As a trade-only fabricator, Modplan offer an extensive product portfolio with unrivalled technical, sales and marketing support. • Windows
We
and
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Slim sightlines
Available in several configurations
Outstanding thermal performance
Classic matt black finish
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.
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KENRICK LAUNCHES
GROUNDBREAKING AK TOUCH SECURETM SMART
DOOR LOCKING SOLUTION
Fenestra Build™ is a registered Trademark.
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SHEERLINE NOMINATED IN NINE CATEGORIES FOR THIS YEAR’S NFAS
Christina Shaw Editor
M: 07805 051322
E: christina@fenestrabuild.co.uk
Emma Champion Advertising Manager
M: 07508 263262
E: emma@fenestrabuild.co.uk
Justin Lazenby Finance Director / Press Release Enquiries
M: 07711 828710
E: justin@fenestrabuild.co.uk
Chris Champion Editorial Enquiries
M: 07850 267223
E: chris@fenestrabuild.co.uk
Jordan Beaumont Graphic Design E: jordan@identifywebdesign.co.uk
TEL: 01302 278756
FAX: 01302 247612
EMAIL: christina@fenestrabuild.co.uk
WRITE TO US: 19 Heather Close, Tickhill, Doncaster, DN11 9UU
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MODPLAN APPOINTS NEW HEAD OF SALES AND MARKETING
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SPECTUS FROM EPWIN WINDOW SYSTEMS SELECTED FOR £20M SOCIAL HOUSING SCHEME
The views contained herein are not necessarily those of Fenestra Build™ and whilst every effort is made to ensure information throughout is correct, Fenestra Build™ does not accept liability for errors. The views expressed by contributors and the content of letters, are not necessarily those of Fenestra Build™ and therefore cannot take responsibility.
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Trade fabricator Fentrade showcased its expertise and ability to work to tight timescales in a recent commercial refurbishment project at Treorchy Comprehensive School in Treorchy, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales.
The project involved replacing the windows and doors in and around the school’s dining hall, all to a tight schedule. Chris Reeks, Fentrade’s Managing Director, said: “Our customer was awarded the installation contract in July. The work had to be completed by the end of August during the school holidays when there would be no students on site and disruption could be minimised.”
Alongside the tight schedule there were also several complex requirements to manage. These included thermally broken profiles in RAL7015 on white on all windows and doors, fold-over openers to all casement windows, and a mixture of electric door strikes and panic bar operation functionality on all doors. Also required was an AluK Optio BSC94 monorail Sliding Door featuring internal handles only, that would be reimagined into a canteen serving hatch to enable staff to serve students outside.
Chris noted: “The AluK BSC94 was a great choice for this project. It’s designed for effortless operation so is perfect for busy school canteens.”
The expertise and project management skills of the Fentrade team successfully met the challenge of a complex project with an exacting deadline. All project elements were fabricated to schedule ensuring the customer could complete the installation on time.
Chris commented: “The finished results show the quality of the fabrication and the installation. The school is delighted with the project, as are we.”
The project is one of several commercial school refurbishments Fentrade has worked on this year, with more in the pipeline.
Chris said: “Our commercial work is continuing, even as we head into the winter months. Alongside further school refurbishment projects, we are also looking forward to working on several educational community centres.”
•
• Elegant, modern flush
• Suites with the TriSYS® Modern framing system
• PAS 24 compliant
• 10 year warranty
Unique Window Systems is offering an exclusive look behind the scenes of its multi-awardwinning business.
The fabricator of UPVC and aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling has launched a new video which showcases its operations and its capabilities.
The new video also offers a glimpse of the company’s impressive fabrication plant and technology which has been built up through a sustained and long-term programme of inward investment.
Mir Patel, from Unique’s senior management team, comments: “We are proud of the journey Unique has taken over the last 19 years and of the business we have subsequently become.
