Glass News August 2024

THE KING’S AWARD FOR ENTERPRISE 2024

Bradley Gaunt, Managing Director of Made For Trade – a leading manufacturer of home aluminium systems – was invited by King Charles to a reception at Windsor Castle on Tuesday 9th July 2024. The event celebrated recipients of the prestigious King’s Awards for Enterprise.

The King welcomed a diverse group of British businesses to his Windsor residence for a reception honouring their innovative achievements. This year’s King’s Award winners, spanning from industry veterans to exciting startups, were celebrated for their exceptional products and services. As one of the nation’s highest accolades for business, The King’s Award grants recipients the prestigious right to display the award emblem for the next five years.

Made For Trade has

been recognised for its innovative Korniche Roof Lantern, earning one of three King’s Awards for Innovation presented to North East businesses. The company’s revolutionary Aluminium Roof Lantern, a game-changing solution for illuminating flat roof extensions with natural light, was singled out for this prestigious award.

A FAMILY BUSINESS SUCCESS STORY

Celebrating it’s 40th anniversary in 2023, Made For Trade boasts manufacturing facilities in Wynyard, Stockton and Hartlepool.

Managing Director Bradley Gaunt, son of company founder Richard Gaunt, expressed his delight at the award. "I’m immensely proud that MFT have been awarded The King’s Awards for Enterprise in innovation.

"The journey we’ve been on for over 40 years, started by my father, to where we are today and the recognition that this award epitomises, is very humbling for me. We have an amazing team at Made For Trade and without their hard work and dedication, none of this would have been possible."

Continued on page 4...

"We have an amazing team at Made For Trade and without their hard work and dedication, none of this would have been possible.“

King Charles shares a light moment with Made For Trade’s Managing Director Bradley Gaunt at the reception for recipients of The King’s Award For Enterprise 2024

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If the government is to be believed we’ll have around 15 million windows to fabricate and fit in the next 5 years. Happy days! And we can add to that around 3 million doors, a bunch of bifolds or sliders and a fair clutch of rooflights, too. Just think of all the IGUs and hardware we will have to supply! Yes, it’s boom time…or is it?

Talking to a national housebuilder I’m led to believe that materials are at a premium and obtaining the bricks and other materials to build the houses talked about, is a challenge in itself. There is also that other challenge that we are all well aware of, and that’s the skills shortage. It isn’t as if there’s a pool of skilled workers ready to step forward –and the clue is in the word ‘skilled’. Skill requires education as well as hands-on practice and it all takes time to turn what may be keen individuals, willing to learn, into truly skilled workers. As an industry, we know all about the skills shortage and many are involved in doing something about it. Commenting on the Chancellor’s ambition to build 1.5 million houses Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders, said: “The UK is currently experiencing a construction skills crisis, and there are serious questions to be asked about how deliverable any of this is, without a longterm training and skills plan to ensure the workforce is in place……the Government now needs to address how the skills shortage will be tackled.”

It's interesting that while the government is talking a good talk about boosting house building, relaxing planning laws and bringing ‘grey’ belt land into play (or is that redesignating green belt as being ‘grey’?) there has been no mention of tackling the skills crisis. Perhaps they are struggling with finding an answer to the problem and, if that’s the case, they could do worse than helping those that are actually making some effort in that direction.

Within fenestration we have the Building Our Skills initiative, and in this last month they held a meeting at Schüco’s facility at Milton Keynes and invited participation from interested parties from our industry via Teams. They presented their plans for the next 12 months and these include four Career Festivals in West Yorkshire and West Midlands plus South Yorkshire and Greater Manchester. They will also be introducing workplace visits, bringing schools to business premises, launching a Careers Portal showcasing over 120 individual job roles across eleven distinct career families as well as developing and launching an Apprenticeship Forum to support young people joining our industry. They will also provide guidance and support for the efforts put in by the companies supporting this initiative.

The efforts of Building Our Skills are to be applauded but it takes both hard work and hard cash to get results. There are many companies that are supporting BOS and they recognise the importance of attracting new people into our industry, and that isn’t only school leavers but those seeking to change occupations. Surely, this is the type of worthwhile initiative that deserves the support of, not only businesses within our industry, but from the government, too? I’m not sure if I dreamed it but wasn’t there something in the Labour manifesto about establishing ‘Skills England’, pledges to boost apprenticeships and a Warm Homes Plan that would boost retrofitting in homes throughout the country? I wonder if that was a case of ‘vote catching’ or whether there will be follow through from the government?

As it happens the economy is looking promising and, prior to the election, GDP grew by 0,4 per cent in May and 0.9 per cent in March to May, compared with the three months prior to that, while borrowing costs remained firm. Talk is of an interest rate cut in August and the Pound Sterling is up against the US Dollar since the election. Let’s hope this bodes well for the future.

In other news this month the acquisition of Thermoseal by the Italian chemical company Fenzi opens up international markets for the company while Schüco has announced that they are converting all their diesel powered lorries to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil and there is now a 19,000 litre HVO storage tank at Milton Keynes. This will save 380 tonnes of carbon emissions next year. I wonder if it will be like following a chip shop when you’re behind a Schüco lorry on the motorway!

Finally, LinkedIn always makes for interesting reading and some comments and submissions are more memorable than others. The King’s Award For Enterprise for the Made For Trade team was a great achievement and the picture on LinkedIn of Managing Director, Bradley Gaunt, talking with His Majesty King Charles was brilliant. I dread to think what Bradley said to have our King in such hysterics!

‘TIME OUT’ WINNERS – JULY!

Sudoku:

Darren Barraclough, Alternative Windows, Leeds Eye Spy: P Kenny, Tamworth, Staffs Spot the Difference: Sally Whittaker, Chelmsford, Essex

Crossword: Mr S Barefoot, Skegness, Lincs

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

CONTENTS

4 Front Page Story

4 Sustainability

4 Garden Rooms & Patios

8 Trade News

40 Latest Bulletin: Bison

42 Vertical Sliders & Heritage

43 Women In Industry

44 Face To Face

46 Installer Support

50 A Window Into Aluminium

54 Software & IT

56

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...Continued from page 1

Made For Trade’s story is one of remarkable family entrepreneurship. Bradley took the reins of the business from his father at the age of 23, armed with an engineering degree and 18 months of industry experience. Facing challenging economic times, Bradley found the company downsized to only 11 employees. However, his vision and determination led to a turnaround.

The innovative spirit runs strong in the Gaunt family. Bradley’s brother Ashley, previously a chassis designer for an Italian car company, played a key role in designing the award-winning lantern roof. Sister Lois has also joined the company, contributing her talents in customer services.

This King’s Award win marks a significant milestone for Made For Trade, a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation and its dedication to excellence in the fenestration industry.

"The innovative spirit runs strong in the Gaunt family. Bradley’s brother Ashley, previously a chassis designer for an Italian car company, played a key role in designing the award-winning lantern roof."

SUSTAINABILITY

SCHÜCO MAKES SUSTAINABLE SWITCH WITH HVO FUEL INITIATIVE

Schüco, a leading aluminium façade and fenestration systems supplier, has announced its latest environmental initiative: converting its entire fleet of diesel-powered haulage vehicles to operate on sustainably sourced Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel.

The company anticipates that this move will save over 380 tonnes of carbon emissions in the next 12 months alone, based on its average mileage.

As part of the transition, Schüco has installed an HVO tank with a capacity of 19,000 litres at its Milton Keynes site, home to its UK warehouse, to ensure ample storage for the company’s fuel needs. The HVO fuel supplier is an approved Renewable Fuel Supplier under the Renewable Fuels Assurance Scheme (RFAS) and is International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) accredited.

Schüco has also incorporated a Tecalemit fuel management system to allow an auditable trace of fuel drawn from the tank, for precise tracking of HVO fuel usage.

The switch to HVO comes with many sustainability benefits.

HVO is made from renewable raw materials such as vegetable oils and animal fats which

reduces dependency on finite resources such as fossil fuels and supports a more circular economy.

HVO is compatible with existing diesel engines, allowing for an easy and immediate switch without the need for additional infrastructure or engine modifications. It has a high cetane number, which can lead to better engine performance, improved combustion, and increased efficiency. It often burns cleaner than regular diesel, potentially leading to reduced engine maintenance and longer engine life due to fewer deposits and cleaner combustion.

Schüco researched various fuel options, deciding on HVO with its good storage stability for

LEADS 2 TRADE SEES OVER 30% INCREASE IN GARDEN ROOM AND EXTENSION LEADS

Leads 2 Trade, the UK’s leading provider of doublequalified sales leads for the home improvement industry, has seen a significant increase in enquiries for garden rooms and single-storey extensions.

Compared to the same period last year, enquiries have surged by 31.24%, highlighting a growing trend in homeowners seeking alternative ways to expand their living areas.

Andy Royle, co-founder and director, said: “While there has been a slight dip in conservatory enquiries, it’s clear that homeowners are still very much focused on adding valuable space to their properties.

“The rise in garden room leads, in particular, demonstrates a slight shift in preference, with homeowners potentially seeking a more versatile solution when it comes to additional living space.”

Another product that has bucked the trend in 2024 is conservatory roofs, which has remained consistent, and Andy added: “The consistent demand for conservatory roof replacements shows that it is still a home improvement favoured by homeowners and it suggests consumers are looking to modernise and improve their existing conservatories to enhance their thermal efficiency or create a more usable living space.”

extended periods without degradation, unlike some other biofuels. Despite the higher cost of HVO compared to regular diesel, Schüco anticipates that as HVO becomes more widely available across the country, prices will decrease.

By integrating HVO into its operations, Schüco not only enhances its own sustainability goals but also helps to set a precedent in the industry for responsible and ecofriendly practices. Schüco began tracking the carbon emissions associated with their energy use and business travel in 2021. In the two years since, the initiatives they have implemented enabled them to reduce their total emissions by 28%.

The surge in trend towards garden rooms and extensions is being capitalised on by Leads 2 Trade’s trusted local supplier network, with the Stockport-based company connecting installers with double qualified leads for garden rooms, extensions, and conservatory roof replacements, ensuring they can take advantage of the evolving market.

Enquiries come through Leads 2 Trade’s portfolio of consumer facing websites and are double qualified by the company’s in-house call centre and delivered to members as a premium, fixed appointment, no pitch no fee, lead in postcodes of their choice.

“Our targeted approach provides installers with a valuable opportunity to connect with homeowners who are actively in the market for garden rooms and extensions,” added Andy. “So, they are more likely to convert into sales.”

To join Leads 2 Trade’s garden room sales leads network visit https://leads2trade.co.uk/products/garden-roomsales-leads/ , to join its conservatory roof replacement sales leads network visit https://leads2trade.co.uk/products/ conservatory-roof-replacement-leads/ or for more information, telephone 0800 124 4308.

A view of the historic Upper Ward within Windsor Castle

A picturesque view of Windsor Castle framed by an archway, with the iconic Long Walk stretching towards the horizon

LAUNCHING AT

Versatile, comfortable, stylish rooms that blur the line between indoor and outdoor living. Crafted using high-performance, sustainably manufactured components, Spaces deliver increased functionality and significant added value to your home.

Your space to explore and grow

SAFE AND SECURE

Liniar windows and doors are fitted with high security multipoint locking as standard and are independently tested to the requirements of PAS 24 and Secured by Design.

ENERGY EFFICIENT

With unique multi-chambered PVCu profile, Liniar windows and doors can achieve A++ energy ratings, helping maintain year-round comfortable ambient temperatures in your Spaces room.

LOW MAINTENANCE

The Liniar products your Spaces room comprises will not rot, rust, or require painting – just an occasional clean with warm, soapy water, even with our foiled colours.

PART OF THE FAMILY

Because all Liniar products are manufactured and foiled at our state-of-the-art Denby HQ, you can perfectly colour-match Spaces into your wider project.

EXPLORE THE LINIAR OUTDOOR RANGE

DECKING

VEKA CELEBRATIONS IN ‘TOP GEAR’ FOR INDEPENDENT NETWORK

Members of VEKA’s Independent Network celebrate partnership and success with an awards event at the Belfry hosted by special guest, Perry McCarthy a.k.a. ‘The Stig’.

Leading UK PVCu supplier, VEKA plc, hosted its annual Independent Network Awards on Thursday 18 July as part of a day-long event to celebrate the industry’s ‘best of the best’ window and door installers.

Founded in 1996, VEKA’s Independent Network was created to put transparency and trust at the heart of the fenestration industry, with a commitment to the highest standard of craftsmanship and customer service.

Businesses nominated in the highly acclaimed Independent Network Awards were selected on the basis of customer satisfaction and feedback in 2023.

This year’s winners included:

• The Sales Award (£500k to £750k) - Michael McCoy M&M Windows Ltd

• The Sales Award (£750k to £1m) - Stuart Boulton Goliath Home World Limited

• The Sales Award (Over £1m)Alex Dukes CRK Windows Ltd

• National Customer Satisfaction (under £250k) – Mews Windows

• National Customer Satisfaction (£250k - £600k) – Prestige Plastics

• National Customer Satisfaction

(£600K - £900K) – Yorkshire Warm Roofs Ltd

• National Customer Satisfaction

(£900K-£1.5M) – Carroll’s Windows & Door Solutions Ltd

• National Customer Satisfaction

(£1.5m-£3m) – West Norfolk Glass Ltd

• National Customer Satisfaction award (£3m+) – Thistle Windows & Conservatories Ltd.

• Long Service Recognition Award – (28 years) Heavers of Bridport

A host of businesses also made the prestigious VEKA Independent Network’s ‘100% Club’ – meaning that they achieved 100% customer satisfaction in 2023:

• Bahama Windows Ltd

• Cambs Windows & Home Improvements

• C & G Windows

• D Cannon Windows Ltd

• DJ Glazing LTD

• Ffenestri Kevin Thomas Windows Ltd

• Halls Property Services Ltd

• K P Double Glazing Ltd

“We are a family-owned business and that ethos spreads beyond the VEKA walls and into our relationships with the incredible fabricators and installers we work alongside.”

• Mews Windows

• My Room Bespoke Spaces Limited

• Northfield Glass Centre Limited

• Penrith Windows Ltd

• Qualplas Ltd

• R & G Glass and Glazing Limited

• The Window Shop (Midlands) Ltd

• Vantage Windows and Doors Ltd

• Waterside Windows Ltd

• West Coast Windows (SW) Ltd

• Yorkshire Warm Roofs Ltd

VEKA’s unique approach to customer relations defines its fabricators and installers as partners explains Commercial Director, Tim Taylor: “Our relationship with our partners is central to our success, and theirs.

“Together we grow and drive the industry forward, so it’s good to get together to celebrate VEKA’s Independent Network and everything it achieves.”

“We are a family-owned business and that ethos spreads beyond the VEKA walls and into our relationships with the incredible fabricators and installers we work alongside.”

VEKA showcased its continued commitment to its customers at a luxurious event at the awardwinning Belfry Hotel and Resort in Royal Sutton Coldfield.

Attendees were treated to brunch in the Belfry’s legendary Warwick Suite, before a welcome presentation and the Network’s Annual General Meeting. Leisure activities commenced shortly after with members choosing between a round of golf on the PGA course, a pamper session at the spa or a driving range lesson with afternoon tea.

In the evening guests enjoyed a champagne reception, with special-guest, British racing driver, best-selling author and original Top Gear ‘Stig’, Perry McCarthy, opening the ceremony – delivering a true highlight on the fenestration industry calendar.

The event also successfully raised an incredible £6750 for Pendleside Hospice, a charity close to VEKA’s Burnley HQ, which provides an invaluable service to its patients and their families.

FENTRADE’S EXPERTISE DEMONSTRATED IN ARCHED ALUMINIUM FRAME PROJECT

Trade fabricator

Fentrade has just supplied a set of aluminium arched frames using the AluK 58BD entrance door system to longstanding trade customer, L&L Installations.

Dave Lannen, Director of L&L Installations, said: “We’ve worked with Fentrade for some time now. We appreciate their customer-focused approach, their attention to detail and commitment to going the extra mile. These were all in evidence in this project. Our customer is delighted with the result and so are we.”

Fentrade and L&L Installations worked closely together on the project to ensure the finished product met all the specifications. Once the quote had been accepted by the customer, L&L Installations provided wooden templates, which were used to form the arched profiles. The arching was undertaken by a specialist bending company that’s a fellow Council for Aluminium in Building member with

Fentrade. The arched profiles were then manufactured into finished frames by Fentrade. The order was completed in under eight weeks and delivered in line with the customer’s expectations.

Chris Reeks, Managing Director of Fentrade, commented: “We love working on projects like this one. They showcase the versatility of aluminium and the expertise of our fabrication team.”

L&L Installations is based in Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire. Established in 1981, it’s a family-run company that believes in delivering incredibly high-quality products and an impeccable service at a competitive price.

Fentrade manufactures aluminium residential, commercial, GFT and curtain wall projects in a wide variety of colours to suit customer requirements. All can be manufactured into arched profiles when required, helping Fentrade’s customers to deliver to the most demanding visual specifications.

The company is committed to superior quality and results every time, something that is clearly on display in this project.

Tel: 01633 547787

fentradealuminium.co.uk

VEKA COLLABORATE TO COMBAT CRIME WITH INTENSIVE WORKSHOP

In a drive to support advancement of security standards in the construction industry, VEKA plc proudly hosted a ‘Designing out Crime with VEKA’ day on 10 July 2024.

The leading PVCu supplier invited 17 Designing Out Crime Officers (DOCOs) from across the UK to its 400,000 sq ft production facility in Burnley, Lancashire to delve into the intricacies of security standards and showcase how VEKA consistently achieves industry benchmarks. Attendees gained insights into the rigorous processes and innovative solutions that VEKA employs to ensure the highest levels of security in its window and door products.

In-depth presentations, interactive sessions and practical demonstrations highlighted VEKA’s commitment to security excellence. A detailed tour of the manufacturing facility

also offered participants a firsthand look at VEKA’s innovative processes.

The Designing Out Crime Day particularly focused on the processes and procedures involved in a systems house attaining certification.

As industry leaders in security standards, VEKA became the first systems house to have a full range of triple glazed products accredited to PAAS24:2022 and the first Secured by Design member to achieve the feat.

The workshop took a deep dive into the security standards that VEKA products must adhere to earn the accreditation, while outlining the testing processes that prove the product quality.

“At VEKA, we are dedicated to providing industry-leading designs, and that standard includes the ultimate security capacity,” said Paul Kennington, Technical Director.

“This event was an excellent opportunity to showcase our approach to security and collaborate with police forces from across the UK to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the processes that earn the PAS24:2022 accreditation.”

The event provided ample opportunities for networking and knowledge sharing, fostering stronger relationships between fenestration and police forces to help combat crime through innovative design and robust security standards.

Hazel Goss MBE, Development Officer for Secured By Design, the official police security initiative to reduce crime, said of the event: “I find days like this are invaluable to the designing out crime officers who I look after because they’re learning the ins and outs of the products, seeing the products being tested and getting an understanding of how the processes work.”

Andy Hunton, designing out crime officer for Cumbria attended, saying: “When we go out for situational crime prevention, giving advice to householders, we insist that they need a tested product, and VEKA recognise security standards. Coming to see how these products have actually been manufactured is very important, because then we can say we’ve seen how it’s done, we know the reason behind the testing, and we know it’s worthwhile and resilient.”

JAMES OLIVER RECOGNISED FOR OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE

James Oliver Conservatories has recently been recognised for its outstanding customer service. After first receiving the Gold Trusted Service Award in 2021, the Lincolnbased business has now achieved the rare Platinum Trusted Service Award from Feefo, the independent review platform.

Announced annually, the Feefo Trusted Service Awards help promote companies that have demonstrated a commitment to and delivered outstanding customer service. Businesses that meet Feefo’s high standards and assessment criteria are then honoured with an award.

In the case of James Oliver Conservatories, the company was presented with a Platinum award for achieving an average customer score of 4.8/5. In the assessment period, the company received over 50 five-star reviews, contributing to a total recommendation rating of 96%.

Tom Oliver, Managing Director at James Oliver Conservatories, commented: “We take tremendous pride in the customer feedback we receive. Everyone at James Oliver Conservatories is fully committed to providing our customers with the highest

quality of service. We were delighted to be recognised with this Platinum Trusted Service Award.

“We aren’t going to rest on our laurels, however! As we grow and develop as a business, so too will our commitment to ensuring our customer service remains the best in the industry.”

Greg Kane, Conservatory Outlet’s CEO, continued: “It’s fantastic to see Conservatory Outlet Network members recognised for the outstanding levels of service they deliver to homeowners.

“Tom and the team at James Oliver Conservatories have dedicated a lot of their resources into continuously developing their customer service team. On top of that, they are a leading example of how to utilise positive feedback to grow and develop their sales and installation processes.

ROSEVIEW RETURN TO THE FIT SHOW IN 2025

Sash windows manufacturer Roseview Windows has announced that it is returning to the FIT Show in 2025. The FIT Show is a staple of the fenestration industry, with respected manufacturer Roseview exhibiting at every show since launch.

Nickie West, FIT Show event director said: “It’s always a pleasure to welcome Roseview back to FIT Show, they’ve been hugely supportive over the years. uPVC is always a hugely popular material amongst our visitors. In fact, our post FIT Show 2023 survey highlighted that it’s a material they want to see more of! We’re delighted that Roseview will be on hand to showcase their exemplary range of sliding sash windows

and first-class customer service at FIT Show 2025. See you next April!”

Roseview will showcase its full range of sash windows and secondary glazing, under the banner “more than a sum of its parts”. The company will demonstrate how their ever-growing range of innovations and developments are designed to work together seamlessly to create complete, industryleading heritage windows.

Amongst the innovations on show will be the recently released Eclipse trickle vent option –the prototype of which was first shown at FIT 2023 – and Roseview’s exclusive ThermoVFlex 1.2 u-value sash window system. There will also be a range of further developments due for release in the second half of 2024.

Roseview director Mike Bygrave said: “As always, we’re looking forward to returning to the FIT Show in 2025. It’s a highlight in our calendar; we value the opportunity to meet up with customers and suppliers, as well as friends old and new. It allows us to show the window industry what we’ve been up to since the last show, while having a bit of fun as well.

“The theme of our stand will be ‘more than a sum of its parts’. We’ll showcase new features for our sash windows, all designed to work together cohesively. Visitors will be able to see for themselves what goes into a genuine, innovative, conservation-grade sash window. We’ll also be talking to visitors about our Incarnation secondary glazing

“It’s no surprise seeing them receive the Platinum award.”

The Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award isn’t the only accreditation that James Oliver Conservatories has received this year. After undergoing an evaluation from Conservatory Outlet, the second-generation business has been officially named a Conservatory Outlet Premium Retailer.

Commenting on being recognised as a Premium Retailer, Tom Oliver adds: “We’re now the only Premium Retailer in Lincolnshire, which is a huge accolade for the business.

“It sets us further apart from our competitors and gives our customers extra reasons to entrust us with their home improvement projects, be it a new door, some windows or the design and build of a luxury living space.”

range and our exciting new ‘TIPS’ installer support package.

We’ll be on stand Q60 at the show, so if you’re visiting stop by and say hello – it’ll be great to see you.”

For more information visit www.roseview.co.uk or call 01234 712657.

