Window News Magazine March 2025

4 FDM calls for greater accountability in fire safety

74 Trading up door quality in tougher times

124 AluK gives further backing to apprenticeships

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Cover picture: Dispelling the myths around U-Values & Part L, read more on page 38

Nicola John, MD of FDM, part of UAP Ltd

Fire Door Maintenance calls for greater accountability in fire safety

Nicola John, managing director of Fire Door Maintenance, emphasised the need for greater accountability in fire safety, particularly in response to the ongoing Grenfell Inquiry and

proposed regulatory changes.

“Grenfell was a national tragedy and one that should never have happened. The Inquiry is a step forward, but regulations alone

don’t save lives accountability does,” said Nicola John.

“The recommendations made, including the creation of a single regulator and stricter licensing, are necessary, but the government must remember that safety can’t be a boxticking exercise. The industry must take full responsibility, because cutting corners and passing the buck is what got us here. I’m expecting more than politics or paperwork from Rayner’s speech this afternoon—our work here is about making sure no family suffers like Grenfell again. The government must go further, act faster, and enforce real change.”

Following the government’s response yesterday (26/02/2025), Nicola John acknowledged progress but stressed that further action is needed.

“The government’s response is a step in the right direction— but it doesn’t go far enough. Tougher rules are welcome, but real safety isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about making sure the right people are in place and have the skills and knowledge they need.”

She highlighted the gaps in fire safety legislation, particularly in defining clear career paths for key roles such as specifiers, inspectors, maintainers, and installers.

“We’re a long way from where we need to be. The industry doesn’t yet have a structured career path to guarantee that those responsible for critical safety measures have the skills and authority to do their job properly. That’s what we’re mapping out at FDM, offering specialist training and clear accreditation routes.”

While legislative changes such as the Building Safety Act aim to improve competency, Nicola

John warned that deeper cultural change is needed.

“While there’s a focus on fixing construction products, the real issue runs deeper—this is about behaviour, accountability, and a culture that has, for too long, put cost-cutting ahead of safety. The Building Safety Act’s move to demonstrate competence has started the process, but it’s not enough. We need a sharper

spotlight on those who sign off on unsafe buildings and those who knowingly cut corners.”

She concluded with a call for immediate, enforceable action: “There’s been a lot of talk about cultural change and empowering social housing, but talk doesn’t save lives. Industry-wide action does. The government must go further, act faster, and ensure these reforms lead to real, lasting

Glass and Glazing Federation Acquires Association of Composite Door Manufacturers

Ben Wallace, Managing Director, GGF

London, UK 27th February 2025 – The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) today announced the acquisition of the Association of Composite Door Manufacturers (ACDM). This acquisition will see all ACDM members seamlessly transition into

GGF membership, further strengthening the GGF’s position as the leading trade body for the glass and glazing industry in the UK.

This strategic move will provide significant benefits to both existing GGF members and the newly acquired ACDM members. By joining forces, the two organisations

change. We need legislation that forces the industry to act, not sweeping reforms that lack detail.”

As FDM continues to push for stronger fire safety measures, its mission remains clear: ensuring that those responsible for fire door safety are properly trained, accredited, and held accountable to prevent tragedies like Grenfell from happening again.

will create a more powerful and influential voice for the industry, advocating for best practices, promoting high standards and addressing the challenges facing the sector.

“We are delighted to welcome the ACDM into the GGF family,” said Ben Wallace, GGF managing director. “This partnership represents a significant step forward for both organisations and will allow us to better serve the needs of our members and the wider industry. By combining our strengths, we can create a more robust and influential voice for the sector.”

Russell Day, ACDM CEO added, “Joining the GGF presents a fantastic opportunity for our members. We believe that this partnership will provide access to a wider range of resources, services and support, enabling our members to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.”

The integration process will be seamless according to the GGF, with ACDM members automatically becoming GGF members who will form a technical committee on their behalf. The GGF will continue to provide its comprehensive range of services to all members, including technical support, training, advocacy and industry representation.

Forterro completes acquisition of Orgadata

L-R: Marcus Pannier, Line of Business President, Forterro and Bernd Hillbrands, Founder, Orgadata and Line of Business Managing Director, Forterro

After recent acquisition of BM Group, Forterro strengthens leadership in the window, door and façade industry

European software provider Forterro has successfully completed its acquisition of Orgadata AG, following regulatory approval, marking a major milestone in the company’s expansion into the window, door and façade industry. This deal follows the recent acquisition of BM Group, further strengthening Forterro’s footprint in the fenestration software market and creating significant opportunities for innovation and market growth.

With the completion of the Orgadata acquisition, Forterro now officially integrates Logikal, Orgadata’s software for designing, calculating and producing windows, doors and curtain walls, into its software portfolio. At the same time, the addition of BM Group, a UK and Ireland fenestration software

provider, brings complementary solutions such as Evolution and Touch, solidifying Forterro’s position as a dominant player in the industry, according to the company.

“This marks an exciting new chapter for Forterro,” said Marcus Pannier, president for all Lines of Business within Forterro.

“With Orgadata and BM Group now part of Forterro, we have an unmatched ability to serve the windows and doors market with industry-leading software technology. The combination of Logikal’s global footprint and BM Group’s expertise in fabrication and order processing solutions creates an incredible synergy that will drive digitalisation and efficiency for our customers.”

Entering a new market is a

strategic move that enhances Forterro’s capabilities, market reach and innovation potential. Orgadata’s strong presence across Germany and international markets, combined with BM Group’s deep expertise in the UK and Ireland, will enable Forterro to support manufacturers across multiple geographies with cuttingedge solutions.

“Together, we are creating a stronger, more connected ecosystem for the fenestration industry,” said Bernd Hillbrands, founder of Orgadata and managing director of this newly created Line of Business for Forterro. “Our goal is to continue innovating and providing customers with the best tools to digitalise their workflows, improve efficiency and stay competitive in an evolving market.”

Forterro’s expansion into the window, door and façade industry reflects its broader mission of powering the businesses that power the future. With an emphasis on scalability, customer success and software excellence, Forterro will continue investing in its newly acquired companies to accelerate their growth and enhance their product offerings, says the company.

“2025 is set to be a year of growth and transformation,” added Marcus Pannier. “Our commitment to supporting small and mid-sized craft and industrial businesses remains at the heart of everything we do. With Orgadata and BM Group, we are not just expanding our portfolio—we are reinforcing our ability to deliver meaningful solutions that help our customers succeed.”

With both acquisitions now finalised, Forterro is positioned as a leading software provider in the fenestration sector, setting the stage for continued growth, innovation and customer success in the years ahead, according to the company.

Trade Counter Mate partner with Glyngary to add timber

Trade Counter Mate has partnered with Glyngary for the supply of windows and doors. The premium quality timber manufacturer has provided the price point, sales tools, and expertise to enable Trade Counter Mate to push the opportunity forward.

Launching in Swindon in 2020 and now with multiple branches in the south of England, Trade Counter Mate has quickly become a market leading supplier of windows, doors and roofing systems to local installers, builders, and renovation specialists.

“We’ve been getting more and more enquiries for timber windows and doors so we knew it was time to expand our range to include

product range

this option,” says Andrew Davies, managing director at Trade Counter Mate.

“However, our mission is to only offer our network of customers the very best brands, so it was important that we found the right partner and Glyngary tick all the boxes – beautifully crafted products at the right price, along with all the sales tools and assistance that we need.”

Joe Trueman, shareholder at Glyngary Joinery, says: “This partnership presents a valuable opportunity for both parties and we are thrilled to support. More and more homeowners are exploring using natural building materials, and we’ve worked

hard on our branding & systems to position Glyngary perfectly to support re-sellers like Trade Counter Mate with ease. They already offer windows & doors in uPVC and aluminium so it feels only natural for them to close the loop by adding timber.

“Glyngary timber windows & doors are a premium product with a high average frame price and a high average order value. This provides ambitious branch managers with the ability to earn a much higher amount of gross profit when selling a house full of timber windows & doors, when compared to uPVC.

“Trade Counter Mate has been a dream to deal with so far, and we look forward to a prosperous relationship for years to come.”

To find out how you could partner with Glyngary, go to www.glyngary.co.uk

More information on Trade Counter Mate is available at www.tradecountermate.com

Glideline triples factory capacity to meet increased demand

Glideline has expanded its factory capacity to 30,000 sq/ ft – three times bigger than its current facility.

Chris Beedel

The expansion of its existing premises in Great Yarmouth comes after 12 months of significant growth for the nationwide aluminium manufacturer. Its ability to deliver slimline aluminium systems that accurately combine innovative design with ultra-low U-values are considered to be the main drivers for development, claims the company.

As well as helping to continue servicing demand among Glideline’s nationwide customers – especially for its slimline products, which saw a 40% surge in enquiries in 2024 – the expanded premises will aid in widening its product range to continue delivering on homeowner demands and changing legislation, says the company.

www.glideline.com

Fensa announces changes to board of directors as part of modernisation programme

Fensa has announced the publication of its revised Articles. The updated Articles have changed the composition and eligibility criteria of the Fensa board of directors, with the result that some current board members will be stepping down from their roles.

The revision of Articles, undertaken by Fensa and the Glass and Glazing Federation Group (of which Fensa is part), was conducted to reform Fensa’s governance framework, ensuring greater agility, alignment with the GGF Group’s strategic objectives, and compliance with industry best practice.

The position of Fensa board chair will be undertaken by Dave Broxton, managing director of Bohle Ltd for 13 years and current GGF board director. Dave will begin his

tenure as Fensa board chair on 12th February 2025.

Natalie Little, president of the GGF and chair of the group board of directors, said: “We are committed to the ongoing review and evolution of the whole GGF Group as we strive to be standard bearers of excellence in 21st Century glass and glazing. Updating the Fensa Articles is one element of our overall strategy to deliver the very best services in today’s market.

“I am delighted to welcome Dave Broxton as Fensa board chair and would like to express my sincere gratitude to those departing Fensa board members for their dedication, guidance, and contributions to Fensa during their tenure. We shall ensure a smooth transition and continuity in leadership as we move forward.”

Year 2024 Merchant value sales -4.1% down on 2023. But Q4 eases to -0.5% on Q423.

The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report reveals builders’ merchants’ value sales for Q4 2024 were down -0.5% compared to Q4 2023, as an increase in volume sales (+2.3%) was countered by a fall in prices (-2.7%). With one additional trading day in Q4 2024, like-for-like value sales (which take the number of trading days into account) were -2.2% lower.

Four of the twelve categories sold more in Q4 2024, led by Tools (+8.8%). Value sales of the two largest categories – Timber & Joinery Products (-2.6%) and Heavy Building Materials (-0.2%) – were down year-onyear. Renewables & Water Saving (-8.9%) was the weakest category.

Quarter-on-quarter builders’ merchants’ value sales for Q4 2024 were -13.9% lower than the previous three-month period.

Volume sales tumbled -15.6%, while prices were slightly raised (+2.0%). Value sales in just three categories were up compared to Q3 – these were Plumbing Heating & Electrical (+2.7%), Workwear & Safetywear and Renewables & Water Saving (+1.5%). Seasonal category Landscaping (-30.9%) was the weakest. With four less trading days in the most recent period, like-for-like value sales were down -8.2%.

Quarter 4 total value sales were given a boost by December sales, which were up +3.0% year-onyear. Volume sales climbed +7.4%, while prices fell -4.1%. Seven of the twelve categories sold more in value sales, led by Landscaping (+15.9%), Services (+8.8%), Tools (+8.6%) and Heavy Building Materials (+3.9%). Timber & Joinery Products (+0.1%) was flat.

December value sales were weak

compared to November (-32.5%) but this is in line with seasonal trends.

Total value sales for January to December were -4.1% lower than the same period in 2023. With three more trading days this year, like-for-like value sales were down -5.2%. Volume sales for 2024 were down -4.3% compared to last year, and prices were largely inline (+0.2%). Five of the twelve categories sold more in value, with Workwear & Safetywear (+10.8%), Tools (+6.7%) and Services (+3.0%) faring the best. Renewables & Water Saving (-24.0%), Timber & Joinery Products (-6.4%) and Heavy Building Materials (-5.5%) were weakest.

Mike Rigby, MD of MRA Research who produce this report, said: “The latest GB construction data from ONS shows a slight increase (+0.5%) in output in Q4 despite a -0.2% fall in December, and overall a modest +0.4% increase in output for 2024 compared to 2023. While this is the fourth consecutive year of annual growth, it may not feel like it for Merchants who were actually down -4.1% on value

sales year-on-year.

“Whether things change for the better in 2025 will hinge on a number of factors, including restoring consumer confidence to encourage spending on property and home improvement projects. Inflation may have dropped to 2.5% in December and there was also a cut to interest rates, but prices and outgoings are still considerably higher than they were pre-Ukraine war, putting continued pressure on household budgets.

“The latest Consumer Confidence Index from NIQ GfK shows a drop in all metrics at the turn of the year with the biggest drops being to people’s perception of the general economic situation over the next 12 months (-8). January’s overall index fell -5 points to -22 – the lowest it has been in over a year.

“Changing hearts and minds about how and where consumers spend their limited disposable income may require a change of tack. A report into what matters to today’s consumers, published by Capgemini Research Institute, showed that the cost-of living crisis was still driving people to seek out more affordable options and that sustainability was a critical factor in the purchasing decisions for 64% of those surveyed. Social media is an increasingly influential factor, particularly for Gen Z consumers.

“Interestingly, generative AI is now influencing more buying decisions with 58% of people choosing GenAI recommendations over traditional search engines. Demand for quick delivery has also surged.

“If Merchants are to earn a bigger slice of the pie, particularly while trading conditions remain tough, they may need to shake up their approach to engage with the way modern consumers – including trades and end users – want to buy.”

www.bmbi.co.uk

UAP amongst the first to certify 3* euro cylinders for new security standard

Greater Manchesterbased UAP Ltd, a leading manufacturer of door and window hardware, has become one of the first in the industry to achieve BSI KITEMARK TS0071:2024 certification for its 3* euro cylinders, setting the benchmark for security compliance.

With the latest PAS24:2022+A1:2024 security test standard introducing tougher attack methods including advanced freezing and gluing tests, UAP says its solutions are already tested, certified, and ready to go to market.

The updated test ensures locks can withstand extreme tampering, protecting against increasingly sophisticated break-in techniques. UAP says that while much of the industry is still adjusting to the new requirements, UAP has already delivered a fully compliant solution, giving fabricators and installers

a clear, stress-free path to meeting the new standard.

According to the company, with industry-first certification and a commitment to proactive security innovation, UAP continues to lead the way— giving fabricators and installers a competitive edge with readyto-go compliance solutions.

David Jennings, CEO at UAP Ltd, said: “We’ve been anticipating these changes for some time, which is why we’re not just meeting the new standard—we’re exceeding it. Our 3* euro cylinders have already achieved BSI KITEMARK TS0071:2024 certification, making compliance easy for fabricators and installers. No rushed decisions, no unnecessary costs, just fully tested, thirdparty approved solutions that keep our customers ahead of the curve.”

https://uaplimited.com/

David Jennings, CEO at UAP Ltd

Sternfenster records a record increase in customers in 2024

Trade fabricator, Sternfenster, gained more new businesses than ever in 2024, reporting a 22% increase in new customers.

“We celebrated our 50th anniversary last year,” said Sternfenster’s sales director, Nathan Court, “and we’ve picked up a lot of new business off the back of that.

“I think the way that we involved our customers in our celebrations demonstrated that we’re a partner, not just a supplier, for our customers. That approach has really helped us endure as a sustainable, reliable business over the last half century.”

The extensive support available to Sternfenster’s customers includes SF+, a unique online customer portal designed to help

installers run their business more efficiently. Last year also saw the launch of EasyAdmin+, a cloudbased quoting and delivery processing tool.

Featuring real-time integrated pricing, EasyAdmin+ can be used to create professional quotes, which, once converted to orders, are automatically programmed into Sternfenster’s manufacturing software. The information is sent straight to production without having to reenter data or re-confirm details, minimising errors, says the company.

EasyAdmin+ also gives installers access to Sternfenster’s CGI showroom and a suite of marketing tools; as well as registering, tracking and managing leads.

For fitters at the coalface, Sternfenster’s Quickglaze knock-in glazing bead is another popular innovation that helps installers reduce the time spent on site, maximising profitability. Available across a wide range of products including its aluminium bifold doors, patio doors and casement windows, Quickglaze allows installers to complete jobs quicker than ever, shaving hours off fitting times to ultimately benefit their bottom line, claims the company.

Nathan added: “There’s a lot of substance behind our brand, and that reassures people to come on board. Once new customers join us, they’re easy to retain because of the extensive support we offer, such as EasyAdmin+ and Quickglaze.

“The close relationship we have with installers, and understanding how we can make them more profitable, is key to our success. We’re always innovating to develop tools that make life easier for them – and that continues to be our priority as we embark on our next 50 years in business.”

www.sternfenster.com

KINETICA FREEZGUARD

A 3-star cylinder with BSI Kitemark security certification

Certified to PAS24:2022-A1:2024

Secured by Design accredited

Provides protection from multiplebreak-in techniques, including:

• Freezing

• Gluing

• Snapping

• Drilling

• Picking

• Bumping

Emplas

manufacturing

“UK’s lowest carbon window frame”

Emplas says it is now fabricating the UK’s lowest carbon window frame, a result of significant

investment to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels through renewable energy and a key advantage for

customers in a market that is increasingly looking to suppliers who can demonstrate sustainable manufacturing.

The installation of new solar panels by the leading trade fabricator means that it is now generating an additional 183,000kWh of clean energy a year, on top of the 30,000kWh it was already producing via existing solar installations, lowering its C02 emissions by up to 106,500kg per annum.

Emplas has also installed low energy LED lighting throughout its manufacturing facilities, as well as a new climate control system that has reduced energy used in heating by 40%. That’s in addition to new inverter driven compressors, reducing the energy to make air by 30% and the introduction of 100, low energy Raspberry Pi consuls, bringing down energy consumption compared to standard computers by 80%.

As a result of the measures now in place to lower its carbon footprint, in fabrication and excluding upstream manufacture, Emplas says it is now producing the lowest carbon window frame

Jody Vincent, sales director at Emplas

at approximately 3.73kg of C02 generated in manufacture.

Jody Vincent, sales director at Emplas, commented: “Over the last three years we have reduced the amount of energy to make a frame by over 40%, by scaling up our solar panel infrastructure but also by introducing efficiencies on the factory floor.

“The energy savings have been remarkable and combined with the use of renewable energy it means we can now make 28,522 frames per year, with zero impact on our manufacturing carbon emissions.”

In addition to substantial savings on energy usage, an upgraded Emplas delivery fleet with low emission Euro 6 engines has seen a 15% reduction in fuel, while new route planning software has saved a further 10% on pre-existing fuel usage – the equivalent of taking two vehicles a day off the road.

In February 2024, Emplas also introduced a successful and pioneering customer recycling scheme, in partnership with Polypure, Epwin Group’s recycling operation and the Saint-Gobain Glass Forever initiative, that is designed to make it much easier for installers to recycle postconsumer waste.

This is targeting the collection of 250 tonnes of material per year, in addition to the 40 tonnes of PVC-U and 15 tonnes of glass already recycled back into the supply chain via Emplas’ in-house scrap reduction scheme.

“As a leading UK manufacturer, we’ve taken our responsibility to sustainable operations very seriously,” concluded Jody. “It’s had a hugely positive impact on our carbon footprint, and it means we are now actively contributing to a circular economy, all of which also presents tangible benefits for our customers.”

www.emplas.co.uk

Eurocell opens flagship Sheffield branch

Eurocell is relocating its Sheffield branch to a larger site at the Attercliffe Common Trading Estate (S9 2DN), strengthening its commitment to trade professionals in the region. The move from its previous location at Newhall Industrial Estate marks Eurocell’s first flagship store.

Opening on 24th February, the new branch is designed as a one-stop shop for trade customers, featuring Eurocell’s most comprehensive product display in the area. A wide range of PVC-U windows and doors, conservatories, conservatory roofs, composite doors, rainwater and roofline solutions, as well as outdoor living products such as composite decking and fencing will be available to browse.

Trade professionals are

encouraged to sign up for a Eurocell Trade Account, unlocking perks such as fixed pricing and credit options across all branches, ensuring seamless and cost-effective purchasing nationwide, says the company.

Commenting on the new opening, branch sales manager Graeme Pritchard said: “This relocation allows us to better serve Sheffield’s trade professionals. Whether you’re collecting supplies or seeking expert product advice, our team is here to help. As Eurocell continues to grow, the company remains dedicated to providing high-quality building solutions, expert guidance, and sustainable products to trade professionals and homeowners alike.”

www.eurocell.co.uk

Anglo urges fabricators to

switch to cut-to-size

With just weeks to go until National Insurance contributions rise for employers, making it more expensive to employ staff, steel reinforcement specialist Anglo says that window fabricators can offset the added expense by switching to its cut-to-size service.

From April, National Insurance will jump from 13.8% to 15%.

Combined with the scheduled increase to the National Living Wage, employing staff over the age of 21, even in an entry level position, will cost employers close to 30K per employee, significantly impacting their bottom line.

“We’re expecting the market to improve this year, so fabrication businesses are currently faced with

service

David Evans

balancing increased operational costs while preparing for a potential uptick,” said David Evans, managing director, Anglo. “For some, that may result in staff cutbacks or delaying muchneeded investment but these measures both run the risk of leaving your business high and dry when things pick up.”

David points out that raising prices to meet increased costs could leave businesses uncompetitive, while switching to cheaper suppliers could compromise quality.

“The solution lies in working with trusted suppliers who can help streamline operations and reduce overheads,” David explained. “At Anglo, we deliver exceptional quality at competitive prices, and we go the extra mile by offering free use of a galvanisation meter to ensure the steel you order meets your specifications.

“With labour costs approaching £30K per employee, reducing labour-intensive processes like operating a saw can save tens of thousands of pounds annually,” he said. “Add to this the benefits of eliminating waste and minimising stock holding, and the value of our cut-to-size service becomes undeniable.

“The question isn’t whether you should partner with Anglo—it’s whether you can afford not to,” David concluded.

Warmer Roof commits to price freeze for 2025

Warmer Roof says it acknowledges the challenges posed by the current economic climate. With rising inflation, increasing energy bills, and tighter household budgets, many businesses in the industry are facing difficult decisions.

In response, Warmer Roof has announced a price freeze for the entirety of 2025.

Many companies across the

glazing industry have been forced to pass rising costs onto their customers, making it harder for trade professionals to operate. Warmer Roof is taking a different approach. By maintaining current prices throughout 2025, the company aims to provide financial stability and give customers the confidence to continue growing their businesses.