“Given this pride in our achievements and our belief in building strong personal relationships, we always welcome customers to visit our Leicester site. This allows them to develop a first-hand appreciation of the scale and technologically advanced nature of our facilities, and we have even created a dedicated visitor centre to help host our guests.
“We recognise however that given the geographical spread of our customer base and the many other demands on their time that visiting us to take the ‘factory tour’ isn’t always easy.
“The launch of our latest video gets around that and enables customers and other key contacts to explore everything we have to offer at a time and from a remote location that suits them.
“This approach mirrors the ‘make it happen’ attitude that is commonplace across our business and that has been so instrumental in driving our continuing success.”
The new Unique video can be viewed on the fabricator’s YouTube channel, on its website or by scanning the QR code shown.
The managing director of Endurance® Doors has received a coveted industry award.
In recognition of his commitment and achievements at the helm of the manufacturer of solid, secure and stylish composite doors, Stephen Nadin was recently named Managing Director of the Year at the 2024 National Fenestration Awards (NFAs).
Founded in 2013, the NFAs were created in response to a groundswell of support for an awards event for the UK’s fenestration and related industries that was both inclusive and independent.
They remain highly significant and sought after due to the way in which winners are decided.
There are no judges or judging panels. Instead, the recipients of each award are chosen based on the votes of their customers, colleagues, suppliers and competitors using an online voting system. The NFAs are true industry awards judged by the industry itself.
Last year, Endurance® Doors won the Composite Door Manufacturer of the Year award whilst this year, the business and several members of its team were shortlisted in multiple categories. This included Fabricator of the Year, Business Development Manager of the Year and Young Person of the Year.
Stephen has held his role as managing director of Endurance® Doors and its sister businesses within the wider Rocal group since 2003.
During this time, his vision and drive has helped Endurance to evolve into a highly recognised and respected consumer facing brand.
His focus on ensuring sustainable and long-term success has also resulted in a programme of continued investment back into the business and its team with a particular emphasis on succession planning.
Many of the individuals who voted for Stephen commended his entrepreneurialism and his leadership abilities, as well as his creative thinking and his steady stream of new ideas for enhancing Endurance and its offer.
Located in Charlton, South London, West Leigh was established during the Blitz in 1943. During the destruction in London, the company helped in repairing windows and facades that had been damaged by bombings throughout the city.
Over the years, West Leigh has evolved into a leading manufacturer of commercial steel windows, doors, and accessories, maintaining its status as a privately owned entity. The company’s skilled team works on a diverse array of projects across the country, from new builds with thermal performance to heritage refurbishments. Recent projects in London include 30 Grosvenor Square, The Whiteley and The Museum of London.
The company offers the following products and services:
- W20, W30 (SMW), W40, Cold formed box profiles, bespoke profiles (non-thermally broken)
- W50TB, W75TB, OS2-65, OS2-75, Janisol ARTE, Janisol Primo amongst others (thermally broken profiles)
- Bronze windows and doors
- Fire rated windows
- Bespoke repair and refurbishment
- Replacement
- Windows
W20 range – suitable for internal, some domestic and commercial as well as heritage windows. They have been in production for decades and have a proven record of durability.
W30 – the slimmest steel windows currently on the market, they are double weather-stripped to provide outstanding weather tightness and thermal efficiency.
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.’
Hardware specialist, VBH, is experiencing increased sales of tilt and turn hardware thanks to the addition to their range of the ArTech tilt & turn system from respected Italian hardware manufacturer, AGB.
In recent months VBH has widened the reach of the system by developing profile related parts for a number of new PVCu profile systems, including Profile 22 Optima and Rehau Artevo.
VBH advise that one of the main reasons that they have picked up so much new tilt and turn business with ArTech is the product’s impressive anti-corrosion performance.
ArTech is treated with ‘Activeage Hi-Protection’ coating that enables the hardware to withstand over 2000 hours of testing in a neutral salt spray environment.
Activeage is a 3-stage finish, incorporating layers of zinc, chromic passivation with silica Nano particles, and finally an organic mineral protection coating.
