Glass News December 2024

FASTER, BETTER, STRONGER

“IN MY OPINION, EDGETECH LEADS THE WAY IN THE MARKET”

INVESTING IN AUTOMATION

After twenty years working with Edgetech, respected manufacturer Sternfenster have reinvested in a state-of-the-art automated spacer application line. “Super Spacer® delivers exceptional thermal performance, resulting in impressive U-values for our windows,” says Sternfenster Glass Production & Stores Manager Einars Kalva.

“This translates to significant energy savings for our customers and minimises the risk of condensation on the IGU. With the new application line, we’re able to manufacture exceptional units more quickly, efficiently and in higher volumes than before.”

WANT TO SUPERCHARGE YOUR IGU MANUFACTURING AND EMBRACE THE FUTURE OF FENESTRATION? SPEAK TO EDGETECH TODAY. T: 02476 995704 | E: ukenquiries@edgetechig.com | www.edgetechig.co.uk SEE WHY CUSTOMERS CHOOSE US SCAN HERE »

EINARS KALVA, STERNFENSTER

GEORGE BARNSDALE CELEBRATES 140 YEARS OF CRAFTSMANSHIP AND COMMUNITY IMPACT

George Barnsdale, a highly respected manufacturer of premium timber windows and doors, is proud to announce its 140th anniversary.

Since its founding in 1884 by George Barnsdale, the family-run business has become a cornerstone of the Lincolnshire village of Donington, contributing to both the local community and the broader construction industry.

To commemorate this landmark anniversary, George Barnsdale is set to publish a special commemorative newspaper that details its rich history, milestones, and the significant impact it has had on both the local community and the timber industry.

A staff celebration will also take place, honouring the dedicated team whose hard work and craftsmanship have been vital to the company’s success.

THE STORY SO FAR

The journey began when a young George Barnsdale purchased a modest plot of land in Donington Market Place, establishing a small carpentry

workshop that quickly garnered a reputation for quality craftsmanship.

Over the decades, the company, which offers a nationwide project management and installation service, has evolved significantly, transitioning from steam-powered machinery to advanced robotic technology, all while staying true to its roots and commitment to high quality timber products.

IMPACT ON THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

George Barnsdale has played an instrumental role in sustaining the local economy of Donington. By providing valuable, highly skilled jobs, the company has supported hundreds of families over the years.

The Barnsdale family’s involvement extends beyond employment; they actively contribute to local charities, educational initiatives, and community events, solidifying the company's position as an integral part of village life.

INNOVATIVE MANUFACTURING PRACTICES

The company’s state-of-the-art factory is a testament to its dedication

to quality, sustainability, and innovation. With a commitment to environmentally responsible practices, George Barnsdale takes pride in its proactive sourcing of timber from certified sustainable forests, ensuring that every piece of wood is traceable and responsibly harvested. The company also employs a multitude of energy-saving measures, including using recycled fuel made from timber waste to power its generator.

The factory is equipped with CNCcontrolled machinery, humiditycontrolled environments, and stringent glazing standards, ensuring that each product not only meets but exceeds industry expectations.

However, it is the significant investment of time and expertise in design and software setup that truly sets George Barnsdale apart. This commitment has enabled the company to efficiently adapt its range of products for precise customisation, allowing for the creation of unique, high-performance windows and doors tailored to individual client needs. Furthermore, George Barnsdale’s rigorous testing processes—including weather performance, security evaluations, and paint durability— ensure that its products deliver longlasting performance with minimal maintenance.

A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE

Throughout its 140-year history, George Barnsdale has embraced its role as a custodian of heritage buildings, ensuring their preservation for future generations. The company has been involved in numerous pan-European industry research projects, collaborating with organisations like the Building Research Establishment and the British Woodworking Federation to enhance the longevity and performance of timber fenestration.

Tom Wright, Managing Director of George Barnsdale, commented on the anniversary: “As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we reflect on our heritage and the strong ties we have with our community. Our legacy is not just about producing exceptional timber products; it’s about the people who make this company what it is. We are dedicated to maintaining our family values while continuously innovating to meet the needs of our customers. Our commitment to sustainability and excellence remains unwavering, and we look forward to another 140 years of success and community engagement.”

As the company looks to the future, it remains committed to its mission of uplifting communities and providing exceptional products that enhance the beauty and functionality of homes and businesses.

For more information about George Barnsdale and its 140th anniversary celebrations, please visit https://georgebarnsdale.co.uk.

‘AUTOMATION’ IS THE WORD ON EVERYONE’S LIPS AT GLASSTEC

Thermoseal Group’s new innovations and machinery proved to be a smash hit at this year’s Glasstec Exhibition in Dusseldorf, held between October 22-25, 2024.

And the interest in Thermoseal Group’s automated processes and machinery proved to be a particular highlight, according to Sales Director, Mark Hickox. “People were very interested in the automation aspect of Thermoflex, which is, of course, now certified as the best performing flexible silicone rubber spacer bar in the world.

“We had lots of conversations with people on our stand about the cost saving benefits of automation, as well as the conductivity values and performance of Thermoflex, compared to other thermo-plastic spacers on the market.”

New Thermobar ancillaries were also on show, including a complete range of plastic straight connectors, which promise to increase efficiencies, reduce waste, and improve product quality for IGU manufacturers.

“Exhibitions like Glasstec give us the chance to show how committed we are to the international market, which has only been strengthened by our acquisition by Fenzi, and collaboratively place Thermoseal Group’s British-manufactured products on even more global stages”, explained Mark.

“They also allow us to showcase the breadth of products and services that we offer.”

This included Thermoseal Group’s new hot melt machinery. The purpose-built machines feed flexible spacer lines, creating automated efficiencies and holding a reservoir of approximately 200 litres of hot melt.

And Thermoseal Group’s annual ThermoBAR event, held on the evening of October 23rd, was once-again a success, bringing together over 150 industry specialists – including new owners, Fenzi.

“It was great to celebrate with colleagues and friends, old and new, at our ThermoBAR event. Glasstec is a wonderful

event to network, and our annual celebration gives everyone the chance to let their hair down over a drink and catch up!”

For more information, please visit www.thermosealgroup.com, or call 0121 331 3955.

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KILIMANJARO TRIUMPH FOR TEAM DOORCO

Mark Towers and Lucy Daniels from DoorCo recently completed the Kelly’s Heroes Kilimanjaro challenge and smashed their fundraising target by 214%, raising over £15,000.

Mark Towers, DoorCo’s Strategy Director, tells us more: “Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for Kelly’s Heroes was of the biggest challenges, both mentally and physically, that I have ever had to deal with. People talk about bucket lists, and this was definitely not on mine! But, I was determined to support the charity which is close to all our hearts at DoorCo.

“Even with 6-months of gym and walking training, I did not feel ready for the climb and stopping at the bottom of the mountain for photos was daunting. I used a few expletives at that moment, that continued to be used daily.

“Overall though, the climb was fun thanks to the amazing team we had the pleasure of climbing with. We were so well supported by the porters and guides, too. Reaching the summit was epic; the view above the clouds was stunning, you could see for miles. We were all so relieved to reach the top, we just hugged each other in congratulations and thanks.

“To have achieved climbing Mount Kilimanjaro goes above and beyond my expectations, it feels surreal to have made it and it pushed both my mental and physical strength. But all this fades into insignificance when the reason for this challenge was to support a fantastic charity that works to prevent suicide. The money we have been able to raise has been phenomenal and this will allow Kelly’s Heroes to help many more people in need. We would like to thank our generous industry and our friends and family for the generous donations that have helped Lucy and I smash our target.”

Lucy Daniels, Distribution Account Leader at DoorCo, adds: “Kilimanjaro for me was the best and most exciting trip that I ever could’ve dreamed of doing! Without DoorCo, I never would have had the chance to have such an experience and for that, I am extremely grateful.

“Waking up every day, I felt so lucky and couldn’t have asked for a better team to walk beside and take on the challenges we faced. Summit night for me was the biggest challenge, with just 2 hours sleep the tiredness really started to set in and I was fighting to stay awake, but with the thought of the charity in the back of your mind, the drive determination of the rest of the team, we pushed through and managed to achieve our goal.

“Thank you to everyone that has supported Mark and I, from donations made, to the team we travelled with. It was a truly amazing experience that I will never forget and one that will hopefully have a positive impact on many more lives too via Kelly’s Heroes.”

You can still sponsor Lucy & Mark, and maybe even help them triple their target for Kelly’s Heroes, via: https://www.justgiving.com/team/doorco-kilimanjaro.

NEW ENDURANCE TEAM TO DELIVER FURTHER SUCCESS AND GROWTH

Endurance® Doors has created a new team to act as a catalyst in its continuing success.

The SLT, or Senior Leadership team, sits just below the composite door manufacturer’s executive management and is uniquely placed to maximise communication, collaboration and engagement across the business.

“The SLT is a multi-faceted group of senior professionals with a 360° view of our operations” explains Stephen Nadin, Managing Director at Endurance® Doors.

“It brings together different heads of function to create a melting pot of ideas and a launch pad for further innovation.

“It also acts as a valuable conduit helping to facilitate cooperation and the free flow of information and ideas in all directions - whether that’s vertically between leaders and teams, and vice versa, or laterally between departments.”

The members of the Endurance SLT are drawn from areas across the business including operations, customer experience, sales, marketing, technical, business systems, procurement and finance.

As well as having eclectic areas of professional expertise, these individuals also have differing amounts of experience of Endurance® Doors and the wider fenestration sector.

Some have been with the manufacturer for many years and have already made a significant contribution to its existing achievements.

Others are relatively new appointments and bring fresh perspectives and a first-hand knowledge of best practice methodologies employed in other industries.

The SLT will work together to help determine strategic objectives for Endurance® Doors before implementing and owning the necessary department-level strategies to achieve these goals.

The SLT will also communicate Endurance’s strategic objectives to their teams, ensuring colleagues at every level understand their value and the importance of their contribution.

“We are genuinely excited by the formation of the SLT and the dividends it will deliver for our business” adds Stephen.

“It will play an important role in harnessing the full potential of our people, ensuring they feel empowered and engaged with the business’ goals and direction, as well as a real sense of ownership over its future successes.”

SHEERLINE LAUNCHES COMPREHENSIVE SPECIFICATION GUIDE

Sheerline has launched its new Specification Guide for fabricators, installers, and architects. At 170 pages, this comprehensive overview of the UK’s most innovative aluminium range features everything specifiers need to help them find the right product.

As well as an introduction to the Sheerline system and its benefits, it also details how being a vertically integrated manufacturer enables it to offer an agile and responsive service. Putting the key details for specifiers and those tendering for large-scale commercial projects at the reader’s fingertips.

This includes style options, sightlines, colours, and foil options as well as the technology behind Thermlock® and how it ensures all products are easily Part L compliant. Several of Sheerline’s innovative solutions are also highlighted, such as the Prestige Reverse Butt Joint.

This is ideal for commercial projects as customers can specify fully internally glazed aluminium windows, with no need for dummy sashes, and simplified installation. Also included is an overview of the current Building Regulations that apply to the fenestration industry.

Tony Basile, Sheerline’s National Sales Director, said: “Part of our commitment as a brand is to make life easier for our fabricator partners. Not only will our Spec Guide simplify things for our existing partners, but it will help prospective customers tendering for commercial projects.”

“It has been a real labour of love for the marketing and R&D teams, and they’ve done a fantastic job of bringing our products to life in brilliant detail. It’s a significant milestone for us as a company, and shows where we are headed,” he added.

Sheerline has already received positive feedback from customers including HWL Windows, who said: “This will be an invaluable tool for our sales team and training on Sheerline.”

Copies of Sheerline’s Specification Guide are making their way to existing customers and will be arriving on their orders soon. Anyone interested in receiving a copy should email: commercial@sheerline.com with their request. Further information is available via the website here: https://www.sheerline.com/specifiers/

VBH LOVES FOOTBALL

The team at VBH loves football, and the company is proud to have supported a number of teams down the years at various levels.

They are currently involved with two clubs in England, and another in Scotland.

In the north VBH have recently supplied shirts for Rossvale FC. Based in Bishopbriggs, near Glasgow, Rossvale is one of the largest football community clubs in Scotland, with around 800 men, women, boys, and girls registered to play.

The club was originally set up in 1976 and has been serving the community ever since. The Under 15s are sporting VBH/greenteQ shirt sponsorship this season.

Rossvale U15s have started the season well, with a long unbeaten run and have made it to the League Cup final.

Moving further south, VBH is the Match Ball sponsor of Sutton United FC, who are currently consolidating their position in the Midlands Football League Division 1 after consecutive promotions as champions of Divisions 3 and 2 in 2022 and 2023.

Based in Sutton Coldfield, Sutton United is another large organisation, with 45 teams for men, women, boys, and girls competing across the east and west midlands.

VBH is now in its second year as a Business Club Partner of EFL League 2 Gillingham FC, whose Priestfield Stadium ground is just a stone’s throw from VBH’s head office. The company is also a regular Match Day Sponsor of The Gills, with six matches booked already this season, including the new year ‘local’ derby against newly promoted Bromley.

VBH Marketing Manager Gary Gleeson says: “As part of our deal, our greenteQ logo is often seen travelling around the stateof-the-art LED perimeter advertising, so if you can tear your eyes away from the Brian Moore stand, Priestfield’s ‘iconic’ temporary away supporters scaffold, look out for greenteQ on the EFL shows this season. Come on you Gills!”

Good luck to all three clubs this season.

Tel: 01634 263300

SMALL BATCH FIXINGS AND FASTENERS MANUFACTURING WITHOUT THE IMPORT DELAYS!

As part of its drive to promote British engineering at its best, Jade has invested £330,000 in a Star SX38 sliding head lathe – the perfect solution for producing small fixings and fasteners in smaller batch numbers quickly, efficiently and cost effectively. Product differentiation across the window industry is crucial for market competitiveness, and with the Star machine Jade can offer fabricators and component manufacturers the ability to up-design elements to outclass the competition.

The Star machine is a hands-off lathe that, once set up, can operate for 24 hours with minimal need for manual intervention. As a consequence, Jade can respond to urgent requirements for smaller bespoke batch production requirements within a much faster turnaround than sourcing the same process from China.

“By making this investment we wanted to minimise the risk to the overall supply chain for the industry,” commented Jade director Adam Jones. “It allows our customers to have greater control over their overall design processes. While outsourcing it to China can cheapen the final component price, glitches in the supply chain can often add back on to the overall cost. Our Star machine can give control back to our clients, giving them greater agency across the entire process from

initial briefing to final delivery – all within days rather than within weeks.”

Jade can accept individual requests for small batch fasteners and fixings, often for as few as 5000 units to be delivered within a few days., depending on the overall design process. Once calibrated the Star lathe will run consistently 24 hours a day, producing a uniform quality that matches the quality of the largest and most prestigious of manufacturers on the Asian continent.

“Bringing British engineering excellence back to the supply chain we believe will give back the reassurance and confidence to help rebuild the economy over the long term,” continue Jade co-owner and director Sean Mackey. “Speedy response times, a bespoke service, a deep seated understanding of what is really required will help UK manufacturers and fabricators to plan more effectively for their future. Our long term vision is to be seen as a true partner to the industry, working side by side to firmly place UK manufacturing back into the leading position that it deserves.”

The Star SX38 incorporates a gang type pool post and a 10 station turret to enable simultaneous machining operations. The turret includes an independent Z3 axis which allows two different features to be machined simultaneously using the Star’s ‘super position’ control mode.

THE LAUNCH OF THE GGF’S TRAINING PLATFORM HIGHLIGHTS AN IMPENDING HUMAN RESOURCING TSUNAMI

The launching of the Glass and Glazing Federation’s Training Platform and Learning Management System has highlighted the number of workers without vocational qualifications in our industry that will need retraining over the next 12 months in order to gain a CSCS card for accessing construction sites.

The GGF wants to take this opportunity to clarify this area for our readers and a statement from John Mannell the GGF’s Technical Officer and Training Manager is below:

“With declining numbers entering the industry’s workforce, and thousands facing the need to retrain to ensure they can keep their CSCS cards, there is an impending human resourcing tsunami gathering on the horizon, affecting construction as whole but significantly the fenestration industry. We are already on a downward trajectory by about six per cent, from 28,900 workers in 2022 to 27,200 by 2027. The recently launched GGF training platform was developed to target this decline, giving its members the tools to reverse the trend and implement fast, effective training to guarantee continuing levels of professionalism and quality standards.

Since 2020, data shows that just 2,045 fenestration related vocational qualifications have been issued. In the current marketplace, the data shows that over the next 12 months there are over 14,000 workers either needing new qualifications or renewing existing qualifications. This time pressure is exacerbated by the declining numbers of assessors.  It comes down to having the ability to get as many workers through as quickly and cost efficiently as possible, minimising disruption to installation schedules, yet maintaining high standards in learning. Short term we believe our GGF training platform will allow members to free up some funds for the relevant qualifications, and in near future give companies the ability to ensure all their teams have the necessary training, for a fraction of the cost”.

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CONSERVATORY OUTLET’S PREMIUM RETAILERS BREAK RECORD AFTER RECORD

The UK’s leading manufacturer of windows, doors and living space products has seen its Network of Premium Retailers achieve an economy-busting 24% year-on-year growth through 2024.

Together, the Conservatory Outlet Network has recorded well over £100m in sales so far this year. This has led to multiple retailers delivering record-breaking monthly sales, with 13 Network members surpassing previous market hights, even those posted in the post-lockdown boom!

“It’s undeniable that the market as a whole has contracted this year,” explains Greg Kane, Conservatory Outlet’s CEO.

“But for our Network of retailers, 2024 has been a year filled with records. Against the declines currently being reported by the wider home improvement sector, we’ve succeeded in helping our exclusive partners achieve phenomenal growth of 24% year-on-year. As a result, our turnover is up by a similar percentage, both in financial terms and regarding our frame count.

“It’s safe to say that 2024 has been an incredibly year for our Network.”

“Looking at our forecasts, we’re expecting that our Premium Retailers will continue to draw in record sales and revenues throughout the rest of the year, into 2025 and beyond.”

Although the Conservatory Outlet Network’s growth averages out at just under 25%, many retailers have far exceeded that figure. Four installers have achieved between 25-30% growth through to the end of Q3 2024, three have recorded between 30-50% growth and one has even managed to double their sales.

A large proportion of this widespread success has been attributed to Conservatory Outlet’s effective marketing support, which continues to deliver highly qualified leads and innovative new digital and offline campaigns to its Premium Retailers across the United Kingdom.

Alongside this marketing activity, retailers also benefit from being able to exclusively sell and promote the manufacturer’s leading window and door collections, and access to free training through its ongoing Sales Academy.

Conservatory Outlet’s Sales Academy is an industry-specific training programme that ensures professionals across the

UK receive continuous development throughout their careers within the Network.

Additionally, Conservatory Outlet has continued to expand to its product selection, adding to its popular Forté composite door range, and bringing a raft of advancements to its signature Envisage collection of UPVC flush casement windows.

Greg Kane, CEO of Conservatory Outlet, commented: “It’s fantastic to see such brilliant sales figures from our Premium Retailers. There has been a lot of talk about how the market is struggling this year and how sales have slowed. The Conservatory Outlet Network is showing that if you work smart, have the right product, the right pitch and the right level off support, then anything is possible.

“We’ve seen year-on-year growth across all corners of the UK, which bodes extremely well for the remainder of the year. Looking at our forecasts, we’re expecting that our Premium Retailers will continue to draw in record sales and revenues throughout the rest of the year, into 2025 and beyond.”

“Key to this is undoubtedly our model, which allows best practice and ideas to be shared across our retail Network. As the saying goes, a rising tide raises all ships. We’re seeing that in full effect.”

Conservatory Outlet CEO, Greg Kane

‘SCOPE’ INVOLVEMENT SEES ASWS EARN REFURB CONTRACT FOR HISTORIC COPTHALL HOUSE

As an acknowledged specialist in the restoration of steel and other metal windows, Associated Steel Window Services (ASWS) is regularly called upon to carry out surveys for client’s consultant teams in advance of major projects beginning. Copthall House in the City of London being one instance where its involvement in preparing a scope document led to the company being awarded a contract to carry out the demanding work.

