very carefully to work out the best way to encourage school children and young adults - both male and female - that this is a great industry to be a part of.”

of LogiKal in the UK, has picked out some of the highlights which users can expect to see launched later this year.

“Infoserver is based on push technology and will, for the first time, make it possible to push projects processed in LogiKal to scan and touch screen based workstations on the shopfloor.

www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2015

Jerry says that he has also noticed that many young people don’t attach prestige to forging a long-term career in the construction and

glazing industry; and that with many more jobs being created, a skills crisis could be looming.

Jerry Webb.

operation. Alongside Infoserver, there are lots of minor enhancements to come within version 10 of LogiKal which will continue to improve the user experience. For instance, there will be more options to just click or right click to access features within LogiKal and less need to move between individual dialogue boxes. “There’s also a new option on its way which will be good news for those users who build CAD drawings up as exports as they process through the various stages of a product design. “LogiKal will now link directly to an exported CAD drawing so that any changes made within LogiKal will be updated on the CAD drawing automatically.

READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0136

“Users who liked the Smart Measure on site survey app which we launched so successfully at the FIT show last year will also be pleased to see that it is now being developed for use on Android as well as Apple devices.” Alongside the product previews, LogiKal’s German developers Orgadata also showed a new concept for linking LogiKal with a REVIT Building Information Model (BIM) at BAU. Business Micros Aluminium is working closely with Orgadata on the project and further information is available via: bim@ bmaluminium.co.uk or via the company’s Tewkesbury office on: 01684 851230. READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0137

ALUMINIUM

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Superior Aluminium

Profile Starts at Origin It has long been known that aluminium is the choice of material for bi-fold doors and windows amongst installers, architects and housebuilders, compared to wood or UPVC. A lesser known fact is that the quality of aluminium used in each system varies significantly. Neil Ginger, CEO at Origin, discusses the importance of tracing aluminium back to its source, and explains how installers can identify good from bad aluminium profile. The Marketplace The bi-fold and window industry has changed massively since Origin was established in 2001. Bi-fold doors have become one of the most popular home improvement products over the last 10 years, and while UPVC and wood were once the material of choice, aluminum now has an increasing share of this lucrative market. As a result, it’s more important than ever to choose a system that uses the best quality aluminum profile to achieve a superior quality, strength and finish.

Quality from the Start As a British manufacturer, we retain direct control over the design and fabrication of our Origin Bi-fold Doors and Windows to ensure our system is the best on the market. In order to make sure the bi-fold door or window is of a high standard, the manufacturer must start with the best aluminium profile. While there

“In order to make sure the bi-fold door or window is of a high standard, the manufacturer must start with the best aluminium profile. While there are many different grades of aluminium, what makes Origin’s aluminium system different is the way the profile is made.” 88

Neil Ginger, CEO, Origin.

are many different grades of aluminium, what makes Origin’s aluminium system different is the way the profile is made. Extruding a profile is done by heating the metal, a cylindrical billet of aluminium, which gets pushed through a die to form the extrusion. This is then cut to either 5 metre or 6.1 metre lengths to finish the profile. Our supplier only uses prime billets, meaning that they do not use billets that have been produced through the re-melting of scrap aluminium. This results in a higher control of the chemical properties in the billet and thus achieving a higher quality finish. Each billet is certified and sourced from a number of high end suppliers, therefore allowing Origin full traceability back to primary billets. The quality of the extrusion is also maintained by keeping the press run rate at an optimal level. This will make sure no lines can be seen on the profile once powder coated. Visually, the process is comparable to putting

Play Dough through a shape; if it’s done too quickly or slowly, the quality of the end result is compromised. Our suppliers also limit the extrusion run quantity to a maximum of 2 tonnes before cleaning and polishing the die to minimise the deterioration of the die surface and ensure each die maintains a near perfect shape so they can continue to produce profile within tolerance. Finally, a consistent and smooth finish is achieved by polishing the die after each extrusion run to reduce the chance of corrosion and avoid contamination on the surface of the profile giving a high quality finish ready for the powder coating process.

Identifying Quality The proof of good quality is in the surface finish. Good quality aluminium should have a perfectly smooth and consistent finish, while poor quality may have pitting from when the door has been heated during powder coating.