In addition to its impressive weather resistance, VBH advise that another reason tilt and turn manufacturers are embracing ArTech is the system’s security performance. Security spec windows have been tested to forces of 5.5KN, nearly double the forces specified in PAS24. ArTech is covered by ‘hardware Kitemark’ KM727991 and is listed as a Police Preferred Specification by Secured by Design.
Dan Powell, Head of Brand at VBH, says “ArTech is built to resist the effects of harsh climates, including our wet and salty environment here in the UK. Figures of 2000 hours salt spray test resistance are phenomenal when you consider that the ‘Very High Resistance’ top grade of BS EN 1670 equates to 240 hours.
“Add to that the PAS24 performance of nearly double the forces specified in the standard and you can see why AGB ArTech has become a mainstay of our range in a short period of time.”
To find out more about AGB ArTech tilt and turn hardware, or any other hardware in the VBH range, contact the company on 01634 263263 or email them at sales@vbhgb.com.
Window Warehouse is kicking off the new year with the introduction of AluK’s latest door system, the Aluminium Heritage Entrance Door, a modern take on an early 20th-century design classic.
This exciting new addition to their door range has all the industrial style nods of the steel original, but in a more durable, energy-efficient and affordable aluminium. With slim sightlines and authentic detailing the Heritage Door is the ideal choice for any age or style property where the emphasis is on combining the classic with the contemporary.
Available in several configurations, including fan and side lights you can create a seamless heritage aesthetic across a wide range of door opening sizes and uses, from single doors to French doors with multiple fan lights.
The sightlines throughout are just 51.7mm, so the door elegantly frames your outside space and at the same time maximizes natural light entering the home. It also features period-inspired door handles in matt black, antique bronze, heritage black, or heritage grey. It’s available to order in any colour inside and out to suit all homes.
The Heritage Door delivers outstanding thermal performance and exceptional weather performance, so comfort is not compromised. It also offers market-leading strength and rigidity, opening and closing with a reassuring weight and smoothness.
This door also matches perfectly with the Heritage window system, so it’s easy to give whole homes a stunning heritage makeover using beautifully crafted products from trusted manufacturer Window Warehouse.
Start your free quote with them today at www.window-warehouse.co.uk or email your project information to info@windowwarehouse.co.uk.
Trade fabricator Fentrade has announced it will be adding the AluK S67 Inline Sliding Door to its portfolio. Fentrade’s Managing Director, Chris Reeks, said: “The S67 is a stylish and versatile solution that’s Part L compliant in both new build and existing properties. We know it will be a popular product for our customers..
The S67 Inline Sliding Door makes an impressive style statement. It has slimmer sightlines with its 67mm frame and 35mm interlock. There are double and triple track options and it’s available in two to six sash configurations. Each sash has a maximum height of 2,700mm and a maximum width of 3,000mm, so is perfect for dramatic glazed expanses. There are also standard, non-standard, smooth and textured RAL finishes to allow homeowners to design distinctive spaces. Overall, it creates the light, bright, bold spaces that are popular across the domestic market.
It achieves a U value of 1.4 W/m2k with double glazing, which means it is Part L compliant in both replacement and new build projects, giving it true versatility.
The door has a low 22mm threshold for ease of access, and the unique handle design means opening and closing is straightforward. Security is assured with a multipoint locking system.
Installation has been designed to be fast and straightforward thanks to adjustable rollers and pre-glazed wraparound sashes.
Chris said: “The S67 will complement and extend our existing door offering. It will also open up new markets for our customers because it’s a more aesthetically appealing alternative to PVC-U sliding doors.”
Fentrade is a business with over 30 years’ fenestration experience, so it understands what its customers need to succeed. The S67 will join a comprehensive range of windows, doors, curtain walling and shop fronts all manufactured to exacting standards in the company’s Newport headquarters.
Customers looking for high quality, high performance aluminium fenestration solutions now have an additional answer to their needs thanks to the launch of Endurance® Aluminium.