The property on the edge of the City of London dating from the late 19th Century – originally built as described in ‘The Buildings of England’ (Pesvner guides) as ‘Mathiesons the Printers’ – has been redeveloped into four high specification serviced offices by L.M. Stern. The cost consultant for the scheme was Gardiner & Theobald, with whom ASWS has a long association and which led to the fenestration specialist’s early involvement, surveying the historic four-storey frontage and advising on the most economic intervention for the aging aluminium fenestration.

The Contracts Director for ASWS, Kris Bennell explains, “We were approached during the tender process by three contractors as we were the recommended specialist for the glazing restoration/work; having made the recommendation in our original scope document that the windows could be refurbished instead of being replaced. CulenaLondon was successful in being appointed as main

contractor, and we were awarded our contract in December 2022, two years after conducting the survey.”

“When work began the programme was very tight with the scaffold due to be struck in April 2023 while, with the aluminium frames being 30 years old, there were a number of split edges to the casements which required repairing, but the bulk of the work involved servicing the vents, replacing the factory fitted draught strips, as well as cutting out the perished rubber glazing gaskets and replacing them with manually applied silicone top caps, internally and externally.”

“Then because the original manufacturer of the window system could not be identified, we also faced a significant task of sourcing new ironmongery; eventually going to Steel Window Fittings, a fellow member of the Steel Window Association.”

Derek Finnegan, the Project Manager for Culena London, confirmed, “This was the first time we have worked with ASWS, but they did a good job keeping to what was a tight timetable and sourcing all the replacement ironmongery required. Overall, the project went well.”

“The letting agents for the development describe the way various interventions at Copthall House have blended, saying, “The sensitively refurbished exterior stone elevation to Copthall House gives way to an immaculately presented reception and other interior spaces within the building,

resplendent with period features such as glazed brick bays and decorative cast iron columns, which have been retained and restored in respect of the historic building, and combined with luxurious modern finishes.”

ASWS is a long-established member of the Steel Window Association and well-recognised expert in the repair of metal windows, from the earliest wrought iron examples through to contemporary curtain walling. As well as in-situ servicing and restoration, the company frequently removes frames back to its Croydon workshops for repair, or the production of replica replacements. Further services include carrying out enablement works for demolition and other contractors, where fenestration can be documented and removed to secure storage for the duration of a project.

For more information on ASWS, please visit asws.co.uk.

SHEERLINE URGES INDUSTRY TO MAKE COMPLIANCE ACHIEVABLE FOR INSTALLERS

Sheerline has renewed its call for the fenestration industry’s aluminium sector to embrace transparency around U-values. With the Future Homes Standard (FHS) due to be implemented in June 2025, the company argues now is the time for installers to check if they are compliant. The issue of compliance has become a hot topic within the fenestration industry against the backdrop of the FHS roadmap, which was set out in 2023. The final specifications are due to be released in June 2025, yet some systems houses are still quoting misleading or unclear U-values or failing to make available the test evidence that backs up their claims. Installers are responsible for ensuring the final product they supply is compliant. If U-values are properly policed within the industry – as Sheerline has called for – installers must act to ensure they are compliant. Although fabricators and systems houses will also be culpable when issues, and potential litigation, arise.

The issue of compliance is particularly important for those installers who source glass separately to their frames, as they must ensure the units they’re using meet the specifications set out by the systems house in-line with the U-value simulation used.

This will ensure that any certificate they reference is valid and accurate. This is why Sheerline has made its independently verified U-value reports publicly available and has urged other systems houses to do the same.

It’s time the industry embraced transparency around U-values, to make compliance as simple as possible and therefore, achievable for installers.

Adrian Redshaw, Sheerline’s Product Design Director, said: “Compliance doesn’t have to be complicated. In the past, it may have been an option to plead ignorance if the requirements seemed unclear. But with the Future Homes Standard, we expect the requirements will tighten.”

“Which begs the question: why would an installer risk working with a fabricator or systems house that can’t prove the U-values they are claiming? There is no better time for installers to question if the products they supply are compliant, because this issue has the potential to cause real disruption,” he added.

To find out more about Sheerline’s U-values you can trust, visit the website here: https://www.sheerline.com/trust/

DHF ANNOUNCES ITS 2025 MEMBERS’ CONFERENCE

Tamworth-based trade association, the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF), has announced that, following several years of absence, it will be holding its Members’ Conference on Wednesday 5th February 2025 at RAF Cosford. This free event marks a significant milestone for the Federation, bringing together members and industry professionals for a day of knowledge sharing, networking, and innovation. The event, whose main sponsor is Gliderol Garage & Industrial Doors Ltd, will be taking place in the National Cold War Exhibition, which opened in February 2007 and is the only place in the UK where Britain’s V Bombers: the Vulcan, Victor and Valiant, can be viewed.

The conference will comprise a series of seminars and educational workshops led by industry professionals and government representatives on topics such as legislation,

industry trends and best practice in the door, gate and hardware industry. There will be a small exhibition showcasing the works of DHF members, guided tours of the National Cold War Exhibition and a talk by guest speaker Flt. Lt John Nichol.

Flt. Lt. John Nichol is a retired Royal Air Force navigator who was shot down and captured during the first Gulf War. The traumatic weeks of capture gave John a unique insight into the human capacity to deal with extreme adversity and change. Partly as a result of his own outgoing personality, partly as a result of the experience itself, John is now able to present a fascinating insight into what happens when our innermost reserves are tested by external demands.

“We have already received a great deal of support from our members who are looking forward to these upcoming

events where they can network and share information, said DHF’s Commercial Director, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens. “In particular, we would like to thank our main sponsor, Gliderol Garage & Industrial Doors Ltd, along with lecture theatre and classroom sponsors, ASSA ABLOY, RCS Doors Ltd and membership benefit provider Citation. Members exhibiting include Allegion UK Ltd, Gerda Security Products Ltd, Hörmann UK Ltd, Jewers Doors Ltd, JMA UK, Chamberlain GmbH (Liftmaster division), Rutland UK, Strongdor Ltd and SWS UK Ltd. We look forward to welcoming our members for this very special gathering.”

If you are a DHF member and would like to attend, please contact marketing@dhfonline.org.uk

If you are not a DHF member, but would like to attend, you can apply for DHF membership online: https://bit.ly/3Aziv9K

Copthall House

LEADING THE WAY IN ALUMINIUM, THAT’S ALUNET SYSTEMS!

Joining one of the customer days hosted by Alunet at their Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire headquarters, Glass News’ Editor Chris Champion had the opportunity to hear from the management team about the developments with their Aluna products.

Alunet’s customer days have proved very popular with over 50 fabricator customers visiting their premises. There has been much innovation in recent times and many new products and enhancements to existing products have been taking place. These efforts have set the Aluna range apart from many rivals, redefining the luxury aluminium market, and the customer days were designed to showcase the wide range of Aluna products, giving the customers a chance to see and play with the products and hear from the management team. On-site training was also available to the customers and proved to be very popular.

Phil Rotheram, the Group Commercial Director of Alunet Systems explains, “Aluna oozes quality, with luxury features in every range, we don’t compromise our systems, instead, we continually enhance the specification of our offer. Aluna has had a multitude of updates and innovative design additions in recent months and we feel it is time to open our doors and invite our customers in to explore why Aluna is

The Alunet Management Team

Phil Rotheram addresses the group of customers

“Super slim sash and heritage steel-look options are available, lever lever locks are bringing a stunning symmetrical look to Aluna bifold and French doors, whilst our ‘Clip and Forget’ clip in beads are speeding up installations of our bifolds nationwide. This is all just the tip of the iceberg. We have developed several more momentous innovations that will be launched next year!”

taking the UK market by storm and is becoming the most sought-after premium aluminium system of choice.”

The newly arrived Product Development Technical Director, Chris Armes, who is both well-known and very well respected for system design, confirms, “Within Aluna, marine grade profile is standard. Our bifolds boast one of the slimmest sightlines available and are PAS24 safe with secure accreditations littered across the entire range. Super slim sash and heritage steel-look options are available, lever lever locks are bringing a stunning symmetrical look to Aluna bifold and French doors, whilst our ‘Clip and Forget’ clip in beads are speeding up installations of our bifolds nationwide. This is all just the tip of the iceberg. We have developed several more momentous innovations that will be launched next year!”

This hint towards big announcements next year certainly intrigued the guests and, knowing Armes’ background, one can surely expect the arrival of a home-grown Aluna system that will boast a whole range of innovation when it is released to the market.

It was interesting to hear the enthusiasm from Alunet’s customers and Classic Windows’ MD, Chris Mullen, said, “The anticipation of what would be revealed at the Alunet open days was exciting, and the whole day from start to finish did not disappoint. The new product developments are incredible, a real game changer to my business, the ability to fabricate easily and speedily whilst offering my customers products with so much to offer – real value-add, innovation, and quality that catapults my business on a different level. My installers will love these market leading features and will be blown away by the new innovations built into Aluna as standard.”

Gary Mann, Managing Director of Warmglaze agreed with Chris, saying, “We have purchased Aluna for more than 6 years, I have always found Alunet’s products and customer service to be a cut above anything else out there. These exciting new developments introduced into their Aluna products will have even more of a positive impact on my business and for my customers, enabling us to collectively offer and supply one of the most prestigious market leading aluminium ranges which are jam packed full of unique and game-changing attributes and features. Today’s event has been eye-opening, I’m super excited to see what is next from this innovation powerhouse!”

While Sandy Welch, Managing Director of Laydens Solutions confirmed, “We only buy Aluna bifolds at present

which are superb. We had no idea how many other Aluna products were available which all look and feel and operate amazingly. The sliders operate so effortlessly and smoothly. Their entrance doors, French doors, window and rooflight range have been tried and tested them first-hand and are definitely something my installers would be interested in!”

This comment about installers is telling, and the attending customers seemed to appreciate not only the ease of fabrication of the Aluna products but the fact that the installers - their customers, would also benefit from the range of innovations.

It seems that it is agreed that Alunet Systems offer one of the best technologically enhanced aluminium products on the UK market. Products that let the outdoors inside and serve every fenestration need on an entire home project. Whether customers require Bifold Doors, French & Single Doors, Entrance Doors, Flat Roof Lights & Lanterns, Sliding Doors or Windows, the Aluna range of products satisfy every need. For further information contact the Alunet Systems highly experienced and friendly sales team at; info@alunetsystems.co.uk, 01924 350 110 or visit www.alunetsystems.co.uk.

In the showroom

Looking at the Aluna products

EDGETECH INNOVATION ENABLES FANTASTIC FACADES

Edgetech’s Super Spacer® has brought exceptional performance to three striking, ambitious and outstandingly sustainable buildings.

The Hoch Zwei office tower in Vienna boasts a distinctive convex-concave shape, earning nicknames like “sails” and “croissants.”

This 23-story landmark incorporates 13,500 square meters of glass facade, offering a unique blend of transparency, light permeability, and excellent thermal insulation.

Doering Glass – Edgetech customers since 2004 – supplied 132 curved glass panels, each with six

variations and reaching sizes of up to 1500 x 4000 mm, to form the building’s 2000-square-meter rounded corners.

The double-glazed units feature a combination of laminated safety glass, PVB film, solar control glass, argon-filled interspaces, and low-emissivity glazing, achieving a U value of 1.5 W/m²K and a light transmittance of 39%.

The meticulous design also included screen-printed sections on the glass panels, enhancing privacy and adding a touch of security, particularly in the facade’s outward-facing corners.

Just 400 meters away from

Hoch Zwei lies the Vienna University of Economics and Business.

The university’s library, designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid, features a visually striking white and black structure connected by a glass joint incorporating Doering Glass’ curved glass panels.

The most prominent feature of the LLC is the “monitor” – a projecting roof with a curved window front.

The complexity of the building’s design extends to the curved glass itself, reaching heights of up to 5 meters and unfolded lengths of nearly 4 meters.

Doering Glass’ expertise in curved glass extends to London’s architectural landscape as well.

Sixty London, a 9-story office and retail building designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, features a curved facade that complements the surrounding Victorian architecture.

The building’s organic design incorporates approximately 1400 curved aluminium louvres, adding a captivating dimension to the facade.

Doering Glass supplied over 1000 square meters of curved and concave insulating glass for the

PROFINE GROUP ACQUIRES EFP INTERNATIONAL B.V. TO EXPAND INTO ALUMINIUM AND FAÇADE SOLUTIONS

profine Group has announced the acquisition of EFP International B.V. (EFP), a Dutch-based company with a global footprint, specialising in the design, development and production of aluminium and facade profile systems for architects.

Their offerings encompass a diverse range of systems, including curtain walling, skylights, aerofoils, louvers, sunshades, windows, doors, sliding windows and doors, as well as specialised systems for cladding substructures.

EFP meets the increasing demand for high-quality, advanced facade systems by merging European technology with efficient manufacturing practices. With a robust commitment to quality and over 45 years of international experience in developing and marketing aluminium facade systems, EFP’s products are built on a solid global foundation.

Operating from offices in the Netherlands, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dubai and India, EFP brings extensive expertise within the global facade industry to variety

of buildings such as hotels, offices and hospitality, high rise buildings, sports, leisure and lifestyle, governmental building, hospitals and airports across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

The acquisition of EFP marks an important milestone in profine Group’s strategy to complement its existing product portfolio by introducing high quality aluminium system solutions within the global construction and renovation markets. In addition, this move will

enable profine Group to expand its product offering for existing as well as new customers in international markets by leveraging its internationally renowned Kömmerling brand.

Dr. Peter Mrosik, Owner and CEO of profine Group, remarked: ‘This acquisition will unite two forces with the common goal of transforming the facade industry by offering innovative solutions to our valued customers, while pursuing a sustainable approach to preserving our environment, which is our primary concern.’

facade and roof terrace balustrades.

“These three products are fantastic examples of the sort of exceptional unit performance and design freedom Super Spacer® enables,” comments Edgetech President of European Fenestration Chris Alderson.

“Its ability to seamlessly follow the contours of curved glass were essential

to delivering both the desired aesthetics, but also outstanding robustness, longevity and thermal efficiency.

“All three buildings show how, even as we celebrate its 35th birthday, Super Spacer® is still making huge contributions to some of the most cutting-edge buildings on earth.”

www.edgetechig.co.uk

Bram Hannessen, former Owner and continuing General Manager, added:

‘I am delighted to have found in profine Group a strong partner with an entrepreneurial mindset that will support EFP and its motivated team to take the next step for further international growth.”

For more information about EFP International B.V., please visit the company’s website at efpeurofacade.com.

EXPRESS GLAZING SUPPLIES CELEBRATE FOUR DECADES OF EXCELLENCE

As leading glass component providers

Express Glazing Supplies mark their 40th anniversary, Edgetech is celebrating its long-standing relationship with the Rotherham firm.

Established in 1984, Express Glazing Supplies has grown from a one-man operation to a leading distributor of insulating glass components covering the majority of the country.

For many years, a key part of the company’s range has been Edgetech’s tried and tested Super Spacer®.

“At Express, we’re proud to offer a comprehensive range of all sorts of insulated glass components,” comments Express owner Laura Stevens. We’re highly selective about what we will and won’t stock – we pride ourselves on selling quality products along with the best customer service”

“In recent years, Edgetech’s Super Spacer® has been a big part of our success, enabling our customers to offer great energy efficiency and a host of other benefits.

“We love working with Edgetech, and hope to continue doing so for decades to come.”

Edgetech National Technical Sales Support Representative Iain Britton comments:

“Express Glazing Supplies are a hugely valued Edgetech distributor.

“They’ve helped us bring Super Spacer® to dozens more customers around the country, and share our commitment to quality, innovation and exceptional customer service.

“We want to take this opportunity to congratulate them on an incredible 40 years in business, and thank them for everything they’ve done to support Super Spacer® and Edgetech more generally.” For more information, please call 02476 639931 or visit www.edgetechig.co.uk.

Bram Hannessen (left) and Dr. Peter Mrosik at the headquarters of EFP International B.V. in Marum, the Netherlands

DOORCO COLLABORATE FOR CHARITY MONTH

The dedicated team at DoorCo focused their efforts on Charity Month for September, with the aim to raise money for DoorCo’s Mark and Lucy’s sponsored Kilimanjaro trek in aid of Kelly’s Heroes.

Maili Lavin-Bailey, DoorCo’s Marketing Executive, comments: “We’ve maintained momentum on our Wellbeing calendar, where we focus on a different theme each month, and September was a really important month.

“September’s theme was all about charity and we had Mark and Lucy’s fundraising efforts in mind. To kick off the contributions, we ran an internal raffle with all proceeds going straight to mental health charity Kelly’s Heroes via their sponsored trek. Over the course of just a week, the team raised an amazing £380 with colleagues winning a variety of donated prizes from a

panini press to an extra day of leave!

“Tips on volunteering and how to best donate to local food banks were also shared via our interactive signs and internal comms system, Compass.

“To round off the month, aspiring bakers across the business took to their ovens to bake up a storm for our annual Macmillan Coffee Morning Bake-Off. Three very discerning judges from across the business sampled the creations and crowned Internal Sales Assistant, Sarah, 2024’s Star Baker.

“The cakes and goodies were then ready to be purchased and enjoyed by the rest of the team, raising a wonderful £147 for such a worthwhile charity.

“Our commitment to charity definitely doesn’t start and end with September, but we’re proud of our team for their committed efforts during the month.

“September charity month followed on from July’s Nutrition month and August’s Fitness club were we collectively had lots of fun at the PURE Gym Challenge Day – who knew you could hold a weight plate for 7mins 3 secs; I was first to take part and pleased with achieving over a minute!

“We also started an internal running club, which is still continuing even though the weather isn’t quite as pleasant as it was in August.

“The rest of the year sees us focusing on addiction awareness, men’s health and festive wellbeing!”

For more information on DoorCo, visit: www.door-co.com.

QUICKSLIDE SCORES TOP MARKS

Quickslide has received a perfect score during its latest audits for both uPVC and aluminium products, cementing the fabricator’s solid reputation for quality and compliance. The rigorous auditing process uncovered not a single nonconformity, a testament to the thorough standards and checks embedded in Quickslide’s operations.

The detailed audit involved an extensive review of how Quickslide adheres to product standards and regulations, including a comprehensive factory walk-through to observe the procedures in place to ensure every product leaving the factory is compliant and top quality. From initial processing to final product inspection, the auditors left no stone unturned in assessing the fabricator’s ability to deliver consistent quality.

Following the audits, Quickslide has once again been awarded its QCC mark. This highly regarded certification confirms the company’s ongoing compliance with PAS 24 security standards and BS EN 14351-1 for uPVC windows and doors, as well as ensuring that all aluminium products meet the same high standards under the UKCA Mark.

“The auditors do a thorough job,” explained Quickslide’s Quality Manager Julian Fielden, “observing everything from how we work to the quality of the finished products, as well as reviewing our processes and training records.

“We were particularly delighted to hear how impressed they were with how we are continually improving our processes and embracing new technology, such as our new machining centre and scan stations. These have enabled us to automate the recording of relevant compliance information such as weld strength tests rather than relying on someone to manually check and record the information. In fact, our operators can’t move forward in production unless everything meets the necessary standards. Compliance and quality are built into every step.”

Quickslide’s Managing Director Ben Weber said: “Our ongoing investment in innovative and progressive automation is really paying off for us, our staff and our customers. We’re thrilled to have passed both uPVC and aluminium audits with perfect scores once again. At all levels of our business, we strive for the best, so having this externally validated means a great deal to us.”

https://www.quickslide.co.uk

THE RESIDENCE COLLECTION WINDOWS COMPLETE NEW BUILD PROPERTY IN SOLIHULL

The Residence Collection has completed a modern, new build home in Solihull with the installation of 12 Residence2 windows.