Investment in Aluminium We firmly believe that aluminium’s strength, durability, efficiency and style makes it by far the best material to manufacture doors and windows from - superior to wood or UPVC. In addition to sourcing the best quality of aluminium, we’ve taken the bold move to introduce a zero lead time ‘Your Lead Time, Not Ours’ promise to our customers. Origin has made a significant investment in ‘buffer’ stock to ensure the sourcing of aluminium does not affect our continued 100% record for upholding this promise. For further information, visit www.origin-global.com.

READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0138

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

FACE TO FACE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

THIS MONTH: Owen Hughes Sales Consultant, Everest Home Improvements The Sales Consultant, previously from CRSmith, is a passionate windows professional with a determination to reap the rewards in the windows business…

It’s all about you Where you were born and live, currently… I was born and grew up in Carnoustie, where I now live with my wife and two young children.

Your education and the subject or activity in which you excelled… When you were a kid at school, what did you want to be when you grew up? Every kid dreams of being a pilot or a doctor or a soldier. I went to University, studied behavioural science and then joined the Police.

Your favourite sports or interests… Rugby is the main sport which I still play for Carnoustie and I am taking lessons to sit my private pilot licence.

Your biggest regret in life… Not too sure really but I do regret crashing my wife’s car!

Someone or something that inspires you… Many things inspire me. From my wife to family, but it is all down to the desire to achieve the most I can out of anything I am involved in. When you give 100 per cent you will get your 100 per cent worth out of it.

The temptation you can’t resist… Peanuts and Salt and Vinegar Crisps. I would also say a ‘bargain’, I’m a sucker for a sale.

your career When and how you joined this industry… A door opened and I took the step to change into a marketplace that I didn’t know anything about. My experience has been honed in Double Glazing sales. I need to believe in the product in order to sell it. Everest has great products, which makes the job so much easier and simpler. What drew me to Everest was the benefit of being given the autonomy to arrange my own appointments – a new concept that has only been in existence for 6 months – which allows me to make far more money.

The job you do in 25 words… Bringing the products I sell to life to the customer and build their trust to recognize the quality in the brand so that they purchase and return.

Your greatest achievement… There have been lots of achievements within the first year of my business at Everest. Everest’s employment structure is better than trying to run my own small brand business. A great achievement has been my conversion rate over the last 3 months standing at 1:2.1. Another milestone has to be achieving enough to enter the Platinum Club, given that the qualifying period is 3 months and continues on a monthly basis of qualification. It means that my yearly bonus levels have risen substantially

“A door opened and I took the step to change into a marketplace that I didn’t know anything about. My experience has been honed in Double Glazing sales.”

The talent you would like to enhance… Patience is a talent that I want to grow. I am far too busy trying to get everything as soon as I can.

and your future

and I’ve been able to treat the family to holidays and home improvements.

What you would like to do if you weren’t in the industry…

The mistake you’d like to correct

I would be a commercial airline pilot.

The yellow card the ref gave me on Saturday – I had to endure ten minutes in the sin bin. The supporters and team mates were not too pleased.

A particular ambition… I aim to continue to achieve a rewarding level of sales and develop further as I embed my skills more deeply in my career. My DDM, Billy Grant, says that hard work never goes unrewarded and that continues to stay with me. If I keep knocking on the doors, the sales will happen.

The way you want to be remembered… Hopefully in a way that my TDM will be remembered, as a true sales consultant and leader.

If you would like to appear in ‘Face to Face’, or would like to nominate someone else to be featured, simply email chris@glassnews.co.uk. www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2015

LEGAL EAGLE

CHARITY NEWS

Legal Eagle

Call Saul...

Quacks in the glass industry??? Holiday Pay, Pension Auto Enrolment and Parental Leave are just some of the challenges facing employers and all the reasons many firms favour using self-employed contractors. But the recent Employment Tribunal decision involving Pimlico Plumbers could “threaten to massacre small businesses with a universe of bureaucracy,” opening up claims for holiday and sick pay and discrimination claims. At its centre of the case is the application of the principal “if it looks like a duck and sounds like a duck, you can call it what you like but it’s still a duck.” The facts illustrate how firms tread a fine line in trying to obtain all the benefits of

an “employee” without the responsibilities; making contractors responsible for their own tax, VAT and insurance and personally liable for their own work and tools. On the other hand, they make them wear the corporate uniform, drive the sign written firm’s van, work 5 days and a minimum 40 hours a week etc. Finally, following the ‘duck’ principal, including clauses such as “nothing in this agreement shall render you an employee, agent or partner of the company” will not lessen the legal reality. Just because a firm describes contractors as self-employed “subbies” doesn’t make it so and could prove costly; if you’ve got a question on this, drop us a line …. Philip Harmer is a Lawyer and Senior Partner at Stormcatcher Business Services. He a commentator, speaker and author on Corporate Culture and Corporate Governance.