This newly created fabricator is a sister business to Endurance® Doors – the highly respected manufacturer of solid, secure and stylish composite doors.
Both brands will now form part of a wider Endurance Group.
“The opening of Endurance® Aluminium is an exciting and strategically important development’ comments Stephen Nadin, Chief Executive Officer of the Endurance Group.
“It follows our acquisition of BDC Aluminium in December 2023, which gave us access to new infrastructure, expertise and market insight.
“It was always our intention to build on the existing success of BDC as a trade-focused fabricator and to leverage Endurance’s extensive knowledge of consumer marketing to shape a separate consumer-orientated operation.
“The launch of Endurance® Aluminium represents that vision becoming a reality.”
Endurance® Aluminium will operate from the same site as BDC Aluminium in Witham, Essex. Its range will include windows, sliding patio doors, French doors, bifold doors, and Heritage doors and screens.
The new business will combine this comprehensive product offer with the same high levels of service and support that have become a trademark of the Endurance® Doors’ brand.
Installers can expect this service and support to cover everything from lead generation and product training to assistance with marketing to homeowners.
“We’ve deliberately taken our time to bring Endurance® Aluminium to market” adds Stephen.
The oldest hardware business in the industry is about to launch the very latest in smart locking security innovation. The groundbreaking AK Touch Secure™ from Kenrick offers a seamless blend of smart technology and high-quality security credentials that bring exceptional functionality and efficiency.
Andy Meakin, Sales and Marketing Manager at Kenrick, said: “Whether you’re enhancing security in domestic or commercial settings, specialist sites such as residential or care homes, or Airbnb properties, the AK Touch Secure™ is the answer.”
The AK Touch Secure™ is compatible with any door handle fitted with a Kenrick 3 Star Locking Cylinder and can be retrofitted in a matter of minutes with no need for any major hardware modifications. The intelligent design means there’s no evidence of the mechanism on the front of the door, meaning security can be upgraded without compromising on aesthetics.
Andy said: “Because the AK Touch Secure™ can be fitted to new doors and retro-fitted to existing ones, it’s a versatile and value-added solution.”
It works using touch-sensitive technology, a secure keypad, an encrypted key fob, a standard door key, or voice commands via Google Home or Alexa. There’s also a manual override option, meaning the door can always be opened with a key.
The AK Touch Secure™ app adds even more impressive functionality. Users can operate the door from anywhere with remote locking and unlocking functionality. With the status check feature, they can see if the door is locked or unlocked wherever they are. Access logs and time stamps mean they can also see who has entered and exited their property. They can also give temporary, timed access, making it invaluable for Airbnb properties or where contractors need access.
For peace of mind, all data and access methods – including the key fob and the app – are completely secure thanks to endto-end encryption.
Spectus and PatioMaster from Epwin Window Systems have been used in a new eco-friendly development called Neighbourhood in Salford. The development was a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes and one and two-bedroom apartments built on two brownfield sites.
Sustainability was front and centre of the development. As part of this focus, the choice of windows and doors was vital to maximise thermal efficiency. Spectus windows and doors and PatioMaster sliding doors from Epwin Window Systems were specified thanks to their robust environmental credentials.
Spectus windows can achieve U-values as low as 0.8W/(m2K). They have a 3mm wall thickness and feature a five-chamber insulating system and effective seals and draught-proofing.
PatioMaster doors can achieve A+ Door Set Energy ratings, with a multi-chambered construction that provides an effective thermal barrier and seals that protect against draughts.
In addition, Epwin Window Systems brought added environmental reassurance. It was the first UK systems house to achieve the VinylPlus® Product Label, and also adopts a cradle-to-cradle approach to material use. PVC-U window and door frames, once they reach the end of their lifecycle, are recycled to recover their PVC-U content. This reclaimed material is then seamlessly reintegrated into the production of extruded building products manufactured across the Epwin Group.
