Clarification On Green Homes Grant Is Here 4
Making The Switch To Stainless Steel Hardware 44
Epwin Window Systems’ New Colour Collection 56
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TRADE NEWS
Clarification On Green Homes Grant Is Here; Now Let’s Get The Window And Door Market Moving Again
GGF Concern
plus industry trade bodies, in lobbying Government for greater clarity around the scheme in July.
Over Green Scheme Scam
Commenting on the clarity achieved today, Mark Kelly, CEO at Eurocell plc, said: “We’ve been pleased to stand alongside other manufacturers and industry bodies to lobby Government for clarity over the past few weeks, in the campaign originally spearheaded by Roy Frost, CEO at GJB Window Systems.
Reports
Following the Government’s announcement of the Green Homes Grant Scheme the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has received several reports of rogue companies trying to scam homeowners. The reports include scammers that are contacting consumers by phone, email and door to door, claiming the Green Homes Grant Scheme is now operational and promising homeowners £5k off the price of their glazing. Also, scammers using the name of the GGF to add credibility to their claims. The GGF has asked its Members to report any scams of this kind to the police. James Lee, Director of External Affairs commented, “We have received reports that these scams have occurred in Suffolk, Stoke on Trent and in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire. We urge anyone with any information regarding these scams to contact the police. Companies can report the scams via the Action Fraud website. This crime is particularly heartless given what homeowners have gone through and are still enduring with COVID-19. It also further damages consumer confidence in local businesses who are trying to recover from the double blow of a recent lengthy lockdown and the damage caused by the Government’s premature announcement of the Green Homes Grant Scheme.”
Mark Kelly, CEO at Eurocell plc
Clarification has finally been achieved on the Government’s Green Homes Grant Scheme today – providing the green light for the window and door market to get back moving again. Government has confirmed that ‘primary’ measures for the grant will include insulation and carbon heat measures. Households will need to install at least one of these before they’re able to use the voucher on ‘secondary’ measures, which include windows and doors. Homeowners will be able to replace single glazing with double or triple/secondary glazing, as well as upgrading to energy efficient doors. No double to double glazing upgrades will be included, meaning customers that had paused orders for this purpose will be able to place them again. Eurocell plc, leading manufacturer, distributor and recycler of PVC-U windows and doors, joined other manufacturers including Safestyle, VEKA, Deceuninck and Duraflex,
4 WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020
“Although it’s taken longer than we’d hoped, it just shows the power of working together and using multiple voices to effect change. We now have that clarity and can start reinstating confidence to the market and convincing customers who were waiting to see if they could replace existing double with double glazing to start placing orders again. “The government has put quality assurance at the heart of the scheme, stating that tradespeople must register for TrustMark or Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accreditation to take part. Whilst we 100% support prioritising quality assurance and jobs being undertaken to the highest standard, we hope that any additional bureaucracy doesn’t lead to less work for smaller companies and installers. “The weeks since the announcement was made have been a real set back to the industry, but we’re resilient and can come back stronger. Now we have the clarity and know exactly where we’re at, Eurocell and our branch network, plus fabricators and installers alike, can return quickly to servicing the needs of our customers and building the sector back up.”
TRADE NEWS
The total value of construction contract awards in June 2020 was £2.2 billion based on a threemonth rolling average. Compared to May, this is a decrease of 9.2% and is also 57.3% lower than June 2019. However, contract award numbers in June increased by 81.4% to 477, signalling an improvement in conditions.
Number Of
Contracts Awarded Increase In June
The latest edition of the Economic & Construction Market Review from industry analysts Barbour ABI, highlights levels of construction contract values awarded across Great Britain. The residential sector again dominated the share of contract awards with a total of 33.9%. Despite this, the largest project awarded for June was the in the Infrastructure sector with the Gatwick Airport railway station refurbishment, valuing in at £150 million. Analysis shows that London has had the largest share of contracts awarded in June at 26.1%. This is followed by the South East at 16.4% and then the North West at 13.6%. Wales was again the smallest region with only 1.4% of awards. Commenting on the figures, Tom Hall, Chief Economist at Barbour ABI and AMA Research said, “The UK economy plateaued in May as the easing of some lockdown restrictions mid-way through the month failed to significantly increase output. In-month GDP growth was 1.8% after the 20% contraction in April. With the outcome underwhelming compared to city economists’ expectations of 5.5% growth, output remains 25% down compared to February. June’s figures published next month will give a better understanding of how quickly lost output can be regained as larger parts of the economy resumed activity.” Download the full report here: https://bit.ly/31qsMj8
WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020 5
TRADE NEWS the repayments of the loans to the success of the business over a longer period. Given that such loans are already largely underwritten by the Government, it is much better for the Government and UK economy for events of default to be reduced by providing a longer time frame for repayments.”
A Cashflow Crunch Is Coming And Needs To Be
Mitigated Now As businesses start to emerge from lockdown, they need to recognise that many of them will be facing a “cash-flow” crunch that will hit them hard in the New Year and repayment schemes need to be extended, say leading audit, tax and advisory firm Blick Rothenberg. Milan Pandya , a business advisory partner at the firm said: “ For those businesses that have taken advantage of a number of measures introduced by Government it is likely that deferred VAT liabilities, existing corporate and personal tax liabilities will need paying in the first part of 2021 soon after the grants for JRS come to an end and at a similar time to when repayments start for additional borrowings taken out under the CBILS scheme – a
cashflow crunch!” He added: “What’s required, and quickly is an extended payment period so that firms do not face a cash flow crunch that could put many of them out of business.” Milan said: “One of the weaknesses of the CBIL scheme is that it only provided for a maximum loan facility of 6 years where the first year was repayment free and the loan borrowed was to be repaid over the remaining five years. For businesses with a large deficit in their finances or for those needing to invest to pivot their business often digitally this is a relatively short period. Therefore, it is sensible for options to be looked into which will extend this repayment period. The current ‘Student Loan Style’ repayment plan would link
6 WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020
He added: “For the proposed system to work whereby repayments are linked to the success of the business there will have to be well thought out rules. It is clearly not appropriate for a business to pay large dividends or bonuses whilst these Government backed loans remain outstanding but also it would be wrong for a blanket ban on such items. When a company is profitable it has a decision to make between rewarding its staff, rewarding shareholders, investing in the future of the business or accelerating the repayment of external debt. Most businesses will undertake to do a mixture of all of these during their ordinary course of business. Any proposed new system must not restrict businesses from operating in this manner. “The critical question is to ensure any such scheme is fair, one suggestion is that there be a mechanism whereby if a company has a CBIL loan it pays a higher rate of corporation tax on an amount of profits equal to the borrowing, where the premium over the standard amount of tax payable is used to repay the loan. Analysis will be required to ensure fair percentages are used to ensure tax bills are not too high as to damage the business but also the loans are repaid in a timely manner. Additionally, there will be need for anti-abuse measures to ensure profits are not artificially reduced or the trade and associated borrowings separated into different legal entities within a group. This is the finer detail which needs to be right to ensure this sensible concept is properly implemented.” www.blickrothenberg.com
TRADE NEWS
Builders’ Merchant
Sales Bounce Back In May
The latest figures from the May Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report reveal a sharp rise in sales as lockdown restrictions ease and trades return to work. Year-on-year, Total Builders Merchants value sales in May were down -39.9% compared with May 2019, reflecting the cautious reopening of merchant branches with many still operating a restricted service. However, the overall trading figures are a significant improvement on April 2020 sales (-76.3%). A closer look at how individual product categories performed in May reveals that year-on-year, Tools (-66.1%) and Kitchens & Bathrooms (-62.7%) have been hit hardest by the pandemic lockdown. Timber & Joinery Products were also down by 40.5% over the same period, however month-on-month, the category is showing some green shoots of recovery with sales more than tripling compared to April 2020 (+199.5%). Heavy Building Materials, the largest product category, was down 39.0% year-on-year but
showed a substantial month-onmonth improvement on April 2020 (+157.6%). The biggest winner in May was Landscaping, with sales of this seasonal category down just -12.5% on May 2019. This is a remarkable recovery from April, when sales were down a massive -74.4% compared to April 2019. Workwear & Safetywear was less affected by the lockdown, with demand for PPE continuing to drive sales.