Partnering with installer, Mainstream Windows Ltd and fabricator, Stedek Windows and Doors, 12 R2 windows in the Clay colourway were selected to elevate this modern home situated in

Solihull. These windows were specially chosen ahead of the construction of the property due to the colour matching exactly with the aluminium bifolds and fascias.

The R2 collection is a leading aluminium alternative in the fenestration market and features straight-line innovation, superb energy efficient performance and a cutting edge square interior.

The windows at the property in Solihull used the Timberweld® joint manufacturing method to mimic a traditional timber joint,

a combination of Georgian Bars, 28mm square glazing bead, fluted corner posts and Juliette balconies were added to complete the property. The strategic placement of the large bay windows and astragal bars allowed the property to maximise the available natural light and open living spaces.

Not only does the windows outperform visually but it is also a great choice for energy efficiency with A++ energy ratings and reach a u-value of up to 0.8W/m2k for triple glazing and 1.2W/m2k for double glazing as standard.

Bob Dhillon & Richard Elson , Directors at Mainstream Windows Ltd, commented:

“For this particular property in the highly desired Golden Triangle location in Solihull, the Residence2 windows perfectly encapsulated the style of the property and the Clay colourway perfectly completed the property. These windows not only exceeded the desired aesthetic but also brought high level durability and energy efficiency.

“Our team took great pride in working on this project to seamlessly integrate each window to perfection. We’re thrilled to have been part of this project with The Residence Collection windows with fabricator Stedek Windows and Doors”.

Jo Trotman, Marketing Manager at The Residence Collection, added: “We are dedicated to delivering top-quality windows to installers, fabricators, and homeowners, designed to elevate both the architectural and aesthetic appeal of new build properties. As part of The Residence Collection’s 2024 vision, we are expanding into commercial projects and modern homes, with the Solihull property serving as a prime example of this exciting evolution.

“We are very pleased that our R2 windows were chosen for this new-build property project and that everyone involved in the project is over the moon with the final result.

“We want to express our sincere gratitude to our valued partnerships that enable us to offer this premium design, manufacturing and installation service possible. For this project, Stedek Windows and Doors and Mainstream Windows and Doors played pivotal roles, and we look forward to working on future projects.”

UAP RECORDS 15TH SUCCESSIVE YEAR OF REVENUE GROWTH

UAP Ltd, a Manchester-based door hardware specialist, has announced revenue of £28.4 million for its latest financial year, marking its 15th consecutive year of revenue growth.

UAP Ltd revenues grew by more than a third in the year to April 2024, driven by both the acquisitions of Security Hardware in December 2022 and Maher London in January 2023, and by organic growth which included the launch of a new business line, Fire Door Maintenance (FDM).

FDM is a specialist business that offers fire door inspection, maintenance services, and fire door safety training that ensures component maintenance and application always meet safety standards. In 2023, FDM established the UK’s first practical training centre for the fire door industry, a 3,000 sq ft collaborative setting for fire door inspectors, installers, and maintainers, that blends theory with handson experience.

UAP Ltd also licensed Armadillo Metal Coatings’s Armasmart technology earlier this year which resulted in the launch of the industry’s first door hardware range to

eliminate 99.98% of viruses, including COVID-19. The revolutionary patented anti-viral and antimicrobial technology addresses the limitations of traditional stainless steel by reducing the risk of germ transmission – preventing tarnishing and corrosion – and promotes a safer, cleaner environment which is vital in health, care, commercial and residential settings. The success of Armasmart is a direct reflection of UAP Ltd’s constant drive to innovate to ensure it is always one step ahead of customers’ needs – using technology and deep research to develop game-changing products that drive progress in the industry.

From starting in its founder’s spare room to moving to two separate sites across the UK, UAP Ltd’s period of rapid growth saw the business make the strategic decision to consolidate its operations, following a £750,000 investment, into a single 120,000 sq ft headquarters in Bury, Greater Manchester. The new facility has significantly improved operational efficiency, enabling streamlined order fulfilment with stockholding capacity increased by more than double, facilitating improved customer satisfaction and service delivery. The business has in turn strengthened its resilience by expanding its supply chain team in India and maximising economies of scale with suppliers.

Stephen Cox, Group Commercial Director at UAP Ltd, said: “We’ve had an incredible year at UAP. While our scale has grown dramatically, our core values have remained constant. We are committed to delivering innovative door hardware solutions that cater to the evolving needs of our customers, equipping them to navigate the ever-changing fire and security landscape. Each client, each market, and every single interaction is of paramount importance to us. Our drive to excel fuels everything we do.”

UAP Ltd are enjoying continued awards success, including at the 2024 National Fenestration Awards. FDM’s practical training centre won “Training Centre of the Year”, and UAP also won the “Hardware Company of the Year” award. UAP Ltd was also recently named “Supplier of the Year” at the 2024 London Construction Awards and was nominated for “Outstanding Business of the Year” at the upcoming This is Manchester Awards.

Stellar’s unique, patent-pending lock stile allows easy adjustment during fitting while delivering superior aesthetics.

Stephen Cox

Double

Pre-assembled

Slim

REGALEAD EXPANDS PORTFOLIO WITH ACQUISITION OF HOUSE OF GLASS SCOTLAND

After expanding into different markets over the past few years, including coatings, glazing cassettes and most recently engineered door components, RegaLead has cemented its roots in the decorative glass sector with the acquisition of House of Glass (Scotland), which will be rebranded as SGO (Stained Glass Overlay).

The Hamilton-based manufacturer was originally established as an SGO franchise in the late 1990s and has since built a strong heritage. House of Glass has become known for its expertise in creating high-end, design-lead

“By being part of a bigger group, it will enable us to expand from supplying central Scotland to sell around the UK, reaching customers who are looking for high-end decorative glass with custom designs.”

bespoke decorative glass using predominantly the RegaLead range of decorative glass components. The company also provides sandblasting services and operates a paint spraybooth for specialised projects.

RegaLead’s acquisition signals a revival of the SGO brand in the UK, drawing on a global network of more than 150 franchises. With ambitious plans for the new division, RegaLead aims to enhance its offering for large scale, commercial decorative glass installations, whilst also expanding its offering into the engineered and timber door markets.

The Hamilton site will remain active as a ‘Centre of Excellence’ for decorative glass, offering training facilities for customers, including international clients, while increasing RegaLead’s presence in Scotland alongside its existing facility in Hawick.

Nicola Brown, who took over the family business from her father in 2010, will continue as General Manager, ensuring continuity and preserving the company’s skilled team.

“We are delighted with the opportunities that this acquisition will give us,” said Nicola. “We have a huge skillset in our team here, with years of experience. By being part of a bigger group, it will enable us to expand from supplying central Scotland to sell around the UK, reaching customers who are looking for high-end decorative glass with custom designs.”

demand for custom decorative glass, with the shift back from minimalist trends to more personalised, designled glass options particularly in the door market.

“House of Glass is an excellent business and integrating them strengthens our position as a leader in bespoke glass, offering unique, high-end products across the UK.”

MIDORI ALUMINIUM EXPANDS HERITAGE RANGE WITH INNOVATIVE DOOR DESIGN

Midori Aluminium, a leading fabricator, supplier, and installer of aluminium glazing solutions, proudly announces the expansion of its Heritage Range with a cutting-edge aluminium door. With over 15 years of expertise, this family-run business continues to innovate in the art decoinspired market.

The new Heritage Aluminium door boasts slim sightlines of just 51.7mm and impressive U-values of 1.4, ensuring full compliance with Part L Building Regulations for refurbishment projects. Matching the AluK HI window range, it offers versatile opening options for side and top lights, complete with heritage handle designs and a 90-degree restrictor.

Arjuna Keshwala, Managing Director of Midori Aluminium, states: "We are

incredibly proud and excited to extend our existing Heritage Aluminium range with the support of AluK GB. We look forward to seeing how our latest product takes on this evolving market."

Neil Dattani, Area Sales Manager at AluK, adds: "We're delighted that Midori is championing our new Heritage Door. We're confident that our new steel-look door has strength and performance that sets it apart in the marketplace."

With stock availability ensuring shorter lead times, Midori Aluminium invites trade professionals, new-build developers, and homeowners to explore this perfect blend of traditional aesthetics and modern performance.

"We are incredibly proud and excited to extend our existing Heritage Aluminium range with the support of AluK GB. We look forward to seeing how our latest product takes on this evolving market."

Learn more about our Heritage Aluminium Range and other systems we fabricate by contacting us at sales@midorialuminium.co.uk or call one of our team on 0116 319 0702.

Guy Hubble, Joint Managing Director at RegaLead, commented: “We’ve made this investment in response to the growing

INDIVIDUAL AND ORGANISATION COMPETENCY TAKES CENTRE STAGE ON NEW GGF TRAINING PLATFORM

The Glass and Glazing Federation’s brand new online training platform plays a central part in helping both organisations as a whole, and individuals within those organisations, demonstrate and prove competencies across a range of skills and knowledge. Developed to encourage deeper learning and greater engagement, the platform forms part of a dynamic LMS - Learning Management System - that will facilitate an ongoing log of training credentials, industry specific competencies and individual achievements.

Since the launch of the Building Safety Act in 2022 and Building Regulations 2023 amendment which highlighted the requirement to prove competency, there has been a degree of confusion as to where and how these competencies can be demonstrated. The GGF has worked closely with Nucleus Learning, one of the UK’s leading training software platforms, to develop the delivery of the courses alongside GRACE – an acronym to cover Glazing Resources and Career Education. GRACE

is also an avatar that will appear throughout each of the courses to increase engagement and deepen learning.

“Our end goal is not just to help organisations build safely, but ultimately to leave a safe building,” commented GGF technical officer and training manager John Mannell. “there is such a complexity of different bodies working within industry accreditations and certifications that it can sometimes be difficult to align expectations. We have taken out the guesswork and created a system that is not just failsafe but empowers individuals and teams to progress proactively through their own learnings.”

The platform will house an ever evolving range of both industry specific courses, as well as modules that cover a range of softer skills. The GGF is also collaborating with members in the production of the courses, to increase the relatability and relevance of each course to other members. For example, content for the ‘Cutting thin glass by hand’ course was filmed at the premises of Evander.

“Content will be as much member driven as it is regulation driven,” added John Mannell. “Every aspect of our members’ operations can be formalised to prove, and improve, competencies across the industry, and capturing this in an

engaging and informative format will help to drive up standards for all.”

This storytelling approach has been demonstrated to enrich the learning experience, turning what are often dry and uninteresting topics into entertaining scenarios which resonate more closely. The GGF has done away with the walls of text, to produce a user journey with a slower, more thoughtful pace to improve the absorption of the content, and consequently the overall standard of learning. Throughout the modules, GRACE will make her presence felt, cementing those learnings, answering questions, and helping maintain a consistency of progress.

Available both on desktop and as an App, GGF Training offers a modern, user-friendly interface that makes learning easier. It will launch with ten courses which include industry specific modules such as Regulation 14 for Safety Glass, Fire Resistant Glazing, and Cut Thin Glass By Hand. There are more general courses in development around customer services (for example, how to deal with an angry customer), mental health in the workplace, and a wide variety of health and safety topics.

The GGF will continue to add modules to the platform to support all routes to competence over the long term. Many

courses will be low cost and free, enabling GGF members to reallocate and optimise training budgets.

“The GGF has long been ideally placed to bring together the knowledge and skills required to operate safely and competently within the industry,” continued John Mannell.

“We will continue to work with our preferred training partner Total Support Training in the highly

successful Skilled Pathways scheme – an area which we are committed to growing and developing as we make inroads into further education establishments and apprenticeship schemes. Meanwhile, this new platform will enable our members to clear obstacles of cost, time and geography to ensure additional and essential courses can be completed by all who need it.”

John Mannell

Chris Ferris

Award-winning for its true authenticity, featuring the slimmest 35mm midrail, putty-line profiles, mechanical joints, deep cills, and a 1.2 W/m²k U-value – the Ultimate Rose sets the standard for conservation-grade sash windows.

THE RESIDENCE COLLECTION COMPLETES SECOND PHASE OF WINDOW TRANSFORMATION AT SCARBOROUGH COLLEGE

The Residence Collection has completed the second phase of the refurbishment project of Scarborough College with Residence 9 windows.

Partnering with installer Bobby Penny UPVC Specialist and fabricator, HWL Windows, 12 R9 windows in the Grained White colourway were selected following the successful completion of the first phase of the project back in 2018.

Scarborough College was originally built in 1898 and received its Grade-II* listed status in 1973. The sensitivity and precision of this refurbishment project was one of the reasons

The Residence Collection R9 window system was originally chosen. Known as the original timber alternative window which launched in 2011, the R9 specification makes the windows an almost identical replica with the benefits of modern day energy efficiency.

The windows at Scarborough College used the timberweld® joint manufacturing method to mimic a traditional timber

“We have been on an exciting journey with Scarborough College, its fabricators and installers over recent years, and we’re so proud to see another phase now completed with our windows.”

butt joint with a combination of Georgian bar, toughened glazing and completed with monkey tail hardware.

The windows have been installed via a phased approach over recent years as part of a wider investment programme, and now installed will support Scarborough College in their aim for energy efficiency. Residence 9 boasts a u-value of 1.2W/ m²K with double glazing, and can offer A++ energy ratings, and a u-value of 0.76 W/m2K with triple glazing, meeting Passivhaus requirements.

Robert Penny, Owner at Bobby Penny UPVC , commented:

“The Residence Collection’s R9 window system is second to none when it comes to listed buildings. Between their seamless similarities to original timber frames, near perfect colour match and energy ratings, The Residence Collection are a market leader when it comes to large refurbishment projects like Scarborough College.

“We were extremely pleased to be appointed as the installers on the second phase of this project, and it’s fantastic to see this project in collaboration with HWL Windows and The Residence Collection come to fruition.”

Jo Trotman, Marketing Manager at The Residence Collection, added: “We have been on an exciting journey with Scarborough College, its fabricators and installers over recent years, and we’re so proud to see another phase now completed with our windows.

“A refurbishment of this magnitude takes time and at the beginning of the project it was expected that approximately 150 windows would need to be replaced, which is a huge investment. Our R9 windows boast the key principles and dimensions of original timber designs, making planning approval and installation smoother.

“We’re proud that we have been able to offer our original timber alternative window system to support Scarborough College’s refurbishment project.”

For more information on the Residence 9 Collection, please visit: https://www.residencecollection.co.uk/collections/r9/.

PROFILE 22 FROM EPWIN WINDOW

SYSTEMS SELECTED FOR £3M REDEVELOPMENT

Over 100 Profile 22 windows from Epwin Window Systems were selected for a £3m iconic redevelopment project in Norfolk. Crown House, a prominent building in Great Yarmouth was originally constructed in the 1970’s and for many years was home to an Inland Revenue office.

With its prime position in the town and views of the river, Norfolk Broads and sea, the building presented an attractive option for conversion from office space into residential housing.

The window contractor chosen for the project was Epwin Window System Approved Commercial Partner Astraframe. Having successfully completed a private project for one of the project’s developers, Astraframe was appointed to the Crown House contract on the strength of this previous work.

Established in 1980, Astraframe is one of East Anglia’s most experienced PVC-U window specialists. Their extensive expertise in commercial and residential

"Large casement windows were also specified throughout the project, featuring two opening sashes next to a fixed light, each measuring 3.4m wide by 1.5m high."

PROJECT

projects made them the ideal choice for this redevelopment. With a focus on delivering high-quality, aesthetically pleasing, and thermally efficient solutions, Astraframe’s involvement was integral to the success of Crown House.

On the building’s side elevation, ten topover-fixed casement windows featured bespoke gable frames, creating a visually striking appeal. Additionally, to brighten the internal landings on each floor, five threepane fixed frame windows each 3.4m wide by 2.7m high were installed. A concealed trim was used to maximise the sightlines and light levels.

Large casement windows were also specified throughout the project, featuring two opening sashes next to a fixed light, each measuring 3.4m wide by 1.5m high. This design ensured ample light for each living space, while maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic.

To complement the industrial character of the building’s exterior, all windows were manufactured in anthracite grey (grained) on white, providing a contemporary contrast whilst meeting Building Regulations and all relevant quality standards.

Over the course of 11 months, Astraframe installed over 100 windows in carefully planned stages.

Chris Wells, General Manager at Astraframe, commented: “This was a bold and exciting conversion that demonstrated the potential of transforming commercial buildings into stylish, thermally efficient homes. We are proud to have played a part in this redevelopment and to showcase the benefits of Astraframe and Profile 22.”

Tel: 0845 340 3968

www.epwinwindowsystems.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.

Q&A: FREEFOAM

WHEN THE ONLY WAY IS FORWARD

Glass News editor Chris Champion talks to the senior team at Freefoam that includes CEO Aidan Harte; Kevin Cronin, COO and Sustainability Lead; the UK Sales Director, Richard Jackson, and Group Marketing Manager, Louise Sanderson.

I’ve always thought of Freefoam being the brand for fascia, soffit and guttering systems but, in fact, you have a number of sub-brands such as Colormax®, Freeflow®, Fortex®, ‘X-Wood®, Geopanel® and Plastops®. Is there a specific reason for this as I would have thought that Freefoam was the memorable name?

Aidan Harte, CEO, Freefoam: Our trademarked sub brands are used alongside the main Freefoam brand. They help stockists, installers and homeowners differentiate between products and the options within different ranges, but still recognise and be reassured by the trusted Freefoam name. Essentially Freefoam is a manufacturer of a whole range of PVC-U and PVC-UE products and has customers throughout the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe. Is the extruding of products confined to the Northampton facility?

Aidan Harte: Cork was our first manufacturing plant. Since trading began in Cork in 1990, Freefoam has grown into a multinational organisation operating from multiple sites across the UK, Belgium, France and Germany, and we also supply the Netherlands, Scandinavia, and Spain.

I know the whole issue of sustainability is important to Freefoam but I suspect it goes much further than the recycling of post-production waste and being economical with power. Can you explain how you have involved everyone in the drive for sustainability and the effect it has had on the thinking of the company?

Kevin Cronin, Chief Operating Officer and Sustainability Lead: Lean, efficient manufacturing had always been important at Freefoam, for us and our customers, and we’ve also been recycling for a long time, but several years ago we made a strategic decision to really drive sustainability and make some significant, ongoing changes. It’s about Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling – in that order of priority, and looking at people and resources as well, not just energy and materials. We set up a dedicated Sustainability Team that includes myself, General Manager Geoff Barnett and Neville Blowers, our Operations Director, among others, and they’ve helped

educate and involve staff across both factories. Change can often be a difficult process, but now everyone’s fully engaged.

I’ve noticed you refer to two operational terms, Circular Economy and Closed Loop Production. Can you explain these?

Kevin Cronin: A Circular Economy is a business model that reduces waste and the use of energy and other resources; reusing, repairing, sharing, and recycling – essentially keeping materials in circulation, ie a closed loop. It’s better for the environment as we use fewer resources, and seek to eliminate waste, but it’s more efficient and economical too.

Our Cork factory already has a completely closed loop and our Northampton plant will follow suit very shortly.

Are your sustainability credentials an aid to increasing sales for your products or a hindrance?

Kevin Cronin: Sustainability is most definitely a benefit for Freefoam and our customers. Installers and stockists say it’s something homeowners ask for, and they want to be more sustainable in their own businesses too, and work with suppliers that align with their environmental strategies and targets.

For housebuilders to build and market homes as truly sustainable, reducing carbon emissions generated by suppliers is essential. The EcoVadis rating is one housebuilders look for. We retained our Silver rating this year, although the criteria is now more rigorous, and we’re now in the top 9% of all companies EcoVadis assesses internationally.

Richard Jackson

Aidan Harte

Kevin Cronin

Fortex Cladding: Anthracite Grey

Cladding - X-Wood in Anthracite Grey - a European installation

Roofline: Anthracite Grey, Fortex Cladding: Misty Grey

Fortex Cladding: Misty Grey

I see Freefoam is the first to benefit from NEOVYN™ - a new suspension PVC from INEOS Inovyn, with a significantly reduced carbon footprint that’s 37% lower than the European industry average. Is sustainability the background to this or is it about production efficiency?

