4 Fentrade invests in additional fabrication machinery
103 Robin Clevett Joins the Lineup for FIT Show 2025
42 Navigating change with the right partner
Eliminates
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Cover picture: Sheerline’s Classic Heritage Door ideal for internal installations, read more on page 81
Ultraframe acquires Prefix Systems Ltd
The following is a statement issued by Ultraframe on 21st January
Fentrade invests in additional fabrication machinery
Crimper.”
Chris notes that the crimper will improve production efficiency because it’s easy to adjust and operate and has short changeover times. It will also improve the overall finish of the sash because it produces clean mitre joins and minimises the potential for steps in the corners.
“We can confirm that on the 20th January Ultraframe purchased Prefix Systems ltd. out of the administration process it entered on 8th January.
Chris Beedel
Ultraframe and Prefix have some similar but also some different products operating across the fenestration, home extension and outdoor living markets.
We will continue to run the Prefix business to properly understand it and evaluate the best way forward to best meet the needs of customers. In the meantime, Prefix will continue to service the needs of its customers and operate as normal.
Importantly, we recognise the quality and long service of many Prefix staff who we are transferring to the new company on existing contracts.
We would also like to thank our Ultraframe customer network whose support has been outstanding.”
Trade fabricator Fentrade has reinforced its commitment to quality, service and reliability as part of its 2025 growth strategy with an investment in additional fabrication machinery. The newlyinstalled Elumatec EP124 Automatic Crimper is now fully operational, enhancing the company’s manufacturing capabilities and underlining its focus on excellence, according to the company.
Chris Reeks, Fentrade’s managing director, said: “Part of the strategy for 2025 is to enhance our product offering by building upon our reputation of quality. A key way to do this is to look at various stages of our manufacturing set up and to see how we can mechanise where possible. One of the areas we felt we could improve upon was our sash corner crimping, and we made the decision to invest in an Elumatec EP124 Automatic
He said: “Enhancing our production efficiency and elevating product quality allows us to deliver even greater value to our customers, further strengthening our service offering.”
The Elumatec Automatic Crimper will join a number of other Elumatec machines in Fentrade’s manufacturing setup. Chris said: “We value the reliability of Elumatec machines. They help us to ensure the only machine downtime we have is through planned maintenance, not breakdowns. It means we can be the supplier our customers can depend on.”
Chris also praised Elumatec’s approach, saying: “Working with Elumatec is always hasslefree, for example with this latest machine the whole journey from initial conversation to order and delivery has taken less than three weeks. We’re delighted to have executed a key element of our 2025 strategy so early in the year.” www.fentradealuminium.co.uk
Q19 Group completes refinancing
Gloucester based Q19 Group has completed a successful refinance with HSBC. The refinance provides additional working capital facilities to support future growth of the group. The Q19 Group includes market leading brands: Window Widgets, Residence Collection and Profoil, with manufacturing facilities in Gloucester and Kettering.
Window Widgets manufactures ancillary products for residential window systems as well as its own niche, design focused window and door systems. Profoil laminates UPVC and aluminium extrusions both for the windows and doors sector as well as the wider residential and commercial building products sector.
The Q19 Group, which currently employs over 100 staff, has grown revenue from £14m to £24m since the management buyout (MBO) of Window Widgets in December
2019. The MBO was originally funded with a debt facility from Shawbrook Bank who are said to have provided “excellent support” to the business over the last five years.
The Cattaneo team of Richard Newman and Charles Cattaneo led the refinance process for Q19 with legal advice from Richard Underwood at Legal Clarity. The HSBC team, led by Sam Owen and Lisa Lucas, received legal advice from Natalie Barnes at Shoosmiths.
Sarah Hitchings, sales and marketing director of Q19 Group, commented: “We now have a funding package that will allow us to move the business forward and support the launch of new products in 2025. I’d like to thank Shawbrook for their support over the last five years.
“It was reassuring to know that
the Cattaneo team, with their deep understanding of the group since the MBO, not only had the market knowledge and technical expertise required to introduce appropriate lenders and help structure the right financial package, but also provided the attention to detail we were looking for. Their tenacity to drive the process through efficiently was invaluable.”
Richard Newman of Cattaneo said: “We ran a competitive process to seek the most appropriate funder for the next stage in the group’s development. We saw a number of funders providing terms, with HSBC proving to be the most appropriate partner to support the next phase of growth. We are delighted to have advised Q19 on a successful refinancing that will allow it to further capitalise on its enviable position in the UK fenestration and building products market place.”
Sam Owen of HSBC said: “We are pleased to be able to support the team with the next stage of their ambitious growth plans with a new debt finance facility. We were able to move quickly when the refinance opportunity arose helped by the fact we have banked Window Widgets for a number of years. We look forward to working with them during the next stage of their development.”
Q19 directors (from left to right): Greg Pigott, Sarah Hitchings and Mike Hart.
Pilkington UK and Morgan Sindall agreement to boost sustainable
Under the agreement, Pilkington UK will supply Morgan Sindall with its broad range of architectural glass used for energy efficiency, solar control and fire safety in residential and commercial buildings.
glass use in buildings
Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, part of the NSG Group, has entered into a new strategic trading agreement with Morgan Sindall Group – to support the
construction services giant’s design teams to maximise opportunities for the sustainable use of architectural glass in projects.
The glass manufacturer will also look to supply products from its Pilkington Mirai range, a variety of lower embodied carbon glass products that offer like-forlike quality, performance, and aesthetics when compared to standard float glass.
Morgan Sindall will collaborate to create circular economies with Pilkington UK via its renew:glass scheme, which enables glass removed from buildings to be recycled as part of the glass manufacturing process.
Pilkington UK will also support Morgan Sindall design teams and architects with technical training and CPDs. The glass manufacturer provides introductory and advanced courses to architects, specifiers and glass installers – alongside specialist training in fractography
and CPDs covering topics from fire rated glazing to bird safe glass.
Graham Edgell, Group director of procurement and sustainability at Morgan Sindall, stated: “Our collaboration with Pilkington UK represents a significant step forward in our building products supply chain strategy.
“By working closer together, we can drive innovation in key projects, enhance sustainability, and bring about long-term environmental benefits.
Pilkington UK’s expertise in high-performance glass solutions will help us deliver on our commitment to building greener, more efficient infrastructure across the UK.”
Bea Roberts, specification manager at Pilkington UK, added: “This agreement marks an exciting new chapter in our longstanding relationship with Morgan Sindall, and we believe it will serve as a model for collaboration in the construction industry.
“Our goal is to leverage our advanced glass technologies and renew:glass recycling scheme, alongside Morgan Sindall’s innovative and expansive project portfolio to reduce the carbon intensity of the built environment at scale.
“The construction industry is evolving rapidly, with sustainability at the forefront of every major project, and this collaboration allows us to play an integral role in that transition. Our combined efforts will enable us to address complex challenges around energy efficiency, safety, and environmental impact, ensuring that we not only meet but exceed the growing demands of modern construction.”
For more information, visit: www.pilkington.com/en-gb/uk
Sheerline launches structural coupler
According to the company, Sheerline’s Structural Coupler is ideal for Grand Design-style projects such as those featuring architectural aluminium utilising Prestige Bi-folding Doors sitting under large gable frames.
The clever component can be used in vertical and horizontal orientations, with the latter featuring a cill nose in-built to help with drainage, offering joints additional protection.
There’s also a retro-fit option for existing installations. It’s the ideal solution to help overcome remedial site issues by reducing deflection.
It works by increasing the rigidity of single components in instances where the wind pressure could be more than
the deflection allowance.
As well as increasing the integrity of installations by strengthening them, the couplers help increase spans by up to 35%.
Each coupler has a variant suitable for the Classic and Prestige ranges ensuring there’s something for every project.
Sheerline’s design project manager, Jon Crohill, said: “We’re confident fabricators and installers will find this versatile component helpful. The rule of thumb is to double a span you need to increase strength by eight, or to increase by 50% increase strength by four.”
www.sheerline.com
aluplast secures new seven-year social housing supply contract
Tai Tarian, one of the largest social landlords in Wales, has signed a new seven-year supply deal with aluplast, citing excellent sustainability credentials, quality of product, and ease of installation, as key reasons for partnership.
The new supply deal follows an initial five-year contract, where the profile was successfully put through its paces by the manufacture, supply and installation arm of Tai Tarian, which is based in Seven Sisters, near Merthyr Tydfil in South Wales.
“We look after 9,200 houses,” Steve Meredith, housing maintenance officer at Tai Tarian, says. “We manufacture and replace all the windows on a 25-
year programme, which means the profile and other components need to be excellent quality.
“Our products also need to achieve certain criteria, such as Secured by Design accreditation; that means that it has to pass PAS24(2022) testing. aluplast meets all of these needs with ease.”
When deciding on a window profile supplier to partner with for its social housing, quality had to be at the top of the agenda, according to Steve.
“And that is why we are with aluplast,” he says. “It’s tried and tested. We completed our first five years with aluplast, which we were very happy with, and we’ve decided to extend our next contract term to a seven-year period.”
Since Tai Tarian is the window installer, as well as the fabricator, the views of the installation teams were also taken into account when making the new commitment.
“I spoke to the installers to discuss the way that they work, the way they transport the windows, and the way they handle them during installation, and they’ve had no problems with aluplast products from day one,” he says.
“In fact, they were thrilled when they learned that we were continuing our relationship with aluplast, because they love working with the product.”
As a social housing provider, Tai Tarian carefully considers the environmental impact of the products it uses, including the raw materials.
“The fact that aluplast profile is made using ecotech extrusion technology – which incorporates recycled material – is very important to us,” Steve says.
ecotech is made by extruding recycled and virgin material separately through two feeds, into one die, to create a profile that has virgin walls, with the recycled element isolated within the inner profile webbing. This, according to aluplast, maximises strength and appearance, while significantly reducing the impact on the environment.
www.aluplast.co.uk
Veka announces strengthened support programme
for nationwide ‘Independent Network’ of installers
Positioning itself as the nation’s premier installer network, Veka unveils enhanced support and resource investment, setting the standard for how manufacturers can support installers.
Veka has reaffirmed its commitment to its ‘Independent Network’ installers by investing in a series of forward-thinking updates to its support package, including a new homeowner-focused website, improved interactive marketing tools and enhanced lead generation. This strategic initiative strengthens Veka’s support for installers, enabling them to remain competitive in an evolving market while delivering unparalleled value to homeowners.
Established in 1996, the Independent Network upholds a culture of quality, integrity, and professionalism within the fenestration industry, delivering
a cohesive and collaborative partnership between installers. By connecting homeowners with vetted installers, Veka ensures its high-quality products are matched with equally highquality service.
Enhancing the Independent Network offering to its members adds to the growing list of invaluable resources that support the installer network. These resources include essential business and lead management tools, technical training courses, customer financing options, insurancebacked guarantees and legal support.
Updates to the Independent
Network programme include:
• Enhanced visualiser tool – This improved interactive online tool allows homeowners to experiment with various window and door designs, select from a range of colours, and even upload a photo of their own home to visualise how the products would look in place.
• New homeowner-friendly website – Creating a seamless and engaging experience for homeowners. Allowing potential customers to discover the benefits of choosing an Independent Network installer and take the next step toward transforming their home.
• Improved marketing collateral –Unified look and feel across key marketing materials including homeowner brochure and maintenance guide.
• Continuous marketing assets – Providing fresh, impactful content that drives homeowner interest and builds trust in the Independent Network.
• Tailored training for success
– Providing focused training and empowering installers with knowledge to leverage key marketing tools to connect with homeowners and enhance marketing visibility.
As the fenestration industry faces challenges ranging from changing consumer demands to economic pressures, Veka says its commitment to continuous innovation positions it as a trusted choice for homeowners.
Tim Taylor, commercial director at Veka plc, said: “At Veka, we believe that standing still is not an option in an ever-evolving industry. This rebrand is about more than a new look; it’s a bold step forward in boosting homeowner reach for all our valued installers”
By listening to its trusted installers and continually evolving the Independent Network to best suit the growing needs of the industry, Veka has strengthened its network and reputation for quality, innovation, and reliability.”
Jessica Cooper, marketing director, added: “At the heart of the Independent Network is a promise: to be the nation’s premier installer network.
“As the fenestration industry evolves, maintaining this leading position means adapting and innovating, not only in the products and services we offer but also in how we present ourselves to homeowners.”
This exciting new chapter for the Independent Network underscores Veka’s leadership in setting industry standards and refining the experience for installers and homeowners alike.
To learn more about the Independent Network: https://www.inveka.co.uk/
Timberlook data reveals consumer colour trends
Timberlook, a leading brand of heritage-style uPVC windows and doors from Affordable Window Systems, has revealed data highlighting the most popular colour choices among UK homeowners over the past year.
Timberlook conducted a detailed analysis of a year’s worth of orders, resulting in valuable insights into the most popular colour preferences among customers.
The findings reveal that grey remains the dominant choice for exterior finishes, with various grey shades accounting for 47% of all Timberlook orders over a 12-month period.
“The data confirms the enduring popularity of grey for windows,” says Amelia Gaughan, head of marketing at Affordable Window Systems. “Nearly half of our orders featured a grey shade on the exterior, with agate grey leading the pack at approximately 27%.”
“Our data shows that homeowners continue to favour sophisticated, neutral tones that complement both traditional and contemporary properties,” adds Gaughan. “The strong
performance of our newest shade, pebble grey, which accounts for 8% of orders, demonstrates that this shade has already established itself as a popular choice.”
The data further highlights the fact that white finishes maintain their enduring appeal, with polar foiled proving particularly popular at 16% of orders. This reflects the steady demand for finishes for uPVC that realistically replicate the tactile qualities of traditional timber.
Natural stained wood-effect finishes account for 2.5% of total orders, with Oak being the most popular, closely followed by Rosewood.
Gaughan explains that “While statement colours like Chartwell green represent a smaller percentage of orders, they play an important role in our range, offering homeowners the opportunity to create striking, individual installations where appropriate.”
“We’ve always strived to keep our colour range up to date with the latest consumer trends, providing installers with a competitive edge,” Gaughan explains. “As tastes evolve, we’re excited to see what new aesthetic preferences emerge in 2025.” timberlook.com
Timberlook bay window – pebble grey
Voilàp Glass acquires majority stake in Mappi International
Voilàp Glass, the holding company formed by Voilàp S.p.A. and Mamisa, the holding company owned by the Spezzani Family, has announced the completion of its acquisition of a 51% majority stake in Mappi International. Mappi is renowned for its expertise in designing and manufacturing equipment for glass tempering and laminating.
The remaining 49% of Mappi International’s shares will remain with Nancy Mammaro, who, along with Ermanno Petitti, will continue to lead the company, ensuring its growth trajectory as President and CEO. This strategic acquisition further consolidates Voilàp Group’s presence in the glass processing machinery sector, complementing its investment in Keraglass.
The acquisition was supported by Deloitte for financial services, PedersoliGattai for legal matters, and PPI & Partners for fiscal consultancy. Mappi International received legal support from Rödl & Partner and economic guidance from Dr. Daniele Salvati.
Valter Caiumi, CEO of Voilàp Group, commented: “This acquisition, which builds on the success of our partnership with Keraglass, represents a crucial step in our strategic growth. It strengthens our commitment to delivering innovative, high-quality solutions increasingly tailored to our customers’ needs. With two leading brands, Keraglass and Mappi, Voilàp is poised to continue its expansion while staying true to its shared vision and values.”
Nancy Mammaro, CEO of Mappi International, expressed her pride in joining the Voilàp Group: “I am confident that this new partnership will bring fresh expertise, synergies, and strategic insights, guiding Mappi toward new milestones while preserving the values and mission that have always defined us.”
Nancy Mammaro
Valter Caiumi
Hawthorns development marks milestone for Ford Windows and Eurocell
Manufacturer and installer of PVC-U windows and doors, Ford Windows, has reached a significant milestone in its partnership with Eurocell, celebrating 20 years working together, with a development in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, the latest key project the two have collaborated on.
The Hawthorns, a new build development by Barratt Homes
North Midlands and David Wilson Homes East Midlands, comprises over 300 homes, with a variety of three and fourbedroom houses. Ford Windows provided a comprehensive range of over 3000 Eurocell’s Logik windows and 300 French Doors.
Since 2004, Ford Windows has relied on Eurocell’s expansive range of window styles and doors, including casement windows, residential doors, and
specialist profile systems as well as its technical knowledge and innovation in product development to help it grow its business, says the company.
Wesley Shackley, operations director at Ford Windows, reflects on the significance of the partnership in helping it deliver on key projects like The Hawthorns, “The reliability and quality of Eurocell’s products have been central to our 20-year relationship. Their innovative approach has consistently supported us in delivering projects to a really high standard and helped us to meet the changing demands and best practise in the market.
“Its commitment to developing new products, features, and options and its technical knowledge, has helped us to not only meet demand from our customers, but help drive
local trends too. The Hawthorns is another great example of our collaboration and we are optimistic about growth in the market in the coming years. Working alongside Eurocell puts us in a good position to take advantage of the anticipated uptick in project demand.”
According to the company, Eurocell’s reputation for reliability stems from its rigorous product testing ensuring that it offers exceptional durability and long-term performance. Products are tested to PAS 24:2016, BS 6180:2011 Class 2, BS 4873:2016, BS 8529:2017, BS 7412:2007, EN 143511:2006 + A2:2016 and BS 63751:2015. Ford Windows has been able to consistently deliver on time and to specification, thanks to Eurocell’s dependable supply chain and product range.
Martin Benn, head of New Build at Eurocell, emphasised the importance of anticipating the needs of partners like Ford Windows to ensure successful delivery on major new build projects. He said: “Our goal has always been to stay ahead of industry trends by anticipating the needs of our partners. Working with valued partners like Ford Windows for over 20 years is a testament to our commitment to being a longterm partner and we are proud to celebrate such milestones together.
“As the market prepares for renewed growth in the next 18 months, we remain optimistic and ready to support Ford Windows with innovative building solutions. We hope our support will help them take advantage of a growing new build and home improvement market in the next few years as confidence returns.”
www.fordwindows.com
www.eurocell.co.uk
UAP Celebrates 25 Years with Secured by Design
Greater Manchester-based UAP Ltd, a leading manufacturer of door and window hardware, says it is proud to celebrate 25 years as a member of Secured by Design (SBD), the official police security initiative.
As one of SBD’s inaugural members since 1999, UAP has consistently championed innovation and quality, helping to shape safer communities across the UK. Its products, built to rigorous Police Preferred Specification standards, have made secure living and working environments a reality for millions.
Founded in 1996, UAP began as a door hardware import company and has since transformed into an industry leader with a diverse portfolio of over 6,000 products. These include high-security 3-star cylinders, window restrictors, and letterplates, serving sectors from construction and social housing to maintenance and DIY.
UAP’s commitment to quality has been unwavering, with over 30 SBD Police Preferred
Specification accreditations earned across door hardware, locks, and mail delivery categories. Its dedication was recognised this year by the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers, awarding UAP the Community Award for Company Innovation.
Hazel Goss MBE, development officer at Secured by Design, said: “I was very proud to award UAP their 25-year member’s award. They are an amazing company with whom I have worked for many years now; they have a fantastic range of products and the team are very friendly, always making me feel welcome when I visit. It is such a joy to work with them. Congratulations on your award!”
Steve Cox, managing director at UAP said: “From the very beginning, we’ve been dedicated to developing products that are designed around customer needs, setting new benchmarks for quality and security. This milestone reflects the hard work, vision, and commitment of our entire team, and we’re excited to continue partnering with SBD to tackle the challenges of modern security and make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.”
As one of SBD’s longeststanding members, UAP has contributed to over one million homes being built to SBD standards, significantly reducing crime and fostering safer communities. Looking ahead, UAP remains focused on developing innovative solutions that push the boundaries of security and innovation.
For more information about UAP’s full product range, visit www.uapcorporate.com
Glass Express Midlands increases deliveries as demand grows
Glass Express Midlands has significantly increased its delivery schedule to meet the demands of existing customers while accommodating an influx of new business during 2024, according to the company.
The new delivery timetable will see overall deliveries increase to two slots a day, which includes four planned routes a week to Wales, and three into London. This has required substantial additional investment in vehicles.
“While product quality is absolutely key to winning and keeping customers, it needs to
be supported by unflappable customer support, which includes a regular and reliable delivery service,” Glass Express Midlands MD Arun Photay said.
“So, as we picked up new customers across the UK – and supported existing customers with remote sites – we needed to make sure that our overall package met the demands of the operation.”
Arun explained that any manufacturing business is only as efficient as its weakest point, and any bottleneck – however small – can throttle the entire
Arun Photay
operation.
“We have spent the last two years fine tuning our operation at Oldbury in the West Midlands,” Arun said. “Primarily this is about making sure that every unit or piece of glass that leaves our facility is of the highest quality.
“But we need to make sure they arrive on time and in one piece, which is why we’ve invested significantly to update our transport division.
“Interestingly, being based in Oldbury in the West Midlands supports our role as a strategic national glass supplier. Given our involvement on an increasing number of high-profile commercial projects, we expect this continue, so maintaining a modern, reliable and regular delivery network is vital.”