entire supply chain to develop and implement COVID-secure working practices to enable the safe and rapid re-opening of manufacturing facilities, merchant branches and construction sites can be seen in May’s results. There is a long way to go on the road to recovery, but we can look on this as a positive first step.”
Emile van der Ryst, Senior Client Insight Manager – Trade at GfK adds: “The Builders Merchants sector has seen a strong and expected recovery from April’s The BMBI is a brand of the Buildlockdown as the core categories of ers’ Merchants Federation, deHeavy Building Materials, Timber veloped and produced by MRA & Joinery and Landscaping drive Marketing. The Index uses GfK’s market activity. May growth is still Builders Merchant Point of Sale down by -40% from last year, with Tracking Data which analyses sales the next couple of months critical. out data from over 80% of genFavourable weather conditions and eralist builders’ merchants’ sales relaxed restrictions will hopefully across Great Britain. provide the platform for these core categories to recover some of the BMF CEO John Newcomb comlosses seen during lockdown.” ments: “As expected, May’s sales figures show a huge year-on-year Download the May report, watch decline, but they also indicate the the round table videos and learn strength of the initial bounce-back more about the Experts at from April’s COVID-19 crash lowwww.thebmbi.co.uk point. The massive effort by the WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020 7
TRADE NEWS
Sustainium Group Modplan Reports Reassuring
Acquiring Window Companies
Levels Of Demand Across Its Ranges Modplan has reported strong levels of demand across its product ranges following their lockdown return. Heidi Sachs, Managing Director of Newport-based Modplan said: “Since we reopened our manufacturing business, I’m delighted to say we are seeing very healthy order levels across all products groups that are growing all the time.” Heidi says while sales have been positive across the board, their conservatory roof range has been especially popular. She comments: “Our customers are commenting that many homeowners see home working as here to stay. They’re therefore looking to maximise living and working space, so want to make their conservatory a yearround room. We have a comprehensive range of conservatory roofs to suit all styles and budgets, so we’ve got an excellent offering in this area.” While delighted with new order levels, Heidi is also mindful of the new normal. “As every manufacturing business knows, operating with social distancing in place has an impact on lead times. Our staff are working above and beyond to fulfil orders and follow all social distancing protocols and we owe them a huge thank you. But inevitably, there has been an impact on lead times and our customers have been extremely patient because they know everyone is in the same boat. I’d like to thank each and every one of them for their understanding.” www.modplan.co.uk
Neal Harper, managing director of the Sustainium Group.
An industry veteran with 30 years’ experience has announced plans to build a group of installation companies and is currently seeking potential acquisitions. Neal Harper has stepped down from his role as director of a regional home improvement company to launch the new venture. He commented: “Over the years I’ve met many owners of window companies who want to sell or retire, but domestic double glazing companies are notoriously difficult to sell. Some of these owners have spent years building a great name and reputation, and have loyal staff they want to look after. My aim is to acquire a small number of these firms and continue the great work of these owners.” Neal points to major uncertainly over the last few years, from the 2016 Referendum and Brexit, elections and now the coronavirus pandemic as the ‘final straw’
8 WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020
for many business owners. “Some firms have had a surprise upturn in work, but the reality is it is harder than ever to run a business and maintain margins, with rising costs and more demanding customers. Red tape and onerous regulations are adding fuel to the fire, so it’s no surprise many business owners are looking for a way out – especially if they’ve been in business a long time.” Neal’s new venture will be under the ‘Sustainium Group’ brand and holding company, although businesses will continue to operate under their own name. “I am talking to several interested parties and would encourage anyone who is thinking about selling to contact me – they may even want to stay on in a consultancy or advisory role.” Sustainium will initially be operating throughout the Midlands and the M5/M4/M40 triangle. www.sustainium.co.uk
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TRADE NEWS
GGF Supports New Talent Retention Scheme The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has welcomed the Government’s announcement confirming support for a new Talent Retention Scheme for the construction industry. John Agnew GGF Managing Director said, “We welcome this initiative from Government. I am sure this will become an ideal digital platform for keeping talented skilled workers in the industry and a recruitment tool for employers. It promises to not only be a great benefit for companies finding and retaining workers, but also for employees who may have been affected by operational changes such as temporary lay-offs or redundancies due to the COVID-19 pandemic.“ The scheme is set to be formally launched on the 24th of July with the site going live on the 20th July.
The Talent Retention Scheme is a partnership between industry and Government to secure essential talent in the UK’s construction sector. Run by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) and supported by trade and business associations from across the supply chain. The online portal supports redeployment of staff at risk of redundancy from across the sector, while also enabling temporary employee loans between businesses. It also gives displaced workers from other sectors a route to find new employment in construction, while offering businesses a platform to find the skills they need. As well as a skills matching service and online job boards the scheme will also look at re-skilling and up-skilling and signpost more detailed information for different job roles in the industry.
The not-for-profit programme has funding secured until the end of April 2021, providing a free online platform for any business or organisation looking to hire, while ensuring that candidates’ skills and experience are given a prominent platform within the wider industry. To register your interest in the Talent Retention Scheme, please click on the registration form For more information on the scheme please visit https://bit.ly/3a3fXz2
Central RPL Rises To The Challenge On Lockdown Hospital Project abricator Central RPL have supplied over 200 PVCu windows to Wolverhampton’s New Cross Hospital. The products were installed at the Wednesfield site by long-term Central customer R&R Services. But the need to fabricate and install the windows during the coronavirus lockdown posed challenges that both companies had to overcome. “Because the project involved a hospital, it was classed as essential work, so we engaged a small team of just 6 people to complete the job.” explains Central CEO Gary Morton.