Luca Muspratt, business director at Warmer Roof, said: “As one of

the UK’s leading manufacturers of conservatory and extension solid roofs, and the largest timber manufacturer in the sector, Warmer Roof has built its reputation on reliability, quality, and customer service. The company’s goal is to provide the most comprehensive roof solution on the market— competitively priced, expertly serviced, and delivered as a complete system, week in, week out.

“This price freeze is more than just a financial decision; it’s a testament to our commitment to our customers and the industry. Tried, tested and trusted is what we say, and that we are. LABC certified, tested stringently to meet building requirements and trusted by hundreds of customers nationally. Expert advice and technical assistance at every step of the way makes fitting

Warmer Roof a friendly and easily accessible product to introduce to your customers, fitting an ever-growing market of replacing redundant conservatory roofs. “

Committed to long-term partnerships, Warmer Roof has introduced this initiative to help customers build on a solid foundation for the year ahead. Luca concluded: “In 2025, trade professionals can rely on Warmer Roof to deliver the same exceptional quality and service— at the same price. The company believes that when its customers succeed, the industry as a whole benefits.

“For more information on our 2025 price freeze and our Warmer Living range of products, contact our team today.”

https://warmerroof.com/

Senior celebrates a decade of PURe innovation

Senior Architectural Systems is marking another major milestone – ten years of its patented, award-winning PURe system.

Back in February 2015, Senior set new standards for low U-value aluminium windows and doors by creating a system that was the first to the UK market to feature an enhanced thermal barrier made from expanded polyurethane foam (PUR). The innovative use of this material, which is traditionally used in cladding and insulation, gives PURe the potential to achieve U-values as low as 0.71 W/m²K for windows and 0.93 W/m²K for doors, significantly improving energy efficiency and reducing heat loss, according to the company.

Senior went on to be awarded a UK patent (GB252363.8) for its PURe system and soon extended the range to cater to both commercial and residential markets. Senior added further strength to the range in 2019 with the launch of

the PURe Commercial Door – the manufacturer’s largest, strongest and most flexible aluminium door system to date. Most recently, in 2023, Senior collaborated with supply chain partner and composite door supplier Hallmark Doors and Panels Ltd to develop a new residential entrance door that combines the patented PURe thermal efficiency with PAS 24 security.

Senior has also made significant investments in its manufacturing capabilities. In late 2022, Senior opened its new Thermal Improvement Facility in Rotherham – this has taken the company’s overall UK manufacturing capacity to 220,000 square feet and significantly boosted production of its PURe windows and doors.

Commenting, Senior’s managing director Mark Wadsworth said: “Over the last ten years, our PURe system has not only transformed the aluminium fenestration market but has also helped our customers meet increasingly stringent energy efficiency targets. The fact that we developed PURe in 2015 to exceed current building regulations allowed us to give our customers a tried, tested and trusted solution when the stricter U-values came into force. As sustainability and energy efficiency continue to dominate building designs across the sectors, we are committed to continuing to evolve our PURe range to support our customers, from developing new designs to the greater use of low-carbon aluminium. PURe was a gamechanger when it was launched, and now, ten years on, it is still leading the way.”

www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk

England’s Least Efficient Homes Offer

Key Retrofit Opportunity

Over 56% of the total properties in England have below-average energy efficiency, presenting a major opportunity for the window and door industry to identify where to target retrofit projects and how they can optimise marketing to homeowners – according to new research from Eurocell.

To examine the scale of inefficient housing stock in England, Eurocell analysed national Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) data, revealing

the regions most in need of urgent efficiency upgrades and demonstrating where the biggest opportunities are for fabricators and installers to support homeowners in upgrading their property’s energy performance.

EPC data lays bare the scale of the challenge

It’s no secret that England has an ageing housing stock that needs modernising to today’s energy efficiency standards. But Eurocell’s analysis reveals that there are 32 areas that have a portion of properties with a below average EPC rating (D to G), above 65 per cent – with Isles of Scilly topping the list with 84.90 per cent – laying bare the scale of the challenge the industry faces.

A further 232 areas in England out of a total of 308 analysed, also have a portion of properties with a below average EPC rating, at above 50 per cent.

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The 32 areas with a portion of properties with a below average EPC rating above 65 per cent

Gary Driscoll, sales and commercial director at Eurocell, says its analysis gives the fenestration industry a real marketing opportunity at a time when market conditions are a challenge; “Our research into EPC data paints a clear picture of where in England fabricators and installers – especially those with national networks or those that operate in large regions – have a big opportunity to target specific postcodes and help educate those homeowners on the energy performance of their home, how they can improve it and why it’s important to do so. This can create new business opportunities at a time when the market is still subdued.”

In Q4 of 2024, Oxford Economics revealed in its own analysis that prospective buyers expect meaningful discounts on properties with poor energy performance, with homes rated F or G typically selling for 7.4% less compared to D-rated properties. Taking the average house price in England at £309,000, a poor energy performance could shave almost £23,000 off the asking price – while those homes with a high energy-efficient home (A or B rated) compared with Band D were shown to attract offers of 3.4% more.

Gary continues; “This analysis coupled with Eurocell’s EPC research, offers a real talking point for window and door businesses to demonstrate to homeowners the impact upgrading can have on the future sale of their home – of course alongside the benefits for bills in the short term and reducing the carbon footprint of their home, a compelling argument can be made for the growing importance of improving glazing.”

Where are England’s least energy-efficient homes?

According to Eurocell’s research, Eden in

Cumbria has the highest proportion of least energy-efficient housing in England. 4,319 (17%) of the 24,361 homes here are classed as either an F or G on the rating scale.

Other areas with higher portions of housing with the least energy-efficient performance ratings include:

• West Devon: 15.83% of homes rated F or G, many relying on costly oil or solid-fuel heating systems.

• Cornwall: 14.91% of homes fall into the lowest energy bands, worsened by ageing properties and damp coastal climates.

• Ryedale: 15.04% of homes in and around the North York Moors fall into the lowest efficiency bands.

Barriers to improvements remain emphasising the importance of industry partnerships

The latest data from the ONS on energy-related home improvements found one in three adults still say cost is the reason why they don’t consider investing in efficiency upgrades. To maximise leads, Eurocell believes fabricators and installers need to work closely with their profile partners to capitalise on postcodes that are more likely to return projects. Gary adds;

“We know there is a cost challenge in the short term for homeowners to undertake improvement projects but we believe fabricators and installers can work closely with their profile supplier to navigate these challenges and optimise their marketing to generate more leads. We are at a crossroads where homeowners understand the importance of reducing their home’s carbon footprint and have the desire to do so, so there is still a big opportunity out there for the industry.”

In 2024, Eurocell launched a new programme of support for its fabricator network, ‘Eurocell Grow’ to help fabricators grow their business and stand out in their markets – a full list of benefits for fabricators can be found here. For more information about Eurocell’s EPC research, visit here.

Methodology

Eurocell analysed data from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities which contains figures for every household in England and Wales. The number of ratings was contrasted with the number of properties to determine which areas have the best/worst homes in England in terms of energy efficiency. Data correct as of December 2024.

Stellar Aluminium launches two new profiles

Stellar Aluminium has just launched two new sash profiles that will further extend the appeal of this aluminium system. The Stellar Heritage Casement has been designed for projects needing the aesthetics of traditional steel windows. The Stellar Casement is the answer for projects where a rebated contemporary aesthetic is needed, says the company.

Phil Parry, technical director at Epwin Window Systems, said: “Stellar Aluminium continues to build a strong presence in the market, thanks to its outstanding credentials and ability to add value. As we looked at the system’s next stage of development, our focus was on expanding its benefits and unlocking new market opportunities. Our

latest investment has further enhanced its versatility, ensuring Stellar appeals to an even broader range of projects.”

The two new window sash profiles will join the Flush Tilt & Turn Window, Flush Casement Window, Fully Flush Casement Window, Bay Window, Flush Residential Door, French Doors, the Lift & Slide Door, Slimline Bifold Door and the Inline Sliding Door. Together, they offer a whole house solution that brings a wealth of benefits for consumers, fabricators and installers, claims the company.

According to the company, every product is compliant with the thermal efficiency requirements of Part L without additional foam inserts. Intelligent and patented design

elements future-proofs the system for more stringent thermal efficiency requirements in the future too.

All products meet the security requirements of PAS 24:2022 and Part Q of Building Regulations. They can also be upgraded to meet Secured by Design requirements for additional security reassurance.

Stellar Aluminium offers slim sightlines that put all the focus on the glazing. Every profile is coated to the Qualicoat Seaside specification in the in-house powder coating paint, where every process is designed for excellence. .

Phil concluded: “We developed Stellar to be the future of aluminium systems. We are also committed to continuously investing in the system to continue to meet the needs of the market, as these two new profiles demonstrate.”

www.stellaraluminium.co.uk

Total Hardware opens new headquarters

In the latest chapter of its growth strategy, independent hardware supplier Total Hardware has just moved into new purposebuilt premises in Leeds. Chris Pell, general manager at Total Hardware, said: “This is a great start to our 21st year in business! Our new headquarters doubles our capacity, positioning us to meet future demand and continue our legacy of quality and service.”

Chris continues, “The new purpose-built offices and warehousing distribution centre is ten times the size of the original Total Hardware premises, stocking the complete Total Hardware portfolio. The move is somewhat over-due as we have customers waiting to come on board with us, but we had to be certain the move was conducted

without any disruption to existing customer supply, which I am delighted to say was the case. The new facility allows us the additional capacity for growth, increasing stock holding and allowing product range expansion as the company continues to develop its extensive range of in-house designed and tested products”.

The hardware specialist organisation started in 2004 growing to now become the largest independently owned hardware suppliers in the industry, claims the company.

Chris attributes the company’s continued success to its customer-focused commitment. He commented: “We always say we’re as passionate about the

service we offer as we are about the quality of our products. It’s taken us to where we are today.”

To ensure service continually exceeds customer expectations, the company believes in continuous investment in its infrastructure, as this latest move demonstrates. It allows Total Hardware to hold bespoke stocks for its growing customer base, smoothing market fluctuations and continuing to provide OTIF levels on next day deliveries nationwide, according to the company.

Chris concluded: “We’re proud to say we’ve been the preferred hardware supplier for several of our customers since the very beginning of the Total Hardware story. We’re looking forward to continuing to serve them from our new premises – and to continuing our growth by bringing everything we have to offer to even more customers.”

www.totalhardware.co.uk

Tiled Roof System

The ultimate timber roof system designed for conservatories and extensions. The ‘Warm Roof’ design was conceived through the use of a unique modular system providing the most ‘fitter friendly’ roof system on the market. With so many customisable features your Warmer Roof will transform any home providing useable living space all year round.

Flat Roof System

All Warmer Room Carcass Kits are manufactured with precision and supplied with personal assembly drawings for a quick and easy installation. Delivered in Kit form, our modular system provides you with an insulated shell, ready to be customised to your taste and budget.

S1 Roof Lantern

Units

Our innovative design with minimal components offers a stress-free installation to all installers whilst providing truly stunning results. All of our slim aluminium capping’s are power coated in anthracite grey for a clean classic look with an internal frameless design offering increased natural light.

Nine Zero achieves SBD accreditation

Nine Zero Timber Windows and Doors has achieved Secured By Design (SBD) accreditation, which the company says reinforces its position at the forefront of secure, sustainable and forward-thinking construction.

This latest achievement means Nine Zero’s timber products not only meet but exceed the rigorous security standards expected in today’s high-performance building projects, offering a competitive edge for trade professionals, architects, and specifiers – and even more assurance for today’s increasingly savvy homeowners.

While the industry is acquainted with SBD, Nine Zero says it is adding the accolade and stringent criteria to its advanced CNC manufacturing processes, FSC-certified sustainable timber solutions, exceptional quality products, expertise and advice –to set a new standard in a rapidly evolving and highly competitive market.

“Achieving SBD accreditation is a significant milestone for Nine Zero, in an equally significant time,” says company director, Steve Winscott.

“At a moment when building

Steve Winscott

regulations and consumer demands are progressing at pace, adding the SBD stamp of approval to our portfolio proves we’re ready for the challenges ahead. Today’s trade professionals, architects, and specifiers need compliant solutions that add real value to their projects – and homeowners expect high security as a given.

“Working closely and tirelessly with SBD means Nine Zero can offer the powerful combination of secure design, sustainable materials, energy efficiency and beautiful, bespoke craftsmanship that is built to last.” https://nine-zero.co.uk/

Modplan introduces new product traceability codes

Trade fabricator Modplan has introduced a new QR code labelling system across all its window and door frames, providing instant, full traceability for installers and streamlining

on-site processes, says the company.

By simply scanning the QR code with a mobile device, installers can instantly access essential

product details, including the CE/UKCA mark, the U-Value certificate to the size and specification, including the glass, finish and hardware.

Liam Isaac, head of sales & marketing at Modplan, said: “Installation sites are fast-paced environments where keeping track of paperwork can be a challenge. Our QR code system eliminates that hassle—installers just scan the code and get all the information they need in seconds. No mix-ups, no delays—just efficiency.”

The introduction of the QR code labelling is the latest in Modplan’s ongoing commitment to delivering practical, valueadded solutions for its customers.

The company offers one of the widest range of PVC-U windows, doors and conservatory roofs all designed to help customers give the end user the solutions they seek. In addition, the Newportbased business provides a suite of services designed to support customers at every stage. This includes the ControlHub system which offers real-time order tracking, providing full visibility across Modplan’s multiple manufacturing sites to ensure seamless project management. Reliable deliveries are made using Modplan’s dedicated fleet, guaranteeing products arrive on time and in perfect condition.

To further support its trade partners, Modplan also offers tailored marketing and business support, helping customers maximise their return on investment within their budget.

Liam added: “At Modplan, we’re always looking for ways to exceed customer expectations. The introduction of QR codes is just one example of how we’re enhancing efficiency and making life easier for our customers.” www.modplan.co.uk

Premier Arches celebrates 20,000th order milestone

Premier Arches has reached a significant milestone by fulfilling its 20,000th order in February.

Since its inception, Premier Arches has established itself as a trusted partner for fabricators, installers and branch networks, providing precision-engineered, bespoke uPVC arched and angled frames. This latest achievement highlights the company’s rapid growth and continued commitment to quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction, claims the company.

“Reaching our 20,000th order is a fantastic milestone for the business and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team over the last 10 years,” said Sean Greenall, managing director

of Premier Arches.

“Our success has been built on three core principles: exceptional manufacturing quality, honest customer service, and making life easy for our customers. By sticking to these core principles, we’ve developed strong partnerships across the industry and cemented our reputation as the go-to supplier for arched and shaped frames.”

Premier Arches has experienced significant growth by focusing on quality and service, ensuring its customers receive bespoke, high-quality frames with minimal hassle. The company has also invested heavily in its machinery, processes and technology, making it easier than ever for

fabricators, installers and branch networks to order complex frames with confidence, says the company.

Sean added: “This is just the beginning for us. With increasing demand for bespoke shaped frames, we’re committed to expanding our capabilities and continuing to provide the industry with the best possible products and service. We are continuously developing our online pricing and ordering portal, and with plans to implement AI this year, our customers will see some very exciting developments that will significantly help with the process of ordering angles and arches.”

According to the company, Premier Arches enjoyed 18% year on year sales growth in 2024 which has come from a combination of new customers joining and existing customers selling more arches.

“This growth, in what has been a difficult year for the industry, is testament to our efforts to continually develop and improve the business in line with our three core principles,” adds Sean.

www.premierarches.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

The dust is settling

By Neil Cooper-Smith, Senior Analyst, Business Pilot

February’s data tells us a clear story: the market is stabilising after a strong start to the year, but caution is still shaping buying behaviour. While demand remains solid, we are seeing slight slowdowns in key areas, reinforcing the need for installers to focus on efficiency and value-driven sales strategies.

Leads dropped 15.7% to an average of 104 in

February – a natural dip after January’s surge. This isn’t a cause for concern: it’s an expected stabilisation following the traditional New Year boost in enquiries. What’s important is that interest remains higher than December levels, showing that homeowners are still engaged in the market.

Sales tell a similar story, dipping from 48.7 in January to 47.6 in February. This suggests that whilst homeowners are still purchasing, they are taking a little longer to commit, which is also reflected in a 2.7% drop in conversion rates in February. While not drastic, this highlights a level of hesitancy from homeowners who may be factoring in high living costs, inflation, and potential interest rate movements before making a final decision.

We know that affordability remains a priority for homeowners, and this is reflected in the 6.5% drop in average order value from £3,943 in January to

£3,688 in February. Consumers are seemingly looking for ways to make their budgets stretch further, opting for mid-range solutions rather than premium upgrades.

On a more positive note, February lead times remained stable at 22.7 days. This consistency suggests that while homeowners may be more cautious about committing, those who do proceed are making decisions at a similar pace to January. As we move into the busier spring period, maintaining this momentum will be key to sustaining overall market performance.

In conclusion, the message is clear: homeowners still want to invest in their properties, but they are becoming more selective. Installers who focus

on delivering value, flexible finance options, and efficiency in operations will be in the strongest position to win business. With interest rates still at 4.75%, potential rate cuts later in the year could unlock more spending power, but for now, maintaining momentum will require a strategic approach.

At Business Pilot, we believe this reaffirms why having complete visibility over your sales pipeline, conversion rates, and job scheduling, is essential. In a market where consumer behaviour is shifting, having the right data at your fingertips allows you to act decisively, adjust strategies in real time, and maximise every opportunity.

For more information visit www.businesspilot.co.ukk

The secret to success in 2025?

As we enter 2025, Hurst stands prepared to navigate a competitive and evolving market with a bold and proactive strategy. Mark Atkinson, sales director at Hurst, shares how the company is setting new standards to support customer success in the year ahead.

2024 presented significant challenges, yet according to Hurst, they have emerged stronger, thanks to a strategic focus on resilience and adaptability. While the economic landscape tested many businesses, Hurst’s ability to maintain steady order levels highlights its commitment to delivering value and trust in every interaction.

“Our strategy for 2025 is not just about reacting to market conditions,” explains Mark Atkinson, Sales Director. “It’s about actively leading with innovation, supporting our customers, and reinforcing our reputation for quality. We’re not just surviving;

we’re setting the stage for longterm growth and success.”

Strategic product development

Staying ahead of market trends is at the core of Hurst’s approach. The past year saw significant investments, including a £200,000 upgrade to the company’s paint shop and the launch of new composite door styles and glass ranges.

Looking forward, Hurst has plans to introduce innovative developments that cater to niche customer demands, whether it’s enhanced security, a range of new door styles, or expanded colour

options.

“We’re not just launching products; we’re delivering solutions that help our customers stay competitive and secure new business,” says Mark. “Our proactive approach ensures we’re meeting customer needs today while anticipating tomorrow’s challenges.”

These new offerings reflect Hurst’s dedication to anticipating future legislation and evolving customer preferences. By proactively addressing these trends, Hurst is delivering value

Hurst sales director, Mark Atkinson

and setting a benchmark for the industry.

Championing the customer journey

Hurst is equally committed to enhancing the customer experience. Investments in team development and additional resources have strengthened customer support, while the Hurst Live platform equips customers with tools to streamline their processes. This 24/7 service offers real-time updates, instant quoting, and efficient order management—enabling customers to maintain control and efficiency.

“We’re dedicated to making our customers’ lives easier by providing them with the tools and support they need to thrive,” adds Mark.

Hurst’s marketing support package—integrating print, video, and digital tools—is designed to help customers showcase their offerings effectively and grow their businesses.

Reinforcing quality and trust

With a dedicated department ensuring rigorous quality control and full accreditation, Hurst continues to set the bar high for reliability and trust.

“Quality isn’t just a department for us—it’s a mindset. It’s why customers choose Hurst and stay with us,” says Mark.

By emphasising quality at every stage of the process, Hurst reinforces its reputation as a trusted partner. This commitment ensures that customers can depend on Hurst to deliver

products and services that meet the highest standards.

Leading the way in 2025

As Hurst looks ahead, its focus remains clear: investing, developing, and leading. By delivering innovative solutions, enhancing the customer journey, and maintaining the highest quality, Hurst is poised to help its customers achieve success in 2025 and beyond.

“We’re not cutting corners or playing it safe,” concludes Mark. “We’re investing in the future, ensuring that Hurst and our customers stay at the forefront of the industry.”

“By partnering with the right suppliers, we can make a success out of 2025.”

www.hurstdoors.co.uk

What will happen to the window and door industry in this year?

The window and door industry faces a distinct set of challenges at the start of 2025 – but also as Jody Vincent, sales director at Emplas explains, major opportunities for growth.

“There is a difference between reality and perception”, argues Jody Vincent, sales director at Emplas. “A lot of people ended last year feeling that things were fairly tough. Taken as a year as a whole, the market was, however, broadly up – around 10-13% based on our analysis.

“That’s something that we need to keep in mind at the start of this year. There are some clear headwinds, the increase in national insurance and still low consumer confidence – but the long-term outlook is more positive – even if we’re going to need to hang tough at the start

of the year.”

Jody argues that the somewhat pessimistic flavour to the start of 2025 can be attributed to an accelerated and prolonged seasonal drop in sales and leads at the end of last year, particularly in the period surrounding the Autumn Budget.

This relates to two significant governmental policy changes, which he suggests have negatively impacted business, namely the National Minimum Wage Increase and National Insurance (NIC) Increase.

Rising from £11.44 to £12.21 per hour for workers aged 21+ from April this year for a fulltime staff member (37.5 hours/ week), it introduces an annual

wage increase of £1,502 per employee .

Industry will also have to absorb a second ‘hit’ with National Insurance increase which is also rising from 13.8% to 15%, while the threshold for employer NICs drops from £9,100 to £5,000 per annum. As an illustration this means that a business employing workers at £25,000/ year will see an additional annual cost of £804.60 per employee

“It’s a significant impact for business”, Jody continues. “We have very few employees on National Minimum Wage, but in common with all businesses, the increase in National Insurance will inevitably increase our employment costs.

“We’ll continue to look for efficiencies from within our own operations. The investments we have made in the last year and that we will continue to make in our operation this year, allow us to minimise the impact of those changes on our customers – but it is tough.

“For those fabricators who are heavily reliant on labour and have perhaps under-invested in their machinery, then I think it is going to be difficult.”

Jody Vincent, sales director at Emplas

Emplas has tackled many of these challenges head-on by investing heavily in automation, manufacturing efficiencies. In March 2024, it opened a new 25,000 sq. ft. dedicated door manufacturing facility at its Wellingborough hub.

This was aligned to the expansion of its composite door offer including the launch of the new 44mm timber cored BritDor composite door range, which now joins Emplas’ Original highly energy efficient foam

cored DoorCo offer, and the top of the range, hybrid timber/foam core GripCore composite –giving installers the opportunity to sell at three distinct price points.