ENSURING PASSENGER SAFETY AT SCHIPHOL AIRPORT, WITH PYROGUARD PROTECT

With thousands of people passing through international airports on a daily basis, ensuring their safety with passive fire protection products like fire safety glass is essential. During the expansion and upgrade of Schiphol Airport’s train station, Pyroguard’s toughened fire safety glass was chosen to combine the need for passenger safety with the creation of a more light and open space.

Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport railway station is the fifth largest on the Dutch network, with daily footfall expected to increase from 109,000 to 130,000 over the next ten years. To support this increased demand, the multi-million-pound Multimodal Hub Schiphol project aims to redevelop the station and public transport facilities.

Designed to increase capacity, improve passenger flow and create more space, both on the platforms and in the Plaza above, the station upgrade included the renovation of its lifts, elevators and stairs, with the number of escalators set to be doubled.

As part of this and commissioned by BAM Infra Netherlands (Civic Region), in collaboration with Arcadis (from ProRail), Glasdesign was contracted to provide Schiphol Plaza with a new glass entrance to the underground station. As well as

helping to create a brighter, open and more contemporary space when entering the station platforms, the glazed partitions also featured Pyroguard Protect fire safety glass to ensure the future safety and protection of rail passengers.

Speaking about the project, Sander Pieters, CEO from Glasdesign, said: “We opted for Pyroguard Protect EI60/32-2 SWS, as this was the most suitable solution in terms of size, thickness and fire performance. Working with Pyroguard has been a smooth process from start to finish; their excellent technical support and great communication throughout were key to the project’s success”.

A range of toughened fire safety glass, Pyroguard Protect provides integrity and heat insulation for 30 to 180 minutes (EI classification). As well as exceptional fire performance, Pyroguard Protect also delivers a 1B1 impact rating, superior acoustic properties and UV stability.

For more information, please visit: www.pyroguard.eu.

BRETT MARTIN HATCHES A PLAN FOR EASY FLAT ROOF ACCESS

Specialist daylight solutions manufacturer

Brett Martin has recently added a Flat Glass Access Hatch to its glass rooflight range. The new product enables the maximisation of daylight into interior spaces, whilst providing easy and safe access to roofs with a flat or gentle pitch. With a wide range of standard sizes available, as well as bespoke sizing capability, any project can now benefit from increased daylight, ventilation and ease of access.

Easy to install and operate, the doubleglazed hatch come fully assembled and ready to fit with a thermally isolated aluminium frame, PVC kerb and 24V tandem actuators. A 90% Argon filled cavity unit offers combined U-values as low as 1.72W/m2K. A wind and rain sensor can also be specified to enable improved ventilation with minimal hassle. Plus, the glazing specification can be customised to provide solar control, tinting or obscured glazing should the customer require it.

As with all Brett Martin’s glass products, safety for those above and below the

rooflight is assured thanks to a laminated inner pane and a toughened glass outer pane. As a result, the hatch achieves a nonfragility rating to CWCT TN-67, depending on the size, and is Class B non-fragile to ACR[M]001 when new and installed according to the installation guidelines. All Brett Martin glass rooflights come with tenyear warranty for added piece of mind.

Speaking about the launch, Sales Director Tony Isaac commented “With the addition of this new access hatch, our rooflight range now offers a full suite of solutions for any project.”

“Our aim was to make this hatch as versatile as possible so that a project of any size –commercial, domestic or industrial – can benefit from easy and safe roof access and increased daylight and ventilation.”

The Flat Glass Access Hatch is available in sizes from 1000 x 1000mm up to 2000 x 1000mm, or a 1500 x 1500mm square, with a seven working day delivery time available on a number of core sizes.

To find out more information and download a brochure, go to www.brettmartin.com/daylight-systems/our-products/product/flat-glass-access-hatch-.

MORLEY GLASS EMBARKS ON SHOWSTOPPING FIT SHOW 2025 PRESENCE

Leading integral blind manufacturer

Morley Glass is making rapid progress on its plans for next year’s FIT Show as it seeks to repeat the success of previous events and introduce further new products to the market.

The company is working closely with its exhibition design and build partner, White Rose Exhibitions, to ensure visitors to its FIT Show stand can enjoy the most positive experience as they explore its range of ScreenLine® integral blind systems with ease, and discover their sales potential. The 144 sq. m stand will feature working displays of all the different Uni-Blinds® branded integral blind systems, as well as its Uni-Switch® switchable smart glass which proved a big hit with visitors in 2023.

Morley Glass and ScreenLine® systems manufacturer Pellini S.p.A. are collaborating to ensure several new products will be ready to unveil at the 2025 show. Details of these new products will be released over the coming months.

FIT Show VIP tickets will also once again be provided by Morley Glass to anyone registering to attend via a unique link. This will be published on the Morley Glass website nearer to the event, offering visitors the best experience thanks to benefits including a free early bird breakfast, use of the VIP business and networking lounge, free refreshments throughout the day in the VIP Lounge and entry to the show via a dedicated fast track desk.

Ian Short, MD of Morley Glass said: “We’re so excited to be pushing ahead with our plans for the 2025 FIT Show, which will be the ‘must-attend’ event in the window industry’s diary next year. As with our previous preparations, we want to make our next show presence bigger and better which we’ll be doing with the creation of some exciting new displays and by bringing more exclusive new products to the show.

“In the 12 months since the last FIT Show, we have developed our approved installer programme further and we have boosted the number of customers taking advantage of this significantly. We’ll be showcasing the benefits of being an approved Uni-Blinds® installer at next year’s show and encouraging anyone who is unfamiliar with integral blinds to come and see us, so they can see for themselves how easy they are to fit and why they are so popular with homeowners.”

Morley Glass is the world’s largest manufacturer of bespoke ScreenLine® integral blinds. The company produces up to 4,000 integral blind units every week at its HQ and manufacturing centre near Leeds, which are supplied nationwide to installers with complimentary delivery in as little as 10-12 working days.

Find out more about Morley Glass and its range of shading and privacy solutions at www.morleyglass.co.uk.

ENDURANCE® DOORS SHINES SPOTLIGHT ON FINISHING TOUCHES

Endurance® Doors is highlighting its impressive ability to delight homeowners across the UK with unique and highly customisable solid, secure, and stylish composite doors.

To complement its extensive portfolio of over 85 door styles, which can be produced in 19 different colours, the manufacturer offers an equally impressive choice of hardware and glazing.

In order to showcase these important finishing touches, the business has enhanced its already extensive website with two new and dedicated pages.

Russell Hensman, group marketing manager at Endurance® Doors, comments:

“When it comes to creating a composite door that perfectly accommodates a homeowner’s individual tastes as well as the style of their property and its surroundings, the devil is often in the detail.

“Glazing and hardware may seem like small flourishes, but they can have a big influence on the overall look of a door. Aside from this aesthetic impact, they can also make a significant contribution towards a door’s functionality – for instance, by enhancing security or privacy, or by enabling the incorporation of smart sensing and locking technology.”

The new glazing page on the Endurance® Doors’ website allows homeowners to explore the brand’s full selection of over 30 glazing styles, all of which are available as either double or triple glazed units. Browsers can view all of the glazing in the Endurance range in close-up detail by watching specially recorded videos. They can also use an interactive tool to understand the different opacity levels on offer.

Plus, if all this choice becomes a little daunting, the new glazing page features information on Endurance® Doors’ most popular combinations of glazing, door styles and colour to provide some quick and easy inspiration.

The new hardware page on the Endurance® Doors’ website is just as informative. It features 360° product imagery and allows people to take an in-depth look at the various hardware options offered by the manufacturer.

This includes a choice of seven carefully curated ranges, each consisting of products such as letterplates, handles, knockers, knobs, and escutcheons, and available in different colours and finishes. This enables homeowners to realise any look – from the classical to the contemporary and the urban to the rustic.

The new hardware page also provides information on additional products supplied by Endurance® Doors such as door numerals, its door guards, which provide a more robust and secure alternative to traditional doors chains, and the smart, ERA TouchKey keyless locking system.

There are even tips on maintaining the manufacturer’s door hardware to maximise its longevity and enduring appeal.

“The addition of the new glazing and hardware pages to our website reflects our focus on supporting our installer partners with comprehensive, consumer-focussed marketing” concludes Russell.

“It also demonstrates the strength of our commitment to their success as to achieve the desired level of functionality required a considerable investment.

“Importantly, all of the content and new assets created for these pages are available in the installer area of our website for our customers to use as part of their own marketing activity. We can also assist installer partners with incorporating them into their own existing online presence.”

EDGETECH TECHNOLOGY TAKES CENTRE STAGE AT CUTTING-EDGE BERKELEY CAMPUS

Tried and tested Edgetech spacer technology has helped create a striking, functional and highperformance façade at Berkeley City College’s new Milvia Street Campus.

Architects at Ratcliff sought to create a welcoming and open environment, maximising natural daylight for energy efficiency.

The 6-storey building replaces an existing building in downtown Berkeley at 2118 Milvia Street. In addition to classrooms, it will house art studios, a library and areas for student support and administration.

The building was planned and designed by Ratcliff Architects as part of a design-build partnership with XL Construction, with CS Erectors responsible for the facade consultation and installation.

And in executing their vision, the stakeholders relied on a unique structural glazing system – featuring state-of-the-art Edgetech technology.

The design called for a uniform grey edge seal, because a traditional black seal would have disrupted the desired clean and transparent aesthetic.

The effect was achieved through a combination of light grey Super Spacer®, grey butyl, and grey silicone.

The result was a harmonious appearance, that allowed the glass façade to seamlessly blend

PROFILE 22 DELIVERS REQUIRED SPECIFICATION FOR RETIREMENT LIVING COMPLEX

Over 200 Profile 22 casement windows and over 100 doors have been specified and fitted at the Lavender Fields Care Village, a newly developed retirement living complex situated just outside Barmby Moor village in Yorkshire. The development includes a care home, 25 close-care bungalows and The Hub, a multifunctional facility featuring a bar, café, wellness centre, gym, hairdressers, nail bar/therapy centre, cinema, general store, post office, and multi-function room.

with the surrounding environment.

Creating a uniform grey edge seal presented a technical challenge.

AGC Interpane, the glass manufacturer, collaborated with Glaston to develop a world-first solution. A “double-head applicator” was modified to automatically switch between black and grey butyl, streamlining the production process.

However, functionality wasn’t compromised for aesthetics. The lower portion of the glass features a bird-friendly etched pattern, maintaining visual appeal while preventing collisions with the glass.

Additionally, the Super Spacer technology boasts superior thermal insulation properties, contributing to the building’s energy efficiency.

Edgetech President of European Fenestration Chris Alderson comments:

“The Milvia Street Campus is yet another example of the incredible versatility of Super Spacer.

“In this building, and millions of others around the world, Edgetech technology is delivering outstanding energy efficiency, without compromising the architect’s vision.

“We’re certain staff and students will benefit from Super Spacer’s superb performance for decades to come.”

For more information, please call 02476 639931 or visit www.edgetechig.co.uk.

The main contractor for the project was Firecrest Construction Ltd. The window and door contract was awarded to Kingfisher uPVC Windows & Doors Ltd, an Epwin Window Systems Approved Commercial Partner. Given the extensive glazing requirements essential for maximising countryside views and ensuring thermal efficiency, the project demanded an experienced commercial fabricator. Kingfisher, an established business with over three decades of experience, was well-equipped to deliver exceptional results.

For this project, the windows and doors were manufactured using the award-winning Profile 22 system from Epwin Window Systems. The widely-specified system meets and exceeds all regulatory build requirements and can achieve a 1.2 W/m2K U-value as standard. When using a triple-glazed unit filled with Argon gas, U-values as low as 0.8 W/m2K can be achieved.

The system also brings market-leading structural strength and security. Profile 22 Casement Windows are PAS 24:2022 approved as standard and Secured by Design requirements can also be met where required, making it a compelling solution for projects of all sizes and sectors.

The PVC-U windows and doors were manufactured in Anthracite Grey on White to match the development’s aluminium glazed elements, providing a sleek and modern appearance.

Kingfisher’s installation team collaborated closely with Firecrest Construction, phasing the installation of windows and doors as the buildings progressed. In The Hub, Kingfisher installed 55 windows, 50 doors, nine curtain wall screens, and 19 aluminium doors. In the 25 close-care bungalows, the team installed 149 windows, 25 sets of French doors and 25 composite doors.

The result is a high-end, self-sustaining retirement community offering residents independence and support as needed.

Deborah Beeley, Sales and Marketing Manager at Kingfisher Windows, commented: “It was a privilege to be involved in creating this innovative retirement community. The high specification of the Profile 22 windows and doors ensures every building is thermally efficient, while the generous glazing makes the most of the countryside views for the residents. The project ran smoothly and we are delighted with the completed results.”

Tel: 0808 101 4143 - www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk

HAFFNER LAUNCHES VILLAGE DISPLAY AT FIT SHOW 2025

Award-winning machinery supplier Haffner Ltd has announced its ambitious plans for FIT Show 2025. Spanning 565 sqm including the bridging gangways, the Haffner Village will showcase its vast range of cutting edge machinery. Matt Thomas, Managing Director at Haffner said: “We had the largest stand in the show in 2023, and we’re going even bigger in 2025, with a ‘village’ of stands! We’ve taken such a large space because FIT is a key platform for us – a powerful forum to showcase everything our machinery has to offer.”

Nickie West, FIT Show Event Director, said: “Haffner has supported every single FIT Show since its inception in 2013 and always bring innovation, quality and technical expertise to our fabricator audience. We’ve been working closely with the team to align our campaigns for FIT Show 2025. I’m excited to announce the launch of the Haffner Village at FIT Show, the largest stand in the show’s history, occupying a whopping 565 sqm. More will be revealed over the coming months, culminating in the unveiling of the Haffner Village next May.”

The Haffner Village will consist of three adjacent stands, each dedicated to showcasing one of Haffner’s machinery groups, Haffner, Graf Synergy and Fom Industrie.

Haffner designs innovative, high-quality engineered machines at some of the most competitive industry prices. Graf Synergy is world renowned for its patented seamless weld technology that gives fabricators a quality advantage. Fom Industrie specialises in high-quality automated machinery helping fabricators in the aluminium space. Together, the three stands will create a unique village of cutting-edge machines, demonstrating the collaborative strength of Haffner’s offer.

Matt said: “The theme of FIT 2025 is ‘We fit together’. We’re looking forward to showing how we work closely with fabricators of all sizes and to find the machinery solutions that’s the perfect fit for them.”

Each stand will feature key machinery, with live demonstrations running throughout the three-day show, to showcase the powerful impact automation can have on fabrication efficiency and output. Matt said: “Our machinery demonstrations are always very popular because they are the best way for fabricators to see what a difference automation can make to manufacturing processes.”

FIT Show is the UK’s number one exhibition, dedicated to showcasing the window, door, hardware and glass industry. Over the past decade, it has served as the cornerstone for the fenestration industry, connecting the right people with the right products. The FIT Show 2025 runs from 29 April to 1 May 2025 at the NEC in Birmingham.

Matt concluded: “The Haffner Village is set to be a standout feature of the show, offering attendees a comprehensive and engaging experience of our industry-leading machinery solutions.”

Tel: 01785 222421 – www.haffnerltd.com

GLAZERITE PRO AM CHARITY GOLF DAY RAISES THOUSANDS FOR KELLY’S HEROES

Glazerite UK Group welcomed more than 100 customers and suppliers along to its annual Pro Am Golf Day, with generous guests raising an incredible £20,500 for mental health charity, Kelly’s Heroes.

The event, now in its 18th year, took place at the 18-hole championship course at Wellingborough Golf Club, which is set in the grounds of Harrowden Hall. More than 24 teams participated, with guests later joining the golfers for an evening reception packed full of live music, dancing, a raffle and an auction.

Winners on the day were Symphony Windows, with a team representing Kelly’s Heroes finishing in second place, and M3 Floodtec a close third. Meanwhile Adrian Barraclough of Quickslide won the ‘Nearest the Pin’ contest.

John Hewitt, founder of Kelly’s Heroes says: “The passion for the charity and what we do is always strong at the Glazerite Golf Day, but to raise more than £20,000 this year is fantastic. We rely on

fundraising events such as these to be able to provide our much-needed services as we receive no public funding.

“The generosity of these events, donations and other fundraising activities means that we can continue to provide services such as our live chat ‘Listening Ear’ service. In fact the funds raised at last year’s Golf Day enabled us to expand the hours this service is available, and we’re hoping to expand it further following this year’s event.

“Times are hard for many people, and it is imperative that Kelly’s Heroes can continue to play its part in supporting those in need. Within the last year alone, the charity has carried out 19 welfare checks and called five ambulances for people in crisis. We are literally saving lives, and it is all thanks to the support of those who generously support us at events like these.”

Glazerite’s Golf Day is a firm favourite for customers, suppliers and employees alike, with the PGA also remarking on the success of the two-day event, which sees PGA professionals compete followed by the customer event and party. Will Dunn, Tournament Director for PGA Midlands, says: “The Glazerite PROAM Trophy, which this year took place on Thursday 20th June, always attracts our best from all over the country. The event was followed on Friday 21st June by the more relaxed Glazerite

customer and supplier day, which gives our Pro players the opportunity to join in with and play with a terrific bunch of people, sharing tips and having fun along the way. On behalf of the PGA, I’d like to say big thank you to both Glazerite and Wellingborough Golf Club.”

Rob Brearley, Group Managing Director of Glazerite adds: “We’d like to thank the PGA and Wellingborough Golf Club for hosting the golf and the party, as well as all those who took part and helped us to raise an incredible amount for such an important charity. Our main event sponsors this year included Morley Blinds, DoorCo and Deceuninck, as well as Haffner, who generously topped up the initial total to take us over the £20,000 mark. Auction prizes and sponsorship were also provided by Symphony Windows, VEKA, Residence Collection, Business Micros, Avantis, Window Ware, CEN Solutions, Clearview, Brisant, Georgian Bar Company, Turner Windows, K2 Aluminium, Northumberland Glass and D&M Windows.

“Our Golf Day is a much anticipated and very much enjoyed fixture in the calendar, and we really appreciate all those who supported it and took part. The feedback we get after the day is always positive, with everyone agreeing that this year was the best yet! We’re already on countdown to next year’s event.”

www.glazerite.co.uk

“We are literally saving lives, and it is all thanks to the support of those who generously support us at events like these.”

PLAYING TO WIN

Mike Parczuk, Sternfenster’s MD, explains why Tik Tok, Gareth Southgate and prisons could ultimately hold Great Britain back after Labour’s recent landslide victory on July 4.

Liz Truss losing her South West Norfolk seat was the highlight of the recent general election for me. As for everything else? I’m not so sure. It will soon be politics as usual, and unfortunately that doesn’t benefit us as a country.

There are three main reasons why. Firstly, all political parties fought campaigns that ultimately boiled down to soundbites. They were appealing to a generation of voters who need to have big ideas summarised into short easily digestible clips that could be distributed quickly.

Being concise and clear is good. Stripping away detail so you pursue a populist agenda isn’t so good. What we need in this country are big ideas that will benefit all of us, and we want less red tape to help grow the economy. Instead, we are still bickering over boats in the channel and dredging up Brexit.

This leads me on to point number two, which is that we are already seeing a raft of headline announcements that are more about short term gains than long term stability.

For example, Labour are planning to build 1.5 million homes over five years. Sounds big, but isn’t much more than what we are building now. And ministers are already getting their excuses now: “Can’t build a prison in 24 hours”, or “government has inherited worst set of circumstances since second world war”.

Their desire to be re-elected in five years’ time promotes soundbite policies, and doesn’t address the bigger picture.

I hesitate to say it, but we really do need to put the ‘Great’ back into Great Britain, which leads me on to point three.

You would never have guessed it, but England won their Quarter Final match against Switzerland on Saturday, scoring five penalties and saving another in the process. Yet, all I heard was how England are being too cautious and not bringing on substitutes early enough.

England are through to the semifinals! And I know from how people came to work on the following Monday morning that winning makes a big difference to their frame of mind and productivity.

It is this we need to tap into. As a nation, we need to stop viewing our glass as half empty, and to develop a positive can-do attitude.

And that starts with companies like yours and mine. Not only is the window industry a barometer for how well the economy is performing, but it is also a bridge between homeowners and the construction industry, feeding into a multi-billion-pound machine that helps drive the economy in the UK.

And we are the ones who keep that machine going. It is up to us to invest in our people, in our factories, in product development and in our customers. A general election is a once in a five-year event – we are the ones who keep the economy moving on a day-to-day basis.

No, we can’t build prisons in 24 hours, and the markets are still recovering from that awful mini budget in October 2022, but with less regulation we can innovate and stride forward, building a country where we can all benefit from our success.

For more information visit www.sternfenster.com or email sales@sternfenster.co.uk or call 01522 512525.

Alternatively, join the conversation on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/ company/sternfenster.

WINDOW SUPPLY COMPANY WELCOMES

SIR KEIR STARMER TO HQ

Window Supply Company was pleased to welcome Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer, Leader of the Scottish Labour Party Mr Anas Sarwar, and Labour Party candidate for Bathgate and Linlithgow Kirsteen Sullivan to HQ.

With economic growth and recovery after Covid a key part of the Labour Party’s manifesto, they were keen to visit Window Supply Company to find out about the company’s’ national growth.

Since setting up the business in 2019, WSC has very quickly become the largest manufacturer of uPVC windows and doors for trade in Scotland, now positioned as one of the largest trade manufacturers in the UK, employing over 180 people nationwide.

Epwin Window Systems customer

The Fascia Place Ltd has announced that all Profile 22 windows and doors manufactured by its in-house fabrication division, Our Factory, are now Yale SensCheck™-compatible as standard.

Mark Lilley, Head of Sales and Marketing at The Fascia Place Ltd, said: “The decision to add SensCheck™ will bring even more value to our PVC-U window and door offering and give our customers a competitive advantage.”

All 14 of The Fascia Place’s branches will have an active onsite SensCheck™ display so customers can see the technology for themselves. Mark commented: “The audience in our branches tends to be builders and consumers. We often see builders bringing their customers into our branches to look at different window and door options. Having a fully operational SensCheck™ display will demonstrate the high security and useability of the technology. As such, it will offer an excellent upselling opportunity for our customers.”

Yale SensCheck™ will be supplied via Safeware, the specialist hardware division of Epwin Window Systems. Paul Hinds, National Sales Manager at Safeware, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting The Fascia Place and working with the team to help them continually add value to their offering. Yale SensCheck™ notifies homeowners via the Yale Smart Living app about the status of their doors and windows, indicating whether they are open or closed, locked or unlocked, and if the windows are in the night vent position. It is also compatible with leading voice partners Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing homeowners to use commands like ‘Alexa, is my front door locked’ or ‘Alexa, is my bedroom window open?”

The Fascia Place has been manufacturing Epwin Window Systems’ award-winning Profile 22 system since 2022 and is delighted by what the system has brought to its business. Mark commented: “We have worked with Epwin Window Systems for two years and our sales have grown

year on year as a result. The quality of the system is exceptional and is well received by customers.”

As one of the UK’s largest independent suppliers and manufacturers of low maintenance building products, The Fascia place has 14 depots across the south of England. It’s reached its status by continually assessing the market and addressing its needs, as the decision to fabricate Profile 22 and offer Yale SensCheck™-compatible windows and doors so clearly demonstrates.