“For us, that meant fabricating a hundred and twenty, or so, products while obeying strict coronavirus prevention measures, including social distancing in the factory.
10 WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020
“You always feel a big sense of responsibility when you’re making products for something as important as a hospital, but on this project that was more the case than ever. We were meticulous about hygiene. www.centralrpl.co.uk
TRADE NEWS
L-R David Hough, Jonathan Hough
This Is Not The Time For Housebuilders To Crush
Their Sub-Contractors With construction companies around the country collapsing as margins are cut to the bone, now is not the time for housebuilders and others to ask them to cut their rates, say leading tax and advisory firm Blick Rothenberg.
Heather Powell, head of property at the firm said: “The media have reported that home builders have asked their subcontractors to cut their rates by 5% from August. The reasons given include the slowdown in the build rate on site due to social distancing measures and “economic uncertainty”. This is despite the fact that estate agents are reporting huge increases in activity in the housing market, and prices, for houses as a result of the Chancellors recently announced SDLT holiday which runs until 31 March 2021”. She added: “The construction industry is facing huge pressures and the number of construction companies starting the administration process has increased significantly. In June 179 construction firms went into administration or started the process – despite the Government Coronavirus Loan Schemes and the new Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill which has bought in a temporary stop on winding up orders.” Heather said: “Construction com-
panies are collapsing as margins have been cut to the bone, and the cash flow crisis brought about by site closures has tipped companies into administration. Asking construction companies to cut their rates may generate them short term gains but no one will benefit if it undermines the financial health of the firm’s sub-contractors further.” She added: “This is the time when the project teams at all national housebuilders should be thinking creatively and examining all of the changes that are talked about under the umbrella of ‘Modern Methods of Construction’ (MMC). The productivity on UK building sites has not changed significantly in the last 20 years, we should be embracing the opportunity to really look at working procedures and housebuilding techniques to improve this – not crush construction companies into insolvency and make their workforce redundant. “Firms who embrace this ethos, working collaboratively with their subcontractors and teams of professionals, will reap the benefits. Good relationships with subcontractors who are financially secure, a more productive site, and increased returns for their shareholders. A further incentive is that Government funding is currently available to contribute to training costs.” www.blickrothenberg.com
West Midlands
Family Business Celebrates Thre Year Anniversary Staffordshire-based handrail and balustrade specialists SMART Balustrades is celebrating reaching three years in business and a strong pipeline of work – despite the current economic climate. Set up by brothers David and Jonathan Hough in 2017, the family business specialises in the fitting and manufacturing of bespoke glass and stainless-steel balustrades, handrails and Juliet balconies, for the commercial and residential sectors. In just three years, the brothers have built the business – from its HQ in Burntwood – on reputation and referrals and now turns over £1.5 million per annum. Having remained busy during the lockdown period and expanded its specialist products and services since its inception, the company has ambitious growth plans. Growing from four initial clients to now over 160, SMART Balustrades has delivered projects for high-profile names in construction including Grove Developments, Kier Construction, Clegg Group, Caddick Construction and Croudace Homes. Working heavily in the hotel and leisure sectors, the company has also delivered projects for luxury brands including Crowne Plaza, Hilton, Fairmont and Porsche. www.smartbalustrades.co.uk
WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020 11
TRADE NEWS
CICV Forum Issues New Range Of Health And Safety Guidance To Help Construction Industry Continue Careful Return As Scotland’s building sector continues its recovery, the Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum has issued a raft of new health and safety guidance to help steer workers through the phased return. The Forum has launched seven new pieces of open source collateral, offering in-depth industry advice on topics including face coverings, hand washing, domestic working and what to do if there is a case of COVID-19. In addition, it has updated its comprehensive 42-page document, COVID-19 Construction Operating Guidance, which
underpins the Safe Operating Guidance produced by Construction Scotland, Scottish Government and the wider industry.
practical guidance that is easy to follow and which can be used immediately by businesses of all sizes to help in their ongoing return.”
Rebecca Crosland, Health and Safety Adviser at the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), a leading member of the Forum, said: “This new collateral is another important step in protecting both our workforce and the Scottish public as we all work together to minimise the spread of infection.
The seven new guidance documents are available to download from the Forum website and cover:
“The Forum’s Health and Safety sub-group has worked collaboratively to produce clear and
12 WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020
• Advice for businesses carrying out non-essential domestic work • Health and safety checklist before work is carried out Continued on page 14
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TRADE NEWS Continued from page 12
• Effective use of face coverings • Good hygiene and hand washing • A questionnaire for clients before site visits • What to do if someone displays symptoms of COVID-19 • Template letter for confirmed cases of COVID-19 In addition, the COVID-19 Construction Operating Guidance has been updated to reflect the latest developments on face coverings, physical distancing, travel and prevention of cross-contamination, with all new content clearly signposted. The latest documents were compiled by members of the Forum’s Health & Safety subgroup – Pete Walker, Director of Health, Safety and Training at the British Constructional Steelwork Association, Craig Hartley Head of Health, Safety and Improvement at Hugh LS McConnell, Jim Cornwall, Technical and Safety Adviser at SELECT and Martyn Raine, Technical and Skills Manager at SNIPEF.
Endurance Declare Price Freeze Stephen Nadin, Managing Director, Endurance Doors
For Composites Endurance Doors have declared that there will be no price rises for the remainder of 2020, so that Installer Partners can effectively cost their solid and secure composite doors, without the additional worry and threat of a price increase.
The latest campaign follows two recent animations in which the Forum outlined key health and safety steps and reminded workers to observe physical distancing when not at work.
Given the difficult and unprecedented circumstances that the industry faces with COVID-19, Installer Partners need to be fully reliant on their supply channels for consistent pricing, communication and for support. While order levels at present for windows and doors remain strong, companies need to move forward with a degree of caution and planning, as highlighted in their recent webinar.