The creation of a dedicated composite door facility also allows for greater production capacity, efficiency improvements, and better cost control . In moving door production into a separate unit, it has given Emplas flexibility to redesign its main factory to eliminate inefficiencies, ensuring higher output while mitigating rising labour costs

This was accompanied by further investment in advanced automation to cut manufacturing costs and increase quality. This includes the addition of two further Stuga ZX5 automated sawing and machining centres, which add 1,600 frames per week (fpw) in cutting and machining capacity

With advanced rotary tooling with high-speed spindles, enabling precise machining they reduce wastage and further improve overall product quality.

“We’re investment-led, but the timing of the restructure of our manufacturing facility and its expansion has been very important in giving us an exceptionally solid foundation for this year. Given the wider economic context is important, as I’m not convinced all installers can be quite as confident in their supply chain.”

Jody, however, argues that despite challenges, 2025 presents opportunities for continued market expansion, especially with a projected 6.9% growth in new residential construction following a 7.1% contraction in 2024 . The overall construction sector is forecast to grow by 2.9%, offering a

more optimistic landscape.

And while consumer and business confidence may remain fragile, longer-term economic and housing market predictions for 2025 offer some ground for optimism.

The UK economy is set to grow between 1.2% (Goldman Sachs) and 1.6% (IMF) in 2025. Inflation has been brought down to 2.5% in December 2024, and is expected to average 2.6% in 2025 before stabilising

“There’s an expectation that the Bank of England (BoE) will cut interest rates” Jody continues, “with predictions that rates could drop from 4.75% to as low as 3.75% by the end of the year, making mortgages more affordable.

“That’s leading to a more positive outlook for the housing market which is projected to grow between 2.5% (Knight Frank) and 4% (Savills and Rightmove) this year, driven by lower mortgage rates and a limited housing supply

“That’s another very positive area of medium to longer term opportunity – Government targets for housing.

“The Government has committed to targets for housing, aiming to deliver 1.5 million new homes by 2030 (300,000 per year). That will translate into increased activity in Q3 and Q4, and through into 2026.

“The picture may be mixed at present. The housing market recovery, government homebuilding targets, and falling interest rates will, in the longerterm, support industry growth.

“We’re investing for that future so that our customers continue to win business and grow.” www.emplas.co.uk

Time to reframe the fabricator model?

By Martin Nettleton, Managing Director, Euroglaze

In a year when the overall market was estimated to be down by as much as 20%, the turnover of the Euroglaze group in 2024 was up by almost the same amount.

Clearly, we’re doing something right. Our relentless focus on lean manufacturing processes over the past two decades has certainly put us in a very strong position in terms of efficiency and cost control and has enabled us to build an outstanding reputation for quality and consistency.

But I would argue that, following

the demise of so many big industry names over the past couple of years, the business model for a successful fabricator – certainly in PVC-U – has changed dramatically, and it is businesses like ours that are the ones now benefiting.

The volume white casement market is diminishing fast. Margins are vanishingly thin all the way down the supply chain, and fabricators who are just chasing that business are running out of road.

Instead, the opportunities and

the growth are coming in the mid volume market, and more specifically in what were long considered to be niche market products, but where demand is now growing fast, and margins are fairly robust.

Euroglaze can justifiably claim to be a ‘One Stop Shop’ for Rehau products, and our range includes everything from the Rauferno fire rated window to the Slinova patio. We fabricate the Rehau Heritage vertical slider, the Rehau Rio flush window and door range, and both fully reversibles and pivot windows in Rehau Total 70 – products which many of our competitors overlook.

We also offer Liniar frames, including the patio and bifold and the Resurgence double rebated flush window.

And over and above that, we have a sister company called Ecotec Windows which supplies high end windows and doors from the likes of Internorm, Solarlux, Rationel and Velfac.

The received wisdom used to be that low volume, niche products disrupted your production, clogged up your factory and warehouse, and distracted your sales team, but Euroglaze’s ongoing success has turned that on its head.

We have a supremely efficient manufacturing and logistical operation which means we can offer a three day turnaround using our customer focused Windows on the Web ordering system and stock sizes of fire rated windows in just five days, without sacrificing margins.

The bulk of our new business enquiries come from customers who recognise the opportunities that exist to sell niche products into the higher end of the

Continued on page 38

Eliminates glazing slip, resulting in fewer call backs

Protects against the elements, simple push-fit assembly

Perfectly colour matched, single point of guarantee

Continued from page 36

market, but whose existing trade fabricator’s business model isn’t allowing them to take advantage of those.

Unsurprisingly perhaps, we don’t just supply installers and third party stockists with these kinds of products, we supply other trade fabricators as well –and we are more than happy to continue doing so.

The Ecotec side of our business gives us an incredibly useful insight into where the window and door market is heading. We know that trends from the top end of the market gradually filter down to the mainstream, and Ecotec enables Euroglaze to stay ahead of those trends as we identify the next opportunities.

For instance, we could see the growing popularity of the sliding patio vs the bifold well in advance – hence our decision to start fabricating the Rehau Slinova patio door before anybody else.

The boundaries between high end and mainstream are arguably becoming more blurred as well, and we’re starting to see some cross selling between our two businesses – we certainly don’t lose sales because we don’t have a product to offer at the right specification or the right price point.

Euroglaze was once considered an outlier in the trade market with our determination to offer as wide a product range as possible – but we are already seeing other fabricators following our lead, and I have no doubt that the proven success of this business model we will see many more follow during the course of 2025.

https://www.euroglaze.co.uk/

Dispelling the myths around U-Values & Part L

By Paul Booth, R&D Director, AluK

During the last quarter of 2024, it was good to see so many people agreeing with AluK in the media on the topic of U-Value compliance (or lack of it!) in this industry. We led the way in pointing out that some of the calculations being cascaded down the supply chain by other systems companies simply didn’t add up. I’d like to think it’s a lack of knowledge that’s behind some of the issues that we see and not a case of companies trying to play the system; but either way, we’re pleased that there now seems to be a real groundswell of support for our view that suppliers need to be doing much more to make sure customers aren’t risking

non-compliance by relying on information which is simply not accurate.

Even beyond the issue of miscalculations though, there are still some myths circulating about how you can achieve compliance, which I also think it’s important for us to correct:

Myth 1

Energy ratings (DSERs and WERs) can be used to show Part L compliance for new build developments.

Wrong! Energy ratings can only be used for replacement product installations and in extensions.

Myth 2

The CEN standard window shown in BS EN 14351 (1230 x 1480 single opener) can be used to demonstrate compliance with U-Values.

Wrong! There is no option to use the CEN standard configuration window in Part L. U-Values should be assessed using the methods set out in the Building Research Establishment’s BR443 and applied to both the glass and the frame. For windows in dwellings, that means either calculated using the actual size and configuration, or calculated for a standard 1230 x 1480 window with one of the following standard configurations:

a central vertical divider and one fixed and one opening light for a casement

a central horizontal divider with one fixed and one opening light

for a vertical sliding sash no divider for a roof window

Myth 3

Bifold doors can be shown to comply via the U-Value route using a French door sample configuration.

Wrong! Part L states ‘When a single U-Value is calculated for a product range of doors, the configuration of the door chosen for the calculation should be the worst performing in the product range. The calculation has to be carried out either using the actual size and configuration of the door or using one of the following standard sizes:

1.23m (+/-25%) wide x 2.18m (+/-25%) high for doors less than 3.6m2

2.00m (+/-25%) wide x 2.18m (+/-25%) high for doors more than 3.6m2

Myth 4

I don’t need a CE/UKCA mark for windows and doors which I place on the market, provided they comply with Building Regs (inc Part L)

Wrong! All windows and doors placed on the market in the UK must be CE/UKCA marked and thermal performance is one of the essential characteristics which must be declared on that mark. This is a legal requirement.

AluK is committed to driving up standards right across the industry – and compliance is a major part of that. We recognise that Part L is challenging, but it’s certainly not insurmountable. Sliding doors, for instance, are fairly difficult to improve due to the thermal breaks in the sashes and frames being off-set from each other. However, there are many modern systems out there, such as our new S140 Lift and Slide system, which have been developed with various thermal break enhancements to enable them to comply with existing and future Building Regulations. On the other hand, there are some systems that have been around for many years which don’t have the same enhancements – and it’s difficult to see how these systems comply.

Full details on all of AluK’s third party accredited Part L compliant products – all calculated to the correct sizes and configurations are at: uk.aluk.com/en-gb/products

AluK R&D director, Paul Booth

Urban mining helps close the Loop

By Nigel Headford – CAB Chief Executive

‘Urban mined’ aluminium refers to reusing existing aluminium sourced from dismantled buildings and other urban waste streams for windows, doors, and facades in cities. This approach supports a circular economy, reduces the need for prime aluminium (which has a high carbon footprint due to bauxite mining and refining), and contributes to sustainable urban development.

The benefits of recognising urban mining for aluminium are manyfold and include: lowering the carbon footprint of aluminium, reprocessing waste aluminium using 95% less energy than using prime aluminium. Waste reduction diverts valuable materials from landfills. Resource security reduces reliance on imported raw materials. Promoting sustainable cities supports green building certifications like LEED and BREEAM.

Many cities are embracing urban mining as part of their green building initiatives, integrating reclaimed materials into new construction and retrofit projects. This reduces embodied carbon, supports local material loops, and aligns with netzero building

How Urban Mining Works:

1. Material Collection. Taken from demolished buildings or refurbished projects, vehicles, electronic waste, and industrial leftovers are identified as sources of valuable materials like aluminium, steel, copper, and rare earth metals.

2. Dismantling & Sorting. Materials are carefully extracted, sorted, and processed to maximise recovery and minimise contamination.

3. Recycling & Processing. Advanced technologies refine and repurpose these materials into highquality raw inputs for new products.

4.Reintegration into Manufacturing. Recovered materials are then used in construction, electronics, and manufacturing industries, replacing virgin materials.

So why Aluminium? Aluminium can be highly recyclable without losing its properties. Urban mining helps recover aluminium from old windows, doors, and facades, reducing the need for energyintensive primary aluminium production, however, it is crucial to recycle within the many grades of aluminium alloy, creating a ‘closed loop’. This increases the scrap value and allows windows to be recycled back into windows in a short, local, closed loop cycle.

CAB have been running a scheme such as this for several years which is now gaining traction with several UK main building contractors.

The CAB’s closed loop recycling recycles scrap within recognised aluminium grades. By using an XRF analyser (X-ray fluorescence) which is a powerful, nondestructive technique for measuring elemental composition from magnesium (Mg) to uranium (U), these handheld XRF analysers are portable devices that offer immediate composition of an alloy revealing its grade. Incorporating modern techniques that remove unwanted items such as screws and thermal breaks, the resultant, chipped aluminium is ready to be remelted for new product whilst maintaining its original grade.

The aim of the initiative is to encourage the recycling of aluminium alloys within the same alloy grades. For the CAB scheme, we require that extrusion grades of aluminium, namely 6000 series alloys for the architectural aluminium market, are recycled back into the same 6000 series alloys. The same can be said for sheet aluminium recycling, namely with 1000 series alloys. It is important to reiterate that in a ‘closed loop’, an aluminium alloy can be recycled infinitely without loss of its specific characteristics.

Pre-consumer scrap can easily be recycled before it leaves the factory as it is often ‘clean’ and of a known alloy. Post-consumer scrap is where the challenge really lies. With the many thousands of tonnes of alloy extrusion and sheet used in our buildings across the UK, we should be looking towards the advantages of deconstruction,

Chipped clean aluminium from old fenestration ready for remelt

separation and recycling, and the ability to see our built landscape as an ‘urban mine’ for raw materials. As already stated, we have recycled aluminium over many decades, primarily as it has a high recycle value, but without a ‘closed loop’ we can ‘lose’ the specific grades we require to recycle the aluminium back into the same product type, introducing other grades reduces its resale value. If we constrain recycling to specific alloy grades, we can recycle extrusions back into new extrusions and offer a true circular economy for our aluminium products in the UK Construction Industry whilst maintaining value.

One of the keys to this capability is the advent of the handheld spectrometer for identifying the content of an aluminium alloy. Easily portable and very quick to use, grades can easily be checked prior to recycling. This means that the aluminium grades could easily be checked and identified on a building site prior to deconstruction. The quantity available on a given site can also be relatively easily calculated before removal, as aluminium extrusions and sheets are usually uniform in shape and easily measured. Skips for the scrap, clearly labelled for the identified grades being removed can be obtained from recyclers to be placed on site for collection of this post-consumer scrap.

CAB’s Closed Loop Recycling Scheme is open to members as part of their membership package. While such closed loop recycling of construction materials is currently voluntary, requirements could be placed on ‘embodied carbon’ content in the future and main contractors are increasingly seeking evidence to demonstrate the sustainability credentials of their supply chain. Aluminium scrap is an important resource and we should maximise the quantity and quality of recovered aluminium scrap in the UK to build the circular economy of the future.

c-a-b.org.uk

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The push for

energy-efficient social housing –what role can fenestration play?

The UK’s social housing sector is set for a retrofitting boom as local authorities and housing associations upgrade buildings to meet stringent thermal performance standards. Martin Hitchin, CEO at Rehau UK, highlights the crucial role the fenestration sector can play to help facilitate these efforts.

England’s residential sector produces more carbon annually than all the country’s cars combined – a sobering statistic given the UK’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. With 2021 legislation also mandating a 78% reduction in emissions by 2035, the need to upgrade and decarbonise existing building stock is urgent.

This retrofitting challenge is especially pressing for social housing, which includes 4.4 million homes built between 1945 and 1980. These older properties must be upgraded to meet modern energy efficiency standards, with the UK’s Clean Growth Strategy requiring social housing providers to achieve Energy Performance

Martin Hitchin, CEO at Rehau UK

Certificate C by 2035, or 2030 for ‘fuel poor’ households. This is undoubtedly a daunting challenge for the sector.

Retrofitting Right

Furthermore, despite receiving public funding, local authorities and housing associations, face challenges due to increasing workloads and staff shortages. Fenestration professionals with commercial project experience are well-placed to alleviate these pressures by establishing themselves as a knowledgeable and supportive partner, providing expertise and support on an ongoing basis as more retrofitting projects are approved.

Rehau’s whitepaper, “Retrofit Right – Making Social Housing More Energy-Efficient,” explores this topic further and emphasises the importance of windows and door systems in enhancing a property’s overall thermal performance. Indeed, medium retrofits – specifically the fitting of high-quality glazing window and door frames – can significantly and costeffectively improve the thermal performance of existing building stock.

Yet to specify high-performing frame systems, these local authority and housing association stakeholders need to understand what constitutes ‘quality’ components. As set out in Retrofit Right, it is vital social housing decision-makers evaluate existing supply chains and look for benchmarks of quality among installers and fabricators, considering performance factors beyond thermal performance including product standards like PAS24 for security, as well as aesthetic and acoustic considerations. Third-party manufacturing and product accreditations, such as ISO 9001 and Regulation 9.2 of the CDM Regulations 2015, are

also important.

Consequently, fabricators and installers that are part of frame manufacturers’ existing networks could find themselves at a competitive advantage. As these manufacturers may run certified programs to ensure quality, providing technical, project, design, testing, and marketing support, they are more likely to meet the quality criteria set out by social housing stakeholders.

Rehau, for instance, partners with fabricators, offering assessments, layout assistance, material ordering, and onsite training. The company’s commercial sales managers work with fabricators and installers to ensure projects meet specifications and comply with relevant standards, giving local authorities confidence that projects will be completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standard.

A Material World

While thermal performance is a priority, public bodies need to take a holistic view of the supply chain and more specifically the materials used within it. As part of this, the report explores how 20 years of advancements in frame design, including improvements in areas such as solar gain and airtightness, have made polymer frames more energy-efficient and sustainable. In fact, polymer frames can now achieve the Building Research Establishment’s ‘A’ rating under the Green Guide to Specification, a key resource for selecting environmentally impactful construction materials.

With an average lifespan of 35 years, combined with appropriate recycling infrastructure, polymer is a sustainable, long-lasting material. For commercial

fenestration professionals involved in retrofit projects, showcasing these credentials to social housing stakeholders may generate more potential business leads.

Framing the Challenge

In conclusion, upgrading the thermal performance of the UK’s public housing stock is a growing concern, especially with net zero targets approaching and thermal performance requirements becoming more rigorous. The fenestration sector has a pivotal role to play in helping the sector navigate these concerns. Fabricators and installers that evaluate their frame portfolio, service offering, and sustainability credentials can benefit from the increasing demand for retrofitting projects. By demonstrating the impact of cost-effective polymer window and door frames on the thermal performance of existing social homes, fenestration professionals can establish themselves as valued partners and generate repeat business as more upgrading work is completed.

It is also important for fabricators and installers to adopt a holistic approach, meeting added-value standards and accreditations to assure social housing stakeholders that public funds will be effectively used to meet energy efficiency targets. Ongoing engagement between frame manufacturers and social housing stakeholders on the latest legislative and technical developments is advised, and fenestration professionals should read Retrofit Right to learn how the sector can help upgrade the UK’s social housing stock in line with climate and energy efficiency goals.

Click the link to download Rehau’s latest report, https://bit.ly/42PnMG3

Aluprof showcases aluminium solutions at BAU 2025

By Wojciech Brożyna – MD Aluprof UK

BAU (Building, Architecture, and Urban Planning), the world’s leading trade fair for architecture, materials, and systems, is held every two years. It brings together everyone involved in the international community for planning, building, and architectural design. Visitors include architects, planners, investors, representatives from the industrial and commercial sectors, the building trades, and certainly manufacturers of building systems and products. BAU aggregates expertise from all sectors of industry and trades at a high international level. It facilitates a direct exchange of ideas and information, acts as an intermediary, and generates synergies. BAU has consistently been the ideal venue for investment decisions. It enables exhibitors to enter new international markets and provides all visitors with genuine, practiceoriented future prospects and lasting added value.

Aluprof attended BAU 2025 held

in Munich from January 13th to 17th, 2025, to showcase their innovative window, door, façade, and sun-protection systems. Their 120-square-metre exhibit, located at booth 528 in Hall B1, featured a range of eco-friendly building solutions, aligning with the event’s focus on sustainable construction. Highlights included the new MB79N thermally efficient window and door system, the MB-GFT100 ground floor treatment system, the MB-Opensky 120 Pergola, and the MB-82HS Lift and Slide Door System.

Participating in BAU 2025 provided Aluprof with an opportunity to present their latest sustainable solutions to a broad audience of industry professionals. Members of the Aluprof UK team attended and helped visitors at the exhibition whilst also bringing a contingent of fourteen specifier guests from the UK, these included colleagues from, Century Facades, Britplas, Elite Aluminium, AlufoldDirect, OWS, St James / Berkeley Group,

Walsh Windows and Innovated Aluminium Technology.

Aluprof’s exhibition stand reinforced the fact that the business is actively engaged in reducing carbon emissions through several ongoing key business objectives:

Investing in Low-Carbon Aluminium Production. Aluprof has achieved a carbon footprint of 2.79 tCO₂e per tonne of products by utilising advanced manufacturing processes and incorporating an average of 65% recycled aluminium scrap into new extrusion.

Ongoing development of EnergyEfficient Products. Aluprof’s aluminium windows and doors enhance building energy efficiency, especially when specifying their class leading Passivhaus certified products, thereby decreasing operational carbon emissions.

By continuing to research and adopt Sustainable Practices. Aluprof emphasises energyefficient processes and sustainable actions across all areas, including electricity consumption, heating, and recycling. Through these efforts, Aluprof contributes to a more sustainable Construction Industry and a reduction in global carbon emissions. This management of resources is under consistent review helping Aluprof to maintain its position as one of the world’s most efficient, vertically integrated, aluminium systems companies.

Aluprof UK have been supporting specifiers in the UK and Ireland for over fifteen years with advanced systems. Many UK and Ireland based fabricators and installers supply these systems and are on hand to offer surveys and cost analysis as to what improvements can be made with likely paybacks.

aluprof.co.uk

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Securing the future of the glass industry

The glass industry, like much of the wider construction and fenestration sectors, faces a looming crisis: an ageing workforce and a severe skills shortage. Glass Express Midlands managing director, Arun Photay, gives his view on how the industry needs to mobilise to overcome the problem.

The Construction Skills Network recently reported that the UK construction sector requires an additional 225,000 workers by 2027 to meet demand,

while a recent FENSA study found that over half of window, door, and glazing companies are struggling to recruit skilled workers.

Without fresh talent, businesses in our sector will be unable to keep up with the increasing demand for high-performance glazing solutions, and the industry risks stagnation at a time when innovation and sustainability are more important than ever.

Arun Photay

We are taking proactive steps to bridge the skills gap by investing in the next generation. Recognising that young people often have little exposure to career opportunities in manufacturing and glass processing, our technical manager at Glass Express Midlands, Kirsty Fortnam, has taken the lead in introducing students to the sector through dedicated outreach initiatives.

Working closely with Q3 Academy in Langley, Kirsty is helping to create a careers framework that educates students on the practical realities of transitioning from school to employment. Her visits include career fairs, workshops, and hands-on guidance, answering questions about what it’s like to work in a factory, the qualifications needed for different roles, and the career progression available in the industry.

The impact of these activities cannot be overstated; with schools largely focused on higher education pathways, many students are unaware of the variety of opportunities present within industries like glass manufacturing.

But labour shortages in the glass, and wider construction industry, are not just a challenge for business owners – they have direct consequences for economic growth and infrastructure development.

The demand for housing, commercial buildings, and retrofitting older properties to meet modern energy efficiency standards is growing, yet there simply aren’t enough skilled professionals to carry out the work.

In an industry where hands-on expertise is crucial, the need to nurture young talent has never been greater. Investing in early engagement through schools not only supports our longevity but also ensures that crucial skills and industry knowledge are passed down to future generations.

Beyond her role in schools, Kirsty’s commitment to community outreach extends even further. As a school governor in West Bromwich, she is actively involved in shaping educational policies that prioritise employability.

Her work also includes supporting Outreach Angels, where she provides meals and first aid to the homeless in Birmingham,

reinforcing Glass Express Midlands’ dedication to corporate social responsibility. These activities not only strengthen community ties but also demonstrate to young people the importance of businesses that give back.

At a time when fewer young people are considering careers in trades and manufacturing, it is essential for industry leaders to step forward and highlight the possibilities within our fields.

Careers in the glass industry offer stability, innovation, and the opportunity to be part of an evolving sector that is integral to modern construction. With smart glass technologies, energyefficient solutions, and advanced manufacturing techniques shaping the future, there has never been a better time to inspire a new generation to take an interest in fenestration.

If our sector fails to engage with young people today, we risk facing an even more severe workforce crisis in the future. Industry-wide collaboration is necessary to attract and retain talent, from apprenticeships and mentoring schemes to educational outreach and hands-on training.