Tel: 0845 340 3968

www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk

The visitors were welcomed by Chief Operating Officer Martin Linden on Friday last week who led a tour around the 105,000 square foot site in Murraysgate Industrial Estate, Whitburn, West Lothian. Throughout the tour the team were able to directly engage with Sir Kier, Anas and Kirsteen who were happy to answer any questions and stop for photographs. A valuable opportunity to speak to the man widely tipped to be the next UK Prime Minister.

Speaking during the visit Sir Keir Starmer said: “I’m here because I want to put forward our plan for growing the economy which is the single most important thing for Scotland. To make sure that living standards go up here, that people feel better off living here, and that we secure the jobs of the future. Part of that is the 10-year project for research and development, which will be a game changer in Scotland when it comes to the energy sector, to renewables and the insulation of houses across Scotland, and we are seeing some of that here today in this factory. “

Scottish Labour Party Leader Anas Sarwar added: “Brand Scotland is a key part of our economic growth plan for Scotland, and a key part of our economic growth plan for the UK. By electing a Labour government, we will make sure we change the Scotland office so that it becomes Scotland’s window to the world. “

WSC Chief Operating Officer Martin Linden says: “We were delighted to have the opportunity to welcome Sir Keir, Anas and Kirsteen to Window Supply Company to tell them about the business. Providing an insight into the jobs we have created here in West Lothian and nationally through our trade counter network. We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved to date which was clear for our visitors to see today. I hope we are supported by the next elected government to continue to grow in our sector.”

www.windowsupplycompany.co.uk

ENDURANCE® DOORS EYES FURTHER NFA SUCCESS

After being named ‘Composite Door Manufacturer of the Year’ at the 2023 National Fenestration Awards (NFAs), Endurance® Doors looks set to build on its success with further recognition at the 2024 awards.

The manufacturer of solid, secure, and stylish composite doors, as well as multiple members of its team, have been shortlisted in no less than eight separate categories.

Russell Hensman, group marketing manager at Endurance® Doors, comments: “We were delighted with our success at the 2023 awards with Imogen Payne from our marketing department winning Young Person of the Year and the business winning Composite Door Manufacturer of the Year - an achievement of which we’re particularly proud given its specific relevance to what we do.”

The different categories at the 2024 NFAs where Endurance® Doors and its teams have been shortlisted are:

• Composite Door Manufacturer of the Year

• Manufacturer of the Year

• BDM of the Year - Gary Baldwin

• Director of the Year - Stephen Nadin

• Office Manager of the Year - Kayleigh Startup

• Social Networker of the Year - Imogen Payne

• Young Person of the Year - Ben Dowell

• Young Person of the Year - Joel Joseph

The nominations come after another strong year for Endurance® Doors.

Since the 2023 NFAs, the business has seen month-onmonth sales growth and introduced multiple new products and installer partner support initiative.

Its parent company, Rocal Endurance Holdings, has also strengthened its offer with the acquisition of fabricator of high-end aluminium fenestration products, BDC Aluminium, which it added to its portfolio in January 2024. Concluding, Russell Hensman adds: “We’re genuinely excited about the 2024 NFAs and adding to the accolades we received in 2023 would be phenomenal. The NFAs remain especially significant to Endurance® Doors and the other businesses within the wider Rocal group as they are industry awards voted for by the industry itself. “

If you’d like to vote for the winners of the 2024 NFAs, you can do so by visiting: https://www.fenestrationawards.co.uk/nfa24/

PYROGUARD UNVEILS 2024 TECHNICAL BROCHURE

Pyroguard, the world’s leading independent provider of high-performance fire safety glass, proudly announces the launch of its 2024 Technical Brochure. This edition is packed with all of the latest technical data, system capabilities, and features the groundbreaking new Pyroguard Advance. 2024 is set to be a milestone year for Pyroguard, marked by significant advancements in system capabilities and product innovation. The brochure provides a comprehensive overview of these innovations and showcases Pyroguard’s extensive product range. Highlights include new and extensive approvals with a wide range of framing partners, including Schüco, Reynaers, Forster and Jansen, plus the debut of Pyroguard Advance, the ‘next generation’ of cuttable fire safety glass.

Vince Crook, Technical Development Director at Pyroguard, commented: “Our Technical Brochure is an invaluable resource for our customers. It equips them with essential data to select the right fire safety glass solutions for their needs. The 2024 edition reflects our continued growth and development, following numerous successful collaborations and test programmes.”

Part of the Technical Fire Safety Group and the svt Group of companies alongside sister companies Fire Glass UK and Mann McGowan, Pyroguard is the world’s leading independent provider of highperformance fire safety glass. Dedicated to continuous product development and testing, Pyroguard offers a variety of solutions and expert technical advice to help architects, specifiers and installers create beautiful and safe living and working spaces.

From cuttable and toughened fire safety glass to solutions that can provide protection against smoke and manual attack, Pyroguard delivers one of the largest and most fully tested ranges to markets across Europe and further afield, including the Middle East, India and North America.

Pyroguard’s new brochure is available upon request from the company’s website. For further information and support, please visit: www.pyroguard.eu.

DOORCO DRIVING CHANGE TOWARDS A GREENER FUTURE

DoorCo is advancing efficiency, health, and safety in their manufacturing facility through its new partnership with Jungheinrich, a renowned industrial truck manufacturer. This collaboration represents DoorCo’s commitment to operational performance through the adoption of electric forklifts.

Mark, Head of Operations at DoorCo, comments on the positive impact of this decision: “The decision to upgrade to electric forklifts in our manufacturing facility brings numerous benefits. Not only does the switch reduce our carbon footprint but also highlights our dedication to the well-being of our workforce through advanced safety features.” This strategic move aligns with DoorCo’s vision of creating a more sustainable future while prioritising the safety and efficiency of our operations.

Working alongside Jungheinrich, a leading industrial truck manufacturer in Europe, we have brought our fleet of eighteen FLTs into the 21st century. These new forklifts run entirely on electric energy and, though their fuel sources differ, their quality does not. Powered by electricity, they offer the same excellent quality and performance as traditional forklifts. These forklifts have a reach capacity of up to 7.5 meters and can lift up to 5,000kg over long distances.

“Switching to electric isn’t just about being green; it’s about smart savings too. By making this change, we are reducing our environmental impact, lowering our carbon footprint by a staggering 94%, and saving around £99,855.16 in energy costs and 851,863kg of carbon in emissions.

“But that’s not all! Our FLT drivers will undergo training to ensure they can operate these new vehicles with the same competency as they did before. This new training taps into the exciting new technologies like brand-new telematics software. This software plays a crucial role in boosting safety by providing real-time updates to drivers, proactively preventing accidents.

“We saw an opportunity to boost our operations with electric forklifts, and we’re excited about the positive changes this will bring. At DoorCo, our focus remains on delivering excellence while contributing to a better, safer, and more sustainable tomorrow. It’s a practical step forward, not just a best practice. This update to our fleet allowed us to modernise and improve efficiency, as well a representing our commitment to practical innovation and safety, aligning with our end goal of net zero.”

For more information on DoorCo, visit: https://trade.door-co.com/

REFURBISHED OXFORD STREET BUILDING CROWNED OVERALL WINNER AT SCHÜCO EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2024

The Parcels Building, located on Oxford Street in London, has been named the Overall Winner at the prestigious Schüco Excellence Awards. The awards, presented in association with Architecture Today, were announced at a celebratory lunch at The Pelligon, Canary Wharf, London on 27th June.

The event was hosted by architectural designer and television presenter, Charlie Luxton, for the fifth consecutive year. A prominent fixture in the industry’s calendar, the Schüco Excellence Awards showcase exceptional achievements in architecture and building envelope design.

Winners were announced across twelve categories after being judged against four key criteria: creativity, innovation, technical

skill, and creative collaboration between design teams and specialist contractors.

Overall Winner, The Parcels Building was designed by Grafton Architects, in collaboration with specialist contractor Structura UK Ltd. The project also won the award for Refurbishment and Adaptive Reuse.

Originally built in 1957 on the corner of Duke Street and Oxford Street, the development gets its name from the historic Royal Mail post office tunnels that run beneath it. The project involved stripping the building back to its core and introducing a new, clean-lined classic façade to echo the iconic Selfridges building opposite.

The judges were impressed by the creative approach to reusing an existing structure, and the transformation achieved by the new façade, which enhanced both the building’s appearance and performance. They applauded The Parcels Building as an exemplar for revitalising outdated buildings on urban sites, and were further impressed that the scheme is targeting BREEAM Outstanding and on track to achieve net zero carbon.

Dear Editor,

For those that know me well I am a forthright person and one that’s passionate about the industry. But it is an industry sector that has received its fair share of criticism over the years and there remains areas today where a greater degree of accuracy, transparency and honesty should prevail.

The Schüco Excellence Awards event also featured the coveted People’s Choice award, voted for by attendees on the day. This year the audience awarded that honour to One St Brelade by Axis Mason, Castletree Group and specialist contractors Style Windows and Murus.

One St Brelade is a residential development located on Jersey’s southern coastline. The building is characterised by continuous granite-clad curvilinear balconies interspersed with circular columns and fullheight glazing.

Dan Gleeson, Sales Director at Schüco UK who presented the awards alongside Charlie Luxton, commented: “We’re delighted to have hosted yet another successful Schüco Excellence Awards event. While our

awards programme has been running for over a decade this was my first Excellence Awards since joining Schüco last year. I was thoroughly impressed by the breadth of innovative projects submitted, and it was an honour to celebrate with the very best in the industry.

“I’m proud to see the versatility of our systems showcased on such worthy winning projects, and want to congratulate the design teams, technical experts and skilled craftspeople who have worked together so successfully to create them.”

For full details of all the Schüco Excellence Awards 2024 winners, visit: https://www.schueco.com/uk/specifiers/ schueco-events/excellence-awards-2024

Feel free to get in touch with your views on the industry, legislation, government, or even the newspaper.

Contact Chris: chris@glassnews.co.uk

The energy efficiency and respective U-values of windows and doors is under scrutiny and will be more so in the years to come as we look to combat climate change. So, my request is that we need to be honest in the presentation of product performance, as I’m seeing occurrences of product performance claims that are misleading at best, or worse still plainly false.

Window and door systems regardless of material need to be accurately presented to everyone and preferably stated with the type of glazing whenever possible.

To mislead consumers or indeed the trade is wholly wrong when the vast majority of us are presenting consistent and accurate information as we do with WarmCore.

So please on behalf of the vast majority of us, be accurate, honest and truthful before we tarnish the reputation of the industry again and loose some of the important goodwill that has been built up in recent years.

Yours sincerely

Mark Frain

National Business Development Manager, WarmCore

Spot three differences. Fill in your answer and your contact details below and send your competition entry to: FAO: Christina Lazenby, Glass News Competitions, 19 Heather Close, Tickhill, Doncaster, DN11 9UU or Email: christina@glassnews.co.uk. Entry deadline: 20/08/24.

INTRODUCING WERBAR: WINDOW WIDGETS’ COST-EFFECTIVE

FOR PVC-U WINDOW AND DOOR SYSTEMS

Window Widgets are proud to highlight Werbar, its dedicated range of RCM reinforcement sections designed specifically for PVC-U window and door systems.

Werbar has quickly become a go-to solution for many in the industry, offering numerous benefits and cost-effective advantages.

Werbar is compatible with the majority of PVC-U window and door systems and is engineered to create additional profile chambers, enhance screw retention, and streamline the fabrication process by allowing the use of PVC screws. These features make it an optimal choice for fabricators.

As a critical component in energy efficiency, Werbar helps reduce U-values in windows and doors. This capability is anticipated to align well with the forthcoming building regulations expected to be announced later this year, aiding fabricators in meeting new government standards.

Adrian Clare, Technical Sales Executive at Window Widgets, commented: “When Werbar was introduced in 2009, it was designed to be the most cost-effective tool for developing energy-rated windows, with potential increases of up to nine points over steel.

“Werbar is already widely used by many of the largest fabricators in the industry and is particularly suited for the current range of 70mm systems. Its generous wall thicknesses provide superior screw retention compared to other reinforcement

“Its generous wall thicknesses provide superior screw retention compared to other reinforcement options. Additionally, Werbar assists in achieving better Window Energy Ratings (WER) and U-values due to its thermal advantages over steel or aluminium.”

options. Additionally, Werbar assists in achieving better Window Energy Ratings (WER) and U-values due to its thermal advantages over steel or aluminium.”

Werbar stands out as a reliable and economical reinforcement product, tailored to meet the high standards of PVC-U window and door fabrication, while enhancing energy efficiency and structural integrity.

For more information about Werbar and its applications, please visit: https://www.windowwidgets.co.uk/werbar/

Shadow Gap: contemporary cladding for stunning transformations

Part of the Fortex® range, stunning Shadow Gap cladding looks and feels like painted pine, with a deep groove for a high-end finish. Low maintenance and durable, it’s also fully recyclable.

Fitted horizontally or vertically, its 7 shades can be colour-matched to roofline, windows and doors for an eye-catching façade on modern or traditional homes.

Call 0800 002 9903 to find a stockist and grow your business with premium cladding.

ALUNA: LUXURY ALUMINIUM SYSTEMS HELPING ENHANCE UK CONSTRUCTION!

Glass News’ Editor, Chris Champion, meets up with Alunet Systems’ Group Commercial Director, Phil Rotheram, to learn about the company, its ambitions and how it is investing for the future of its Aluna branded products.

While aluminium products continue to grow in popularity in the fenestration industry, the systems companies are adapting to the market conditions and even, to an extent, reinventing themselves. A good example is system company, Alunet, the Yorkshire based home of Aluna, the luxury brand of aluminium doors and windows. With freedom to

explore the market, Alunet has developed an impressive line-up of products and is marketing them under the theme of Aluna Whole House, a selection of end user, premium feature inspired range of bifold, slider, French, window and rooflight systems.

Until my recent visit to Alunet’s facility at Ravensthorpe, just outside Dewsbury, I must admit to knowing little about the company or its products and that is very remiss of me bearing in mind it is less than 30 minutes from my home! Alunet Systems describe themselves as the fastest growing supplier of bifolding doors, French doors, single doors, slimline casement windows, rooflights and sliding patio doors to fabricators and manufacturers, nationwide. A modest claim and one that I certainly can’t contest and seeing both the facility and the activity at Ravensthorpe, it is certainly a company that is on the move and doing it

quickly. Much of the company’s growing popularity with the UK trade is down to its simple philosophy of striving for excellency through sourcing the best quality products from the world’s top suppliers and then working with them to design and deliver systems that are UK centric and exceed market requirements and expectations. This philosophy follows through to how they deal and work with people. They establish relationships with their customers, and this is very personal and extends through to the training and technical expertise they share with them.

Understanding the customers and their needs, and their business, is key to this relationship building. No one is just an account number and Alunet recognise how different their customer companies can be and they seek out the specific needs of the customer and tailor the support they offer to those needs. Does everything always go to plan? If only it did! Alunet recognise that communication is vital, even if it requires imparting bad news and it is the speed and efficiency that they put into resolving issues that really count and their customers appreciate the transparency and straightforward dealing that the Alunet staff offer. The fact that their team of technicians cover the whole of the UK and are not simply HQ based means that face to face discussion and help is available to all customers whatever their size.

This interaction with the customers also proves important to Alunet. Working with customers and listening to them drives both development and design and all goes towards offering a system that is easy to fabricate and install. If a prospective customer is wanting to change systems to Alunet, then they aim to make that as painless as possible for them as they join the Alunet family. ‘Making it easy’ is a phrase associated with Alunet and the passion and energy is evident when I talked with Group Commercial Director, Phil Rotheram.

“Good is not good enough.” Said Phil. “We want to be great! Winning as a business with our customers is something that we have invested in across most areas of our business. Alunet is no single person, instead we are the summation of many core skills that enable any existing or future customer to succeed.”

Phil Rotheram with Operations Director, Rob Taylor, in the warehouse

It’s clear that Alunet is committed to growth, and they have invested substantially in several areas. An improved accounting software platform has enabled faster and more efficient reporting. Business processes have started to be fully mapped to identify bottlenecks and work solutions to positively impact customer service and finally, the external sales team and their focus has been revamped and expanded with investment in new roles to support and accelerate their underlying ambition. It’s no secret that they have the ambition to make Alunet the leading aluminium systems house in the UK and an authority on sustainable construction.

The investment also includes targeting key personnel and securing the services of Chris Armes is a good indication of their intent. Chris has joined as Technical and Product Development Director and he is well known in the industry, having a wealth of knowledge and experience in product innovation, design, and development. Chris will lead Alunet’s technical teams as they excitingly evolve their entire Aluna family of luxury aluminium systems, engineering value into every product line and adding more luxury into every bar of durable aluminium provided. As Phil said, “he’s an awardwinning designer and brings more than 20 years’ experience from the fenestration industry. Chris helped build one of the countries market leading PVCu brands and was an integral

part of transforming that business from an entrepreneurial environment to a high performing corporate business.”

Interestingly, Chris is also a trained toolmaker with many layers of experience installing, exhibiting, and selling within the industry. This multi-faceted skillset led to Chris being awarded the Queens Award for Innovation for the Liniar ModLok Bi-Fold design!

Although product development and growing the fabricator base is important to Alunet, doing it right is the watchword. The company is not small and with every penny they now make they are reinvesting heavily in talent and resource to deliver against what their customers tell them they want to see and feel. The group employs some 70 people with 55 at Alunet itself, all spread across a multi-faceted range of skillset. They believe growth comes along with the provision of exceptional products and service and holding high levels of UK stock while offering industry leading lead times

to their customers. It certainly seems the growth of the customers throughout the UK appears to bear this out.

Phil states: “Having invested heavily in our people, acquiring the right talent and upskilling existing staff to be the best, Alunet now seek to improve their market position by championing service and beating competition. Integrating our people to meet our customers’ growth ambition will encourage best practice, helping our partnerships to win in our respective markets. Our ambition is to be the leading authority and innovator for sustainable construction, but our priority will always be focussed on our valued customers!”

I, for one, will be keen to see how the Aluna range develops and what innovations Alunet will bring to the market. It is clearly evident that the company doesn’t lack ambition, skills or the willingness to invest for the future of both the company and its customers.

Chris Armes

A rated aluminium casement window in the showroom In the sales office

High levels of stock for short lead times

SELECTA – INVESTING IN YOUR FUTURE

The last four years or so have been, and continue to be, a true rollercoaster ride for many. With various highs and lows during this time, the market now seems to be more settled overall, but remains challenging for some.

Selecta - DPS Systems Sales Director, Andy Green, highlights why it’s now even more important to be with a PVCu window and door systems supplier that’s continuously investing in your future. More specifically, a systems company that is there to help you and your business, create opportunities and overcome those challenges.

It's widely reported that the industry is down by approximately 10-15%, but here at Selecta we continue to grow whilst we undertake a number of investments across the business. These investments all form part of our long-term vision in helping fabricators and installers grow and win new business.

For example, our delivery fleet has been expanded with the purchase of four new HGV’s, increasing our delivery capabilities and capacities. Two new extrusion machines have been purchased this year, with more planned, on the back of the four that have been acquired in the last couple of years. Combined with a new material conveying system, these have had a positive impact on extrusion quality and efficiency, when combined with the major upgrades to tooling and dies.

Another new lamination machine, increased staffing levels and improved shift patterns have been implemented within

the lamination department. The demand for colour continues to increase, which in turn has seen coloured profile stocks and special colour profile figures hit figures not experienced previously. The investments in the area have not only seen increased stocking levels, but also enabled ourselves to provide a fast turnaround for specialcoloured profiles.

These multi-million-pound investments have been ongoing in the background, forming part of our expansion and growth plans. We see this as a way of investing not only in our future, but the future of our customers, enabling us to continuously improve our products and services, of which we offer.

CREATING OPPORTUNITIES AND WINNING NEW BUSINESS

The investments don’t stop there. Our aim has always been to provide a sales and marketing support package that adds real value and benefits to fabricators and installers. In a challenging market, it is important to stand out from the competition. Within Connect, we believe that our sales and marketing tools provide you with the perfect platform to create opportunities and meet those challenges head on.

Our Window & Door Designer with Home Visualiser has been very well received by our customer base who have seen this as a real game changer when it comes to lead generation and helping to close of sales. Branded Mode is fully loaded with our window and door solutions, styles and configurations, and can be branded with your logo and company details. As it has its own url, it has many deployment solutions at its disposal. This enables you to generate sales leads and win new business across many platforms!

The Window & Door Designer can be deployed on your website or in your showroom, linked within your social media posts or used as a presentation tool at a customers home. You or the homeowner can take a photo of their home, choose the window and door styles, configurations, colour etc. and paste them on to the customers house to visualise how they would look! You can change the design as many times as you like until you find a style and colour that compliments their home. All-in-all the Window & Door Designer provides you with a professional lead generation tool and sales aid, that sets you apart from the competition.

To compliment the Window & Door Designer, we have also invested in two branded and themed websites, one for fabricators and one for installers. Fully equipped with all of our window and door solutions, photography and text, you can have a modern and ready-to-go website up and running within 5 days! All you need to provide is your logo, a company bio and your contact details. You can even choose your own colour scheme to match your branding, taking away the whole headache of a website build.

There are a number of upgrades to the standard themed websites, including adding the Window & Door Designer, so that you can have a branded professional online

package to help you start generating new business. The themed websites are designed to grow as you grow, allowing you to add new products, services and pages.

With further developments in our Connect portal at a well-advanced stage, we are confident that there is something of real value and benefit to every fabricator and installer. This is why it’s essential that fabricators and installers partner with the right window and door system and supplier. One that can provide future proofed window and door solutions to meet the demands of your customers. One that is investing in your future and looking at longterm innovation and development of its products and services. One that can provide a range of marketing and technical support tools and services to create opportunities and win new business in today’s market. Even more reasons to #bepartofthefamily.

Andy Green

GLAZERITE: HOW THE RIGHT FABRICATOR CAN BUILD YOUR BUSINESS

Michelle Wright, Glazerite UK Group’s Head of Marketing highlights how the fabricator partners with installers for joint success.

Midland Dual Glaze has been in business for more than 30 years, supplying homeowners in and around Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire with high quality window and door installations. Richard Flint joined the company at the age of 18 and now, more

than three decades later, is co-owner of the successful business. During that time, Richard has seen the industry evolve from white casement windows to the range of styles and colours available today.

To deliver what today’s discerning customers want takes a range of quality products, skilled installers who deliver exceptional customer service, a good marketing strategy and the support of suppliers who can help you achieve your aims. All are areas Glazerite helps Midland Dual Glaze excel at.

Richard explains: “Our portfolio has expanded over the years to include VEKA

and The Residence Collection alongside our Halo offering. Working with a fabricator like Glazerite means we have access to a range of products that our customers wantand expect - to see.”

It was meeting homeowner demand to be able to see and interact with products that led to the business opening its own showroom five years ago. This space has recently been updated, with Glazerite and their hardware supplier Brisant on hand to provide product for displays showcasing Ultion Sweet alongside Halo, VEKA and Residence Collection samples.

Another area Glazerite has supported Midland Dual Glaze with is their website, with the firm making use of the fabricator’s white label website offering. Designed for those installers who don’t have the time, budget or in-house resource to put together and manage their own website, Glazerite has created one that can be fully tailored with an installer’s own branding, credentials and local messaging. User-friendly and search engine optimised, it showcases Midland Dual Glaze’s products using flip technology brochures and other dynamic content for customers to browse.