GM Fundraising confirms ongoing commitment with Hope House Hospices

Philip Harmer

About Philip Harmer

His real world experience in construction and property as well as car sales, repair centres, and finance and leasing, give him a true commercial outlook to the business of law pertaining to commercial and company law including employment, anti-bribery, competition and ethics, anti-money laundering , consumer law and trading standards, for the small and medium sized businesses, as well as PLCs and large firms.

Contact Philip

Tel: 0333 700 7676 philip.harmer@stormcatcher.co.uk

Continued commitment to Hope House.

With 2014 marking a number of milestones for GM Fundraising including funds raised breaking the £1m marker and the 15th anniversary of supporting Hope House Children’s Hospices - the team took time out recently to discuss what’s next for GM Fundraising. As well as planning upcoming events, it was agreed that the longstanding commitment to Hope House should continue, which was fantastic news for all involved. “As with everything,” explains Gary Morton, founder of GM Fundraising. “It pays to take a step back once in a while and take stock of everything that’s going on. GM Fundraising is no different and we wanted to ensure that what we are doing and who we do it for is still right for everyone involved – not just the team and the Hospice, but our loyal supporters too. Although Hope House has developed and improved over the years, at the heart of the organisation, the ethos remains the same – to provide support and specialist care for lifelimited children, young people and to support their families. It’s always been all about the kids for us, so GM Fundraising continuing to support what Hope House do is as important to us today as it was 15 years ago. We hope our ever generous supporters and friends agree and will continue to help us achieve many more milestones in the years ahead.”

The ‘Call Saul’ column in Glass News is brand new and, unlikely as it seems, we have a lawyer in the shape of Philip Harmer who is giving his advice to our readers, free of charge! Now I know you will be gasping at the thought that a lawyer isn’t going to sting you with a large bill, but it gets better… if you have any queries about the subject he is talking about in his column, Philip is happy for you to contact him by ‘phone or email and he will impart his wisdom absolutely free. So please, take Philip up on his offer. The ‘Call Saul’ column will try and bring you news and views on current and impending legislation to help you keep ahead of the game. And why ‘Call Saul’? Those aficionados of TVs Breaking Bad will understand! Chris Champion Editor

More information on GM Fundraising can be found at www.gmfundraising.co.uk. READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0139

READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0140

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

RECRUITMENT

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

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! Email: christina@glassnews.co.uk or Tel: 07805 051322 NEW APPOINTMENT

NEW APPOINTMENT

ULTRAFRAME APPOINTS COLIN NOONE AS SALES DIRECTOR Ultraframe has appointed Colin Noone to take up the role of sales director. Colin joins the market-leading roof manufacturer following a seven year career as sales director at XL Joinery. Commenting on Colin’s appointment Ultraframe CEO Julian Slade says: “I’m delighted with Colin’s appointment and the positive impact he’s already making. Ultraframe is off to a strong start in 2015

in our core business plus we’re seeing phenomenal lead generation for our award winning solid roof system, LivinROOF.” “Colin’s broad experience in the building industry is a real asset to Ultraframe and all our network partners. His leadership and collaborative approach will help our customers take full advantage of all the growth opportunities our wide range of industry leading products and services provide.”

CUSTOMADE

DELIVERS GROUP SOLUTION With predictions that the glazing market will rise over the next three years, the Customade Group has launched a campaign to help customers to make the most of fresh market opportunities and grow their businesses. The Customade Group is bolstering partnerships with installers by helping them to tap in to its group-wide expertise and extensive suite of products and move away from the inherent issues associated with juggling multiple suppliers. The ‘We’ve Got It Covered’ campaign has already enticed a number of installers to switch to the Gloucestershire-based operation for a complete supply solution for windows, doors, conservatory roofs and sealed glass units. Claire Miller, Customade Group Marketing Manager, says: “We sat down with lots of our installers and found that, although many are upbeat about a change in the market, they can feel disadvantaged because they’re dealing with several different suppliers. They face quality, supply and cash flow issues on a daily basis, which hardly leaves them in a position to make the most of an upturn in the market.

READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0141

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“The aim of this group-wide campaign is to build long standing alliances with our customers and bring a host of benefits to them that they just don’t get with multiple suppliers. It delivers reassurance, convenience and value by enabling installers to source all their products from one single supplier. And crucially, it supports those installers who are keen to broaden their scope and diversify into product areas that they may never have considered before.” With four well established trade companies - Customade (UK) Ltd, Hourglass Seal, Atlas Glazed Roof Solutions, and Fineline Aluminium - the Customade Group supplies one of the widest product ranges in the industry. The group’s product range spans PVCu and aluminium windows and doors, sliding and bi-folding doors, double glazed and triple glazed units, aluminium glazed roofs and composite doors. Under the ‘We’ve Got It Covered’ initiative, the Customade Group also offers installers a

rebate for buying all products from the group, faster turnaround for enquiries, controlled deliveries through one reliable distribution network, consistently high quality product quality and one uniformed marketing support service. Claire adds: “Installers need more than just a supplier to help them gear up and take advantage of new opportunities. From quality assurance right through to ordering products and beyond, this package has been designed to support customers and help them to become more productive. They’re able to plan work based on realistic lead times and consistent delivery days and they can access our team if they have any sales, service or marketing queries. It’s a solid programme for customers and we believe it will deliver what installers need to help them grow in 2015 and beyond.” Customade was established in 1979 and offers a comprehensive range of PVC-u and aluminium windows, doors, roofs and conservatories. The £32 million turnover Customade Group, which employs 250 people, also includes Atlas Glazed Roof Solutions, Fineline Aluminium, which supplies designer architectural aluminium products with very slim sight lines, and Hourglass Seal, which manufactures sealed glass units. For further information, please contact Customade’s marketing hotline on 0800 0094 203 or visit www.customade.co.uk. READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0142

RECRUITMENT NEW APPOINTMENT

NEW SUPPORT & ADMIN ASSISTANT AT BUSINESS MICROS

NEW APPOINTMENT

New Business

With an extensive 30-year background in the glass, glazing and fenestration industry, Andrew is responsible for looking after existing and new customers, while also developing new sales opportunities across the entire product range. Assisting Sales Director

Joanne Pickavant is the newest team member, joining the company as a support and administration assistant. Based at the company’s Newton-leWillows sales and installation centre, Joanne is answering phone and online queries from customers on a range of sales and installation related queries. She is also responsible for supplying quotations for new software installations and for new and additional software modules. Joanne’s technical graphics skills mean she is helping to manage the company’s panel, composite door and glass libraries, ensuring that the company’s online design portals are always up to date. Business Micros’ Managing Director Graeme Bailey said: “We are growing really rapidly at the moment as demand increases from new and existing customers. With 12 staff now based at Newton-le-Willows, we’ve even had to expand our offices to accommodate them all.”

MILA BOOSTS

MARKETING RESOURCE TO BENEFIT CUSTOMERS

Development Manager for Phoenix Doors Andrew Cotterill has joined Phoenix Doors, part of the MASCO UK Window Group Ltd, as Business Development Manager with a focus on growing further the company’s successful GRP composite door and PVC door panel ranges in the North of England.

The team at Business Micros is expanding quickly as the company continues to invest to keep pace with increasing sales and a broadening customer base.

NEW APPOINTMENT

Haydon Statham in maintaining the excellent customer service levels enjoyed by Phoenix customers is another key aspect of his role. Haydon comments: “Andrew’s in-depth industry knowledge will be an asset to the business and he’s the ideal man for the job. He’s also arrived at the right time, given how busy we are and about to launch some exciting new products!” Andrew adds: “Phoenix Doors is a well-established

Contact Phoenix Doors on 01487 740469 or Andrew Cotterill on 07718 318574, email info@ phoenixdoorpanels.co.uk or visit the website at www. phoenixdoorpanels.co.uk. READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0144

NEW APPOINTMENT

REHAU EXPANDS PRODUCT AND

TECHNICAL MARKETING TEAM

REHAU has expanded its product and technical marketing team with the appointment of Kate Whitehead as Product Assistant and Edward Kodia as Applications Engineer. The two graduates are working alongside the rest of the team led by newly appointed Marketing and Technical Director Gareth Jones and are helping to deliver REHAU’s

ongoing new product development and technical services programmes.