Adian Harte: At Freefoam we believe the two are intrinsically linked and are both an important part of our operating ethos. In reality being inefficient is unsustainable.

Customer service has always been an important part of the Freefoam offering and you operate to ISO 9001 standards….how can you possibly improve your customer service?

Richard Jackson, UK Sales Director: Our strategy for customer service is the same as that for sustainability –continuous improvement. We regularly review our service and proactively address any potential issues – we’re always looking for ways to improve the quality of our products, the depth of our range, delivery, and the marketing and sales support we offer our stockists and their installers.

You are constantly developing products, adding colour in line with market trends - are there more developments due and can you hint as to what areas they could be in?

Richard Jackson: We constantly review our ranges to ensure they are meeting the changing needs of the customer, this is

simply an ongoing process making sure the range is always relevant. Keep your eyes on cladding as this is still a growing opportunity.

Cladding has become an important product so will Fortex®’s 10 colour options increase or do you believe the range covers requirements as they stand?

Richard Jackson: We’ve seen a huge increase in cladding sales over the past few years, in domestic and commercial properties. Demand has driven an expansion in choice of design and especially colour.

Greys are really popular in the UK and abroad and have been for the past few years, particularly Anthracite Grey.

Whilst Freefoam is best known for its external building products, your Geo-panel® range is used internally. Is this a growth product for the company, and what has driven its growth?

Richard Jackson: Our interior panelling range, Geo-panel®, was updated with new premium finishes and marketing

materials earlier this year. It’s always been popular in social housing, and holiday homes, and is growing in the domestic market. We’ve introduced some high-end designs that are more aspirational and suitable for homeowners who want to renovate or improve their properties in days rather than weeks. It’s a great product and the new range has gone down really well with customers, giving them opportunities to open up the internal home improvement market.

Marketing and the support given to your customers is key to their success. Is the point-of-sale material, print, online marketing tools or consumer advertising most important to the mix for your customer installer, or is it a case of all elements adding up to generating leads for the installer?

Louise Sanderson, Group Marketing Manager: It’s actually a mixture of activity and materials, with the simple aim of helping all our customers win business. They are created from a combination of our creative teams and listening to the needs of our customers who sell our products every day of the week. And we go one step further by actively generating qualified leads for our network of Registered Installers.

It’s a pretty unbeatable mix and customers get the most from using it all.

Is being an independently owned company, and not competing with your customers through your own trade counters, an important part of your strategy and is that independence likely to remain so?

Aidan Harte: Maintaining our unique, independent business model has always been a key part of our strategy and always will be. We don’t compete with customers so we have no other agenda and work hard to help them sell as much as possible –if they grow, we grow. It’s as simple as that.

New Freefoam Fortex Shadow Gap cladding in Anthracite Grey

Geo-panel - Grey Quartz

Geo-panel - Azure Matt

Freefoam - production

COLOUR COATING SOLUTIONS FROM KOLORSEAL PREFERRED BY BRIDGE WINDOW SYSTEMS

Bridge Window Systems regularly calls upon Kolorseal to add unique colour coating touches to its designs and projects. Based in Winterton, North Lincolnshire, the company has built a reputation based on craftsmanship, expertise and the personal service it offers to customers.

When it comes to colour coating projects, the 12 man team headed up by Wayne and James Westoby, now relies upon Kolorseal’s services to colour match the client brief they are given.

Previously, the Bridge Window Systems team believed in handling colour spraying themselves, wishing to be in complete control of quality. Without the right ventilation systems in place however, the team recognised that colour coating would need to be outsourced in order to achieve consistent quality finishes.

A KOLORFUL DIFFERENCE

After approaching Kolorseal and seeing the company shared the same business ethics, the team was very happy with the choice, results and all within an incredibly fast turnaround.

Bridge Windows System holds a unique position within the sector by not having a production line with each worker at the company given a fabrication project.

This gives complete quality control to each project, from design to manufacturing and installation. Impressive and

“Providing peace of mind when it comes to colouring products is paramount for the whole Kolorseal team.”

unique projects have been undertaken for over 15 years, with the 12 man team acknowledged for creating inspiring, architectural installations that other fabricators would not contemplate.

Wayne comments, “Since we launched we wanted to offer something different where everyone can share in the success of the business. We take the same care on every sized project, whether that is commercial or domestic.

Now through our connection with Kolorseal, we can be confident in the colouring projects we provide to our customers. They have the same attitude about personal service as we do, so we know that they will be able to offer consultative advice and recommendations if needed. This

really does help us to add true value to our specially coloured projects, as we can pass this down to our customers.”

ASSURANCE GUARANTEED

Kolorseal’s Certificates of Authenticity have been a welcome addition to the company’s guarantees already offered, as this helps to reinforce the exceptionally high service standards to homeowners and end users.

Consequently, Bridge Window Systems has total reassurance in respect of consistency and quality of finish on every single project that has been Kolorsealed.

Operating from a fabrication workshop the company designs and fabricates, windows, doors, conservatories and curtainwalling systems with care, a sense of achievement and decency.

Deborah Hendry, Managing Director, Kolorseal Ltd comments, “Providing peace of mind when it comes to colouring products is paramount for the whole Kolorseal team.

Working with companies that share our business values creates an integrity and assurance for everyone. Bridge Window Systems has a unique reputation for tailored quality and it is wonderful for us to be giving them support through colour coating that reinforces those standards.”

NEW WOODGRAIN FOIL COLOURS FOR FREEFOAM FASCIA AND SOFFIT!

Freefoam Building Products Ltd has updated its fascia, soffit and accessory ranges. Three new woodgrain foil finishes have been added to the roofline range, including Matt Black, Matt Anthracite Grey, and White Woodgrain.

The Matt Black and Matt Anthracite Grey have been introduced (and RAL-coded) to complement aluminium black and grey windows and bifolds. Both colours have RAL codes which helps stockists and their installers to tap into this colour trend, and upsell a full suite of matching building elements.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for installers to sell a higher-end look that can transform houses in a few days,” explains Colin St John, Freefoam’s Commercial Director. “We even offer cladding to match. It gives installers the edge to win business, sell more products, and make better margins.”

The new finishes are offered in 10mm Square Leg and Magnum Square Leg Fascia, General Purpose Soffit Board, and Hollow Soffits, and come with a range of trims in the same colour options.

Additional product sizes have been added to Freefoam’s foiled fascia too. Freefoam’s 10mm Square Leg fascia is available in Irish Oak, Chartwell Green, and Cream woodgrains while the 18mm Square Leg range now comes in Light Oak, Black Ash, Anthracite Grey, and Agate Grey woodgrains.

“We’re now manufacturing one of the most comprehensive fascia ranges on the market,” adds Colin. See the full range at www.freefoam.com/geopanel or call Freefoam on 0800 002 9903 to add the new roofline colours and sizes to your portfolio.

CAB WELCOMES GLAZPART

I am delighted to welcome Glazpart into membership of CAB, I’m sure Dean Bradley (Glazpart Sales Director) and his team will rapidly become active members of the Association.

Glazpart joins several other companies that have recently joined the Association, confirming that the innovations taking place within CAB are seen by the fenestration market as positive and I can promise there is more to come in 2025.

Glazpart has been a plastic injection moulding specialist since 1986 and supplies the trade and commercial markets with a wide range of products, Dean Bradley takes up the story: “A growing number of our customers (uPVC window and door manufacturers) now offer aluminium options as homeowners have become more discerning about the materials they use for their home improvements, especially in product categories such as high value bi-fold and patio doors.

“With the window and door aluminium sector growing, we recognise the importance of understanding the nuances in the sector, as many of our trickle vents and glazing accessories are suitable for aluminium products.

“Though our products are plastic moulded, Glazpart’s colour matching facility for aluminium windows and doors is second to none. For over ten

years, we have consistently invested in state-of-the-art machinery and tooling. Glazpart is an approved colour paint sprayer and we are therefore in pole position to offer a vast spectrum of colours and finishes of our award-winning Link Vent range, which is the perfect ventilation solution for any aluminium window or door profile.

“As a member of Council for Aluminium in Building, we look forward to a productive partnership, sharing technical information and networking to increase contacts in the sector and to face industry challenges together. For homeowners and all companies in the aluminium glazing supply chain it is a win-win partnership.”

At CAB we recognise that any Association belongs to its Members, the influence that Members bring into the Association propagates growth which drives the Industry and influences legislative changes. I am committed to growing the Association and will continue to increase value for its membership. Why not join the Association and be recognised as being involved in supporting your industry and help to shape its future. More information on our website at c-a-b.org.uk.

Nigel Headford CAB Chief Executive

Freefoam Matt Black fasica matches windows and doors

Dean Bradley - Sales Director

Nigel Headford - CAB CEO

Glazpart product

Glazpart Ltd

INDUSTRY OUT IN FORCE FOR FIT SHOW 25 ENHANCEMENT DAY KENRICK SIGN UP TO FIT SHOW 2025

FIT Show organisers have just held an enhancement day for exhibitors and prospects who are set to be involved in its April 29 - May 1 event at Birmingham NEC next year.

Over 70% of the 126 brands who have already signed up to exhibit at FIT Show 2025 joined organisers for a full day of content designed to turbocharge their campaigns for the UK’s number one trade show for the window, door, flat glass, hardware, components and roofing industry.

The FIT Show 2025 Enhancement Day, which took place at the NEC on Wednesday 6th November, included a packed agenda of sessions from FIT Show’s inhouse marketing and content teams, as well as contributions from external experts.

FIT Show’s creative and digital partners, Digital KOG walked attendees through the 2025 creative campaign, with a strong focus on people and products utilising imagery from the previous show to clearly illustrate that FIT Show is the place that brings all of this together.

Guest speaker and performance coach, Charlotte Haslam delivered an engaging session on ‘the power of feedback for high performing teams’ which wrapped up with practical frameworks and tips for implementing feedback into a business’s strategy for FIT Show.

Sioned Yates of Access Marketing showed delegates ‘how to stand out from the crowd & drive maximum impact for your brand at FIT Show’, drawing on her plethora of experience with brands such as ALUK and Whitesales who have

“We were absolutely delighted with the support we received from our stakeholders for the FIT Show 2025 enhancement day last week.”

all delivered highly impactful FIT Show campaigns under her guidance.

The day wrapped off with practical sessions on how to capture and maxmise leads generated at the show from event partner, LiveBuzz, as well as input from Expo360 who provided a digital twin of FIT Show in 2023.

Delegates were encouraged to take part in photography and filming opportunities throughout the day with the aim of generating content for them to use as part of their FIT Show 2025 campaigns between now and the show.

Speaking about the success of the FIT Show 2025 Enhancement Day, event director Nickie West commented:

“We were absolutely delighted with the support we received from our stakeholders for the FIT Show 2025 enhancement day last week. We’ve brought the event forward in the calendar as we wanted to arm our exhibitors with the tools and information they need to run the best possible campaigns for their FIT Show 2025 participation, as well as drive the best possible ROI for them.

“We also broadened the event out to invite prospects who have expressed an interest in exhibiting at FIT Show 2025, but who have not yet signed, in order to show them the plethora of support and opportunities that are available to exhibitors. A couple of these attendees have since gone on to sign up to exhibit, with a further two brands increasing their stand size.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to all of our speakers and contributors who delivered a first class agenda for our attendees, and to all of our stakeholders who took the time to support the event. Next stop, FIT Show 2025!”

Those who missed the event but would like to find out more about exhibiting can contact rik@fitshow.co.uk. To request a copy of the online enhancement content, register here: https://www.fitshow.co.uk/ fit-exhibitor-day-registration.

Visit www.fitshow.co.uk to find out more.

Leading hardware designer and supplier Kenrick has announced it will be exhibiting for the first time at FIT Show 2025.

Andy Meakin, Sales and Marketing Manager at Kenrick, said: “We’re delighted to be exhibiting at FIT next year. It’s the highlight of the industry calendar, bringing together customers, prospective customers and suppliers under one roof. We’re looking forward to making our debut appearance at the show.”

Nickie West, FIT Show Event Director, said: “It’s always exciting when a brand makes its FIT Show debut. Whilst Kenricks will be a familiar name to many thanks to its legacy as the oldest hardware manufacturer in the industry, it’s the first time our visitors will be able to see the brand, its team and products at FIT Show. We’re excited to see Kenricks and its latest development in door hardware security at FIT Show 2025 and wish them a hugely successful debut.”

Visitors to the Kenrick stand will have the exclusive opportunity to see the company’s latest product launch that demonstrates the powerful levels of innovation that has defined Kenrick

for over two centuries. Andy said: “As the oldest hardware business in the industry, we’re proud to be showcasing the very latest in smart locking security innovation at the show. It’s a must-visit for any fabricator or installer looking to stay ahead of industry trends and delivering smart locking solutions to their customers. It’s a real gamechanger.”

Visitors to the show will also have the opportunity to experience Kenrick’s new smart locking security product first-hand in the Installer Demo Zone, where live installation demonstrations will be held throughout the event. Andy commented: “The Installer Demo Zone provides a further opportunity for attendees to explore the product’s advanced security features and effortless installation up close, offering insights into its

“As the oldest hardware business in the industry, we’re proud to be showcasing the very latest in smart locking security innovation at the show. It’s a must-visit for any fabricator or installer looking to stay ahead of industry trends and delivering smart locking solutions to their customers. It’s a real gamechanger.”

innovative functionality and significant added-value benefits.”

Alongside the new product launch, visitors will also be able to find out more about Kenrick’s full portfolio of trusted hardware solutions, known for its quality, durability and design. Kenrick’s team of industry experts will also be available throughout the three-day show to answer questions about products and projects, demonstrating the depth and breadth of experience that customers can tap into.

Founded in 1791, Kenrick has built a legacy of quality, reliability and innovation in hardware design. Today the business remains a trusted hardware partner to fabricators and supply partners throughout the industry.

FIT Show is the UK’s only dedicated trade show for the window, door, flat glass, hardware and roofing industry. Over the past decade FIT Show has served as the cornerstone for the fenestration industry, connecting the right people with the right products.

The show runs from 29 April to 1 May 2025 at the NEC in Birmingham.

BE PART OF FIT

NEC BIRMINGHAM 29 APRIL - 1 MAY 2025 • THE UK’S NUMBER ONE TRADE SHOW FOR THE WINDOW, DOOR, FLAT GLASS, HARDWARE, COMPONENTS & ROOFING INDUSTRY.

NEW BUILD SUCCESS FOR PEARL WINDOW SYSTEMS OFFERING AN

EXCLUSIVE SERVICE TO REGIONAL AND NATIONAL HOUSE BUILDERS

Pearl Window Systems has been around since 1998 and, apart from being one of the fastest growing fabricators, it still seems to continually grow. What is your frame production capacity now and is it automation that has allowed this to happen? Whenever I’ve visited Pearl there always seems to have been additional investment in machinery, systems and technology. Is that still the case or are you now kitted out for the future?

As a business we will always evaluate the best possible opportunities on merit, not only for the good of the business but also that of the customer and our employees. I’d like to think we’ve made the right decisions at the right times, we have continued to invest in systems, automation and technology which has streamlined our business, now operating over 5 facilities within the North West. Our goal beyond 2024 is to aim upwards of 5,000 frames per week, this will include further investment.

People have always been important and key to Pearl’s development – in fact all the usual

suspects seem to have been there for ever! Are you expanding the workforce or bringing in new key managers to continue the growth?

As a growing business we are always on the lookout for talent that can help us drive the company forward. I feel we have a fantastic track record of internal succession planning and providing career pathways for people in the business. We have made some exciting external appointments in the last couple of years, particularly in our new build division. It’s an absolute pleasure to be able to say, we still employ our first ever employee who’s now our Head of Finance. Most of our

senior team have 20 years plus service, together with my fellow directors who I employed both at the age of 16, in what seems like a previous life now.

You have a large and countrywide network of customers for both domestic and commercial products and I know you have looked at that tricky market called ‘New Build’. Is the new build sector important to Pearl and how are you tackling this margin sensitive market?

Our customer network is spread far and wide from one end of the country to the other. Our trade customers have made us who we are today, an important piece of our long term strategy, and for which I thank them all for their continued support year after year.

The new build market is a key component part of our future development moving forward. We have embraced the challenge of entering into this world by offering something different than our competitors and predecessors. We have an excellent business development strategy in place and have ‘partnership’ and ‘open book’ relationship building with our new build customers.

You fabricate Liniar and the fact that that system was designed from scratch as opposed to being tweaked from an existing system

has been key to its success. Has that helped in your pursuit of the new build market?

From 2011, Liniar has been instrumental in the growth of Pearl, from circa 1,400 frames per week on our previous system to the present-day volume. This has been an incredible journey, our growth in the trade has been due to the excellent USP’s Liniar has to offer compared to many other competitors out there. The fact that we can demonstrate a full turnkey solution to our new build customers, from extraction right through to installation has, in many respects, set us apart from our competition. Liniar have been a fantastic partner for us as we entered into the new build market, their support and innovation have been key factors in the momentum we have gained. They have also helped us host a number of key customer days, to demonstrate the strength of our partnership.

How can you succeed with new build when much of the industry shies away from a very cost sensitive area, and very demanding clients?

We have really built on the partnership model and established key customer relationships from director level down to site level. The expectation of the new build market is not that dissimilar to trade and retail, in that our customers just want it right first time and also want us to react in the right manner and timeframe if they run into some issues. Our success is very much dependent on the new build team we have built from our management, right through to our directly employed fitters and our apprenticeship programme. We have an enviable roster of talent in that team.

To appeal to regional or national housebuilders you have to offer

Jeff Walsh, Pearl Window Systems and Kevin Seddon, former founder of New View Window Systems, Pearl’s New Build Division Consultant.

Pearl’s fully stocked warehouse of Liniar windows and doors.

more than just price. How do you deal with the need for them to call off product to suit their build programme as opposed to simply delivering in when you have fabricated an order?

We work closely with the site teams to understand their programmes and their upcoming call of requirements. We rely heavily on our unique operating system “The Vault” to enable us to resource plan. Our entire installation program, customer care and CML is all digitised in the cloud, this allows us clear visibility together with the ability to execute a slick service to the sites. Our customers have really embraced that technology along with our QR codes and exclusive extendable warranty scheme.

I mentioned earlier that Pearl has been around since 1998 but you have actually been in windows since 1984….I hate to mention it but that’s 40 years! What’s still driving you to expand Pearl’s offering?

Ha ha, I try not to think about it, as each time I do, that takes me to thinking about my age, so don’t get me started!

I still love a deal, I still feel fully responsible and focused on providing the best possible opportunities for all our members of staff and their families who rely on Pearl week in and week out. You should never look backwards in my mind, you have to continue to grow and develop as a business and as people, obviously try and enjoy it along the way, sometimes easier said than done! The opportunities we have created in the last 24 months is actually quite exciting, it’s also created incredible opportunities for our team, that in itself is such a buzz and so satisfactory to see people progress within our business.

Back to new build. I’ve heard you are bringing in another long-time window man to help the new build division. Can you talk about this?

Yes, Kevin Seddon, the former founder of New View Window Systems. I’ve known Kevin for 20 years and given recent circumstances I’m now back in dialog with Kevin. It’s a one off opportunity for Pearl to have Kevin as a consultant, to help guide us through our growth over the next few years. Kevin is a new build expert in installations with a wealth of experience and contacts.

With Kevin joining you, that looks like around 70 years of experience

portal and website material you offer?

between you! How valuable is that experience when it comes to dealing with large housebuilders?

Tricks of the trade, to be able to understand and react, you can’t buy this level of industry service and experience, priceless I have to say.

You started your new build division in April 2023 and I well remember the launch. Now, some 18 months later, how many installation teams do you have, and do you see, the need for more teams in the future?

We currently have 7 installation teams across the North of England. All of them are directly employed in full Pearl uniform and Pearl branded vehicles. We anticipate at least another 3 teams to join us in 2025. We take great pride in the quality of our fitting teams, they are the face of the new build business.