Though much of Midland Dual Glaze’s work is domestic properties, working

with Glazerite means they can carry out occasional commercial jobs too, including a recent install just over the road from their office and showroom. The install saw the team fit 45 System 10 casements in Anthracite Grey with Glazerite’s Frank Lobb, Group Health and Safety Manager, on hand to offer guidance and support on risk assessments onsite when needed.

Technical advice is another area Glazerite works closely with its installers on, including the provision of support with tenders, wind load calculations, and supporting with non-standard jobs as well as tailoring deliveries to suit the demands of busy projects.

It’s an area valued by Richard and his team, and one which helps them maintain their excellent local reputation for offering value for money, a fast finish, excellent service and high quality. Richard adds: “Glazerite are reliable and quickly resolve any issues. They are also flexible - if we ask for a 7.30am delivery of windows and doors, they will do it.’

As part of their marketing support package, Glazerite supports with analytics and SEO reporting and is currently working closely with Midland Dual Glaze to overhaul their social media content. Following an audit of their social media channels, Glazerite has been upskilling the installer’s team with tips and tricks on how to create content using graphic design tool Canva, as well as helping them find their way around the scheduling and content performance platform Metasuite. Glazerite’s new VISTA system also supports Midland Dual Glaze and other installers with access to a range of images that means they can create their own social media posts, and printed materials. Traditional marketing support is also covered by Glazerite, with the provision of dropcards, leaflets and retail brochures branded with Midland Dual Glaze’s details, as well as a listing on Residence Collection’s ‘find an installer’ tool on their website.

Together, this comprehensive support, as well as huge product offering, enables Midland Dual Glaze to differentiate themselves and continue to build their reputation as a leading and trustworthy installer. www.glazerite.co.uk

Richard Flint

DISCOVER SPACES

LINIAR PREPARES TO INTRODUCE ITS INNOVATIVE TAKE ON OUTDOOR ROOMS

Liniar is gearing up to launch its latest innovation in home enhancements – Spaces outdoor rooms. The team is extremely excited about its upcoming new product range which will officially launch at the Great Caravan Motorhome & Holiday Home Show in Harrogate later this year.

Sales Director Nigel Bishop states, “During the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for garden rooms surged as people sought versatile spaces to accommodate remote work, home schooling, and personal retreats amid lockdown restrictions.

“This trend has persisted, with garden room sales continuing to enjoy robust year-on-year growth. The sustained popularity is fuelled by the increasing need for flexible living spaces that blend indoor comfort with the tranquillity of nature, meeting the evolving lifestyle demands of a post-pandemic world.

As a result, garden rooms have transitioned from a niche luxury to a practical home extension, becoming a more common feature in modern living arrangements.”

“Manufactured sustainably in Britain, Spaces exemplifies Liniar’s commitment to design excellence.”

Discussing the benefits of the Spaces range, Secondary Operations Director, Daryl Fradley explains, “We’ve pulled together all our experience and expertise in PVCu extrusion, foiling, and manufacturing of stunning energyefficient, high-performance components into one amazing, finished product.”

“This exciting line breaks new ground for us and allows customers to add significant value and functionality to outdoor areas in a completely bespoke, easy-to-order and install package.”

VISUALISE THEN REALISE

Daryl continues, “One of the standout features of Spaces is its highly bespoke nature. Customers can design their room from scratch using our unique digital visualizer. We’ve collaborated closely with the software developer to ensure this convenient tool allows users to personalize aspects of their Spaces room, making sure it perfectly meets their needs and preferences.

“Whether wanting to create an elegant venue for entertaining guests, a dedicated exercise space, or a versatile room for multiple uses, Spaces can be tailored to fulfil any requirement. The range offers a wide variety of window and door configurations, plus various optional extras to further enhance performance and utility.

“The visualiser also makes ordering extremely easy and efficient, so suppliers taking on this latest offering can rest assured satisfying orders will be a straightforward process from designing all the way through to manufacture and delivery.”

BRITISH-MADE EXCELLENCE

Discussing Liniar’s design and manufacturing heritage, Daryl says, “For over two decades, Liniar has led the way in product innovation, setting standards for quality and performance in building solutions. Spaces continues this legacy, offering a stylish and durable alternative to traditional timber sheds and garden rooms. We are also proud of our homegrown talent - manufactured sustainably in Britain, Spaces exemplifies Liniar's commitment to design excellence.”

COME AND EXPLORE SPACES

Liniar team members will be returning to Harrogate this September to exhibit at the Great Holiday Home Show (GHHS) 2024the largest outdoor caravan, motorhome and holiday home show in the UK. The event takes place on the 6 – 12th of September and registration is free to tradespeople. Join us at stand PT64 where you will be able to explore Spaces and experience firsthand how our latest addition to the Liniar family can transform an outdoor area into a personalized haven of style and comfort. If you can’t make it to the show visit https://www.liniar.co.uk/products/ spaces for more information.

COMING SOON TO A SPACE NEAR YOU

METAL TECHNOLOGY SUPPLIES ITS PASSIVE HOUSE PRODUCTS FOR THE UK’S LARGEST PASSIVHAUS EDUCATION FACILITY

The new Dunfermline Learning Campus incorporates the relocation of a college and two schools: a new Fife College (Halbeath Campus), St Columba’s RC High School and Woodmill High School. The 55 acre, circa £220m ‘super-campus’ will accommodate up to 2,700 school pupils and 2,500 college students.

Designed by AHR Architects and delivered by BAM Construction, the high school development is currently the largest UK Passive House education facility at over 26,000m2. The schools form part of AHR’s and Fife Council’s journey to reduce energy use and carbon emissions.

Metal Technology supplied its ‘next generation’ System 5-45 Hi+ Inward Opening Windows and System 17 Hi+ Curtain Walling. Both high performance products have been purposefully designed to meet the required Passivhaus energy efficiency criteria and have been installed in the development to great success, achieving an airtightness test of 0.45m3/hr @ 50Pa. We assisted in developing optimal window configurations for classrooms that could accommodate specific ventilation requirements, and developed feature cappings to our curtain walling system to meet the designer’s shading needs for the façade system.

Metal Technology’s high performance systems are designed to perform seamlessly together to deliver the desired aesthetic and performance standards. Further products installed in this exemplar campus include System 5-20D Hi+ Doors, System 23 Louvres and LV023 Barrier Grilles.

As the UK works to reduce its carbon emissions, there has been an increased demand for new education buildings utilising the Passivhaus standard or improved Fabric First approach. This, along with Metal Technology’s commitment to creating a sustainable built environment, has led to the development of our Passive House compliant systems.

For further information on Metal Technology’s Passive House products visit:

THE NEXT GENERATION OF VEKA?

Editor of Glass News, Chris Champion, attended a trade press day at VEKA’s Burnley manufacturing facility and HQ, learning about the new products and meeting the team that is taking the company forward.

When someone refers to a ‘family company’ it is relatively unusual to talk about an annual turnover of over 1.5 billion euros in the next breath! But that is exactly how one can talk about VEKA. For more than 50 years the company has been producing profile systems for windows, doors, roller shutters and sliding doors made of PVC and the two brands of VEKA and GEALAN makes them the world market leader in the field of PVC profile systems for windows and doors.

VEKA plc is the UK arm of the company and is just one of the 40 subsidiaries around the world. Based in Burnley at a 400,000 sq ft site it employs over 400 people making

it an important employer in the town but, more than that, VEKA is truly integrated with Burnley life.

VEKA has changed. There have been changes in personnel recently but, in short order, the Burnley base has that family quality emulating that of the parent company. Led by Neil Evans, VEKA’s Managing Director, there are new faces

and, indeed, returning faces. Neil hasn’t just trawled the fenestration industry for people but has looked for the best people for the position. A good example is Tim Taylor, VEKA’s Commercial Director, who has come from the brewing industry but has quickly adapted to fenestration, bringing new skills to the job. Returning to the VEKA fold is Jessica Cooper who has become Marketing Director following her previous experience in Client Services. With the changes has come investment. Some £10 million has gone into upgrading computer systems and developing and producing new products. OMNIA, is a case in point and this flush window benefits from double-rebated frames providing outstanding acoustic and thermal properties while having a flush finish both inside and out and is fully compliant with 2025 regulations. The system doesn’t just serve the casement window market but boasts tilt and turn and both French and residential doors. There is little doubt that flush windows will become the requirement in the future and VEKA has set out to produce a class leading product for security and weather performance and I believe, aesthetics, too.

Apart from the VEKA brand there is Halo and also Imagine that provides a vertical slider with spring and spiral balance and a unique tilt facility that allows the sashes to open inwards for easy cleaning of the outside glass. While the product portfolio is impressive, it is clear that how VEKA treat their customers is right up there in company requirements. They have ACT - Appreciation, Courage & Ambition, Commitment, Trust and Responsibility, and everything the company do is guided by those statements. It’s all about caring for their partners, their own people and the environment and, especially, listening and conversing with their customers. When it comes to sustainability, VEKA is right up

Square Bay External

In the foiling hall

Neil Evans

Timothy Taylor

Paul Kennington

Philip Gregory

Taping the profile

Jessica Cooper addresses the trade press

there! Whether it’s moving the fleet of cars to electric, embracing renewable energy or recycling PVCu, VEKA is at the forefront. VEKA Recycling is now integrated into VEKA plc and bringing the manufacturing centre and recycling plant under the same control makes sense. The aim is to maximise the use of recycled material and increase the current usage from 28% to around 40%. Encouragingly, the work with their customers means that 80% of them are using VEKA’s recycling facilities.

The group has around 400 extrusion lines worldwide and there are 34 in Burnley alone. This is a big facility capable of producing 50 million metres of profile per annum and quality control and constant testing is essential to ensure the high standards are maintained. On top of that, with constant changes in regulations and standards, having someone who positively loves reading and studying all forms of regulation and, more importantly,

"The

aim is to maximise the use of recycled material and increase the current usage from 28% to around 40%. Encouragingly, the work with their customers means that 80% of them are using VEKA’s recycling facilities."

understands the nuances and underlying meaning to what is written, is invaluable. Step forward Paul Kennington, Technical Director! A self-confessed geek but one with a sense of humour and a self-deprecating air, and one with invaluable knowledge.

Keeping ahead of the market and producing industry leading systems is where Design and Development Manager, Phil Gregory comes in. Development of new systems takes time and OMNIA started back in 2020. Then, when the product is ready, producing tooling and systems for manufacture takes time, such as being able to co-extrude for the double rebate.

It's clear that Neil runs a very inclusive company with profit share for all and sick pay equity. The people within the company are what makes VEKA successful and treating everyone the same promotes that family feeling and working for the common good. With all the changes VEKA continues to grow and expects a £90m turnover this year, with the extrusion lines also producing products such as decking and other PVCu products for external customers. Revenue is up by 1.8% in the first half this year and sales have increased by 3.8%.

The company continues to attract fabricators to their brands. Helping to achieve new customers is Independent Network VEKA with its support for fabricators and installers. There are long standing members within this group as well as new ones joining all the time. It’s

interesting that their Insurance backed guarantee was one that retained the Deposit Guarantee at the time of Covid while many schemes withdrew that facility immediately.

If you think VEKA has been relatively quiet recently, then you would be right, but I have the feeling that is all changing. Following the changes and investment, if you

think of this as the next generation of VEKA with the products and facilities to produce in a sustainable and efficient way, the company is moving forward on all fronts.

Neil Evans and his team are dedicated to offering their customers 100% quality, innovation and sustainability and everything is in place to deliver just that.

A small section of the extrusion hall

Patio Door

Now this is a warehouse!

The mixing plant

Just more of the vast stock held by VEKA

Profile on its way to the customer

Product in just one of the warehouses

HOW MANUFACTURERS CAN EFFECTIVELY ENGAGE WITH ARCHITECTS AND SPECIFIERS

There is a common misconception within the architectural community: the belief that architects shy away from engaging with building product manufacturers. This perception, however, is untrue, as evidenced by a recent AIA study, which gathered responses from over 400 architects.

The study, titled “The Architect’s Journey to Specification: Rethinking the Relationship Between Architects and Manufacturers,” examined how architects choose products for their projects and how manufacturers can effectively capture their attention. Contrary to popular belief, architects heavily rely on manufacturers as a vital resource in their decision-making process.

Surprisingly, the study uncovered a disconnect between architects’ preferences and manufacturers’ marketing strategies, with only around 60% of manufacturers recognising the architects’ desire for proactive engagement and relationshipbuilding.

Not only that, but an overwhelming 88% of architects emphasised the significance of forging strong relationships with manufacturers is important to their success.

This suggests that there’s an enormous opportunity for manufacturers to effectively market to a willing audience of architects and designers to help secure product specifications. While some may advocate for a passive approach, waiting for architects

to request information, the reality is that architects are always seeking insights into new products and materials to stay ahead of evolving design trends. Being proactive in reaching out ensures that manufacturers remain top-of-mind and increases their chances of being considered for projects.

That said, understanding the nuances of architectural preferences is fundamental to crafting a successful marketing strategy. Manufacturers must ask questions such as:

- What criteria do architects prioritise when selecting building materials and furnishings?

- How do architects seek out product information, and where do they find it?

- At what stage of the project do architects seek out product specification?

- Who are the key-decision makers, and how can manufacturers effectively reach them?

Establishing robust connections with architects and designers is the first step in creating a well-informed marketing strategy and the key to answering these all-important questions. By continually educating themselves about architects’ preferences and needs, manufacturers can position themselves as indispensable allies in the design process.

Soliciting feedback, understanding project requirements, and maintaining open lines of communication are pivotal steps in

nurturing these relationships.

All of this can be achieved and is made easily available to those who utilise the Insight Data Architects Marketing Database. Providing all the necessary information to help you target decision makers within the architectural sector by telephone, post and email, our prospect data allows businesses to connect with architect firms as well as solo practitioners early in the design process – enabling communication at the design stage of a project, and the opportunity for your products and services to be written into the project specification.

With over 18,700 architects active in the UK build environment (boasting 20,600 verified and updated email contacts), you can easily segment and target architects across a range of sectors and sub-sectors, including public, private commercial projects, large-scale developments, residential housing and more.

The architects database is made available through Salestracker, Insight Data’s live online prospect database. From there, users can build tailored data lists that suit the size and scale of their business, targeting architects in their local area or even nationwide.

The architects database makes up one of Insight Data’s five key databases. Customers can also gain access to accurate prospect data and marketing intelligence for housebuilders, local builders, main

SWISSPACER: ELMAR RASTNER IS HEAD OF KEY ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT FOR EUROPE

Swisspacer strengthens its customer relationships and market presence in Europe with strategic alignment

On 1 June 2024, Elmar Rastner took over the newly created position of Head of Key Account Management for Europe at Swisspacer. In future, he will be responsible for the strategic development of solid customer support in Europe. This new network function underlines Swisspacer’s ongoing commitment to expanding its market presence and strengthening relationships with key business customers.

The European glass and window industry is facing challenges such as rising material costs, but at the same time

also opportunities due to the increasing demand for energy-efficient, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing products. Swisspacer is responding to this dynamic with a new strategic appointment that emphasises its commitment to innovation and customer centricity.

With over two decades of experience in the glass, window and door industry in Europe and North America, including nine at Swisspacer, Elmar Rastner is now taking on the new position at the Swiss premium manufacturer of warm edge spacer bars. “I

am very much looking forward to further driving the growth of Swisspacer and our network in Europe. My role opens up an exciting opportunity to forge and deepen new customer relationships and further expand our market share with solutions tailored to specific customer requirements. I want to develop tangible added value together with our customers,” explains the native South Tyrolean.

contractors and businesses in the glass and glazing industry. In total, Insight Data offers real-time data for over 80,000 potential customers across the fenestration and wider construction industries.

As the architectural landscape continues to evolve, staying ahead of design trends and building strong relationships is more crucial than ever. By leveraging the Insight Data Architects Marketing Database, manufacturers can bridge the gap between their products and the architects who specify them.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to connect with a targeted audience and ensure your products are at the forefront of architectural projects. Start transforming your marketing strategy today with Insight Data, and build lasting partnerships in the built environment. For more information contact Insight Data on 01934 808293 or via email at hello@insightdata.co.uk.

“Elmar Rastner’s extensive industry knowledge of the glass and window industry, his focus on customer excellence and his strategic, hands-on approach are crucial to optimising our performance and service offerings to meet the needs of our customers,”

“Elmar Rastner’s extensive industry knowledge of the glass and window industry, his focus on customer excellence and his strategic, hands-on approach are crucial to optimising our performance and service offerings to meet the needs of our customers,” adds Sarah Sattler, Sales & Marketing Director at Swisspacer. “The creation of this position demonstrates our strong commitment to the European market and our customers.”

SENSITIVE VICTORIAN RETROFIT WINS WEST LEIGH BEST COMMERCIAL PROJECT AT SWA AWARDS 2024

London based, West Leigh has won the Best Commercial Project category at the Steel Window Association (SWA) Awards 2024 for its sensitive and painstaking work on the restoration of a former Victorian wallpaper factory in West London.

Voysey House in Chiswick had previously been refurbished in the 1980s with the work featuring the ever-popular W20 window, in the large pane format. All the architecturally important curved heads had been panelled to save money, severely detracting from the period styling of the property, which the client wanted to renovate as offices. Thankfully, West Leigh had both the experience of commercial refurbishments, and the logistical resources to rectify the shortcomings of the one-time industrial building and its imposing three-storey façades.

Voysey House will now be re-occupied by one of the most renowned interiors brands worldwide who originally built the manufacturing facility extension in 1902.

Andy Bawn, Managing Director West Leigh, commented, “We initially offered a W20 section frame in small panes, which is a common product for this type of building but the client felt this was not sympathetic enough. We then realised we needed a more radical approach and instead, found a rarely used arrow section Series 200 alternative, which is still rolled and mimics the appearance of the original cast iron frames. However, a regular heritage double-glazed

unit would have been too large for the rebate. We therefore sourced a product that is new to the UK - the Fineo double-glazed unit - a vacuum technology that delivers a U-value of 0.7 W/m2K and a front to back dimension of just 8 mm; but more importantly the sight line is of only 6mm. The combination of these two materials is ideal for period properties of this type and achieved a genuinely great finished result.”

“We provided samples and design information, then quickly moved to manufacture in our London factory and in

December 2023 we were very proud to deliver the finished product to our client. From the factory visits to discussions on site, the West Leigh team were totally clear and knowledgeable in what they were delivering. The finished product has helped transform the building.”

West Leigh’s attention to detail and in-house skills were displayed in the fact its team designed new tooling to enable all of the end and crucifix notching to be achieved. This was employed in the company’s power presses to create uniform joint details. The largest windows produced for Voysey House were a trio measuring 4.5m wide by 3.7m high which, like the rest of the frames were hot zinc sprayed and then given a RAL6007 Bottle Green polyester coat finish. West Leigh’s own operatives carried out all of the installation work.

The SWA Awards judge, Architecture Today’s Technical Editor, John Renshaw, said, “Completed in 1902, Voysey House is the only commercial building designed by the celebrated modernist architect CFA Voysey. This project demonstrated what can be achieved when a committed client and a highly knowledgeable and experienced window manufacturer work together. The overall result is stunning, with West Leigh playing a crucial role in returning an architecturally significant building back to its original aesthetic, while providing modern levels of performance. From onsite discussions and factory visits to the provision of product samples and comprehensive design information, this SWA member has clearly gone above and beyond to find the right solution for this demanding and important project.

Congratulations to all involved.”

For further information on the Steel Window Association or if you’re interested in becoming a member, please visit www.steel-window-association.co.uk.

WHO RUNS YOUR BUSINESS?

In today’s competitive market, maintaining control over your supply chain can mean the difference between thriving and merely surviving.

Many fabricators find themselves locked into rigid agreements with systems companies, potentially limiting their options and eating into their bottom line.

BUT DOES IT HAVE TO BE THIS WAY?

AT Precision, a leading aluminium bifold hardware supplier, is challenging this status quo, offering fabricators across the UK an alternative that puts control back in their hands.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE

“We believe fabricators should have the freedom to choose their suppliers based on quality, price, and service –not because they’re tied to a particular systems company,” says Michael Hewitt, Sales Director at AT Precision. “Our approach is simple: we offer top-quality hardware without dictating who else you can work with.”

This philosophy stands in stark contrast to the practices of some systems companies that require fabricators to purchase entire packages, including hardware, often at premium prices.

AT Precision’s model allows fabricators to mix and match, sourcing the best components for their needs without compromising on quality or inflating costs.

COST SAVINGS THROUGH IN-HOUSE MANUFACTURING

One of the key advantages AT Precision brings to the table is its in-house manufacturing capability. By controlling the production process from start to finish, the company can offer significant cost savings to its customers.

Michael explains: “Manufacturing our own hardware means we cut out the middleman. We’re not marking up someone else’s products – we’re passing on the savings from our efficient production directly to our customers.”

This approach not only reduces costs but also ensures consistent quality control. AT Precision’s state-of-the-art facility in Durham employs advanced manufacturing techniques and rigorous quality assurance processes, guaranteeing that every component meets the highest standards.

MEETING ALL YOUR HARDWARE NEEDS

AT Precision has positioned itself as a comprehensive solution for fabricators’ hardware needs. Their extensive product range covers everything from hinges and rollers to handles and shootbolts, all designed to work seamlessly with major aluminium systems.

“We’ve developed our catalogue to be a one-stop shop,” Michael says. “Fabricators can source all their hardware from us, simplifying their supply chain and reducing the administrative burden of dealing with multiple suppliers.”

This consolidation of supply not only streamlines procurement but also ensures compatibility across components, reducing the risk of issues arising from mixing hardware from different sources.

ALWAYS IN STOCK

One of the most significant pain points for fabricators is stock availability. Delays in component delivery can throw entire production schedules off track, leading to unhappy customers and potential financial penalties.

AT Precision addresses this concern head-on with its commitment to maintaining substantial stock levels. “We understand that our customers can’t afford to wait,” says Michael. “That’s why we always keep a huge

inventory on hand. When a fabricator needs hardware, they need it now –not in a few weeks.”

This dedication to stock availability means that AT Precision can offer next-day delivery on most items, a service that can be crucial in meeting tight project deadlines.

FLEXIBILITY AND SUPPORT

Unlike rigid systems company agreements, AT Precision offers flexibility in its partnerships with fabricators. There are no minimum order requirements or long-term commitments – customers can order what they need, when they need it. Moreover, AT Precision provides comprehensive technical support and advice. “We’re not just selling products; we’re offering expertise,” Michael says. “Our team is always ready to assist with technical queries or help solve fabrication challenges.”

This level of support extends to custom solutions as well. AT Precision has the capability to develop bespoke hardware solutions for unique project requirements, further expanding the options available to fabricators.

TAKING BACK CONTROL

The message from AT Precision is clear: fabricators don’t have to be at the mercy of systems companies when it comes to their hardware supply. By offering high-quality, affordable components with no strings attached, AT Precision is empowering fabricators to take control of their supply chains and, by extension, their businesses.

Michael concludes: “At the end of the day, it’s about giving fabricators the tools they need to succeed on their own terms. We’re here to support their business, not dictate how they should run it.”

As the market continues to evolve, those fabricators who maintain flexibility and control over their supply chains will be best positioned to adapt and thrive. With partners like AT Precision, they can do so without compromising on quality or breaking the bank.

For fabricators looking to optimise their operations and boost their bottom line, the question isn’t just about who supplies their hardware – it’s about who’s really in control of their business. With AT Precision, the answer is clear: you are.

www.atprecision.co.uk

Composite door innovators

ODL Europe is celebrating its longstanding supply partnership with Future Products, one of the UK’s leading trade fabricators.