It also reinforces the Forum’s reputation for proactive innovation, which has seen it at the forefront of clear and concise information distribution throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
This was very well received and was put together to support installers as they get back to work with ‘new normal’ guidelines. As a highly visible brand over the last 18 months, Endurance Doors
14 WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020
are enjoying a significant level of positivity from customers seeking the ultimate solid and secure composite door and from a reliable and trustworthy partner. Stephen Nadin, Managing Director of Endurance Doors commented: ‘Communication is critical at present for the industry as is a clear and coherent pricing strategy and so we’ve taken the decision to freeze our prices for the remainder of the year. Now is the time for installation companies to look at their respective supply chains and ensure they have the perfect partner for the long-term. He continued: ‘With record levels of enquiries from prospective customers and strong organic growth from existing, it’s clear that people are viewing us as the solid and secure composite door brand of choice.’ www.endurancedoors.co.uk
TRADE NEWS
Double R Invests
In The Future Double R Glass & Roofing Systems Ltd has invested in the future with the completion of a purpose-built facility. The new space will be home to the company’s successful conservatory roof and decorative glass divisions and brings these departments physically closer to the sealed unit operation. “The facility was commissioned at the end of last year and is a fitting celebration of our 20 years in business,” says Ian Sims, Manag-
ing Director of Double R. “The new 12,000sq ft factory has been built on a neighbouring plot to our glass facility, bringing the three divisions of the company closer together. This has obvious advantages including further improved efficiencies and communication across the business – all of which will in turn have a positive impact on our customers. The new building has been completed on time and we will be moving the two departments from their current site in the
neighbouring industrial estate, to their new home in August. “A lot of people know us for the sealed unit side of the business, but our decorative glass and conservatory roof divisions are second to none. We are pleased to have been able to invest in a facility that better reflects the quality of workmanship and commitment to high standards that these departments demonstrate on a day to day basis. “When we were established in 2000, we were operating from a 1,500sq ft factory, so it’s great to continue to move the business forward on our 20th birthday. We now operate from a total of 32,000sq ft, including the new unit, which gives us a great foundation to continue to service our customers to the outstanding levels they have become accustomed to. We’re proud of the growth we have achieved in the last 20 years and look forward to working with quality focused companies to deliver the very best products to market, for the rest of 2020 and beyond.” www.glassandroofs.com
Sign Windows: Move To Deceuninck
Has ‘Transformed’ Business Trade and retail fabricator Sign Windows says its business has been ‘transformed’ since moving to Deceuninck. Following a management buy-out in 2019 the Leicester fabricator set ambitious growth plans and switched to Deceuninck to capitalise on the growing premium sector. Within the first year, Sign’s turnover has increased by over 65%.
“We weren’t expecting switching systems to be an easy process but Deceuninck’s technical support and customer service were second-to-none. The team made the whole process simple and problem free!”
Sign Windows fabricates and sells Deceuninck’s Flush Sash window, Flush Sash door, 2800 series and 2500 series. The fabricator says Jake Dickman, Production Manag- these products, along with Deer at Sign Windows says: “We saw ceuninck’s wide colour range are the market changing: all the growth extremely popular with both trade is at the top end with colour and customers and homeowners: premium products. We knew we “Customers love Deceuninck’s needed a better product offering to products and they’re easy to tap into this market and Deceunmanufacture and install. Colour inck was the logical choice. from Deceuninck is just brilliant – it
doesn’t matter which colour you pick, you know it’s going to be there on the next delivery. Even with special colours we only have to wait 3-4 weeks which, as you know, compared to the rest of the industry is incredible! We’ve seen fantastic growth since moving to Deceuninck and we’re confident we’ll continue to grow.” www.signwindows.com www.deceuninck.co.uk
WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020 15
TRADE NEWS “Coming back when we did, meant that we had capacity to meet the rapid growth in demand that we’ve seen from the retail sector, and more recently new build. “Those fabricators who came back later, have had to adjust in a shorter time frame and that’s impact on their ability to supply customers. “It’s not been entirely plain-sailing for us – but we have given ourselves more time and that has meant we have been able to get back more or less to normal at a time when the market has needed those service levels.”
Emplas Reports
Sustained Growth Throughout June Emplas manufactured an average of 3,700 frames per week throughout June, driven by a combination of organic growth and new customer acquisition. In a trading update it said that its post-lockdown forecasts had exceeded expectation reporting high levels of demand from its pre-existing trade customer base. It added that its top line had also been buoyed by a number of new customer wins as installers looked to shore-up their supply chains. Ryan Johnson, Managing Director, Emplas said: “When we were in the planning stage at the end of March and into early April, we could have never imagined the demand that we are now seeing.
“For me what’s most positive is that it’s across the board. We haven’t lost a single customer coming out of lockdown – and all are reporting significantly increased demand. “Question marks over supply chain security and disruption to supply widely reported in the industry press, has also meant that we have picked up a number of new customers.” Emplas restarted limited production on April 20th, reinstating pre-lockdown standard delivery day(s) across its ranges at the beginning of May. This early restart, according to the Emplas MD has been critical in supporting the Fabricator in bringing its operations and service offer back online.
16 WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020
Emplas has invested more than £5m on its shop floor since 2017, giving it increased capacity but also flexibility with two fully automated window lines and with 90% of products going through just two Rotox 8-head welders. This brings Emplas’ weekly capacity up to 4,200 frames across two shifts. “The new business is great, but I come back to it, the thing that I’m genuinely delighted by is that we haven’t lost customers to lockdown – each and every one is back and they are seeing very positive growth”, Ryan said. “The Government announcement earlier this month on the Green Homes Grant was not handled well and it has led to confusion and pushed some jobs on a few weeks. “Demand, however, remains high and while COVID-19 has shown us that we need to be prepared and adaptable to change, I feel we can move forward into the late summer with some confidence”, Ryan concluded. For more information on Emplas visit www.emplas.co.uk
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www.madefortrade.co Tel: 01642 610799 * Per leaf price is unglazed and may vary depending on size and specification of the door. Lead time is based on a standard colour. Postcode restrictions apply * 10% Discount applies to new trade customers and first, single item purchase only of a single set of Bi-folding Doors.
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TRADE NEWS the grant in the first place or has used the funds inappropriately, the full amount of the grant is subject to income tax at a rate of 100%. This will effectively clawback the entire amount of the grant. The regime is retrospective – applying to all grants made under the scheme. Legislation has been drafted with a view to it being enacted as part of Finance Act 2020 which is expected to become law later this month (July 2020).
HMRC Investigations
Are Under Way To
Clawback Money From
Fraudulent Claims The reported arrest of a man on suspicion of defrauding the government’s furlough scheme out of nearly half a million pounds could just be the tip of the iceberg says leading tax and advisory firm Blick Rothenberg. Fiona Fernie, a tax dispute and resolution partner at the firm said: “HMRC has started investigations into companies and individuals that it believes have fraudulently made claims under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), which has paid out more than 27bn.