She is also the new face of REHAU’s social media activities, managing REHAU’s presence on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

Further information is available at: www.businessmicros.co.uk. READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0143

With a Masters degree in Computational and Software

Marketing graduate Jo Flinders has joined the Mila marketing team as a Marketing Assistant and has already been responsible for launching the company’s new YouTube channel. The first video uploaded to the channel shows the features and benefits of the newly launched ProSecure door hinge (http://youtu.be/qeCbmej2rnQ), which Mila proudly boasts is faster to fit than any other door hinge. Already a big hit, Jo says she will be adding further product videos shortly and integrating the channel into Mila’s overall marketing mix. Focusing on Mila’s online marketing channels, Jo is also working alongside Marketing Communications Manager Sarah Gyde to deliver a brand new customer friendly Mila website which will be officially launched shortly.

As well as working in product marketing, Kate has already made an impact with customers by organising the first ever REHAU Installation of the Year competition which was such a success that it will be running again in 2015.

Edward is working in REHAU’s technical department developing new product solutions in response to market, customer and legislative demands.

and well-respected company, which has strong commercial backing from MASCO UKWG. I’m looking forward to the challenge of helping to take Phoenix to new levels of growth, which is forecast to exceed £15 million turnover in 2015.”

With a degree in Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations from Birmingham City University, Jo has extensive skills in campaign planning and delivery. techniques in Engineering from Cranfield University, Edward’s skills lie in technical design and he is already applying those skills in new product development and in supporting REHAU customers through providing the latest product drawings. www.rehau.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0145

She is already using these skills to help customers – designing and producing material such as display boards and showroom posters and supplying marketing images from Mila’s extensive image library. Jo is also already studying for a Chartered Institute of Marketing diploma, as part of Mila’s ongoing commitment to staff training and development. www.mila.co.uk READER ENQUIRY No: 0315/0146

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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1 A joker - at rest? (2,4) 5 The bottom layer of a church! (3)

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8 Someone who loves an audience when they throw up (7)

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12 Instructions from a monk’s fraternity? (6)

11 Gave beer round as a drink (8)

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17 Teenager goes out for an eco-friendly cuppa (8)

13 Stand it up and get far away (7)

18 Worn and shabby, in poor condition (5)

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20 Little Francis got a twitch and became extremely anxious (7)

16 Sounds like the speech outline was a bit of a breeze (5)

21 Wild thing seen between sunset and sunrise (5)

19 You often get affirmed initially in meditative mode (4)

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Fill in all the answers in the grid, 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.

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.

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www.glassnews.co.uk | March 2015

FACE TO FACE

The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

THIS MONTH: Carlia McGowan Sales Office Manager, Carl F Groupco Now in her 11th year with hardware supplier Carl F Groupco, Carlia McGowan talks to Glass News about her strong family ties, love of helping customers and competitive streak when it comes to swimming.

It’s all about you Where you were born and live, currently… I was born in Corby and still live in the town. Both sets of Grandparents relocated to Corby from Scotland in the late 1940s for employment in the steel works and our family has been firmly rooted here ever since.

Your education and the subject or activity in which you excelled… I had a comprehensive education and my favourite subject was English. I really enjoyed the creative aspect of writing and produced a number of short stories.

Your favourite sports or interests… I get a buzz out of going to the gym and normally go two or three times a week, I work to my own programme and feel re-energised after a day at the office. Instead of slumping in front of the TV I get a lot more done in the evening if I have been to the gym, especially in the winter. I also enjoy swimming and use Corby’s fabulous Olympic sized swimming pool: I get quite competitive and keep an eye on how fast my partner Paul is going ………I like to beat him!