Stuart Bower, Managing Director of Future Products, said: “We constantly strive to maintain and improve upon the quality and performance of our products whilst maintaining value for money. ODL Europe’s products and service are essential in helping us to meet this commitment.”

Future Products purchases composite door slabs and glazing cassettes from ODL Europe.

ODL Europe is the exclusive UK supplier of the Capstone composite door slab, one of the world’s most popular composite door brands known for its high-quality credentials. Stuart said: “The Capstone composite door from ODL Europe has the impeccable qualities our customers’ demand. Its outstanding thermal efficiency, robust construction and wide choice of designs, including traditional, contemporary and modern door styles, provide a comprehensive portfolio of options for our customers.”

Future Products also purchase the marketleading TriSYS® three piece frame system from ODL, along with the new TriSYS® Modern version. Stuart noted: “To give our

customers a competitive edge, we were one of the early adopters of the new TriSYS® Modern cassette. The sleek modern aesthetics are perfect for on-trend contemporary doors. Combined with the unique easy-fit properties of the original TriSYS® system, it’s a winning solution for us.”

Suzanne Nicholl, Head of Sales and Marketing at ODL Europe, commented:

“Future Products are a wellestablished and respected fabricator, renowned for delivering superior quality and for partnering with innovative product partners. Our eight-year strong partnership continues to add mutual value to both businesses, and we look forward to continuing this successful relationship.”

Celebrating 40 years in business this year, Future Products has grown from a manufacturing premises of 1,000 sq ft in 1984 to an impressive 67,000 sq ft facility today. Based in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire the company also manufactures PVC-U and aluminium windows and doors alongside its compelling composite door offer. Together, the two businesses have formed a robust partnership that brings benefits to both companies and, most importantly, to Future Products’ customers.

Tel: 0151 933 0299

www.odleurope.com

FROM BISON THE LATEST BULLETIN

Bison Frames is excited to unveil the new ‘Bison Designer Aluminium’ range, a pioneering collection thoughtfully designed to meet the exacting demands of the UK trade market. With an emphasis on sleek aesthetics, robust functionality and unrivalled reliability this new lineup is engineered for both residential and commercial applications, offering a host of benefits to our trade partners and their customers across the country.

ENHANCING PRODUCT OFFERINGS WITH ADVANCED FEATURES

The Bison Designer Aluminium range offers a diverse selection of products, each crafted to elevate properties with style, efficiency, and durability:

• Bifold Doors: These doors are designed to transform any living space, providing a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors. The smooth folding mechanism allows for expansive openings, maximizing natural light and enhancing spatial perception. This feature is particularly attractive for homeowners looking to offer solutions that create an open, airy feel in their properties.

• Patio Doors, including Triple Track: Our Patio Doors, available with an optional Triple Track system, facilitate wider openings and the smooth sliding mechanism adds a touch of elegance, functionality and is ideal for properties looking to blend indoor comfort with maximising light.

• Flush Casement Windows - Slim and Standard Sash: Available in slim and standard sash options, these windows provide a flush finish, offering a clean, streamlined appearance. The slim sash is perfect for modern and traditional designs with a minimalist touch. Both options ensure the right aesthetics, performance and versatility in various architectural styles.

• Stormproof Casement: Designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, these windows offer superior durability, weatherproofing and enhanced insulation.

• This design provides additional protection against wind and rain, a selling point for customers in regions prone to harsh weather.

• Hidden Sash Tilt & Turn: This innovative feature combines functionality with a sleek design. The window which looks like a fixed frame from outside and can tilt inward for ventilation and turn to open fully. The hidden sash that blends seamlessly when closed and this functionality is highly appealing for customers focused on minimalist aesthetics and optimising light.

• There’s also a half hidden version of the sash which provides an ultra slim sash.

• Residential Aluminium Doors: These doors are built to enhance the security and style of any home entrance. With durable construction and customisable designs, they cater to a broad range of preferences, making them suitable for the most diverse customer base.

• Flush Door & Flush French Door: These doors offer a look that enhances both traditional and modern properties. The streamlined design is visually appealing and also boasts great insulation and security.

BENEFITS FOR TRADE CUSTOMERS

The Bison Designer Aluminium range is designed not only to meet the demands of end-users but also to provide substantial benefits to our trade customers:

• Increased Sales Opportunities: By offering high-quality, aesthetically pleasing, and durable products, trade customers can source an aluminium range that delivers reliably time after time.

• Enhanced Reputation: Promoting, selling and installing top-tier products enables our trade customers to enhance their market reputation as providers of highquality solutions.

• Training and Support: Bison Frames is committed to supporting our trade partners. We provide assistance on the features on our products, ensuring that trade teams are well-equipped to handle client inquiries and installations with confidence.

• Marketing and Promotional Support: We offer marketing materials and support to help our trade customers effectively promote the Bison Designer Aluminium range, aiding in lead generation and customer engagement.

• Factory Visits: Trade customers are very welcome to visit our factory, where they can meet our team, discuss partnership opportunities, and see firsthand how

our products are made. These visits are invaluable for understanding our philosophy for quality and craftsmanship. All of which strengthens business relationships and fosters a true partnership that works for fabricator and installer alike.

Bison’s exciting Designer Aluminium range is set to redefine standards in production, offering trade customers solutions that blend aesthetic appeal with practical functionality. As we continue to innovate and expand our offer, Bison Frames remains dedicated to the highest standards of production all designed to support our trade customers helping them succeed in a competitive market.

Tel: 0800 138 3838

Email: sales@bisonframes.co.uk www.bisonframes.co.uk

True authenticity comes from a blend of heritage styling and modern performance.

Single features may grab attention, but a true heritage sash window is designed to ensure the seamless integration of all its parts.

Everything has to work together: slim overlapping putty-line profiles, a 35mm midrail, heritage chalk finishes, seamless ornate sash horns, true mechanical joints, deep cills and innovative balance chamber covers, to name but a few.

Add to that a 1.2 W/m2k u-value without specialist glass, and you have a true conservation-grade sash window with outstanding modern performance.

Only Roseview’s Ultimate Rose sash window delivers all this. Because it’s more than a sum of its parts.

VERTICAL SLIDERS & HERITAGE

HERITAGE: THE WHOLE STORY

Looking back to our past holds the key to our future, says Quickslide’s Managing Director Ben Weber.

According to Historic England, around 20 per cent of the country’s total housing stock – that’s 4.4 million homes – were built before 1919. This includes listed buildings and houses in conservation areas that are subject to stricter planning controls. There are over 10,000 conservation areas in England, with every local authority having

at least one. In some local authorities, such as Bath, Islington, and Westminster, over half of their housing stock is in conservation areas even.

For Quickslide, these figures reveal the scale of the core market for our bread-and-butter heritage sash windows. Five years ago, we launched our flagship Legacy vertical slider designed as the perfect replacement for traditional timber sash windows often seen in historical and conservation areas. Legacy offers homeowners a modern, efficient, secure, and low-maintenance alternative to draughty and sticking original timber sashes that’re past their best.

This year, we've revamped Legacy, with a new slimmer midrail and refined runthrough sash horns. At just 37mm – over a centimetre narrower than its standard counterpart – the new mid rail reaffirms Legacy’s position as one of the most authentic sash windows on the market, making it ideal for period properties or homes in conservation areas. Additionally, we now include fully mechanical jointed outer frames as standard, with the option to upgrade the sash too.

Legacy VS comes with plenty of optional features, which means there is also a market for any homeowners looking for character and classic heritage windows with a modern twist. After all, good looking never goes out of fashion! For example, some or our customers prefer no sash horns for a pared back, minimalistic look. But it is for homes in conservation areas where we really come into our own with Legacy.

Conservation areas are desirable places to live, steeped in history and beauty, fostering a sense of pride and responsibility in those who choose to live in them. Homeowners of period properties often speak about a sense of guardianship, restoring and maintaining these houses for future generations.

Responsibility is an important value for us at Quickslide too, reflected in both our products and how we run our business. It’s why we combine authentic design with advanced performance, such as the super low 1.2 U-Value now available on our sash windows. While the downside of period properties can be their energy inefficiency, at Quickslide we want to retain the beauty of the past while contributing to a greener, more sustainable future. This is what our Legacy is all about.

We take environmental responsibility seriously throughout our entire business too. Inside our factories, we've implemented carbon-saving initiatives, such as upgrading to efficient LED lighting and reducing

Ben Weber

electricity and gas consumption. Outside our buildings, we've introduced an employee scheme to encourage the switch to electric vehicles, resulting in ten employees driving EVs, and a bike-to-work scheme, with 30 employees taking part so far. Elsewhere on the road we continue to use digital solutions to cut down on our delivery emissions. As demand for our business has grown, so has our fleet. We use route mapping and journey consolidation to ensure we’re not travelling more miles than we need to, and we’ve seen good results. This year we’ve driven 42,700 miles less than last year. That’s a 10.6% carbon reduction, and 16,000 litres less fuel. Which is not bad when you consider that in the last six months, we’ve also increased our fleet size by ten per cent at the same time.

In both the windows we make and the business we run, at Quickslide we’re committed to keep innovating and staying true to our values. We respect our past while looking ahead to the future, much like our Legacy VS are doing all over the country’s cherished conservation areas.

https://www.quickslide.co.uk

AT WORK, REST AND PLAY

THIS MONTH: Maria Burnett

A Rising Star in the Fenestration Industry

The fenestration industry has in the past traditionally been one that is male dominated. In construction itself, only 11% of the current construction workforce is female, with female workers making up just 1% of manual trades.

However, some in the industry are trying to make a change and show that there is a place for women in construction. This is exactly the case for people like REHAU’s Maria Burnett.

Maria, who is a Sales Coordinator, has recently been nominated for a Customer Service award at the NFA Awards in recognition for all the hard work and support she provides for REHAU’s customer base. Having only started at REHAU two years ago, Maria has really made a positive impact within the sales team. In this piece, Maria will take us through her career at REHAU, and the things that make her love the fenestration industry.

What did you do before joining the industry?

Before joining REHAU and even hearing about the fenestration industry, I ran a pub in my native Slovakia for over a year, but I knew it wasn’t really for me, which is when I moved to the UK and joined the food industry, working in buying for a well-known supermarket chain. After a few years I started looking for new opportunities, which is where I spotted a role within REHAU, swapping buying to sales. The world of fenestration was completely new to me, but it was a challenge I was ready to face head-on.

What have you achieved since joining REHAU?

My role at REHAU is a “Sales Support Representative”, which involves supporting all of REHAU’s sales team when they’re out on the road. I help provide the relevant materials they need when they’re visiting customers or prospective clients.

However, I don’t just deal with the internal sales team. I help in the ordering of marketing materials for customers who request them, and also talk to homeowners to answer any of their questions, help to find installers, and sometimes even assist in specifying the colour of windows. My role also includes being responsible for dealing with enquiries from installers and passing them over to the correct people.

One project that I’m particularly proud of was a training package that I prepared for colleagues in the UK and abroad. Alongside my colleague Catherine Pike, I was tasked with both creating the material and delivering it to other people within the organisation. The project was a success, and really helped my personal development and allowed me to learn and grow within REHAU.

This series in Glass News highlights the hopes and aspirations of women in the windows, doors, glass, roofs and hardware industry and will hopefully inspire more to make this their career.

How have you found being a woman in the industry?

The fenestration and glazing industry has typically been male-dominated, but I have found it to not be as big of a challenge as many would assume. However, my experience within REHAU has been overwhelmingly positive, and there have not been many, if any, barriers to me progressing in the industry.

However, the industry can always do more, including putting women in prominent positions, showing that the fenestration industry is a viable and great career choice for women.

In terms of my future development, I’m hoping to continue moving forward in my role with REHAU, and possibly continue onto a customer-facing role that means I go out on the road with the rest of the sales team.

How do you feel about your NFA nomination?

I’m incredibly proud about my nomination at the NFA Awards. I’d like to thank all my colleagues and customers for really making this possible, as, without them, I wouldn’t be able to develop my skills and provide the great customer service that people have come to expect from REHAU. I’ve only been at REHAU for two years, and I can’t wait to see what’s next!

THIS MONTH: Michael Cockman, Production Manager, Virtuoso Doors

Michael Cockman, Production Manager at Virtuoso Doors, began his career in 1998 and has since progressed through various managerial roles over 25 years, emphasising the importance of seizing opportunities, teamwork, and continuous learning in his journey of professional growth and dedication to the company.

IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU...

Your education and the subject or activity in which you excelled?

Although I am married to a teacher and fully understand the importance of education, school wasn’t really for me. To be honest, sitting in classrooms just didn’t inspire me and I soon discovered that I was more a hands-on sort of pupil. I thrived at metalwork, taking motors apart and putting them back together, building things and being able to problem solve – skills I use daily. I was particularly good at PE and played a variety of sports but excelled in sprinting and I represented my school many times at different events.

Your favourite sports or interests?

My family and I are quite active, and we like to be out and about together, visiting new places and exploring. I am quite a competent shooter and go shooting at our local club on Sunday mornings. I find this activity really helps my mental wellbeing. I am a keen Model Boat enthusiast and I use my creative side to build and remodel the boats before sailing them. Motor sport is a great passion of mine. Formula 1 is my favourite, but I also love watching Moto GP

and the Touring Cars. I will literally watch any kind of motor racing, much to my wife’s despair. I am a Newcastle Supporter through and through and as any Toon supporter will tell you, we are lucky enough to experience a range of emotions following this club!

Someone or Something that inspires you.

Everything I do and everything I try to achieve is with the support of my family. A good work ethic was instilled in me by my

parents, and this is something I try to teach my son. I want him to be able to experience his life to the full, to understand how important a career is and how he can better himself. He needs to experience all life can give him, the good and the bad. I want him to find a job he loves and work with people who support and value his ideas and actions. I want to be the role model he can follow.

YOUR CAREER...

When and how did you join this industry?

In 1998, I joined the Window Bureau, a small family run company which, over the

years, grew into the Virtuoso we have now. I was 18 years old and began my career working in the Lead Shop. I worked hard and was promoted to Lead shop manager, then Glass Shop Manager and then Panel Shop manager. I am a firm believer in never turning down the opportunities which present themselves and I never have. 25 years on I am now a Production Manager and oversee the production of our facility. Every day I still learn new things – you’re never too old. This is supported by the brilliant management structure around me.

Your greatest achievement?

Working in the business for 25 years has allowed me to see that the most important thing you have as a leader, is the team around you. I am extremely fortunate to have an amazing team of people who work tirelessly day in and day out to ensure that our product can be the best. I also take great pride in knowing that I have supported people to achieve their goals by being able to share my knowledge and experience with them.

AND YOUR FUTURE...

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

As I’ve said already, 25 years in the business is a long time and I can’t imagine myself being anywhere else or doing anything else. I know that I have learned a great deal and there is still much more left to do.

A particular ambition?

My ambition is to continue my work at Virtuoso not only in developing the company further but also developing my skills too. In four years, I will achieve my 30th anniversary here and who knows what the future will have in store for me!

The way you want to be remembered. I would like to be remembered as someone who did their very best; someone who strived to push Virtuoso Doors to the next level and continue to develop new products for customers.

UP THE ANTE WITH AUTOMATED SUPPORT

Ab Initio’s Rhonda Ridge discusses the need for better communication in an installation business and explains how software like the AdminBase installation management system is delivering a solution.

Communication should not be underestimated. It can boost efficiency within a business, and it can help win and keep new customers. According to a study by HubSpot, 90% of customers say that it is essential or very important that they receive an immediate response from a company when they have a customer service question. Eighty per cent of respondents consider a quick response time to mean 10 minutes or less, and 60% of customers are willing to spend more for good customer service. Expectations are rising and installation businesses need to keep up to maintain a competitive advantage.

Unfortunately, communication has historically been a weak link within installation companies and it’s easy to see why. It’s a complex business with disparate employees. You have

sales teams out on the road trying to win new business, management, customer service and accounting teams in the office co-ordinating projects and dealing with questions, fitters and service engineers out on site at different times throughout each project, and on top of all that there needs to be communication between various members of all those teams with prospects, customers and suppliers. The only way to manage all these stakeholders

in an efficient way, is with a comprehensive CRM solution.

A VIRTUAL HELPING HAND

The entire AdminBase installation management system has been designed to centralise data in a home improvement business. This means that information is always live and available to all relevant users in the company, eliminating

Rhonda Ridge

off-site on installations, including service engineers and fitters.

BRINGING TEAMS TOGETHER

The Fitting app allows installation teams to view all relevant information on a project, including contracts and surveys to save them having to collect reams of printed documents when they collect products for an installation. When the installation is complete, fitters can take photos, conduct a customer questionnaire, and get the project signed off with an electronic signature within the app, and then share all of this information with office staff by making it live straight away.

the need for messages and updates to be manually passed around the organisation.

AdminBase offers installation businesses unrivalled automated support. The system’s Checklist keeps projects on track by monitoring the progress of projects and sending automated reminders where necessary. And as users update the Checklist, other elements of the system such as the Taskboard feature and the award-winning Customer Portal, are also automatically notified. Taskboard is a digital job board that tracks work across the lifetime of a project, while the Customer Portal gives homeowners access to their accounts online, 24/7. AdminBase further boosts communication efficiencies with additional apps designed specifically for those that work

“AdminBase further boosts communication efficiencies with additional apps designed specifically for those that work off-site on installations, including service engineers and fitters.”

Meanwhile the AdminBase Service app works seamlessly with the rest of the AdminBase CRM to make service engineers’ lives easier. Using the app, service engineers can see all relevant information about a given project and appointment on their device. Once at the project the service engineer can collect data about the work they complete and upload it back into the system. This might include whether the appointment resolved the issue or whether any additional parts are required to finish the project. All of the details captured during the service call can also automatically be e-mailed to the customer on completion, so they have a record of the work that has been done.

UP YOUR GAME WITH SOFTWARE

Automation and even Artificial Intelligence is driving customer expectations ever higher and communication is a top priority for any business wanting to stay ahead of this trend. The AdminBase installation management system automates so much support for home improvement companies, covering all aspects of the business, that it allows them to meet and even exceed these customer expectations with smooth, efficient communication. Installation businesses need to up the ante or be left behind.

Don’t

The Heritage Range from Glazerite incorporates the following systems… Find out more at www.glazerite.co.uk/discover-our-heritage-range

The Glazerite Heritage Range is the perfect solution for adding or restoring character to older, more traditional properties. Our Flush Sash products are manufactured with Timberweld® to offer an authentic butt joint for your installations.

Imagine Vertical Slider - can be manufactured with a mechanical joint.

Halo Flush Sash - choice of sculptured or bevelled profile.

Residence 7 - 75mm to save plaster cutback and flush inside and out.

Residence 9 - a truly authentic looking timber alternative.

Composite Doors - a full range of traditional styles.

Each system offers a full suite of casement windows,bay windows, conservatories, single doors and French doors - providing a complete portfolio of quality assured products to meet your customers’ needs.

Contact us today for a sales promotion pack or a quotation on your next heritage installation.

Tel: 01933 443222 Email: marketing@glazerite.co.uk

GLAZPART SUPPORTING INSTALLERS

In today’s competitive and busy trading environment, installers can often find themselves frustrated by not having enough support to either start or complete a safe and secure installation.

When it comes to offering and delivering support for installers, there can be few suppliers in the UK that are as reliable as Glazpart – the leading plastic injection moulding company, based in Banbury, where they manufacturer and distribute components to the glazing supply chain.

Glazpart is all about supporting installers. Their on-going investment in state-of-theart machinery shows great commitment to continuously manufacture and supply its range of products which help professionals, install/glaze windows and doors securely and safely.

For example, the Glazpart “Packers for Professionals” range designed for window installers includes; flat packers, frame packers, bridge packers, wedge packers, run-up blocks, glazing shovels and corner protectors. The Glazpart ranges are designed to all work together for all glazing types both double and triple.

The beauty of the “Packers for Professionals” range is that it comes in quantities and packs to suit the number of jobs and the

scale of the installations undertaken. For example: Installers can select from Single Size Packers with thicknesses ranging from 1mm to 4mm and widths are 24mm, 28mm and 32mm. Available in simply designed grab bags of 100 packers.

The Glazpart Mixed Packers are similar in thicknesses and range of widths but these packs offer installers the option of a mixture of packer sizes, for example, 10 mixed bags to make up 100 packers or 6 bags of 50, 100 and 200 to make quantities of 300, 600 and 1200 mixed size packers respectively.

The flat packers as well as other products such as wedge packers and flexi corner wedges are also available in bulk boxes of 1000.

As well as glazing accessories, Glazpart also manufactures and supplies a wide range of trickle vents, most notably the awardwinning Link Vent range which helps installers comply to Building Regulations (Approved Document F – means of

ventilation). The Link Vent also overcomes homeowners’ resistance to trickle vents because of the Link Vent’s smart design, easy control and vast colour range which can match any colour or finish. The Link Vent premium colours and woodgrain finishes are available in handy 10 packs to enable companies to order the right quantity needed for specific jobs. Saving companies cash being tied up in stock.

With Glazpart’s wide range of glazing accessories and trickle ventilators, Installers can confidently assure homeowners that their windows are secure and protected when installed professionally to a window system manufacturers guidelines for quality windows and doors of all types – UPVC, Aluminium and Timber.

To show further support for Installers, Glazpart are also regular participants at installers events such as the FIT Show, Glazing Summit and The Installers Awards.

In 2023, Glazpart launched its Glazpartners initiative which recently won the “Best Installer Support Programme” at the Installers Awards 2024.

The Glazpartners initiative goes above and beyond supporting installers as it is geared to promote their brands and products through a range of marketing and PR activity that includes; online promotion (link and logo) on the Glazpart website and social media channels, joint press articles in the trade media, product display and promotion at exhibitions and events (with branding on graphics and literature), a quarterly e-newsletter to keep Glazpartners

Dean Bradley

up to date with changing legislation, Glazpart activities and Glazpartners progress. In addition, one of the most valuable benefits for Glazpartners is the opportunity to directly collaborate with the Glazpart team on product development and industry issues. This collaborative process has resulted in Glazpart doing bespoke products for some companies who may have very specific requirements.

On supporting installers, Dean Bradley, Glazpart Sales Director commented: “We are always listening to installers and are constantly looking for ways to make their jobs easier and safer as well as less time consuming. We do this through customer engagement via our account management team at face-to-face meetings, industry meetings and events, awards and also through social media. Our aim is to help them exceed the expectations of their customers. We are pleased to offer installers a wide range of glazing accessories and trickle vents to help installers comply with Building Regulations and look forward to more Installers joining our Glazpartners programme to gain the mutual promotional benefits.”

To find out more about Glazpart products please email Dean Bradley direct dbradley@glazpart.co.uk.

INTRODUCING KV-500 VENT ROUTER

Unique, double plunge motion delivers simultaneous internal/external surface routing for maximum efficiency

Offset drill width and depth for versatile profile handling

Can accommodate various profile heights

Up to 500mm vent size

Industry-leading Siemens PLC touch controls

Dual-button operation and full-length guard for enhanced safety

SHEERLINE LAUNCHES INDEX BI-FOLD TO HELP FABRICATORS & INSTALLERS MAINTAIN COMPETITIVE EDGE

Meet Sheerline’s Index Bi-fold System. With a streamlined product range, designed to meet 90% of bi-fold orders, Index supports high volume retail and contract work. It’s a direct competitor to lower quality imported products, giving fabricators and installers greater choice, and letting them benefit from the best of British innovation. It offers all the features and benefits Sheerline’s customers have come to expect. Like high performance, straight-forward U-values: DG 1.4 W/(m2K), TG 1.0 W/(m2K). Easily achieving Part L compliance without foam

thanks to the company’s unique Thermlock® thermal break technology, which is more stable and warmer than polyamide.