Glass Express Midlands was recently welcomed by the Council for Aluminium in Building as a member, and achieved Made in Britain accreditation.
“Both memberships are close to my heart,” Arun explained. “I have always stressed my commitment to professionalism and improving communication within the sector, and being part of a trade association like CAB will allow Glass Express Midlands to partner with more forward-thinking businesses.
“Meanwhile, being Made in Britain-certified proves that our focus on short manageable supply chains puts product quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction at the top of our list of priorities.”
glassexpressmidlands.co.uk
Eurocell and Tremco CPG: pioneering
a new era in airtightness and weather resistance for modern building facades
Eurocell has partnered with illbruck (a brand of Tremco CPG UK) to tackle what the company says is a crucial, underestimated installation challenge – the “integration junction.” This critical connection between window systems and building facades plays a vital role in a building’s thermal efficiency and longterm durability, especially under extreme weather conditions.
Together, they set out to develop a high-performance, resilient solution that would redefine industry standards for commercial buildings. By integrating Eurocell’s certified window systems with illbruck’s leading-edge sealing solutions, this collaboration is said to promise to transform how commercial facades withstand the elements.
Leveraging combined expertise, Eurocell and illbruck aimed
to set a new benchmark for resilience and energy efficiency. By pairing Eurocell’s Modus and Logik systems with illbruck’s advanced i3 sealing solutions, they created what they describe as ‘a seamless, high-durability connection that not only meets but exceeds European standards for air permeability and water tightness’.
This ‘breakthrough’ solution anticipates the stricter requirements of future regulations, setting the stage for a new standard in commercial building façades.
In August 2024, Eurocell and illbruck put their collaborative solution to the test in Tremco CPG Europe’s state-of-theart research facility in Bavaria, Germany. By installing the systems within concrete frames, they replicated real-world conditions to validate durability and resilience.
Rigorous testing in line with EN 1026 (air permeability) and EN 1027 (watertightness) examined the critical windowto-wall junction as well as the full system, proving this solution’s capability to withstand the demands of real-world application.
The results included;
• Driving rain resistance: Withstood driving rain at 600 Pa, delivering robust protection against water ingress in extreme weather.
• Airtightness: Achieved an impressive airtightness rating of <0.1 m³/(m·h·daPa²/³), meeting Class 4 under the UK’s BS EN 12207:2016 standard.
• Thermal efficiency: Enhanced integration with Tremco’s sealing solutions minimised air infiltration, raising the bar for energy performance in commercial facades.
Eurocell says this solution not only addresses current needs but anticipates future demands, ensuring high resilience and superior energy performance.
A breakthrough fullsystem solution for diverse applications
The Eurocell and illbruck partnership has produced a comprehensive system that surpasses Building Regulations and Passivhaus standards for air permeability. This adaptable, high-performance solution is suited for various building types, from high-rise developments to commercial projects in harsh weather environments.
By addressing both airtightness and thermal bridging at the junction level, this integration is said to support sustainable construction goals, reducing
energy costs and emissions across the UK.
Kelly Hibbert, head of commercial at Eurocell, shared her enthusiasm on the outcomes of the work with illbruck: “Eurocell is committed to advancing a more sustainable construction industry by delivering window systems that meet the demands of a changing world. Working with illbruck has allowed us to create a truly integrated solution that brings lasting benefits to both the industry and building occupants. This partnership exemplifies how we can collectively raise standards and provide innovative products that balance performance with environmental responsibility.
“Through this collaboration, we are better equipped to support builders and developers with high-performance solutions that contribute to the efficiency and sustainability of their projects, from insulation to carbon reduction. It’s a project that speaks to our shared vision for a more resilient, energy-efficient future in the built environment.”
Similarly, Steve Wild – technical consultant at Tremco CPG added: “The i3 system optimises both airtightness and thermal insulation, enhancing building resilience and energy efficiency. Partnering with Eurocell reflects our dedication to pioneering standards and providing builders with an integrated, top-tier solution for today’s construction challenges.
“Together, we’re delivering solutions that make it simpler for the industry to adopt practices that reduce energy use and operational costs. This collaboration stands out as an example of our commitment to sustainable growth, giving construction professionals access to advanced materials that are also practical and costeffective.”
GGF boosts communications with launch of membership magazine
The Glass & Glazing Federation has launched a brand new membership magazine to give the organisation an additional communication tool to keep its community engaged and informed. The Glazing Journal will contain both federation and industry news, analysis, opinions, and discussions about topics directly affecting members’ businesses.
Available both in print and online, the Glazing Journal will be sent direct to members, available to download from the GGF website, and the printed version distributed at meetings and events.
“Over the last year the GGF has invested significantly in a number of new initiatives designed specifically to benefit our membership, and the Glazing Journal is the ideal vehicle to communicate these continuing developments with the depth of details that is often necessary,” commented
GGF managing director Ben Wallace. “Projects such as our training platform and complaints procedures, as well as the celebration of member achievements are essential to driving everyone’s operations through tough times and meeting challenges head on. The Glazing Journal is already becoming a much anticipated source of information and inspiration.”
Releasing the Glazing Journal in print was a deliberate decision by the organisation to help its members move away from screens and appreciate the tangibility.
“We see the promotion of a work life balance to protect our members’ wellbeing as part of our commitment to them, so providing a print version gives you that excuse to switch off, sit down with a coffee, and digest important industry information without being interrupted by constant incoming notifications,” continued Ben Wallace.
As well as being the ideal vehicle to expand on issues and projects run by the GGF, the organisation is also proactively encouraging members to contribute to the magazine – whether that is through voicing their opinion, showcasing a particular project that could prove educational to other members, or illustrating how they have overcome a particular issue.
The first Winter/Spring issue of the Glazing Journal is now available. GGF members will receive the publication via email, or as a download from the GGF website
Keystone Market Research publishes latest Consumer Fenestration Trends Report
with expanded industry sponsorship
Keystone Market Research has announced the release of its Winter 2025 Consumer Fenestration Trends Report, a highly detailed analysis of homeowner preferences, buying behaviours, and market trends. This comprehensive report continues to build on the success of previous publications and explores material preferences, glazing styles, energy efficiency priorities, and the implications of the upcoming Future Homes Standard.
This year’s report is made possible through expanded sponsorship, with leading industry players Endurance Doors, Epwin Window Systems, the GGF, Liniar, and Veka supporting the initiative. Their contributions ensure greater accessibility of this unique resource across the fenestration industry, with sponsors able to
share the report throughout their supply chains, helping businesses make informed decisions based on detailed consumer insights.
Key findings from the report include:
• Triple Glazing and uPVC Lead Preferences: Triple glazing continues to dominate, while uPVC emerges as the most popular material for both windows and doors this time, offering affordability and energy efficiency.
• Rising Popularity of Sliding Patio Doors: Younger and wealthier homeowners are driving demand for sliding patio doors, which have overtaken bifold doors as the preferred style.
• Low Awareness of the Future Homes Standard: With only 18% of homeowners familiar with the
standard, the report highlights that the onus is on the industry to promote energy-efficient upgrades as it looks unlikely currently that the standard will drive additional homeowner sales.
Charlotte Hawkes, founder and director of Keystone, shared her perspective: “Amid the continuing economic pressures our market is dealing with, this report provides actionable insights to help businesses navigate shifting consumer priorities and outline the pockets of opportunity still available. I’m especially proud of the expanded sponsorship, which underscores the industry’s commitment to understanding homeowners’ needs and delivering data-based support throughout the supply chain.”
Businesses interested in to supporting the fenestration industry, and their customers, with Keystone’s trusted consumer insights are encouraged to reach out as a limited number of sponsorship opportunities remain available.
For more information about the Winter 2025 Consumer report and Keystone’s research services, visit: www.keystonemr.co.uk
Merchant’s November value sales fall -4.6%, as prices fall -3.4%
The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report, published in January, shows builders’ merchants’ value sales in November were down -4.6% compared to the same month in 2023. Volume sales slipped -1.3% and prices were also down -3.4%. With one less trading day this year, like-for-like value sales, which take trading day differences into account, were flat (-0.1%).
Year-on-year, just one category sold more – Tools (+3.5%). Renewables & Water Saving (-15.1%) was the weakest category.
Value sales in November were -10.0% lower than the previous month. Volume sales fell -11.2% compared to October, while prices edged up +1.3%. All twelve
categories sold less, but half did better than Total Merchants: Kitchens & Bathrooms (-2.6%), Plumbing Heating & Electrical (-7.0%), Workwear & Safetywear (-7.7%), Miscellaneous (-8.2%), Tools (-9.6%) and Timber & Joinery Products (-9.9%). Renewables & Water Saving (-17.1%) declined the most. With two less trading days this month, like-for-like value sales were down -1.4%.
In the 12-month period December 2023 to November 2024, total value sales were down -4.7% compared to the same period the year before (December 2022 to November 2023). Volume sales were -5.3% lower and prices were up +0.7%. The two largest categories – Heavy Building Materials (-6.3%) and
Timber & Joinery Products (-7.0%) – declined more than Total Merchants. The strongest performing categories were Workwear & Safetywear (+10.9%), Tools (+6.1%) and Decorating (+2.1%). With two more trading days in the most recent 12-month period, like-for-like value sales were -5.5% lower.
Total value sales from January to November were down -4.5% compared to the first eleven months of 2023.
Mike Rigby, managing director of MRA Research which produces the BMBI report says: “As 2024 closed, there was relief that the latest ONS data for November’s construction output wasn’t worse – an overall +0.4% increase in volume, rather than a decrease. However, this modest growth was mainly driven by the commercial sector, as both private new housing (-1.2%) and private housing repair and maintenance (-0.2%) contracted.
“It’s not hard to see why housebuilding and residential RMI are weak. GfK’s Consumer Confidence Index increased by a
single point in December to -17, and while there were two-point increases to sentiment in personal finances (in the last and next 12 months), expectations for the economy remain depressed.
“GfK’s findings were echoed by KPMG UK’s Consumer Pulse survey, which found that four in ten consumers thought the economy was getting worse, and a third said they were ‘managing’ their personal finances but having to budget discretionary spending. Looking ahead to 2025 though, 21% said they were planning to spend money on minor home improvements, 14% were planning to spend on major home improvements, and 7% were planning to move home.
“But business confidence was battered by the Budget with the Government talking growth while making it harder to grow. And now, major economies have been put on hold while countries, businesses and homeowners wait to see how President Trump’s words translate into action. How will the US government’s actions affect them and their projects? Everyone’s holding their breath!”
Set up and run by MRA Research, the BMBI – a brand of the Builders Merchants Federation – is a monthly index of builders’ merchant sales, and the most reliable, up-to-date measure of Repair, Maintenance, and Improvement (RMI) activity in the UK. The index is based on actual sales from GfK’s Builders’ Merchant Point of Sale Tracking Data, which captures value sales out to builders from generalist builders’ merchants, accounting for 88% of total sales from builders’ merchants throughout Great Britain. An in-depth review, which includes commentary by sector experts, is provided each quarter.
November’s BMBI report is available to download at www.bmbi.co.uk
Supply 2 Trade introduce timber range through Glyngary partnership
Supply 2 Trade, supplier of uPVC and aluminium windows, doors, glass, conservatories, and building plastics, has announced a strategic partnership with timber windows and doors manufacturer Glyngary.
Established in 2019, Supply 2 Trade has grown rapidly and now operates five trade counters, with locations in Stoke, Bury, Chester, Telford, and Northwich.
“It’s been impossible to ignore how popular timber has become, largely because of its strong sustainability, energy efficiency, and durability credentials – and this popularity has created an excellent opportunity for growth,” says Richard Barlow, managing director at Supply 2 Trade.
“Partnering with Glyngary allows us to enhance our product portfolio with exceptional timber windows and doors, an expansion that aligns with our commitment to provide customers with superior products and
services.”
Glyngary specialises in supplying installers, house builders, contractors, builders’ merchants, and trade counters. Their suite of physical and digital sales tools is designed to support trade customers in winning projects and achieving business growth, claims the company.
Joe Trueman, shareholder at Glyngary Joinery, comments: “This partnership offers significant benefits for both companies, and we’re excited to lend our support. Homeowners are increasingly turning to natural materials for their building projects, and Glyngary has focused on refining our branding and systems to make it seamless for partners like Supply 2 Trade to work with us.
“With their established range of uPVC and aluminium windows and doors, introducing timber is the perfect next step and we’re looking forward to a successful and long-lasting partnership.”
www.glyngary.co.uk
www.supply2trade.co.uk
Rehau’s Artevo window system now fabricated in UK
Rehau’s largest window system, Artevo, is now being fabricated in the UK, giving architects, designers and specifiers the opportunity to incorporate large, high-performance polymer profiles that maximise natural light.
Artevo builds on the successful Geneo range with Rau-Fipro-X material, enabling floor-to-ceiling heights up to 2.6 meters. Now available in a new Alux colour that Rehau says is virtually identical to aluminium, the system offers enhanced stability
through integrated force zones that eliminate the need for steel reinforcements. Its steelfree frame is 40% lighter than previous models and may be fitted with sealed units up to 72mm thick when used in the flushed-mounted sash, while also able to achieve sound insulation RW of up to 48dB.
The Passivhaus-certified Artevo window system is now being fabricated in the UK by commercial installer and fabricator GRM Windows. According to, Richard Gambling, managing director at GRM Windows, the window system’s versatility, practicality and sustainability credentials greatly
appealed to the company as it looked to expand its frame portfolio.
“We wanted to be able to fabricate larger window profiles in polymer that would maximise natural light,” he explains. “This is vital in modern architectural design, but it cannot come at the cost of the frame’s thermal performance. Artevo’s efficiency in heat retention, combined with its lightweight construction that makes it easier to handle and install than other similar frames, meant it could provide the best of both worlds for our customers.
“The fact steel reinforcements are not needed was another key reason behind our decision to add Artevo to our window portfolio, as this meant we could streamline the fabrication process. We were also impressed by the frame’s
overall sustainability – we know that each profile contains up to 75% recycled content and that recyclates are being used in the Artevo’s glazing beads. Being able to demonstrate sustainable practice is becoming increasingly important to securing project work, so having these provable green credentials easily available is undoubtedly a major benefit.”
Artevo is available with a fully recyclable Low-E foil, a patent pending thermal insert technology developed by Rehau’s engineers, allowing the system to achieve a u-value of up to 0.81 W/.m2K. Pre-inserted within the chambers of the window profile and replacing traditional foam thermal inserts, its V-shaped, reflective foil can also reduce heat radiation by up to five per cent while preventing convection within the profile chambers.
“Artevo is designed with architectural freedom in mind,” says Russell Hand, head of product & technical at Rehau UK. “It offers slimmer profile sizes down to 80mm while increasing frame performance, ensuring it can be used for large spans without compromising on a building’s design or performance priorities as a project nears completion. “Our commitment to added value is why ‘evolution’ features in the product’s name, as we’ve taken everything that made our Geneo system a success and improved upon it. We are confident GRM Windows will see growing demand for the Artevo system going forward, offering the best possible combination of performance and design sensibilities for the commercial market and beyond.”
For more information click here: https://bit.ly/40JB6Jq
Hawkeye!
Solar panels are great way for companies to lower their carbon footprint but that means they need to ‘see’ the sun.
Having invested more than six-figures in 2500 solar panels on the roof of its Calne manufacturing facility Deceuninck’s green energy strategy was put under threat from a pesky airborne pest – the Common Gull.
With its large rooftop offering judged a perfect nesting habitat for the amorous airborne assassins, their guano threatened kilowatt outputs.
Rather than getting into a flap the facilities team turned to their own eco allies, Gerald, Bo Jangles and Nessie, the three Harris Hawks of Talons Out Bird
Services.
The natural enemy of nesting sea birds, the three Harris Hawks have been flown regularly over Deceuninck’s facility, to persuade the gulls that solar panels are a less than perfect nesting site.
James Cross, maintenance engineer explained: “We installed approaching 2,500 solar panels at the start of this year, but very soon it became clear we had a problem, seagulls – or more accurately their waste, which was starting to coat them.
“The solar panels were installed as part of our sustainability strategy so it’s important that we maximise their outputs which if the seagulls were left unchecked, would have been compromised.
“The Harris Hawks are flown regularly as part of an ecosolution which encourages the gulls to move on and allows us to maximise outputs of renewable energy.”
The new solar panels will generate a total of 895,762 kWh of clean energy per year reducing CO2 emissions from Deceuninck’s Calne site by 498,507kg a year, claims the company.
Deceuninck has established a lead on sustainability based on its’ commitment to the Science Based Targets (SBTi) programme, with a headline pledge to cut the CO2 emissions from its own operations (Scope 1&2) by 60% by 2030 from a 2021 baseline, according to the company.
A further six figure investment at the start of this year saw Deceuninck add two new chillers to its operation, delivering a 50% reduction in energy usage.
www.deceuninck.co.uk
Swisspacer with top EPD for warm edge
Swisspacer, a leading manufacturer of warm edge spacer bars, is setting new standards in sustainability. Thanks to the use of renewable energy and optimized production processes, the CO₂ footprint of a 16 mm spacer bar is now less than 0.15 kg CO₂ eq per running metre – a reduction of almost 30% compared to the previous value. Swisspacer says this means that it not only currently offers the best EPD for warm edge spacer bars on the market but is also the only provider to cover all cradle-to-grave life cycle stages.
An Environmental Product
Declaration (EPD) provides comprehensive information on the environmental impact of a product throughout its entire life cycle – from raw material extraction to disposal (“cradle to grave”). Swisspacer regularly publishes EPDs that are certified in accordance with the international standards ISO 14025 and EN 15804. These declarations are an important building block for the certification of buildings according to sustainability standards such as DGNB, LEED or BREEAM
“At Swisspacer, we attach great importance to providing our
customers and partners with transparent and verified data about our carbon footprint,” emphasises Sarah Sattler, sales & marketing Director at Swisspacer. “The EPDs offer us the opportunity to clearly show where we stand and where we can develop further. We are not only focussing on renewable energies, but also on circular approaches and resource conservation. As a longstanding member of the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB), we are committed to this standard”
Marie Guin, R&D innovation partner at Swisspacer, adds: “A key factor in our strategy is the switch to electricity from renewable sources, which has already enabled significant progress in our newly published EPDs. At the same time, we are investing in recycling technologies, whose positive effect on our CO₂ balances will be visible in future EPD versions.”
Swisspacer is focussing on sustainable innovations in order to produce in a resource-conserving manner and drive forward the transition to a circular economy. A new recycling technology will play an important role in 2025, as recyclable spacer bar material from customers will also be fed back into the production cycle in future, says the company.
www.swisspacer.com
Energy-Efficient Windows Key to Social Housing Upgrades
With local authorities and housing associations facing acute pressure to upgrade millions of social homes in line with modern net zero and thermal performance standards, retrofitting energyefficient windows and doors will offer a vital way forward.
This is the view of Retrofit Right – Making Social Housing More Energy-Efficient, which explores how the sector can decarbonise 4.4 million UK social homes across the UK –mostly built between 1945 and
1980 – in line with legislative requirements and available funding. This new whitepaper from polymer specialist Rehau confronts the scale of this challenge by demonstrating the crucial nature of informed specification of window and door systems. It underlines the importance of these key components in affecting heat loss in residential properties, detailing relevant standards, regulations and metrics such as those governing thermal performance, noise attenuation, security and
ventilation.
The report goes on to emphasise the importance of local authorities establishing, bolstering and maintaining supply chains to ensure the specification of highquality components in these retrofitting efforts. As explained by Martin Hitchin, CEO at REHAU UK, this third-party supply chain support is also key to bridging knowledge gaps and easing workloads within the social housing sector that may be exacerbated by the scope of the required works.
“The UK’s residential sector is under great pressure to reduce emissions in line with net zero targets, including a 78% drop in emissions by 2035 and carbon neutrality by 2050,” he explains. “As social housing is publicly owned, there’s undoubtedly additional pressure on local authorities to decarbonise, and
also to ensure that every pound spent works as hard as possible to achieve the desired energy efficiency improvements. For strained local authorities and housing association teams, this combination of raised expectations and the sheer scale of decarbonising millions of social housing properties make this a daunting challenge.
“As major sources of heat loss within properties, windows and door systems have a key role to play in improving the thermal performance of social housing. This is why we launched this latest whitepaper – it provides valuable advice on how to approach the frame specification and upgrading process, complying with relevant standards and regulations, and the importance of medium retrofits in achieving these goals.
Retrofit Right goes on to emphasise the importance of selecting sustainable materials such as co-extruded polymer and advises social housing stakeholders to go beyond the point-of-purchase when selecting new frames. Specifically, it encourages decision-makers to explore data-driven technologies including integrated digital ID cards for individual frames to streamline later maintenance works for local authorities and housing associations.
Material considerations and performance standards of frames are undoubtedly key for local authorities and housing associations carrying out retrofitting projects,” Martin concludes. However, those selecting components should also see how added services can streamline ongoing maintenance
works, including breakages and installing additional accessories.