Pearl has always prided itself on customer service and I presume that is all important in working in new build. How are you maintaining your high standards?

Customer care is extremely important and for us it starts with the initial installation through our directly employed fitters. We have assembled an extremely experienced customer care team led by Rebecca, who has over 15 years experience leading customer care teams in the sector. In the near future we are going to launch our ‘Aftercare Charter’ to the industry, a series of high

level promises on our service levels that will keep everybody accountable, helping to maintain that high level of service.

Does growth in new build require additional staff throughout, for instance for estimating?

We have strengthened in all areas of the new build team and in particular our commercial and estimating function who currently have an enviable market leading tender conversion rate. We have also invested in our ‘site management’ teams who site above the fitting teams, enabling us to keep on top of any real time issues that may occur on site.

Can technology help when it comes to dealing with new build and are housebuilders prepared to use the

I feel this is what really sets us apart and this has been fully embraced by our new build customers. Put simply, there is nobody else offering the technology package we do through our dynamic QR codes and exclusive customer care maintenance, using our CORGI backed extended warranty scheme.

We have also some really exciting additions to our products for 2025 which will enhance our offering even further.

Do you see the government’s targets for new build being achieved and is that an encouragement to you to further expand this Pearl division?

The new targets set by government, particularly around the affordable housing sector, present a huge opportunity to us as a business. We have seen a definite shift in the market, with some of our customers moving away from traditional sales led developments into affordable housing and partnership models. The key for us now moving forward is to make sure we are smart about the type of developments and type of customers we want to work with. This will enable us to grow in the right manner and at the right pace.

Tel: 01942 843 586

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

Jeff Walsh of Pearl Window Systems with Chris Mayne of Corgi Fenestration - Pearl’s New Build Division offers house builders a CORGI backed extended warranty scheme, to pass onto homeowners, another exclusive Pearl offering.

All installations are recorded by PDA with each image uploaded and saved in the cloud for full traceability.

All team members and vehicles fully uniformed and liveried.

Window Systems LTD

BUILDERS MERCHANT BUILDING INDEX

Q3 MERCHANT VALUE SALES ROSE +1.7% QUARTER-ON-QUARTER BUT WERE -2.6% ADRIFT OF LAST YEAR’S SALES

The latest total value sales from the Builders

Merchant Building Index (BMBI) reveals that in Q3 2024, sales were down -2.6% compared to Q3 2023, with volume sales down -2.8% and prices virtually the same (+0.2%). With one additional trading day this year, like-for-like sales (which take the number of trading days into account) were -4.1% lower.

Five of the twelve categories sold more in Q3 2024, led by Workwear & Safetywear (+16.5%). The two largest categories - Timber &

Joinery Products (-4.8%) and Heavy Building Materials (-3.5%) – were both down more than total merchants. Renewables & Water Saving (-29.1%) was the weakest category.

QUARTER-ONQUARTER

Total value sales for Q3 2024 were up +1.7% on Q2 2024. Volumes increased +2.3%, while prices were down -0.6%. Ten categories sold more quarter-onquarter with Workwear & Safetywear (+6.6%) growing most followed by Ironmongery (+3.8%) and Services (+3.6%). Landscaping (-9.3%) and Kitchens & Bathrooms

(-0.1%) were the weakest categories. With three more trading days in the most recent period, like-for-like sales were -3.0% lower.

SEPTEMBER SALES YEAR-ON-YEAR

Total Builders Merchants value sales for September were down -3.5% compared to the same month in 2023. Volume sales were also down -3.6% and price virtually the same (+0.1%). Sales of the two largest categories - Timber & Joinery Products (-5.6%) and Heavy Building Materials (-4.3%) –declined more than Total Merchants.

LAST 12 MONTHS

Total Merchants sales in the 12 months from October 2023 to September 2024 were -5.2% lower than the same 12-month period a year earlier. Volume sales decreased -7.5% and prices were up +2.4%.

Mike Rigby, MD of MRA Research who produce this report, said: “The new Labour government swept into power on high expectations and a desire for change as voters responded to the promise of growth. But a wet summer and a series of gloomy pronouncements about growth-postponed quickly knocked the stuffing out of consumers’ confidence and talked down the markets.

“GfK’s long running Consumer Confidence Index fell to -21 in October, the lowest it has been since March. Perhaps the most telling metric was people’s sentiments about the general economic situation over the last 12 months, which dropped -5 points to -42. A YouGov poll after the budget statement confirmed that 39% of respondents thought the budget would leave them and their family worse off. This isn’t great news for the RMI market as people will

be more inclined to save than spend.

“It’s good news that the government wants to grow the economy over the course of this parliament. The industry looks forward to that, and to the improvements in planning, and the plan to build 1.5 million homes. But you can’t just announce growth and expect it to happen

just like that. The industry will first need to add the capacity to produce the building materials and recruit the skilled people to build those homes. That’s not straightforward and it will take time.”

For the full report, Expert comments and Round Table Debates, visit www.bmbi.co.uk..

GfK’s Builders Merchant Panel GfK’s Merchant Panel includes national, multi-regional and regional merchants such as Buildbase, Jewson, Travis Perkins, EH Smith, Gibbs & Dandy, MKM and Bradfords. GfK’s Builders’ Merchant Point of Sale Tracking Data represents 88% of the value of the builders’ merchant market. GfK insights can trace product group performance and track relevant features. GfK can also produce robust like-for-like market comparability, tailored to the requirements of an individual business. ments of an individual business.

The Builders Merchant Building Index Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) appears every month, in print and online. A full quarterly report is published every three months. The BMBI is a brand of the Builders Merchant Federation. Set up and produced by MRA Research, it uses sales-out data from GfK’s Builders Merchant Panel. BMBI includes a panel of leading industry Experts, who speak exclusively for their markets.

Mike Rigby, MRA Research

ENDURANCE® DOORS SUPPORTS INSTALLER SALES WITH NEW TV AD

To generate further brand awareness and create additional sales for its installer partners, Endurance® Doors has launched its first ever TV advert.

Developed as part of the business’ ongoing ‘Together, We Grow’ marketing campaign, the new ad will air on Sky. It is being broadcast using the Sky AdSmart platform enabling Endurance to precisely target specific viewer demographics and those people most likely to be interested in buying its products.

“‘Together, We Grow’ highlights the many different initiatives Endurance® Doors offers to ensure success and growth for our installer partners, which in turn benefits our own business” explains Scott Foster, Sales and Marketing Director at the manufacturer of solid, secure and stylish composite doors.

“Our new TV ad adds to those initiatives and complements a range of other activity that includes extensive social media and digital marketing. We’ve also developed an exceptional online reputation with over 2800 reviews on Trustpilot of which 87% award us the maximum five stars. That’s more five star reviews than any other large composite door manufacturer.”

The new Endurance TV ad is shot across three locations, each featuring a stylish home with a different door from the manufacturer’s extensive range.

As well as detailing the many benefits and impressive design freedom offered by Endurance’s products, the ad also emphasises the emotive connection between consumers and their front doors.

As the entrance to their home, their front doors are a portal to a place of comfort, security and where cherished memories are made.

This focus on developing products that deliver in every way - including on an aesthetic, emotive and functional level - is reflective of Endurance’s brand values

Endurance® Doors will also create clips of the new TV ad for its own wider marketing use as well as that of its installer partners.

Ideal for social media and for other digital platforms like websites, these clips will enable engagement with consumers across multiple channels and at different touchpoints of their buying journey.

“Our decision to invest into our first ever TV advertising campaign demonstrates the strength of our commitment to our installer partners” concludes Scott. “It also highlights how we never stop looking for new and innovative ways to help them maximise sales.

“Through the use of TV advertising, we are looking to increase brand awareness and to ensure our products are the composite door of choice for the discerning homeowner. Our new TV ad will also help us to build on the 1000+ warm leads we generate and distribute to our installer partners every week.”

The new Endurance Doors TV ad can be viewed at: https://endurancedoors.co.uk/tv/i-found-more-than-a-door/

DOORCO: ONE SUPPLIER FOR COMPOSITE DOORS

Ben Aspinall, DoorCo’s Commercial Director, talks to Glass News about their new ONE campaign, which has been created to underpin DoorCo’s drive to a true one stop composite door supplier.

Many suppliers claim to be a ‘one stop shop’ but very few can deliver this promise in the way DoorCo can. The launch of ONE aims to

celebrate the variety we have created under one roof and the versatile offering we have developed with our partners over the years.

ONE goes beyond offering all the composite door components the market needs, service is just as integral. We’ve striving for worldclass service levels that help our customers to enhance their businesses.

With DoorCo, you can get everything you need from ONE Supplier:

• ONE complete product range

• ONE Sales Manager

• ONE ordering system

• ONE complete delivery of goods

• ONE invoice

• ONE constant source of innovation

• ONE network of support from Marketing to Technology to Health & Safety advice

VALUE DRIVEN SERVICE

Although ONE is about simplicity and convenience for customers, our values play a huge role in shaping our service. People, Innovation, Agility and Quality are central to ensuring that our customers use every part of our business to support

theirs from sales to marketing, technology and manufacturing. . It’s not transactional, it’s a partnership where communication is central. We want our customers to have input into innovations. This helps guarantee our product and service development meets market demand and is futureproofed. We want to make sure can all stay agile and ahead of the game.

Of course, mutual success is ultimately gained through customer satisfaction and high-quality doors, delivered on time in full. From the moment an order is placed, we want our customers to have the best experience. From online ordering and

ONE online ordering system offers simplicity and convenience for customers.

DoorCo’s advanced technology offering makes options like seamless onboarding and Just In Time (JIT) delivery possible.

DoorCo’s transport team ensures everything is delivered on time in full supported by technology that gives customers complete transparency.

Every person in DoorCo is committed to best practice and full accountability.

tracking to variable expert manufacturing support, dispatch and transport, every person in DoorCo is committed to best practice and full accountability.

CROSS FUNCTIONAL SUPPORT

Our customers can access the team at each stage of this process for additional business support. From expert technology, marketing and manufacturing teams, we’re available to help utilise the potential of every business Take marketing for example. DoorCo’s unique brands – ORiGINAL, BRiTDOR, GRiPCORE, FiRECORE and FLiP – are supported by a plethora of marketing options. Comprehensive product brochures are available branded or unbranded to suit customers’ needs. We can also help create bespoke designs that match the customer’s own objectives, as well as provide other sales materials.

Furthermore, our inspiring and informative social media, dedicated websites and door designer helps with lead generation for our customers. We maintain a presence in the commercial markets too, so new build and social housing providers understand

DoorCo and what our ONE expert supply chain can offer.

CREATING A BRAND

We’ve created ONE to make accessible the variety that DoorCo is renowned for. ONE is designed to represent agility, innovation and our forward-thinking attitude. It gives a nod to doors, our bread and butter, and brings back the DoorCo blue that is very much part of our heritage. We want to celebrate how far the business has come but make embracing it all as simple as possible.

WHERE NEXT?

Strengthening ONE will be a service promise and a new digital platform that will house all customer access points. The platform will include order tracking visibility, ability to review orders ready in advance & more. ONE place to access all the information you need, streamlining the journey even further. With this will come an expanded range of services for even greater convenience, simplicity, efficiency and loyalty.

www.door-co.com

“We’ve created ONE to make accessible the variety that DoorCo is renowned for. ONE is designed to represent agility, innovation and our forward-thinking attitude.”

DoorCo can use a customer’s own barcoding format to enhance traceability and goods-in/ goods-out control.

Our Marketing team offer a comprehensive range of support, including fully customised brochures and collateral for each of our unique brands: ORiGINAL, BRiTDOR, GRiPCORE, FiRECORE and FLiP.

We’ve invested in Electric Forklifts and driver training for enhanced efficiency.

Part of our journey to ONE has been the expansion to Doncaster and the onshoring of some of our key products.

Our flexible service enables fabricators to access whatever manufacturing support they need, from fully prepped, painted, and glazed doors to components only. Our dedicated, highly trained, manufacturing teams are experts in door fabrication.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

STOP GASLIGHTING ON ENTRANCE DOOR U-VALUES!

Apeer CEO Asa McGillian is demanding that door manufacturers stop gaslighting installers and homeowners about U-values. Facts are easy to establish. Unfortunately, too many are hiding behind half truths and obfuscation!

Have we become so immune to the ideology versus science battles that are waged across the media platforms these days that simple facts no longer matter?

Are ‘feelings’ now more important than ‘truth’.

Can a hollow 70mm monocoque slab with zero insulation truly outperform an Apeer slab with a core manufactured with 110kg/ m³ density structural foam, defying the law of physics, because the manufacturer really wants it to be true?

Can a man really become a woman? Let’s face facts.

The answer to all these questions is a straight ‘NO’. But that doesn’t stop people arguing the toss anyway. It might be about feelings, but it is more likely to be about money. And money is something that a lot of door manufacturers don’t want to spend when it comes to clarifying the true state of their thermal efficiency claims.

Not Apeer.

We believe that giving customers the full, undeniable, picture when it comes to U-value claims is SO important that we have spent considerable time and money on the independent testing of a number of rival door slabs, sending them to the TUV Institute Rheinland. There, an impartial team undertook full testing to ISO standard ISO 8302:1991 / EN 12667:2001 ‘Determination of Thermal Resistance’, which gave us the thermal resistance numbers for 44mm foam filled, 48mm timber core, 70mm high density foam filled, 70mm hollow monocoque and 100mm high density foam filled slab. The results showed clearly the direct correlation between the thickness of the material, the type of material and the density of the material. We then undertook further testing with IFT Rosenheim who did a side-by-side Thermal Hot Box test with our 70mm high density foam filled door and a hollow monocoque door and the results proved what we had long suspected – whilst our

door met the declared U Value of 0.85 W/ m²K (we actually declare 0.9 W/m²K) the competitor’s door did not even meet the required minimum U value of 1.4 W/m²K or anywhere near.

Both independent tests from two of the most reputable test houses in the world lead us to believe that there are a number of false claims being made by seemingly reputable door manufacturers that claim their complete range of products meet the Irish and British building regulations. We are still contemplating (and in discussions with our lawyers, industry

bodies, trading standards and building control) how much of the report should be put out into the public arena in its entirety. Naming names is not an activity we want to get embroiled in. However, it doesn’t take an expert to understand that a door with a 44mm slab cannot have the same thermal performance as a door which is 60% thicker. Don’t get me wrong we sell 44mm, 70mm and 100mm doors but we don’t claim that they are equal in performance. In the same way it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand that a “timber core” product with low thermal performance

Asa McGillian

“We believe that giving customers the full, undeniable, picture when it comes to U-value claims is SO important that we have spent considerable time and money on the independent testing of a number of rival door slabs, sending them to the TUV Institute Rheinland.”

in comparison to a high-quality dense foam core can be “top performing” or “market leading”, phrases commonly used in advertising both to the trade and more disturbingly to the consumer.

The TUV report shows that a 70mm high density foam core is 3.5x more thermally resistant than the timber core slab that we tested. Yet those are the claims that are being made! Even worse are claims from one of our competitors that a hollow 70mm monocoque slab with zero insulation outperforms our slab with a core manufactured with 110 kg/m³ density structural foam – a claim that defies the law of physics. All these figures are clearly shown within the TUV testing figures making a complete mockery of some of the door manufacturers’ claim to “superior” thermal performance.

It’s time to stop making false claims and have full transparency for all door designs sold, and then audited proof that what is claimed on the paperwork is actually what leaves the manufacturing plant. All 62 designs of Apeer 70mm Door products meet and exceed the Irish and British Building Regulations of a minimum 1.4 W/ m²K for replacement doors and 1.0 W/m²K for new build doors and all have been third party tested and audited and can be found on the BFRC website.

This is fact, not feelings!

Tel: 0845 0945 215 – www.apeer.co.uk

FEATURES

AESTHETICALLY APPEALING

Colour matched external cill as a standard. Gerda doors are available in widths ranging from 840mm to 1130mm, offering a broader selection compared to other doors that typically start at 950mm wide

ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE

Faced with steel & aluminium for superior durability and resistance

RC3 lock with 13 locking points, you can also upgrade the fuhr lock on the Thermo Prime Range

Pre-drilled holes supplied with a fixing kit for easy and convenient installation

UNMATCHED SECURITY

State-of-the-art security features with burglary resistance accreditations PAS24 as a standard.

Revolutionary Smart Tedee Lock controlled by your phone

EXCELLENT THERMAL PERFORMANCE

Exceptionally energy-efficient, thanks to a unique thermal division that enhances the natural insulation.

U- values exceed the current and forthcoming Building Regulations with values of 0 74W/1 3m2k

Red Barns, Warners Farm, Howe Street, Great Waltham, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 1BN

HOW MUCH DO HOMEOWNERS REALLY VALUE A U-VALUE?

The UK home improvement market has seen a significant shift in recent years toward energy efficiency, driven primarily by rising energy costs, but also by growing awareness of environmental concerns.

And as we all know, when it comes to improving the energy efficiency of their property, one of the most popular choices for homeowners looking to reduce energy bills – aside from replacing all the windows – is by changing their front door. Here’s the thing – like so many home improvement issues, you only really start noticing it if it is costing you money, or peace of mind. And for many homeowners, as long as the front door doesn’t have draughty gaps the size of the M25 around the frame, they are probably blissfully unaware of the thermal efficiencies of today’s more materially advanced front doors.

As is its wont, our esteemed government will continue to foist various carbon emission and thermal efficiency targets on us all. It has been part of the landscape

for us working in the industry for decades now. For homeowners though, there is still a lot of confusion around what exactly is expected of them. There is also a growing sense of suspicion about how things might, again, change in the future.

It can’t have escaped anyone’s notice that London dwellers were coerced into purchasing electric vehicles with the incentives of zero congestion charges and no road tax. Already road tax is being reapplied to electric vehicles from 2025 – admittedly at a lower rate, but I’m sure

it won’t take long for it to catch up with normal rates!

So when it comes to fitting a new front door, how certain can any homeowner be sure that what they fit today will still be viable in terms of building regulations in one year, five years or even longer?

At Gerda we prefer to be in control of our own destiny and smash our own self imposed targets without relying on external pressures – easily done when you know your product is superior to any other options on the market. But even more

importantly, it allows us to speak with commitment and confidence when it comes to stating fact about the thermal efficiency of our doors, rather than hiding behind marketing speak and half truths.

Our Gerda doors are manufactured in Poland. This on its own is enough to inspire confidence in the ability of the door to keep out the bitter East European cold, and keep in that lovely gas fired warmth! What many people don’t know is that the U-values of our different ranges start from as low as 0.74 W/m²K – which makes it one of the most thermally efficient on the market. Like any door, that value changes according to glazing options, but as a starting point it gives the installer and homeowner plenty of wriggle room when creating a door design from scratch.

The other aspect of the Gerda door that gives us that confidence to not take too much notice of the shifting sands of government regulations is the strength and durability of its steel and aluminium structure. We know, without a shadow of a doubt, and without having to hide behind sales speak, that our doors will never twist out of shape no matter what the extreme of temperature – hot or cold. Homeowners will get that satisfying thunk of a door closing in the same place, and the same position, every single time, year after year.

Ultimately we know that if you have confidence in your product, it makes it easier to sell. The long termism of a Gerda door will more than outlive the short termism of cheaper products with questionable U-values, and this in itself will ensure that every Gerda installation will stand firm for decades to come.

Danny Williams

HARDWARE

CARL F GROUPCO HIGHLIGHTS GROWING INTEREST IN EMERGENCY EXIT HARDWARE

Independent hardware supplier Carl F Groupco confirms growing interest in its emergency exit hardware range for public sector and commercial projects. Demand is being driven by contractors working in healthcare, industrial and commercial settings, where fire safety and rapid evacuation are critical concerns.