The fabricator selected for the contract was Leeds-based Jade Windows, a highly experienced window contractor with the credentials and track record a development of this scale demanded.
Ryan Fozard, Sales Manager at Jade Windows said: “When developers and specifiers have a sustainability focus on a project, Spectus and Patiomaster are the perfect choice. The products have been installed in millions of homes, so they’re a tried and tested choice. At the same time, they’re capable of meeting the most demanding of modern-day specifications.”
VBH, the company behind the greenteQ hardware brand, has increased the reach of its Clearslide inline sliding patio door lock by adding two additional systems to its profile compatibility list.
Following requests from a number of fabricators, VBH’s new development gives manufacturers of Liniar and Eurocell PVCu sliding doors access to the popular Clearslide 8-hook patio lock.
The new solutions sit beside the existing hardware for Deceuninck, Kömmerling, Rehau and Veka PVCu sliding doors.
The lock and keep are produced using hardwearing stainless steel and are covered by a 10-year guarantee.
VBH advise that the eight hooks and two anti-lift pins ensure that Clearslide locks provide an extraordinarily strong connection to the frame. The lock meets the requirements of all relevant security standards and is covered by Kitemark KM727991 (Building Hardware used in Windows & Doorsets).
Clearslide locks can be operated by the greenteQ Alpha Patio P-Handle, which boasts a 10-year greenteQ surface guarantee on all ten finishes.
VBH suggest that installations near the coast may benefit from the architeQ Coastline stainless steel handle set that is back up by a 25-year surface guarantee, again on all finishes.
Alpha and Coastline are interchangeable so upgrading when required is easy.
VBH marketing manager, Gary Gleeson, says; “Clearslide is an integral part of our Lifestyle range of patio door hardware, and is extremely popular with fabricators and installers of the four original launch profiles. We received a number of requests from Liniar and Eurocell users who wanted to use Clearslide on their doors. The figures stacked up, so we were delighted to expand the range.
“Our New Product Development Team is currently looking at more Clearslide solutions, so we’re not done yet!”
Get in contact with VBH on 01634 263263 or email them at info@vbhgb.com.
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Sheerline is delighted to announce it is a finalist in nine categories for this year’s National Fenestration Awards. Being finalists in so many categories is testimony to how busy the last year has been for the company, from strengthening internal communications to launching a host of new products.
As well as being nominated for Aluminium Systems Company of the Year and Systems Company of the Year, three members of the team have nominations, including CEO Roger Hartshorn for Director/Managing Director of the Year.
Unveiled at the FIT Show 2023, two of Sheerline’s newest innovations are also up for awards. SheerVent® – a revolutionary approach to intelligent roof lantern ventilation combining practical features with the company’s signature sleek styling and S2, which offers a fresh approach to glazed conservatory roof systems. Built on the foundations of the K2, the S2 has been updated for a contemporary audience while also tackling issues such as thermal efficiency and leak-proof ventilation.
S2 is in the running for Conservatory Product of the Year, which shows how popular it has become in a short period and that there is room for new and innovative products. In addition, the company has been nominated for Best Use of Video and Colour Specialists of the Year.
Roger Hartshorn, Sheerline CEO, commented: “Being nominated in nine award categories is brilliant! It’s a testament to the hard work and commitment of everyone at Sheerline and shows what you can achieve with strategic vision, the right investment, and the right people.”
“Good luck to everyone who has been shortlisted. We’re looking forward to the awards night,” he added.
View the full list of finalists and vote for Sheerline here: https://www.fenestrationawards.co.uk/nfa24
Unique Window Systems has successfully met the stringent criteria necessary to become a gold member of Constructionline.
In order to achieve this premium membership level – which enables businesses to prequalify for built environment contracts and client procurement requirements – Unique had to undergo increased scrutiny in areas such as governance and risk management.
Originally formed as a government department more than twenty years ago, Constructionline acts as a vital link helping to connect building industry buyers and suppliers.