Innovations such as Rehau’s Window.ID provide quick access to key data and fenestration experts, greatly reducing the need for time-consuming inspection or measurement appointments. As detailed in Retrofit Right, these innovations can allow housing associations and local authorities to save money by reducing the number of visits to affected properties, ensuring efficient and effective maintenance. Rehau advises fenestration professionals and social housing stakeholders alike to read this latest whitepaper and take on board its insights ahead of future retrofitting works.”
Download Rehau’s full whitepaper, https://bit.ly/42PnMG3
Jade invests £4
million to support window and door manufacturers
Jade, a renowned and prolific supplier of manufacturing, engineering and tooling solutions for the window and door industry has completed the renovation and refurbishment of its new 30,000 square foot facility in Coventry. This achievement is the culmination of a £4 million investment plan designed to position the company for significant year on year growth
both within the UK, and potentially beyond.
As a key player in the UK window manufacturing sector, Jade’s knowledge and expertise in the evolution of fabrication means that its influence has been experienced at some level by nearly every player across the industry – both PVCu and aluminium. Directors Adam Jones
and Sean Mackey recognised that they needed to transform itself from a local ‘owner managed’ business, establishing a polished, professional structure and creating a framework that will support its projected growth.
“For nearly two decades we have had an amazing time working with everyone from the major systems houses to many smaller independent fabricators, solving manufacturing problems and helping them achieve greater efficiencies and improved product quality. But it was clear to us that operationally we needed to make some major adjustments if we wanted to continue with that good faith and those strong
Directors Adam Jones and Sean Mackey.
relationships in the future,” commented Sean Mackey. “And while investment in the new facilities has given us the physical ability to grow, there has also been massive operational restructuring going on behind the scenes.”
This restructuring has been driven by managing director Gareth Davies, who joined Jade a year ago with the specific brief to bring corporate level organisation to a much-loved company that had gone through several years of growth, both organic and through acquisition. In 2017 in particular Jade made several significant purchases, including Saltech Machines Ltd, Edgwick Sheet Metals and 50% of Kombimatec.
“Jade faced a choice – it had carved out a comfortable groove
for itself in the industry where it could happily coast along, but probably end up losing market share,” added Gareth Davies. “However, I could sense that both Sean and Adam had the hunger and the ambition to continue growing, and the market itself still had massive opportunities that could be enjoyed by reframing the way in which the company organised itself. The skills and the expertise were there – Jade just needed to refine its messaging.”
A large part of that messaging has been to move away from the ‘engineering’ focus of Jade, and highlight the key solutions that they bring to manufacturers. This formed the basis of its initial rebrand a couple of years ago, when it clarified key service areas through separate divisions –JadeTooling, JadeMachines and JadeConsult. The company is now launching a fourth ‘division’ – JadeBespoke – a sheet metal fabrication solution which specifically creates ancillary products such as racking and assembly benches for window manufacturers.
“Every aspect of the manufacturing process requires a subtly different approach, from designing and developing the tooling, to integrating different processes, storage and
maintenance. It was important to create a framework which gave us, and our customers, the clarity to see where challenges might lie and solutions found,” continued Adam Jones. “We now have a clear-cut route for manufacturers to take, from the moment the profile comes through the door, and the finished product leaves it.”
Sean and Adam were particularly cognisant of the fact that Jade had been built on strong personal relationships, and that could potentially leave Jade, and its customers, vulnerable.
“While we have every intention of continuing to be the ‘face’ of the business – and indeed there are so many people out there we consider close personal friends –establishing systems that could run without us was a crucial element of futureproofing for both Jade and our customer base,” said Sean Mackey. “In the very unlikely event that we won the Euromillions and decided to see out our days on a tropical beach somewhere, we wanted to make sure our customers would not notice our absence! The reality is, though, that this investment has freed up our time. So our customers will probably be seeing even more of us.”
https://jade-eng.co.uk/
(L-R) Adam Jones, Gareth Davies and Sean Mackey.
Cornwall Group flags concerns to MP
Cornwall Group has raised its concerns about the impact of the increase in the National Minimum Wage and National Insurance with its Member of Parliament.
Announced in the Autumn budget from 1st April 2025 there will be: a 77p, or 6.7 per cent, increase to the NLW for those aged 21 and over (from £11.44 to £12.21 per hour) a £1.40, or 16.3 per cent, increase for those aged 18-20 (from £8.60 to £10.00 per hour) a £1.15, or 18 per cent, increase for those aged 16-17 and apprentices (from £6.40 to £7.55)
At the same time NI rate will increase from 13.8% to 15%, something that according to Cornwall Group Chairman, Mark Mitchell, represents a double whammy for business at a time when salaries are going up.
“The increases will cost on average £2,000 per employee.
With more than 360 colleagues in the business you can do the maths and see that it’s adding around £750,000 a year to our operating costs. That is a big lump sum and a significant increase in overhead with only six-months’ notice”, he said.
Mark continued: “What we really need to know is the plan for NMW over a five-year period so we can understand where we are all heading and plan accordingly. Setting rates six-months before they become legally binding is simply not enough and continue to be a very a damaging and disruptive factor in trying to plan and run a sustainable business.”
Cornwall Group raised its concerns about the impact of the increase with Labour MP for Truro and Falmouth, Jayne Kirkham in January this year.
“She listened to and took a
keen interest in what we had to say, however, I think it is highly unlikely that the Chancellor will back-pedal on its budget announcement”, Mark said.
“The other thing that very much concerns us are the high business rates that industry is facing – often more than the rents companies pay. That is not sustainable for the local, regional or national economy.”
Operating across three divisions, including two focussing on trade, Cornwall Glass Manufacturing and glass merchanting businesses, Mackenzie and Forward Glass; plus, Cornwall Glass & Glazing, operates across 15 sites, with an annual turnover of £25m and employing almost 360 colleagues.
Working across retail, trade, architectural and commercial sectors, it offers an extensive range of products and services including IGU manufacture, laminate and multi-laminate glass, acoustic glass, heat soaking and heat strengthening, water jet cutting, CNC working, sand-blasting, and decorative glass products.
Mark continued: “The industry is going through a very difficult period. We want to run a sustainable business, and that means investing.
“The point that we have made to our MP is that it is incredibly difficult to make decisions that are meaningful when you don’t get sufficient visibility of what is happening, and especially when the government just lumps things on employers with very little notice, it’s very disruptive.
“It is something which I am certain will with regret, catch many glass companies out, come April and into the summer.”
www.cornwallglass.co.uk
A true modern classic
INTRODUCING OUR NEW HERITAGE DOOR SYSTEM
Discover the perfect blend of minimal industrial design fused with modern-day engineering and compliant performance.
Our new Heritage door system has been meticulously crafted to seamlessly integrate with our 58BW HI window range, creating a unified look for the homeowner and resulting in less stock holding and simpler fabrication.
All of this is beautifully adorned with period-style handles and hardware, resulting in an understated door system that will complement a wide range of property styles, from refurb to new build.
NW Rooftech announces
updated brand identity and unveils new website
Nationwide supplier of doors, windows and roof systems NW Rooftech, now in their 28th year of trading, has recently refreshed and updated its brand identity and refocused its ethos and business capabilities to centre ‘even more obsessively’ around its trade customers’ needs. Now, the company’s brand-new website has also just been unveiled.
Bringing heightened product awareness, project support and complete trade planning to their offer, the revised and enhanced website is now more readily explorable for the trade, with key product features and benefits set out in a simplified, straightforward, and comparable manner, meaning
installers can confidently explore and select the best fenestration products to complete their projects.
The new website showcases the new branding, alongside a new and enhanced product portfolio. NW Rooftech says it “fabricates and delivers a luxury whole house suite of fenestration products direct to site or to installers nationwide.”
NW Rooftech also states it works closely with core suppliers to ensure that premium, high-quality, market-leading brands are readily available to its trade customers.
Andy Ingman, CEO of NW
Rooftech says: “We are proud fabricators who have been supplying every perceivable fenestration requirement nationwide to busy installers since 1997. We commit to engineering the best, most aesthetically pleasing and technologically advanced windows, doors, and roof systems, all designed and imagined under one roof. We centre everything that we do around our installers’ needs, we have implemented market-leading processes into our fabrication which are unique in the industry and help to set our trade installers head and shoulders above their competition.”
Darren Livesley, director at Lloydlivesley Construction explains: “We have been using Andy and the NW Rooftech team for over 25 years. Nobody in the trade compares for
quality, service, and after service. We will not use anyone else for the products that they can supply. Thanks for a lifetime of wonderful service.”
Phil Latham, director of Mount Acre Homes agrees, “NW Rooftech are a game changer in the fast supply of amazing quality products. Their Aluna bifold is no exception to this, real class product, sturdy, strong and secure. We recently fitted a large 5 panel bifold in just over an hour! The simplicity and speed of installation blew me away, their offering basically enables installers to double or triple their daily turnover when installing bifolds. I would recommend NW Rooftech and their quality portfolio to any fellow installer.”
www.nwrooftech.co.uk
Timberlook celebrates Tommy Trinder success
An astonishing £14.3m worth of Timberlook heritage windows and doors has been quoted via Tommy Trinder’s Framepoint app, Affordable Window Systems has announced.
Launched by Lancashirebased supplier Affordable Window Systems in 2017, the Timberlook range is said to have become a firm favourite with installers looking to capitalise on the trend for uPVC window and door systems that replicate traditional timber designs.
The range has seen remarkable success following its 18-month partnership with Tommy Trinder, with £2.6m worth of orders placed via the app alongside the £14.3m quoted.
Tommy Trinder’s popular Framepoint Technology app allows installers to free-draw windows and doors with their finger or mouse, as well as quote and order via the webbased app.
Phil Myers, sales director for Affordable Window Systems, commented on the success of the partnership: “In the 18
months we’ve been partnered with Tommy Trinder we’ve exceeded all our expectations. The Framepoint app is an excellent showcase for our products and it’s clear by the number of sales conversions that our customers have really taken to it.
“The visual aspect of Tommy Trinder’s Framepoint has been a game changer; the true selling point of Timberlook is the authentic heritage design details, and so Framepoint is an excellent way for installers to showcase those details and help homeowners choose the perfect finishes, colours, decorative bar options and hardware to match their preferences.”
Myers added: “When there is so much competition out there, we feel it’s becoming vital for installers to stand out, especially when they’re offering a high-end product such as Timberlook. Having the range on Framepoint empowers installers to effectively showcase Timberlook to homeowners and streamline the entire sales process, ultimately leading to increased business opportunities.”
www.timberlook.com
(L-R) Scott Hilton, Amelia Gaughan, Chris Brunsdon, Ryan Fisher
Ultraframe reaches one million UDesign quotes milestone
Ultraframe has announced that its UDesign roof software has been used to design over 1 million roofs. The milestone highlights Ultraframe’s ongoing commitment to providing its customers with cutting-edge technology and solutions, says the company.
Since its launch in 2010, UDesign has revolutionised how installers configure and price their roofing projects. The platform allows users to create bespoke roof designs for conservatories and extensions with precision and creates 3D renders of the entire structure to show to homeowners during the sales process. The system also ensures the structural integrity of each roof, claims the company.
Commenting about the 1 million quotes milestone, Ultraframe marketing director, Alex Hewitt, said: “When we developed and launched our UDesign software we knew that the functionality would be a great help to our customers when designing and pricing conservatories and extensions. We partnered with renowned industry software specialist, RPS, to create a dedicated solution that would enable them to price, configure, structurally check, and order their roofs all in one place. Over the years UDesign has become an integral part of our partnerships with customers and we are delighted to have reached the milestone of 1 million roofs
quoted using the software. Reaching 1 million roof quotes is not just a number, it’s a genuine reflection of our dedication to innovation and excellence for our customers.”
In late 2024, Ultraframe announced that it had acquired RPS, the developer of the UDesign software. This was a strategic purchase which will enable Ultraframe to continue to develop UDesign to meet the future needs of the business and have full control and input into the functionality required by its customers.
Dave Blakeman, managing director of RPS said “We’re delighted that Ultraframe has reached this milestone – a million roof quotes represents a huge variety of customer requirements, from the original Classic Roof system through to the current tiled roofs and the new home extension designs involving flat roofs, lanterns and hup! walling. When we first started creating RoofWright and later UDesign,
we had no idea that the software would ever be used to this extent, and it’s a great team effort from all involved!”
The most recent development into the UDesign system is the new SAP Checker functionality. This clever new feature takes information about location, shading and other key information about the house into account when creating an extension design. The proposed design can then be entered into the Thermal Design Guide within UDesign to perform a preliminary check and reveal the likelihood of it passing the SAP. The energy performance of each proposed design is compared to that of the ‘notional extension’ and shared with the user, giving the green light to proceed with confidence or an opportunity to make changes to the design as needed to ensure a pass.
TWR Group’s new factory move takes shape despite challenges
North East fabricator TWR Group is on track with its ambitious factory move, with the company’s new 65,000 sq ft headquarters in Sunderland on target to open in March despite facing several unexpected challenges along the way.
The move, which will bring TWR’s uPVC and aluminium operations under one roof, has made significant progress in recent weeks, with new signage installed, a dedicated trade counter completed, and machinery installation underway.
UDesign users can also enter a target internal temperature or energy cost for a structure and the system will present possible energy improvements/ heating cost savings by adding on ‘extras’ such as columns, high-performance glass or an insulated pelmet, according to the company.
Every roof designed within UDesign is specified by the software to withstand the worst snow and wind loads possible at the installation postcode, calculated using specialist NASA data. This unique feature is a key selling point for Ultraframe customers as it provides the ultimate in reassurance to homeowners about the structural integrity of their roof, claims the company.
To find out more about contact marketing@ultraframe.co.uk
TWR Group director Laura Richardson commented: “It’s incredible to see the site changing every day. While we’ve faced our share of challenges, including break-ins before Christmas and unexpected gas and water leaks, our family spirit has been instrumental in helping to share the load and keeping us moving forward.
“The completion of the new roof was a major milestone, albeit taking longer than expected, and since the building has been watertight we’ve been able to ramp up internal work significantly. All the uPVC machinery has been moved and were manufacturing uPVC in there now, with our aluminium side set to follow.”
The company is also making a substantial investment in a new state-of-the-art machining centre worth over £300,000 scheduled for installation by the beginning of March.
www.twrgroup.co.uk
The Business Pilot Barometer offers a monthly analysis of the key trends defining window and door retail. It draws on real industry data collated by Business Pilot, the cloud-based business management tool.To find out more see www.businesspilot.co.uk/barometer
The Business Pilot Barometer
A promising start, but work still to be done
By Neil Cooper-Smith, Senior Analyst, Business Pilot
January’s figures reflect a market slowly regaining momentum after the December slowdown, though broader economic pressures continue to shape the outlook for installers. Positive indicators such as increased leads and sales suggest a strong start to 2025, but upcoming economic challenges posed by rising labour costs could impact future performance.
Leads saw a strong comeback, jumping from 57.4 in December to 124 in January – a 116% increase. This surge not only reflects renewed market activity post-Christmas break, but also surpasses the 99 recorded in November, which coincides with expectations of early-year market activity, possibly influenced by renewed consumer confidence and predictions of a property market rebound.
Industry analysts point to a potential mortgage price war, alongside a rush to complete property purchases ahead of the expiration of government stamp duty incentives. We expect these factors to drive renewed interest in home improvement projects, with homeowners prioritising energy efficient home improvements, to increase property values.
Sales reflected this lead growth, climbing from 29 in December to 48.7 in January – almost matching November’s 49.9. However, while activity levels are
picking up, there are signs that homeowners may still be cautious.
Conversion rates dipped from 44% in December to 40.5%, suggesting that while more consumers are making inquiries, fewer are ready to commit.
Inflationary pressures remain a concern, with the UK economy still facing above-target inflation rates. This has kept interest rates high, currently at 4.75%, although economists expect the Bank of England to cut rates multiple times this year to prevent recession risks.
These lower borrowing costs could stimulate more home improvement investments, particularly in highvalue renovations.
Average order values in January stood at £3943, a drop from the December high of £4245 but still significantly above November’s £3615. This suggests that although the premium market remains strong, the broader market may be slightly more sensitive to price fluctuations, particularly given rising living costs.
Looking at the bigger picture, the data reflects both expected seasonal shifts and early signals of a market revival. With the potential for interest rate cuts and a resurgence in property sales, there’s cautious optimism for the year ahead.
However, businesses must still contend with rising labour costs and the threat of more industry casualties before improvements fully take hold.
As always, efficiency and visibility will be key. By leveraging tools like Business Pilot to manage resources and streamline operations, installation businesses can reduce their reliance on labour, maintain profitability, and capitalise on opportunities in a shifting market.
About Business Pilot
Business Pilot is a powerful CRM, which mobilises the power of cloud-based technologies, to give installers complete visibility of each and every element of their operation from leads and conversions to job scheduling, cost of installation, service calls, and financial reporting.
Accessible across all devices, from desktop to phone, it supports installers in running their businesses more profitably.
Opening up new opportunities in 2025
As the New Year gets underway, many homeowners will be seeking to banish the winter blues with lighter, brighter spaces – and Sternfenster is encouraging its installer partners to take advantage of the opportunities this brings.
“Increasing daylight in the home is always a big draw for consumers,” says Nathan Court, Sternfenster sales director, “especially at this time of year, with the shorter days and long, dark nights still with us.
“Bespoke glass partitions increase the flow of natural light through a property, whilst maintaining an open-plan feel. Our ID30 Internal Door and fixed glazing system allows installers to do this with ease.”
Using just one door profile, the ID30 system allows for hinged, pivot, or sliding configurations, allowing installers to easily meet their customers’ design
aspirations, while also facilitating easy access between rooms.
A slimline product which can create both heritage and contemporary looks – including the ever-popular Art Deco industrial style – the system can be used for anything from room dividers and lobby entrances, to shower screens.
“The Art Deco industrial theme is a trend we are expecting to continue into 2025,” said Nathan, “and the ID30 can perfectly achieve this aesthetic within the home. It’s such a versatile product that the possibilities really are endless.”
And having celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, Sternfenster has stayed true to its commitment to installer support in 2025, with its newly released cloud-based business management system, EasyAdmin+.
Designed to help businesses secure sales in a modern and efficient manner, the newly launched tool means no more struggles with bundles of brochures, calculators and other paraphernalia, when pitching for work.
Nathan Court, sales director of Sternfenster.
“EasyAdmin+ will transform the sales process for our customers, making it quicker and easier for them to sell,” says Nathan. “The cloud-based element means that whether an installer is sat on a homeowner’s sofa discussing a potential job, in the van on a lunch break, or out on an installation site, all the tools they require are directly accessible from their smartphone, using integrated pricing for easy quoting.”
quotations can all be accessed on the spot, meaning installers can demonstrate the aesthetics and performance benefits of Sternfenster’s innovative product ranges, such as the ID30, on-the-
go, in front of the customer.
And once the job is won, EasyAdmin+ converts the quote into an order which is automatically programmed into Sternfenster’s manufacturing software, ready for production, without having to reenter data or re-confirm details.
“EasyAdmin+ is allowing installers to not only sell the excellent technical attributes of our products, but to sell on aesthetics too, which is crucial when pitching a truly beautiful product like the ID30.
“It’s just another example of how we are helping our customers work smarter and not harder in 2025. So, to maximise profits and give your business the best chance for a successful new year, why not give us a call?”
www.sternfenster.com
Experience Exceptional Service
Discover service that goes beyond hardware supply. Our team of experts are on hand to advise, source and deliver the hardware you need, when you need it.
Sternfenster’s CGI Showroom, online brochures and instant Nathan Court, sales director of Sternfenster.
Navigating change with the right partner
In 2025, the glass and glazing industry is being defined by shifting market demands, rising sustainability standards, and growing pressure to deliver faster, more efficient service. In this evolving environment, partnering with a reliable ‘one-stop-shop’ supplier like Glass Express Midlands is no longer just a convenience—it’s essential, says managing director Arun Photay.
Glass Express Midlands, with its “unique” offering of IGU manufacturing, processed glass, cut-to-size glass, and comprehensive stock supply, has positioned itself as a critical ally for businesses striving to remain competitive, according to its managing director, Arun Photay.
“What we’re seeing in the
industry, is a shift towards more tailored solutions”, Arun explains. “Homeowners and commercial clients alike are demanding higher energy efficiency, intricate design possibilities, and faster turnaround times.
“To meet these expectations, installers and processors need suppliers capable of delivering
a suite of bespoke, high-quality products on tight deadlines, and that is what we pride ourselves on at Glass Express Midlands.”
Glass Express Midlands’ manufacture around 3,000 IGUs
Glass Express Midlands managing director, Arun Photay.
per week, that are delivered to clients nationwide using their fleet of specialised glass vehicles.
With energy efficiency at the forefront of building regulations, the demand for custom double and triple-glazed units is only expected to increase in 2025, and Glass Express Midlands provides bespoke and volume IGUs that meet both performance and aesthetic requirements, ensuring installers can confidently deliver cutting-edge solutions.
Additionally, the company believes its expertise in processed and cut-to-size glass eliminates the logistical headaches of sourcing specialised products from multiple suppliers. From polished edges and drilled holes to intricate shapes and decorative
leadwork, Glass Express Midlands deliver customised solutions to meet even the most challenging project specifications.