The future of the sector depends on businesses taking action now. By fostering curiosity, offering clear pathways into employment, and ensuring young people see the value in skilled trades, companies can secure their longterm growth while providing young workers with fulfilling and dynamic careers.

Kirsty’s work at Glass Express Midlands serves as an example of what’s possible when we invest in people, demonstrating that, with the right guidance, the next generation can shape a stronger, more innovative glass industry for years to come.

Podcasts

Asa McGillian from Apeer Doors and Lumi Windows joins Richard Lannen to share his remarkable journey in the fenestration industry. He also exposes a major problem that could have serious repercussions for the sector. Don’t miss this insightful discussion

Quickslide

Tom Swallow

Hhow their newest product is going after launch

You can watch the video or listen to the podcast here

Quickslide Ben Weber

You can watch the video or listen to the podcast here

Regalead partners with windowcad

You can watch the video or listen to the podcast here

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

ColorSpray and his fenestration journey.journey.

You can watch the video or listen to the podcast here

Stuart Livingstone joins Eurocell as COO

Eurocell has appointed former Howdens trade director, Stuart Livingstone, as its new Chief Operating Officer in a real mark of intent as it enters the second-year of its ambitious strategy.

In his role, Stuart is responsible for Eurocell’s nationwide branch network, which currently has over 200 trade stores throughout the UK. Stuart is spearheading the next phase of branch growth to further strengthen Eurocell’s commitment to supporting the more than 30,000 trade professionals it serves.

Darren Waters, CEO at Eurocell, believes Stuart’s appointment demonstrates Eurocell’s ambition and drive to deliver on its strategy,

he said:

“Stuart brings an exceptional depth and range of experience across both trade and retail distribution. He is an authentic and engaging, results-driven leader, with a proven ability to drive customer-focused transformations that enhance service and commercial performance.

“Stuart fits seamlessly into the culture we are building at Eurocell and I am excited to work with him to drive our strategic growth initiatives and continue to improve our service for trade communities right across the UK.”

As part of his role, Stuart is also

overseeing the business’s supply chain to support the delivery of its extensive range of products.

Speaking on his appointment as chief operating officer, Stuart said:

“I’ve joined Eurocell at a really exciting moment. Darren and the entire leadership team have put a really ambitious strategy in place and are making promising progress with it. I’m thrilled to be able to bring my experiences and ambition to help support our teams right across the business to deliver on our aims.

“Transforming our branch network is going to be a key part of our overall strategic success and I’m looking forward to what we can deliver for our trade communities right across the UK – we have some exciting plans in place to ensure we continue to provide an exceptional experience that meets the needs of our trade customers.”

https://www.eurocell.co.uk

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New addition to AluK sales team

Giovanni Sangiovanni has joined the AluK sales team covering the South West and Wales, ensuring that the aluminium systems company now has a full team of dedicated ASMs covering every region of the UK and Ireland.

Giovanni has been in the windows and doors market for more than 25 years, working with conservatory roof systems, PVC and aluminium in both system companies and trade fabricators.

He is a well-known face to fabricators in the region and is already out visiting new and existing AluK customers to strengthen and build relationships.

Asked about joining AluK, Giovanni said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to work with the most forward-thinking systems company in the UK, which is committed to building real partnerships with fabricators. I’ll be using all my industry experience and expertise to help AluK customers achieve real growth and make the most of all the opportunities which 2025 will undoubtedly present.

https://uk.aluk.com/

Profoil appoints new managing director

Profile foil laminator Profoil has expanded its senior team with the appointment of a new managing director.

With 28 years of experience, Angela Fairweather brings a wide range of skills from her many manufacturing management roles. With a consistent track record of improving performance, building strong site teams and implementing efficient processes, Angela is well-prepared to lead Profoil into its next phase of growth.

As managing director, Angela’s role will entail daily performance reviews, close collaboration with the management team and a hands-on approach to driving the business forward. Her day-to-day activities will range from strategic planning to engaging directly with customers and supporting the team on the Profoil shop floor.

Looking ahead, Angela is determined to create and integrate streamlined processes that enhance management

capacity for strategic planning while maintaining exceptional service levels. Her ultimate goal is to drive sustainable business growth through teamwork and innovation.

Angela commented: “I’m excited for the journey ahead now I’ve joined Profoil. From my first interactions during the recruitment process, I was struck by the team’s passion and dedication to the business. I could see immense potential here, and I am excited to contribute to unlocking that.

“My focus is on understanding the business at every level and using data to identify opportunities for improvement. Machine efficiency, qualified standards and process simplification are key areas where I see immediate potential. Together, we will build on the company’s strong foundation and lead Profoil into an even brighter future!”

profoil-ltd.co.uk/

Nova Group appoint Doug Carter as sales and marketing director

Nova Group Limited has announced the appointment of Doug Carter as the company’s new sales & marketing director.

Doug brings a lot of experience in sales and marketing having worked for companies such as Next PLC, HSBC Bank and in recent times, he has managed his own double-glazing showrooms before moving to an aluminium veranda company to set up and grow their sales and marketing function.

Nova Group is based in Manchester, operating from its own three-acre site, and has been established since 1971 supplying

double glazing products to the trade and commercial sectors, specialising in the manufacturing of core products such as bifolding doors, sliding doors, PVCu products, aluminium windows and doors, composite doors, fire doors, smoke vents, secondary glazing, and curtain walling.

Simon Felstein, managing director of Nova Group said: “I am absolutely delighted that Doug has agreed to join the team at Nova. His experiences both inside our industry and outside, give him a unique ability to boost our operations to another level of service and support to our existing customer base – and to those who

New face for Glazerite’s Procurement team

Glazerite UK Group is set to strengthen its purchasing team with the appointment of a new head of group procurement. Phil Taylor will join the trade fabricator this month after over a decade at Safestyle.

Phil says: “I am excited to join Glazerite at such a pivotal time for the business. I have

a real passion for continuous improvement and driving efficiencies throughout the supply chain. I will work with our team to add value and deliver quality for Glazerite’s extensive customer base by developing strong relationships with our suppliers and embedding best practices in purchasing.

haven’t yet seen the long list of window products we can supply. On day one, Doug has already immersed himself in our history and improved our internal and external communications with some really positive innovations.”

www.novagrouplimited.co.uk

“I look forward to meeting Glazerite’s suppliers in the coming weeks and working together for the benefit of our installers.”

Glazerite managing director Rob Brearley adds: “We are delighted to have made such a strategic and important appointment, with Phil bringing a wealth of procurement experience to the role. His extensive fenestration knowledge will also prove invaluable for Glazerite, our suppliers, and our installers as we strive to deliver a bestin-class fabrication service for customers.”

This year marks 25 years in the industry for Glazerite and to celebrate, the fabricator is sponsoring the VIP Lounge at FIT Show. The Glazerite team will also be on hand at Stand F79 to welcome suppliers, customers, and fenestration stakeholders. FIT Show takes place at the NEC Birmingham from 29th April – 1st May 2025.

www.glazerite.co.uk

Doug Carter (left) with Simon Felstein

UKO Group appoints Sam Weber as Group Sales Director

UKO Group, home to UK Doors Online, Trade Window Centre, Performance Glass, and the newly launched UK Rooflights, has announced the appointment of Sam Weber as Group Sales Director. A highly respected leader in the glazing industry, Sam brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record of success, making him the perfect addition to the rapidly growing UKO Group. He will officially join the team in February 2025.

With a career spanning decades in the glazing sector, Sam has earned a reputation for driving business growth, fostering customer relationships, and spearheading innovation. His appointment is said to align perfectly with UKO Group’s ambitious plans for expansion and continued development, as the company strengthens its position as a market leader in quality British manufacturing.

Each company within the UKO

Group is built on the foundation of exceptional craftsmanship, outstanding customer service, and a commitment to continuous improvement. According to the UKO Group, the addition of Sam Weber further reinforces this mission, ensuring that all group businesses continue to evolve, innovate, and put customer needs at the forefront of every development.

Andrew Glover, Managing Director of UKO Group, shared his enthusiasm about the appointment: “We are thrilled to welcome Sam Weber to the team at such a pivotal time for UKO Group. His wealth of experience, deep industry knowledge, and strategic vision make him a fantastic asset to the business. With exciting developments already in motion across all our companies, we’re confident Sam will play a key role in driving growth and delivering even greater value to our customers.”

Sam Weber echoed this excitement, commenting: “I am incredibly excited to be joining UKO Group at such a dynamic time in its journey. The group is made up of some fantastic businesses, all focused on quality manufacturing and customer-first service. I’m eager to get stuck into this exciting new role, working closely with the teams at UK Doors Online, Trade Window Centre, Performance Glass, and UK Rooflights to help drive continued success.”

In addition to Sam’s appointment, UKO Group is gearing up for its debut at FIT Show 2025 at the NEC Birmingham, where all four companies will be showcasing their full product ranges and customer support services. UKO Group says the event presents the perfect opportunity for installers, suppliers, and industry professionals to discover how UKO Group can support their business with high-quality, British-made glazing solutions.

https://www.ukogroup.co.uk/

Sam Weber (left) with Andrew Glover

Our growth means we’ve accelerated our ability to help our customers take on tough frame manufacturing challenges, and find the solutions that work.

jade-eng.co.uk

Endurance enhances manufacturing capabilities

Endurance Doors says it is enhancing its manufacturing capabilities with a new appointment.

As part of its commitment to continuous improvement, the composite doors manufacturer has welcomed Ryan Clarkson to its team as its new manufacturing engineering manager.

In this newly created position, Ryan, who has extensive experience gained in senior engineering roles within the

transport and aerospace industries, will play a central role in enhancing Endurance’s already efficient and quality driven production operations.

His remit will include overseeing the implementation of world class lean manufacturing and other similar practices to maximise productivity, streamline processes and reduce consumption and waste.

In addition, he will help to facilitate a data-driven approach

Ryan Clarkson

to performance management and decision making, enabling informed improvements in areas such as efficiency, sustainability. and health and safety.

Ryan will also manage future increases in production capacity and will work closely with Endurance’s product development teams to ensure the smooth transition of new product developments into full scale production.

Ryan’s appointment is just the latest in a number of strategically important hires by Endurance Doors as it prepares for the next chapter in its ongoing growth and evolution.

Commenting on his new role, Ryan said: “I’m excited to have joined Endurance Doors. The business has achieved much in its history to date and remains focused on building on these impressive accomplishments.

“To realise its vision, it has a forward thinking approach and a genuine belief in continuous improvement. It has the right processes and philosophy in place to implement positive change.

“I look forward to helping to drive this change and to making a meaningful contribution to Endurance’s future success.”

Stephen Nadin, managing director at Endurance Doors, added: “With his experience, approach and demonstrable passion for driving improvement, Ryan is a valuable addition to our team.

“He will help to strengthen our offer at Endurance Doors as well as our position as a leader in manufacturing excellence, delivering high-quality products that exceed customer expectations.”

www.endurancedoors.co.uk

Ventrolla appoints commercial sales manager

Ventrolla, a market leader in heritage restoration and renovation of timber sash and casement windows, has appointed Paul Lyon-Hayes as commercial sales manager to increase visibility of the Ventrolla brand and drive growth in the commercial sector.

Paul brings with him over 30 years of experience in the timber window industry, with a focus on new build and refurbishment markets. Prior to joining Ventrolla, Paul was actively involved in the research and development of timber window design and construction to meet the evolving building regulations and to improve thermal performance.

Leveraging his experience in the heritage property and window sector Paul will be leading the charge for sustainability. He is focused on emphasising Ventrolla’s ability to retrofit and upgrade existing windows as opposed to replacing them, preventing unnecessary landfill waste whilst also preserving period features and building aesthetics. He is also focusing on developing new

From one family to another

Helen Kalinowski has joined the award winning commercial installation specialist The Window Company (Contracts) in the order processing team.

energy efficiency solutions that can be implemented in heritage properties to enhance thermal performance.

Commenting on his appointment, Paul said: ‘What first attracted me to Ventrolla was the specialised products and technology it has created to enhance sash windows for homeowners. It is something you don’t see at other businesses in the industry and truly sets them apart as an innovator and market leader. The opportunity to lead the commercial sales side of the business and take it to new levels was something I could not turn down. Following the rebrand it is a very exciting time at Ventrolla, and joining the business was the perfect next step for my career.”

“What I have seen in my first few days at Ventrolla has solidified my opinion, not only are the products and technology market leading, but the people are truly dedicated to their craft. The level of detail and intricacy that goes into every order is second to none.”

www.ventrolla.co.uk

With almost 20 years’ experience in the industry, working in fabrication and installation companies and as a branch manager at a trade counter, Helen has all the knowledge and expertise needed to check and double check every order and survey to ensure consistent accuracy and regulatory compliance.

She is working closely with the contracts department so that orders are always delivered in line with installation schedules and is particularly focused on keeping all orders up to date in The Window Company (Contracts)’ bespoke database.

Helen said: “I took a short career break to look after my family after my third child was born in 2022 and I really missed the industry and the buzz of a fast paced, busy office. This role in a family run, family friendly business feels like the perfect fit for me and I’m really enjoying the interaction with the rest of the team, as well as with suppliers and customers.”

https://thewinco.co.uk/

Helen Kalinowski

Paul with Ventrolla managing director, Mark

Darren Burford promoted to testing and training manager at AluK

Darren Burford has been promoted to head up testing and training at AluK, in a move which emphasises the company’s renewed focus on the package of support it offers to customers as standard.

Darren commented: “In terms of adding value to our customers’ businesses, testing and training are two of the areas where AluK can make the biggest impact.

“Our training ensures that every member of a project team is equipped to succeed, while our robust testing protocols provide our customers with peace of mind. It is a compelling combination, which helps make AluK a trusted partner for all stakeholders in the fenestration industry.”

In his expanded role, Darren is relaunching the AluK Training Academy with a raft of new courses covering everything from

product knowledge to fabrication techniques and installation best practice. He is also promoting the option of on-site training at customer premises, with AluK’s dedicated team of experts delivering practical, hands-on sessions tailored to meet the specific needs of each customer.

He added: “By reinforcing our training capabilities, we aim to ensure that every customer— whether a contractor, specifier, or fabricator—has the skills and understanding to get the most out of AluK products and use and install them to the highest standard. It empowers them to be more self-sufficient and effective on-site, reducing errors, improving quality and ultimately driving greater client satisfaction.”

In addition, Darren is also now overseeing all testing requirements for AluK’s new product lines,

bringing the testing scope up to date and ensuring that all new products don’t just meet but exceed the highest standards of performance, durability, and safety. AluK is one of the only aluminium systems companies in the UK to have its own testing facility and Darren will be reviewing all of AluK’s testing protocols and procedures to guarantee that they are continuously aligned with evolving UK standards, says the company.

He explained: “I plan to work closely with customers to ensure that they understand the value of these tests, and how the results directly impact the long-term performance of their installations, as well as communicating to specifiers and contractors how rigorously tested products help ensure a smooth, efficient project delivery with minimised risk and maximised performance.

“One of AluK’s biggest competitive advantages is our proactive, customer-centric approach. We don’t just sell products; we provide full ongoing customer support, from the design phase all the way through to post-installation.”

www.alukacademy.co.uk

Measuring Business Performance: Why Checking Your Bank Balance Isn’t Enough

By Simon Jarman, CEO of Clever Bean Accounting

In recent months, I’ve come across multiple small window and door companies with minimal accounting records. Not quite zero—there were bank statements and sales invoices— but beyond that, nothing. No regular bookkeeping, no monthly management accounts, and no Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Their only way of measuring success?

Checking the bank balance.

That’s a dangerous game. Relying on the bank balance alone as a performance indicator is a recipe for disaster. A business operating like this is highly unlikely to thrive long-term. Success in this industry depends on proactively tracking financial and operational performance,

rather than waiting until cash runs dry to realise there’s a problem.

KPIs Matter: The Numbers That Drive Success

Successful businesses have a handle on all their key numbers. By tracking accurate, realtime metrics, business owners gain an understanding of the company’s health, enabling better decision-making, risk management, and strategic planning. Without this, you’re effectively running your business blind.

A year-end set of accounts is no substitute for regular performance tracking. Year-end accounts are historical—they provide a snapshot of what happened months ago, often in the most basic format. A balance sheet tells you little about how the business is performing today or where it’s heading.

Beyond Annual Accounts: The Case for Regular Monitoring

Instead of waiting until the yearend, businesses must monitor financial and operational KPIs weekly and monthly. These include:

• New order intake – Are sales trending up or down?

• Order book – Do you have enough work to keep fitters busy?

• Sales pipeline – What’s coming down the track?

• Survey volumes – Is future workload healthy?

• Turnover and gross margin –Are you making enough money on jobs?

• Overheads and operating profit – Are costs under control?

• Operating cash flow – Will you have enough liquidity to meet commitments?

Without these insights, you’re making decisions in the dark.

Technology: A Game-Changer for Small Businesses

Tracking KPIs isn’t as complex as many business owners think. Modern accounting software and business management tools make it easier than ever to collect, track, and analyse key metrics. Many platforms provide customisable dashboards and automated reporting, offering a real-time snapshot of business health.

By integrating these tools, businesses can shift from reactive management to proactive decision-making, ensuring early warning signs are spotted before they become major issues.

Bridging the Knowledge Gap

One of the biggest barriers to effective KPI tracking is simply a lack of awareness. Many business owners don’t know what to track or how to interpret the data. Education is key.

Workshops, webinars, and

online resources can help business owners understand the significance of KPIs and how to use them effectively. Without this knowledge, businesses risk focusing on the wrong numbers—or worse, ignoring them entirely.

Benchmarking: How Do You Compare?

Understanding industry benchmarks is a crucial part of performance measurement. Comparing KPIs against competitors or sector norms helps businesses identify areas for improvement, set realistic growth targets, and develop competitive strategies.

For example:

• Are your fitting costs in line with industry norms?

• Are you spending too much on access equipment?

• Are your marketing leads converting at an acceptable rate?

• Will you have enough cash to pay your VAT bill?

These aren’t just numbers— they’re the story of your business performance.

Financial Forecasting: Looking Ahead, Not Just Back

Regular KPI tracking allows for accurate financial forecasting, helping businesses predict trends and make strategic decisions. This is critical for:

• Managing cash flow –Ensuring funds are available for payroll, suppliers, and tax bills.

• Identifying growth opportunities – Making informed investments in marketing, equipment, or staff.

• Mitigating risks – Addressing potential downturns before they impact operations.

The best businesses don’t just track where they’ve been—they use data to shape where they’re going.

Make KPI Tracking a Habit

Regular performance review meetings ensure real-time insights are acted upon. I always recommend a weekly review every Monday morning to assess the previous week’s performance. This habit keeps you in control, allowing for quick adjustments and agile decision-making.

Beyond financials, KPI tracking should extend across the entire business:

• Sales & Marketing : Are marketing efforts delivering results?

• Operations: Is work being completed efficiently?

• Customer Service: Are customers satisfied with the quality of installations?

• HR & Staffing : Are labour costs and productivity levels where they should be?

Every number tells a story—the key is understanding what it’s telling you.

Why Strong Financials Matter Beyond Your Business

It’s not just business owners who need solid financial records. Suppliers, lenders, and industry organisations all rely on them:

• Credit rating agencies assess financial stability when determining credit terms.

• Banks and lenders require upto-date accounts for business loans.

• Trade bodies like the GGF expect members to demonstrate financial health.

If you want to secure better credit, finance growth, or gain industry recognition, solid financial information is essential.

Final Thoughts: Make the Numbers Work for You

The absence of regular KPI tracking in many small window and door businesses is deeply concerning. The best businesses don’t guess how they’re performing—they know. And they know because they track the right numbers, consistently, and use them to make informed decisions.

KPIs are not optional. They are fundamental to success. Understanding and acting on them enables better decisionmaking, identifies challenges before they become problems, and helps businesses seize opportunities for growth.

If you’re still running your business by checking the bank balance, it’s time to level up. Your future success depends on it.

Get ready for FIT

FIT Show is back! And if you’re an installer or fabricator specialising in home improvement products, this is your must-attend event to stay ahead in the fast-paced world

of windows, doors, flat glass, hardware, components, and roofing solutions.

Taking place at the NEC Birmingham from 29 April – 1

May 2025, FIT Show is the UK’s leading trade show for the window, door, flat glass, hardware, and roofing industries. It will showcase the latest products and innovations for installers across both commercial and domestic projects – from windows and doors to lightweight roofing systems, rooflights, lanterns, roofline solutions, and installation tools – all under one roof!

FIT Show event director, Nickie West comments: “Whether you’re looking for the best in energy-efficient windows, doors, or flat glass, FIT Show offers a comprehensive view of the market’s offerings. A trip to

FIT will allow you to discover cutting-edge solutions, expand your portfolio, get the best deals and stay ahead of the curve.”

FIT Show 2025 is shaping up to be the biggest edition to date, with an extra hall of brands to see and connect with, as well as the promise of thousands of the latest products and innovations all on display under one roof. In the last few weeks, brands such as Supalite Tiled Roof Systems, Bereco, Clayton Glass, Hegla, FOREL, Invisifold, Victorian Sliders, Kean Tools, Quickslide and Novoferm.

Nickie adds: “We said midway through the campaign that it was

taking much longer for brands to commit to exhibiting, but I’m delighted to be able to confirm that most of the brands we were speaking to at the back end of 2024 are now firmly placed on the floorplan.

“To be able to deliver a recordbreaking FIT Show with the backdrop the whole industry is facing is a real indicator of the strength and resilience of the sector. The businesses that are investing in marketing now and supporting their customers by having a presence at their only trade show, are the ones who will reap the benefits over the coming months.

“There’s a two-year gap between now and the next FIT Show and the team and I are going to ensure that we deliver a first-class event for the whole industry. FIT Show 2025 will keep them connected with the market, abreast of the latest legislative and regulatory changes, and help secure their pipelines until FIT Show 2027!”

Why FIT Show 2025 is Essential for Installers & Fabricators

Stay Ahead of the Curve –Discover the latest in lightweight roofing, rooflights, lanterns, fascias, soffits, cladding, and more from industry leaders like Ultraframe, SupaLite, Made For Trade, and First Glass Roofs. Live Installation Demonstrations –The Installer Demo Zone returns, offering live demonstrations of roofing and roofline installations. Learn expert techniques, best practices, and tips on compliance from the pros.

Hands-On with the Latest Tools & Accessories – Try out the newest workwear, sealants, adhesives, fixings, and specialist tools designed to enhance your work efficiency and quality.

Keep Up with Regulations & Sustainability – With changes to Part L and updates on building regulations, FIT Show, GGF &

Fensa have curated a CPDcertified learning programme that will keep you informed on thermal efficiency, sustainability, and industry standards.

Network with Industry Leaders – Meet top manufacturers and distributors, find exclusive trade deals, and build relationships that can drive your business forward.