It enables public and private sector organisations to find answers to their construction project needs from an already validated pool of potential supply partners. It also helps these supply partners to bid for, and to win, more work.
Compliance is central to everything Constructionline does.
As an example, to become a gold member, suppliers must go beyond PAS 91 – the standardised pre-qualification questionnaire developed by the British Standards Institute, which is a frequently used, minimum requirement in construction procurement.
They must also pass enhanced checks which evaluate their activities in areas such as environmental management, quality management, equal opportunities and diversity, adherence to the Modern Slavery Act, and the maintenance of anti-bribery and anti-corruption policies.
Similarly, gold members of Constructionline must meet the Common Assessment Standard.
Developed in partnership with Build UK, the leading representative organisation for the UK construction industry, the Common Assessment Standard builds on the requirements of PAS 91.
It draws on this system as well as additional input from clients, contractors and trade associations to assess a company’s performance in 13 key areas. This includes environmental and quality management, health and safety, corporate social responsibility, and information management and security.
Independent trade fabricator Modplan has further strengthened its management team with the appointment of Liam Isaac as its new Head of Sales and Marketing. This strategic appointment underscores Modplan’s commitment to driving business growth.
Heidi Sachs, Modplan’s Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to welcome Liam to Modplan. He brings a wealth of experience that will add value to our business and our customers. His appointment aligns perfectly with our strategic vision to expand Modplan’s reach and reputation as a longstanding and trusted trade fabricator.”
Prior to joining Modplan, Liam spent three years with a leading composite door supplier. He said: “I’m proud to have joined Modplan and to be part of a team with an impressive reputation for trust and integrity. It’s exciting to be leading the sales and marketing function in a company that has been in business for more than 50 years and is still ambitious for the future. I’m looking forward to playing a part in achieving those ambitions.”
As Liam says, Modplan has been in business for over 50 years, and is the steady, reliable fabricator the industry can trust. Heidi said: “Modplan is a family-orientated business that offers traditional values coupled with a sound philosophy. We believe in working in partnership with all our customers to ensure they can meet their own business objectives.”
Modplan manufactures and supplies a comprehensive range of windows, doors, conservatories and conservatory roofs from its impressive multi-site operation near Newport in Gwent.
With a longstanding commitment to supporting customers in growing their businesses, Modplan understands the critical importance of keeping promises and the pressures installers face from their customers. For that reason, the company has adopted a refreshing attitude towards customer support.
Orders are delivered using the company’s own vehicle fleet to provide a prompt, reliable service. Marketing support is tailored to help drive sales efforts and deliver a unique competitive edge. Technical support includes training to help every customer meet or exceed industry-defined minimum technical competencies and all the information needed to fully understand required regulatory specifications.
with the new Apex Stainless Steel Shootbolt from Total Hardware
• Central reverse action gear box
• Laminated shootbolt for enhanced security
• Options to suit sash sizes 250mm-1620mm
• Suitable for Wrap Around Gearing, Standard Casements, French Casements, Flush Casements and Flush French Casements
• Seamless integration option with Yale Senscheck™
VBH, the company behind the greenteQ hardware brand, has recently strengthened both its internal and external sales teams with two new key appointments.
The external team has been bolstered by the arrival of Victoria Woods in the position of Regional Sales Manager for Scotland.
Victoria adds to the already considerable bank of experience within VBH’s Scottish team, having spent 14 years in the industry, including 4 years in her previous position with another hardware company.
Based near Glasgow, Victoria is ideally positioned to visit VBH customers throughout the country.
VBH General Manager for Scotland and Northern Ireland, Allan Price, says, “Scotland has always been a very important area for VBH, with some of our largest customers being north of the border. The recruitment of Victoria has allowed us to increase our market share even further, and I’m delighted to have her on my team.”
Moving further south, Anne Lees has joined VBH in the new position of Internal Sales Co-ordinator for the Midlands region. Ann joins the existing Internal Sales team to complete full office-based outbound sales coverage across the whole of England and Wales.