Your biggest regret in life… I am a positive person and don’t like to have regrets ………also, I am only in my early 30s so I feel time is on my side. I would like to have had a gap year or two but now I am in a job that I love with a house and commitments it’s unlikely I will ever go back packing for any length

of time. However, I satisfy my desire to travel by taking overseas holidays and I’m particularly excited about my forthcoming wedding in America.

Someone or something that inspires you… Without hesitation I can say that my family are inspirational people, they have given me a positive outlook on life. I don’t think you have to look to world leaders to be inspired, it is often the people much closer to home that have the strongest influence on your life.

The temptation you can’t resist… I don’t have one temptation, I have two …… wine and shoes! I’ve lost count of the number of shoes I own, my favourite pair are red leopard print that I cheekily wore for my sister’s wedding when I was a bridesmaid.

your career When and how you joined this industry… I joined the industry at the age of 19 through an agency who said they had they perfect job for me, at that time the company was known as Carl F Petersen. They were absolutely right. Within an hour I’d had a phone interview with the Sales Office Manager of the time and two days later I was offered the job after a face to face interview. The rest, as they say, is history as I’ve stayed with the company ever since. I started in an office junior role as Sales Office Administrator and within a year I had moved into a Sales Co-ordinator role. Following the merger and formation of Carl F Groupco in 2010, I was promoted to the position of Sales Office Manager. My career progression

has given me an invaluable insight into the sales office functions.

The job you do in 25 words… I ensure the sales office runs smoothly, we hit targets and we maintain customer satisfaction. Team management and monitoring are the bywords for my job.

Your greatest achievement… I’m too young to have a greatest achievement ……..watch this space! However, I do love helping customers, ensuring they get what they want and being part of a team. I love it when the opportunity arises to have contact with customers, I enjoy building a rapport and get great satisfaction out of offering good service. I feel a huge sense of achievement when a customer remembers me.

The mistake you’d like to correct… As clichéd as this might sound, I don’t look at experiences as mistakes, I learn from them and move on.

Is there a talent you would like to enhance…

for education and at one stage thought I might become a teacher. After leaving school, and before joining Carl F Groupco, I offered my services on a voluntary basis to a school where I had previously been for work experience. I went to the school two days a week helping out with classes for five and six year olds and I loved it.

I would love to revisit creative writing, I enjoyed doing it at school and it would be great to put pen to paper again.

A particular ambition…

and your future

The way you want to be remembered…

What you would like to do if you weren’t in this industry…

I want to continue to enjoy my job, live for the moment and not have any regrets.

I don’t judge people – I want to be remembered as being a genuine person.

I have no desire to leave the industry but I did get an early taste

If you would like to appear in ‘Face to Face’, or would like to nominate someone else to be featured, simply email chris@glassnews.co.uk. 94

March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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Useful Numbers British Plastics Federation (BPF) Tel: 0207 457 5000

Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF) Tel: 0207 939 9101

British Standards Institution (BSI) – Standards & Publications Tel: 0208 996 9001

GQA Qualifications (formerly Glass Qualifications Authority) Tel: 0114 2720033

BSI – Assessment & Certification Tel: 0845 080 9000

Health & Safety Executive (HSE) – Glass & Related Industries Phil Smith, HM Principal Inspector Tel: 01782 602300 David Appleton, HM Inspector Tel: 0115 9712800

BSI – Product Certification & Testing Tel: 08450 765600 BBSA (British Blind & Shutter Association) Tel: 01449 780444 Building Research Establishment (BRE) Tel: 01923 664000 Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB) Tel: 01453 828851 Dekura Tel: 01952 201631 Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) Tel: 01827 52337 Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS) Tel: 0845 053 8975 Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme (FENSA) Tel: 0207 645 3700 Get Britain Building (GBB) Tel: 0870 162 0936

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Proskills – Head Office Tel: 01235 833844 Proskills – Glass & Related Industries Neil Robinson – Tel: 07917 015 322 Recovinyl (via Axion Consulting) Tel: 0161 355 7618 The Glazing Ombudsman (TGO) Tel: 020 7397 7200 UK Green Building Council Tel: 0207 580 0623 Veka Recycling Tel: 01322 38721 Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) Tel: 01295 819 900 Wood Window Alliance (WWA) Tel: 0844 209 261

We want to know your opinion about the industry! Contact Christina or Chris today! christina@glassnews.co.uk or chris@glassnews.co.uk March 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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