Fabricators – Expand Your Portfolio – Build relationships with manufacturers and explore competitive pricing structures to meet the demands of your customers and secure your supply chain for the next two years and beyond!

Exclusive Show Offers

Explore the Latest Innovations – Whether you’re working on domestic or commercial projects, FIT Show 2025 is the place to find cutting-edge products that will help you stay ahead of your competitors.

Show-Only Discounts – Take advantage of exclusive promotions, discounts, and product bundles that you can only access at the show.

Meet Top Industry Influencers

The FIT Show will also feature industry experts like Robin Clevett, a leading carpentry and building expert with over 113,000 YouTube subscribers. Robin will share hands-on demonstrations, expert advice on material selection, and tips on the latest installation techniques.

Don’t Miss Out – No Show Until 2027

After FIT Show 2025, you’ll have to wait two years until the next event. This is your only chance to explore the full supply chain in one place, compare products side by side, and future-proof your business with the latest innovations.

FIT Show 2025 – NEC Birmingham | 29 April – 1 May Register for FREE now at www.fitshow.co.uk

The Residence Collection has a card up their sleeve at this year’s FIT Show

The Residence Collection will be ‘making it a full house’ at this year’s FIT Show, showcasing its new timber alternative door.

This highly anticipated new door will be unveiled for the first time at the 2025 FIT Show, taking place from 29th April to 1st May at the NEC in Birmingham.

The Residence Collection is “Making it a Full House” at the show, and the team invites industry professionals, fabricators, installers, and media to visit their

stand (Hall 9, Stand F38) for an exclusive reveal of the innovative new door product.

The Residence Collection will host presentations throughout the three days, on its new door, the installer scheme and much more. The Residence Collection will also present their new innovative door configurator, a tool that will enable homeowners to design their perfect door with ease, and provide their existing installers with new leads, according to the company.

The all-new timber alternative door will be available to all fabricators and installers of The Residence Collection giving their customers the opportunity to expand their existing product range with a complete timber alternative solution to offer their customers.

The Residence Collection will be taking part in the late night opening on Wednesday 30th April, with exciting activities and entertainment for all visitors. The amazing Jake Banfield will be on hand during the day to dazzle and entertain with his magic tricks, whilst an Elvis tribute will perform during the evening from 5 to 8pm. Attendees can also test their luck at the roulette table, as well as enter their prize draw!

Sarah Hitchings, sales & marketing director at The Residence Collection, commented: “We are absolutely thrilled to be unveiling our new door at the FIT Show 2025. This new door is the culmination of months of meticulous design, research, and development, where we’ve worked closely with our expert team to create a premium timber alternative offering that not only meets the highest standards of quality and innovation but also addresses the evolving needs of the market. Our vision has always been to push the boundaries of what’s possible in this sector, and this new door truly brings that vision to life.

“We believe that this door will not only set a new benchmark for the industry but also offer tangible benefits to our customers and partners. This is a product we are incredibly proud of, and we can’t wait to showcase it in person at the FIT Show.

“We invite everyone to visit our stand, explore the full range of products and services, and experience first-hand the difference that this exciting new product will bring to the door industry.”

www.residencedoors.co.uk

Sarah Hitchings, sales & marketing director at The Residence Collection

Exclusive slimline integral blind colours to debut at FIT Show

Integral blinds manufacturer Morley Glass will unveil new and exclusive colours at the 2025 FIT Show for its slimline SL16 system, which is designed for use within 24mm IGUs as well as enhanced security 28mm units.

The company has partnered with ScreenLine systems manufacturer Pellini S.p.A. to offer several new contemporary colours on an exclusive basis in the UK, which will be available as part of the UniBlinds range. The new colours will be displayed on the Morley Glass stand (J40) at the 2025 FIT Show, along with its complete range of integral blind systems and its switchable smart glass solution.

slats, those used in the SL16 are slightly narrower at 10mm. This tiny reduction in slat width is significant for any installer involved in window and door replacements, composite doors or heritage projects, according to the company.

The reduced width makes the blinds compatible with 24mm sealed units in a 4-16-4mm format, the IGU thickness most commonly required for retrofitting into existing frames and vertically sliding sash windows. They are also suitable for 28mm IGUs which feature a thicker 6.8mm outer pane of laminated glass in line with the security requirements of PAS 24 and Secured by Design, says the company.

Ian Short, managing director at Morley Glass said: “We’re really excited to be bringing these new colour options for our slimline SL16 system to the UK market. Full details will be released soon, but the best way to see the colours for yourself will be to visit our FIT Show stand and have a close look at the colour swatches.”

Morley Glass is also offering visitors to the FIT Show the opportunity to go as VIP guests – simply click here to register. A limited number of free VIP tickets are available, offering advantages beyond the regular FIT Show tickets such as entry via a dedicated fast track desk, a free early bird breakfast and free use of the cloakroom.

www.morleyglass.co.uk

Free software surgeries from BM Group

All four brands within the BM Group – Business Micros, BM Touch, BM Aluminium and The Consultancy will be offering free drop-in surgeries at the FIT Show, answering questions and providing training and advice to fabricators and installers on any of their software and digital products.

If you are an installer, whose fabricator is now offering online quoting and ordering via BM Touch for instance, you can stop by the stand and the team will give you a demo and show you all the tips and tricks which make Touch such a powerful tool for generating and winning new business.

Similarly, if you are a fabricator, you can ask the team for anything from best practice for onboarding new

Made for Trade (MFT), the awardwinning manufacturer behind Korniche aluminium glazed products is set to take centre stage at FIT Show 2025 (April 29th – May 1st) with an unmissable presence at Stand J30, right at the entrance to Hall 9. With a 10x12m open stand, MFT says it will once again be showcasing why its products are true ‘Trade Heroes’; engineered for exceptional speed and ease of installation while delivering premium homeowner appeal that drives trade sales.

In an industry where every minute on-site counts, taking time away from projects might seem like a challenge. But with the latest advancements from Made for

customers to Touch, to general advice on the existing Evolution/ EvoNET suite of products.

There will be separate surgeries for LogiKal software users from the BM Aluminium specialists answering questions on processing, optional modules and available plug-ins.

And, even if you are not a Business Micros customer, you can ask The Consultancy team for free advice on your website, window and door designer or overall digital presence and get some tips on how it could all potentially be working harder for you.

Nick Bailey, head of sales, said: “These surgeries are not a sales pitch – they’re focused on support. We want every user of a BM Group product to get the most from their software, and get the very best return on their investment.”

The BM Group software surgeries will be running throughout the show – visitors just need to head to Stand F50 and ask for advice.

FIT Show 2025 is Business Micros’ first outing as part of Forterro, and there will be representatives from both Forterro and Orgadata on the stand to meet customers and emphasise the backing available to help the Group grow.

https://www.thebmgroup.co.uk/

Made for Trade Brings ‘Trade Heroes’ to FIT Show 2025

Trade, FIT Show 2025 is the place to see first-hand how innovative glazing solutions can save time, reduce hassle, and maximise profitability for installers and builders alike.

Live demonstrations at Stand J30 will bring Korniche’s industryleading products to life, which the company says proves why they have become a trusted choice for thousands of trade professionals across the UK. Whether you’re an installer, fabricator, builder, or home improvement retailer and merchant, MFT’s stand is where you’ll discover ‘What’s New’.

• NEW Products – the newest Korniche solutions engineered to deliver even greater efficiency and answer the latest homeowner

demand and appeal.

• Live Product Demonstrations – watch first-hand how onsite installation speed can transform your workflow.

• Exclusive Show Offers –‘unbeatable’ trade deals and promotions available only at the show.

•Meet the Experts – get insights from MFT’s experienced team on how Korniche products can give you a competitive edge.

Experience the ‘Trade Heroes’ at FIT Show 2025. You can secure your VIP tickets now by registering at: https://bit.ly/4iquhDS Made for Trade will be at Stand J30, Hall 9, from April 29th to May 1st

Quickslide takes FIT Show stage with innovation and trade support

Brighouse based fabricator

Quickslide has decided to take the spotlight at this year’s FIT Show, stand number E23, according to the company.

The importance of face-to-face conversations has always been part of the Quickslide ethos, and the business has consequently invested in a space where existing and new trade partners can gather and discuss marketing and product strategy with a view to growing their installer business.

Quickslide will be showcasing its latest enhancements for its Legacy sash window, including the authentic slim midrail and the newly refined sash horns. Plus, expect exciting new developments designed for modern-day living, all while keeping the ever important aesthetics of traditional sash windows intact. In addition, Quickslide will feature the popular

Quick-Glide slide and fold doors, which have been a standout success since their launch last year, says the company.

“The level of trade partner support that we offer is among the most comprehensive in the industry, and FIT Show provides us with that time and space to address individual partner needs in a stimulating and buzzy environment,” commented sales director Tom Swallow. “We have always found that for us, the focus is never on the products – their excellent reputation precedes us anyway. Rather, visitors to our stand have always been more interested in how we can help them succeed in an increasingly competitive market.”

The Quick-Glide system will, nonetheless, take centre stage at the show. Unlike traditional bifold doors with a concertina swing arc,

this unique slide and fold door tackles common British household challenges, such as restricted space, says the company. The Quick-Glide panels slide and fold individually, allowing them to be fully stacked for an unobstructed opening, partially opened, or closed for a sleek span of glass.

Refined through joint development with Invisifold Systems, the QuickGlide aluminium slide and fold door offers a sleek, space-saving solution with slim sightlines, modern square sashes, and an innovative “tap-in” bead for faster installations. It is the culmination of market testing and researching for the perfect door system that can fulfil everything today’s homeowners are looking for, claims the company.

“We’re synonymous with sliding sash windows, so of course, we’ll have a selection on display,” added Tom Swallow. “We’ll also be showcasing our new wheeled sample cases for installation companies who are looking for more than just a supplier, but a genuine supply partner. Ultimately, we want to show our trade partners the wealth of support and opportunities that working with Quickslide gives them.”

www.quickslide.co.uk

Get your business FIT for the future with hup!

Ultraframe has announced its return to FIT Show 2025 with a large 125sqm stand to showcase the latest innovations on its hup! building system, along with developments to its most popular roof systems, and the latest marketing support on offer to customers. The hup! system offers a fantastic speedy solution for those wanting to avoid the

issues associated with traditional builds, such as weather delays, mess and spiralling costs, and the new enhancements will make the innovative system even more appealing, says the company.

Commenting about Ultraframe’s return to FIT, marketing director, Alex Hewitt, said: “FIT Show 2022 was the perfect launch pad for

our Building Revolution and since then the hup! brand has gone from strength to strength. We’re now returning to showcase the next generation of hup! NPD to the industry and can’t wait to share these latest exciting developments, including the hup! Base, hup! Brick Slips Rails, a range of apex hup! configurations, and the ability to use hup! on existing dwarf walls. There has been a huge amount of product development going on to ensure that hup! stays at the cutting edge of building technology and visitors to our stand can see the latest NPD designed to make hup! even faster, even simpler to build, and offer our customers even more choice in terms of design flexibility and budget.

“There will also be new developments to our Ultraroof, Flat Roof and box gutters to see on the stand, and alongside our

many product developments on display, visitors will also be able to learn about our latest marketing initiatives, including the new and improved hup! Network Partner Scheme, our online training platform, an integrated CRM with proposal generator, Integrated AI and more.

“There is a huge amount of exciting news about both our products and our service to communicate at this year’s FIT Show and we are very much looking forward to meeting with the industry face-to-face to share the good news.”

The 125sqm Ultraframe stand is number Q40 at FIT Show 2025 which takes place at the NEC from 29th April – 1st May. To find out more about hup! and the other Ultraframe products which will be on display on the stand, visit Ultraframetrade.co.uk

Glazpart FIT and ready

Glazpart’s plans for FIT Show 2025 are well underway as the award-winning glazing components company gets ready for the biggest event of the year with some special features for their presence at the industry’s largest UK exhibition.

Glazpart is pleased to announce the company will launch several new products in its Glazing Accessories and Trickle Vent ranges at FIT Show (April 29-May 1) at Birmingham’s NEC. The new products will feature at the show with special displays and promotional materials.

Also on Glazpart’s stand space (of over 100m2 ), visitors can expect to see strong promotion of the award-winning Glazpartners programme which was launched at FIT Show in 2023 and now has over 50 companies signed up to the marketing partnership initiative. FIT Show itself is a Glazpartner and will be promoted from the Glazpart stand (No.J70, Hall 9).

On the forthcoming event, Dean Bradley, Glazpart Sales Director commented, “In previous years, the FIT Show has proved to be the

perfect platform to showcase our products and to network with so many in the industry. This year we expect will be even better as we not only have our new products at the show but we will also be promoting all our Glazpartners and celebrating the start of our 40th anniversary.”

Nickie West, Managing Director of FIT Show added, “Glazpart has been supportive of FIT Show since the outset and we are delighted to be Glazpartners. FIT Show is built on connecting people and products, it’s the whole premise of our campaign for 2025, so we align perfectly with the Glazpartners initiative and I am looking forward to seeing Glazpart at this year’s FIT Show.”

Dean Bradley added, “With so much to promote and launch as well as our new stand design, we are looking forward to FIT Show. In the coming months we will be providing more information on our new products and activity planned for the show. It promises to be an exciting week in April at the biggest exhibition for the glazing and fenestration sector.”

www.glazpart.com

FIT and ready:

Glazerite unveils plans for show

This year’s FIT Show is set to be extra special for the Glazerite UK Group, with the leading trade fabricator taking the opportunity to celebrate 25 years in business. The fabricator is also returning as VIP lounge sponsor at the event, which takes place from 29th April – 1st May at NEC Birmingham.

Michelle Wright, head of group marketing, says: “We’re delighted to be exhibiting at this year’s FIT Show in what marks our 25th year in the industry. We will be welcoming visitors to Stand F79 to learn more about the value we can bring to installers, including our unique marketing and technical support, which is tailored to meet the specific needs of our customers. We will also be showcasing our comprehensive product portfolio, including some great new additions to our product range from Veka, Deceuninck and DoorCo.”

Michelle adds: “As the industry’s biggest event, the FIT show is the ideal meeting place for the Glazerite team to catch up with existing and prospective customers, suppliers and other industry stakeholders. 2025 is a pivotal year for our business, with significant investment across our operations to broaden and enhance our offering.”

Glazerite’s stand will showcase Veka’s innovative Omnia flush sash system, and the premium hardware, door furniture and smart technology on offer from Glazerite partners, Ultion, Ultion Sweet and Kubu. There will be a chance to see some exciting new additions to the door range, including the fabricator’s flood door collaboration with G24 Award finalists, M3 Floodtec, and the Triple Track Slider from Deceuninck. The exhibition will also be an opportunity for

commercially-focused installers to explore Glazerite’s commercial product offering, including its AluK aluminium casements and Deceuninck 2500 windows.

Meanwhile, visitors will be able to take a look at the new locks and gearing collaborations on offer from Glazerite’s new supply partners, Yale, Roto and Carl F Groupco, and learn more from Glazerite about the range of enhanced benefits and warranties on offer.

FIT Show event director, Nickie West adds: “We are delighted to welcome Glazerite back to FIT Show 2025, especially as they celebrate their 25th anniversary. Their presence on the show floor and sponsorship of the VIP Lounge reinforces their commitment to driving innovation and excellence in the industry. Visitors can expect an exciting showcase of their latest products, expertise, and services. We’re looking forward to seeing them connect with customers old and new at what promises to be our biggest and best event yet.”

www.glazerite.co.uk

Tough times force people to think more deeply about how they spend their money. Tempting though it might be when faced with a bargain – it can soon become a nightmare when that product turns out not to be fit for purpose.

A homeowner may be initially chuffed to get a brand new door for less than a grand – but when it starts to buckle and bow within a couple of years, compromising its security and functionality, that bargain soon becomes a burden, both for the homeowner who has a door not fit for purpose, and the installation company that has to deal with irate call outs!

This scenario is played out in a UK YouGov survey from 2022, which found that 69 per cent of consumers prioritised value for money over price, opting for products that promised longevity and lower lifetime costs. Equally, a 2023 McKinsey & Company report on consumer behaviour during inflation found that consumers will consciously ‘trade up’ to premium goods that promote long lasting quality and value.

This is why Gerda’s position within the UK entrance door market is so strategically important for the industry as a whole. While knocking the composites out of the park when it comes to its superior engineering and performance, it comfortably stands up to scrutiny when compared with the top end premium door ranges –while maintaining a much more accessible price point.

quality in tougher times

Trading up door

When budgets tighten, we assume that people will simply stop buying expensive products. Gerda Doors managing director Danny Williams disagrees, highlighting how homeowners will take a more considered and long term approach to their purchases – focusing on quality and performance rather than a quick, cheap fix.

Since its introduction to the UK market, Gerda Doors has carved out a tangible position among other players. Its door ranges have an aluminium and steel infrastructure that promise thermal transmittance as low as 0.74 W/mK2. This is particularly important during challenging economic times, when people are

more likely to consider products which have clear, practical benefits.

Thermal performance and energy efficiency fit into these particular criteria. As well as contribute towards the lowering of heating costs, they also allow homeowners to futureproof themselves about the erratic changing nature of carbon net zero demands. While homeowners may not be au fait with the whys and wherefores of U-values, they do know what it means to have a warmer home, lower bills, and an overall improved sense of comfort and security. And once they have experienced the reassuring ‘thunk’ of a Gerda Door, that reassurance is more likely to convert into a sale.

Our Gerda ‘thunk’ is probably one of the most visceral aspects to the doors’ design, and one which is difficult to convey in words, but is immediately understood when demonstrated in the showroom, as Gerda partner Seemore Glass can

testify.

Manager Brent Jones has been running Seemore Glass with owner Graham Thompson for the last 15 years.

“We have been through pretty much every trend of window, door and conservatory over the decades,” said Brent. “Just when you think that they can’t possibly improve a product anymore, another new innovation is launched. Currently, customer trends indicate a growing move towards aluminium, which in itself indicates a higher price bracket and more premium products.”

The company knew that it needed to expand its front entrance door offering to the local Hockley residents. They already stock a selection of composite doors in their showroom but felt that there was a growing hunger for a better product.

“We had worked with Tudor Glass for years, so when Danny Williams brought the Gerda door range over from Poland

we immediately knew it would satisfy this growing niche,” continued Brent Jones. “In our showroom we have a Gerda door displayed alongside eight standard composite doors. Our customers immediately see, feel and hear the difference in quality. The Gerda door has a satisfying ‘thunk’ that seems to give them a reassurance and confidence in the product which more than justifies the higher price bracket.”

While the Gerda door does come out as more expensive than standard composites, it is still within reasonable, affordable parameters compared to other similar doors of its like – making it all the more attractive to Seemore’s customers.

“The Gerda door does help to elevate our overall product offering and provides us with the opportunity to offer a wider selection of products to suit every budget, added Brent Jones, which is a sensible approach during such times.

https://gerdadoors.co.uk/

Seemore Glass manager, Brent Jones

Gerda Doors managing director, Danny Williams

SleekSkin, Comp Door’s new ‘smooth look’

Comp Door has launched SleekSkin, a fine grain surface finish which the company says, “offers a super silky touch for a door that truly looks, feels, and functions in a class above the rest.” SleekSkin is available in a variety of door styles with 17 colours to choose from.

Comp Doors says installers today are operating in a highly competitive environment, meaning they need to constantly explore and seek out new ways to grab homeowners’ attention with show-stopping innovation and attractive new products.

Richard Diliberto, sales director at Comp Door explains: “We are always heavily investing in our product innovations, striving to always make our best even better. We have developed several new products and features over recent months to provide installers with significant competitive advantage. Dramatically helping our customers to drive more demand, therefore enhancing their sales and exceeding their homeowners’ expectations even more than before.”

Sam Kay, managing director of K Glazing Limited said: “SleekSkin – I just love it! This is just what the market needs, I feel customers are really appreciating the aesthetic benefits of this product and how it truly replicates a timber door. The future is here, and it is very exciting!”

Shauna Brett, Marketing Manager at Emerald Windows & Doors confirms, “SleekSkin is a real game changer to my business. The ability to offer my customers a door with so much valueadd and real quality puts me on a different level, my homeowners love the new SleekSkin door finish and are blown away by all of the other innovations now built into Comp Doors as standard.”

Scan the QR code to see SleekSkin in action.

www.compdoor.co.uk

Pioneer Trading Company Essex Ltd is the official distributor of Gerda steel and aluminium entrance doors, licensed to sell them through installers, property developers and construction companies, or direct, throughout the UK. The Gerda steel and aluminium entrance door range has no connection to Gerda Security or Gerda Security Products.

Glazerite doubles down on door offering

The Glazerite UK Group works closely with leading suppliers to ensure its installers can access a comprehensive, high-quality composite door and hardware range. Here, Glazerite’s head of group marketing, Michelle Wright, shares how partnerships with the likes of DoorCo and Brisant Secure can open doors to new business for its customers.

As a fabricator, we make it our job to deliver the very best range of doors, hardware and door furniture for our installers, so that they can meet the exacting demands of their own customers.

To do that, we partner with leading

suppliers to produce composite doors and hardware solutions that are as aesthetically appealing as they are durable, and relevant to consumer trends and needs, from style and security to energy efficiency.

As the UK’s leading independent manufacturer and supplier of composite doors, our partner DoorCo has a longstanding reputation for outstanding quality. DoorCo’s offering has enabled us to transform our door portfolio, underscored by the arrival of some exciting new door styles, colours and decorative glass options over the last 12 months, taking the aesthetics and performance of what we can offer customers to the next level.

Our current DoorCo composite colour range includes nine standard shades, 38 premium hues and the exclusive Patina colours on specific door styles such as the Monza II, the recently launched and traditionally styled Eaton and the latest contemporary styles of Grove and Kings. With the option to colour match to any RAL, and a choice of woodgrain or smooth/

Michelle Wright

etched finishes, homeowners are spoilt for choice.

Importantly, as a supplier partner, DoorCo is forward-thinking, flexible and reactive, quickly responding to feedback from us and our installers and getting ahead of trends to meet end customer demand. What’s more, our installers benefit from DoorCo’s extensive marketing assets and content too, in conjunction with our own unrivalled marketing support offering.

The partnership we’ve forged with DoorCo has elevated our portfolio and gives our installers a huge selection to share with their own customers. Excitingly, it is an offering set to grow later this year with the addition of the nextgeneration solid timber core door, Britdor. This composite innovation offers unrivalled strength, stability and endurance and is finished in a Thermoplastic CoolSkin outer layer, which provides heat-reflective properties, scratch resistance and a beautifully defined woodgrain finish.