Like Victoria in Scotland, Ann is hugely experienced, having spent 15 years in a similar role at another major hardware company. VBH advise that her friendly disposition and excellent product knowledge have been extremely well received by her new customers.
National Sales Manager for England and Wales, Adrian Gale, told us “Ann brings a wealth of knowledge and experience into the role, and we are really happy that she has joined VBH at this exciting time. She is a great asset to the Sales Team.”
VBH advise that further additions to the sales team are in the pipeline.
Epwin Window Systems has announced that machinery innovator Haffner has become the exclusive affiliate machinery partner on its award-winning Connect digital platform. This partnership brings significant advantages to Epwin Window Systems customers, offering exclusive benefits when ordering fabrication machinery through Connect.
Gerald Allen, Head of Marketing at Epwin Window Systems, said: “We are delighted to welcome Haffner as an exclusive machinery supplier. The company is renowned for its cutting-edge machinery and outstanding commitment to customer service, and we’re confident it will deliver exceptional value to our customers.”
Matt Thomas, Managing Director at Haffner, added: “We are proud to be supporting Epwin Window Systems through the Connect platform. This affiliate partnership will enable us to help even more fabricators unlock the significant quality and efficiency advantages that modern automation machinery brings to both PVC-U and aluminium fabrication.”
Haffner Ltd is the UK’s largest supplier of machinery to the fenestration industry, renowned for its commitment to helping customers select the ideal machinery to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. The company offers a comprehensive range of innovative, high-quality machinery from Haffner and is the sole UK agent for Graf Synergy, globally recognised for its seamless welding technology. Additionally, Haffner provides a full suite of cutting-edge machines from Fom Industrie, a leader in precision-engineered aluminium machinery.
Epwin Window Systems’ Connect platform redefines customer support, providing a centralised and comprehensive resource hub. Alongside affiliate partnerships such as Haffner, the platform provides access to various business touchpoints including technical documentation and downloads, the U-Comply N Customer Portal U value calculator, information on becoming an Approved Commercial Partner to unlock further opportunities, and access to the widest range of marketing assets.
Leading independent hardware supplier Carl F Groupco has just announced it has further expanded its range with the addition of the Dynamic Hardware suite of products.
Owen Coop, CEO of Carl F Groupco, said: “We are committed to staying ahead of the curve with market-driven products that help our customers deliver. That is why we’re delighted to be bringing the Dynamic Hardware product suite to our portfolio.”
The Dynamic Hardware range includes inline and cranked window handles, door handles, door hinges and door furniture in a full range of colour options. Every product is intelligently designed and precision-manufactured by Dynamic Hardware in-house for the best in product functionality and performance, independently tested, assuring reliability and value industry pricing.
Owen commented: “The name might be new to the market, but the senior leadership team at Dynamic Hardware has been in the industry for over 40 years, and it shows. All the products are designed in-house by industry experts with a track record in intelligent hardware innovation, which is all reflected in the qualities of the products.”
The Dynamic Hardware range will extend Carl F Groupco’s already impressive product range, which also includes Roto, Siegenia, Fuhr, Maco and Yale. It’s a product portfolio that means the company can be a one stop shop for window and door hardware.
The additional benefits of choosing Carl F Groupco include next-day deliveries nationwide and a robust OTIF commitment that measures entire orders rather than individual line items. Customers also have the advantage of Carl F Groupco’s extensive inhouse technical expertise and proactive, hands-on testing assistance at every stage.
Carl F Groupco has been a stalwart of the industry for over 70 years. It’s achieved its longevity with an unwavering commitment to service combined with a keen eye for the products the market needs – as the addition of the Dynamic Hardware range shows.
The Dynamic Hardware range is available to order from stock.
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• 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+)
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.
Spectus from Epwin Window Systems was specified in a new £20m social housing development in Blackpool consisting of 96 houses, seven bungalows and 30 sheltered apartments.