She added: “The Government now intends to clawback as much money as possible from those whose claims were wrong. Nobody who has received these grants should be complacent, the proposals for clawback are not confined to instances where the claim was fraudulent – it applies to cases where there has been a lack of proper care as well. Now is the time to ensure that claims under the CJRS are accurate.” Fiona said: “The Government is proposing that the grants are taxable so that where the recipient should not have been entitled to
18 WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020
She added: “Given the number of changes there have been to the scheme since it was first introduced, there are likely to be a significant number of cases where people have inadvertently made incorrect claims and the repercussions could be long-lasting. Imposing the clawback by way of treating the grant as taxable allows HMRC to impose its normal investigation, assessment and penalty regime to wrongly made claims. This means that HMRC will be able to assess the tax due (and thereby impose the claw back) within four years after the grant was made in the case of an innocent error, six years if the error was careless, and twenty years if the claim was fraudulent. In cases of fraud HMRC may prosecute and in certain circumstances companies and individuals may be treated as ‘deliberate defaulters’ and be publicly named on HMRC’s website. In some cases, HMRC may involve the police. She added: “It is likely to be a major problem for some who are investigated and receive assessments. Once the assessment is issued, the burden of proof will be on the taxpayer to show that it is wrong. A combination of the lack of clarity in certain aspects of the detailed rules of the scheme, and the length of time which may elapse before an HMRC investigation is complete, may make it very difficult to prove entitlement to the grant. It is therefore vital that the accuracy
TRADE NEWS of claims is considered now.” Fiona said “HMRC have received over 3,800 reports of fraudulent claims under CJRS and this case shows they are already taking action in the most obvious cases of misuse. HMRC will always investigate complaints and tip-offs which suggest that the system has been abused. It is only right and proper that those who have made false claims should be caught and penalised. However, not all such complaints have substance and HMRC will be wary of the possibility that the complaints are themselves untrue and represent a backlash from employees who have lost their jobs. HMRC will also be sensitive to the possibility that some of the incorrect claims are merely mistakes rather than carelessness or deliberate abuse.” She continued: “Nonetheless businesses will be required to notify HMRC if they know (or discover) that they have received a grant to which they were not entitled. Penalties will apply for failure to notify. Companies should therefore carry out a review now and make corrections to any claims they discover to be incorrect prior to the deadline for the first obligation to self-declare in order to avoid penalties. The timescale is relatively short – that deadline is 90 days after Royal Assent of the Finance Act and Royal Assent is normally around mid to late July. The proposed deadline in the first draft of the legislation was 30 days after Royal Assent, so the current proposal is more generous but the deadline may still be problematic, since the claims calculation is complicated and prior to 5 June 2020 it was not possible to correct errors in claims for one furlough pay period by adjusting a claim in a subsequent period. This also represents an additional burden on businesses which will still be struggling to rebuild in the wake of lockdown.”
She added: “It is also a good time for companies to ensure that they have detailed evidence which demonstrates why they considered they were entitled to receive the grants, and how the funds were deployed. Although there remain major areas of uncertainty for establishing eligibility, such records will at least help establish that any error in a claim was innocent. The types of records which will be useful include: • Financial forecasts which support the reasons for making the claim; • Evidence that employees furloughed and in respect of whom claims were made, would have continued in employment if the pandemic had not happened; • Evidence that the appropriate amounts have been paid to furloughed workers; • Communications with employees notifying them they were being furloughed and the responses from employees providing their agreement; • Written instructions to furloughed employees confirming the need for them to stop working during the period when they are furloughed; • Evidence that non-furloughed employees have been made aware that they cannot involve furloughed employees in work; Details of the procedures used in managing the changes in the implementation of the scheme from August; and • Details of the procedures for bringing back employees from furlough.” Fiona said: “Spending the time now to ensure that records are fully maintained should mitigate the impact of an investigation in the future.” www.blickrothenberg.com
Certass Backs
Trustmark’s Campaign To
Boost Recovery
Certass is backing the new ‘Work Safe. Safe Work’ campaign launched by TrustMark, to help boost the recovery of the construction and home improvement sector. Supported by the Construction Leadership Council, the ‘Work Safe. Safe Work’ goal is for homeowners and tradespeople to work together to ensure that everyone is kept safe whilst any works are being undertaken in the home. Chairman at Certass, Jon Vanstone says: “As lockdown restrictions ease, more homeowners are having worked carried out at home and this is vital for the recovery of our sector. ‘Work Safe. Safe Work’ is a great campaign that will bring real clarity and confidence to homeowners who are ready to have home improvements carried out.” TrustMark is the Government-endorsed consumer protection scheme and this campaign has been developed in partnership with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). Jon continues: “Certass is a TrustMark Scheme operator, giving members a rapid route to membership. It is a strong brand for businesses to be associated with, as it is the only government-endorsed quality mark for tradespeople and offers real, robust protection for consumers. That’s why membership is so important to Certass. www.certass.co.uk
WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020 19
TRADE NEWS
Winkhaus Achieves ‘Double First’ With Fire And Security SBD Q Dual
Accredited Doorsets Winkhaus has become the first long-standing Secured by Design (SBD) member company to hold the latest Dual Certification compliance for both Q Mark Fire BS EN 1634 and PAS24 enhanced security on both their SBD-accredited composite and timber fire and security doorset solutions. Winkhaus’ test evidence and accreditation has undergone rigorous third-party certification by a UKAS-accredited body to ensure compliance with the latest 2020 MHCLG Government guidance document Building a Safer Future: An Implementation Plan advice note 16 in Annex B as well as the official Police Security Initiative SBD’s ‘Guide for Selecting Flat Entrance Doorset requirements.’ The Winkhaus Fire & Security Doorset solution utilises their AV2 and AV3 range of multi-point autoLocks
with Winkhaus’ fully-finished and low-maintenance frame system, FireFrame® for composite doorsets, or a timber frame for timber doorsets. The system offers specifiers and fabricators a choice of FD30 and FD60 composite and timber door assemblies. Its versatility allows a choice of doorset styles, including solid and glazed versions with or without fanlights. Commenting on the benefits of SBD Dual certification for both specifiers and fabricators, Mike Rushen, Winkhaus UK Sales Director says: “Achieving this double accreditation is a huge accolade for Winkhaus and, in turn, presents a major opportunity for manufacturers to comply with the latest regulations and guidelines. Winkhaus has invested significantly in fire and security test evidence to achieve both
20 WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020
‘Q Mark Fire’ and ‘Q Mark Security’ for third-party dual certification scheme compliance on both timber and composite doorsets. “This means that fabricators can use this evidence to manufacture doors to these standards providing they sign up for the Dual Q Mark Certification schemes for both Fire and Security. They can then be confident that the doorsets they supply provide full compliance with all Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government guidelines.” Doug Skins, Secured by Design Development Officer adds: “Winkhaus were one of the first members of SBD with their door and window hardware back in 1999 and have been supporters of the work we do since then. It is great that now they have added to their SBD portfolio of products and their SBD accredited composite and timber fire and security doorsets as a system supplier. “This will be welcomed by both specifiers and the SBD approved fabricator companies they supply. This is such an important standard to have for doorsets and having achieved this standard shows just how committed Winkhaus are to manufacturing secure and safe doorsets.” www.winkhaus.co.uk
NOW IS THE TIME TO ADD THE KORNICHE ALUMINIUM ROOF LANTERN TO YOUR PRODUCT PORTFOLIO
Another huge success for Made for Trade and the team at Korniche Aluminium Systems with the announcement of ‘Best Rooflight Supplier’ 2020 from the Homebuilding & Renovating Awards. This award really is the cherry on the top and the latest in a string of awards that the Korniche Lantern has picked up over the past two years. The statement from Homebuilding & Renovating sums this up: “This was an exceptionally strong category with many great entrants. As such, being voted Best Rooflight Supplier is a reflection of how well regarded Korniche Aluminium Systems / Made for Trade is amongst its customers and the industry.” This success compliments the work and marketing activities that Made for Trade have carried out within both the consumer and trade sectors. There is a significant benefit to Korniche customers from having such high profile brand activity that assists sales through a greater product understanding at the consumer level. Looking forward to 2021, Made for Trade have new products in the pipeline that will sit within the Korniche brand and a full diary of exhibitions earmarked throughout the year to promote them.