Our composite door range is further enhanced by the partnerships we’ve forged with other leading suppliers like Brisant Secure, and its Ultion hardware, door furniture and smart technology offering. This partnership is built on collaboration, innovation and adding value for our customers, with Ultion Sweet door furniture fitted as standard on all of our doors, at no extra cost to installers.

Striking the perfect balance of aesthetics and durability, Ultion Sweet is all the more appealing for our installers and their customers because it comes backed with a 20-year anti-corrosion manufacturer-to-consumer guarantee. Homeowners register directly with Brisant, taking the pressure of potential (though unlikely) future callbacks for our installers.

The Ultion three-star cylinder is also fitted as standard on our doors and has just been further upgraded with the arrival of Ultion ALPS, a next-generation cylinder offering unmatched drill resistance for unbeatable security. Meanwhile, the increasing demand for smart technology is also catered for; just a simple upgrade gives homeowners access to Ultion Nuki Plus, which offers clever locking features including smartphone control and fingerprint recognition.

Like DoorCo’s composite offering, the Ultion cylinder, Ultion Sweet, and Ultion Nuki Plus offer further points of difference for Glazerite’s installers in a competitive market. By working with leading suppliers like DoorCo and Brisant Secure, we will keep our customers one step ahead on product innovation and open doors to new business.

Glazerite is at this year’s FIT Show, which takes place at the NEC Birmingham from 29th April – 1st May 2025. Come and see us at Stand F79 to learn more about our door offering and wider portfolio. www.glazerite.co.uk

Force 8 launches the Colossus

Force 8 has announced the introduction of the Colossus, a towering 2.4-metre door that quite literally stands head and shoulders above standard options. Designed to bridge

the common gap between a standard door and a larger arched frame, Force 8 says the Colossus eliminates the need for unsightly fillers, offering a seamless, full-height solution.

According to Force 8, installers typically resort to using fillers above the door to complete the arch (as the blue example door pictured), which can compromise both aesthetics and functionality. The Colossus, with its additional 400mm in height, resolves this issue with extended locks and four hinges providing a more cohesive and visually appealing finish.

While the full 2.4-metre height showcases the door’s impressive capabilities, it’s not always a necessity. Force 8 understands the need for flexibility in design and installation, which is why the Colossus is also available without an arch. This gives installers greater versatility and more options when quoting for projects, particularly when it’s a larger entrance.

This latest innovation highlights Force 8’s expertise in crafting seamless arched frames without welds, paired with perfectly matching arched composite doors. Enhancing this is Force 8’s in-house paint facility which allows both the frame and the door to be painted simultaneously, ensuring a flawless colour match and a cohesive finish.

“To our knowledge, no other UK manufacturer offers the complete package [of] an arched frame and matching composite door, manufactured and finished together,” comments Lisa Mottershead operations director at Force 8. “In most cases, installers are forced to source the frame and door separately, which not only increases the margin for error but also makes colour matching a challenge.”

For further information about Force 8’s arched frames and doors contact: sales@force8.co.uk

Apeer digs its heels deeper into being the best

Apeer has been pretty vocal over the last few months about the prevalence of misleading thermal efficiency claims by some major players in the industry. This loud voice is the result of a passion and commitment to a product range which managing director Asa McGillian has invested in heavily, in terms of time, money and emotion! He feels strongly that the buying public deserve more than being hoodwinked by some clever marketing and convoluted messaging.

Asa’s confidence in his stance is underpinned by the deep levels of customer support that Apeer has created over the years.

“It can take years for confidence in a product and company to take root. That confidence doesn’t just help us at Apeer – it is also essential for our trade partners who need to channel that same confidence when selling our doors to their own customers. We have spent too long investing in a complete package to allow a few charlatans to undermine the integrity of the door sector,” stated Asa McGillian.

In case you missed Asa’s admonishments over the last few months, he is referring to the manufacturers who are attaching the thermal compliancy of a single product to numerous doors

across their entire product range in what can only be described as a deliberate move to misinform their customer base.

“I hope the message is permeating through the marketplace,” added Asa. “We won’t stop banging this particular drum, but I think it is important as well to remind the industry about the market leading customer support that Apeer provides, on top of the fact that its entire product range is fully compliant (and we have the official certification to prove it!).”

Apeer is particularly known for the range of colours it offers – with 27 colours offered as standard, from standard black through to a bright fuchsia pink which is proving very popular. While many door ranges only have a limited number of colours on offer as standard, Apeer has witnessed a greater engagement by prospective homeowners whose curiosity drives them to further explore the potential of having more unusual coloured front doors.

“The psychology behind a colour can give a real insight into a customer’s thought processes,” said Asa. “For example, the colour red is considered lucky and prosperous in Feng Shui, and it takes a certain kind of confidence and pride in one’s property to make such a bold choice. Offering a fuller range of colours does not only give our door partners greater versatility in what they are able to offer – it also allows them to tailor the sales pitch to that particular personality.”

A quick Google search can give an overview into the emotions associated with various colours. For example – pink can evoke a playful and creative nature, whereas blue can be more calming, solid and trustworthy. The deeper the shade, the more serene and stable the personality. Someone who might veer towards an orange door tends to be warm and friendly, demonstrating a vibrancy that can be unconventional. It may not be an exact science, but it is certainly a talking point.

Not everyone though is so brave with some of the brighter tones, which is why they are offered in several shades on the spectrum. Walking customers through that spectrum has actually helped installers towards making a decision.

The company can of course produce bespoke colour finishes to match RAL colours, but it is no surprise that introducing colour into the sales pitch not only demonstrates the wealth of choice, but is also a proven way of immediately resonating with homeowners on an emotional level.

Features such as the wide range of colours, and Apeer’s magic wreath holders are essential elements of its overall marketing support – designed to give its partners the best possible range of tools during the overall sales process. Asa knows his doors are probably some of the best on the market. But in a crowded marketplace – which is further obfuscated by the misleading claims of more nefarious players – Asa also knows that he has to deploy the fullest arsenal of tools to make sure Apeer doors stand out from the competition.

“2025 is proving to be a tough year, which means that installers are having to work harder than ever to win the attention of end users and convert leads,” stated Asa. “About 18 months ago we launched our ApeerXclusive Partner scheme, and it is proving to be an essential support for its trade partners in these difficult times.”

ApeerXclusive incorporates a dynamic and proactive range of marketing support designed specifically to facilitate the sales process – from the online door design and specification configurator to exclusive promotions.

www.apeer.co.uk

Asa McGillian

Affordable Windows upgrades Timberlook flush door system

Affordable Windows Group has updated its Timberlook flush door range with the introduction of a mechanical midrail section, providing installers with what the company says is an even more authentic timber alternative solution.

The heritage flush door system comprises of both single and French door options, and includes discreet hinges, concealed trickle vents, matching hardware, and dummy sash side screens with matching deep top and bottom rails. Affordable windows says the

Timberlook flush door has already proved a hit with installers, and the ever-evolving system is set to get even better.

Its most recent development is a newly engineered mid-rail section, which will help achieve equal sightlines across the range and add to the timeless design of range.

“Installers are at the heart of everything we do at Affordable,” comments Amelia Gaughan, head of marketing at Affordable Windows Group.

“We launched our Timberlook flush door system a couple of years ago in response to demand from our installers. Property owners wanted a flush door to match their windows, and we knew that not many heritage uPVC systems offered a flush door. Our system, developed in-house, gives our installers a significant advantage in a crowded market.

“This latest development demonstrates our commitment to providing products that meet and exceed customers’ expectations.

“The new and innovative midrail section gives installers an even more authentic look, allowing them to offer a complete suite of products – and ultimately boost their chances of winning more business.”

www.timberlook.com

Trusted fabrication partner

A FABRICATOR THAT WORKS FOR YOU

Add value for your customers with access to the broadest product range in the industry, backed by extended warranties and guarantees. Throw in the support and guidance on offer from our expert marketing and technical teams, and you have a fabricator partner ready to help you transform your business.

We’d love to talk to you about how a partnership can take your business in the right direction. partnership@glazerite.net www.glazerite.co.uk

Your fabricator partner. We’ve got you every step of the way.

Hurst launches Securicore,

a PAS24 accredited PVC-U panel

Hurst is said to be revolutionising the PVC-U panel market with the launch of Securicore, its new enhanced security PVC-U panel option which meets PAS24 as part of a complete door set.

The product of an exhaustive twoyear R&D programme and uniquely available through Hurst, Securicore employs a specially developed PVC-U compound panel and glazing system.

Tested as part of a complete doorset, the next-generation

PVC-U panel meets and surpasses PAS 24 standards. It complies with new build requirements and is designed to future-proof against potential updates to Document Q, which may extend PAS 24 compliance to replacement doors as well as new builds.

It claims to do this without increasing complexity in manufacture. It’s available in a number of different thicknesses including a standard 28mm option, controlling manufacturing costs, while generating new opportunities

to up-sell on security.

Mark Atkinson, sales director at Hurst, said: “Securicore delivers a step change in PVC-U door manufacture. As a manufactured door set, it’s passed mechanical cut through testing; manual and mechanical testing; soft and hard body impact testing; and hardware and cylinder tests.

“With an extensive range of new style options being launched and available right across our range, including glazed panels, it gives Hurst customers, and anyone who buys from them, a unique market opportunity across home improvement, new build and social specification sectors.

“There are practically no limits.”

PAS 24 is a UK standard for enhanced security performance of door and window sets, and is a prerequisite in new build and much Hurst

of the social housing sector.

It ensures the product can resist attempts at forced entry through physical attack testing, and the test includes: a manual attack (simulating real-world break-in attempts using various tools; mechanical loading (testing the structural integrity under pressure); and impact testing (ensuring durability against heavy strikes).

As part of a fully fabricated doorset Securicore meets PAS24, without increasing panel thickness, while retaining exceptional thermal performance, including 1.3w/m2K in a fully large glazed panel.

It’s available as an enhanced option across the majority of Hurst’s panel range. This includes glazed options thanks to a specially developed security clip system, exclusively available to

Hurst customers.

In addition to the majority of its pre-existing panel options, Securicore is available in seven new contemporary panel designs.

“Securicore is a disruptor product”, Mark continued, “PAS24 accreditation sets the market for PVC-U panel doors in a completely different direction.

“The headline is that it opens up new build and will undoubtedly appeal to social housing, but there is equally big opportunity to sell an enhanced security door into the replacement market. As Securicore also remains a largely fit-and-forget product, it makes it attractive for installers.

“This is a big opportunity and delivers a significant market shift for Hurst customers.”

For more information please visit www.hurstdoors.co.uk

sales director, Mark Atkinson

Cut through sample

Quick-Glide’s popularity drives more investment

in marketing and training for Quickslide trade partners

The popularity of Quickslide’s Quick-Glide slim slide and fold door system has been further enhanced by a raft of additional marketing support measures, including in-depth product training, and development of Quick-Glide On-Screen, a help-tosell product configurator for trade partners’ websites.

Launched in 2024, Quick-Glide quickly became a firm favourite with Quickslide trade partners, with over 50 signing up to introduce the product to the open market. Its growing popularity has led the company to further invest in strengthening its marketing support to generate more sales leads and bring the system to a wider network of installers.

Considered a hybrid between bi-folds and sliding doors, QuickGlide is a unique aluminium slide and fold door system that combines slim sightlines with no visible hardware besides the main handle for a sleek seamless finish. Unlike traditional bi-folds that require a concertina swing arc, Quick-Glide’s individually sliding and folding panels allow for a fully stacked, unobstructed opening or a partially opened configuration to suit any space.

“We launched Quick-Glide after significant market testing and investments in R&D, taking the crucial steps overlooked by similar products rushed to market,” commented Quickslide’s managing director Ben Weber.

“Throughout development, we’ve worked closely with our systems partner, Invisifold, and trade partners, to refine the design, ensuring it meets the needs of both installers and homeowners. The result is a unique system featuring slim sightlines and an innovative ‘tap-in’ bead for more efficient installations while delivering a sleek, modern appearance.”

According to Quickslide, the success so far of Quick-Glide has given the company the confidence to further invest in route to market. Quickslide’s bespoke marketing tool, Quick-Glide On-Screen, complete with a lead generation and CRM system add-on, will significantly help trade partners to present it as a viable alternative to homeowners, and as an added value product to wider sales presentations.

“When you are launching something as new as Quick-Glide into an established marketplace, it is vital to take note of all the feedback and make changes where necessary,” continued Ben Weber. “While the experience of our trade partners has been positive, we have taken their comments on board to make sure we implement further improvements which will benefit both them, and their customers. The product configurator will make it easier to sell, and the training will help to make fitting even more efficient.

Quick-Glide sashes are all operated independently so that they can be positioned anywhere across the opening to provide ventilation without having the door fully open, or open up entirely for that complete indoor-outdoor living experience. When closed, the slim profile and hinge-free design create a sleek finish, flooding the room with natural light and enhancing the sense of space.

https://www.quickslide.co.uk

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Jade invests in its next move

– and the industry will benefit!

There’s been a definite shift in the air at Jade headquarters recently. Naturally, the £4 million recently refitted factory has allowed the company’s workforce of nearly 50 to move into a fresh, modern environment. That is bound to create an uplift to the general mood of Jade’s employees.

But that shift is much deeper than that – it is the result of directors Adam Jones and Sean Mackey acknowledging their limitations and understanding that changes

had to be made if they were going to continue to build a business that was healthy for their workforce, healthy for the industry as a whole, and ultimately healthy for the two founders as well.

“Jade has always been an owner managed business, and we have grown organically through market penetration and acquisition. For us it has been a labour of love, a passion project which has given us some amazing opportunities and allowed us to get behind

the scenes of so many different aspects of the window industry,” said director Sean Mackey. “And as anyone who has built a business knows, it is both exhilarating and exhausting in equal measures. A couple of years ago I woke up on my 50th birthday and seriously questioned whether I could continue at that same level of pace”.

The pair realised that the work and approach that had got them to where they were at that time, was not going to get them to the place where they wanted to go – which was a place which offered them more choices in terms of a better home life balance.

“It was the classic case of us being so embroiled in working in the business, that we couldn’t focus on working on the business. We were a £5million turnover operation that was functioning within a

£2.5m turnover framework. Our biggest concern was that, if anything happened to either of us, the industry itself would feel the impact.”

Sean makes this comment not to ‘big’ Jade up, but as a statement of reality – once you start understanding the relevance the company has across all aspects of the window and door industry – PVCu and aluminium – you realise that Sean and Adam’s self reflection was essential to the future of the industry as a whole.

“We had to ask ourselves, should we win the lottery and decide to live out the rest of our years sipping pina coladas on a tropical beach somewhere, how would our absence affect Jade as a company, and its role within the UK sector,” continued Sean. “The answer should be that it wouldn’t affect them at all. Unfortunately,

at the time of asking, we realised that we didn’t have that ability to make such a choice as too many fabricators would reel from the negative ramifications.”

These reflections led to a two year period of restructuring and investment, professionalising a business through the implementation of processes which took both Sean and Adam out of the general day to day running of the business, freeing them up to work on the business. “It has not been an easy process, and letting go of areas in which we have previously been completely embedded as part of the furniture has been challenging,” added Adam Jones. “The pressure on us to continue giving 150% was no longer viable, but the last thing we wanted to do was to let any of our customers down.”

It is important to note that the two

recognised early on that they were not capable of implementing those changes themselves – instead employing the more process driven and granular approach of a newly appointed managing director, Gareth Davies. Coming from a completely different background –managing the civil service pension fund no less – Gareth was able to take a massive step backwards and assess with a much clearer vision of what the business needed to get it to the next level.

It was evident to Gareth that the untapped potential was massive – not just in terms of generating additional sales for Jade, but within that Jade’s activities with its customer base would be commercially advantageous in terms of improving manufacturing and production efficiencies for them. To generate clarity in a

Continued on page 92

(L-R) Adam Jones, Gareth Davies and Sean Mackey.

Continued from page 91

way forward, they needed to break down the company’s core competencies into more defined ‘divisions’, and then build an operational framework in which each ‘division’ excelled in its own discipline.

These disciplines became known as: JadeTooling, JadeMachines, JadeBespoke and JadeConsult. “Essentially the company DNA remained the same – we were simply creating a much more defined pathway down which customer problems – whatever those problems were - could be resolved,” said Gareth Davies. “JadeConsult in particular was the vehicle that was going to drive the growth, and that was going to take both Adam and Sean out of the factory and in front of the industry, helping systems houses and their fabricators identify and solve problems in manufacturing that were affecting the speed and quality of their production. In short, Adam and Sean were doing exactly what they had been doing all along anyway, but without the added stress of pushing those solutions back through Jade. Instead, we had created a workflow through which those solutions could be created in a consistent, quality controlled manner while Adam and Sean went on to the next JadeConsult problem to solve.”

There are not many players in the industry who have not, at some time, benefitted from the engineering expertise of Jade, and when you start talking to Adam and Sean, you soon realise that they are truly a glue that holds every element of the manufacturing side of the industry together. One thing is for certain – you will be hearing an awful lot more from them in the coming months and years.

https://jade-eng.co.uk/

Homeshield England sets up for success with Haffner

South East installer Homeshield England has taken a major step to strengthen its market position by bringing fabrication in-house. To enhance efficiency and maintain a competitive advantage, the company has made a significant investment in state-of-the-art automation machinery from Haffner Ltd. This strategic move sets Homeshield England up for long-term success, ensuring greater control over quality, production and costs.

Homeshield England selected Haffner after carefully researching the market to understand the best option for the business, commenting: “Haffner has a big reputation in the market as the go-to machinery partner – and we quickly discovered why. We wanted to get the right machinery package to achieve our short, medium and long term goals. Haffner’s attention to detail and consultancy advice was vital in achieving this.”

The company particularly praised Haffner’s commercial director Bryan Dando, saying: “Bryan was

very knowledgeable, helping us to plan out the manufacturing set up and the machines that were right for the business.”

Homeshield England has implemented a fully automated package of Haffner machinery, ensuring “exceptional” quality and efficiency across its new fabrication set up. This comprehensive suite of machines enhances precision, streamlines production and optimises performance, reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering high standards in manufacturing.

Installation was completed in early January 2025 and the company says it is already benefiting from everything it needs to kickstart its fabrication operation.

Owner of Homeshield England, Mohammed commented: “We’re already impressed with the quality of the machinery. It will help us to cement the reputation we’ve built for ourselves over the years.”

www.haffnerltd.com

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First Emmegi +Quadra L2 installed at

Express Bi-Folding Doors

Right on schedule, the first installation in the UK of Emmegi’s next generation +Quadra machining centre has taken place at Express Bi-Folding Doors’ 200,000 sq ft factory in Leeds.

Ryan Wombell, continuous improvement manager at Express Bi-Folding Doors, is impressed

not just with the new machine but with the service and delivery from Emmegi. He commented: “The entire process, from evaluation to commissioning, has been seamless. Ian and his team have expertly managed every detail with remarkable efficiency – from our first visit to see the impressive facilities at the Emmegi HQ near Bologna in Italy, all the way to the

delivery, installation and ongoing commission work.

“In Italy, we got to meet several members of the expert team involved in the development of the +Quadra, and saw the machine in action processing our profile, which was an exciting experience.

“The delivery process was smooth and handled with professionalism, with the team going above and beyond to ensure everything was set up perfectly.

“As with any major project, we had anticipated some level of disruption and downtime during the installation of the +Quadra

L2. However, thanks to close collaboration with Emmegi during the planning phase, this was minimised to virtually zero, allowing our manufacturing team to continue working with minimal interruption.”

According to the company, the new 20 axis +Quadra L2 has some significant enhancements over the existing Quadra L1. It offers the same 360° rotary based milling but now with up to 8 spindles drilling and tapping on 4 faces of the profile, and has the same 360° rotary cutting blade, but now with a new head and tail end milling module with variable rotation speeds up to 8000 rpm. Being the L2 variant of the +Quadra, it also features

an additional 350mm radial saw blade for larger profiles requiring mitres. And it incorporates dynamic counterblocks, which can be programmed to recognise the profiles being selected and automatically adjust and set the vices, eliminating the need to set up individual counterblocks each time. There is also the option of an automatic labelling module which can position the label on 3 sides of the profile.

Ryan Wombell explained why Express Bi-Folding Doors chose the +Quadra: “With an existing Quadra L1 12-axis machine already installed, we knew all about the precision and durability of the Quadra models, but we still carefully reviewed several

machines from various suppliers before we made what is a very significant investment. While each company has made impressive advancements in research and development since we bought the L1 in 2016, Emmegi still stood out as the clear choice for us.

“We assessed our current needs and our future requirements, and the +Quadra L2 ticked all the boxes. As a strong advocate for change, lean manufacturing, and efficiency, I was particularly drawn to the +Quadra’s promise to deliver on all three fronts.

“It is a machine which excels in terms of volume, speed and quality and gives us the capability to process a wider range of profiles, with significantly shorter machining lead times and extended unmanned cycles. One aspect which was also significant was the fact that the +Quadra L2 is a real space saver in our factory. To match its output, we would otherwise need two saws and three CNC machining centres.”

Now that the +Quadra L2 has been successfully installed, the Emmegi team are helping to train the Express Bi-Folding Doors’ machinists team on the new features. Ian Latimer, Emmegi (UK)’s managing director, added: “This has been a pretty much textbook installation, with exceptional work from our service and installation team and real commitment from Express BiFolding Doors to integrating the +Quadra L2 into their operation as smoothly as possible. It certainly provides an ideal template for our future +Quadra installations in the UK.”

Looking forward, Express BiFolding Doors will be dedicating significant R&D resources to further reducing waste, enhancing quality and improving efficiency as it continues to forge ahead, says the company’ https://bit.ly/4bvzM1M

Innovation Aluminium invests in Kombimatec AMC328

Automatic Machining Centre

Leicester based trade aluminium fabricator Innovation Aluminium has futureproofed business growth of a further potential £2 million sales with an investment in a Kombimatec AMC328 Automatic Machining Centre. Not only does the machine enable Innovation Aluminium to double production speed, but it also relieves manpower to work elsewhere. Once the machine has been programmed, the operator can leave it running independently and focus on other areas of production, according to the company.

Kombimatec’s AM328 has also allowed the company to automate the routing process. Previously hand routing could be fraught with human error no matter how experienced the operator. By automating the process, it has been able to eliminate inaccuracies through guaranteeing pinpoint precision every time, says the company.

“The AMC328 gave us the necessary capacity to immediately meet the demands of our latest increase in sales,” commented sales and marketing director Andy Berrington. “At the same time, its versatility gives us the confidence to potentially expand our product offerings, as we seek out new products to add to our range. Not only does it double production speed, neither does it need constant supervision. The operator can leave it and get on with other jobs in the factory, effectively doubling up the individual output of our workforce.

“We know the trend for aluminium products is only going to increase and we want to make sure that we are ready to absorb as much of that growth in demand in the coming months and years.”