Sustainability was a critical factor in the Grange Park development. All houses are fitted with solar panels to decrease the community’s carbon footprint, while 30 of the homes are heated using an air source heat pump.
To support these sustainable initiatives, the thermal efficiency of the windows and doors was paramount. Spectus from Epwin Window Systems had all the necessary credentials because it is thermally efficient by design. The products have a 3mm wall thickness, feature a five-chamber insulating system and have effective seals and draught-proofing. Every product is designed to comply easily with the requirements of the Building Regulations and windows can achieve U-values as low as 0.8W/(m2K).
In addition, Epwin Window Systems brought valuable environmental credentials to the project. It was the first UK systems house to achieve the VinylPlus® Product Label, the labelling scheme that makes it easy for customers and markets to identify the most sustainable and high-performance PVC-U products. It also has a cradle-to-cradle approach to material use, taking PVC-U window and door frames at the end of their useful life, recycling the PVC-U content and incorporating the reclaimed material back into new extruded building products manufactured across the Epwin Group.
The fabricator awarded the project was Jade Windows, an Epwin Window Systems Approved Commercial Partner with a wealth of experience in delivering large-scale, multi-stage developments.
In total, Jade Windows manufactured 462 Spectus casement windows and 133 Spectus doors, all in anthracite grey on white for a contemporary appearance. The products were fabricated to project call-off schedules as required by the main site contractor.
Ryan Fozard, Sales Manager at Jade Windows said: “Sustainability and the environment are increasingly important on commercial projects. Spectus always fits the bill because it’s a tried and tested system that can meet the most demanding of specifications. It was the perfect choice for this project.”
We email our fortnightly newsletter and online magazine to 16,700 UK builders, installers and architects. This is the largest online portal for the window industry, allowing you to target the builder/installer growth sector.
Through our online portals we receive enquiries from the end user, which are passed onto our advertisers.
All of our press releases have the amount of views clearly shown on each website post, so you can check it at any time to see how many people have read your story.
No paper, online only publication.
Our FlipBook format is designed to be simple to read online, and includes the option to click through and enquire, making it easier for people to get in touch.
Probably the most cost e ective o ering you will nd. We encourage the use of press releases which cost very little for high impact. Once you pay for a PR on our mailer, you receive free coverage on all other platforms including a full page in our FlipBook. Your coverage is spread out over a month, repeatedly getting your message in front of our readers. For companies wishing to take an advertisement, we support this with free editorial coverage.
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• Public Sector
• Retail Developments We mail to 5,050
Stellar Aluminium has announced the appointments of Jon Foulds and Joe Leeming as Key Account Managers. The strategic appointments are part of Stellar Aluminium’s ongoing commitment to driving sales and delivering exceptional customer service as the brand continues its growth journey.
Katrina Earl, Sales Director at Epwin Window Systems, said: “Jon and Joe’s appointments come at an exciting time for Stellar Aluminium as we continue to expand our market presence. Their industry expertise and passion for providing outstanding customer support align perfectly with our commitment to helping fabricators succeed.”
Jon and Joe bring with them a wealth of sector experience and are familiar faces to many in the industry.
Jon said: “Stellar is a standout choice for aluminium fabricators combining its flush aesthetics with superb energy efficiency and ease of fabrication. The company is forward-thinking and committed to innovation, ensuring that its products not only meet but exceed the evolving needs of the market. With new product additions launching in 2025, the future of Stellar is bright.”
Joe said: “Stellar has set a new standard for the aluminium sector. Its credentials and versatility present so many opportunities, and I’m enjoying helping new and existing customers make the most of them.”
The award-winning Stellar Aluminium is a whole house solution capable of meeting and exceeding the requirements of Part L and Part Q of Building Regulations across the entire range as standard.
Insulation is a fundamental part of the design, not an afterthought. It means every Stellar product is compliant with the thermal efficiency requirements of Part L and will be able to meet any future updates too. The design streamlines the fabrication process for greater efficiency and future-proofs it for more stringent thermal efficiency requirements in future years.