“One of the greatest challenges in the glass and glazing industry is managing complex supply chains”, says Arun. “Coordinating orders from multiple suppliers can lead to delays, inconsistencies in quality, and increased administrative burdens.
“We solve this problem by providing a one-stop-shop solution, consolidating all aspects of glass supply under one roof. By eliminating the inefficiencies of fragmented supply chains, we help installers focus on what they do best – delivering exceptional results for their clients.”
Sustainability also continues to be a cornerstone of the construction industry in 2025, with stricter building regulations and consumer preferences driving demand for eco-friendly solutions.
Glass Express Midlands says it supports this shift by offering energy-efficient glass and sustainable manufacturing practices, enabling its customers to meet environmental requirements with confidence, while maintaining profitability.
And last year, the Oldbury-based manufacturer was certified as a leading player in the circular economy of glass, returning 203 tonnes of cullet to Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland’s Glass Forever scheme to be recycled into new glass.
The equivalent weight of 16 London double-decker buses, Glass Express Midlands’ cullet prevented 243 tonnes of virgin raw material from being used in the manufacture of new glass.
“All of our sustainability measures culminate to save our customers time, resources and money –making them more profitable in the process,” Arun explains. “It also puts us front and centre when bidding for high profile contracts because we can prove that we are a sustainable manufacturer.
In a market where competition is fierce and margins are tight, the choice of supplier can make or break a business. Partnering with a trusted, versatile supplier like Glass Express Midlands can offer installers and processors the confidence to take on more ambitious projects, meet tighter deadlines, and deliver superior quality.
How fabricators can embrace colour to maximise profitability
By Greg Beachim, Sales Manager, Cyncly
Fabricators know only too well that trends come and go and it’s fair to say that some can prove more problematic than others. I’ve worked in this industry long enough to have seen the explosion of colour choice in windows a few times round now and it seldom works well without careful handling.
Managing choice
For customers, choice is good but it can be incredibly overwhelming. You just need to walk into a DIY shop to try and buy white paint and you’ll
be greeted by a plethora of choices. You’ve probably seen the TV advert: do you want ‘Poached Smoke’, ‘Snowman’s Bone’, ‘Scrubbed Cauliflower’’?! In reality, most of us want a standard colour unless we have a specific reason or project where colour-matching is necessary. So why overcomplicate matters?
Too much choice can also be problematic for fabricators too, and in my experience, selling on choice can be a bit like selling on price – it never really
gives the best returns. This was perfectly highlighted by two sales reps that I used to know. One used to sell standard colour profiles, while the other used to go out with a RAL book tucked under his arm and tell customers they could have whatever they wanted. Both sold a similar volume so colour wasn’t a limiting choice there, but the sales the second person achieved were less straightforward and often a longer sales cycle. But for today’s fabricators, who have access to cutting-edge software, that doesn’t necessarily need to be the case.
Reduced waste
When it comes to offering colours, it’s important that the software is intuitive and can help fabricators get the most from stock-holding. The last thing they need is coloured profiles sitting on shelves for months, taking up valuable space and affecting profitability. And tempting though it can be to use job production to run off all the profile for a job well in advance, the reality is it often ends up getting dragged around the shop floor where it’ll potentially get damaged and go to waste.
This is where First Degree Systems’ software from Cyncly comes into its own, fabricators to work smarter, not harder. For standard colours which are kept by fabricators in stock, the software will automatically calculate the wastage on a particular job. This means that they can quickly and accurately quote on a job while maintaining profit margins and any spare materials that aren’t offcuts can simply be kept in stock.
Flexible configuration
Clever software solutions can also streamline the process
Continued on page 46
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with purchase-to-order projects from a range of standard RAL’s – typically between 1012 colours – that aren’t always kept in stock by fabricators but may be lurking somewhere on the shelves. By using the Stock Assistant Module for Window Designer, fabricators can establish the coloured product on hand will find price band options that allow colour choices to be configured more flexibly. Here, First Degree Systems’ stock control will notify fabricators if there is any product tucked away on the shelves to prevent over-ordering and maximise profit.
Seamless automation
With Automatic Materials Requirement Optimisation (AMRO) orders, the customer can order any RAL colour combination, either stocked or not stocked, and allow all the wastage from the job to be priced in from the get-go. After all, you don’t want to be covering the cost of unused profile on custom colours. The ability to do this is particularly important with aluminium windows where the profile for a job can be particularly expensive but you may need to order several metres of additional profile in order to be able to fulfil a job and the customer needs to pay for this as it is a bespoke order. This is something the software will automatically do, taking away any room for error.
Conclusion
For fabricators, colour doesn’t have to prove costly. By taking a considered approach to colour and managing it carefully with good, reliable software, which will enhance stock control while improving efficiency, fabricators can embrace the trend and boost their profitability.
‘Mixed
Bag’ for 2025?
By Nigel Headford – CAB Chief Executive
The UK’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate decreased from 2.6% in November to 2.5% in December. Whilst this is a minor change, it is significant given the financial market concerns at the beginning of the year regarding Government borrowing levels, interest rates, and UK economic growth. Financial markets will closely monitor each monthly inflation and GDP data point in the first half of 2025. The CPI inflation slowdown exceeded market expectations of inflation remaining at 2.6%. Although this may provide some relief, it is likely to be temporary until the next CPI inflation or PMI survey data.
As mentioned in previous reports, the Bank of England will exercise caution regarding interest rate cuts due to persistent inflationary pressures. However if, as anticipated, UK GDP growth in Q4 2024 and Q1 2025 remains relatively flat or slightly negative similar to the situation in Q3, the Bank may face pressure to reduce interest rate cuts sooner.
The CAB State of Trade Report is completed in conjunction with the CPA (Construction Products Association) and is based on business owners feedback, not hard data. The result is a unique ‘feeling’ of where the construction sector sits at the time of each quarterly survey.
Since Q1 the wider CP (Construction Products) market has shown a positive Historic Sales Products net balance from respondents, from the CAB respondents the net balance has been negative. This would indicate that whilst growth is being achieved in new project starts, aluminium fenestration product requirements lag at least 12 months behind.
Expected Sales Volumes into the first quarter of 2025 are holding up well for the wider CP market at a positive 67% on net balance, whilst the CAB membership report just 9% on net balance. Likely due as stated above due the lag between project starts and requirements for fenestration products.
Historic Unit Costs for the CP market shows its highest level on net balance of respondents in the last quarter of 2024 indicating that the pressure on material prices
has increased over the year, from a CP market of respondents on net balance from just 4% in Q1 to 75% in Q4. CAB Members report a 45% increase in unit costs on net balance in Q4.
Reviewing Expected Unit Cost both the CP market and CAB Members report an expected significant increase in costs for Q1 2025, 76% and 73% on net balance respectively. Unit cost increases include material, labour and transport costs.
Sales Volumes – Quarter-onQuarter, are basically the same for Q3 and Q4 showing no growth across the CAB Membership. But reviewing Sales Volumes – Yearon-Year indicates a reduction of sales in 2024 compared with 2023.
Looking at Cost Factors affecting unit costs, 91% of CAB Membership report on net balance that wages and salaries continue to drive the majority of price pressures.
Likely Constraints on Activity Over the Next 12 Months is firmly viewed by 64% of the CAB Membership as being lead by demand, or lack of it during 2025. With CP market activities leading the way during 2024 it would be expected that there will be a pull
through of fenestration products in 2025.
Labour Costs feedback shows that 100% on net balance of the CP market reports cost increases include material for the last year and in the year ahead. A little more subdued, but the CAB Membership are suggesting that 82% on net balance expect labour costs to increase further in 2025.
Capital Investment reported by CAB Members puts property investment as the lowest budget concern by -20% on net balance of respondents stating investment. Whilst investment is being put into E-business, the main focus for CAB Members investment remains, R&D, plant improvement and product improvement.
So it is a bit of a mixed bag at the moment looking ahead. Will tax increases reduce staff numbers as already seen in some businesses and when will the level of CP market sales begin to pull through fenestration sales?
Opportunity to discuss these and many other issues between the Membership are provided by Members meetings through the year.
c-a-b.org.uk
How government can support industry
By Mark Mitchell, Chairman, Cornwall Group
The budget has created a challenge for industry. The increase in the National Minimum Wage and National Insurance, will cost employers on average £2,000 per employee.
Mark Mitchell
That’s a big lump sum but what’s more damaging is the lack of notice. We plan 12, 18, 36-months ahead. We make projections and we plan development and investment strategies based on them.
Six-months’ notice on such a significant costchange to our business model, makes those projections worthless.
Costing our Group around £750,000 additional overhead a year is a significant challenge, we would have shaped our investment strategy accordingly. Would we still have invested £3m in new machinery this year? We might – but we would have preferred to do it with an understanding of our
hand.
Six-months is simply not enough time to do that, particularly in a still challenging market. Things remained slow at the end of last year and the start of this.
We don’t expect Government to ride to the rescue of industry. The private sector is tenacious – but we don’t expect Government to pull the rug from under.
The chancellor is unlikely to turn things back on the NMW, but it – and the Bank of England – can take action to support it going forward. UK inflation remains above target, but economic growth remains significantly below it.
We need the Bank of England to lower the base rate to ease pressure on households and get the housing sector moving, if we are to see a meaningful change in home improvement and construction markets this year.
The other quick win that Government could deliver for business would be a cut in business rates. We’re a landlord and a tenant. We talk to people who are now paying more in business rates each month, than they are in rent. That simply cannot be right, and reform is needed.
The third change is meaningful investment in construction apprenticeships. Government has disincentivised the sector to invest and the skills crisis will hold back any ambitions it has to build 300,000 new homes a year.
If things don’t change and the market remains supressed, then the industry should prepare for casualties, particularly from April.
We will continue to focus on sustainable growth, invest and remain open-minded about future acquisitions – but government must recognise its potential to influence the private sector, for worse, or for good.
www.cornwallglass.co.uk
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The opportunities and challenges for our sector in 2025
By Helen Hewitt, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation (BWF)
The last 12 months have clearly demonstrated the woodworking and joinery manufacture sector’s resilience and flexibility. With political changes and an everevolving economic landscape, our sector has navigated these
challenges together and I’m extremely proud to be part of this collaborative profession.
While 2025 will likely have its own share of challenges, there are also opportunities on the horizon.
Optimism and opportunities
With the Construction Products Association (CPA) forecasting a 2.5% growth in construction output this year and UK housebuilders also forecasting growth, there are clearly opportunities for the windows manufacturers and suppliers, and the broader woodworking sector, on the horizon.
To maximise the potential of this growth, it’s important to align sector efforts with industry trends and government priorities – such
Helen Hewitt
as the new house building targets, support for SME manufacturers and skills and education reform. While the detail and scope of some of the proposed changes is yet to be outlined, the BWF is actively advocating for window manufacturers and the woodworking sector by building relationships with policymakers and through our ongoing collaborations with industry partners.
Tackling the skills and workforce gap
As the Government looks to build more homes, it’s no surprise that more than quarter of a million additional workers are needed by 2028 to meet the new housing target and maintain existing properties. This alongside the positive focus on increasing competence, skills, knowledge and experience in the Building Safety Act means that our sector must play an active role in recruiting the next generation.
To do this, the BWF will continue to support key initiatives such as National Apprenticeship Week and shine a light on the fantastic work and achievements within our sector through the BWF Awards. These events not only allow us to celebrate the talent
within our profession but also raise awareness of what a career in woodworking and joinery can offer.
We’ll also be working alongside our industry partners such as CITB and the Government to help address workforce and skills challenges. For example, by ensuring that National Occupational Standards and recommended qualifications structures (RQS) reviews are mirroring the CLC Super Sector competency work. This will help ensure that individuals completing a level 2 qualification in site carpentry and joinery will have covered material on the installation of timber-based products such as timber fire doors and stairs.
Driving forward sustainability
The BWF has also been driving forward skill development to support DEFRA and the Government’s broader aim to increase the safe use of timber and reach net-zero as part of the Timber in Construction Roadmap (TiC).
This year will see the BWF align our Build it Better with Wood campaign to help drive forward the TiC by positioning timber as the material of choice for windows, doors, stairs and other products BWF members manufacture.
As part of this activity, we have also created a new working group within the BWF for heritage and conservation. This is a unique audience and we’re looking forward to showcasing the benefits timber can offer for period properties.
The legislative changes ahead
Providing technical guidance and advice to BWF members and the broader construction industry on how to prepare and comply with evolving legislation is a core part of our activity at the BWF. With a recent Government consultation focused on the evidence base for bespoke construction products such as windows and doors, it’s clear 2025 will be no different. More information on the consultation and the BWF’s response can be found on the BWF website.
From our technical helpline to our online webinars, we have a vast range of online resources to help keep the industry informed of upcoming changes. These provide useful insight and guidance on a range of topics beyond technical issues, including HR and Health and Safety.
In addition to resources, our Technical Meetings and annual BWF Members Day offer opportunities for our sector to come together to discuss upcoming legislative changes and share best practices.
Embracing 2025
The woodworking and joinery sector has a bright future, with opportunities for growth, innovation, and collaboration. By working together, we can continue to position timber as the material of choice. The BWF remains committed to supporting members and the wider industry to foster a successful future for our profession.
https://www.bwf.org.uk/
Podcasts
n this conversation I talk with Tom Swallow about how their newest product is going after launch
which industry colours are trending.
An update to his fenestration journey.
which industry colours are trending.
You can watch the video or listen to the podcast here
Regalead Patrick Mcgrory
ColorSpray and his fenestration journey.journey.
You can watch the video or listen to the podcast here
we discuss their recent audit
You can watch the video or listen to the podcast here
CAB appoints new board directors
By Peter Dziurzynski – President of CAB
Serving as a board director for the Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB) offers a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Aluminium Fenestration Industry. The Board provides a platform to influence strategic decisions that directly impact the growth of aluminium fenestration, innovation, and sustainability practices. By becoming a director, a CAB member has the chance to collaborate with key stakeholders, including manufacturers, fabricators, contractors, and architects, to ensure the Industry remains at the forefront of advancements in technology and environmental responsibility. Active
involvement in CAB helps the Association address challenges such as promoting circular economies, driving sustainability through aluminium recycling, and championing industry standards that enhance the quality and reputation of CAB Members across the UK & Ireland, according to CAB.
Along with the opportunity to shape policy, serving on the CAB board positions its directors as leaders within the Industry. The Board offers networking opportunities and access to insights about market trends, legislative changes, and emerging technologies. It also contributes to the professional development as members are involved in high-level discussions that refine
Sam Nuckey and Rhodri John
strategic thinking and leadership. Representing CAB as a board director allows members to amplify their organisation’s voice and advocate for its interests, while simultaneously contributing to the broader development of a resilient and sustainable industry. This role is not only an investment in the industry’s future but also an opportunity to leave a meaningful legacy.
As the Association grows, additional board members are needed to best represent the interests of its members across the aluminium supply chain. This year we are delighted to welcome to the Board two additional directors who offer both skills and valuable insights into the ever evolving supply chain.
Sam Nuckey is the managing director of Window Ware,
Continued on page 56
fitshow.co.uk
Continued from page 54
a distributor of innovative fenestration hardware, tool and consumable solutions. With a keen eye for commercial detail and a passion for quality and excellence to build strong partnerships and businesses, she has been instrumental in driving the company’s success. Under her leadership, Window Ware continues to set new standards to partner with and support businesses in the aluminium sector. She brings to the CAB Board over eighteen years of fenestration industry experience and twentysix years in senior commercial and financial roles and is dedicated to delivering exceptional products and services to meet the evolving needs of the aluminium sector.
Rhodri John, commercial director of AluFoldDirect brings to the CAB board over 24 years of experience in the aluminium fenestration industry, AluFoldDirect is one of the UK’s leading aluminium glazing specialist. He leads the project sales and commercial teams, overseeing the delivery of high-quality and bespoke glazing solutions for residential and commercial projects across the country. Rhodri is responsible for new business development, key account management, and glazing systems that aims to identify and secure new opportunities, build and maintain strong relationships with clients and partners, and ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty. Collaborating at the same time with AluFold Direct’s technical and operational teams, providing strategic input and feedback on product development, innovation, and quality standards.
The appointments bring the CAB board up to ten members which, together with Nigel Headford our chief executive, is driving CAB through a growth phase over the next few years. 2025 brings a busy programme of events and training opportunities to its membership. c-a-b.org.uk
Glazerite boosts operational and customer focus with new appointments
The Glazerite UK Group has kicked off 2025 with pivotal appointments designed to strengthen its focus on operations and customer care.
Melanie Jacobs, who has been with the leading trade fabricator for 18 years, is taking up the role of senior operations manager at Glazerite’s Wellingboroughbased headquarters. The new role has been created to bring Group-wide functional and production departments closer together and further strengthen Glazerite’s aim to deliver exceptional customer service and quality.
Matthew Thomas, Glazerite’s managing director – South, says: “Melanie has been with the company for nearly two decades in a range of positions, including her most recent role of group customer care manager. She will bring a customer-centric lens to the new operations-focused position, underpinned with a thorough product and systems knowledge.
“Her focus, determination and understanding of installer needs will enable us to deliver quality at every customer touchpoint and across our operations as a whole.”
Melanie adds: “I thoroughly enjoyed my customer service role as it gave me valuable insight into the needs of our installer partners. It is knowledge that I will use in my new position, where I will help to further improve production flow and communication, continue to drive up standards, and support our teams to deliver high quality products.”
Following Melanie’s appointment, Glazerite has announced new positions within its customer service team, with the promotion of Dan Partridge to customer care manager, and Hannah Owen to customer care team leader. Matthew adds: “Both Dan and Hannah’s hard work and dedication to Glazerite’s customer base has long been evident, and their promotions are well deserved.” www.glazerite.co.uk
Melanie Jacobs
ISO Chemie appoints new technical consultant
ISO Chemie, producer of foam tape sealants for windows and doors, has appointed a new technical consultant for the central east and south of England regions as it continues to expand its national operations and invest in growth.
James White, who comes from an industrial and commercial flooring background and has extensive experience of dealing with architects and installers, will be responsible for developing additional new business among window and doors fabricators, installers and specifiers for the company’s range of sealing solutions.
Crittall Windows hires new production engineer
Steel window and door manufacturer, Crittall Windows, has appointed a new production engineer at its manufacturing facility in Essex.
Casey Gardener joined the company in September 2024 and brings with him a wealth of manufacturing experience from both the automative and medical device industry.
In his new position, as production engineer, Casey will be predominantly focusing on the Crittall Windows manufacturing process, maximising the effectiveness of their approach by utilising lean manufacturing techniques.
In fact, Casey will be responsible for leading the implementation of a brand-new lean manufacturing
ISO Chemie specialises in the manufacture of foam products from polyethylene (EPE), polypropylene (EPP) and polyurethane (PUR) using the latest production techniques. Its products are used for the fast and effective air tightness sealing of windows as well as other joint and gap sealing applications in the building, eco-build and construction sectors, says the company.
Andy Swift, ISO Chemie’s sales and operations manager – GB and ROI, said: “James’s industry experience will be beneficial as we look to develop our presence further across central and southern England, where there’s significant opportunity and demand for quality products.
www.iso-chemie.eu/en-GB/home
culture within the warehouse in Witham, Essex. This will include researching and procuring capital equipment to guarantee a smooth transition to a leaner and more agile way of working, says the company.
Discussing his new role, Casey comments: “The company understands what changes are needed to support the company’s growth strategy and it’s fantastic that I have been selected as the person to drive this change. I feel incredibly proud to have been given this opportunity to make a significant impact on the company’s future.
“I’m confident that by working with the right partners and specialists throughout this process, we can deliver the proposed plan and enhance our offering to Crittall Windows’ customers while, at the same time, increasing the profitability of the business.”
www.crittall-windows.co.uk
Window Ware celebrates two employee milestones
Window Ware, supplier of window and door hardware, is recognising a remarkable combined 45 years of service with two key members of its team.
Senior warehouse operative, Paul Catchpole, is celebrating an impressive 25 years with Window Ware. Joining the company at the age of 21, he has become a mainstay of the warehouse team and one of its longest-serving members.
Customer operations & marketing director, Sarah Binns, is also celebrating 20 years with Window Ware. This milestone is part of a longer history with the company spanning nearly a quarter of a century, including a brief period away before returning to take on increasingly senior roles. From her early days in the sales office and managing the trade counter to her current leadership position,
Sarah has been a driving force behind Window Ware’s success, helping to firmly establish Window Ware as a trusted name in the industry, according to the company.
“It’s a real privilege to celebrate these milestones with Paul and Sarah,” said Sam Nuckey, managing director of Window
Ware. “Paul’s quarter-century of service represents an extraordinary commitment to Window Ware, making him an invaluable asset to our team. And Sarah, as a fellow member of the senior leadership team, has been a true partner in building Window Ware into the company it is today. We’ve shared many challenges and successes over the past decade, and her dedication is truly inspiring.”
To mark these fantastic achievements, Sam presented Paul and Sarah with special longservice awards and personalised gifts: ketchup, cheese & chocolate for Paul (all his favourites) and a bottle of bubbly to toast the occasion for Sarah.