Owen Coop, CEO of Carl F Groupco, explains: “Contractors are increasingly looking for solutions that not only comply with fire safety regulations but also enhance overall fire safety infrastructure and reduce evacuation times. Our range of emergency exit hardware meets these needs, providing peace of mind for specifiers and project managers.” There are two key standards that govern the specification of emergency exit hardware in different building types. EN 179 applies to environments where occupants are familiar with the building’s layout and exits, such as offices, factories and residential flats. The performance requirements of EN 179 are ensuring safe and effective escape through a doorway with one single operation to release the emergency exit device.

BS EN 1125:2008 is designed for buildings where occupants may be unfamiliar with the exits, such as in hospitals, hotels, public buildings and retail spaces. This standard requires that doors can be easily opened using hand or body pressure, without prior knowledge of the exit device, to facilitate safe evacuation.

Owen said: “Our team works closely with fabricators and commercial specifiers to ensure they select the right hardware for their specific project needs, whether it’s for familiar or unfamiliar environments.”

Carl F Groupco’s emergency exit hardware portfolio includes advanced solutions from trusted brands including FUHR and Strand, offering versatile options to meet varying safety and security requirements.

The FUHR 870 and 871 Type 8 emergency door exit multipoint locks are designed to meet both EN 179 and BS EN 1125 standards. They allow emergency exit from the inside at any time while providing secure key-operated access from the outside.

The CISA FAST touch panic bar is an ideal solution for installations which require a fast opening feature, particularly relevant to comply with Scottish Building Regulations. The bar is fully compliant with BS EN 1125 when used in conjunction with the FUHR panic exit lock.

Strand’s Antipanic Modular Push Pad has been tested and certified to EN 179. It includes options for door monitoring and access control through an integrated micro-switch, offering enhanced security and monitoring capabilities. Similarly, the Antipanic Modular Push Bar has also been tested and certified to BS EN 1125. As with the Push Pad, there is the option of a micro-switch for door monitoring and access control.

Owen concludes: “Emergency exit hardware plays a crucial role in saving lives during fire or emergency situations. At Carl F Groupco, we are proud to offer a comprehensive range of compliant, high-performance solutions to support safe and effective evacuation across all project types.”

Tel: 01733 393 330 www.carlfgroupco.co.uk www.smartsecure.co.uk www.carlfdirect.co.uk

WINKHAUS CUSTOMER PORTAL

Winkhaus UK, a leading manufacturer of door and window hardware, is proud to announce the expansion of its customer portal – an innovative 24/7 platform, designed to help customers maximise their efficiency.

With the mission of guaranteeing our customers’ success, Winkhaus offers a host of resources on the portal, including the full technical product catalogue, marketing asset catalogue, access to all transactional information, order placement, order management, and delivery tracking.

Beth Dudley, Customer Experience Manager at Winkhaus UK, said: “The Winkhaus Customer Portal is a gamechanger for our customers, providing them with a seamless, 24/7 platform to manage orders, track deliveries, and access essential product resources.

By empowering customers with real-time transactional data, technical specifications, and marketing collateral, we are not just their improving efficiency, we are enhancing their overall experience.

The Winkhaus Portal is an invaluable tool in supporting our commitment to delivering exceptional service and ensuring our customers have everything they need to succeed.”

TECHNICAL TEAM BENEFITS

Our customers’ technical teams can benefit significantly from the portal, with easy access to our entire product catalogue providing up-to-date product technical specifications, product imagery, routing details, datasheets, and technical guides, which ensure they have accurate and relevant information at all times.

By having essential documentation readily available on the portal, technical teams can fast-track their own product developments and creation of their own technical catalogues, improving overall workflow efficiency.

SALES AND MARKETING BENEFITS

There is a wide range of promotional resources available on the portal which would be beneficial for our customers to take advantage of in their own sales and marketing.

Simple to access and quick to download, our media assets include high-quality images, videos, renders, and animations, from any location, making it easier to develop and share professional, branded content. This convenience supports consistent messaging and branding across customer-facing materials and allows teams to work more

efficiently by having essential marketing collateral readily available.

The portal also provides access to detailed technical specifications and product guides, enabling sales teams to accurately inform clients and end-users about product benefits and features. With these resources collectively organised in the portal, customers can elevate their marketing efforts and build more engaging and informative campaigns, enhancing their own brand positioning and customer engagement.

PURCHASING TEAM BENEFITS

Winkhaus’ customer portal also provides many benefits for purchasing teams, as it simplifies procurement, making it easy to place, schedule and track orders.

With both live and historical transactional data accessible, customers can review their past orders and make more informed purchasing decisions – it even has the option to duplicate previous orders, saving time and optimising the process.

ACCOUNTS TEAM BENEFITS

For accounting, the portal provides a single location for customers to access all their transactional data with Winkhaus, including payment history and invoicing, to simplify financial tracking and reporting.

With real time access to invoicing information, it is easy to monitor payment statuses and outstanding balances, whilst the streamlined organisation of financial data makes it simple for customers to manage the information, leading to reduced administration.

For further information on the Winkhaus Portal please visit https://www.winkhaus. co.uk/en/winkhaus-portal or contact enquiries@winkhaus.co.uk.

Beth Dudley, Customer Experience Manager

PRODUCT REVIEW & NEW INITIATIVE PROJECTS 2024

HELPING YOU GAIN MORE SALES IN 2025

THE GLASS NEWS ROUND UP OF PRODUCTS TO ADD TO YOUR PORTFOLIO

ENGINEERED DOOR COMPONENTS FROM REGALEAD

RegaLead and Aluplast showcased PVC Engineered Doors at the recent Glazing Summit, where the response from industry professionals was overwhelmingly positive.

RegaLead has created a package that includes a range of components - decorative glass, flat panels, and unique finishing options, including

raised and fielded panels and bolection mouldings, which create a classic timber look.

Fabricators simply provide their panel dimensions to RegaLead, and the custom-sized components are delivered, ready for assembly.

“All the fabricator needs to do is send the panel or aperture size, and we supply everything needed to create a beautiful, high-quality door.”

“The goal is to make it as simple as possible,” said Guy Hubble, Joint Managing Director at RegaLead. “All the fabricator needs to do is send the panel or aperture size, and we supply everything needed to create a beautiful, highquality door.”

RegaLead has also created a comprehensive marketing support package for installers, developing brochures, software compatibility for visualisers, and other tools to make the selling process straightforward and appealing.

To find out more go to: www.regalead.com/ engineered-door-components/.

WOODGRAIN FOILING FROM SHEERLINE

2024 was the year Sheerline partnered with RENOLIT to launch a new woodgrain foiling service to further enhance its range of finishes. The service is available in just ten days to fabricators and creates authentic wood effects for the brand’s aluminium windows and doors.

It’s been well received by customers, with John Kettell, Director, Kettell Windows summing up what the service means to him: “We’re absolutely loving the foiled aluminium – it’s such a breath of fresh air for a company to finally realise that we need foiled aluminium especially in circumstances when we are matching up with difficult-topowder-coat colours.”

Aside from making it easier to match new products with existing installations, the service reflects the trend for Scandi-inspired aesthetics that pair neutral colours and natural textures. It’s the perfect combination of refined architectural styling with the natural look of wood.

Seven standard woodgrain foil finishes are available including Black Cherry, Golden Oak, Irish Oak, Chartwell Green, White, Black Brown, and woodgrained Anthracite Grey. Bespoke and dual colour combinations are also available on request, giving customers even more choice.

This service is just another way that Sheerline differentiates itself from the competition. It already extrudes its own aluminium and offers in-house powder-coating at its state-of-the-art facility in Derbyshire.

The brand is committed to the highest quality standards possible, that’s why it has achieved numerous industry recognised qualifications over the past few years. This includes approved applicator status for Syntha Pulvin, alongside QUALICOAT Seaside Class approval.

www.sheerline.com/product/style-and-colour-options-trade

OMNIA: THE FUTURE OF FENESTRATION

VEKA’s OMNIA suite seamlessly combines classic design with modern performance, addressing the growing trend for heritage-inspired details in minimalist home architecture.

Named ‘New Product of the Year’ at the National Fenestration Awards, OMNIA’s emergence is the ideal solution to satisfy the rising demand for flush windows in both contemporary renovations and traditional new builds.

Today’s homeowners expect more than just aesthetics - they need energy efficiency, durability, and low maintenance. OMNIA meets these expectations with a double-rebated, double-flush system that doesn’t compromise on style.

Its sleek 70mm profile is designed to reduce complexity during installation, saving time for fabricators. It also supports a range of jointing techniques, such as timber weld and VEKA’s ProJoin Gen 2, providing flexibility without sacrificing its authentic look. Optional drip beading enhances its classic charm.

OMNIA is versatile, performing equally well with triple 44mm, double 28mm, and single 10mm glazing systems. It delivers exceptional energy, weather, and acoustic performance, surpassing industry standards - a rarity in heritage windows.

Crucially, OMNIA is designed to be future-ready for energy efficiency and sound insulation, catering to the demands of today’s eco-conscious homeowners. This makes it an ideal choice for fabricators and installers who want to stay competitive while delivering sustainable, timeless homes.

VEKA’s OMNIA is setting new standards in construction with a heritage look that suits modern demands. Its innovative double-flush system not only enhances aesthetics but also streamlines the installation process, making it a standout solution in the current market.

WINDOW WAREHOUSE LAUNCHES ALUK S67 INLINE SLIDING DOOR: A GAME-CHANGER IN ALUMINIUM

PATIO SYSTEMS FOR 2024

Here at Window Warehouse, the introduction of the S67 Inline Sliding Door from AluK was the perfect product expansion for 2024. This modern and versatile door is Part L compliant for existing and new homes, along with coming pre-glazed to save on fitting time.

Offering superb reliability and flexibility the S67 is perfect for renovation projects and new buildings as Remi Cake, Operations Director states ‘it’s an effortless replacement that is perfectly positioned to capture the UPVC patio alternative market. We believe it has the potential to become our most popular aluminium door system here at Window Warehouse’. It features an ultra-slim 35mm interlock and seamlessly connects the inside to the outside with much larger expanses of glass. The rollers are easily adjustable from 0-4mm, and there is a 67mm frame depth, meaning installers don’t need to cut back plaster lines when they are replacing existing doors.

This door when double glazed hits a U-value of 1.4 W/m2K, and it exceeds UK standards for wind and water tightness.

It’s highly configurable with up to 3 tracks and 6 leaves, is compatible with a multi-point lock, and features a 2mm low threshold, enhancing security and accessibility. There is a choice of ergonomic Novae handle designs, along with single and dual colours with textured or anodised finishes.

If you are interested in changing your aluminium supplier and want to experience excellent quality and service from us at Window Warehouse please contact info@window-warehouse.co.uk or call 02392 327744.

SELECTA - CONNECTING CUSTOMERS

2024 saw a revamp and update to Connect, our customer portal. This included two brand-new features, providing fabricators and installers with the tools to

generate more sales leads and win new business!

Our Connect Window & Door Designer with Home Visualiser is a real game changer when it comes to lead generation and sales. Branded Mode is fully loaded with

“All that’s needed is your logo, chosen colour theme, a company bio and your contact details to get started, thus taking out the headache of a website build.”

our window and door solutions, styles and configurations, and can be branded in-line with your business. It has many deployment solutions at its disposal, enabling you to generate sales leads and win new business via your website, social media channels and showroom or when used as a presentation tool at a customer’s home.

With our Connect Website Support Package, we invested in two ready-made 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 readyto-go website up and running within 5 days!

All that’s needed is your logo, chosen colour theme, a company bio and your contact details to get started, thus taking out the headache of a website build.

The themed websites are designed to grow as you grow, allowing you to add new

products, services and features. Upgrades include adding the Window & Door Designer, so that you can have a fully branded and professional on-line package to help you to start generating leads and winning new business.

With additional quoting, pricing and fabrication modules to be integrated within the Window & Door Designer in 2025, we

are confident that Connect will provide even more added value and benefits to every fabricator and installer who chooses to #bepartofthefamily.

EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS WITH THE ALUK S67

A fully glazed, inline aluminium sliding door fabricated by one person from start to finish in just 90 minutes. That’s what AluK delivered with the launch of its brand new S67 slider in August.

The impressive speed comes from the simplicity of the fabrication process, with straight-cut sashes which means there’s no need to cut glazing beads and adjustable rollers which don’t require any pre-prep.

Paul Booth, AluK’s R&D Director, commented: “This is one of the fastest to fabricate inline sliders on the market, with lots of opportunities for customers to make strong margins as a result. Key to the design is the fact that the sash is assembled around the glass without the need for bonding or silicone lubricant, so it is easy to integrate into any factory with only minimal investment.”

AluK has ensured that the S67 isn’t just easy to fabricate though, it is quick and easy to install as well. The preglazed sash eliminates the need to glaze on site, the rollers are easily adjustable from 0-4mm, and there is a 67mm frame depth which means installers don’t need to cut back plaster lines when they are replacing existing doors.

In terms of aesthetics, the S67 is a contemporary looking, slim sightline door, with an interlock of just 35mm. It is highly configurable with up to 3 tracks and 6 leaves and comes with a low threshold option of just 22mm, so it is ideal for a seamless inside/outside connection.

It also delivers when it comes to performance. The S67 is fully Part L compliant with double glazing (1.4 W/m2K), exceeds UK standards for wind and water tightness, and can achieve 30-40dB acoustics with glazing from 24-32mm.

It is available now with a choice of stylish, ergonomic handle designs and in the full range of single and dual colours from the AluK colour collection.

More info is at: https://uk.aluk.com/

SENIOR’S 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. For more information, please visit www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk.

ADMINBASE GIVES THE GIFT OF TIME

As Ab Initio approaches its 30th year in business next year, the company continues to develop its all-encompassing installer management system, AdminBase, to offer huge time-saving automation of mundane admin tasks.

AdminBase helps improve productivity and profitability by supporting every aspect of an installation business from lead generation and sales to installation, customer support and after-sales care.

The AdminBase Campaigns add on feature, for example, has helped companies to embrace much needed costeffective e-mail marketing, hassle-free, by eliminating the need to export and import data from a third-party mail provider. It has proved highly successful this year,

helping users to achieve an average open rate of 32.9% and a 1.6% click rate.

The AdminBase award-winning Customer Portal meanwhile has continued to support home improvement companies to meet everincreasing consumer expectations for excellent service. The Portal supports communication between installation businesses and homeowners by delivering 24/7 online access to information about their installation including appointments, payments and the ability to report any snagging issues if needed.

All of this information is easily available thanks to a number of AdminBase apps and features that feed into the Portal such as the Taskboard online job board keeping track of individual tasks, the Fitting app keeping a log of all installation activity, and even a Service app for a live update from service engineers. There will be more to come from the CRM next year too with a continued focus on integration and interconnectivity.

“The Portal supports communication between installation businesses and homeowners by delivering 24/7 online access to information about their installation.”

BANISHING THE BOTTLENECKS IN PRODUCTION

The fabrication industry is lucky to have Jade on its doorstep, providing low cost, easily accessible solutions to some of the most irritating (and often costly) problems in window fabrication.

One such product is the somewhat unsexy Jade JBC2. What this machine lacks in street cred, it more than makes up for in improved productivity! Delivered in Jade’s infamous green, the JBC2 was developed to remove the ubiquitous Don Carlos knife by automating that most irritating cause of bottlenecks – the cleaning of reverse butt welds.

The JBC2 mechanises a process that could only be completed by a skilled operative with a moon knife. In one neat little package, Jade eliminates the potential failure that reliance upon a hand tool in a manufacturing environment implies.

Produced at Jade’s Coventry manufacturing facility the JBC2 safely and accurately cleans the welds of an internally glazed frame, over and over, eliminating the risk of human error.

“In one neat little package, Jade eliminates the potential failure that reliance upon a hand tool in a manufacturing environment implies.”

“This type of weld has always been carried out by hand, despite the popularity of this type of window,” explained Adam Jones.

“A number of our customers asked if we could do anything that could improve the process from the point of view of efficiency and quality, so we put the problem into the melting pot that drives Jade Consult. Apparently it works, very effectively, eradicating the potential for damaged frames and consequent remakes, plus hospital visits for the careless operator. And all for around £7,000 plus VAT”.

METAL TECHNOLOGY LAUNCHES NEW 5-35D HI/HI+ COMMERCIAL DOOR SYSTEM

Part of our ‘ThermAl’ range, System 5-35DHi/Hi+ is a landmark development within the thermally efficient, commercial aluminum door market and marks a major leap forward in thermal design and technology.

The 5-35D Hi+ is currently the ONLY Passive House approved aluminium glazed door available in the UK, for cool temperate zones. In addition to providing outstanding thermal performance the door also achieves incredibly low air permeability performance figures, a further significant requirement in meeting the Passive House door, and whole building, performance criteria, while still

“The 5-35D Hi+ is currently the ONLY Passive House approved aluminium glazed door available in the UK.”

complying with Document M disabled access legislation and achieving PAS 24 security required for Secured By Design projects.

Bespoke 35mm twin wall thermal break profiles, incorporating integral

cavities, have been designed to minimize conduction heat transfer across the Hi door profiles. The Hi+ option utilises additional insulation, thermal foams and gaskets to further reduce radiation heat loss across the critical air cavities within the system.

The choice of Hi or Hi+ configurations offer fabricators the optimum choice of cost versus performance, when combined with their glass unit selection, in meeting individual project u-value specifications, including Passive House.

Hi+ configurations for single and double doors achieve overall U values below 1.2 W/ m2k with double glazing units and .8 W/ m2k with triple glazed units offering one of the most thermally efficient aluminum doors on the market.

The 5-35D door system is launched with multipoint manual locking, shoot bolts, panic exit mechanisms, 3D adjustable hinges, door closers, handles and key cylinders, as well as additional components and security components. Work is currently ongoing to develop further ironmongery options for introduction over the coming months.

Download Metal Technology’s System 5-35D Hi/Hi+ brochure:

BOLECTION FRAMES

RAISED & FIELDED PANELS

DECORATIVE MOULDINGS

FLAT PANEL

DECORATIVE GLASS

A consumer lifestyle magazine, specifically for the window industry!

Impressive social media reach. Now available in print, via Sainsbury’s stores!

WANT TO BE A PART OF IT?

The next editions will be out in Autumn (a digital edition and a print edition). You can decide whether to advertise in one of these editions, or both – so the flexibility is yours!

To give you an idea of price...

PRINT

Advertorials:

£895 (2 page feature)

Advertising:

Prices start from just £395 for a 1/4 page Showcase Ad or £995 for a full page ad

DIGITAL

Advertorials:

£495 (4 page feature)

Advertising:

Prices start from just £195

All prices are + VAT.

Discounts available if booking both. Editorial support is available to advertisers and we can also help with artwork.

Distribution

Improve is distributed as follows:

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

• PDA Technology ensures 100% proof of delivery

• Four Digital Editions per year, emailed to 16,500 homeowners each quarter

• Facebook and social media channels (12 month social media campaign) – we reach a minimum of 350,000 Facebook users per quarter

• We target homeowners/gardeners and people interested in DIY (age 27 - 65+)

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.

LEADS 2 TRADE UNVEILS

REVOLUTIONARY SALES

CLOSING TOOL FOR INSTALLERS

Leads 2 Trade is set to provide installers with a sales closing tool that will double their turnover and send their sales conversion rates through the roof.

Following the launch of a trial and the resulting unprecedented success in the north of England and Scotland, the UK's premier provider of double-qualified sales leads for the home improvement industry is rolling out a revolutionary discount scheme nationwide that promises to dramatically boost sales.

The discount programme is exclusive to Trusted Local Supplier (TLS) Discounts within the home improvements market in the UK and allows installers to offer substantial discounts of up to 20% to potential customers with minimum impact on their gross margins, giving them a significant edge over competitors quotes.

Early adopters have reported astonishing results, with sales conversion rates improving from 1 in 3 to an impressive 1 in 1.2 with minimum impact on margin.

Andy Royle, co-founder and Managing Director of Leads 2 Trade, said: “With so many misleading discount offers promising the earth and failing to deliver, we've had many installers think that it's too good to be true.