Innovation Aluminium has enjoyed record breaking growth since it was first established in 2022, and according to the company is the

fastest growing Smart fabricator in the UK. Andy Berrington is rightly proud of its successes to date and feels that as a young company (they are a team still in their early 30s) it is ideally placed to quickly adopt and benefit from some of the newest technologies coming onto the market, claims the company.

“We are passionate about this industry and feel that we need to elevate our voices over and above some of the negativity that can seep through,” added Andy Berrington. “Having worked with David at Kombimatec when we first started on this journey, it felt right to speak to someone who understood the concept of offering a solution that took in the future growth needs as much as current production requirements.”

David Parsons, managing director for Kombimatec added: “We have been working with Innovation Aluminium since it was first established in 2022, installing a CR7823 Twin Head Door Router. The company’s new requirements were not just to cope with current demand, but its ambition and determination to continue growing required a more versatile option that would accommodate changing needs.”

It’s time to connect

Director of Ab Initio, Rhonda Ridge, talks about the next step change in customer service and explains how its installer management system, AdminBase, is undergoing further development to give its users an advantage.

With the customer service landscape shifting so quickly, consumer-facing businesses need to understand how expectations are changing and what is now required to deliver the best customer experience. This might sound obvious, but the consequences of falling short are becoming more serious as expectations rise. According to Benchmark data

from the AI customer service company, Zendesk, more than half of consumers will switch to a competitor after just one bad experience. The same data highlights that 6 in 10 customer service representatives say a lack of consumer data is often the cause of negative interactions. Installation businesses looking to deliver customer service that meets or hopefully exceeds

increasing expectations, will need support from an installer management system that is ahead of the game.

Communication must come first A positive consumer experience depends on clear communication. This means complete connectivity, which is a problem for installation businesses that still use pen and paper to log a customer call or share information about a job. It is also a problem for businesses that have started to use mobile messages to interact with consumers. While this is a great thing to do in theory, because this is what homeowners now expect, if messages are held on individual devices they can’t be accessed by the rest of the team. For smooth and clear communication throughout the business, all data needs to be centralised in fully integrated CRM software.

The AdminBase installer management system is constantly Managing

INTERNET, IT AND SOFTWARE

evolving to take into account the latest trends and requirements at consumer level. Installation businesses already benefit from an integrated SMS facility but with Ofcom declaring WhatsApp the most commonly used messaging app in the UK, we are pleased to be the first CRM system in the industry to integrate the app.

Benefits of WhatsApp integration

The advantages of integrating WhatsApp into the CRM are plentiful. Similarly to the SMS messaging facility we have offered for several years, it centralises all messages sent and received via WhatsApp. So, rather than messages sitting on an individual device until they can be passed on, if they are shared at all, they are held within the system for relevant users to retrieve when needed. This gives customer service personnel access to the most up to date information on a

customer or project at any one time, allowing them to respond to calls efficiently, and offer a more personal service.

Up until a couple of years ago WhatsApp were charging around £2000 outlay per client to use their Application Programming Interface (API) integration. Now users of AdminBase can create a WhatsApp business account for free and through their API allowing two pieces of software to talk to each other. Integrating the app so seamlessly into AdminBase offers convenience too, giving users access to all messages sent and received.

Building a customer connection

This new upgrade to AdminBase supports installation businesses in delivering the very best customer service alongside our award-winning Customer Portal that already gives homeowners a way to connect with their home improvement supplier on their terms. The portal allows consumers access to their accounts 24/7 so they can check progress, confirm appointments, and even report snagging issues when the work has been completed.

It’s not exaggerating to say that connectivity in an installation business is becoming critical. Companies won’t be able to keep up with ever increasing consumer expectations without seamless sharing of information and clear communication. This can only be achieved with the right installer management system connecting all aspects of the business. The WhatsApp integration into AdminBase is redolent of the connectivity and forward-thinking nature of a company that is this year celebrating its 30th anniversary. And there’s more to come with more integration announcements to come at the FIT Show and beyond.

www.abinitiosoftware.co.uk

Managing Director, Rhonda Ridge

Staying ahead of rising costs with Business Pilot

Rising inflation, increasing material costs, and heightened energy bills have already squeezed profit margins this year, and on top of these pressures, employers face higher National Insurance Contributions (NICs) from April, costing employers approximately £2,000 in additional employment costs, per year per employee.

For installers, who rely heavily on skilled labour and customer service teams, these additional financial burdens can threaten profitability.

“Business Pilot is like having another team member, but without the overheads” said Elton Boocock, managing director of Business Pilot. “As employment costs increase, automating tasks becomes critical.

“On average, Business Pilot can digitally automate the work of 1.5 team members. So, as there is a natural turnover of staff and people leave, they do not need to be replaced – this investment can then be channelled elsewhere in the business.

“It’s a double win: reducing staffing and guaranteeing fewer errors, which saves both time and money.”

Business Pilot simplifies dayto-day operations by integrating lead tracking, job scheduling, and financial reporting into a single platform. For instance, FENSA registrations, which traditionally

Elton Boocock

take hours each month, are completed in seconds with just a click.

The system also streamlines customer updates with automated emails, reducing the need for manual follow-ups and improving customer satisfaction.

Another challenge for businesses in 2025 is cash flow management, with late or missed invoices compounding financial strain. Business Pilot has addressed this by integrating with Blink Payment, enabling businesses to issue invoices with instant payment options via bank transfer, credit

card, or digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

“Faster payments improve liquidity and help businesses weather economic pressures”, said Elton. “And the time saved from having to chase payments can then be spent winning new customers and completing installations.”

In an era of rising costs and tighter margins, Business Pilot allows window and door companies to operate more efficiently, reduce overheads, and maintain highquality service. “The businesses that succeed in 2025 will be the ones that adapt”, Elton concluded. “With the right tools, you can reduce costs, improve cash flow, and give your customers the best experience possible – all at the same time.”

www.businesspilot.co.uk

Roseview expands digital offering

Sash window manufacturer Roseview Windows has expanded its online quoting capabilities, launching Business Micros’ Touch Portal to its customers.

Touch Portal is an innovative new system from fenestration software house Business Micros. The portal allows Roseview’s customers to build quotes and orders online, using always up-to-date pricing and product specification information supplied directly by Roseview. This allows installers to build fast, accurate quotes without having to send them to Roseview first, says the company.

Roseview is well-known for innovation and already offers live-priced online quoting to subscribers of the Tommy Trinder

Framepoint system. In four years, that has translated into 40,000 sash windows quoted through the system, with a value of more than £32.5 million, claims the company.

Commenting on Roseview’s expanded online options, director Mike Bygrave said: “We always focus on helping our customers and giving them a competitive edge, through our products, service, support and – in this case – by offering fast, accurate, convenient live-priced online quoting.

“In our view online services are important for the future of the fenestration industry. When we first encountered Tommy Trinder five years ago we knew we wanted to be involved. That has proved

to be a great success, with more than £30 million of windows quoted since we started, and an impressive conversion rate for our customers.

“So, when we heard that Business Micros was developing Touch Portal, we signed up.” Mike continues. “We’ve already seen how successful online quoting can be, and Business Micros are the biggest name in fenestration industry software – all our backend systems already come from them.

“We’ve worked closely with BM over the last year to build a sash window specific Touch Portal for Roseview’s customers. It keeps us at the forefront of online technology in the window industry. But, more importantly, it allows us to offer more options and flexibility to our customers, based on their needs. In turn, that allows them to maintain their competitive edge. It’s another step towards an exciting, digital future for our industry.” Mike concludes.

www.roseview.co.uk/touch-signup

Hörmann launch new composite door website and brochure

Composite doors supplier Hörmann has revamped and relaunched its online presence with the creation of a new website, and at the same time have introduced a new consumer brochure.

Both the website and brochure have been designed and developed to play a key role in achieving the company’s objective to enhance the consumer experience and make it easier for the homeowner to choose their ideal door. They are a major advance for the company and are set to provide their dealers with industry-leading sales aids, says Hörmann.

The creation of the new website and brochure has provided Hörmann with the opportunity to simplify and streamline its product offering. Six ranges with 43 styles to choose from are now named after Welsh rivers to celebrate the natural beauty and heritage of Wales, being the home of

its door manufacturing facility. Whilst the choice of glazing and colour options have also been standardised to provide greater flexibility and an easier, more focused choice.

The website and brochure now feature the products that are on offer under the Hörmann brand including the Clima-63 thermal option, the Platinum 44 steel door and the Draig 30-minute fire door –bringing the whole product offering under one umbrella.

The new website is now available to view at www.hormanntruedor. co.uk. It features a completely updated, modern look and provides even more information and greater functionality than ever before. Colourful images and graphics guide the endconsumer through the wide variety of designs and styles of doors on offer, whilst introducing Hörmann and emphasising its’ commitment to the environment

through sustainable manufacturing and the provision of CO2-netural products. The site also features the company’s easy-to-use door configurator that guides the end consumer through simple steps and choices to create the door of their dreams.

Mirroring the style and content of the website, the new brochure creates a comprehensive guide making it easy to explore the entire range of products in one place. Added detail including technical information and sizing guides provides everything needed to make informed decisions.

Hörmann has also introduced an eye-catching, colourful van sticker to further promote the composite door range and new website.

David O’ Mara, marketing manager at Hörmann UK said: “Rather than simply updating our existing website we wanted to start from scratch, creating and implementing added features to provide maximum benefit to our customers. The new site offers users a simple, colourful journey through the whole product range, at every stage making decisions and choice as straightforward as possible. Consumers are encouraged to use the door configurator and request a quotation, creating very real leads for our network of dealers. Plans are already well in hand to drive traffic to the site via a programme of online promotion, including payper-click, Facebook advertising and a schedule of social media promotions.

“We see the launch of the website and brochure as a major milestone and very much part of our strategy to continue our expansion into the composite door market. Make sure you visit us at the FIT Show (Hall 9, Stand H20) to view the website and brochure, together with a comprehensive display of products from our range of residential and garage doors.”

www.hormanntruedor.co.uk

Traditional Hardware Meets Door Innovation

With the evolving composite door market, installers and homeowners are seeking high-performance hardware that complements various styles without sacrificing quality. According to the Coastal Group, their Duratique range blends heritage aesthetics with modern durability, bridging the gap between classic design and long-lasting performance.

Duratique hardware combines classic styling with marine-grade stainless steel durability, ideal for heritage-style composite doors. Designed for daily use, it resists corrosion and wear, offering the charm of traditional door furniture without the drawbacks of cast iron alternatives.

Loren Jenner, managing director

at Coastal Group, highlights the importance of this innovation: “Composite doors have become a popular choice with homeowners, for contemporary and heritage properties. Why should they settle for anything less than the best with their hardware? With the Duratique range, we’re giving installers a hardware solution that maintains the classic look of period doors while delivering the longlasting durability modern doors require. It’s the best of both worlds – authenticity without compromise.”

From elegant lever handles and letterplates to traditional door knockers, the Duratique collection from Coastal Group is designed with ease of

installation in mind, ensuring a seamless fit for composite door manufacturers and installers. Each piece is rigorously tested to meet the demands of high-traffic use while retaining its distinctive character.

Phil Walklett, engineering manager at Coastal Group, adds: “Duratique is about combining classic styling with cutting-edge engineering. We’ve worked hard to create a range that not only looks the part but also delivers on longevity, ease of installation, and resilience. By using stainless steel, we ensure that Duratique hardware offers unmatched protection against corrosion and daily wear.”

Suited to traditional-style composite doors including stable doors, Duratique is quickly becoming the go-to hardware solution for installers looking to stand out with their customers.

www.coastal-group.com

Antique bronze emerges as rising star in Regal Hardware colour finish

Hardware distributor, Window Ware has revealed that antique bronze has emerged as a popular colour for its Regal Hardware range, highlighting a significant shift in consumer preferences for hardware finishes.

The growing popularity of flush sash windows and doors with a

timber-look design is expected to further fuel demand for Window Ware’s high-end heritage range, which blends traditional aesthetics with modern performance.

And while black RAL9005 remains the dominant finish, consistently accounting for around 40-44% of sales of the range’s classic

monkey tail and elegant pear drop designs, antique bronze is now second in the popularity charts at 12%, moving ahead of the likes of polished and satin chrome, which have reduced in popularity from 10-13% to 7-8%.

For Rob Vaughan, Window Ware’s product manager, this points to a considerable switch for consumers.

“Our colour trend research has yielded some interesting results,” said Rob. “The steady growth of antique bronze is particularly noteworthy, with market share increasing from 7% in 2021 to 12% in 2024, including a 3-percentage point rise last year alone. This finish has clearly become very popular.”

“The market for decorative finishes is constantly evolving,” explained Rob. “We’re seeing less preference for polished chrome and satin chrome year on year. Rose gold and brushed copper were popular for a while, but now represent a smaller market share, demonstrating

https://bit.ly/41whrNo

Total Hardware launches new Apex Stainless Steel Shootbolt

Total Hardware has just launched the latest product in its premium Apex range: the Apex Stainless Steel Shootbolt.

The shootbolt, which has the option to incorporate Yale SensCheck, is manufactured to deliver superior security for PVC-U profiles, providing next-level protection for windows, says the company.

Paul Atkinson, director at Total Hardware, said: “The innovative Apex Stainless Steel Shootbolt is a state-of-art locking solution that elevates window security. It’s the next generation in window locking technology, combining advanced materials with cutting-edge design

Excel Bespoke Composite Doors has become the latest company to add the Kenrick AK Touch Secure smart lock to its offering.

Steven Panesar, Excel’s managing director, said: “We are very impressed with the AK Touch Secure which is a nextgeneration smart door lock. As the latest launch partner, we are excited to bring this innovation to our customers. Staying at the forefront of market advancements is a priority for us, and this cutting-

to offer unparalleled protection and peace of mind for homeowners.”

The intelligent design features a one-piece zinc centre keep, combined corner mushroom and shootbolt keep, significantly improving product performance. It also comes with a corner drive option which means it can be

used as a wraparound mechanism for high or heavy duty top hung sashes, giving additional locking points on the side of the sashes and improving the compression of the window, according to the company.

The shootbolt is suitable for use on Standard, French, Flush and French Flush casement windows. For enhanced security, the shootbolt is laminated. It’s manufactured from high-grade stainless steel, which enhances strength and extends product life, claims the company, something that is reflected in the 10-year guarantee. Available in options to suit sash sizes from 250mm to 1620mm, the shootbolt meets PAS24:2022 security requirements and is Secured by Design and IoT (Internet of Things) accredited.

www.totalhardware.co.uk

Excel Bespoke Composite Doors adds Kenrick AK Touch Secure to its portfolio

edge lock presents exciting new opportunities.”

Andy Meakin, sales and marketing manager at Kenrick, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Excel Bespoke Composite Doors on board. Their enthusiasm and market drive for the product is exciting and we know it will add value to their continued door sales.”

According to the company, the AK Touch Secure smart lock is compatible with any door handle fitted with a Kenrick 3 Star Locking Cylinder and can be retrofitted with no need for any major hardware modifications. It operates using touch-sensitive technology, a secure keypad, an encrypted key fob, or voice commands via Google Home

or Alexa. There’s also a manual override option, meaning the door can always be opened with a key.

The AK Touch Secure app gives users features such as remote locking and unlocking, a status check and access logs. They can also give temporary, timed access to a property, making it ideal for Airbnb properties or where contractors need access to a building, says the company.

Steven commented: “The ease of fitting and retrofit capabilities are significant benefits of the AK Touch Secure for our customers. We also know end users will value the remote locking and unlocking functionality.”

www.kenricks.co.uk

Suited Heritage system from AluK

The launch of the AluK Heritage door at the start of the year has given AluK customers a major boost in what is a fast growing sector of the market.

AluK customers now have a fully suited Heritage door and window offering to target traditional steel replacement projects, as well as contemporary refurbishments and new builds.

The design appeal of the classic industrial looking window and door never fades, but it has been made more practical and accessible with the development of ‘steel look’ alternatives in aluminium. These replicate the slim sightlines and sleek profiles of steel, but at a more cost-effective price point and with proven benefits in terms of sustainability, durability, and thermal efficiency.

As a result, demand is growing in dated heritage installations where original non-thermally broken steel windows have long outlived their usefulness, but property owners haven’t been able to afford

replacements, and in new builds and refurbishments where designconscious property owners want to achieve the on-trend industrial aesthetic.

AluK says its Heritage door and ‘steel replacement window’ make it easy for fabricators and installers to tap into all these profitable new business streams. They are both manufactured in AluK’s tested, tried and trusted 58BW system, with profiles, beads and ancillaries shared across both. Fabrication methods are standard and there is minimal additional stockholding.

The new AluK Heritage door, with slim 51.7mm sightlines, can be used to make both single and double doors and is available with matching fixed light transoms so it is easy to add fan and side lights and create a fully glazed wall if required. For whole house installations, it suites perfectly with the 58BW ST Heritage window which has sightlines of just 43mm in a fixed light and 66mm frame to vent.

Kevin Bonnar, AluK’s sales director, says the addition of the Heritage door to the 58BW Heritage window is a big plus for AluK fabricators: “It’s all about being able to supply the whole glazing package from one supplier and in one coherent system. It also opens up opportunities for up-selling an enquiry for windows or doors into an enquiry for both.

“We’ve already had enthusiastic endorsements from customers including Midori Aluminium, Unique Window Systems and Exeter Trade Windows for the new door and we’re excited to see customers embracing the door and window combinations.”

AluK offers its Heritage range with period-inspired handles in matt black, antique bronze, heritage black and heritage grey. The standard finish is classic matt black which is available on a 5-day lead time and non-stock single and dual colours are available from 15 days.

As buyers would expect from AluK, all the Heritage options are fully Part L compliant, with third-party accredited U-Values of 1.4 W/ m2K for the Heritage door and 1.4 W/m2K for the Heritage window double glazed and 1.1 W/m2K triple glazed.

alukgb.com/heritage-door

Whiteline meets demand for Heritageinspired designs with Sheerline

Since Whiteline Manufacturing Ltd launched Sheerline’s Classic Heritage Door last October, the fabricator has seen a significant increase in demand for heritageinspired designs, particularly from those who want a steel-look aesthetic combined with truly modern performance.

It was specifically selected to complement Whiteline’s aluminium offering as the company already produces the popular Classic range and felt the Heritage door was the perfect extension to complete this suite of products.

Aside from the ultra-slim

aluminium profiles designed to emulate the steel-look aesthetic, Sheerline’s Classic Heritage Door was selected for its versatility. Particularly as it suits both interior and exterior use, making it popular with homeowners and architects alike.

Thanks to Sheerline’s zerothreshold option, it can be installed as an internal door. This, says the company, makes it the perfect solution for those families who want to embrace open plan living, with an uninterrupted flow of natural light through the home.

Heritage-style products are

growing in popularity, and part of the appeal of the Classic Heritage Door is its authentic styling thanks to a period-inspired lockbox design. This timeless look makes it ideal for projects ranging from contemporary to character, and everything between.

No stranger to Sheerline’s products, Whiteline were one of the first fabricators to start selling the innovative aluminium range. The partnership has gone from strength to strength, resulting in a collaboration to develop a unique feature for this product, which will be launched in late Q1.

Louise Evans, group commercial director, said: “Whiteline and Sheerline have had a solid relationship for many years and share many common traits, like innovation and service, which make them the perfect partnership.”

Tony Basile, Sheerline’s national

sales director, commented: “When we at Sheerline say our fabricators are our partners – we mean it. We’ve been working with Whiteline since the beginning, and our relationship is built on mutual respect and understanding. Our values very much align, which is why this partnership has flourished over the years.”

“We aren’t surprised to hear the Classic Heritage Door has been popular – it offers everything homeowners want; it’s stylish, secure, on trend, and versatile,” he added.

To learn more about the Classic Heritage Door and Whiteline’s other products, contact the team directly at 01323 723 724 or email sales@whiteline.co.uk

To find out more about Sheerline’s product range, visit the website here: https://www.sheerline.com or contact the team on 01332 978 000.

Sheerline launches new Fast Connect Hybrid Bead for installers

Sheerline says its new Fast Connect Hybrid Bead speeds up installations and accommodates both under and oversized units with ease. All while being easy to remove when a glass unit needs replacing. ‘The true fitter’s friend – helping reduce installation time on site’.

Its concealed and patentpending Thermlock inner improves thermal performance while also providing the ‘give’ that aids both glazing and deglazing. With a co-extruded gasket to give a generous 5mm of compression, there are less issues for installers on site when dealing with irregular sized units.

Connect is available in two glazing sizes 28 and 36mm. It has been designed as a universal bead, useable across Sheerline’s entire Prestige range of windows, doors, bi-folds

and patios. Helping to simplify manufacturing and available on the company’s standard 5-day lead times to fabricators.

Delivered to site protected by pro-tape that features a QR code that takes you to the simple glazing and deglazing instructions. Fitting the bead will be second nature to anyone familiar with glazing PVC-u, says Sheerline.

The bead also remains more stable during transit in frames, due to the positive click of the hybrid design. Sheerline says: “Once you’ve tried it you won’t want to go back!”

To find out more about Sheerline’s new Fast Connect Hybrid Bead, visit the website where you’ll find the installation video: https://bit.ly/3FsElxT

To learn more about Sheerline, please call 01332 978000.

Kestrel Aluminium Systems Introduces

50CW Curtain Wall

Kestrel Aluminium Systems has announced the launch of its new 50CW curtain wall system. Designed for all building types from ground floor to high rise projects, this system marks Kestrel’s expansion into the wider curtain

wall market, offering a highperformance and cost-effective solution for aluminium fabricators across the UK, says the company.

The 50CW system has been rigorously tested in accordance

with BS EN 13830. This ensures exceptional resistance to wind, water, and air infiltration, while providing high thermal properties as low as Uf 0.88 W/m2K, claims the company.

The transom-to-transom façade design significantly reduces material waste, as fabricators can use the same profile for both mullions and transoms. A single, universal glazing rebate gasket, used on both mullion and transom, simplifies stock management and installation.

Innovation of the gasket design provides any number of drainage levels for maximum design freedom and maintains the overlap drainage principle at all joints. Combined with the flex injection assembly process, consistent and reliable sealing of these connections is ensured. This reduces fabrication time and optimises performance in demanding commercial applications, according to the company.

Designed to integrate seamlessly with Kestrel’s existing product range, the new curtain wall system complements the company’s 75mm window and ground floor treatments, as well as its commercial door systems. This provides a visually consistent and practical solution for complete façade projects.