These milestones highlight the long-term relationships that are a hallmark of Window Ware, both within the company and with its customers and brand partners, says the company.
www.windowware.co.uk
Paul Catchpole and Sam Nuckey
Sarah Binns and Sam Nuckey
Modplan appoints new head of sales and marketing
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.”
Heidi said: “Modplan is a familyorientated 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 multisite 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.
Modplan says 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.
www.modplan.co.uk
Left to right: David Burles, Liam Isaac, Heidi Sachs
VBH strengthens sales
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.
www.vbhgb.com
Three generations working together
The Window Company (Contracts)’ future as a family run business is secure, with the third generation joining the team.
Callum Petre, son of managing director Rob and finance director Rachel, and grandson of founder and chairman David Thornton, is now on board – learning the business from the ground up as a labourer.
Callum is working with some of the commercial window specialist’s most experienced fitting teams on a mix of social housing and new build projects. He is learning just what it takes to deliver the kind of outstanding service and attention to detail which has helped the company achieve record turnover and win four G-Awards Installer of the Year titles.
When he first joined the company, 21-year old Callum also spent several months working with the administration and resident liaison team, headed up by his aunt Katie Thornton, so has a valuable appreciation of the service levels and reporting procedures which underpin the quality of service The Window Company (Contracts) is committed to delivering on every single installation. thewinco.co.uk
Callum Petre
Ann Lees
Victoria Woods
The Unsung Hero: Recognising the Crucial Role of the Bookkeeper
By Simon Jarman, CEO of Clever Bean Accounting
By Simon Jarman, CEO of Clever Bean Accounting
In business, there is an oftenoverlooked position that plays a pivotal role in laying the foundation for your success—the bookkeeper. Your bookkeeper is undeniably one of the most important people in your business, influencing everything from financial accuracy to strategic planning.
One of my mantras is that if you don’t know your numbers, you don’t know your business.
Producing relevant Management Information (MI) on a regular basis
allows you to understand how your business is performing and lets you take rapid corrective action if it is moving off track.
However, that MI is only helpful if it’s accurate and if not, it’s likely to be misleading and lead to poor decision-making.
It’s your bookkeeper’s responsibility to create a robust platform for the production of that MI. They must meticulously record every financial transaction and this focus on detail forms the bedrock of your financial accuracy, ensuring that the numbers tell a reliable story of your company’s financial health.
One key aspect is the categorisation of transactions. So often, window businesses are operating with a very limited chart of accounts with for example just 2 account codes utilised within the direct costs section – cost of sales, and C.I.S. labour. This severely limits the usefulness of the MI that can be produced. It is vital that we collect a much greater level of data, including creating the ability to split our costs by product type (e.g. Ali v PVC windows, composite doors, bifolds etc), the separation of our installation costs into fitter fees, consumable materials, vehicle costs, access equipment, survey costs, service engineer costs, and sales commissions. Right now, in many cases these costs are just coded to 2 account lines which gives us very little to work with.
In order to create this level of detail, the bookkeeper must have a very good understanding of the business and be able to interpret sales and purchase invoices, analyse them into their various categories and code them to the accounts accordingly.
When the books are kept in good order, the process of producing financial reports becomes seamless. Management accounts, budgets, and forecasts can be extracted directly from the accounting system, reducing the risk of errors and saving time in the reporting process.
Beyond the visible benefits, accurate bookkeeping is clearly fundamental for regulatory compliance. The bookkeeper ensures that financial transactions are recorded in accordance with accounting standards and tax regulations which avoids legal issues.
With all this in mind, how important is it that your bookkeeper is competent and capable?
The answer is obvious - it is, of course, critical. But, in many small businesses, individuals entrusted with this role often lack formal training in bookkeeping or accountancy. This poses a challenge because it significantly increases the risk of error.
Without formal training, these individuals may inadvertently miss the wood for the trees. There is a tendency for the bookkeeping approach to be very transactional - what I mean by this is that transactions are processed into the accounting system parrot fashion without any sense check as to whether the accounting records as a whole still make sense. I have seen numerous situations where a bookkeeper diligently processes transaction after transaction – incorrectly –resulting in accounts that are
moving further and further away from being useful or compliant.
This issue is compounded by the fact that the majority of businesses in this industry are too small to require formal audit, falling below the threshold. As a result, there is very often no regular review of the accuracy of the accounting records. One reasonably might expect this exercise would be carried out by the company’s external accountants prior to preparing the year end accounts, but sadly this is often not the case. It is just trusted that the internal records are correct, and filings are made erroneously.
It’s vital that your balance sheet is regularly reviewed to ensure the accuracy of your accounts. Failure to do this exposes the business to the
risk of undetected errors or discrepancies that could have significant ramifications for decision-making.
A well-trained bookkeeper can significantly assist with this, regularly reconciling your balances to third-party evidence such as supplier statements or the records held by HMRC.
In summary. by investing in skilled bookkeeping professionals, businesses can enhance the accuracy of their financial records, gain a holistic view of their financial health, and make well-informed decisions based on reliable data. The bookkeeper, when armed with professionalism and training, becomes an absolute necessity for the success of your business.
cleverbeanaccounting.co.uk/
How R&D Tax Credits Can Benefit the Fenestration Industry
Tom Walker, Partner at Wellers, the small business accountants to SMEs, explains how updated R&D tax relief rules can help fenestration businesses reduce their tax bills and potentially innovate for a sustainable future.
The UK tax system is one of the most complicated in the world, with more words than the average person is likely to read in their lifetime. If not followed correctly it could lead to serious implications for businesses.
However, amongst all the legislation there are several opportunities for tax relief that can help reduce the amount of tax businesses owe. One of these opportunities is Research and Development (R&D) tax credits — a powerful way for fenestration companies to save money while driving innovation.
What are R&D tax credits?
R&D tax credits provide financial relief to businesses investing in innovation, whether through developing new products, improving processes, or integrating novel technologies. For the fenestration industry — focused heavily on energyefficient solutions and security enhancements — these credits can be a significant advantage.
What’s new in R&D tax relief?
Recent changes to R&D tax credits have tightened rules and
increased scrutiny. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Submission Requirements: Claims now require detailed supporting information submitted alongside the R&D claim, including descriptions of the projects and advancements made.
2. Pre-Notification: Companies must notify HMRC of their intention to claim R&D tax credits within six months after the end of their accounting period if it’s their first claim, or if they haven’t claimed in the past three years.
3. Additional Information Forms: Submissions now require an additional information form detailing the nature of the R&D activities, ensuring claims are specific and justifiable.
4. Rates of Relief:
• From 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) can deduct an additional 86% of qualifying R&D costs on top of the standard 100% deduction, meaning a total deduction of £186 for every £100 spent on R&D.
• Loss-making SMEs spending less than 40% of their total expenditure on qualifying R&D can surrender losses — calculated after deducting the additional 86% of qualifying R&D costs — for a payable credit at a rate of 10% of the surrenderable amount. If R&D expenditure exceeds 40% of total expenditure, the payable credit increases to 14.5%, providing greater support to R&D-intensive businesses.
• From 1 April 2024, the R&D intensity threshold for the enhanced relief will be reduced to 30% of total expenditure.
SMEs meeting this updated threshold will continue to access the 14.5% payable tax credit, calculated in the same way using enhanced R&D losses.
• SMEs that do not meet the R&D-intensive support criteria from 1 April 2024 can still claim valuable tax relief under the merged R&D tax relief scheme. These businesses are eligible for a 20% R&D expenditure credit on their qualifying R&D costs, which is treated as taxable income and subject to Corporation Tax.
Despite these changes, R&D tax relief remains a vital incentive for innovation-driven businesses in the fenestration industry.
How can fenestration companies qualify?
There are five simple questions you need to ask yourself. If you answer ‘yes’ to any of the below your business most likely
qualifies, and you should be speaking to a tax advisor on how best to make a claim:
Have you developed or improved software to enhance efficiency?
Have you innovated internal processes to cut costs or boost production?
Are you combining existing technologies in unique ways?
Have you made advancements in science or technology related to your products?
Do you manufacture products that incorporate new technologies or methods?
For example, if you’ve designed windows that exceed energyefficiency standards or developed unique security enhancements aligned with new regulations, you could potentially qualify for this relief.
Why it matters for fenestration
As the industry prepares for the next updates from the government on building regulations, innovation in areas like energy efficiency and security is crucial. R&D tax credits help businesses reinvest in development by lowering tax liabilities or providing cash payments for loss-making businesses.
Final thoughts
The R&D tax credits can be a great avenue for organisations in the fenestration industry to explore in reducing their tax bill. This is because innovation in the sector is constant. However, making an R&D claim can become quite complex and if done incorrectly, it could trigger a long, drawn out, and expensive tax investigation process from HMRC. So, do consult a specialist firm of accountants and tax advisors to help guide you through all the rungs of the whole process.
Find out more about the R&D tax credit: https://bit.ly/4gBAUSu
Unique has Vision
Unique, the multi-award-winning supplier of UPVC and aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling, has extended its product range.
With immediate effect, the business will fabricate COR Vision aluminium sliding patio doors from Cortizo – the vertically integrated Spanish manufacturer respected for the premium quality of its systems.
Unique says COR Vision patio doors offer an almost frameless appearance thanks to their ultra-slim profiles which have sightlines measuring just 20mm.
This frame free look is further
enhanced by the fact that door rails can be fully incorporated into the floor whilst top and lateral frames can be embedded into the walls surrounding the door aperture. COR Vision can also include 90∞ corners without the need for a mullion.
Other benefits include good acoustic insulation, high levels of security and a U-value of 1.3 w/m2K. This means COR Vision complies with Approved
Document Part L for use on existing properties.
COR Vision also offers impressive design flexibility. Doors can be created using 2, 3, 4 and 6 sashes, with single, double or triple tracks, and to fit openings measuring up to 13.2 metres wide and 3 metres tall.
Commenting on the introduction of COR Vision, Mir Patel, aluminium operations manager at Unique, said: “Unique has fabricated a number of Cortizo products since November 2023 including Cortizo casement windows, bifold doors and the 4700 sliding door system.
“Since we introduced these lines, they’ve proved incredibly popular and by extending our range with COR Vision we’re looking to build on that.
“We’ll be able to offer customers an additional choice of patio door that combines stunning aesthetics with some equally attractive functional benefits.”
https://www.uws.co.uk/
Rhino’s New Aluminium Entrance Door
Installers who want to get a slice of the lucrative aluminium entrance door market have a new option – thanks to the launch of a new 77mm deep, structurally panelled door from specialist trade and commercial fabricator Rhino Aluminium.
Rhino is manufacturing the Rhino Door inhouse at its Kent factory using its own advanced bonding press, so can offer compelling guarantees on quality, short lead times and competitive pricing, according to the company.
Paul King, managing director at Rhino Aluminium, says: “Our door is targeted directly at those high end properties where the buyer or developer wants the same quality feel that they get when they open
and close the door of a luxury car. There’s a reassuring weight and smoothness in the operation of the Rhino Door, which easily distinguishes it not just from the composite pretenders, but also from other aluminium entrance doors which use a beaded inlay rather than a bonded panel.
“There’s no doubt the aluminium entrance door market represents an exciting new target for installers who are seeing margins being squeezed elsewhere, but only if they choose the right door from the right supplier.
“We’re taking an uncompromising approach to quality which extends beyond the bonded panel. The frame is AluK, the handles and pull bars are
Sobinco and the multipoint locking systems are Winkhaus, for example. And, because we’re manufacturing the door in house, we can offer competitive lead times of 15 days on standard designs and colours and pricing, which still gives installers plenty of room for healthy margins. That’s a combination that other suppliers just can’t match.”
The Rhino Door is available with 12 contemporary and traditional panel options and in sizes up to 1200mm wide x 2400mm high for even the grandest of ‘grand designs’. Buyers can choose any RAL colour, inside and out, and a matt, textured or oxide metallic marine grade finish.
As you would expect from a premium engineered door, the Rhino Door is fully compliant with Part L, PAS24 2022 accredited and boasts market leading weather performance. With lead times of 15 days, there are also opportunities for fabricators to buy in the Rhino Door and add a potentially valuable new product to their product portfolio, claims the company.
http://rhinodoor.co.uk
Unique launches design classic 2.0
Unique Window Systems is introducing a modern take on a design classic.
The multi-award-winning fabricator of aluminium and UPVC windows, doors and curtain walling has introduced a new aluminium Heritage entrance door.
Mir Patel, aluminium operations
manager at Unique, explains: “Our new Heritage door builds on the timeless and geometric aesthetic appeal of the early 20th century Art Deco and Modernist architectural movements.
“It takes what is essentially an iconic design and doesn’t just reinvent it – it actually improves on it.
“As a prime example, the slim frames employed on Heritage doors are actually much better suited to aluminium compared to steel, which has been used traditionally, because of aluminium’s better strength-toweight ratio.”
Unique’s new Heritage door offers sightlines of just 51.7mm. This helps to maximise areas of uninterrupted glazing and light transmission.
The door’s design has also been developed to match aluminium windows from the Unique range and is complemented by a dedicated selection of handles and hardware.
In addition, numerous configurations are available. This includes the option of fan and side lights, enabling the creation of a seamless heritage look across a wide range of door openings, sizes and uses.
On top of its stunning aesthetics, Unique’s new Heritage door also delivers some equally attractive functional benefits.
Just one of its many notable performance characteristics is a U-Value of 1.4 w/m2K. This means it complies with Approved Document Part L for refurbishment projects.
“The launch of our new Heritage door reflects Unique’s commitment to continually enhancing and evolving our product range” comments Mir.
“As a progressive, forward thinking fabricator, our aim is simple.
“We want to ensure we always offer our customers products that embrace the latest technology and that meet, or frequently pre-empt, new developments in areas such as legislation, architectural trends and consumer tastes.”
https://www.uws.co.uk/
Sternfenster launches
new Visofold 1000 Slim aluminium bi-fold
Sternfenster has launched the new Visofold 1000 Slim aluminium bi-fold door from Smart Architectural Aluminium, delivering a range of benefits for installers.
Sightlines of the original Visofold 1000 have been reduced by 10mm to 122mm, making the glazed area even larger for homeowners seeking to maximise light and views.
And for installers, the new Quick-Glaze Bead, featuring an integrated gasket which can be simply tapped-in without a wedge gasket, promises to make installations faster, reducing time spent on site.
“The Visofold 1000 Slim is available in a range of opening configurations to suit any application”, says Sternfenster sales director, Nathan Court. “We know how crucial it is for installers to be able to offer homeowners design flexibility,
so the fact that the doors can be folded internally or externally to provide uninterrupted spans, opens the door for installations in smaller spaces, or where space is at a premium.”
Kitemarked and security-tested to the PAS24 standard, Visofold 1000 Slim features a thermal break to deliver enhanced thermal performance and energy efficiency.
And security is assured by multipoint locking mechanisms on the main opening sashes, and shootbolt locks on the ‘floating’ mullions, with the option of either a low or rebated threshold.
Available in a choice of colours, including dual colour and Smart’s unique Sensations range of textured finishes, Sternfenster says the Visofold 1000 Slim offers unparalleled design and performance.
This latest product offering is
backed up by Sternfenster’s ‘unwavering’ commitment to service, illustrated by the newly launched EasyAdmin+ – an advanced business management system developed for its customers.
The cloud-based software gives window installers full control of the quoting and delivery process, helping them generate new business, reduce errors and maximise profits.
Using real-time integrated pricing, customers can use EasyAdmin+ to quote for work, and then place the resulting order – which is automatically programmed into Sternfenster’s manufacturing software and sent straight to production – without having to re-enter data or reconfirm details.
The tool also allows installers to register, track and manage leads; quote for work using information provided by their own datasets; and benefit from a suite of tried and tested marketing tools.
For more information visit www.sternfenster.com
Force 8 introduces advanced smart security solution
Force 8, a leading manufacturer in the window and composite door industry, has introduced an innovative door package that pairs the newly launched tedee PRO locking system with the Apecs Euro Cylinder and popular Auto lock hardware. This advanced combination delivers a superior level of security that automatically secures the deadlock, while offering the modern convenience of keyless entry via a smartphone.
To reinforce their commitment to security, the lock manufacturers are offering a £5,000 insurancebacked guarantee, in the unlikely event that a door equipped with the tedee PRO system is forcibly breached.
According to Force 8, unlike traditional locks, which require manual engagement to fully secure the door, the tedee PRO with Auto Lock hardware automatically deadlocks the door as soon as it is closed. This feature, says Force 8, addresses
a critical security gap: “The Auto lock system typically secures the hook bolts when the door is closed, but for added security, it requires the homeowner to manually engage the deadlock with a key from the outside. All too often, people simply pull the door closed without this final step, inadvertently leaving their homes more vulnerable.”
With Force 8’s new system,
homeowners no longer need to remember to lock the door manually. The tedee PRO locking system provides instant deadlock engagement, ensuring that the door meets the highest security standards the moment it closes. This innovation aligns with insurance recommendations for secure locking and simplifies the homeowner’s experience, according to Force 8.
Another notable feature of the tedee PRO system is its battery-powered operation. This eliminates the need for additional wiring, making installation straightforward and minimally invasive. For installers, this means reduced time on-site and fewer complications, while homeowners benefit from a seamless upgrade that doesn’t require structural modifications to their home. Standard use has a battery life of nine months before a recharge is needed, which is monitored on the tedee app.
Beyond its core security functionality, the tedee PRO locking system offers a range of optional smart features that can further enhance convenience and flexibility. Homeowners can add remote locking and unlocking capabilities, allowing them to control their door from a smartphone anywhere. This is particularly appealing for those who want the convenience of remotely managing access to their property, whether to let in family, friends, or service providers. The system is compatible with various smart home integrations, making it an ideal choice for modern, connected households.
Force 8 says its new door package, starting at £685 + VAT, represents a powerful selling point for installers aiming to offer their clients something unique and truly value-added.
For further details contact sales@force8.co.uk
Lock – inside view
• FENESTRATION
• LOCAL BUILDERS
• ARCHITECTS & SPECIFIERS
• MAIN CONTACTORS/ HOUSE-BUILDERS
• BUILDERS MERCHANTS
Minimalist hardware trends in glass and fenestration design
The demand for minimalist design in modern architecture is reshaping the world of glass and fenestration.
Frameless glass doors and windows are taking centre stage
in both residential and commercial spaces, offering unobstructed views and stylish designs.
Loren Jenner, managing director at Coastal Group, explains:
“Minimalist design appeals in today’s world as it focuses on function with none of the distractions. It helps create calm in an increasingly busy world of noise. Clean lines, neutral colours and sleek finishes offer a welcome break.”
Rooted in the principle of “less is more,” minimalism emphasises simple forms, and a limited colour palette, allowing materials and natural light to take centre stage. This design philosophy has gained widespread appeal as homeowners and businesses seek environments that promote tranquillity and reduce stress. In particular, frameless glass doors and windows have emerged as iconic features of minimalist spaces, offering seamless transitions between inside and out while enhancing the connection to nature.
As a leader in hardware innovation, Coastal Group offers a range of sleek and modern hardware solutions that perfectly complement this growing trend.
Loren Jenner continues: “The
rise of minimalist design aligns perfectly with our vision of creating hardware that blends beauty and functionality. Frameless glass doors and windows look great with hardware that enhances without overpowering. Our products are designed to do just that, offering the perfect combination of style and practicality.”
Coastal Group’s stainless steel hardware, including its door furniture, pull handles and flush pulls, embodies the minimalist aesthetic that architects and designers seek. With clean lines and a contemporary finish, these products are not only visually striking but also built to withstand the test of time.
Coastal Group’s commitment to quality is evident in every product, with 316 marine-grade stainless steel ensuring longevity and resistance to corrosion, even in the most challenging environments. The company’s engineering expertise also plays a pivotal role in its success.
Phil Walklett, engineering manager at Coastal Group, explains: “Our team is dedicated to innovation and precision. Designing hardware for low profile glass requires meticulous attention to detail to achieve the strength, durability, and sleek finish that our customers expect. We’re proud to provide solutions to these demands that also work well with modern architectural trends.”
With a focus on minimalist hardware, Coastal Group continues to support architects, designers, and installers in bringing their visions to life.
Whether it’s a stunning residential project or a cutting-edge commercial space, Coastal says that its hardware ensures that form meets function flawlessly.
For more information visit www.coastal-group.com or contact their team directly.
Essentra supports window supplier with new Push Button Swinghandle Lock
Albert Genau, a leader in the design and manufacture of durable window systems, has turned to Essentra Components to create and provide a new espagnolette locking system for use across its window guillotine system.
Essentra Components created a first-of-its kind Push Button Swinghandle Lock System to meet the specific needs of Albert Genau as it sought durable, reliable locking solutions across its sliding and folding glass systems.
The finished Swinghandle Lock product not only provided significant cost savings for Albert Genau, leading to greater cost efficiency and resource optimisation, but also won the prestigious RedDot, IF Design and Good Design awards for its design, according to the company.
Essentra Components, a partner of Albert Genau across its locking systems since 2015, worked with the glazing solutions manufacturer to develop the product with 3D CAD drawings and prototypes. These had to meet the objectives of creating an easy to operate,
durable, reliable and long-lasting locking system. The locks also needed to seamlessly integrate into the new window systems, be easy to maintain, and fit the ergonomic and aesthetic requirements of Albert Genau based on its extensive customer research.