Looking forward to 2021, Made for Trade have new Korniche products in the pipeline and a full diary of exhibitions earmarked throughout the year to promote the Korniche brand. To celebrate the awards and update the consumer marketing support on offer to their trade clients, Made for Trade have re-designed their Korniche Lantern brochure. Coupled with showroom offers and additional marketing collateral - Now is the time to be on board with the Korniche brand! For more information and to pre-order the new Korniche Aluminium Lantern Brochure email marketing@madefortrade.co with your requirements and following code: KS2020. For more information and to keep up to date with all Made for Trade products see their website: www.madefortrade.co
TRADE NEWS
FENSA Launches New
Wiredgov Partnership To Offer Public Sector Pitch Opportunities To All Its Approved Installers
Chris Beedel, FENSA Director of Membership, commented: “This partnership with WiredGov will allow FENSA Approved Installers to be amongst the first to learn about key policy decisions affecting their businesses, and crucially receive up to the minute notifictions about public sector and commercial contracts. This is an important benefit through which our community of installers may grow their businesses. “As the country exits lockdown the focus of FENSA is to present our Approved Installers with every opportunity to get back up to speed as quickly as possible and this partnership discount with WiredGov is an excellent example of that.”
FENSA has launched a new partnership with WiredGov, the government and public sector news alerting service, that enables its FENSA Approved Installers to receive the very latest government and public sector news including contract alerts, delivered direct to subscribers’ desktops and mobile phones, at significantly reduced subscription fees. The service is used by private and public sector organisations to learn news including case studies, white papers, contract awards, Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and success stories from public sector trading agencies. It includes key features such as the site’s Contracts Locator, which provides registered users with online and email updates on all government and public sector contracts worth over £10,000. FENSA has negotiated a generous discount on the usual subscription to WiredGov for its Approved Installers, at just £295 + VAT for 24 months (usually £395 + VAT for 12 months). That’s a saving of nearly £500 and FENSA Approved Installers can register for this offer via the FENSA online Installer Portal. 22 WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020
Steve Waldron, Managing Director of WiredGov commented “The launch of our partnership with FENSA provides a prime example of how lockdown has encouraged an even greater sense of innovation and collaboration between businesses and membership organisations across the UK, delivering value added services to their respective communities, whilst safeguarding jobs and speeding up overall economic recovery.” The new partnership with WiredGov is the latest in a series of new initiatives from FENSA that have been introduced as part of renewed efforts to extend the services it offers to its Approved Installers. These include a new consumer focused lead generation facility, a new suite of specialised business-related insurance products, plus the introduction of a new Installer Marketing package that offers a range of tailored, affordable marketing strategies. For more information on FENSA, including details of how to join, please visit: www.fensa.org.uk All existing FENSA Approved Installers can log in to the installer portal to register for the new WiredGov service and can email enquiries@fensa.org.uk for any questions they may have.
TRADE NEWS “When Graf welded, Warmcore is a truly brilliant product. There are so many benefits to the range and it really offers something different. It has the sleek lines and high strength of aluminium combined with all the advantages of PVCu, including superior thermal performance with U-values as low as 1.0 W/m²K on bi-folds and 0.8 W/ m²K on windows.
Abcell Welcomes Warmcore Return
Warmcore is back! Abcell has welcomed the acquisition by Profine UK Extrusions which secures the future of the brand and means that Abcell will continue to manufacture Graf welded bi-folds, patio doors, doors and windows.
“We couldn’t be happier with this news. We’ve been fabricating Warmcore since June 2017 and it’s been a big success with trade customers,” says Paul Ford, Abcell Managing Director.
Abcell has invested heavily in two Graf Synergy SL4FF seamless corner welders, enabling it to guarantee the consistent and high-quality manufacture of Warmcore for customers. Abcell says the superior weld provides an incredibly strong end-product that is robust in installation, making it easier to install. As fabricators of leading roof, window and door system brands – Guardian Warm Roof, Ultraframe, Stratus lanterns, AluK and Warmcore – Abcell offers a one-stopshop for glazed extension installers. www.abcell.co.uk
Everglade Windows Customer Support 5 Star Rated
n a recent survey, 95 percent of respondents gave a 4- or 5-star review of the COVID-19 business advice support provided by Everglade Windows.
During the lockdown, Everglade Windows distributed its business advice bulletins and follow-up survey to more than 900 people in the trade, both customers and other industry contacts, supporting them with a vast amount of information and free content. It included links to relevant Government advice, remote selling ideas, legal webinars, virtual showrooms, product demonstration videos and social media & marketing content.
Since the factory reopened, Everglade Windows has continued this level of support with regular updates on factory reopening, customer contacts and a free Window Designer licence offer so customers can easily process their own quotes and orders. Steve Jones at Hehku said that
support during lockdown had been excellent given the most difficult situation and thanked all who had been on the end of the phone and emails. Whilst Philip Gill at West Norfolk Glass commented that the team were all very helpful whenever he needed answers to questions. www.evergladetrade.co.uk
WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020 23
TRADE NEWS
Signature Windows Goes Premium With Dekko Window Systems Signature Windows has joined forces with trade fabricator Dekko Window Systems.
The Teignmouth-based installer has become the latest firm to offer Dekko’s premium product lines including the seamless Infinity uPVC collection and the high-end Räum aluminium range. With the help of Dekko, Signature Windows also offers customers the complete Residence Collection and the Solidor range of composite doors. To showcase such a comprehensive range, Signature Windows has opened a ‘stunning’ new showroom in the coastal town. Dekko lent their support by manufacturing and supplying products from across their full range, including the Infinity uPVC flush sash, Räum aluminium sliding
doors and Residence 9.
months.”
KeirBalouza, Managing Director of Signature Windows comments: “When it came to choosing our supplier, it really was a no-brainer. Dekko boasts incredible depth, both in terms of quality products and complete support. Our brandnew showroom is proof of that, with Dekko helping us to fully kit out the site with their fantastic product range. To be able to take advantage of Dekko’s wealth of expertise has also been a really valuable asset to have.