“We are delighted to introduce the 50CW, our latest, advanced curtain wall system,” said Crispin Jedrzejewski, head of technical & design at Kestrel Aluminium Systems. “Our approach focuses on delivering performance-driven, easy-to-fabricate solutions that meet the evolving needs of the UK construction market. The 50CW offers fabricators a robust, efficient, and high-quality system that delivers flexibility and longevity.”

https://bit.ly/3DpYV1e

NW Rooftech’s commitment to meeting trade installers’ needs

For over 25 years, NW Rooftech has been supplying trade installers across the UK with high-performance doors, windows, and roofing solutions. The company cites its Aluna bifold door offering as one example of this. Designed with installers in mind, NW Rooftech says these bifolds combine slimline aesthetics,

robust security, and effortless installation.

NW Rooftech’s Aluna bifold doors, crafted from marine-grade aluminium, feature ultra-slim 107mm sightlines from frame to sash and offer a sleek and contemporary appearance that maximizes natural light. With the ability to accommodate sash

sizes of up to 1200mm in width and 3000mm in height, these doors provide trade installers with a versatile, high-end solution suitable for both residential and commercial projects.

Security and thermal efficiency are critical in today’s market, and according to NW Rooftech, achieving U-values as low as 1.1 W/m²K with triple glazing and 1.4 W/m²K with double glazing, these bifold doors ensure compliance with Part L regulations while delivering exceptional energy efficiency. Their PAS24 certified security features include dedicated shoot bolt intermediate locks, a three-point dead latch, and hook lock.

Andy Ingham, CEO of NW Rooftech, emphasises the company’s commitment to meeting trade installers’ needs: “We understand that installers require products that are not only high in quality but also designed for seamless fitting. The Aluna bifold is engineered to offer a straightforward, efficient installation process while delivering outstanding durability, security, and aesthetics. It’s a game-changer for trade professionals.”

NW Rooftech says it goes beyond standard fabrication techniques to ensure flawless product performance. One of the key differentiators is its vertical rig assembly process.

Unlike traditional horizontal fabrication, which the company says can result in misaligned locks, inconsistent angles, and compromised durability, NW Rooftech’s vertical rig is claimed to ensure perfect alignment and precision at every stage of assembly.

Andy said: “Even the slightest miscalculation during fabrication can lead to operational issues down the line. Our vertical rig system eliminates this risk, ensuring that every bifold door is manufactured with absolute accuracy. This means smoother installations, fewer callbacks, and happier customers guaranteed for our trade partners.”

NW Rooftech says that time is money for trade professionals, and the company’s Aluna bifolds are specifically designed to streamline the installation process. Their heavy-duty 120kg wheel hardware ensures smooth operation, while clip-in beads allow for faster glazing. With pregasketed profiles and intuitive design, installers can reduce fitting times and increase project efficiency, ultimately enhancing their profitability, claims the fabricator.

For further information, or for any specific enquiries about the company, you can contact NW Rooftech’s sales team at info@nwrooftech.co.uk or call 01704 222 707.

Fentrade’s expertise in large-scale design-led

curtain walling

Aberporth Primary on the Ceredigion coast has a striking new Mondrian-inspired façade thanks to the skills of trade fabricator Fentrade and contractor LEB Construction.

Chris Reeks, managing director at Fentrade, said: “The design, size and timescale on this project were all extremely demanding, but we were more than up for the challenge.”

The project began when LEB Construction approached Fentrade for their support. LEB Construction had worked with Fentrade on previous projects, and knew the team had the expertise that would be required.

It involved replacing almost

project

400m2 of original steel singleglazed screens with AluK’s SL52 capped curtain walling system.

As if the scale wasn’t demanding enough, it also featured a daring design from architect Mathew Tench involving primary-coloured aluminium-faced panels in irregular rectangular shapes, all inspired by abstract artist Piet Mondrian.

Fentrade worked with AluK’s design team to recommend a switch from the original casement windows within the curtain walling to tilt and turn windows in AluK’s 58BW HI system to accommodate the larger sizes required. Fentrade also recommended replacing the double doors in the design with wider single doors in AluK’s GT55

system to achieve higher levels of security while still providing the necessary fire escape access.

The fabrication phase could only have been completed by an experienced fabricator committed to attention to detail.

The primary-coloured aluminiumfaced panels were all irregular rectangular shapes and needed to fit alongside the windows and doors within the same curtain walling sections. Unlike conventional stick curtain walling with regular ladder-type sections, these panels were required to run across the mullions to achieve the Mondrian-style look.

Fentrade and AluK’s technical teams calculated that the noses of the mullion caps in the SL52 system could be machined sufficiently to allow the panels to cross over without negatively impacting on the performance of the curtain walling screens.

However, achieving this required more than 100 separate manual calculations and a great deal of precision machining.

Chris commented: “Each cap was calculated by hand across the four façades to ensure a correct fit on site – and then machined, batched and clearly labelled to make installation straightforward. It represented many months of work, and we were incredibly proud to deliver on time and on budget.”

The aluminium powder coating was finished to a marine-grade finish to ensure durability, longevity and low maintenance, even in Aberporth’s coastal location.

Installation was carefully planned to minimise disruption to the school. The headteacher and pupils are delighted with the results, and there’s a renewed sense of pride in a building that’s warmer and brighter than before.

Chris concluded: “The project was a perfect example of the quality of work that can be achieved when the entire supply chain collaborates from start to finish. It’s an incredible project that we’re proud to have been part of.”

www.fentradealuminium.co.uk

Antiques Roadshow star Raj Bisram chooses Timberlook windows for property renovation

Television personality and antiques specialist Raj Bisram has chosen Timberlook flush sash windows for a property renovation, with the installation completed by one of Timberlook’s installer partners, KSE Home Improvements.

Kent-based installers KSE Home Improvements, who have been fitting Timberlook products since the range was introduced by Affordable Windows Group in 2017, installed 15 Timberlook flush sash windows throughout Mr Bisram’s heritage home.

The project was deemed a huge success, with the Timberlook flush casement windows in Painswick perfectly complementing the existing property.

Timberlook, a leading range of heritage style uPVC window and door systems, is designed to replicate historic timber designs, with authentic Timberweld joins, concealed trickle vents and traditional hardware contributing to the heritage style.

Their flush sash windows and

flush French doors combine traditional aesthetics with modern performance, featuring woodeffect uPVC to deliver the practical benefits of contemporary materials, according to the company.

Amelia Gaughan, head of marketing at Affordable Windows Group, comments: “When we created Timberlook, our aim was to create a flush uPVC window system that looked authentic enough to replicate genuine historical window designs.

“Having someone like Raj Bisram, who works with heritage items daily, choose Timberlook windows is a real testament to their authentic appearance. The installation by one of our valued installer partners, KSE Home Improvements (for whom we have been working closely with for nearly two decades), perfectly showcases how our heritagestyle windows provide traditional charm while maintaining the high performance homeowners expect.”

www.timberlook.com

Antiques Roadshow star Raj Bisram (middle) with KSE Home Improvements & Timberlook.

ACJ Aluminium supplies Jack Aluminium’s ID30

demonstrated its ability to not only meet the design brief, but its durability that was crucial for the high footfall zones.

for private wellness club

Barnsgrove, a private wellness club – tasked ACJ Aluminium with delivering a glazing solution that would be able to withstand high footfall, while mirroring Barnsgrove’s rustic aesthetic, and Jack Aluminium Systems’ ID30 demonstrated its versatility and capability to deliver on it all.

Tucked away within the charming landscapes of the Hampshire countryside, Barnsgrove is a private clubhouse offering fitness and wellness facilities, as well as flexible rural workspaces. What was originally named The Old Dairy has since been demolished and re-built, to create the perfect retreat for its members.

Philip Jones, managing director at ACJ Aluminium, talks about the projects expectations, saying: “The team at Barnsgrove were looking to construct 11 flexible office spaces and 24 individual desk areas, creating a hub of

productivity for its members, as well as dedicated areas that kept mental and physical wellbeing at the forefront of design.”

After the ACJ Aluminium team presented various internal glazing systems and options to the client, Jack Aluminium Systems’ ID30 system was seen to outperform any alternative thanks to its value, quality and endless design capabilities, according to the company.

Philip said: “As well as its sleek and modern design that effortlessly emulated Barnsgrove’s vision for the space, they also really appreciated the bespoke styling options available with the ID30 system. From the machined electric strike locks that could be fitted within the frame – which were utilised for fob access so members can access each area – to its varied colour options and robust fabrication design, the ID30

“The finished result was everything the client was looking for, so we’re hugely grateful to the Jack Aluminium Systems team for being so polite and efficient. Everyone we dealt with was more than happy to help with anything, from procurement and technical details to ensuring our clients satisfaction, as well as our own. The ID30 system delivered a simple and sleek solution that created the desired private breakout workspaces, yet didn’t compromise on natural light, performance or security.”

Ash Pearson, Jack Aluminium systems sales manager, reflected on the project saying: “The guys at ACJ Aluminium did such a great job with this Barnsgrove project. It’s great to see the ID30 in situ, and even better to see its vast design capabilities being utilised to help the team at Barnsgrove enhance its security while also maintaining its vision for the overall design and aesthetic that is carried throughout the whole space.”

www.jackaluminium.co.uk

Promat fire-rated glazing and

door solutions chosen for Grade II listed retail conversion

Glazing contractor PGS Glass has partnered with passive fire protection specialist Promat UK to provide fire resistant screens and fire doors for a project involving the conversion of a disused listed building into a new travel centre for Trailfinders.

The building project in the heart of Windsor, had stood empty since it was vacated by the previous occupier in June 2023. Award-winning architects Lustedgreen were tasked with the transformation of the building and successfully created the accommodation required by the travel industry brand.

The Grade II listed status of the mid-18th century building required a sensitive approach to the conversion work to ensure the redecoration of the shopfront, new signage and all the internal

refurbishment over five floors would comply with planning and conservation area stipulations.

Another key dimension to the project, however, was to ensure the layout of the ground floor and first floor could be configured to meet today’s fire safety requirements, without compromising the aesthetic vision or other important design objectives. These included maximising the use of the space and ensuring visibility and light transmission between areas was optimised, according the company.

One of the ways this was achieved was to form a ground floor lobby using fire resistant internal glass screens and fire rated doors. A similar approach was adopted on the first floor to compartmentalise additional sales

and meeting areas.

The project’s fit-out contractor, Barnwood Construction, approached PGS Glass to provide these key internal elements. Having worked on numerous similar retail and commercial projects throughout the UK for more than 13 years, the PGS team immediately identified the fully tested fire resistant glazing system, Promat Systemglas Ligna, to meet the design and performance objectives.

On the ground floor, PGS used this system to manufacture and install three EI60 fire rated screens, each measuring around 1.1m x 2.4m and specified to provide integrity and insulation fire protection for 60 minutes, integrated with a matching fire rated door set. The timber selected for the screen framing was European Oak and this was closely replicated in a veneer finish on the door set.

On the first floor, two further Promat Systemglas Ligna screens were created, this time with an EI30 rating, complete with another fire door. Due to the nature of the historic building, this part of the internal glazing package required additional joinery skills from the PGS team to level the floor by creating and installing an additional plinth, according to the company.

Paul Groves, contracts manager at PGS Glass, a Promat approved installer, said: “This was a particularly interesting project to be part of given the characteristics of this historic building, and the contemporary design created by Lustedgreen. Having worked closely with Promat for many years, we knew we could consult with them at an early stage to develop the correct specification for the screens and fire doors to provide the project team and client with a high quality, fully compliant solution.”

https://bit.ly/3U3MJIS

How to build a winning marketing strategy

– clue: don’t rely

on luck!

As St Patrick’s Day approaches, Purplex MD and founder Andrew Scott explains why the ‘luck of the Irish’ doesn’t extend into business, especially when it comes to marketing.

Every year, around March 17, I organise a St Patrick’s Day party for my staff at our headquarters. Yes, we are based in England (Westonsuper-Mare, to be precise) but for one day only, our office is

transformed into a little corner of Ireland, complete with green flags, leprechaun hats and one or two pints of Guinness when work is finished.

It’s my way of acknowledging

my Northern Irish roots, as well as having a bit of good old-fashioned ‘craic’ along the way. And prominent among the decorations we put up for the day is the shamrock, the threeleaved plant that has come to symbolise a certain brand of luck associated with the island of Ireland and its people.

However, the concept of being ‘lucky in business’ – whether you’re Irish, English or whatever – is misleading. Hard work, dedication, ‘turning up’ and pivoting when necessary all play their part. As does a robust marketing strategy, implemented consistently

and measured regularly. If you have all this you’ve just about made your own luck, yet in terms of marketing I’m constantly amazed by how many companies take a scattergun approach, testing fortune by throwing money at random tactics without any clear direction or goals.

The most common mistake I see is businesses treating marketing as a cost rather than an investment. They’ll slash budgets when times are tough - exactly when they should be marketing more - or waste money on sporadic campaigns that fail to deliver results.

This is what I call riding the marketing wave - a dangerous cycle where companies ramp up marketing when sales are down, then cut back as soon as orders improve. When leads inevitably dry up, they panic and start marketing again. This reactive approach creates a constant boom-bust pattern that prevents sustainable growth.

It’s a pattern I’ve witnessed countless times. A company experiences a downturn in sales and immediately launches various marketing activitiesperhaps some advertising, a new website or social media campaign. When enquiries start flowing and orders pick up, they become too busy to focus on marketing and reduce or stop their activities completely.

Then, a few months later, when the pipeline empties and sales drop again, they restart their marketing efforts in a panic. And so the cycle continues, creating an unstable business model and preventing real, sustainable growth.

The better approach is to view marketing as a consistent, strategic investment rather than a tactical response to sales fluctuations. A cohesive brand strategy hinges on clear messaging, a strong digital presence, consistent PR and content marketing, targeted advertising, and effective email marketing, all bolstered by strong customer service.

But here’s the crucial part - these elements must work together as part of a coordinated strategy. I’ve seen countless businesses waste money on beautiful websites that nobody visits, social media accounts that nobody follows and content that nobody reads because they haven’t considered how these pieces fit together.

This approach is particularly dangerous in today’s market. With economic uncertainty, rising costs and increasing competition, businesses can’t afford to leave their marketing to chance. Your competitors certainly aren’t standing still.

Take just one of our clients in the home improvement sector. When others cut back during the pandemic, they maintained their marketing investment, adapting their message and channels to the changing situation. The result? They emerged stronger, with increased market share and a robust pipeline of leads.

The key to their success wasn’t luck - it was having a clear strategy and the discipline to stick to it. They understood that marketing is a long-term investment, not a quick fix.

Marketing has become increasingly complex, requiring specialist skills across multiple disciplines. This is why many successful businesses partner with full-service agencies that can provide both strategic direction and practical implementation.

At Purplex, we’ve spent 20 years helping companies build and execute marketing strategies that deliver real results. We combine industry expertise with proven marketing methods to create sustainable growth for our clients.

Don’t leave your business success to chance or fall into the trap of riding the marketing wave. Instead, invest in a proper marketing strategy that will build your brand, generate leads and drive profitable growth - no luck required. Happy St Patrick’s Day!

To discover more about Purplex Marketing, visit: www.purplexmarketing.com

Installers benefit from new discount scheme, says Leads2Trade

Installers using a new discount scheme from Leads 2 Trade are achieving more than double the industry-standard conversion rate average, according to the company.

Recent data from December 2024 shows that Leads 2 Trade installer members using its TLS discount scheme were the lowest price on 85% of quotes provided to consumers, successfully converting an impressive 70% of these quotes into orders. With typical conversion rates in the

home improvement industry standing at around one order per 3.5 quotes, installers offering the TLS discount scheme are achieving one order per 1.4 quotes, claims the company.

The discount scheme, exclusive to Leads 2 Trade members, enables installers to offer customers a substantial 20% discount while maintaining healthy profit margins. This competitive edge has resulted in members using the scheme growing their businesses by

between 50% and 100% in the current market, with average order values holding steady at over £7,500, says the company.

Kieran Mitten of AWC Windows and Home Improvements, which operates in the North West, commented: “Since using the TLS discount scheme, in the last six months our turnover has gone up by 60-70%. It has meant we are much more competitive and my advice to any installer is to go for it – it really has transformed our business.”

Shaun Ellison of Barriertherm UK, which is based in the North East, said: “Being able to provide the discount has had a massive effect on our growth and we’ve doubled our turnover since adopting it.”

According to the company,

another benefit of the scheme is that, provided installers are buying leads from Leads 2 Trade, they can use the discount tool on their own generated leads too.

Andy Royle, co-founder and managing director of Leads 2 Trade, commented: “Since launching the TLS discount scheme last year, our installer members are experiencing remarkable growth in record time, with many doubling their turnover while maintaining their profit margins.

“They are effectively offering significant savings to the end user which is helping them secure significantly more business than they would typically expect. And the results – anyone trying to compete with one of our installers simply won’t be able to.”

https://bit.ly/4bwx9N2

hup! TV ad reaches for the sky

From Saturday 1st March, a brand new hup! TV advert will be shown on prime Sky channels, Sky Atlantic and Food Network to promote the revolutionary building system to targeted homeowners.

Featuring Laura Jane Clark, hup! brand ambassador and star of BBC’s Your Home Made Perfect, the advert shows Laura within a stunning hup! extension, explaining how quick and simple a hup! build can be. The advert finishes with a call to action that encourages homeowners to visit the hup! website where they can find their nearest hup! installer and find out more about the system.

Commenting about this latest phase in the development of the hup! brand, Ultraframe marketing director, Alex Hewitt, said: “Since its launch several years ago the hup! brand has gone from strength to strength and the launch of our TV ad is an exciting phase in its development. The aim of the ad is twin fold – to increase brand awareness and also to generate high quality leads from homeowners that have been profiled to fit our target market to pass to our installers. Laura is

extremely passionate about hup! and this really comes across in the advert which we hope will prove to be a huge success across the coming months as it is aired.”

Laura Jane Clark was announced as the brand ambassador for hup! in late 2023 and is a huge advocate for the system. A successful architect, Laura admires the system for its high level of technology that brings strength and simplicity to any build. Commenting about hup!, Laura said: “With the hup! system, I’ve been totally blown away by the engineering behind the whole thing. The detail that’s gone into every single detail shows just how brilliant the quality of this system is –it’s completely unsurpassed. The hup! system is so light and slim, but it’s just as strong – if not stronger – than a normal brick wall. hup! is so perfectly engineered and it’s a great solution to extend your home.”

To see the new hup! TV ad click here: https://bit.ly/4ij6JB0 or to find out more about the system and become a hup! installer click here: https://bit.ly/3DvzfQO

AluK gives further backing to apprenticeships

With its own in-house Academy and as a champion of the Building Our Skills programme, AluK has long been a supporter of training and apprenticeships in this industry.

In line with that, the aluminium systems company has just taken on its first ever marketing assistant apprentice, with recent graduate Elin Davies joining the marketing team.

Elin studied advertising design at university and, over the next 17 months, will add digital marketing to her skillset, with a mix of study and on-the-job training.

She is enthusiastic about the benefits of a practical apprenticeship on top of a conventional degree. Elin said: “Unless you’re studying a vocational degree, it’s very difficult to get all the practical experience you need at university to stand out in a competitive jobs market. An apprenticeship lets you bolt on all that experience, learn from top professionals and get a recognised qualification at the same time – all while getting paid!

She added: “I’m really excited about working with AluK and with our customers and

hopefully helping to create some stand-out digital campaigns for what is already a really strong brand.”

Before joining AluK, Elin had been providing freelance marketing support to a health & safety consultancy in the construction sector, so has a good understanding of the industry and how to engage with the many different audiences.

Alex Gallop, AluK’s head of marketing, commented: “We’re very excited to welcome our first marketing apprentice. AluK is a great place to build a career and Elin will have so many opportunities to learn and grow here, starting of course with the FIT Show at the end of April.”

uk.aluk.com

UKO Group companies invest in mental health first aid training to support

employee wellbeing

UKO Group companies, Trade Window Centre and UK Doors Online, have announced their latest investment in employee wellbeing through the training of dedicated Mental Health First Aiders. This initiative forms part of the Group’s ongoing

commitment to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and mentally healthy workplace for all staff.

Recognising the importance of mental health in the workplace, both companies have prioritised

the training of team members to become qualified Mental Health First Aiders. These individuals will act as a first point of contact for colleagues who may be experiencing mental health challenges, offering confidential support, guidance, and signposting to professional resources where needed.

In addition to Mental Health First Aid training, UKO Group also provides employees with health insurance that includes access to counselling services. This holistic approach ensures that staff have access to professional mental health support, reinforcing the Group’s commitment to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.

Andrew Glover, managing director of UKO Group, commented: “Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and their wellbeing is a priority. By training Mental Health First Aiders, we are ensuring that our employees always have someone to turn to for support.

“This is just one step in our ongoing commitment to creating a positive and open culture around mental health. We encourage other businesses to join us in championing mental health initiatives in the workplace—because a healthy, supported workforce is a stronger, happier workforce.”

Mental Health First Aiders play a vital role in the workplace, helping to reduce stigma, promote early intervention, and provide guidance to those in need. By implementing this training, Trade Window Centre and UK Doors Online are setting a positive example for businesses across the industry.

For more information on UKO Group and its commitment to employee wellbeing, please visit: https://www.ukogroup.co.uk/

Lighthouse Charity supports record number of families in 2024

In 2024, the Lighthouse Charity says it was once again setting new records, reaching more people and delivering more support than ever before and that the charity is in the unique position of being able to offer every aspect of emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing support.

Last year the charity’s helpline advisors and caseworkers delivered an amazing £4.98m of charitable support to 5695 families who reached out for help through the charity’s free and confidential helpline and live web chat service.

The charity also supplied 5712 meals and provided 5756 counselling sessions.

Furthermore, their #MakeItVisible tour team continued to reach some of our industry’s most vulnerable

workers, sharing the message of support with frontline trades. Last year the charity’s team visited 572 sites and started conversations with over 28,000 site workers. This initiative introduced 88 workers expressing suicidal thoughts to the #MakeItVisible team. But through starting a conversation, those suicides have been prevented, says the charity.

Reflecting on a year of positive impact, Sarah Bolton, CEO of the Lighthouse Charity said: “This support was delivered against another challenging year with the construction sector being one of the worst hit for company insolvencies. This, alongside continued increases in the cost of materials and the cost of living has added pressure on our construction community. The important thing is that

people know about us and are reaching out for help. Whether it’s supporting someone through illness or injury, making sure there’s a meal on the table for the family or simply offering a listening ear, the message is simple. If you’re struggling, help is here.

“To ensure that we are meeting the industry’s needs, we are continually improving and growing our charitable services, listening to our communities and extending our message of support beyond the boundaries of the workplace.

“But our work is only possible thanks to the support of the people in our construction community. Whether it’s organising fundraising days, becoming a company supporter, attending events, or helping us spread the message of support through their supply chains, all of this contributes to us being able to make a life changing and lifesaving impact. Our work is continuous and we are looking forward to extending our services and the support we offer even further in 2025.”

Find out more at www.lighthouseclub.org