Adil Işildak, chairman of the board, Albert Genau is delighted with the outcome: “Our relationship with Essentra has been going from strength to strength. When we design a new product, we discuss possible locking options with Essentra and act accordingly.”
Serkan Ruzgar, Access Hardware regional sales director APAC and EMEA at Essentra, adds: “We have a fantastic, long-lasting working relationship with Albert Genau and this latest locking system combines the expertise of both partners to deliver a truly award-winning locking system. We are very proud of this solution and our partnership and look forward to delivering more bespoke solutions for Albert Genau and other clients across our extensive portfolio.”
ERA launches new decorative hardware range
ERA, one of the UK’s leading home security and fenestration providers, has launched its new hardware offering – the ERA Decorative Range; a stylish collection of matching door and window furniture, available in a host of popular finishes.
ERA Decorative is a newly
designed collection of window, door and patio hardware products, including door handles in both patio and MPL Euro cylinder versions, a window handle, a letterplate, a knocker, and numerals and letters. ERA says the new range offers fabricators and installers an affordable route to coordinating
hardware encompassing key door and window furniture lines, with all the performance and quality customers expect of the ERA brand.
Sarah Knight, technical product manager at ERA, says: “We are excited to announce the launch of ERA’s new Decorative Range. Designed to offer fabricators and door manufacturers a seamless solution, as always, combining style, functionality, and affordability all in one.
A suite of ‘perfectly coordinated’ hardware, boasting high-quality and ease of installation. Suitable for PVCu, composite and timber applications, this collection reflects ERA’s commitment to supporting fabricators and their customers in the delivery of ‘excellent home security and design’.
According to ERA, features and benefits of products in the new range include:
• ERA Decorative Espagnolette Window Handle – with a firm ergonomic designed grip and large button for ease of operation. Locking automatically on closing, it can also be deadlocked for enhanced security. The new handle comes in a variety of spindle sizes, with colour coordinated cover caps.
• ERA Decorative Door Handle –has a softly rounded backplate and sculpted grip for a smooth action. Like all of the products in the range, it has been designed with simple and quick installation in mind, with no need to fit springs or the lever. The handle is supplied with a screw and spindle pack to suit 44mm or 70mm door profiles and is supplied with colour coordinated screws. Blanking plate, dummy, pad and offset designs are also available to complete the range.
• ERA Decorative Patio Door Handle – designed for sliding
doors, this sculpted ergonomic D shaped handle features an integral latch lever. Ideal for PVCu door applications, the handle offers speedy installation and is supplied with a screw and spindle pack to suit 40 – 70mm door profiles.
• ERA Decorative Letterplate – a stylish midrail design. Its anti-snap flap opens to 180° with fully sprung return to suit doors between 40mm-80mm in thickness.
• ERA Decorative Door Knocker – traditional styled urn knocker supplied with a face fixing plate for ease of installation, and with or without aperture for a spyhole.
The ERA Decorative range is available in six popular finishes –polished chrome, polished gold, satin chrome, white, black and anthracite grey and each product comes complete with a 10-year mechanical guarantee and a fiveyear finish guarantee.
Emplas upgrades door options with Fab&Fix and Ultion Sweet hardware
Emplas has further enhanced its door ranges with the introduction of new hardware options that include the Fab&Fix Classic range from ERA and the Ultion Sweet portfolio from Brisant Secure.
The Classic range of door hardware from Fab&Fix will now be specified as standard on all of Emplas’ PVC-U, patio and composite doors.
Design options include the popular Balmoral door handle and Nu Mail letterplate, with the entire range benefitting from the patented Hardex coating for exceptional strength and durability. Available in white, black, chrome, satin, graphite, gold and anthracite grey, Fab&Fix hardware comes with a 10-year guarantee to protect against defects and weather degradation, claims the company.
The Ultion Sweet range from Brisant Secure has also been designed to be a perfect match for a wide range of property styles and features multiple
coatings of brass and nickel for optimum product performance.
Capable of withstanding official saltwater testing for over 8,000 hours – 30 times more than the requirement for the EN 1906:2012 corrosion standard –Ultion Sweet is offered with a 20year anti-corrosion guarantee. Ultion Sweet’s handles have also been proven to be able to continue operating after 360,000 cycles, compared to the industry
The new range adds to ERA’s market-leading collection of decorative hardware, including its premium Fab&Fix range –an extensive suite of perfectly matching furniture, with Classic, Heritage, Architectural and Forged designs available.
For further information about ERA and the ERA Decorative Range, please visit
www.eraeverywhere.com
standard of 100,000, according to the company.
The Fab&Fix and Ultion Sweet hardware ranges are compatible with Emplas’ comprehensive composite door range that now includes DoorCo’s 44mm timber cored BRiTDOR, foam filled ORiGINAL and top of the range hybrid foam/timber GRiPCORE composite door collections.
Designed to give installers three distinct price points for the composite door market from a single source of supply, they are available to order on Emplas’ new online door designer, with finished orders sent directly to the fabricator’s dedicated door manufacturing facility.
Jody Vincent, sales director, said: “Handles and door furniture are vital elements of entrance door design because not only do they enhance the overall aesthetic they are also expected to last for the lifetime of the door without loss of performance or tarnishing.
“The additional of the Fab&Fix Classic range as standard across our PVC-U, patio and composite doors, and Ultion Sweet from Brisant Secure as an optional cost upgrade, allows our customers to sell with the utmost confidence while creating additional opportunity to build valuable margin into their sales.”
www.emplas.co.uk
Kenrick’s Maximus espagnolette adds Secured by Design accreditation to its credentials
Hardware designer and supplier Kenrick has announced its Maximus Inline security espagnolette has achieved Secured by Design accreditation.
Andy Meakin, sales and marketing manager at Kenrick, said: “Kenrick is one of the few companies to have an espagnolette tested to PAS24:2022. Secured by Design accreditation takes its credentials to another level and makes the Maximus Inline perfect for projects where security is paramount.”
Secured by Design is the official police initiative that works to improve the security of buildings and their immediate surroundings. Its product-based accreditation
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 marketdriven 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
scheme – the Police Preferred Specification – provides a recognised standard for all security products that can deter and reduce crime.
According to the company, the Secured by Design-approved status adds to a list of benefits for the Maximus Inline security
espagnolette, which achieves its robust security thanks to its twin reverse cam.
It is designed to be fast to fit, saving valuable production time and reducing overheads, because it features adjustable mushroom cams and can be fitted without cropping. It is tested to 60,000 cycles, endorsing the robust quality for which Kenrick is known, says the company.
It is suitable for aluminium, PVC-U and timber windows and there are up to four pairs of dual reverse action locking points, plus 20mm and 22mm backsets and 250mm to 1,300mm bar options to give it maximum versatility, claims the company.
Andy concluded: “The Maximus Inline security espagnolette demonstrates the Kenrick commitment to excellence with every detail.” www.kenricks.co.uk
Carl F Groupco expands portfolio with addition of Dynamic Hardware range
in a full range of colour options. Every product is intelligently designed and precisionmanufactured by Dynamic Hardware in-house for the best in product functionality and performance, independently tested, assuring reliability and value industry pricing, claims the company.
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, says the company.
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.
The Dynamic Hardware range is available to order from stock. www.carlfgroupco.co.uk
Firecore – DoorCo’s new fire door product is officially launched
DoorCo has officially launched Firecore, the latest addition to its One Complete product range, after successfully completing extensive fire, smoke, and security testing. This new fire door product is now available to both existing DoorCo customers and those on the Winkhaus UK FireFrame doorset scheme. Firecore offers one of the widest ranges of permutations for both internal and external fire doors on the market, with top and sidelights and Flip included in the range.
Ian Glenister, DoorCo’s technical and sales manager explains more: “Firecore has been a big project for DoorCo over the last 18 months with significant investment. Working
with Winkhaus, there has been no stone left unturned with the development of this new approved fire door.
“Firecore has been rigorously tested, performing consistently across all 16 tests conducted, to the EN1634 standard. This means that Firecore can be used in any internal or external situation and has the widest range of designs on the market, which includes top and sidelights and our own modified Flip cassette.
“The partnership with Winkhaus UK has been an important factor in the efficiency and effectiveness of the project. Not only do we use the Winkhaus approved FireFrame, AV
AutoLock, hinges, intumescent and handles which have been specifically designed for purpose, they were able to support us in realising our ambitious out plan for what we wanted to achieve with the Firecore range.
“The slab itself comprises of a fire-resistant phenolic foam core, engineered hardwood subframe and finished with our signature GPR skins, so aesthetically, it looks like any other DoorCo door. The finished door set has been designed in conjunction with Winkhaus to ensure total cohesion for ultimate performance.
“We’re absolutely delighted with the results: Firecore ’s consistent performance together with Winkhaus UK’s exhaustive and benchmark testing scheme has made it a fire door totally fit for purpose and one that is being adopted by a number of UK fire door manufacturers and installers.
trade.door-co.com/firecore
Framexpress adds patio and commercial door to its
Ali by Framexpress range
Framexpress has introduced a patio door and commercial door to its Ali by Framexpress range, answering customers demand for a wider range of higher spec as standard aluminium glazing solutions, says the company.
Ali by Framexpress is a demonstration of its quarter of a century of fabrication experience, and after launching bifold doors, and flush and standard casement windows just three months ago, the Telford-based fabricator
has expanded the range with a new aluminium patio door and commercial door.
Manufactured to Framexpress’ fabrication standards, the new aluminium patio door offers anti-finger trap doors that are PAS24 certified. Available with fan lights and side screens, the new commercial door is polyester powder coated to marine quality as standard, and comes with a security grade 6 point locking system for the ultimate security
protection, claims the company.
Its new aluminium commercial door also offers an 83mm interlocking profile to help cater to the ‘more frame, less glass’ desire from homeowners. Document L compliant, the patio door offers U-values of 1.4 W/ m²K and is available in any RAL colour, with handles available in a number of colours and finishes. Both new products are also weather tested to BS63751:2009, and are available for customer to quote and order now.
Jonny Green, principal product manager at Framexpress, talks about the expansion of the range, saying: “The response we’ve had from our Ali by Framexpress range has been fantastic. We launched a smaller number of products initially to test the waters, and it wasn’t long before we had requests for new door configurations. We had the infrastructure and expertise to
make it happen, so we’re glad we can now deliver those for customers too.”
Jonny adds: “Customers have also noted their ability to access everything they value about us –whether it’s our short lead times, higher specification products, or hassle-free service and support – for various product types. To be able to access that network of support all under one roof has been really valuable to them. For us, that’s the kind of feedback we love to hear, after so much has gone into bringing this to market.”
To deliver on demand for its new product range, Framexpress has acquired a second manufacturing unit in Tweedale – a 12,000 sq. ft. factory that sits adjacent to its 15,000 sq. ft. dedicated fire door facility. The team has also welcomed a dedicated assistant production manager to oversee the aluminium fabrication.
www.framexpress.co.uk
Sheerline’s Classic Heritage Door ideal for
internal installations
The launch of Sheerline’s Classic Heritage Door zerothreshold option makes it ideal for internal installations. The announcement comes at a time when many homeowners are reviewing their living spaces and adding partitions back into their once open-plan homes, says Sheeerline.
Aside from being a rising interior design trend, broken-plan living offers homeowners practical benefits, enabling them to create spaces specifically for their needs. For example, if they work from home or require discreet storage spaces.
To maintain the bright, airy flows of light and space associated with open-plan living, homeowners can benefit from internal glass partitions. Thanks to the zero-
threshold option, Sheerline’s Classic Heritage Door offers this solution.
Sheerline’s period-inspired lockbox design provides authentic heritage styling and homeowners can customise it to make it truly their own. For example, they can choose a single or French Door, unique styling, colour, and alter the number of Georgian bars.
Ben Hartshorn, Sheerline’s technical manager, said: “Our zero-threshold Classic Heritage Door is the ideal solution for homeowners who want a stylish partition with heritage aesthetics. It’s a timeless look that works just as well in an ultra-modern home as a character property.”
Click here: https://bit. ly/4hWCPCh to find out more.
NEW hup! on dwarf walls
Ultraframe has announced an exciting enhancement to its hup! building system – the ability to use it on top of existing dwarf walls. This is a huge benefit to installers carrying out conservatory transformation projects as it reduces time spent on site and demolition mess, as well as lowering skip costs. It also means that homeowners can retain their existing flooring should they wish, offering huge savings and the ability to move into their new hup! more quickly.
Alex Hewitt, Ultraframe marketing director, explained further, saying: “We want to ensure that hup! remains at the forefront of building technology and so our R&D team have been working hard on the next phase of the hup! story with some exciting new developments, including the ability to use the system on top of existing dwarf walls. We really want to ensure that hup! offers the best possible solution for our customers when they have an extension or conservatory transformation project and this newly-announced dwarf wall feature is a key part
of that vision. Whether you are replacing a window with a small hup! wall or removing all the frames and creating a home extension, this new feature increases the transformation options to conservatory owners on a budget. These include replacing windows with hup!, changing the frames and adding hup! walls onto a cill, and changing the frames and adding hup! walls that are fully clad on the exterior.”
Alongside the new ability to use hup! on dwarf walls, Ultraframe has also recently announced a brand new hup! Base solution which is available now, and a new brick slips solution, coming soon.
The hup! Base makes a hup! build even faster, eliminates the risk of weather delays, and is suitable for most site conditions, says Ultraframe. Bringing speed, certainty and simplicity to the base element of any hup!, the new base also means that hup! projects become even easier to manage.
According to Ultraframe, the new hup! brick slips solution is a fantastic product which offers a real brick aesthetic along with a brick matching service for homeowners wanting a match to their existing property. Deeper mortar gaps and the real brick aesthetic of the product mean that the brick slips offer a great exterior finish solution for our installers, taking only a few hours more to install vs brick mesh, but giving a far superior result that is indistinguishable from a real brick wall once complete.
Concluding, Alex said: “Our hup! system already offered huge benefits to our customers in terms of time savings, simplicity and a consistent high quality finish, and these latest enhancements are set to make hup! builds even simpler and more efficient for our customers.”
hup! building system: https://bit.ly/3Qi3MVI
Sheerline reveals colour trends from 2024
As a fully vertically integrated UK manufacturer, Sheerline paints all its own profiles in-house. This ensures an agile and responsive service for customers while also enabling the company to track every colour it sprays.
Sheerline’s 2024 statistics reveal that Anthracite Grey remained the most popular colour overall. However, it wasn’t as popular as in 2023, as it accounted for 33% of orders last year compared to 38% the year before.
This would suggest homeowners are slowly moving away from Anthracite as their default choice. This thinking is supported by Sheerline’s figures, which reveal the company sprayed a total of 54 different greys, including bespoke options such as Pebble and Slate Grey.
Consumers are moving away from the once dominant Anthracite, instead opting for a variety of bespoke colours. This trend is not only being seen within greys, but across the entire spectrum
as homeowners choose bespoke colours to add individuality to their homes, says the company.
Eddy Webb, Sheerline’s production director, commented: “What stands out is the number of different colours we sprayed last year. The figure has risen from 45 in 2023, to 115 colours in 2024, which tells us consumers are increasingly choosing a unique look instead of simply copying what everyone else has.”
While the number of homeowners picking bespoke colours has drastically risen in the past year, neutrals from Sheerline’s traditional and premium ranges have also performed well. This includes Pure White, Hipca White Gloss, Cream, Agate Grey and Chocolate Brown.
Jet Black has been consistently popular over the past few years, but it’s expected to become even more popular this year thanks to the rise in demand for heritage style products. These are ideal for both internal and external installations. www.sheerline.com
Freefoam Building Products, manufacturer of PVC building products, has announced the launch of its latest product – the Agate Grey Single Shiplap PVC cladding.
Freefoam have introduced this new option in response to the growing trend for muted, subtle exterior colours and to provide a stylish alternative to traditional darker wood colour cladding options.
Agate Grey is already an established foiled finish option in Freefoam’s fascia and soffit range. The introduction of the same shade in the cladding range offers the perfect solution to any home refurbishment project allowing homeowners to create a truly coordinated make over, matching cladding to windows, doors, fascia and soffit.
Aidan Harte, SEO commented “We are excited to introduce Agate Grey as part of our Shiplap cladding range. The demand for high-quality, low-maintenance, and aesthetically pleasing external cladding products continues to grow, and we believe this new addition will offer our customers a perfect solution for both new build and renovation projects.”
www.freefoam.com
The Modular Vent – collaboration produces a perfect solution
To meet the regulatory requirements, window and door manufacturers often have to work with suppliers to find the best solution that is not only compliant but also provides a finish that meets homeowners’ expectations. A good example of how collaboration works best is illustrated by Quickslide’s forward thinking to develop the Modular Vent working in partnership with Glazpart – the leading UK glazing components manufacturer.
Based in West Yorkshire and operating from state-of-the-art facilities in a 150,000m2 space, Quickslide has supplied installers UK wide for over 20 years.
Windows and Doors
Quickslide’s high quality products and flexibility to cater to homeowners’ bespoke requests give them a real edge in the market but it is their innovation for which they are renowned. Two
courtesy of Quickslide Windows and Doors
decades ago they introduced the affordable traditional styled vertical sliders made from modern materials that offered both high thermal efficiency and security.
Quickslide use Glazpart’s award winning Link Vent for all their products except for their PVCu Vertical Sliders, a product which the fabricator is very much synonymous with! The Legacy PVCu Vertical Slider is Quickslide’s flagship product and one, on which they have built their reputation.
When it comes to vertical sliders, fabricators face an additional challenge to get full compliance at the same level as casement windows while retaining the classic heritage looks. Quickslide offers ‘heritage without compromise’. Which means offering the best in industry-leading standards of performance in an authentically styled traditional window.
In partnership with Glazpart, Quickslide developed a bespoke vent solution for their Legacy VS range to enable all their welded vertical sliders of more than 1055mm in width to carry 12,000 EA in a single window, meeting the Building Regulation (Approved Document F) requirements for
Images
ventilation in England, Wales and Scotland.
Sandra Berg, marketing manager of Quickslide commented: “It’s not just a trickle vent to us. We manufacture premium heritage products with a traditional look, which is why it’s important the vents were colour-matched and woodgrain foiled to match the wood effects of our windows and doors”.
Windows and Doors
Glazpart’s Modular Ventilator provides trickle ventilation in accordance with the Building Regulations Approved Document F1.
The product has undergone a radical redesign to improve the performance and aesthetics of the product and to bring it in line with the latest regulatory changes
introduced in June 2022.
As part of the review, the vent is also available in a wider range of colours and finishes.
The product is specifically designed for “Through Profile” PVC-u applications using a 19mm routed slot. All ventilators are “Clip” fixed with the advantage of rapid fitting to profiles.
The unique feature of the modular vent is the potential to assemble the ventilation EQA you need by clipping the modules together before fitting to the windows.
Glazpart says the Modular Vent’s key features are:
• The highest performing trickle vent for watertightness at 1000 Pa
• Spring Clip fitting (No Screws)
Pure Vista release new Edge Mounting Plate
Pure Vista Ltd has announced the release of the new Edge Mounting Plate.
According to the company, the Edge Mounting Plate is a revolutionary modular product which turns Pure Vista’s popular POSIglaze and POSIone frameless glass balustrade systems into an ‘F’ profile. This allows for installation directly to the edge of
concrete substrates.
Pure Vista has developed the Edge Mounting Plate to give customers and distributors flexibility. The Edge Mounting Plate can be used to convert existing stock. Minimal stocking is required since only one new product, not four items, is on the shelf, says Pure Vista.
www.pure-vista.com
(Saves time per window to install)
• Unique closure mechanism provides for adjustable ventilation with a positive action
• 2000 EQA performance for each module fitted
• LABC certified
• Available in 100s of colour options and combinations
• One of the shortest width trickle vents on the market
• Perfect for heritage style windows
To increase further collaboration Quickslide became Glazpartners in Spring 2022, when the awardwinning customer support programme was launched by Glazpart at FIT Show in Birmingham.
On the partnership with Quickslide, Dean Bradley, Glazpart sales director commented: “We are delighted that Quickslide are Glazpartners and that we provide ventilation solutions for their market leading products. Our collaboration and innovation to produce the Modular Vent is the perfect example of how working together can deliver great results.”
Innovative wrap around locking system transforms timber window security
Country Hardwood, a leading manufacturer of timber products, has unveiled a revolutionary 5-point wrap-around locking system for its range of bespoke timber windows, setting what it says is a new standard in home security.
The system represents a significant advancement in timber window security for larger windows, featuring a unique combination of locks that completely encircle the window frame. According to the company, unlike generic window systems commonly used in the market, this innovative design provides comprehensive protection throughout the whole window with its 5-point
locking mechanism, making it entirely unique in the industry. The system has successfully undergone full PAS24 security testing.
“Security is paramount for homeowners, and installers need complete confidence in the products they’re fitting,” explains Mark Osborne, managing director of Country Hardwood. “Our new 5-point wrap-around locking system delivers that assurance, adding industry-leading security without compromising the aesthetics our timber products are known for. Instead of using standard window locks on larger windows, we’ve created our own unique window system that
homeowners can trust to protect their homes.”