Kurt Greatrex, Sales Director at Dekko adds: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Signature Windows into our nationwide trade partner network. They are a great example of an installer that has embraced the concept that premium products need the premium service and experience to match.
“Whilst so many fabricators talk the talk when it comes to great customer service, Dekko actually walk the walk. We thank Kurt and the Dekko team for their continued support, and look forward to more success in the coming
24 WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020
“Their stunning, high-end showroom typifies that and is arguably one of the best examples in the country. We were more than happy to play our part, continuing our longstanding commitment to supporting our valued trade partners. We wish the Signature team every success as part of our network and with the Dekko range.” www.dekkowindows.com
Get FENSA Approved and start winning more work.
TRADE NEWS to snowball as the weeks have progressed. Gary Oakes, Sales Director at Clearview Home Improvements, explains: “We took the collective decision very early on to view the lockdown as an opportunity to innovate. Nobody really knew how the market was going to react, but we were confident in our ability to provide our customers with a first-class service and deliver exceptional value, irrespective of the fact that we couldn’t carry out home visits. The Clearview team
Record Sales For
Clearview As Monthly
Total Reaches £3m
Retail installation business Clearview Home Improvements has broken its previous sales record, reaching nearly £3m of sales in a single month for the first time in its 12-year history. Part of the Conservatory Outlet Group, the North-West-based company, which installs cutting-edge home improvements including contemporary extensions, conservatories, orangeries, windows and doors, saw its sales total peak at just shy of £3m in June 2020, 20% greater than its previous best. The record-breaking achievement is largely attributed to the team’s proactive approach to sales and marketing throughout lockdown. Quickly realising the demand for its products remained high despite the restrictions, the team continued its proactive multi-channel marketing approach and immediately set up a virtual sales appointment service which was met with
high demand.
Whilst competitors had batoned down the hatches and ground to a halt, Clearview Home Improvements was able to generate enquiries in excess of 75% higher than its year-on-year totals, with its ‘Stay-at-Home Sale’ campaign delivering a ready-made order book for its return once the restrictions were lifted. Quick to adapt to the ‘new normal’, the team at Clearview also used the opportunity to launch a new online design package to support its sales approach. The innovative software from parent company Conservatory Outlet provided a platform for the sales team to help customers visualise and connect emotionally with its range of products online. By the time Clearview reopened its showrooms in line with Government protocols on the 5th June, demand was already extremely high and has continued
26 WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020
“This decision ultimately proved to a good one – with families stuck inside, with both the time and impetus to improve or extend their homes, demand for Clearview’s services has continued to soar. Our sales team have been breaking their personal bests on an almost weekly basis. It has been amazing see the level of energy from our whole team over the past few weeks to make this happen.” Greg Kane, CEO at Clearview Home Improvements, continues: “This milestone achievement has been a huge team effort – everyone across the business has worked their socks off to achieve it! From lead generation, lead appointing and showroom demonstrations, to sales presentations, sales leadership and everything in-between, this has been a magnificent success and I’m incredibly proud of the whole team. “We’ve reached an important threshold and I’m absolutely certain that this will be the first of many records broken for Clearview over the coming months. We’ll now be working just as hard to deliver an exceptional service throughout our operations teams and continue to build on our future success.” www.clearviewhome.co.uk www.conservatoryoutlet.co.uk
TRADE NEWS
Deceuninck’s July
Sales Reach Another Record High
Certass Trade Association Chair, John Vanstone
Certass TA
Open for the Industry Supply Chain
Certass Trade Association (Certass TA) has opened its doors to the industry supply chain with its new Membership for fabricators, component manufacturers and other suppliers in the industry.
Deceuninck sales have continued to rise this summer. Following strong growth before the lockdown, and a ‘spectacular’ recovery in June, sales in July were up a record-breaking 31.9% year-on-year, 20.9% ahead of our pre-Covid budget. The PVC-U window systems company says all Deceuninck fabricators have seen strong demand since lockdown, with the proportion of sales that are colour also jumping from 60% to around 70% of total sales over the past few months. “We anticipated some pent-up demand as the industry came out of lockdown, and to be fair we were growing rapidly before the pandemic, but our customers’ sales have continued to grow at an incredible pace”, says Rob McGlennon, Deceuninck MD.
“Colour in particular has skyrocketed and shows no sign of slowing down. The home improvement market is doing much better than many predicted, with the top end doing spectacularly well. It’s fuelled by the Haves, a still-growing group of older homeowners whose homes have appreciated greatly in value in the last 20 years, who have the money and the desire to spend improving their properties. Colour and ‘aspirational products’ like our Heritage Flush Window and Slider24 are a big part of this trend. “No-one can predict the next six months, but we’ve invested in the right mix of products, the right level of stock, service and support to give fabricators a very effective competitive edge in these challenging times.” www.deceuninck.co.uk
Jon Vanstone, Chairman at Certass TA, says: “The beginning of the COVID-19 situation made it very clear that we were lacking a connection between the glazing industry and Government. The fabricators I talked to confided that they weren’t receiving the support and advice that they needed from their trade organisations and didn’t know where to go to ask questions of Government. “With my positions in other construction industry sectors, I was able to bring the view of glazing to the right people in Government and wider construction community, ask questions and get clarity on information to help installers and fabricators through the pandemic. “Feedback has been positive, and with so much regulatory change on the horizon, it makes sense to now open up our trade association to the wider industry to support the entire supply chain, with good practice advice and information as well as giving them a voice in future Government led discussions.” https://bit.ly/39ZRY3S
WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020 27
TRADE NEWS
Get Masked Up With Residence
NSG Group Ramps
And Widgets Up Antiviral Coating Research In The Fight Against Covid-19
The team is studying how coatings can effectively reduce viral loads on a glass surface. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), coronaviruses can live on surfaces anywhere from two hours to nine days. The survival time depends on a number of factors, including the type of surface, temperature, relative humidity and specific strain of the virus.