As well as providing the same thermal efficiency as Sheerline’s other products, Index offers the usual stylish aesthetics too. With a contemporary sash, 72mm outer frame with stepped rebate and clip-on cill, for ease of transportation and installation.

Index uses standard Sheerline corner cleats and beads for easy integration into a fabricator’s production line and is available alongside new competitive hardware options from Ingenious.

With a double wheeled design and a single roller which eliminates the need for a dummy or floating mullion, index is a cut above lower-quality alternatives.

Five-day lead times backed up by first class UK based service, rather than having to order container loads on 6 weeks plus deliveries with non-existent technical support, will also help give Sheerline customers the tools to succeed.

Sitting alongside the existing Prestige Bi-fold, which remains the company’s premium, more versatile range, Index is set for success with both contract and high-volume retail fabricators.

Tony Basile, Sheerline’s National Sales Director, said: “We know our customers are competing against cheap imports. Index gives them a direct answer, but doesn’t compromise on our, or our customers commitment to quality.

We’re a proud, fully integrated, British manufacturer, and as such, it is our responsibility to leverage the advantages this affords us, so our customers benefit and maintain their competitive advantage.”

“Anyone who knows Sheerline knows how important our network of fabricators and installers is to us. That’s why we’re

FENSTER FUTURE PROOFS ALUMINIUM OPERATIONS WITH LATEST TECH FROM KOMBIMATEC

Fenster Fabrications Ltd has purchased two Kombimatec double mitre saws to help grow their trade custom and futureproof the business.

Fenster manufactures and supplies high-end aluminium solutions for trade and commercial customers. Installed in their fabrication unit in Torquay, their new Kombimatec DGS560 large capacity electronic double mitre saw will help meet demand for larger, custom-sized windows and doors. A second Kombimatec saw, the DGS536 electronic double mitre saw (3 axis), provides flexibility with cutting angles from 22.5 and 135 degrees.

James Perry, Business Development Manager at Fenster, said: “Our saws were starting to show signs of age, albeit still working reasonably well. But the main reason for the investment was to future-proof our business.”

The new Kombimatec saws will ensure Fenster achieve high precision cutting with accuracy, saving time and money and helping the company meet the demands of the aluminium market.

James said: “We’re looking to grow the trade side of the business moving forward, and this investment will be of great help. As profiles become wider

we’re able to work with these without issue. Therefore, we needed products that were going to integrate with our system and the future plans we have for our factory upgrades.”

Both new machines feature easy-to-use overhead touch screen controls, for safe and straightforward operation even by those with limited prior CNC experience. They are linked to the office software via Ethernet.

“We’re able to integrate new technologies with these saws,” said James. “Now we have a direct link from our production office to the saws, and bar length optimisation is taken care of automatically. This

also ties in with a new barcoding system that allows us to track jobs during the production stages.”

After reviewing the options it was Kombimatec, said James, who offered the best value for money for what was needed: “They also gave us a good level of service and support – with a shout out to Dave in particular, who was great at guiding us through the process of replacements.”

“Understanding precisely the customers needs’ with respect to cutting capacity and angle requirements was key to helping them make the right choice,”

added David Parsons, Director at Kombimatec Machines Ltd.

FROM PIG SHEDS TO STELLAR BUNGALOWS

Stellar Aluminium windows and doors from Epwin Window Systems were selected for a truly astonishing property conversion – two former pig sheds in Ingatestone, Essex, have been converted into two luxury bungalows.

In total, 35 Stellar Flush Casement Windows and three French Doors were manufactured for the properties by Prestige Aluminium and installed by local installer V. Fullalove Installations Ltd.

Josh Fullalove, Project Manager at V. Fullalove Installations, said: “We recommended Stellar windows for this project because it ticked every box. We knew its aesthetics would bring the wow factor that would take the conversions to the next level. At the same time, it complies

with the requirements of Part L and Part Q of Building Regulations as standard, so it’s an incredibly practical choice.”

David Kilworth, Managing Director of Prestige Aluminium, said: “We’ve worked with V. Fullalove Installations on a number of high-end Stellar Aluminium projects now. The system always adds value to a project, as these latest conversions so clearly show.”

Stellar Aluminium Flush Casement Windows are renowned for their high-end flush aesthetics. The patented knock-in glazing beads leave a clean gasket line that lifts the high-quality finish even further. In this project, the windows were manufactured in Anthracite Grey to provide a dramatic contrast to the original brickwork of the pig sheds.

From the Building Regulations perspective, Stellar has helped the properties achieve the required thermal and security performance requirements. It’s Part L-compliant by design, even in new build properties, thanks to the patented reverse butt joint. This innovation means there’s no need for dummy sashes, reverse profiles or adaptors which reduces the amount of frame and increases the thermal efficiency.

Prestige Aluminium is a distinguished family-owned and operated Stellar fabricator that has a well-deserved reputation for its expertise in manufacturing high-quality aluminium products.

V. Fullalove Installations Ltd is a familyrun business with over 30 years’ experience

constantly developing innovative solutions to the everyday challenges they face.” he added.

For more information on the New Index range please call 01332 978000 or visit www.sheerline.com.

“We’re delighted to be working with forward thinking customers like Fenster, who plan ahead to meet both current and future production demands.”

in window and door installation services throughout Essex and its surrounding areas. Both companies are securing valuable contracts with Stellar Aluminium because it delivers projects that combine extraordinary aesthetics with effortless compliance with Building Regulations. This exceptional conversion project is the perfect example. Tel: 0808 101 4143

www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk

As the UK’s largest privately owned aluminium fenestration systems house, Senior Architectural Systems can work with you to achieve your sustainability targets.

“From continuously improving our manufacturing methods, to utilising low carbon and fully recyclable aluminium across our full range of Part L compliant products, we are proud to do things differently.”

Mark Wadsworth, Managing Director

STELLAR ALUMINIUM PROVIDES WOW FACTOR ON TWO HIGH-END BARN CONVERSIONS

Stellar Aluminium windows and doors from Epwin Window Systems were selected for the high-end conversion of two barns in High Roding in Essex. The products were precision-manufactured by Prestige Aluminium Essex Ltd and meticulously installed by local installer V. Fullalove Installations Ltd.

Stellar Aluminium was selected for the project by the developer Chelsteen Homes because of its unique ability to deliver on all of the project’s demanding specifications.

Energy efficiency was a key feature of the conversion, with the barns using air source heat pumps and underfloor heating. Stellar windows and doors can achieve a U-value of 1.2 W/(m²K) with triple glazing, the

regulatory standard for the new build space, which meant they had all the credentials required.

Aesthetics were a key consideration too, not least because expansive glazed elements were a central feature of the design. The system’s fully flush window option was used to deliver a sleek and understated appearance, while the Anthracite Grey colour used on both sides gave a crisp, modern finish. At the same time, Stellar’s exceptionally slim sightlines more than delivered on the remit to retain an abundance of natural light and put the spotlight on the surrounding countryside.

In total, Prestige Aluminium Essex and Fullalove Installations manufactured and

installed 33 Stellar Fully Flush Casement Windows, four Stellar Slimline Bifold Doors, three Flush French Doors and three Flush Residential Doors. The centrepieces were two sets of bifold doors to the upper and lower front aspect, which added visual drama.

Prestige Aluminium Essex and Fullalove Installations worked closely with the main contractor to ensure a seamless installation, which took just two weeks.

Prestige Aluminium Essex is a distinguished family-owned and operated fabricator that has a well-deserved reputation for its expertise in manufacturing high-quality aluminium products.

V. Fullalove Installations Ltd is a family-run business with over 30 years’ experience in

FENTRADE USING ALUK QUIK CLIP™ ON BIFOLD DOORS AS STANDARD

Aluminium trade fabricator Fentrade is now fitting the innovative AluK Quik Clip™ bead as standard across its aluminium bifold door range. Chris Reeks, Managing Director of Fentrade, said: “We chose the AluK Quik Clip™ bead for our bifold doors because it significantly streamlines the installation process. The intelligent design of the bead ensures installation is quicker and easier, providing substantial benefits to our customers.”

The new AluK Quik Clip™ bead offers a rapid, secure installation in just seconds, without the need for force or specialised tools. It maintains the door’s sightlines and provides flexibility if the glass is out of tolerance, allowing the sliding gasket to be easily replaced with a standard wedge gasket without changing the Quik Clip™ bead. Additionally, the bead can be removed as effortlessly as it is installed, ensuring there is no risk of damage to the glass.

The Quik Clip™ will be used on all bifold doors in Fentrade’s range which offers everything today’s installers need for a compelling bifold door portfolio. It includes multiple configurations and opening options and can accommodate double or triple glazing, with standard and low threshold options available. Rollers have up to 5mm adjustment and will accommodate up to 120kgs, making them suitable for the widest door apertures.

The doors are available in a wide range of single, dual and anodised colour finishes, with hinges, rollers and guides offered in silver, black, white or grey with matching furniture to create a high-calibre aesthetic.

To open up even more opportunities, frames can be supplied as “flat pack” if there are access issues on site.

The introduction of the AluK Quik Clip™ reflects Fentrade’s commitment to its customers. Chris commented: “As an

building, construction, and window and door installation services throughout Essex and its surrounding areas.

Both companies are proud to offer Stellar Aluminium because of its unique ability to deliver outstanding high-end projects – as this stunning project in Essex perfectly demonstrates.

Tel: 0808 101 4143 www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk

experienced fabricator, we’re always looking at ways to make life easier for our customers. The introduction of the Quik Clip™ is the latest example of our efforts to enhance our market offer.”

It’s this commitment to putting the customer first that is one of the reasons Fentrade continues to go from strength to strength.

Tel: 01633 547787 – www.fentradealuminium.co.uk

SENIOR UNVEILS ITS NEW ALI VU HERITAGE STYLE ALUMINIUM DOOR

Senior Architectural Systems has extended its popular Ali VU range of slimline aluminium windows and doors with the addition of a new heritage style door option.

The sleek and stylish Ali VU door has been developed to offer an attractive, secure and thermally-efficient solution for customers working on retrofit and refurbishment projects as well as those that require a classic heritage style aesthetic. The new door is available with a choice of two transom designs to offer greater design flexibility, alongside a selection of heritage style handles and backing plates.

Fully Part L compliant, Senior’s new door can achieve U-values as low as 1.0 W/m2K when

calculated as a CEN standard door. Available in both inward and outward opening single or double door styles, with a choice of double and triple glazing up to 44mm thick, the new Ali VU door has a maximum door leaf width of 1200mm and a maximum height of 2500mm. It can accommodate a maximum weight of 125kg per door leaf and has been fully security tested to meet the requirements of PAS24. The new Ali VU door has also been tested to BS6375 Part 1 for weather tightness and BS6375 Part 2 for operating forces.

The new Ali VU aluminium door has been designed to complement Senior’s stylish Ali VU aluminium

window which thanks to its slim frame and narrow sightlines, has proved to be a popular and cost-effective replacement for traditional steel windows. Both are suitable for use on residential and commercial projects. The Ali VU range also includes the Ali FOLD and Ali SLIDE aluminium door options.

The new Ali VU door is manufactured by Senior at its South Yorkshire sites and is extruded from recycled aluminium. Like all products within Senior’s extensive product range, the new aluminium door can be powder coated at Senior’s in-house facility.

For more information, please visit www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk or search for Senior Architectural Systems on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

SEEING IS BELIEVING

‘Makeovers’ continue to rise as more and more homeowners seek to ‘try before they buy.’

‘Makeovers’, where customers receive a render of their new windows and doors super-imposed over an image of their property, are fast becoming a staple part of the quoting process according to latest analysis of quotes prepared by installers on the Tommy Trinder platform.

The firm reports that in the first half of the year more than 26,000 makeovers were prepared for homeowners, 30% more than in the same period last year, with over 60% of quotes now accompanied by a visualisation.

“When you consider the ease with which consumers are able to model other significant purchases like cars or kitchens, it feels inevitable that offering the client a visual of their new windows and doors in situ will become the norm,” says Chris Brunsdon, founder and CEO of Tommy Trinder.

“Makeovers make sound business for installers too –not only does an impressive visual , but being clear about what you are going to fit at the quoting stage reduces error and rules out misunderstanding from the get-go.”

Crunching the data from the thousands of visualisations that have been prepared by installers so far in 2024, Tommy Trinder have identified a number of trending applications for the makeover -

“If a customer is considering a colour change, Tommy subscribers will invariably provide a makeover; installers tell us it helps the client get to a final decision quicker,” says Chris. “With 80% of all replacements now foiled this has become an essential sales tool.”

“But it’s not just colour that customers find hard to envisage. Showing the difference that dummy vents, or varying bar layouts will make to the look of the house are also popular reasons to include a makeover with a quote. And when it comes to showing off premium features such as flush sashes, deep bottom rails and timber look cills a quality visual will invariably help justify the uplift in cost.”

Installers interested in finding out more about Tommy Trinder’s platform can book a free demo at https://www.tommytrinder.com/demo

Stand out

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Elevate your door projects with the sleek versatility of aluminium sliding doors or the expansive qualities of bifold options , all backed by Mercury’s commitment to quality and competitive turnaround.

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ENDURANCE® DOORS BOOSTS SALES SUPPORT PACKAGE

Endurance® Doors has enhanced the already comprehensive range of sales support it offers its installer partners.

The manufacturer of solid, secure, and stylish composite doors has published a new and comprehensive 148-page brochure.

The new brochure, which is the brand’s largest to date, makes it easier for installers to showcase the Endurance range and for homeowners to choose from an evergrowing portfolio of door styles, colours, glazing and door furniture.

The new Endurance® Doors’ brochure also combines the best of off and online media in order to deliver maximum benefit and value.

Smartphone scannable QR codes allow users to complement their on-page experience with easy access to complementary

digital resources such as videos, online door designers and 3D product imagery viewable from 360°.

Speaking of the new brochure, Russell Hensman, group marketing manager at Endurance® Doors, said: “Our commitment to offering high quality sales support to our installer partners is relentless and we never stop looking for new avenues and opportunities to help them generate enquiries - and to convert those leads into physical orders.

“The introduction of our new and biggest ever brochure adds to an extensive package of value adding assistance that already includes help with digital marketing, the supply of showroom materials, and access to useful assets such as installation photography and video case studies.”

Summing up, he adds: “The new Endurance® Doors’ brochure reflects the aspirational nature of our range as well as the fact that a new door is a major investment

with huge impact on the overall kerb appeal of a property. Thanks to its high quality design, inspirational imagery and use of premium print methods and materials, our new brochure compels people to pick it up and learn more.”

www.endurancedoors.co.uk

KITEMARK UPDATE FURTHER PROVES IMPORTANCE OF CERTIFICATION

UAP LTD’S FLAGSHIP FIRE SAFETY PRODUCT AWARDED TS008 BSI ACCREDITATION UPDATE

Designed in-house and with a dedicated floor and team for its daily production, UAP’s Soterian TS008 letterplate is truly unique to the UK market.

Now world-renowned, the Soterian Slim letterplate is the most compact TS008-compliant letterplate ever made. Manufactured for 44mm-70mm composite, timber and uPVC doors, the product is fast and easy to install; providing a convenient, safe and more secure solution for the end user.

UAP’s former Technical Services Director, John McLoughlin was the chief designer and innovator of the product, and since it came to market it has won numerous

trophies, including Best Technical Innovation at last year’s GGP Awards. The Soterian’s latest accolade comes in the form of an updated BSI Kitemark certification. But behind the headlines of the awards and accolades, the TS008 letterplate has become an emblem of UAP’s continued dedication to fire safety and security, as CEO David Jennings explains.

“The Soterian stands for everything we stand for here at UAP,” he begins. “Industry is built on innovation. At UAP we have inhouse technical teams and our own testing lab to make sure every product is designed and developed to the highest standard there is – our own.

“Looking at the wider fire safety and security sector, the letterplate is just one step; albeit a very significant one. Opening the doors to the Fire Door Maintenance training centre earlier this year, we made that giant leap into changing the landscape for specifiers, architects and installers too.

“When it comes to testing and certification, you need to have the right products, yes, but you also have to be confident and competent with every other stage in the process – when to use them, how to use them. We provide it all here at UAP.”

UAP’s TS008 letterplates are available in standard and slim version, both non-fire and fire-rated.

APEER INTRODUCES 10 YEAR ANTI-BOW AND PAINT GUARANTEES

Apeer has launched a brace of new product guarantees, initiatives that underline its status as the industry’s leading manufacturer of high-quality composite doors while delivering ultimate peace of mind for its customers and end users.

The introduction of a new 10-year anti-bow guarantee means that Apeer’s customers can now sell the brand’s extensive range of doors with even greater confidence that they will not suffer from the kind of costly remedial issues that are typically associated with some other composites on the market.

Similarly, its new 10-year paint warranty will allow customers to take full advantage of increasing consumer demand for colour, with the ability to reassure homeowners that their new front door will remain looking as good as new with just a minimal amount of maintenance.

The new guarantees, which are highlighted in Apeer’s latest product brochure, are in addition to the firm’s existing, 10-year product warranty and its 10-year guarantee for glass across the range.

Apeer’s Managing Director, Asa McGillian, explains more about the importance of the latest guarantees: “Warping and bowing are the Achilles heel of some composite door products, and can cause huge problems for installers if they have to return to fix remedial issues. That includes the cost of additional time on site, but also reputational damage.

“Composite doors should represent an easy win for installers, but many are running the risk of losing positive reviews from homeowners, just because their door suppliers are letting the side down.

“At Apeer, we’ve always been extremely confident in the strength of our composite doors,” he continued. “That’s because they are 60% thicker than other doors on the market, they feature seven layers of interwoven fibreglass skins that provide enhanced strength and durability and they are designed around a GRP and steel reinforced sash with a double rebated construction. Also, the foam density used within our own in-house

sash manufacturing is nearly three times denser than the foam density typically used within slabs imported from the far east.

“The new anti-bow guarantee really helps our partners to demonstrate the quality of engineering that goes into Apeer doors, to their homeowner customers, as does our new paint warranty.

“We know that colour and finish play a huge part in the purchasing decision for consumers when choosing a new entrance door, and because we only use the best automotive grade paint for our products from one of the world’s largest manufacturers of high-quality paint, they can rest assured that it will not suffer from peeling, blistering or cracking for up to 10-years.”

Apeer’s range includes 62 x 70mm doors, 60 x 44mm doors, 20 options across the Residence Door Collection by Apeer and 16 products in its Kärben Hybrid Aluminium Entrance Door Collection, which is the first residential door to incorporate carbon fibre

www.uapcorporate.com

into its construction for optimum strength and rigidity.

The latest Apeer catalogue is available now and for more information visit: www.apeer.co.uk.

BUILDERS MERCHANT BUILDING INDEX

MERCHANTS’ MAY VALUE SALES DOWN -5.2%, AS VOLUMES FALL -7.0%

The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report, published in July, shows builders’ merchants’ value sales in May were down -5.2% year-on-year.

Volume sales fell -7.0% and prices edged up +2.0%. With one more trading day this year, like-for-like value sales were down -9.7%.

YEAR-ON-YEAR

Nine of the twelve categories performed better in May, year-on-year, than Total Merchants, with Workwear & Safetywear (+18.8%), Decorating (+3.7%) and Kitchens & Bathrooms (+2.0%) doing best. Two of the largest categories – Timber & Joinery Products (-6.9%) and Heavy Building

Materials (-7.7%) – declined more than Total Merchants. Renewables & Water Saving was the weakest category (-37.1%).

LAST THREE MONTHS

Total sales in the three months March to May 2024 were -5.2% lower than the same three-month period in 2023. Volume sales were down -5.8% and prices were slightly up (+0.6%). With one more trading day this year, like-for-like value sales were -6.7% lower. Six of the twelve categories sold more with Workwear & Safetywear (+14.4%) growing the most. Renewables & Water Saving (-29.3%) was the weakest performing category.

MONTH-ON-MONTH

May total value sales were +3.0% higher than April. Volume sales increased +2.2% and prices were marginally higher (+0.8%)

month-on-month. Half of the twelve categories sold more, with two of the largest categories - Landscaping (+12.7%) and Heavy Building Materials (+3.7%) – leading the pack. Plumbing Heating & Electrical (-5.8%) and Renewables & Water Saving (-18.4%) sales contracted the most.

ROLLING 12 MONTHS

In the 12 months from June 2023 to May 2024 total merchant sales were -4.5% lower than the same period the year before (June 2022 to May 2023). Volume sales slumped -8.9% while prices rose +4.8%. With six extra trading days in the most recent

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12-month period, like-for-like value sales were down -6.8%. Workwear & Safetywear (+9.5%), Decorating (+7.1%) and Miscellaneous (+5.4%) did best. But two of the three largest categories - Heavy Building Materials (-5.4%) and Timber & Joinery Products (-10.2%) - sold less.

For the full report, including comments from the BMBI’s panel of leading industry Experts, please visit www.bmbi.co.uk.

SAFEDOORS INTRODUCE THE AUTOLOCK AV4 FROM WINKHAUS

Safedoors, a leading provider of highquality composite doors has further enhanced its doors’ security credentials with the introduction of the autoLock AV4 from Winkhaus.

Available on doorsets with pull bar handles and finger pulls, this highquality automatic multi-point locking system takes door security and product functionality to the next level.

Steve Jones, Managing Director of Epwin Fabrication, said: “The autoLock AV4 has replaced Safedoors’ current auto fire locks when used in conjunction with pull bar handles and finger pulls. The AV4 automatically engages multiple locking points when the door is pulled closed, eliminating the need to lift a handle or use a key. It’s a high quality locking system which perfectly aligns with our reputation for offering product excellence.”

As you would expect from a high-security locking system, the autoLock AV4 is PAS 24:2022 compliant ensuring that Safedoors’ products continue to meet rigorous security standards. Additionally, the lock is Secured by Design approved, providing customers with added peace of mind regarding the safety and security of their homes.

Steve said: “We are committed to providing our customers with the highest levels of security and convenience, and the AV4 exemplifies this commitment. With its automatic locking functionality and compliance with industry standards, the autoLock AV4 sets a new standard for door security.”

Mike Rushen, Sales Director for Winkhaus uk, commented: “Winkhaus are privileged to have worked closely with Safedoors for over a decade now, with our high security multi-point locking solutions in use for over 90% of their product range. AV4 was unveiled to a very positive reception last year, and I’m proud to see that Safedoors has taken it on in our latest collaboration.”

The autoLock AV4 requires the lowest force to operate and has the widest installation tolerances, significantly reducing the need for lock adjustment throughout the door’s lifespan. This not only saves valuable time, but also minimises associated maintenance costs, providing a cost-effective solution and greater consumer satisfaction.

Steve concluded: “Safedoors has always brought the reassurance of a brand with an exceptional market pedigree. With the autoLock AV4 automatic multi-point locking system available now on our doors, the benefits build on an already powerful proposition.”