Based in Buckinghamshire, Country Hardwood continues to lead the way in timber product innovation. With over a decade of experience crafting premium timber windows, doors, and conservatories, the company consistently pushes boundaries in product development. Their recent £700,000 investment in state-of-the-art CNC machinery demonstrates their commitment to combining traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge manufacturing techniques.
Country Hardwood says the development of this new locking system pushes industry standards forward rather than simply following market conventions, offering homeowners robust security and giving installers innovative products to offer.
For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/4hRJeP3
BM to roll out Touch training programmes in 2025
By Nick Bailey
Business Micros now has more than 4000 unique company users of our flagship Touch online ordering and quoting software. We have so far installed Touch Portal systems powered by real time production data at more than 35 of the UK’s leading fabricators and, in turn, 4000 of their trade customers have signed up either to their fabricator’s Touch Portal Dealer Network, or opted for their own branded versions of Touch.
As a result, in the most recent three month period for which we have figures, we saw £26m of work quoted through Touch and £13m of orders placed.
Touch is such an impressive platform that it’s no surprise to us how quickly the number of users has overtaken our previous
EvoSatellite online quoting and ordering solution.
However, while Satellite users might have 10+ years’ experience with the system and know every feature and shortcut, the vast majority of Touch users are still navigating the software and establishing the best way to integrate it into their businesses.
Touch is intuitive and userfriendly, but busy fabrication and installation firms are understandably more focused on making and selling windows and doors than navigating new software.
That’s why, in 2025, Business Micros will be rolling out a whole series of new learning programmes to help fabricators and installers really make the most of Touch.
Starting with Touch Portal users, we’ll be offering free training to fabricators’ sales and admin staff so that they can learn how best to manage customer accounts in Touch, how to create and populate their own resource centres, and how to tailor and navigate the KPI dashboard in Touch so that it meets their specific business needs.
Crucially though, we’ll be focusing on training these staff so that they can train their own trade customers. We’ll be showing the most effective and efficient ways to onboard a trade customer and advising on everything from demoing a quote to using the Home Visualiser.
It will be about sharing best practice so that they can guide every type of installer through Touch – whether they are an experienced Satellite user, new to online ordering, and using either a home computer or a mobile.
We want to cascade Touch training all the way down the supply chain, so we’ll also be offering fabricator days where Touch Portal users can invite their trade customers in for face to face training sessions with the BM team, and running a series of Touch teaching webinars for installers to watch live or at times to suit them.
Some of our Touch Portal fabricators already have as many of 85% of their customers routinely using Touch Dealer network to sell, price and order, and we’ll be sharing the tips and tricks they have used to help other fabricators in our network achieve those kinds of figures.
Fabricators can get in touch for advice and support on how to sell the benefits of Touch to their customers during the roll out and they can request free training for themselves or their installation networks.
https://store.bm-touch.co.uk/
Genius PVC Trade Frames invests in BAZ Tandem Schirmer
(‘Schirmernator’) cutting centre
Genius PVC Trade Frames has announced that its latest cuttingedge machinery, part of a total £3.2 million invested over the last few years, is now fully operational. This significant upgrade has boosted production capacity and capabilities, positioning the company for future growth, according to the company.
The centrepiece of this investment is a new BAZ Tandem Schirmer cutting centre, affectionately dubbed ‘The Schirmernator’ by the Genius team. This new addition joins the original Schirmer, known as ‘Robochop’, showcasing the company’s commitment to both state-ofthe-art technology and a positive
workplace culture.
Operations director Lee Dickinson, the creative mind behind the machines’ cartoon personas, commented: “These aren’t just pieces of equipment to us. They’re part of the team and naming them adds a bit of fun to our day-to-day operations.”
Alongside ‘The Schirmernator’, Genius has also installed a Rotox Horizontal 8 Head Welding and Cleaning Line, further enhancing their production capabilities. This significant investment in machinery from Winmac comes as Genius expands its product range to include Deceuninck systems, complementing their established
Kömmerling offerings.
Kevin Noray, sales director of Winmac, praised Genius’s forward-thinking approach: “It’s always exciting to work with companies like Genius who understand the value of investing in top-tier machinery. Their commitment to quality and efficiency is evident in their choice of equipment, and we’re proud to support their growth journey.”
Thomas Weston, managing director of Genius, added: “This investment in both machinery and additional factory space isn’t just about increasing capacity; it’s about future-proofing our business. With the addition of Deceuninck to our portfolio, we needed the space and machinery that could handle increased demand while maintaining the high quality our customers expect.”
www.geniuspvc.com
Kevin Noray, sales director of Winmac (left) and David Eagle, Genius PVC Trade Frames CEO (right)
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Deylight Windows boosts production with Kombimatec
Deylight Windows has invested in a Kombimatec DGS530 Electronic Double Mitre Saw, designed specifically for highprecision profile cutting.
U-PVC glazing manufacturer and fitters Deylight Windows has operated since 2010 in the Glossop area as a family-run business providing installations of doors, windows and conservatories. This new Kombimatec purchase is an upgrade to it’s existing machinery, bringing with it key benefits including increased cutting accuracy for both greater efficiency and reduced wastage, supporting Deylight Window’s existing production processes and maximising output, says managing director Mark Dey.
“Our engineer recommended
Kombimatec to us, and we’ve been really pleased with the machine’s ease of use and its great quality,” says Mark.
“The purchasing process was straightforward and efficient and we had great communication from Kombimatec throughout, so we also have the security of knowing any queries or problems we might have will be dealt with quickly.”
The DGS530 Electronic Double Mitre Saw boasts a series of automated features and routines and will link to Deylight Window’s fabrication software, with cutting lists supplied via USB data transfer. It features two 530mm TCT saw blades that enable two profiles to be cut simultaneously, and fast automatic positioning according to cutting length and angles. An overhead colour touch screen for easy and safe
operation is kept well clear of the working area and away from the risk of damage from any profile that is being loaded or unloaded. Versatile software features include a short-cut routine that can produce pieces down to 20mm, a cleat cutting facility for repeat pieces and an extended cut/ double cut routine for producing pieces longer than the bed length, enabling cuts up to 10m in length.
“Our DGS530’s advanced technology streamlines the production process and improves precision cutting, enabling manufacturers to ensure highquality units while minimising waste and achieving best lead times,” says Kombimatec director David Parsons.
“With these types of machines it is important they integrate smoothly into existing factory processes and offer easy operation so manufacturers can reap the benefits immediately. We’re proud of our reputation for great installation and service which ensures our customers can hit the ground running with minimum disruption to their manufacturing.”
www.kombimatec.com
Promat provides fire resistant glazing for Sheffield’s Kangaroo Works
Fire resistant glazing and fire-rated glass door-sets manufactured by Promat UK have been installed to provide assured passive fire protection whilst maintaining high levels of natural light in key communal areas within a major new build-to-rent (BTR) development in South Yorkshire.
Kangaroo Works in Sheffield is a mixed-use development that is a key part of the Heart of the City II regeneration masterplan. The Whittam Cox Architects designed scheme, constructed
by Henry Boot Construction, has transformed a former industrial site in the city centre into 365 dwellings, offering a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, as well as commercial space at ground floor level.
Paying homage to the industrial heritage in this area of the city, the building’s design responds to the local vernacular, including courtyards, a stepped roofscape and the use of brick as the primary façade material. Until the early nineteenth century, the factory of
tool manufacturer Robert Sorby & Co occupied the site, and it was one of their brands that the works became known as. Its tools were exported around the world, including to Australia where its Kangaroo brand grew strongly and was actually used until the 1980s.
The new Kangaroo Works residential development features a range of high quality shared facilities and amenities, including a roof terrace, gym, reception and co-working spaces. One of the co-working areas is located on the ground floor and it was here where Promat SYSTEMGLAS fire resistant glazing and Promat PYROSEC Slimlite fire rated doors were specified to provide the necessary passive fire protection.
Fit-out contractor Whitehead Commercial Interiors awarded the internal fire rated glazing
project to MD Glass Partitions, who are experienced Promat recommended installers. The brief was to provide two large screens and two double door sets – all with minimal framing and maximum glass to ensure natural light levels would be optimised. They also had to meet a 1B1 safety rating and provide a high level of acoustic insulation.
The design, including an industrial look and feel, sought by the interior designers along with high levels of EI fire performance concluded that the Promat SYSTEMGLAS Ferro screens and Promat Pyrosec SLIMLITE Doors with “Crittall effect” bars would provide an effective solution. SYSTEMGLAS Ferro and SLIMLITE doors are tested as complete systems and can be finished in any RAL colour.
The larger of the two screens measures approximately 4.2m wide x 2.5m high and features butt-jointed glass with plant-on glazing bars applied to achieve a ‘Crittall style’ appearance. Within the steel frame are Promat SYSTEMGLAS F1 double glazed units which encapsulate an intumescent fire-resistant gel, specified with EI120 fire resistance (120 minutes integrity and insulation protection) and acoustic insulation with a sound reduction level of 47dB (Rw).
The second screen is a similar construction and configuration with dimensions of approximately 3.6m x 2.5m, an EI60 level of fire protection and 45dB (Rw) sound reduction.
Two double door-sets were created using the Promat SLIMLITE steel framed glass door system. The 2250mm wide x 2460mm high door-sets were specified to provide EI60 fire resistance and featured slim side panels at either side to keep within tested evidence, as well as full height back to back handles. The glass used in the door-sets was Pyrosec EI60 which combines fire resistance with a
40dB (Rw) sound reduction rating.
Chris Hays, Project Coordinator at MD Glass Partitions, said: “It was a pleasure working with Promat and Whitehead Commercial Interiors to deliver this exciting project and I look forward to being involved in future similar fire rated glazing projects. The SYSTEMGLAS Ferro and Pyrosec SLIMLITE door systems provided solutions that balanced aesthetics and performance, with the added benefit of Promat’s technical support throughout the design, manufacture and installation stages.”
Harlow based MD Glass Partitions have completed numerous Promat SYSTEMGLAS fire resistant glazing projects. Working with architects and main contractors nationwide, the company provides partition glazing, glass doors and architectural glass in both commercial and domestic applications.
The steel-framed Ferro is one of four different framing options available for Promat SYSTEMGLAS. In addition to the Ligna timber version, two options are available which use PROMATECT-H, a calcium silicate based material. These are Advenerat, which can be overclad or painted, and Celare, a system designed to be concealed within surrounding walls, floors and ceilings to give a virtually frameless appearance.
All Promat SYSTEMGLAS installations are backed with the company’s 360-degree wheel of assurance which provides transparency in the supply chain from raw material sourcing, manufacture and processing to installation. Clients receive a certificate of conformity to reflect this, and all the information provided is appropriate for a building’s golden thread.
https://bit.ly/3QbrO3S
A Plus Aluminium helps transform 1930s bungalow
When Kate and Liam bought a run-down bungalow in a peaceful area of Harpenden, they were keen to make the most of the plot. “The bungalow was built in the 1930s and needed love. There were two bedrooms at the front, a very small and tired kitchen and a conservatory on the back which needed a lot of work,” says Kate. “Yet, it had loads of potential.
“We had a vision for the Scandinavian look we wanted to achieve, with lots of clean lines and natural light. It’s just us, our eight-year-old son and dog, Roxy; so we were looking for a three-bed family home and an open plan kitchen/diner, as well as a utility room and a snug.”
The project began onsite in June 2023. The approved scheme retains the essence of the bungalow but increases the floor space from 1,000sqft to 2300sqft, with a single storey extension
offering much needed additional space. Other than three internal walls everything else was demolished. The couple used brick and block for the single storey extension and put in a steel support frame for the roof and rear glazing.
Natural light was essential for achieving the couple’s preferred Scandinavian interior design style with a mid-century twist. “The house is north facing so the glazing needed to be right. The feature window in the open plan hallway and lovely wide windows in the kitchen and window seat let in so much natural light, so we never feel it is dark.”
The couple also opted for sliding doors over bi-folds for an uninterrupted view of the garden. “When you walk into the house, you can immediately see straight through to the garden.” They also provide a stylish entrance to the balcony off the master suite.
Kate and Liam chose aluminium windows and doors for their quality, durability and stylish appearance.
The PlusGlide 47 sliding doors, Crown flush casement windows and Dualframe 75 entrance doors were supplied by trade fabricator, A Plus Aluminium and fitted by KMC Windows.
“It was very easy dealing with A Plus Aluminium,” continues Kate. “They were very thorough and picked up on things that needed to be adjusted – for example, they spotted that the sliding doors in the bedroom were very low. We were able to make a quick adjustment and can now access our amazing balcony with ease; it works brilliantly.”
The aluminium frames are powder coated Anthracite Grey to complement the untreated Western Red Cedar and zinc cladding, and contrast with the white render. The contemporary hardware is subtle and blends perfectly with the frames.
The family moved in in June 2024, and they are thrilled with the transformation. “We are such foodies that we always gravitate to the kitchen. It’s our family space and we love it,” says Kate. “We also enjoy using the snug. It’s a cosy space which, while it has a lovely big picture window, it’s a small enough room to hunker down in!”
“Despite the architect’s early concerns about light, the house is filled with natural light. The windows above the front door are particularly special – they let in the early morning light which floods the entrance hall and landing, and the evening light comes through the roof windows and reflects the glass pendant all around the landing, which is stunning. The house gives us the lifestyle we wanted, and there is a real feeling of joy throughout.”
Windows and doors from A Plus Aluminium have been used in the transformation of a two-bedroom 1930s bungalow into a modern family home.
This approach significantly reduced waste and embodied carbon, aligning with the project’s sustainability goals. Saint-Gobain supported the project through its Glass Forever program, recycling end-of-life glass and producing high-performance glazing to complement the Modus window system.
The UK’s first fully closed-loop PVC-U recycling project delivered
for Cambridge City Council
Cambridge City Council aimed to retrofit 46 homes to nearEnerPHit standards, which focus on enhancing energy efficiency by improving insulation, airtightness, and ventilation. Near-EnerPHit closely aligns with the EnerPHit standards set by the Passivhaus Institute, targeting minimal energy use for heating and cooling in existing properties.
This initiative supports the council’s goal of achieving Net Zero Operational Energy, where energy consumption equals renewable energy produced on-site, as part of the UK Government’s £3.8 billion Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund.
Cambridge City Council had the complex challenge of implementing high-performance energy solutions while balancing sustainability, affordability, and timely delivery. A key challenge was selecting materials that met strict criteria for low embodied carbon and recyclability, all while ensuring the comfort and well-
being of residents.
Cambridge City Council partnered with Eurocell, Aran Insulation, Asset Fineline, and Saint-Gobain to mobilise the UK’s first fully closedloop PVC-U recycling project. Eurocell’s Modus 75mm profile window system achieving a U-Value of 0.8 triple glazed windows were a cornerstone of the thermal upgrades, significantly reducing heat loss and helping the homes meet strict energy efficiency targets. The windows were specified for their high thermal performance and their ability to be recycled at the end of their lifespan, with the PVC-U frames being reprocessed into new window profiles.
The closed-loop recycling process, implemented by Eurocell and Asset Fineline, meant the old PVC-U windows, once removed, were collected, recycled, and manufactured into new frames.
Aran were appointed by Cambridge City Council as Principal Contractor for their SHDF Wave 2.1 programme. As a Principal Contractor, Aran works with a high-quality local supply chain, supporting their commitment to social value. Aran appointed Asset Fineline to cover all their window and door requirements, including recycling the old glass sealed units. Recently, Aran’s operations director, Craig Thomson, visited homes included in the project and reported: “The consistent and superior finish across the project is some of the best work I have ever seen. The quality control, provided by our team, and co-operation on site demonstrates the whole team are working well together.”
The retrofitted homes now meet near-EnerPHit energy standards, offering warmer, more comfortable living environments for residents while reducing energy costs. By integrating a closed-loop recycling process, the project minimised its carbon footprint, supporting Cambridge City Council’s sustainability strategy. The collaboration between Eurocell, Aran Insulation, Asset Fineline, and Saint-Gobain ensured the project was delivered on time and within budget, setting a new benchmark for energy-efficient social housing retrofits.
ECD Architects, working with Cambridge City Council to
Continued from page 95
deliver this retrofit, noted:
“With a target of Net Zero Operational Energy, this pilot project aims to improve resident wellbeing through comfortable, warm, and healthy homes that are energy efficient and affordable to heat. The thermal upgrade includes external wall insulation, roof insulation, suspended floor insulation, Modus triple-glazed window system and patio doors, and a high level of airtightness throughout. The Modus window systems were entered into the Passivhaus Planning Package (PHPP), and their thermal performance proved crucial in meeting the homes’ overall heat demand targets.”
Kelly Hibbert, head of commercial sales at Eurocell, stated: “The Modus window system played a key role in achieving a seamless aesthetic design, while also delivering considerable cost savings. Combining exceptional energy efficiency with sustainability, the system incorporates 50% recycled material, underscoring its environmental credentials. This project highlights how the right sustainable specification can deliver a contemporary design without compromise.”
Darren Sowter, divisional director at Asset Fineline, highlighted the importance of teamwork: “This project serves as a prime example of how effective collaboration can lead to the successful delivery of high-quality, energy-efficient solutions. It showcases that we can meet and exceed expectations without compromising on budget or timelines, ultimately benefiting both our clients and the environment.”
https://www.eurocell.co.uk/
Heritage at Its Finest
Window installers JF Bodman have been operating in the south Yorkshire area for over 50 years, enjoying much repeat business from returning customers in that time. And in turn, there’s one supplier they return to themselves: Quickslide.
“We recently had a returning
customer asking for our help with their window and door requirements for a truly stunning home project,” says Adam Webb, director at JF Bodman. “The remit was for 42 authenticlooking sliding sash windows which would deliver the stylish, grand appearance required while also providing the best possible energy efficiency and
security.”
For Adam and his team, Quickslide was the obvious choice for the job. “We’ve been buying from Quickslide for the last 4-5 years,” Adam explains, “and my absolute favourite product of theirs is the heritage sliding sash window. It truly replicates timber in nearly all ways, with the added benefits of being uPVC, which our customers love for its durability and low maintenance.”
The project called for fully mechanical sliding sash windows, combining authenticity with functionality.
“For this project, we chose fully mechanical sliding sash windows in cream woodgrain foil on smooth white, complete with run-through sash horns, astragal bars, satin silver heritage hardware, and matching travel restrictors” Adam says. “We also opted for the PAS 24 security upgrade and fire escape feature in locations where required. Despite the scope of the project, we met our five-week deadline comfortably from window order to installation.”
JF Bodman supplies and installs doors and windows to both homeowners and construction companies. “We’ve earned our reputation through attention to detail,” says Adam, “and pride ourselves on our customer service, work ethic, and ability to help our clients get the results they desire.
“We use Quickslide because they provide such a quality product at a competitive cost, on time and in full. That level of reliability is crucial for our business because it ensures we never lose time on projects. My advice to any installers who value the same is to give Quickslide a try. You won’t be disappointed.”
www.quickslide.co.uk
Increase profit margins by accessing high quality data
Alex Tremlett, Insight Data’s commercial director, explains how the quality of prospect data that firms use in the hope of securing leads can make all the difference between consistent conversions, and echoing sales silence….
Picture two competing trade fabrication businesses launching similar marketing campaigns in the early part of 2025… ABC Fabricators achieves a healthy four per cent response rate and converts a sizeable portion into sales. However, XYZ Fabricators sees barely 0.5 per cent response and few conversions,
despite spending the same amount.
The difference? Often it comes down to the quality of their prospect data. As marketing budgets face ever-greater scrutiny, businesses are learning that success isn’t just about what you say to potential
customers - it’s also ensuring you’re talking to the right people in the first place.
Understanding the impact of poor data
Research suggests that poorquality data costs businesses dearly, leading to wasted marketing spend, inefficient campaigns and missed opportunities. From incorrect contact details to outdated information, bad data can impact a company’s bottom line and damage its reputation. It is thought that companies typically waste between 20-30 per cent of their marketing budget due to inaccurate or outdated information.
Companies like Insight Data have revolutionised how businesses access and use prospect information. With
a dedicated research team making more than 20,000 verification calls every month, we’ve established ourselves as a leading authority in construction and fenestration industry intelligence. Our approach combines robust data management with deep sector expertise, ensuring businesses can access the most current and accurate market information available.
Quality business data encompasses more than just basic contact information. Modern data intelligence provides comprehensive insights into a company’s trading history and financial stability, its product ranges and services, key decision-makers and their roles, market sector specialisms, and project histories and capabilities. These details contribute to a thorough understanding
of a business’s operations, performance, and potential.
The power of modern technology
Advanced data management platforms, such as Insight Data’s Salestracker system, have transformed how businesses can use prospect information. Modern systems allow users to segment and filter data based on multiple criteria, enabling precise targeting that was impossible just a few years ago. This tech revolution means businesses can now focus their resources on the most promising opportunities, significantly reducing waste in marketing spend.
Having access to quality data is only the first step. While it plays a crucial role, the human element remains vital in data management. Insight Data’s research team ensure that customers receive the most reliable and up-to-date contact information for key decision makers across a number of sectors.