“However, our existing members who have signed up to the scheme are the proof that it can quickly transform your business. Everybody using the scheme is increasingly their turnover dramatically and making more money.”

installer then provides the customer with the £2,000 discount offer to use as a deposit against the order. Then the customer pays the £8,400 balance making the quote the cheapest option every time.

Shaun Ellison of Barriertherm UK, enthused: “We've doubled our turnover since we adopted it, and we have a conversion rate of 1 in 1.2, which is crazy. We close pretty much every sales lead we go to now.”

Kieran Mitten of AWC Windows and Home Improvements shares similar success:

“Using the TLS discount scheme has been game-changing and, more importantly, profitable for us. As a result, in the next 12 months, I expect our turnover to double using it. It has been the ace card up our sleeve, and we are reaping the rewards, closing eight out of 10 pitches we go on.”

Craig Douglas from CDE Window and Doors added: “The TLS discount scheme has helped us add an extra 20 jobs in a month and the potential to add £1 million to our annual turnover is a realistic goal.”

The versatility of the TLS discount tool is another key benefit. If installers are buying leads from Leads 2 Trade then they can use the discount offer on none-Leads 2 Trade leads, maximising its potential impact on their business.

To enhance the scheme, installers could soon potentially offer increased discounts, and John Cohen, owner of TLS Discounts, said: “Offering up to 35%, for example, would make any installer the cheapest in any postcode, and anyone trying to compete with one of our installers simply won't be able to.

LISTERS ADD SHEERLINE’S CLASSIC HERITAGE DOOR TO EASY CONNECT SOFTWARE

Sheerline’s high-quality Classic Heritage Door has been added to Easy Connect, Listers’ quick quoting software. It’s available to Listers installers 24/7, 365 days a year and is designed to streamline the quotation process.

installers can generate instant quotes any time, from anywhere.

The software is exclusively available for Listers installers and offers many benefits including access to instant prices updated in real time. It’s free to use and enables customers to personalise their quotes with their own branding, and they can add specific pricing as required.

It’s the ideal solution for busy installers who want to maintain their competitive edge as it saves time and allows them to offer responsive quotes to homeowners, making the most of every opportunity.

The scheme's structure allows installers to price up a job and offer a discount with minimal upfront investment. For example, on a £10,000 job, installers can offer a £2,000 discount by staking just £400. The For

“Installers can double their conversions and offer highly competitive prices without sacrificing their profits, potentially doubling their turnover; making it the best sales closing tool on the planet.”

As one of Sheerline’s key fabricator partners, Listers has been supplying the innovative aluminium range since it was launched. They recently added the Classic Heritage Door for several reasons.

First, there was significant demand from Listers’ customers for a steel-look, heritage product that looked great while offering compliant U-values. Second, this style of product is on trend, particularly in black, which is being driven by contemporary renovation shows.

Third, it’s a highly versatile product. It can be installed as an external or internal door – with the latter becoming popular as homeowners look to partition their living space. The style lends itself to ultra-modern developments with exposed brickwork and steel features. But it also provides the perfect solution for sympathetic restoration projects within a conservation area. Now available for quick quotes via Easy Connect,

Listers’ Regional Sales Director, Rob Waller, said: “The Classic Heritage Door has been very well received, and we expected nothing less given the appetite for this style of product. Now it’s on Easy Connect, we expect it to become even more popular as our installers can generate quotes instantly.”

Tony Basile, Sheerline’s National Sales Director, commented: “Adding our Classic Heritage Door to Easy Connect reflects the evolution of the relationship between Listers and Sheerline – two companies committed to providing the highest quality products and customer experience.”

The Classic Heritage Door is on display in Listers’ showroom, contact the Listers team today on 08006 343 110 to make an appointment to view it.

To find out more about becoming a Sheerline fabricator partner, visit the website here: https://www.sheerline.com or call 01332 978 000.

UNLOCK SALES POTENTIAL WITH SOFTWARE

Rhonda Ridge of Ab Initio, creator of AdminBase, takes a closer look at what can make or break an e-mail marketing campaign, and explains how installation companies can generate leads and win sales with the help of an integrated CRM.

People either love or loathe e-mail marketing. Part of this is down to personal opinion, but it also depends on how people execute their campaigns. Most marketers will have had a negative experience with e-mail marketing at some point in their career. They may have had difficulty exporting data into a third-party mailing system or they may have lost precious hours to manually updating or cross-checking lists. Even if the campaign was successful, laborious admin may have been needed to make sure all leads were updated correctly. However, there is another way to conduct e-mail marketing campaigns that is not only easier, but also improves the success rate

“People either love or loathe e-mail marketing. Part of this is down to personal opinion, but it also depends on how people execute their campaigns.”

exponentially – running them through a fully integrated CRM.

With the Budget now set, ending months of uncertainty and speculation, there are tentative signs that the home improvement industry will see green shoots of recovery next year. Installation businesses need to unlock their sales potential with cost-effective, timely marketing tactics that offer a good return on investment. E-mail marketing is the perfect solution, when done well. That means getting the message right, the timing right, and making it as easy as possible for people to act on your proposition.

TARGETED CAMPAIGNS

AdminBase is an all-encompassing installer management system, designed specifically for installation businesses to improve

admin processes across the organisation. The system holds all data on prospects and customers from the moment the lead comes in, through to completion of a project, in one central location that is always up to date and accessible by relevant users. This means that sales and marketing teams can easily segment this data by location, for example, or by product of interest, to create personalised campaigns. These lists and messages can then be compiled in an add-on feature, AdminBase Campaigns, which eliminates the need for exporting and importing data in and out of a third-party mail provider such as MailChimp.

The AdminBase Campaigns feature has proved successful for users, helping them to achieve an impressive average open rate of 32.9% and a 1.6% click rate. But of course, that’s not the end of the story. When a lead turns into a sales visit, AdminBase continues to support installation businesses through its partnership with Pricepoint™ Sales – an online

Rhonda Ridge

system that helps installers sell their products with customised quotations using clever builtin Manufacturing Intelligence™ that highlights when a product combination isn’t possible. We are also in the preliminary stages of linking the existing Tommy Trinder quotation software into AdminBase for businesses that want to combine the two systems.

CONSTANT COMMUNICATION

Home improvement companies can also monitor installations with our Taskboard feature, an online job board that keeps track of individual tasks in a project, and our Fitting app that improves communication between teams working on site and office-based employees. Homeowners can also be kept up to date with progress on their installation because information from all features and apps is centralised and accessible via our award-winning Customer Portal. The Customer Portal allows consumers to log in and check on their account, including appointments and payments, at a time to suit them day or night. For even more flexibility AdminBase has an SMS texting facility that addresses the need to communicate with consumers in this way, while keeping all messages centralised and visible. We are also working on another development in this area which should be ready for launch in Q1 next year.

The retail market moves quickly and as the home improvement industry starts to wake back up, installation companies need to be ready to proactively generate leads and sales cost effectively, and then deliver the outstanding levels of customer service now expected of them. An all-encompassing installer management system that can improve efficiencies from the moment a lead comes into the business, to an installation being complete, is the best way to unlock full sales potential.

“The retail market moves quickly and as the home improvement industry starts to wake back up, installation companies need to be ready to proactively generate leads and sales cost effectively, and then deliver the outstanding levels of customer service now expected of them.”

OVER 600 FIRMS NOW USING TOMMY TRINDER!

Software pioneers Tommy Trinder are celebrating another milestone as the total number of window companies using the sales platform passes 600.

“We are on a mission to put the fun back into selling windows,” says founder and CEO, Chris Brunsdon, “getting to 600 subscribers is a sign we’re making progress!

From one-man bands to nationals and from the highlands to the Channel Islands, Tommy Trinder has established itself as go to app for installers looking to add zip to their sales process. The firm’s patented Framepoint Technology® allows users to free draw PVCu, aluminium and timber windows and doors with your finger or mouse, just like sketching on a pad. It’s easy to chop-and-change ironmongery, colour, and bar options until the homeowner is happy and the price is right. And in a tap installers can show clients how their new windows and doors will look in situ. Says

“Tommy makes it super simple to wow customers, even if you’re a dinosaur with computers. And in a demanding market it’s ever more important to have an edge, something to impress clients and keep those conversion rates up.”

The value of work quoted by installers on Tommy Trinder is on the rise too. Every month an eye-watering £230 million pounds worth of work is quoted to homeowners via the platform. High average quote values are also a feature with quote values climbing towards £7400 over the last six months, says Chris;

“We are seeing premium materials making significant market gains; aluminium and timber combined now account for around half of everything quoted by installers. And when it comes to PVCu, Tommy subscribers are managing to get a bit more on every job by routinely showing off value-added features such as foils, dual colours, dummy vents, mechanical joints, flush casements, dummy peg-stays and surface mounted bars in a visual and compelling way.”

The firm reports that more than 12,000 homeowners receive a quote generated by Tommy Trinder every month and, notably, around half of them are provided with visualisations to accompany their quote;

“Homeowners are expecting a more complete buying experience and the makeover tool, where installers provide a mockup to the homeowner of their new windows in situ, is becoming a standard part of the quoting process,” says Chris.

“Homeowners expect more. They want to see exactly what they are getting; they want to try before they buy. And Tommy Trinder is proving to be the tool for the job.”

Installers can find out more about Tommy Trinder and book a free demo at www.tommytrinder.com.

SAWKINS DOUBLE GLAZING BOOSTS EFFICIENCY AND SALES WITH PST’S VSHOME SOFTWARE

Sawkins Double Glazing, a leading double glazing installer in Kent, first discovered Production Software Technology (PST) through a recommendation from one of their suppliers who also uses PST’s services. Intrigued, the team at Sawkins Double Glazing decided to explore what PST had to offer and have now been using the vsHome software for around 2 years. vsHome, PST’s all-in-one software solution, streamlines the process of design, visualisation and pricing of products such as windows, doors, conservatories and garden rooms. Key features such as the 3D editor, drag and drop functionality, both make the design process simpler. Sawkins

Double Glazing was particularly impressed with the extensive library of pre-built 3D model templates, which significantly reduce design time. Additional features such as the ability to quote roof-only projects, detailed reporting and clear visual representations, have proven invaluable – the realistic visuals help the team convert enquiries into sales.

PST is committed to providing high quality support to their clients and Sawkins Double Glazing have experienced this firsthand.

Anne Higham, Administration Assistant at Sawkins Double Glazing, shared, “vsHome meets all of our needs, offering a wide selection of conservatory models, exceptional customer service and great value for money. Occasionally, we encounter complex designs and the support engineer at PST is always helpful and efficient, guiding us smoothly through the process.”

This partnership demonstrates the benefits of using the right software solutions to drive business success. Sawkins Double Glazing continues to streamline operations and enhance customer satisfaction with vsHome whilst PST remains committed to providing cutting-edge software solutions tailored to meet their clients’ needs.

For more information about PST’s products, visit www.pstonline.co.uk or contact PST directly on 0114 221 7070 or info@pstonline.co.uk.

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: 20/12/24.

Harness the best source of high quality leads with AdminBase Campaigns.

Send messages to contacts in AdminBase without exporting to a third-party service. Boost leads by keeping your customers and prospects up to date with offers or rewards.

Any responses can be updated directly in the system and visible to all departments.

METAL TECHNOLOGY

Since 1985, Metal Technology has been defining spaces through its architectural glazing solutions and has grown to become one of the UK and Ireland’s leading designers and suppliers of bespoke aluminium window, door, curtain wall and solar shading systems for commercial and residential applications. Committed to excellence in all aspects of sustainable product design, customer service and technical support, the company has become a trusted partner of fabricators, developers, contractors and architects.

BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint, Metal Technology is committed to reducing its scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030, as well as measuring and reducing its scope 3 GHG emissions. Metal Technology is also certified to BES6001 for responsible sourcing of construction products and through its ISO14001 environmental quality accreditation, the company has been able to reduce the impact of its operations on the environment year on year.

PRODUCT RANGE

Metal Technology’s product portfolio encompasses over 30 window, door, curtain walling, brise soleil and louvre systems. Its Thermally Enhanced (Hi+) portfolio offers the designer a wide and diverse choice of profiles that provide structural integrity, weather performance, thermal enhancement and security.

The introduction of its new Passive House range is further testament of Metal Technology’s commitment to the built environment. System 17 Hi+ Curtain Walling, System 5-45 Hi+ Window and System 5-35D Hi+ Door have been certified by the Passive House Institute (PHI). Further Passive House products are under development as Metal Technology continues its drive to reduce its carbon footprint on the road to Net Zero.

PROJECTS

Metal Technology has vast experience of providing fenestration solutions throughout the UK for the commercial, education, healthcare, leisure, retail and residential sectors.

Contracted for many commercial and residential schemes throughout the UK, Metal Technology has supplied its architectural glazing systems for impressive developments such as CABI’s stunning low energy headquarters in Wallingford; the award-winning CDE Global Headquarters in Cookstown; the Halo Enterprise and Innovation Centre (HEIC), part of the £63m brownfield urban regeneration project by HALO Urban Regeneration Company; Moda Holland Park, the striking Build to Rent (BtR) development in Glasgow; The Interchange residential development at the new, state-of-the-art Stockport Interchange.

Metal Technology has applied its expertise in close collaboration with designers to deliver financially economic yet technically robust solutions for the healthcare sector. The company supplied its high performance glazing systems for the National Treatment Centre for NHS Highland, an ‘exemplar’ healthcare facility for ophthalmology and orthopaedic surgery in Inverness and for the prestigious, £233m Baird Family Hospital and The ANCHOR Centre in Aberdeen for NHS Grampian.

Metal Technology has vast experience within the education sector, and recent projects include the new Wallyford Learning Campus in East Lothian, the innovative new East Calder Primary in Scotland and the new £40m Causeway Campus at Northern Regional College in Northern Ireland. Metal Technology’s high-performance glazing systems have been installed in a number of recently completed, impressive student accommodation projects, including Tribeka Leeds, the former technology campus of Leeds University and Bottleworks in Co. Cork, Ireland, bringing fantastic student living to these cities. In Belfast, Northern Ireland, two major student accommodation schemes opened for the new term in September 2024 - The Edge located on York Street and the prestigious Nelson Place - the city’s largest, purpose built student accommodation scheme to date.

PASSIVE HOUSE SOLUTIONS

Metal Technology is leading the way in Passive House education, with its Passive House certified systems being specified for a significant number of innovative and sustainable new education projects.

Metal Technology supplied its high performance glazing systems, including its Passive House systems, for St

Columba’s RC High School and Woodmill High School which caters for 2,700 pupils. Designed by AHR Architects and delivered by BAM Construction for Fife Council, the £122m high school development is part of the impressive, super-sized Dunfermline Learning Campus, believed to be one of the world’s largest ever Passive House education projects at 26,666m2.

Designed by Hamilton Architects LLP and built by Tracey Brothers Ltd, Erne Campus at South West College in Enniskillen, N. Ireland was the world’s first educational Passivhaus Premium building and the first non-domestic Passivhaus Premium in the UK. Metal Technology played an intrinsic role in the design process and Mullarkey Pedersen Architects were the lead Passivhaus design team on the project - the result is a world class, award-winning environmental building that is pushing the boundaries of sustainable design and energy efficient buildings.

Metal Technology’s Passive House systems have also been installed in Scotland’s first Passivhaus Primary School, Riverside Primary School in North Perth which opened in June 2023 and in Montgomerie Park Primary School in Irvine, Scotland which opened August 2024.

Metal Technology’s Passive House products are currently being installed in further education projects across Scotland which are due to open their doors in 2025: Currie Community High School in Edinburgh, East End Campus in Dundee, Monifieth Learning Campus in Angus and Perth High School. These will be followed by recently secured projects at Paisley community Campus, Wester Hailes High School and South and West fife High school with installation values of over £10M.

https://www.metaltechnology.com/passive-house/ Follow us on LinkedIn to keep up-to-date with our latest news and projects https://linkedin.com/ company/metal-technology-ltd

Scan for further information on our Passive House products and to download our Passive House brochure:

St Columba's RC High School & Woodmill High School, Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland

CABI Headquarters, Wallingford, England

A TOUGH BUDGET, BUT OPPORTUNITY STILL KNOCKS

Incoming governments, especially those with significant mandates, inevitably come into power on a tidal wave of optimism coupled with hope that ‘Things can only get better’.

Certainly, that was the message pushed by the Blair administration when it arrived in Downing Street in 1997. Fast forward to 2024, though, and the vibe from Keir Starmer and company was ‘Things won’t get better – in fact they may get rather worse.’

Well, at least he didn’t lie. But that’s about the only thing UK businesses large and small can take comfort from following the recent Budget. We knew it wouldn’t be great for us; we just didn’t know how ‘not-great’ it would be!

The rise in the cost of National Insurance is a real crusher that will inevitably freeze recruitment and pay rises and, to some extent, put paid to the notion of entrepreneurism. Coupled with an increase to the minimum wage and changes to employee rights from their first day in the job, this Budget falls heavily on the shoulders of all business owners from the local hairdresser to the biggest multinational. And now we have a Trump Presidency, which could affect transatlantic trade significantly.

However, this is where I’m going to stop moaning. We might be down, but we’re far from out. Good businesses thrive on adversity because they know that it brings opportunity. Complacency is the enemy of the

entrepreneurial mindset and when challenges come, smart businesses pivot to take such challenges into account.

HOW DO WE DO THIS?

Well, we have until April 2025 to get ourselves prepared for the changes so the time is now ripe to get into gear and try to mitigate the potential difficulties.

My response would be:

1 Focus on growth. With profits being raided for tax, companies must drive revenue lines to make up the difference. Look for new opportunities, new clients and new markets. Go all out to secure contracts and thrive on competition.

2 Focus on efficiency. Where and how can you save money? To my mind, efficiency means making sure that all your staff are super-productive and that your systems and processes are as good as they can be. Look at the long term, and decide what you can be better at.

3 Focus on outsourcing elements of your business. Now is the time to concentrate on your core business, so consider partnering with specialists with more expertise, efficiencies and performance.

This last point is particularly close to my marketeer’s heart. Time after time, I’ve seen firms struggle along with one or two people trying to do any number of varied and highly specialised marketing tasks in the hope that something might bring in business. And at the same time, technology is advancing rapidly, meaning that non-specialists are always playing catch up.

Of course, you could hire a team of specialists, but given the changes in NI contributions, is that a wise thing to do, especially when in uncertain times, marketing is your saviour? Now is perhaps a good time to consider outsourcing some or all of your marketing tasks to a fullservice agency like Purplex. They will deal with all the issues that an in-house marketing team encounters, except that our talents, skills and experience aren’t stretched to breaking point. Agencies have the resources to put their every effort into your existing marketing campaigns while constantly seeking ways to find new leads and highlight your successes. We can also partner alongside your existing marketing team to help take the pressure away from them in any number of tasks that time or lack of resources make difficult. Again, this enables them to concentrate on core activities, breathing new life into their creativity while we help to take your marketing strategy to the next level.

Outsourcing some or all of your marketing simply makes economic sense, particularly in uncertain times. By using an external agency you will enhance your competitive edge while not having the pressure of keeping up to date – because that’s what we’re here for. An agency like Purplex understands your sector from top to bottom and has the resources to deal with all its marketing challenges and complexities. In a nutshell, we can help relieve your marketing headaches, leaving you free to build your core business for ultimate success.

For more information about Purplex and how our team of marketing specialists can help you to stay ahead of the curve in 2025, please contact us at www.purplexmarketing.com/contact

Andrew Scott

VENTILATION SOLUTIONS FOR DOORS

In June 2022, when Building Regulations changed in England and Wales, much of the focus was on the impact the new legislation would have on windows and how companies in the supply chain would have to comply with Approved Document F (means of ventilation). However, the legislation also applies for door installation in both retrofit and in new build.

The easiest way for companies in the glazing sector to comply with Approved Document F is to install trickle vents on doors and windows. It is the most practical and economical ventilation solution for fabricators and installers.

In addition to compliance with Building Regulations, all installers and home improvement companies should also use the opportunity to explain the benefits of good ventilation to homeowners, such as improved air quality, thermal comfort, health and wellbeing.