Tel: 07831 187626

https://safedoors.co.uk/

NEW ACCREDITATION FOR AWARD-WINNING LETTERPLATE

UAP Ltd’s award-winning Soterian TS008 letterplate receives updated BSI Kitemark.

UAP is pleased and proud to announce that its TS008 letterplate has received an updated TS008 certification from BSI Kitemark. The award-winning Soterian TS008 letterplate is available in standard and slim version.

PROTEQ10 GUARANTEE IS SIMPLIFIED

VBH, the specialist behind the greenteQ hardware range, has made improvements to the registration process for its proteQ10 profile cylinder anti snap guarantee.

Under the guarantee, which covers the popular greenteQ Orion TS007 3 star profile cylinder, consumers can expect a payment of £2000 should an Orion snap to allow a successful break in.

VBH has launched a completely new registration process to make it ‘even easier’ for the end customer to register their cylinder.

The information card that comes with each cylinder has now been updated to include a QR code that takes the customer directly to the registration page of a new website.

This year’s Guild of Architectural Ironmongery Member’s Day proved successful for UAP as the team took home the coveted Company Innovation trophy at the event’s Community Awards.

The accolade is reserved for companies that can demonstrate innovation through improvement in processes, which will in turn improve the company, its customers or the wider society. Speaking of UAP’s validation of this, the award judges said the hardware manufacturer was a “great entry that demonstrates innovation being a core ethos for the company; certainly on a major growth drive and putting it in the infrastructure, products and real estate to deliver it.”

The Soterian Slim letterplate is unique to the UK market and the most compact TS008compliant letterplate ever made. Manufactured for 44mm-70mm composite, timber and uPVC doors, the product is fast and easy to install; providing a convenient, safe and more secure solution for the end user.

UAP’s CEO David Jennings commented: “The Soterian letterplate is undoubtedly

our flagship product here at UAP – it has its own dedicated team and workshop here at our Bury base, with boxes being shipped all over the world every day.

“Alongside the Fire Door Maintenance training centre, also here at our HQ, the letterplate has put our company on the map for fire safety and specification. The updated TS008 certification acts as further proof to our commitment to the fire sector, and innovation across the fenestration industry as a whole.

“The certificate’s in the post!”

www.uapcorporate.com

The easy-to-use site takes the visitor through the simple registration process in just a few clicks. Once registered, the cylinder’s 10-year anti-snap and function guarantees are activated. In addition, by setting a Key Security Password during registration, the user activates the free Key Security Scheme, which prevents additional keys from being ordered via the key number unless the password is provided.

Gary Gleeson, Marketing Manager at VBH, says, “We have had over 18,000 individual registrations since launching the proteQ10 guarantee and security scheme.

“These improvements to the key card and website make product registration easier than ever. greenteQ Orion is the obvious choice for installers and lock replacement specialists, as it is easy to explain the benefits of the cylinder and the process of registering for proteQ10 to potential customers.

“Once the cylinder is registered, VBH takes over responsibility for all dealings with the end user in the unlikely event of an issue, saving our customers the potential headaches and costs of call outs and providing replacement products.”

VBH can be contacted on 01634 263263 or by email at info@vbhgb.com.

UAP National Sales Director, Barry Halpin who collected the award said: ”It’s great to be recognised for our innovations as a business. I’m so proud of everyone at UAP, and another amazing achievement and recognition for the hard work the whole team put in.”

News of the award came shortly after UAP –and sister company FDM – were shortlisted for eight NFAs later this year, marking a grand start to 2024’s awards season.

www.uapcorporate.com

SIEGENIA FOCUSES ON SMART LIVING

FEEL AT HOME IN THE FUTURE

Throughout its over 100year history, SIEGENIA has been at the forefront of innovation, and this remains the case today. Their extensive smart home offering includes motorised doors and access control systems, monitoring, sensor and app technology that can be integrated with third-party products to create smart living scenarios.

GENIUS DOOR LOCK AND ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS

One established, popular product which led the way for SIEGENIA in this field is their GENIUS electromechanical multipoint door lock. Perfect for high-end projects where accessibility and security are paramount, the powerful gear motor quickly and quietly locks and unlocks the round bolt-hook bolt combination in the auxiliary lock case as well as the main bolt, ensuring maximum sealing. And this can be combined with any of SIEGENIA’s digital access control systems, such as their fingerprint scanner, keypad, transponder, or even their SIEGENIA comfort app for maximum ease of operation and optical effect. It can also be combined with thirdparty systems. The GENIUS is not just suitable for residential buildings but there are also versions available as emergency exit and panic door solutions for commercial

drives for windows and sliding doors for some time as part of their “Room Comfort” and more recently “360° Room Comfort” philosophy which aims to create comfortable, future-oriented living spaces that maximise well-being, security and universal accessibility.

“SMART HOUSE” EXHIBIT SHOWCASED NEW PRODUCTS

As per their tradition of not relying on

products which were demonstrated in a smart house exhibit on their stand at the FENSTERBAU window and door trade fair in Germany in March. New products on show included window solutions such as the DRIVE CL motor, smart window handle and smart sensor, as well as the DRIVE axxent LS concealed motorised drive for sliding doors which launches this summer. There were also sensor and app-controlled

“New products on show included window solutions such as the DRIVE CL motor, smart window handle and smart sensor, as well as the DRIVE axxent LS concealed motorised drive for sliding doors which launches this summer. There were also sensor and appcontrolled single-room heat recovery ventilation units such as the AEROPLUS WRG smart and AEROTUBE WRG smart on show.”

single-room heat recovery ventilation units such as the AEROPLUS WRG smart and AEROTUBE WRG smart on show. These products were connected with each other and even with external products such as lighting and heating to create “scenarios”, i.e. procedures that could be initiated via your phone when you leave or enter the home. Marco Nehren, Head of Product Management at SIEGENIA, said “The SIEGENIA central control has shown how the room comfort experience of a house or apartment can be enhanced. This also reflects the feedback from fabricators and retailers, who showed a lot of interest in marketing the system.”

If you would like to find out more about SIEGENIA’s smart products contact 024 7662 2000 or info-uk@siegenia.com.

A consumer lifestyle magazine, specifically for the window industry!

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Improve is distributed as follows:

• 30,000 print distribution via Sainsbury’s ABC1 stores

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Celebrity Features; Expert Articles and Advice Columns

We’ve featured TV legend Kevin McCloud, gardening gurus’ David Domoney and Huw Richards as well as a double act from George Clarke & Max McCurdo, not to mention interior designer to the stars Kelly Hoppen and master of the home makeover Georgina Burnett and Laurence Llewelyn Bowen! To mention a few!

Every Edition contains expert advice from people within the fenestration and surrounding industries, to ensure our readers are not only entertained but also kept informed of subjects such as planning permissions, building regulations and the latest trends and style.

HALLMARK INTRODUCES AV4 AUTOLOCK FROM WINKHAUS UK

Hallmark Doors and Panels, one of the largest composite door manufacturers in the UK, has recently launched the new AV4 multi-point autoLock from Winkhaus UK for their customers and installers.

Winkhaus and Hallmark have been in partnership for over 20 years with AV autoLocking systems part of the composite door manufacturer’s product line for just as long. AV4 is the latest addition to Hallmark’s range of Winkhaus security systems, which includes Cobra, TruLock and AV2. In addition to this, Hallmark is also a fire doorset partner with Winkhaus, and are accredited to manufacture FD30 Fire Doors under the WHUK/BM Trada Q Mark scheme.

THE BENEFITS OF AUTOLOCKS

Winkhaus has thrived when it comes to designing and manufacturing effective security solutions to meet the challenges brought by rapidly evolving security standards, with ease of use for customers at the forefront of each new innovation.

Becoming increasingly popular with homeowners, autoLock doors engage when the door is closed without the need to lift a handle or turn a key. Compared to traditional locks, this will enable homeowners to have better peace of mind when entering or exiting the property, as follow on attacks or burglaries through unlocked doors are less likely, due to the immediate and effective security provided on closure.

All of Winkhaus’ multi-point locking systems feature Nano Protect, our innovative protective coating, which enhances durability, corrosion resistance, and scratch-resistance, meeting the highest EN 1670 corrosion protection standards, and achieving a 66% overrun above the class 5 requirement during tests. Both the AV2 and AV4 autoLocks meet the requirements of the PAS24 standard, are approved by the Police ‘Secured by Design’ security initiative, and are suitable for Composite, Timber, Aluminium and UPVC doors.

A TIMELINE OF INNOVATION

Introduced nearly 20 years ago, Winkhaus’ autoLock AV2 multi-point locking system was the first step in the company’s journey towards an innovation timeline of industry firsts. AV4 is also part of Winkhaus’ ‘Family of Locks’ range, which makes it easier for fabricators and installers to interchange one of our locks

for another based on customer requirements, providing lifetime adaptability. Using the autoLock AV4 routing, Cobra, Thunderbolt, TruLock and autoLock AV2 can be fitted to all door materials and interchanged on-site, thereby reducing the time spent, and cost of, property services and maintenance contractors.

The AV4 multi-point autoLocking system features 40% lower operational force than the market leading AV2 autoLock, providing significant advantages for fabricators and installers by performing reliably where other locks may not, reducing the need for maintenance and call outs to adjust alignment. For tenants and property owners, AV4 ensures user-friendly operation accessible to all ages and abilities, including those who find it difficult to grip and operate other locking solutions. Its longevity and reliability provide a consistent and dependable locking solution, promoting continuity and stability.

Hallmark Doors and Panels, commented: “It’s been great to see both Hallmark and Winkhaus grow together over the years. AV2 has been successful with our customer base, providing a secure and stylish autolocking option, especially for those who are looking for a sleek, modern look.”

“AV4 is seeing more sales with each month since its launch, and it’s not hard to see why. Along with the impressively low force to operate which is beneficial to customers with limited mobility, AV4 is non-handed, which makes it easier for installers as there’s less stock to keep and fewer mistakes on the job. We are very loyal to our suppliers - Winkhaus has been there every step of the way, and we’re excited to see the partnership grow further in the future.”

Mike Rushen, Sales Director for Winkhaus UK, said: “Our mission has always been to guarantee our customers success, and we have enjoyed working with Hallmark to bring our newest autoLock to market. As a longstanding partner with Hallmark, we have delighted in seeing the company grow. It has been a pleasure to collaborate with them for the launch of AV4 and observe the positive reception that this product has had with their customer base.”

“The autoLock AV4 not only exemplifies our dedication to reliability, but also introduces a new era of enhanced security and user-friendly technology, providing our customers with a state-of-the-art solution that prioritises both security and convenience.”

AV4 has been nominated for three categories in the National Fenestration Awards 2024. To vote for your favourites in this year’s awards, visit https://www.fenestrationawards.co.uk/nfa24/.

For more information about AV4, please visit https://www.winkhaus.co.uk/en/autolock-av4 or email us at marketing@winkhaus.co.uk.

autoLock AV4

The future is here

AV4's innovative design combines a 40% reduction in required force to operate with wider installation tolerances for continued ease of operation and customer satisfaction.

40% reduction in required force to operate + Wider installation tolerances + Expanded range of features and finishes +

WINDOW WIDGETS SHARES WAYS TO ACHIEVE LOW U-VALUES

As the government continues to push towards reaching Net Zero, ensuring homes are as energy efficient as possible is key, and businesses within the fenestration industry are vital in supporting homeowners with adapting regulations.

Homeowners are increasingly prioritising energy efficiency as a decisive factor when upgrading and purchasing properties. Recent research demonstrates Brits willingness to invest in properties equipped with energy efficient features including solar panels(28%), double or triple glazed windows(33%), and a new boiler(30%)1. This highlights a notable shift in homeowners’ behaviour towards greater awareness and action on energy efficiency.

The current Part L of the Building Regulations in the UK sets energy performance standards to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. The Future Homes Standard, to be implemented by 2025, will enhance these regulations, potentially requiring windows to have a maximum u-value of 0.8 W/m²K. This aims to reduce heat loss and improve insulation, supporting the UK’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Leading ancillaries firm, Window Widgets, shares product strategies for installers to help reduce u-values and enhance energy efficiency in homes. Achieving low u-values is a key indicator of superior insulation performance, and can involve the inclusion of energy-efficiency driven products:

INCORPORATING A WERBAR

Werbar has quickly become a go-to solution for many in the industry, offering numerous benefits and cost-effective advantages.

Werbar is compatible with the majority of PVC-U window and door systems and is engineered to create additional profile chambers, enhance screw retention, and streamline the fabrication process by allowing the use of PVC screws. These features make it an optimal choice for fabricators.

Werbar is an RCM product (recycled composite material) made from 100% reground PVC. Not only does it reduce u-values but also improves WER (Window Energy Rating) and DER (Door Energy Rating) ratings. For example, adding Werbar to a five-chamber system transforms it into a seven-chamber system and more chambers or cavities results in greater thermal efficiency.

Other benefits include its lighter weight compared to that of steel, which makes handling and installation easier and more efficient. Additionally, Werbar adds screw retention due to the increased wall thickness, providing greater durability and stability for the window or door structure. These advantages contribute to a more robust and efficient end product, enhancing overall performance and longevity. As a critical component in energy efficiency, Werbar helps reduce U-values in windows and doors. This capability is anticipated to align well with the forthcoming building regulations expected to be announced later this year, aiding fabricators in meeting new government standards.

“Using

universal ancillaries like those from Window Widgets can significantly enhance the thermal performance of windows. By combining these elements efficiently, installers and fabricators not only comply with regulatory standards but also contribute to the collective effort towards net-zero carbon emissions.”

Other considerations for installers when choosing a window supplier, also include:

• Window Design: A big factor of the u-value is also linked with the overall design of the windows, including the size, shape and installation. Using higher specification glazing and specialist coats on the glazing can improve the u-value.

• Glazing: Ensuring the windows are double or triple glazed can decrease the u value due to the air or gas-filled spaces between the layers of glass, which significantly reduces heat transfer. Also, applying a low-e coating to the panes of glass can reflect heat back into the room, further reducing heat loss.

• Frame materials: Using insulated frames that are made with low thermal conductivity materials is better for insulation, with uPVC windows known for their excellent insulation properties. For those using aluminium windows and doors, adding thermally broken aluminium solutions can be used to reduce heat transfer.

Window Widgets supplies three thermally-broken aluminium solutions, ideal for bays and couplers in aluminium window and door systems. The wide range of aluminium solutions includes in-line couplers, variable baypoles, fixed baypoles, and cornerposts, providing solutions for aluminium window and door systems. These solutions are crafted to accommodate a variety of property styles, perfect for frame widths ranging from 58mm to 76mm.

Adrian Clare, Technical Sales Executive at Window Widgets, commented: “As the fenestration industry continues to evolve in response to new regulations as well as homeowner demands, achieving low u-values remains highly important.

“In a landscape where energy efficiency is becoming paramount, at Window Widgets we want to provide both essential insights as well as ancillaries to achieve low u-values. As government regulations tighten with goals like the Future Home Standards being introduced in 2025, installers are working to meet these new benchmarks.

“Using universal ancillaries like those from Window Widgets can significantly enhance the thermal performance of windows. By combining these elements efficiently, installers and fabricators not only comply with regulatory standards but also contribute to the collective effort towards net-zero carbon emissions.”

For more information on Window Widgets, please visit: https://www.windowwidgets.co.uk/

1 Data taken from a survey conducted by Window Widgets

DOOR DUE DILIGENCE COULD SAVE YOU £1000S IN FUTURE LEGAL COSTS

Ignorance is not an excuse in the eyes of the law. And it should not be used as an excuse for selling substandard products while still claiming top notch performance.

Unfortunately, if door installers are not doing their due diligence when it comes to buying products which assert compliance with approved ISO standards, then that lack of due diligence is going to have a serious knock on effect across the supply chain as the Future Homes Standard comes into effect next year.

Who has the ultimate responsibility when it comes to door quality and performance? We have already observed how easy it is for manufacturers to make a claim of ‘compliance’ to required standards of

thermal insulation on composite doors. In fact, Apeer has been so appalled by the lengths some companies have gone to in bending the rules and duping their customers, that CEO Asa McGillian paid out of his own pocket to have competitive products that ‘claimed’ compliance, to be independently tested at the TUV Institute Rheinland.

“It didn’t make sense that a hollow monocoque residential door was able to make the claim that it had an Energy rating of A+, and U-values as low as 0.85. This door was being sold against our own Apeer 70mm range which has an insulated core,” commented Asa McGillian. “When running a price comparison, the competitive product was always coming up cheaper. Of course it would – it is a structurally inferior product. But that didn’t stop the assertion that it performed equally. It was essential that we demonstrated this to help installers avoid being further duped by false claims.”

Asa is particularly concerned that with the requirements of the Future Homes Standards, and the drive towards carbon net zero in 2050, thousands of installers, house builders and future property owners are going to be faced with a myriad of complex consequences when the truth comes out that these door products do not perform as required after all, despite the belief that they were when initially ordered and fitted. Which brings us back to the question of wherein lies the responsibility? Will it be the property owner, who will probably be left with the bill of replacing the faulty products while everyone else battles it out? Is it the responsibility of the housebuilders, or the installers, who have not carried out their due diligence? Or who maybe were acting under the belief and reassurance that all building regulations were being met? Or maybe they took a risk in their specification process to go for a cheaper product which gave them better overall margins? Or does

the ultimate responsibility lie with the original door manufacturer?

These are probably questions that will keep a number of future generation lawyers in their high spec EVs for years to come. In the meantime, if you want to avoid that sort of mudslinging, I suggest that any company responsible for the supply and fit of composite doors implements a failsafe process of due diligence when it comes to specifying a compliant door range.

Here’s the thing, all replacement doors must meet the regulated minimum U-value of 1.4 W/m²K and 1.0 W/m2K for New Build. There are products still being sold that don’t meet even this. The only way to overcome the possibility of being gaslighted by unscrupulous manufacturers is to approach the specification process with a heavy dose of cynicism.

• Do not take claims at face value. Any company can produce fudge certification. Check and double check.

• Often accreditation for one product will be stretched across an entire range. Check and double check, ask your manufacturer for third party accreditation for ALL styles and specs. If your supplier claims to have a DSER value from BFRC, go onto the BFRC website and check this covers the styles that you are selling

• Use your common sense. Is it really possible for a hollow monocoque door to perform to the same levels as a 70mm insulated core door? Really?

• Ask to visit the factory. Ask for a covering letter from your supplier together with copies of all claimed standards to ensure that ALL styles are compliant.

“Our 70mm door is actually proven to be seven times more thermally resistant than a hollow monocoque door, and we have invested heavily to ensure that this can be independently verified,” concluded Asa McGillian. “Only by making a commitment to our trade partners can we ensure that this chain of misinformation is disrupted once and for all. We want them to keep their profits, not hand them over to the lawyers.”

www.apeer.co.uk

Asa McGillian

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

WHY U-VALUES ARE THE FUTURE OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN PVCU PRODUCTS

Given the Chancellor’s recent commitment to bringing back housebuilding targets, a spotlight is likely to be placed not only on determining if and how these targets can be met, but also the extent to which the homes built at volume will be zero-carbon homes.

“Our manifesto set out that we want exemplary development to be the norm, not the exception”, a government spokesperson recently said. “We will take steps to ensure we are building more high-quality, welldesigned and sustainable homes.”

In the evolving landscape of sustainability and energy efficiency, VEKA plc’s Technical Director, Paul Kennington, sheds light on why the industry needs to shift focus from traditional Energy Ratings to U-values for PVCu products. This move promises greater accuracy and reliability in measuring a product’s thermal performance, aligning with upcoming regulations and the UK’s net zero target for 2050.

WHY U-VALUES ARE SUPERIOR TO ENERGY RATINGS

“I’m going to say it upfront. I think the days of Energy Ratings are limited. When it comes to accurately indicating how a product will perform, U-values are the way forward.”

NOT LIKE-FOR-LIKE

Whilst most fabricators tend to use one method or the other, as if they were comparable, there are significant differences between the two.

Energy Ratings, with their banding index ranging from E up to A++, serve as a marketing asset with the minimum acceptable rating for building control being B or above. The rating indicates energy loss through the product, as well as energy gain and air leakage.

U-values on the other hand, which building regulations stipulate must be 1.4w/m²k or less in the replacement market, focus solely on energy loss.

ENERGY RATINGS VS. U-VALUES

So, why are U-values a better indicator of how a window system actually performs?

Firstly, it’s important to consider how the ratings are calculated. U-values are designed to solely indicate thermal energy loss through the entire product. Energy ratings, on the other hand, provide an overall rating of how energy

efficient a window or door is, considering several different factors. Plus, there are several external factors such as location, shading, etc., that can affect performance, so it doesn’t always reflect reality.

Another major factor to consider is the consistency in how the ratings are calculated.

U-values are an international standard. Energy ratings are determined by several different private organisations – all of which have their own methods for calculating the rating. Unlike thermal transmission, for which there is an international standard with methodology, there is no such standard for energy ratings.

The result is that whilst the methods used are very similar, small inconsistencies can often mean the difference between an A+ rating and an A rating. Calculation methods change over time, plus, further confusion arises when designers take a U-value from the calculation sheets of an Energy Rating calculation – as these are calculated in a more accurate way than the International Standard used to calculate U-values – and inconsistencies can arise, especially with triple glazing.

It’s clearly a mixed-up situation and no one standard approach exists.

REGULATORY CHANGES:

FUTURE HOMES STANDARD AND APPROVED DOCUMENT L

Perhaps the obvious need for consistency, clarity, and credibility across the sector is

what’s behind the government’s focus on U-values moving forward. This is clear from what’s been included in the recent Future Homes Standard Consultation

CHANGE IS COMING

Moving forward, replacement windows will need to meet the requirements of both Table 4.2 of Approved Document L and must perform as well as the window being replaced. Although this change will already affect some replacement windows, it will really come into play in the future as properties being built now often meet the lower notional values of 1.2w/m²k.

On top of this, there are proposed changes to the calculation methods for windows in new dwellings. Currently, it is possible to use the value of a window of standard size and configuration to represent all windows in a property. The proposal is that this will no longer be the case. The calculation will need to reflect the exact size and configuration of the window being installed. Energy ratings are based on standard windows, therefore, unless a major change is made to the scheme calculation methods, how can energy ratings be a true comparison for replacement windows in the future?

And that’s not all. Included in the consultation is a call for evidence on overheating. Not just in terms of whether this should be applied to material change of use scenarios, but also the potential for overheating in existing dwellings. Both are highly likely to have an impact on whether or not Energy Ratings will be an acceptable form of proof of performance.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

What’s the drive behind all of this? Well, with the UK’s net zero target in mind for 2050, changes need to be taking place now. It makes sense for these to be applied in the newbuild market first – but make no mistake, the longer-term plan will surely be for the replacement market to follow soon. Consultations happen for a reason. And for the government and the market itself to demonstrate performance and progress, we need accurate data – central to which is consistency and credibility, which U-values provide.

This is why at VEKA we intend to focus on referring to U-values for all of our new product suites moving forward. It’s the right thing to do and clearly what the regulatory environment is calling for.

We’re also dedicated to continuing to develop products that meet changing requirements and innovative software that makes the process of calculating U-values as straightforward as possible.

Our focus is not only on supporting the change that needs to happen, but also on driving what that change looks like and how it’s introduced. By commenting on forthcoming standards, we continue to be a leading voice for the industry and encourage everybody across the sector to do the same.