Measuring ROI
Companies using verified and regularly updated data typically experience improvements across several key metrics. These include reduced marketing waste, higher response rates to campaigns, improved conversion rates, better customer retention and more accurate forecasting. This demonstrates the significant positive impact of reliable data on various aspects of business performance.
As markets become increasingly competitive, the role of quality data in business success will only grow. Artificial Intelligence and machine learning are beginning to offer new ways to analyse and use business information, but the fundamental need for accurate, up-to-date data remains unchanged. At
Insight Data, we continue to invest in both technology and people to ensure their clients stay ahead of these developments.
While investing in quality data requires an initial outlay, the ROI often justifies the expense. Businesses should consider not just the direct cost of purchasing data, but also the potential cost savings from reduced waste and improved targeting. Our pricing structure, for instance, ensures businesses of all sizes can access professional-grade market intelligence.
Making informed choices
When choosing a data partner, businesses should consider the provider’s industry expertise, data collection and verification methods, update frequency and accuracy, available support and guidance, and integration capabilities with existing systems
As markets evolve and competition intensifies, the quality of business intelligence will increasingly separate successful companies from those that struggle. For businesses serious about improving their profit margins, investing in high-quality data isn’t just an option – it’s becoming a necessity for survival and growth in today’s competitive landscape.
Understanding how to access and effectively use quality data could be the key to unlocking better profit margins and sustainable growth for your business in the years ahead. With the right data partner and a strategic approach to using market intelligence, businesses can significantly improve their marketing effectiveness and boost their bottom line. For more information about Insight Data’s work, visit: https://www.insightdata.co.uk/
Ventrolla unveils new brand strategy to drive growth
Ventrolla, a market leader in heritage restoration and renovation of timber sash windows, has revealed the launch of its refreshed brand identity and new strategic direction, with focus on precision heritage and elevated craftsmanship.
As part of the renewed branding, there is a new logo, visual identity, and brand proposition to capture the businesses commitment to providing a premier and bespoke service to residential and commercial customers.
Alongside the above Ventrolla is
launching ‘Ventrolla Consult’, a new planning service designed to support customers in navigating the complexities and restrictions of the planning process. The team are also introducing a brand-new vacuum glazing product, which provides greater flexibility and compliance for heritage properties to meet necessary building constraints whilst delivering superior thermal and acoustic efficiency, making it one of the top products in the market.
Commenting on the rebrand, Mark Flanagan, managing director of Ventrolla said; “This
new branding is so much more than just what you see, it gets to the heart of who we are and our ambition to continue leading the industry in heritage renovation.”
“We already work thousands of homeowners and with the UK’s most innovative conservation and retrofit architects, contractors and surveyors, who trust us to provide a frictionless, premium renovation service. This rebrand helps us better present and articulate that experience and trust to businesses and homeowners who may be looking for the services we offer.”
“We are extremely excited to take our team and customers on this journey of growth and further development. Our message is clear, we aren’t just a market leader on paper, we have the knowledge and experience to back it up, with over 1,000,000 windows renovated across the UK.”
www.ventrolla.co.uk
Quickslide drives sales with sample presentation case
Quickslide continues to elevate the levels of support it commits to the success of its installer network with the launch of a user friendly and practical presentation case on wheels, designed specifically to help its trade partners showcase Quickslide’s sash windows to homeowners. The lightweight case can be transported and manoeuvred with ease, protecting the sample 600mm x 900mm Legacy sliding sash window during every home visit.
The wheeled presentation case is produced using a robust grey weave material which can be personalised with the addition a of a screen printed logo. Three pockets are integrated into the
overall design to hold brochures, foil swatches, glass samples, other point of sale materials and tablets to ensure the demonstration runs smoothly towards a confirmed sale.
“The thought and preparation that goes into our sales and marketing support for our trade
The Consultancy delivers for PDS Doorsets
Performance Doorset Solutions (PDS) has transformed its online presence with a new website designed by BM Group company The Consultancy.
The Northern-based business meets the needs of residential, commercial, and trade customers across the UK with bespoke fire and nonfire doors tailored to project specifications.
PDS wanted the website to generate leads and provide a valuable knowledge resource. The Consultancy used its expertise to deliver a simple yet informative journey for all users.
The front end educates visitors on PDS’s product range, unique selling points, social values, and charitable work. It also directs trade and
commercial customers to a dedicated section with delivery details, technical and marketing support, and a digital resource centre featuring product certifications and installation guides.
Peter Lancaster, senior creative at The Consultancy, says that websites targeting different groups of customers are very common in this marketplace, but the real skill comes in creating a clear and
partners is second to none. This case is designed specifically to take any last remaining stress and inconvenience out of the homeowner pitch, allowing the sales person to concentrate wholly on demonstrating the innate quality and functionality of the product itself,” said Tom Swallow, Quickslide’s sales director.
“Combining the practical with the stylish is the best way of making a brilliant first impression. Your sales team can arrive at the appointment calm, professional and confident, ready to make that sale!”
Window companies can also include a removable folder which contains hardware samples set in plastazote foam with layered cut outs. Everything can be fitted to the presentation case, and wheeled with ease from appointment to appointment. www.quickslide.co.uk
effective customer journey for each group.
He says: “The new PDS website has genuine appeal and value for trade, retail and commercial customers. From the creation of the initial site map to the individual calls to action, we have made sure no single group is prioritised or overlooked, and we’re already seeing increased levels of engagement and leads from each.”
Kerri Ellis, commercial manager at PDS, is delighted with the new website and impressed by the approach of The Consultancy. She adds: “What really stood out for us was The Consultancy’s innate understanding of our products, our markets and our different customer groups. That made them really easy to partner with on the project and meant they brought valuable insight which has helped deliver an even better result than we had hoped for.”
More details at: https://bit.ly/3Q6DNjr
FIT Show 2025 registration is LIVE!
Registration for 29 April – 1 May FIT Show 2025 is live! Visitors can now register for free to attend the UK’s number one event for the window, door, flat glass, hardware, components and roofing industry via the FIT Show website (www. fitshow.co.uk).
Visitors can look forward to even more brands, products and innovations when they visit FIT Show at Birmingham NEC later this year after organisers announced that they are increasing the footprint of the event by 30%, occupying an extra hall to build on its 2023 edition.
Kickstarting this FIT Show year with a bang, several brands have joined the lineup in the last month alone. The latest brands to sign up to exhibit include; Victorian Sliders, Invisifold, Vacuum Lifting Solutions, Regalead, Kean Tools, Warringtonfire Testing & Certification, The Door and Hardware Federation, Access
FIT Show 2025 visitors will be able to take advantage of new and improved features at the show. The Installer Demo Zone is returning on a bigger scale, building on the success of its 2023 launch, but expanded to incorporate a more diverse product demonstration offering as well as a marketplace area to purchase the latest tools, workwear and supporting products and services for the trades.
In line with its ambitions to reach and engage new audiences, FIT Show is collaborating with a number of online content creators. There will be several familiar faces at the event, the self confessed carpentry, joinery and building fanatic, Robin Clevett just announced as an official ambassador for FIT Show.
Robin, who boasts over 134,000 Youtube subscribers, more than
54,000 Instagram followers and hosts The Carpentry Show on FIX Radio, will play a hands-on role as part of the Installer Demo Zone, as well as participating in sessions on the main seminar stage.
GGF and FENSA will partner with FIT Show to deliver another first class CPD certified learning programme. The programme will follow the theme of ‘solutions and inspiration’, running across the three days of the show. The content is free to access for all visitors and has been carefully crafted to cover important updates to building regulations, health and safety, sustainability, new technology and innovation and much more.
FIT Show event director, Nickie West said: “It’s always exciting when we officially open registration for FIT Show. With a bigger footprint, more diverse range of brands and products than ever before, challenging political and economical backdrop, rapidly impending regulatory and legislative changes, not to mention no FIT Show until 2027, the reasons to attend FIT Show have never been greater. Quite simply, FIT Show 2025 should be an essential fixture in everyone’s industry calendar this year!
“This is your chance to see every link in the supply chain all under one roof. Compare the latest products and innovations side-byside. Upskill and give yourself the competitive edge by participating in our first class CPD seminar sessions. See the latest products come to life on the Installer Demo Zone. Network and engage with your peers. Save time visiting multiple suppliers and distributors – wrap everything up for the year ahead, and beyond, at FIT Show 2025.”
FIT Show returns to the NEC Birmingham from 29 April – 1 May, 2025. Visitors can now register to attend for FREE at www.fitshow.co.uk
Marketing, Balls2Marketing, Dufeu IT Solutions and Safeware.
Robin Clevett Joins the Lineup for FIT Show 2025
Self confessed carpentry, joinery and building fanatic, Robin Clevett joined the lineup for FIT Show 2025, taking on the role of official ambassador for the event, which returns to the NEC Birmingham later this year (29 April – 1 May.)
Robin, who boasts over 134,000 Youtube subscribers, more than 54,000 Instagram Followers and hosts The Carpentry Show on FIX Radio, will play a hands-on role as part of the Installer Demo Zone, as well as participating in sessions on the main seminar stage.
The Installer Demo Zone is returning to FIT Show on a bigger scale, building on the success of its 2023 launch, and expanded to incorporate a more diverse product demonstration offering as well as a marketplace area to purchase the latest tools,
workwear and supporting products and services for the trades. The show will also include a larger focus on roofing and outdoor living solutions, with a focus on helping installers to broaden their portfolios to mitigate the current and ongoing economic challenges they are facing.
Visitors to the UK’s number one event for the window, door, flat glass, hardware, components and roofing industry can expect to see Robin, and a host of familiar faces at FIT Show 2025 as event organisers strive to broaden the reach and appeal of the show to new and wider audiences in collaboration with online content creators.
Robin Clevett comments: “I’m really pleased to be working with the FIT Show team to help bring the campaign to life in the run
up to, and during the event. I’m constantly looking at new and innovative products for my own construction projects, as well as better and faster ways to install them.
“I’m familiar with a number of the brands that are exhibiting at the show, but I’m excited by the prospect of unearthing new solutions that could help me, and visitors, to deliver more sophisticated projects and installations on site.
“I’m looking forward to meeting visitors across the three days of the show and helping to bring products and solutions to life on both the Installer Demo Zone and learning programme. Come along and say hi!”
FIT Show event director, Nickie West added: “We’ve had the pleasure of working with Robin on one of our sister events and have experienced first-hand how engaging and personable the delivery of his content is. With a raft of construction projects under his belt thanks to his 25+ year career as a professional joiner and builder, he’s perfectly placed to share his hints and tips for delivering high quality installations, as well as offering advice and support on running your own business.
“We’re always looking at new and innovative ways to broaden the reach of the show and, with more channels than ever to choose from, we’re excited to see how implementing a robust strategy in collaboration with online content creators helps us to reach and engage with new audiences who are also on the tools, such as housebuilders and developers.”
Sign up to see Robin and the wider FIT Show family when the event returns to the NEC Birmingham from 29 April – 1 May, 2025. Visitors can now register to attend for FREE at www.fitshow.co.uk
GGF a source of information and inspiration at this year’s FIT Show
The Glass & Glazing Federation’s enhanced presence at this year’s FIT Show will bring together in one place the increasing number of its latest initiatives and projects that are having an impact on its members. Partnering with Fensa, the stand (G40) will specifically focus on the latest information about the GGF’s recently launched online training platform, with a special appearance by its knowledgeable avatar Grace. Visitors will be able to see a demonstration of the platform and gain a clearer idea of what needs to be done to ensure its workforce remains fully MTC
compliant going into 2026.
Following the training theme, the GGF will also be sponsoring the show’s seminar programme, drawing attention to the importance of keeping up to date with changing work accreditations, competencies, technical innovations and overall industry knowledge. Over the three days it will host a number of talks and presentations to ensure visitors have access to the latest industry updates.
“The industry is going through a massive amount of change this year in an unpredictable
economic environment that has already proven to be very challenging,” commented GGF managing director Ben Wallace. “Training and filling the skills gap is going to be crucial when it comes to maintaining a robust position within the marketplace with a fully accredited, valued, workforce. Our members know that the opportunities available to them through the GGF Training platform will keep them ahead of the curve when it comes to proving competencies and stealing a march on the competition.”
As well as training for specific industry related competencies,
Ben Wallace, managing director, GGF
the GGF Training platform also has a wealth of courses across operational practices for window and glass companies. Visitors to the stand will be able to come away from the stand with a clearer idea of what they need to do to upskill themselves and their staff, and how that can be achieved through the GGF platform, according to the federation.
“The impact of the end of grandfather rights has not yet been felt, and there is still time to make the changes that will guarantee a smooth transition,” added Fensa operations director Lis Clarke. “The GGF Training platform completely simplifies the road to competency compliance in a way that is highly accessible and cost effective. At FIT Show we will be demonstrating to window companies how FENSA can structure a failsafe route for them through these complex changes”.
Also having a presence on the stand will be Installsure, the industry’s Insurance Backed Guarantee provider which is also celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
“In a challenging economic climate, protection against the unpredictable is more important than ever,” said Installsure’s director and head of insurance, Irene Akpojaro. “Our presence on the GGF stand will give window companies the opportunity to better understand how we can help build confidence and give reassurance.”
Finally, the GGF has also joined forces with Business Pilot to cohost the PiGs event on the GGF stand.
The GGF and Fensa will be available on stand number G40 throughout the three days of the show.
Business Pilot set to unveil new features at FIT Show 2025
Business Pilot has been announced as a returning exhibitor at the FIT Show 2025, unveiling new integrations and exclusive market insights that promise to transform the way installers manage their businesses, according to the company.
Amongst the launches will be new system integrations designed to streamline operations and give installers even greater control over their customer journeys, from initial lead capture to project completion and payment.
“We’re incredibly excited to return to the FIT Show in 2025”, said managing director Elton Boocock. “Over the past year, we’ve been working closely with our users and partners to develop integrations and tools that not only address their pain points but help them to seize new opportunities.
“These new launches will empower installers to make data-driven decisions with even greater confidence.”
According to the company, in addition to unveiling new
features, Business Pilot will provide exclusive analysis into key market trends that will reveal crucial insights into sales and leads within the industry. Visitors to the stand will have the opportunity to discuss how these trends can be turned into opportunities, with the support of Business Pilot’s reporting and forecasting tools.
Elton added, “The FIT Show is the perfect place for us to connect with our Business Pilot Community and showcase how Business Pilot continues to innovate. We’ll be demonstrating how our new features integrate seamlessly with existing workflows to make managing projects simpler and more efficient than ever.”
Visitors to the Business Pilot stand will also have access to live demonstrations, handson support, and expert advice on maximising the platform’s potential to drive profitability and growth.
Visit Business Pilot at stand G38 at the FIT Show, taking place 29 April – 1st May, 2025, at the NEC in Birmingham. www.businesspilot.co.uk
Morley Glass named Yorkshire Business of the Year Awards finalist
Uni-Blinds integral blinds manufacturer Morley Glass has been recognised by the Yorkshire business community for the achievements of its post-consumer IGU recycling initiative by being shortlisted in the Sustainability category of the Yorkshire Business of the Year Awards 2025.
Organised by one of the UK’s most popular and respected business news providers, BusinessDesk.com, the awards aim to celebrate the very best business successes from across the Yorkshire region. The thorough judging process aims to identify the companies that the judges believe are innovating, disrupting and thriving, and this has already involved a visit by
members of the judging panel to the Morley Glass HQ and manufacturing facility near Leeds back in September.
This visit enabled the awards judges to see for themselves how Morley Glass is successfully reducing the amount of waste glass generated by the UK’s window and door industry needlessly going to landfill, and raising funds to support good causes across Yorkshire in the process.
The initiative was developed back in 2021 by Morley Glass in conjunction with Saint-Gobain Glass. It has already generated around 2,000 tonnes of cullet (crushed glass) from postconsumer IGUs collected from
integral blind customers, who are able to divert their end-oflife glass away from the general waste skip into recycling.
The value of the cullet as a raw material for making new glass has enabled Morley Glass to create a fund to support charities, groups and individuals involved in environmental and social improvement projects. So far around 200 grants have been provided, for everything from primary school vegetablegrowing projects to a community theatre company which is working to bring together refugees, asylum seekers and settled communities.
Ian Short, managing director of Morley Glass said: “It is fantastic to be shortlisted for the Business of the Year Awards and we are already looking forward to the awards ceremony in February.
The glass recycling initiative, which has helped to divert more than 2000 tonnes of post-consumer glass away from landfill, is one of the key strands to the Morley Glass sustainability strategy.
The calibre of the finalists across all categories is extremely high, reflecting the outstanding levels of entrepreneurship and creativity we are fortunate to have in our region, so it is an honour to be shortlisted.”
The sustainability benefits that post-consumer IGU recycling delivers versus landfill disposal are far-reaching. To date, this volume of cullet has saved over 2,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions from the glass manufacturing process and over 1,100 ‘energy years’ – that is the amount of energy a typical home would use in a year. It has also saved the need for more than 2,600 tonnes of sand, the main virgin raw material used for glass production.
In addition to the recycling scheme for IGUs, Morley Glass also seeks to minimise waste by ensuring products are reused wherever possible. It diverts its empty steel drums, used by its sealant supplier, away from recycling into re-use through a partnership with a waste management specialist.
And the thousands of wooden boxes used by its integral blinds partner Pellini S.p.A. to supply ScreenLine products every year are donated to good causes. Local schools use them for art and design projects, and they are also an essential raw material for The PIECES Project, an inspirational initiative which is working to help young people to unlock their entrepreneurial and creative potential.
The Yorkshire Business of the Year Awards winners will be announced at a high-profile black tie awards evening in Leeds on 20th February 2025.
Find out more about the Morley Glass sustainability initiative and how to get involved if you are a Uni-Blinds integral blinds customer at www.morleyglass.co.uk
Schüco Excellence Awards 2025 open for entries
Schüco has announced that entries are now open for the 2025 Schüco Excellence Awards, launching the 12th year of this celebration of design innovation, technical expertise, and collaboration in the built environment.
Held in partnership with Architecture Today, the awards honour outstanding projects that incorporate Schüco aluminium and steel systems.
This year, entries are invited across eleven categories which reflect the breadth and diversity of the projects Schüco systems have helped bring to life. These include education, health, cultural and leisure buildings; commercial and mixed use; residential developments; individual houses; sustainability, and refurbishment and adaptive reuse projects.
In addition the judges will select one project as the Overall Winner, while the People’s Choice Award will be voted for by attendees at the awards
event.
Isabel Allen, editor of Architecture Today, returns as chair of the judging panel, and will be joined by eight industry experts, including engineers, architects, and façade consultants, several of whom have won an Excellence Award in previous years.
“What’s interesting about judging the Schüco Awards is that we don’t just have architects, we also have fabricator and façade specialists, it’s a melting pot of different perspectives and ideas,” comments Allen.
The winners will be revealed at an exclusive awards lunch on 26th June, hosted at The Pelligon, Canary Wharf, London. Attendees will enjoy a day of celebration and networking as the architectural and specialist contractor communities gather to honour this year’s most exceptional projects.
https://bit.ly/3ErwyzT
Window Ware celebrates another successful year of fundraising
Window Ware is celebrating the collective efforts of its team members, who have raised over £1600 for various charities and good causes throughout 2024.
Staff have actively participated in a wide range of fundraising initiatives, supporting campaigns such as
Red Nose Day for Comic Relief, Macmillan Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, Wear it Pink Day for Breast Cancer now, and the Bedford Starlight Hike in aid of Sue Ryder.
The company also extended its support to causes like Kelly’s
Reynaers team goes the extra mile for charity
Heroes and Harry’s Pals, and also rallied to raise funds for essential equipment for former colleague Seb Bousie, who lives with Motor Neurone Disease.
From bake sales and raffles to sponsored walks, every contribution has added up to a significant total, demonstrating the team’s commitment to giving back.
“I’m really proud of the team here at Window Ware,” says Sam Nuckey, Window Ware’s managing director. “Given the current cost of living, I know that everyone digging deep to contribute means so much. It’s not just about the final figure; it’s about the fact that everyone has made a real effort to support others when times are tough for many. That makes me feel incredibly proud and grateful to work alongside such an amazing bunch.”
www.windowware.co.uk
set themselves a challenge to walk the equivalent distance from Lands Ends to John o’ Groats.
Members of the team headed out on organised walks, submitted their weekly step counts, and shared photos of themselves completing the challenge.
Far surpassing the collective goal of 970km, the team achieved 2,003km – the equivalent of walking from Lands’ End to John o’ Groats, then from Reynaers’ Birmingham headquarters to its global head office in Duffel, Belgium, and halfway back too
Pedometers in hand, the team at Reynaers Aluminium UK have raised over £3000 for Birmingham Mind charity after clocking up more than 2000km in a collective
step challenge.
In line with the Reynaers Group strategy to support employee wellbeing, the Reynaers UK team
As a result of the step challenge and subsequent donations Reynaers has now donated £3050 to Birmingham Mind, which provides advice, information and support for people affected by mental health issues. Birmingham Mind also supported Pam Herbert in qualifying as the first Mental Health First Aider at Reynaers Aluminium UK..
The team at Reynaers Aluminium UK present Birmingham Mind with a donation of £3050