Installing a trickle vent in an external door frame is advised where the door opens into a habitable space and especially when the door may be the only opening in the room and has no windows. Other situations where trickle vents are recommended on doors or on doorframes, includes where there are few windows in the room or where there are small windows in a habitable room. This could mean that potentially the

only way to compliance is to fit a trickle vent in the door frame.

Glazpart launched the innovative Link Vent in 2013 and since then, in 2022, in time for the legislative changes, the Link Vent 4000 was introduced to the range to meet the ventilation requirement for smaller rooms such as bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms – quite often the rooms with poorest ventilation and air quality.

The Link Vent 4000 is designed to cover areas of 8000mm2 for habitable rooms which would mean 2 x Link Vent 4000 would be installed in the windows/doors to achieve compliance.

The Link Vent has become the leading ventilation solution for building designers, window manufacturers, fabricators and installers and can be fitted to any type of material UPVC, aluminium and timber doors and frames.

The clever design of the Link Vent makes it simple to install and user friendly for both opening and closing - the innovative closing action allows the closure plate to be positioned so that it reduces draughts by directing air away from occupants.

Smart design, easy fitting, and functionality are fundamentals but it is the huge choice of colours and decorative finishes that sets Glazpart apart from the competition. The Link Vent is perfect for doors as the colours and woodgrains can be perfectly matched to blend in with the overall design and look of the door.

For homeowners, the benefits go beyond simple aesthetics but also durability. The colours and finishes are extremely stable and resistant to UV rays, so homeowners can be safe in the knowledge that the vents will hold their colour in extreme weather conditions and constant exposure to the elements of weather, without noticeable fading.

At the start of 2024, Glazpart announced that its Link Vent premium finish ranges are now available in handy packs of either 10 canopies or internal vents to help companies only buy the stock they need and add more value, both in terms of revenue and kerb appeal for homeowners. The premium finishes available in the new

size packs are the Premium Woodgrain range, Premium Vac Foiled range, Premium Sprayed Colours, Super Matt Finishes.

On the new pack sizes, Dean Bradley, Glazpart Sales Director commented. “Homeowners have become more particular when it comes to the finished appearance of their doors and windows. As such, fabricators and installers need to ensure they can meet homeowners’ demands by offering the widest range possible. Glazpart’s Link Vent range can colour match a vast range of door and window frame foils and we can always manufacture at short notice to ensure our customers have the products readily available.”

When it comes to ventilation for doors, Glazpart has the solutions for fabricators and installers that not only ensure compliance but also exceed homeowners’ expectations.

Ultrasky Orangery

DOUBLE RECOGNITION FOR AV4 AT THE NATIONAL FENESTRATION AWARDS

Leading window and door specialist, Winkhaus UK, are delighted to have received two awards at this year’s National Fenestration Awards.

The awards for Door Component of the Year and Digital Marketing Campaign of the Year were awarded to the company’s newest innovation, the AV4 multi-point autoLocking solution.

Since the introduction of the first hooked autoLock almost 20 years ago, Winkhaus has developed its AV range in an innovation timeline of industry firsts. The autoLock AV4 range consists of the AV4, AV4 Heritage, AV4 EntryGuard, AV4 M4 with blueMatic EAV4, blueMatic EAV4+ motors controllable with the Winkhaus doorControl application. The new AV4 product family is available in a range of backsets and faceplate sizes including U-rail, providing suitability for all door constructions.

AV4 JOURNEY AND DEVELOPMENT

Designed to combat the issues with thermal expansion, AV4 is the turning point for fabricators and installers who are tired of costly call outs to deal with sash to frame issues, and to make hinge and keep adjustments. The AV4 autoLock reduces the force needed to operate by 40% compared to the market leading AV2 and up to 70% compared to competitors' solutions. Combined with wider installation tolerances, AV4 continues to operate where other solutions fail.

George Smith, Senior Product and Technical Manager for Winkhaus UK, said: “The design brief for AV4 came directly through customer insight that highlighted the impact of remedial calls due to thermal expansion that increase the force required to retract a locking mechanism. Expansion can be affected by many factors including installation, alignment of keeps, door maintenance, temperature and building structure. As these factors fluctuate, so does the potential deviation of a door impacting the end user's ability to open and secure their door.

Through partnership and innovation, we designed the AV4 autoLock to overcome the well-known industry issue of thermal expansion and adapt to changing conditions, offering reliable security and ease of use for end users.”

TESTING AGAINST REAL WORLD CONDITIONS

Winkhaus wanted to measure the real-world impact that AV4 can have on a doors ease of use, completing extensive testing, including benchmarking AV4’s performance against the market leading AV2 and competitor's solutions, plus inviting end-users to test solutions against the simulated impact of thermal expansion compared to other locks on the market.

When it comes to thermal expansion, the industry standard tolerance for doors is up to 5mm with a tolerance of +or2mm being commonplace. To simulate deviation, packers were inserted in 2mm increments with initial measurements being take from zero deviation. The doors used were from the same fabricator, the same batch of manufacture and all hardware, other than the locks and keeps, the same.

The invited research group included individuals with arthritis, disabled family members, and elderly individuals, all who have struggled to operate locks suffering from the impact of thermal expansion previously. The results from all testing were conclusive with AV4 continuing to operate with ease to double the industry door standard.

AV4 RECEPTION AND IMPACT

AV4 is a revolutionary product that is changing the accepted norm, showing people how easy it can be to operate a locking mechanism – even in the face of thermal expansion.

Mike Rushen, Sales Director for Winkhaus UK, said: “Designed with extensive insights into problematic door operation, and tested rigorously, the AV4 autoLock has been designed to significantly reduce callouts and remedial works. We have worked closely with leading door leaf providers and major manufacturers to ensure this lock sets a new standard in reliability.”

“We are delighted with the early success of AV4, and proud to receive the recognition of the National Fenestration Awards, especially as this is through the nominations and votes of our customers and the impact AV4 is having in the market.”

MARKETING SUPPORT

At Winkhaus UK, everything we do is centred around guaranteeing the success of our customers, providing added value products, services, and solutions to ensure they have maximum competitiveness.

The marketing team have worked closely with customers to provide a wide range of assets to promote AV4, which are all available to download from Winkhaus Portal, so they are able to effectively market, install, and maintain Winkhaus products. We are proud of the recognition of Digital Marketing Campaign of the Year by the National Fenestration Awards and all who placed a nomination for us in this category. Integrating targeting digital content with customer and end user testimonials, our campaign for AV4 allowed the product’s features and benefits to speak for themselves, amplifying its reception in the market.

For further information on autoLock AV4 or the full range of multi-point locking solutions available from Winkhaus, please visit winkhaus.co.uk or contact enquiries@winkhaus.co.uk or marketing@winkhaus.co.uk.

TWO NFA WINS FOR VBH SHEERLINE VOTED ALUMINIUM SYSTEMS COMPANY OF THE YEAR BY INDUSTRY PEERS AT NATIONAL FENESTRATION AWARDS 2024

Hardware specialist VBH has been successful in two categories of the 2024 National Fenestration Awards.

In the personal awards Adrian Gale, VBH’s National Sales Manager for England and Wales, was voted BDM/Sales Executive of the Year by his industry peers.

There was also success in the company awards as the greenteQ Securitas Offset Security Window Espagnolette was named Best Window Component of 2024.

Of the two awards, VBH MD Simon Monks says; “As usual, we took a tableful of the VBH team from across the departments to the event in Doncaster and we were delighted to have had such a successful evening.

“Securitas Offset is specifically designed to offer PAS24-level security to slimline aluminium casement windows. It’s been a big hit with the aluminium fraternity since its launch and is now available to even more fabricators as we have just introduced a solution for the Sheerline Classic system.

“This award is great recognition for all the work that our UK-based New Product Development Team does every day, to ensure there is a constant flow of new products available to VBH customers.

“We’re particularly pleased with Adrian’s personal win. It’s wonderful to know that all the hard work that he puts in every day to support our customers, our partners and our sales team is recognised not just by us at VBH, but also by the industry at large.

“Adrian really is a worthy winner.”

For more information on Securitas Offset or any other VBH product, call VBH on 01634 263263 or email them at info@vbhgb.com.

Sheerline is celebrating after receiving the coveted title of Aluminium Systems Company of the Year at this year’s National Fenestration Awards. It’s a significant win for several reasons; first it was a competitive category, with 12 other well-known systems houses competing for the award.

Second, the awards are peer-nominated, which highlights the impact Sheerline has made and continues to make across the industry in a relatively short space of time – the brand turns five next year, and this is just the beginning.

This is in-line with the company’s vision to innovate and reenergise the aluminium sector. Third, this year’s awards were the most competitive yet, with over 77,000 votes cast in total across 34 categories that reached the whole of the fenestration industry.

For Sheerline, being named Aluminium Systems Company of the Year demonstrates

what is achievable when a company has the right vision, leadership, and investment strategy in place. This combination, plus experience and innovative thinking, has enabled the brand to succeed.

It has set itself apart by launching a whole-house window and door solution that perfectly matches, offering security and exceptional thermal performance as standard. In addition, it offers high-quality training, on-going support, and first-class customer service.

It recently launched a new initiative offering reliable five-day lead times across its traditional colour range. In addition, 64 colour combinations are available in ten days, and special or bespoke colour choices are available in 15 days to fabricator customers.

Roger Hartshorn, Sheerline CEO, commented: “Thank you to everyone in the industry who took the time to vote for Sheerline. It proves that our approach

to aluminium and customer service is working. Just because things have been done a particular way in the past, doesn’t mean things can’t change for the better.”

“Many of our newest fabricator partners have switched to Sheerline because they are fed up with subpar customer service, made up U-values, and products that don’t work as they should. That’s why Sheerline offers a different approach to aluminium,” he added.

To find out more about becoming a Sheerline fabricator partner, call the team today on 01332 978 000 or email: info@ sheerline.com – it’s aluminium, but not as you know it.

THE RESIDENCE COLLECTION WINS

TIMBER ALTERNATIVE OF THE YEAR AT THE NATIONAL FENESTRATION AWARDS 2024

Premium window and door designer, The Residence Collection is celebrating after winning Timber Alternative of the Year at the 2024 National Fenestration Awards.

Being the leading provider of timber alternative uPVC windows and doors, The Residence Collection secured the title of Timber Alternative of the Year for the seventh time since the first National Fenestration Awards in 2013. This is also the third year running that The Residence Collection has secured the title in this category. This achievement underscores their unique and versatile range of styles offered throughout three collections: R9, R7, R², which blend conventional values with contemporary techniques to thoughtfully enhance various types of properties.

The company’s timber alternative offers uncompromising style, offering a wide

range of 26 colour options as well as dual-colour options and a range of bespoke Regal hardware. These designs not only align with contemporary interior trends but also enhance the classic colour schemes and designs of period properties.

The National Fenestrations Awards stands as the industry's fastest growing and most inclusive awards for glass, glazing and fenestrations. What makes the victory even more rewarding is that all the winners are chosen through

industry participation, meaning receiving recognition from industry peers.

Jo Trotman, Marketing Manager at The Residence Collection, said: “Over the last 13 years it’s been our mission to establish The Residence Collection and our three window systems as the leading choice for premium windows for heritage residential and commercial properties.

“We have become a leader in bringing to life a system that is widely accepted with local authorities for properties within conservation areas, making The Residence Collection a hugely popular choice with consumers, installers and fabricators.

“As the National Fenestration Award winners are voted for by our peers in the industry, we’re thrilled to have won the Timber Alternative of the Year award for the seventh time in 11 years. We can’t thank the industry enough for recognising the hard work that we have put into being the window system of choice for timber alternatives.”

To find out more about The Residence Collection products, please visit www.residencecollectiontrade.co.uk.

UAP LTD NAMED HARDWARE COMPANY OF THE YEAR FOR SECOND YEAR RUNNING

UAP Ltd has announced its second consecutive win as Hardware Company of the Year at the 2024 National Fenestration Awards.

This recognition is particularly special as the awards are decided entirely by votes from industry peers, consolidating UAP’s position at the forefront of the door and window hardware sector.

The 2024 win reflects UAP’s sustained growth, which saw an increase in revenue by over a third in the year ending April 2024. This expansion was driven by the strategic acquisitions of Security Hardware in December 2022, Maher London in January 2023, and by organic growth which included the launch of a new business line, Fire Door Maintenance (FDM).

The award win underscores UAP’s dedication to driving progress in the industry, focussing on products and services that prioritise fire safety, security, and innovation.

Steve Cox, Managing Director at UAP Ltd said: “Winning the Hardware Company of the Year award for the second-year running is especially meaningful because it’s awarded by those who know the industry best – our customers, partners, and peers. We’re always going to continue setting new standards of excellence and to keep innovating for a safer, more secure built environment.”

DANNY WILLIAMS ‘COLD CALLING’

Each month our special correspondent Danny Williams* replies to a reader’s letter...

“I read your column regularly Danny (perhaps I am the ‘reader’ you refer to, or do you have another?) and it is pretty clear which direction your politics point. But surely we needed a change after 14 years of Conservative chaos that have left Britain in a hole?”

DP Retail installer, Devon

Perhaps we did, DP. I feel let down by Johnson who was given a mandate to make substantial, positive change for our country, but who chose to continue playing the fool; and whilst things improved under Rishi at least in terms of there being less tomfoolery, all things are relative. The man showed a remarkable lack of political nous, not least calling for a General Election when even at the time, it would have made more sense for him to wait for the improving economic climate to manifest itself. Would that have stopped the landslide DP? I doubt it. But it was a bit daft.

The Labour government is staring down the barrel loaded with the same key issues as the last lot faced: how do you get millions off benefits, how do you avoid paying wages and offering working conditions that are unsustainable, how do you undo PFI hospitals, schools and other large estates? Let’s deal with pay awards: the Labour government has resolved several key industrial disputes the easy way: give ‘em

what they want. And whilst I may have sympathy for the doctors, the bare-faced greed exhibited by train drivers causes me rage, even if part of me admires their cheek because it’s worked for them.

And whilst on the subject of wages, the published rise in the minimum wage is only the tip of the iceberg. The knock-on effect will see wage demands rise from those earning just above the minimum wage and so on up the scale, threatening inflation and actually, the potential for failure for many more businesses. Add this to the increase in the cost of National Insurance and, within just six months this government has created an environment within which businesses are more likely to fail than ever before. Which makes a mockery of Rachel Reeves’ boast that this Labour government will be the ‘most pro-business government this country has seen.’

We are stuck with the disastrous PFI deals undertaken by the Blair and Brown governments which, whilst accelerating the construction of much needed hospitals and schools, have become severe burdens for institutions long after the ribbon-cutting was over. Changing the rules now to allow more debt to be incurred will only plunge the country – the tax-payers – into deeper and less sustainable debt.

“The fact is that small businesses –employing up to 49 people, make up 99.2% of UK businesses. And of these, around half are making a loss or breaking even at best.”

What we can expect next and typical of the public sector, the government will call for studies and investigations with a panel of experts, who will produce a report after considerable time and at great cost, that inevitably recommends whatever the narrative is that the government want followed, at which point they will say ‘see, told you so’, and proceed to do the wrong thing anyway.

I agree with the esteemed Editor of this incredible magazine (can I have some more please Sir?) that a key flaw is that few if any in this government has any experience in the real world, no businesspeople at all, and as such those in power have no idea at all about the realities of running a business. Their collective view seems to be that every business owner must be rich and got there by screwing over their workers. And what are business owners, if not ‘workers’? The fact is that small businesses – employing up to 49 people, make up 99.2% of UK businesses. And of these, around half are making a loss or breaking even at best.

With half of all UK businesses struggling to survive even before the Autumn Budget, this can only get worse. The next Big British Export will be jobs – after all, what is the difference between an employee working from home if it is in Basildon or Bombay? And in factories, the focus on automation of processes and systems will further intensify to reduce the dependency on often unreliable and now increasingly expensive, human beings.

You may surmise from this DP, that I am a tad angry and pessimistic about all of our futures under this government, despite the shambles that they took over from.

I only see trouble ahead.

* Danny Williams is managing director of Chelmsford based Pioneer Trading and has been involved with all aspects of the windows and doors industry for 30 years. His activities include manufacturing a full range of windows and doors in PVC-U and aluminium, an IGU facility, retailing and commercial contracting.

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

NEW APPOINTMENTS

Leading aluminium manufacturer DAWS has appointed Steve Williams, an experienced fenestration industry professional, as National Sales Manager, New Products as part of the company’s strategic plans for growth across its core and new product ranges.

Steve, who joined the North West-based fabricator in October, brings a wealth of 35 years’ experience, having previously held various director-level, manufacturing, retail installation, and sales positions with PVC and aluminium companies in the industry.

His responsibilities include promoting the company’s high quality aluminium windows and doors to trade customers predominantly in the North West, alongside driving sales of the new range of complementary aluminium products nationally.

Introduced from October 2024, verandas, car ports, fencing and side gates are proving popular with DAWS’ growing installer base and helping them to grow their businesses.

Commenting on his role, Steve says: “DAWS is a unique company, and that uniqueness is the people that are there, such as the management team, whom I’ve known for a long time.

As a forward-thinking company, they’ve got a great high quality product range, and the service for customers is second-to-none.

“I couldn’t have chosen a better company to work for in the industry. I’m delighted to bring my experience and industry contacts to DAWS and contribute to the company’s business growth and that of their customers.”

Welcoming Steve, Phill Cresswell, Sales Director at DAWS says his appointment comes at an exciting time for the company, coinciding with the launch of their expanding aluminium product range, including lantern roofs and steel look products.

Phill adds: “It’s great to have Steve on board. His extensive experience and knowledge of the fenestration industry will be an asset to the whole team and further enhance our philosophy of being the trade aluminium supplier that you can rely on.” DAWS, the trade supplier you can rely on. For more information about DAWS, please visit www.daws.co.uk or call 0151 374 2851.

CAREERS

Fire Door Maintenance, part of UAP Ltd, a leading provider of fire door safety courses, is proud to announce the launch of its new ‘Responsible Persons’ course, accredited by GQA. The course is designed to support the responsible person in both residential and commercial buildings, addressing the widespread issue of poor understanding of fire safety legislation and legal duties.

With significant gaps in knowledge in the industry as highlighted by several reports over the past few years, this course has been developed to help responsible person grasp the complexities of the regulations they are required to follow and their duties under fire safety laws. The course covers key legislation, including the Fire Safety Order 2005, Fire Safety Act 2021, and Fire

Safety Regulations 2022, ensuring that participants fully understand their legal obligations in maintaining fire safety compliance.

The course can be attended in-person at FDM - the UK’s first fire door training academy in Bury, Greater Manchester. It provides the necessary knowledge to ensure compliance with fire safety legislation and the proper management of fire safety risks.

It is fully accredited by GQA, an awarding body known for its high standards in the industry. Upon successful completion, participants will earn an accredited course certificate, demonstrating their competence in fire safety management and legal compliance.

Nicola John, Managing Director at FDM, said “The course is a direct response to the recurring feedback that the responsible person in an organisation often struggles to interpret and act on fire safety legislation. By delivering clear and comprehensive training, FDM aims to close the loop on information sharing within the fire safety industry, ensuring that a companies responsible person is empowered to carry out their duties confidently and competently.

Nicola John

Steve Williams

a ripple of

This Christmas, your company can make a change for people experiencing homelessness, and children and adults receiving hospice care.

You’re not just giving; you’re setting off a chain reaction of kindness. It’s the best return on investment a gift can possibly achieve.

It begins when you make a donation. Get the industry charity Christmas e-card and help create a wave of positive change.

CRASH supports homelessness charities and hospices with vital building projects, constructing places that care for people. Scan the QR code to find out more or to donate

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your competition

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: 20/12/24.

USEFUL NUMBERS

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

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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

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.

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Fully Part L compliant

Single and double door styles

Security tested to PAS 24

Can be powder coated at our in-house facility

Suitable for residential and commercial sectors

A great fit for retrofit and refurbishment projects

1.0 W/m2K*

*When calculated as a CEN standard door