Some will no doubt be apprehensive about developments that might lie ahead. However, others will appreciate that change needs to happen, and legislation suggests it will happen - those that are at the forefront of enabling that change will no doubt benefit commercially and we are here to support that growth.

The next step in that journey? Follow VEKA’s lead and adopt U-values as the best indicator of how your products perform, as we advance into the next generation of fenestration.

Paul Kennington

LOW CARBON GLASS IS A MUST

Paul Higgins, Commercial Director of TuffX, discusses the need for more efficient building materials and explains why low carbon glass is not only a viable solution right now, but a necessary one.

With our new government now selected, attention needs to turn away from the political one-up-man ship that is inevitable in the run up to a General Election and focus firmly on addressing the matters at hand. Not least of which is the energy crisis in the UK, and the increasingly imminent goal of achieving Net Zero by 2050. In Labour’s manifesto the party set out plans to create the publicly owned Great British Energy to deliver clean, home-grown energy, and promises to improve the energy efficiency of existing homes in the UK to cut energy bills. An investment of £6.6 billion has been earmarked for this task over the course of the next parliament. The party has vowed to slash our fuel bills and get the country back on track to meet climate targets.

Only time will tell whether these promises will come to fruition but whether they do or they don’t, the construction industry has a job to do. At the moment, the government is talking about upgrading the performance of existing homes with better insulation, solar panels, and low carbon heating. However, any building material that can save energy or reduce carbon emissions should be utilised sooner rather than later because construction is such a big contributor to carbon emissions.

WHY WAIT TO TAKE ACTION?

Buildings contribute almost 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and with the increasing popularity of glass in buildings, we feel a particular responsibility to do our bit. It is already possible to reduce the carbon dioxide in the glass that goes into windows and doors, as well as other glass building products such as balustrades, and by doing so, we can make a significant difference to the 40% figure and reduce the amount of carbon emitted in a building’s lifetime. We need to lower the carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) that are released in the extraction, refinement, transportation, and processing of all building materials to ensure we play our part in achieving the net zero target.

“If

you think about new build estates, renovations, or commercial properties, the amount of glass in balustrades is significant and therefore has the potential to make a big difference to the overall carbon emissions of the project.”

The switch to low carbon materials is already happening in the commercial sector with specifiers choosing low carbon alternatives wherever possible. Momentum is gathering in the retail sector too and will be boosted if our new government delivers on its promises and starts to push the green agenda more aggressively. Even if they don’t, homeowners are coming to their own conclusions about how to future proof their properties.

CARBON SAVING POTENTIAL

TuffX has worked hard to deliver a low carbon glass option, to prepare for the future, but we are seeing demand for the product right now. Balustrades

particularly are a great item to utilise low carbon glass because they contain such a high volume of the material. If you think about new build estates, renovations, or commercial properties, the amount of glass in balustrades is significant and therefore has the potential to make a big difference to the overall carbon emissions of the project.

All the TuffX low carbon glass products look the same as our other quality glass products. They also perform in the same way. The only difference is that they have up to 50% lower carbon content. In balustrades the achievement of keeping a high standard aesthetic is especially important as so much of the product is on show.

The UK has had to deal with a lot of uncertainty in recent months, with a difficult economic backdrop and an impending General Election. Now that the latter is over and we know what our political future holds, our attention must turn to the green agenda. TuffX is proud to have a solution for our customers to deliver low carbon glass to the market today, to start to make a difference where it matters, sooner rather than later.

http://www.tuffxglass.co.uk/

CAREERS & QUALIFICATIONS IN FENESTRATION

SPONSORED BY GQA AND BUILDING OUR SKILLS

GQA Qualifications is the only issuer of CSCS cards for the Glass and Fenestration industries.

Building Our Skills is a strategic campaign designed to help bridge the growing skills gap in the Fenestration Industry

DUO OF APPOINTMENTS FOR THE RESIDENCE COLLECTION AND WINDOW WIDGETS

Premium window and door designer, The Residence Collection and sister ancillaries company, Window Widgets, has strengthened its team with two new appointments.

With his 20 years of experience in the fenestration industry, Gavin Turner, has joined The Residence Collection and Window Widgets as the new Technical Field Manager for the north.

With his extensive knowledge of the manufacturing methods of windows and doors, Gavin will be pivotal in supporting installers and fabricators in the North of England as well as reviewing and improving the product designs across both businesses.

Julian Dobson has also joined the team as the new Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental (QHSE) Manager. With his 30 years experience in managing and improving QHSE systems across food, medical equipment, manufacturing and defence, Julian is bringing his expertise to the fenestration industry.

Michael Hart, Technical Director of The Residence Collection and Window Widgets, said: “Gavin and Julian’s wealth of knowledge and experience make them excellent additions to our technical and QHSE teams for both of our companies.

“They have a proven track record of driving change and results, and their abilities will undoubtedly support in driving The Residence Collection and Window Widgets forward with our installers and fabricators.”

As a premium provider of timber alternative uPVC windows and doors, The Residence Collection offers a range of window and door styles across three timber alternative collections, R9, R7 and R2. While, sister company Window Widgets is home to the country’s largest range of universal window and door ancillaries for fabricators and installers.

For more information on The Residence Collection please visit https://www.residencecollection.co.uk/ or for Window Widgets visit https://www.windowwidgets.co.uk/

BDC ALUMINIUM APPOINTS NEW

GENERAL MANAGER

BDC Aluminium has strengthened its senior management team. The fabricator of high end aluminium fenestration products for domestic and commercial applications, has appointed Paul McEneaney as its new general manager.

Paul will help shape the next chapter in BDC’s success and growth following its acquisition by Rocal Endurance Holdings in late December 2023.

Stephen Nadin, managing director of Rocal Endurance Holdings, comments: “Paul's extensive experience as an operational specialist makes him an invaluable addition to support our future business growth plans.

“BDC is currently undergoing a significant transition bolstered by the support of our dedicated team. We are actively implementing our strategy to build upon our existing strengths while leveraging the numerous advantages of being part of the Rocal group.

“We are thrilled to have Paul join our senior management team during this exciting phase of development and change. His leadership is perfectly suited to guide the company through this period.”

Paul joins BDC Aluminium having spent over 30 years working in manufacturing.

During this time, he has held several operations director / general manager roles, primarily focused on the manufacturing and installation of furniture and bespoke joinery for both domestic and commercial markets.

His career has seen him work for a number of highly regarded manufacturers including Parker Knoll, Stag, Craftsman Lockers, and Bryan Turner Kitchen Furniture.

Immediately prior to joining BDC, Paul was general manager at Evolution - the profitable and specialist business unit of the UK Windows and Doors Group (UKWDG) which produced ultrapremium timber alternative PVCu windows and doors.

Speaking of his appointment, Paul says: “Joining BDC Aluminium at this particular juncture represented an opportunity that was too good to ignore.

“The business’ focus on quality, craftsmanship and the highest levels of service means it has substantial synergy with Evolution.

“In addition, I am aware of how Rocal has used its expertise and resources to develop some of the most respected and high profile brands in the fenestration sectors including Endurance® Doors. I am looking forward to replicating that success with BDC Aluminium.”

Julian Dobson and Gavin Turner – Image: The Residence Collection

Put your brand at the heart of the UK Glass and Glazing Industry by sponsoring the inaugural Glass Conference.

CAREERS & QUALIFICATIONS IN FENESTRATION

NEW APPOINTMENTS

NEW APPOINTMENTS

NEW APPOINTMENTS

CARSTEN HEUER BECOMES VINYLPLUS NEW

VICE-CHAIRMAN

VinylPlus is pleased to announce that the General Assembly unanimously elected Carsten Heuer, Chief Executive Officer of REHAU Windows Solutions, as the new vice-chairman for the next two years as from May 22, 2024.

Carsten Heuer joined REHAU Industries SE & Co. KG. in 2017, where he is also member of the Executive Board. Before joining REHAU Industries, he was Managing Director at SCHOLLGLAS Holding and Executive Senior Vice-President at Schüco International KG. Carsten Heuer joined the VinylPlus Steering Board in 2023.

Carsten Heuer succeeds Myriam Tryjefaczka, Tarkett, in the role. The VinylPlus General Assembly thanks Myriam for her four years of vice-chairwomanship and her dedication to VinylPlus’ mission.

Following his election, Carsten Heuer said: “There is the clear necessity for strengthening a competitive and resilient EU industry while aligning and supporting the European Green Deal. This means that a strong European industrial policy also is the backbone of social, economic, and environmental sustainability in the European PVC sector providing increasingly sustainable solutions across vital sectors.

“VinylPlus stands for a commitment of the PVC industry and for increasingly sustainable solutions across vital sectors such as healthcare, construction, food, digital infrastructure, and mobility. As Europe navigates its industrial transition, cohesive policies that prioritize sustainability, competitiveness, and EU industrial resilience will be decisive. VinylPlus will continue to support the sustainable growth of its members with full commitment, representing high-quality and environmentally friendly products.”

DOORCO WELCOMES MAILI LAVIN-BAILEY AS MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS EXECUTIVE

Leading composite door manufacturer DoorCo, is delighted to announce that Maili Lavin-Bailey has joined their marketing team, bringing with her a wealth of B2B marketing knowledge to further expand the team’s expertise in delivering what has become one of their central customer service functions.

“With 10 years of diverse marketing experience under my belt, I’m excited to bring a wealth of knowledge to my new role here at DoorCo”, says Maili.

“My journey has taken me through many roles, from a Marketing Executive in customer service outsourcing to working with manufacturers of industrial safety showers, and even diving into social housing. While the industries may differ, the essence of marketing remains the same. It’s the quirks and unique traits of each industry that keep things interesting!

“I’ve discovered there’s so much more to doors than meets the eye! Beyond just looks, there’s a whole world of core materials, cassettes, and hardware to explore. Even after a few months, I’m still soaking up knowledge and can’t wait to dive deeper into the world of doors.

“What excites me about DoorCo is that we’re in a current period of growth and the Marketing Communications Executive role was a brand-new role which gives me the room to shape it and make it my own. What truly impressed me during the interview process was the warmth

WINDOW SUPPLY COMPANY APPOINTS LEADERSHIP POSITION TO DRIVE NEXT PHASE OF GROWTH

and positivity, it just felt like a great place to work.

“One of the best parts about working at DoorCo is the variety and creativity the role offers. No two days are the same, and there’s always a new challenge or opportunity to innovate when promoting our doors and the company. This fits perfectly with my passion for art, both digital and traditional. Although being a parent means time is limited, I cherish any moment I can dedicate to my artistic pursuits.

“Looking ahead, I envision myself in a creative, marketing-based role, managing projects and embracing new challenges, something which DoorCo offers plenty of opportunity for. My focus isn't necessarily on climbing the career ladder but on staying engaged in a role that allows me to explore and innovate every day. I’m thrilled to be here at DoorCo and look forward to bringing a fresh perspective to the team.”

For more information on DoorCo, visit: https://trade.door-co.com/

West Lothian based window and door manufacturer Window Supply Company (WSC) strengthens senior management team with the appointment of Barry Duncan as Managing Director. The strategic move will help shape the next chapter in the company’s success and transition the business into the next phase of growth.

Established in March 2019, WSC has very quickly grown to become the largest manufacturer of uPVC windows and doors for trade in Scotland, now positioned as one of the largest in the UK. The firm’s head office and manufacturing operations are based in Whitburn West Lothian, serving trade counters in Aberdeen, Bellshill, Dundee, Livingston, Loanhead, Inverness, Kilmarnock, Sheffield, Manchester, and Lincoln.

A qualified Chartered Accountant with over 20 years’ experience as a finance and operational business leader in the FM, Housing Maintenance and Construction sector. Barry has extensive experience in managing organisations and creating high performing, empowered teams. During this time, he has held

"Barry has extensive experience in managing organisations and creating high performing, empowered teams."

Barry Duncan

several Managing Director / Board level positions. Key career highlights include Managing Director (Scotland) – Mears Group plc, Finance Director – Mears Scotland LLP, Managing Director Curtis Moore (Cladding Systems) Ltd and Finance & Operations Director – Benglass Ltd.

CEO Duncan Murray says: "We are currently positioned as the fastest growing engineering and manufacturing firm in Scotland’s fast growth 50 index. This incredible achievement is testament to our team’s expertise and forward-thinking vision. We are now actively implementing a strategy to build on our existing strengths, and we are thrilled to have Barry on board. His leadership will be fundamental in guiding the business to long-term success and his appointment demonstrates the unwavering ambition of this business."

Barry commented: "I’m delighted to be joining Window Supply Company as Managing Director, working with an impressive business and brand to build on the existing momentum which has been built with the existing team over the last 5 years."

Barry officially starts his role with Window Supply Company on Monday 22nd July.

www.windowsupplycompany.co.uk

NEW APPOINTMENTS

SHEERLINE STRENGTHENS SALES TEAM WITH NEW HIRE FOR THE SOUTH EAST AREA

Sheerline is delighted to announce the appointment of a new Area Sales Manager for the South East region. The appointment is part of the company’s strategic vision to bolster the sales team and ensure the company has a strong regional presence to assist customers around the UK.

Mike Sillwood brings with him over 30 years of experience in sales, account management, and business development. This includes 15 years within the fenestration industry with a focus on design and hardware, so he may already be a familiar face to potential customers in the area.

Because of this experience within the fenestration industry, Mike was already aware of Sheerline’s products, which was part of the appeal of the role for him. It also means he is

NEW APPOINTMENTS

well placed to champion the brand to customers who are thinking about broadening their offering.

As a goal-orientated salesperson, Mike is looking forward to promoting Sheerline within the South East region, highlighting the brands’ award-winning product range and the benefits of working with a company that is changing the aluminium landscape for the better.

Tony Basile, Sheerline’s National Sales Director, said: “The South East region is key for us and our long-term strategic growth plan, that’s why it’s fantastic to have Mike on board. He’s got a strong background in sales and was already familiar with our products before joining the team, so he already understands the brand and what our customers value.”

Mike commented: “Having witnessed Sheerline’s significant growth over a short period, when the opportunity came up to join the team, I knew it was not to be missed. What I particularly like about the company is the fact it’s forwardthinking, innovative, and has a diverse portfolio of products and actually makes everything it sells.”

If you’re based in the South East Area and are interested in fabricating Sheerline’s whole-house aluminium system, get in touch with Mike today by calling 07786 188272, or email him on: mike.sillwood@garnalex.com.

CAREERS

SENIOR ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS’ MAKES A MAJOR NEW APPOINTMENT

Senior Architectural Systems, the UK’s largest privately owned manufacturer of aluminium windows, doors and curtain wall solutions, has appointed Mark Rossouw to the newly created role of major projects manager.

A familiar face within the construction industry, Mark brings with him over 15 years’ experience of helping to design and deliver multi-product fenestration packages and previously worked for Senior as one of the company’s regionally based architectural advisors. Mark rejoins Senior as major projects manager to support the company’s growing order book of larger and more complex contracts, and further develop its supply chain partnerships with national main contractors, architects and fabricators.

In his new role, Mark will work closely with Senior’s national specification manager to oversee Senior’s involvement in the many high-value and longer term contracts that the company has secured across the country, with a particular focus on London and the South East. This pipeline also include large-scale regeneration projects and mixed use residential schemes where Senior can provide a complete package of thermally-efficient fenestration systems manufactured using fully recyclable low carbon aluminium.

CARL F GROUPCO APPOINTS ALEX MACINTOSH AS NEW CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Independent hardware supplier Carl F Groupco has appointed Alex Macintosh as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), succeeding Owen Coop following his appointment as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Alex held senior finance positions both within and outside the fenestration industry. He holds a professional accounting qualification and a diploma in business and will oversee all financerelated activities at Carl F Groupco, including business planning, budgeting,

forecasting and negotiations. His proven expertise will be instrumental in driving the company’s continued growth and success.

Alex said: “I am delighted to have joined Carl F Groupco, a company with such a strong heritage and track record. I’m looking forward to working with the management team and beyond to continue taking the business forward.”

Owen Coop, CEO, commented: “As I know from my own experience, the role of Chief Financial Officer is critical in a successful organisation. Alex has all the credentials we were looking for and brings a great deal of valuable experience to the business.”

Carl F Groupco is one of the only independently-owned hardware distributors in the UK, supplying an extensive range

Commenting, Senior’s new major projects manager Mark Rossouw said: “It’s great to be back with Senior and to be able to take on a brand new role that will allow me to draw on my existing experience and knowledge but also challenge me to continue to find new and innovative solutions for our customers. This is a really exciting time for Senior as we take on larger and longer term contracts and I’m looking forward to working closely with the wider project teams to see them successfully brought to fruition.”

For more information, please visit www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk or search for Senior Architectural Systems on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

of premium quality window and door hardware to the fenestration industry throughout the UK. It also offers a genuine commitment to customer service, advice and product solutions.

As Carl F Groupco continues to evolve and adapt to the demands of the market, the

“I am delighted to have joined Carl F Groupco, a company with such a strong heritage and track record. I’m looking forward to working with the management team and beyond to continue taking the business forward.”

appointment of Alex Macintosh highlights the company’s dedication to business excellence and sustained growth. Tel: 01733 393 330

www.carlfgroupco.co.uk www.smartsecure.co.uk www.carlfdirect.co.uk

Alex Macintosh

Fill

your competition

in your answer and your contact details below and send your competition entry to: FAO: Christina Lazenby, Glass News Competitions, 19 Heather Close, Tickhill, Doncaster, DN11 9UU or Email: christina@glassnews.co.uk. Entry deadline: 20/08/24.

DANNY WILLIAMS ‘COLD CALLING’

DEAR SIR STARMER, PRIME MINISTER

“Whilst I am fairly certain you will never have heard of me, I wanted to drop you a line so that at the very least, I can satisfy myself that, given the opportunity to express myself through the medium of the excellent organ that is Glass News, I have at least got some thoughts down on paper. That you or any of your acolytes are ever likely to subscribe to this illustrious tome might be a stretch, who knows, stranger things have happened. Such as that we might get a government that comprises politicians that are anything other than another bunch of feckless, corrupt, self-serving, power-hungry liars, only demarked by the colour of the logo they govern under.”

Since the inevitable happened and Sir Starmer and his bunch dropped into power with an enormous majority I do welcome one thing: a calm has settled on the nation that, the inevitable loss in the final of the

* Danny Williams is managing director

Euros notwithstanding, has been broadly welcomed. How refreshing to be able to switch on the TV or especially the wireless, and not be bombarded by idiot politicians that have no idea how ridiculous they sound every time they dodge yet another simple question with a tirade about the failures and integrity of the opposition party. Why is it so difficult for them – all of them – to understand that the vast majority of us are intelligent enough to process rational and articulate responses?

This is however, the lull before the storm. However earnest they may be when they set out, most politicians inevitably become morally bankrupt. They are only interested in popularity and the rhetoric surrounding it and are therefore unlikely ever to do what is right if it is not also popular and so we will continue to spiral downwards. I have no more faith that this bunch, ultimately, will be any different than previous Labour governments let alone as individuals. Those new to the job will inevitably start out as earnest, principled people that ‘want to make a difference’ but they too will submit to the system and immerse themselves in the swamp.

However, just in case Sir Starmer or any of his honchos are regular readers of Glass News, I thought I would get in quick with some words of Danny-Wisdom that might help smooth the way forward, as a sort of supplement to the shopping list that is the Kings Speech. However unlikely it might be that the words ‘Hang on chaps, I read this really compelling piece in Glass News the other day that I think we should really take notice of…’ are uttered in a cabinet meeting, let’s give it a try…

1 “Brexit. Instead of our politicians and media talking it down, get over it! It’s

happened, stop blaming everything on Brexit and the people that voted for it and let’s make it a game changing success. OK, the passport queues are longer but we have everything that we had inside the EU, without the restrictions it imposed on us.

2 NHS! Concentrating A&E and surgery on fewer, larger centres, was a huge mistake and those have to be devolved. Here’s another idea: allow private A&E for those that can afford it or are insured. It will help reduce the pressure on NHS A&E departments that are falling apart.

3 Illegal immigration. Deal with it NOW! Send them back to France, just do something, and not least acknowledge that very few of those coming over are genuinely seeking political asylum.

4 Legal immigration. Make legal immigration much easier – we need the skills! But reduce the ridiculously high wage cap for those arriving on Skilled Worker visas.

5 Reduce tax! At least for those that run Britain’s businesses and employers. Distinguish between the billionaires that don’t put anything back into Britain other than buying up large swathes of high-end property, and those that drive Britain forward creating jobs and security.

6 Sort out the benefits system. Get the British back to work, curb benefits; you can’t blame those for claiming and taking advantage of a soft system.

7 Public Sector Employment. The public sector is a complete disaster, the employer pension contributions are too high, the hours are too short, there’s too much holiday; stop unlimited paid

sick leave and cap it at a week or two, and introduce and enforce the Bradford Factor for absentees, overall bringing employment in the public sector more into line with the private sector.

8 Education. Do not tax private ducation, it’s a ridiculous notion. Make universities free for high achieving students but encourage the take up of apprenticeships and end the snobbery that surrounds university education. End the ridiculous red tape and bureaucracy that companies face when taking on apprentices.

9 Put an end to ‘woke’! Stop encouraging all the ridiculous woke virtue signalling, especially around gender. Most of us simply do not care either way.

10 Mental Health and the young. We have millions of young people claiming disability benefits for mental health: stop simply paying out the cash and create strategies to get them straight, including community work, which will benefit them and their communities and improve their mental health.

11 Build Social Housing of course! Build it now and lots of it, for couples and families, not the sick, lame and lazy.

12 Increase Defence Spending. Successive governments have wound down our defence capabilities to the point where we are defenceless in most scenarios.

13 Increase Police Numbers. The number of crimes that simply go unattended let alone investigated, is the highest ever. And not simply trivial crime either. We need to dramatically increase the numbers of visible police on the streets.”

Onwards and upwards my fellow citizensPower to the People!

British Plastics Federation (BPF)

Tel: 0207 457 5000

British Standards Institution (BSI)

– Standards & Publications

Tel: 0208 996 9001

BSI – Assessment & Certification

Tel: 0845 080 9000

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: 0345 053 8975

Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme (FENSA)

Tel: 0207 645 3700

Get Britain Building (GBB)

Tel: 0870 162 0936

Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF)

Tel: 0207 939 9101

GQA Qualifications (formerly Glass Qualifications Authority)

Tel: 0114 2720033

christina@improve-magazine.co.uk www.improve-magazine.co.uk

Health & Safety Executive (HSE)

– Glass & Related Industries

Phil Smith, HM Principal Inspector

Tel: 01782 602300

David Appleton, HM Inspector

Tel: 0115 9712800

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

Maintenance-free PVCu fascia boards are 20mm thick (instead of the usual 16mm) for superb strength.

Not

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Summer 2024 Digital Edition will be in your inboxes by now! To book Autumn 2024 Digital –deadline date is 1st August. To book the Print Edition (out in September) – deadline date is 19th July. Digital or print, the choice is yours!

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We’ve featured TV legend Kevin McCloud, gardening gurus’ David Domoney and Huw Richards as well as a double act from George Clarke & Max McCurdo, not to mention interior designer to the stars Kelly Hoppen and master of the home makeover Georgina Burnett and Laurence Llewelyn Bowen! To mention a few!

Every Edition contains expert advice from people within the fenestration and surrounding industries, to ensure our readers are not only entertained but also kept informed of subjects such as planning permissions, building regulations and the latest trends and style.

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