The Residence Collection and Window Widgets are both offering free facemasks, now that the new face covering rules have come into effect in England from Friday 24th July, 2020. It will now be compulsory that face coverings are worn in enclosed public spaces such as supermarkets, indoor shopping centres, transport hubs, banks and takeaways. It will be fully enforced according to the government and the Police can hand out fines of up to £100 to those who do not comply. Window Widgets has already been making use of their 3D printer to produce straps for the facemasks of frontline NHS workers, with the first prototype design validated, produced and sent directly within 24 hours for immediate approval. But this latest initiative for facemasks is to help support the industry and their respective friends and families, as a we enter a new phase of containment for the COVID-19 virus. Sarah Hitchings, sales and marketing director of The Residence Collection and Window Widgets commented: ‘This pandemic is a global crisis and so we as a responsible business are looking at ways in which we can support our staff, customers, business partners, communities and the nation as a whole. These facemasks are free, but make sure it’s worn properly as per guidelines across the internet and please abide by the new government requirements.’ www.residencecollection.co.uk www.residencecollectiontrade.co.uk
A glass with antiviral properties is expected to help control viruses in areas like shopping centres, hospitals, care homes, schools and public transport. It will also help to make touch screen devices safer. As part of Fiona Black, Pilkington United King- the research, Pilkington United Kingdom Limited is looking at dom Limited, preparing a chemical formulation how an antiviral layer can be combined with other functionality glass, such as solar conThe NSG Group, parent compa- trol to further extend its applications. ny to Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, is fast tracking Dr Neil McSporran, global portits research into producing glass with an antiviral coating, folio manager at NSG Group as it looks to help specifiers said: “Curbing the transmission find new ways of reducing the of viruses will be a priority for transmission of viruses within those who design and manage buildings and transport. buildings and transportation for years to come, not least The research into anti-microbial until a vaccine for COVID-19 is glass was already at an adfound.” vanced stage prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. But the out“Reducing infection via surfacbreak has made it a key priority es that the virus lives on will for the business’ UK research be an important part of any and development (R&D) team strategy organisations have to based in Lathom, Lancashire. control the virus. This is where antiviral glass would play an Its work has been supported important role in reducing the spread of a virus – limiting viral by a grant from Innovate UK, load on high-touch surfaces, as part of its £40 million of like the inside of a bus window funding to help drive forward or a shopping centre door.” technological advances which address new challenges from www.pilkington.com/en-GB/uk COVID-19.
28 WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020
VIEWPOINT
The Growing
Millennial Market Millennials are no longer children, despite how they are often portrayed in the UK media. In fact, this generation are now in their 20s and 30s, and comprise a an increasingly prominent portion of the home improvement market. Yet with a new generation of home buyers comes new priorities which can markedly differ to their parents’. Taking this into account, Russell Hand, Head of Product Management & Technical at REHAU Windows, looks at what these priorities are, and how this impacts installers. While we may think the millennial generation is still young, they are buying homes in increasing numbers. This trend that is only set to continue and impact window
installers, for whom this expanding demographic will constitute a significant part of their future customer base. As such, appealing to them is increasingly becoming a necessity. Yet while it is vital installers adapt themselves and their window portfolio to the millennial market, a key question needs to be asked – how do we do this? This is an important question, as millennials often have differing priorities to their parents. For example, while the older generation often look at their homes as status symbols they take pride in maintaining, this isn’t the case for younger generation. Many millennials would instead prefer low-maintenance solutions that do not require much upkeep, and are
30 WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020
more inclined to focus on wider issues such as sustainability and the environment when selecting windows. Reduced upkeep requirements Modern life is extremely fastpaced, and the combination of instant communication and an instinctually online culture means more is being demanded of millennials 24/7. With such constant strains on their time, it is only natural that they would prefer low-maintenance window solutions, rather than those that require constant DIY work or treatment. This desire for solutions that require minimal upkeep is clearly shown in a study1 by UK utilities insurance provider CORGI HomePlan. Of the 2,000 under-35s the study surveyed, 23 per cent would rather engage a tradesperson than carry out DIY work themselves. Such reluctance demonstrates a clear opportunity for fitters who can provide a window portfolio tailored to this market’s needs.
VIEWPOINT purchases. With these findings in mind, it is clear that installers need to demonstrate eco-friendly credentials when offering window solutions to this market. With this in mind, system houses like REHAU have further ramped up their considerable efforts around the co-extrusion process.
Specifically, by providing eye-catching and resilient systems that need only minimal maintenance, installers can greatly appeal to millennial sensibilities. Due to their unique compound and smooth gloss finish, REHAU’s TOTAL70C windows retain their pristine appearance throughout their long service life, and will never warp, rot or need painting. As a result, millennials can embrace the ‘fit-and-forget’ mindset such solutions allow, benefitting both installers and end-users.
Considering this state of affairs, it is clear that window suppliers need to provide solutions with high levels of noise abatement that ensure a peaceful home working environment. This sound insulation can be achieved with double-glazed, sealed units such as REHAU’s TOTAL70C that minimise outside noise and ensure occupants remain undisturbed. Installers can therefore reassure millennials that the right window can minimise background distractions, making it easier for them to set up home offices.
Quiet sanctuary The world of work is also changing, with younger people often asked to forego conventional 9-to-5 office working patterns in favour of a more flexible schedule that involves home working. Indeed, a 2019 report from the Trade Union Congress highlighted that there were over 373,000 more people working from home than 10 years ago.2 With many millennials now requiring only a laptop, a phone and a connection to the internet to function as employees, this number is likely to increase, and will be further exacerbated by the steep rise in remote working due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sustainable design Climate change has dominated the news agenda for the majority of millennials’ lives, and has grown in prominence as they have reached adulthood and taken their first steps onto the housing ladder. It comes as no surprise, then, that sustainability is a key issue for this generation when they look to outfit their homes, with a Guardian survey 3 suggesting over two thirds of millennials ‘buy as many eco-friendly products as they can.’ This mindset can also be seen in other global studies 4 showing 75 per cent of millennials prioritise sustainability over price in their
An innovative and sustainable method of producing new windows using recycled material, co-extrusion allows different PVC materials to be processed on the profile’s outer skin and core. A key aspect of this process is that valuable secondary raw materials can also be used, resulting in more sustainable and eco-friendly practice at no added cost to the customer. REHAU’s TOTAL70C system, for example, is available with a co-extruded profile made up of up to 75% post-consumer waste, while still boasting severe weather performance credentials and unparalleled technical, thermal, and noise reduction efficiency. In conclusion, millennials make up around a third of the world’s population, so installers stand to benefit by focusing on their needs. Specifically, by offering sustainable, low-maintenance solutions with excellent noise abatement, fitters can put themselves in the best possible position as millennial purchasing power transforms the market. For more information on the REHAU TOTAL70 Window and Door System, please click here. 1 How Many Millennials Does It Take To Change A Lightbulb?, CORGI HomePlan, https://bit.ly/3gv8NWE 2 Homeworking up more than a quarter in last decade, TUC analysis shows, Trade Union Congress, https://bit.ly/3gwSBnW 3 The Rise of Generation Y in the Sustainable Marketplace, The Guardian, https://bit.ly/3fsix2T 4 Green Generation: Millennials Say Sustainability Is A Shopping Priority, Nielsen, https://bit.ly/2DBabsw
WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020 31
VIEWPOINT Victoria Brocklesby, COO and Co-Founder at Origin, leading UK manufacturer of premium aluminium doors and windows, talks to us about being open minded when it comes to innovation and why looking for inspiration in sectors outside of those you operate in can often prove the most rewarding. Innovation plays a crucial role within UK businesses, creating increasingly effective and efficient processes, products, and ideas. Given the current economic climate, I think we can all agree that being agile and innovative is more important than ever to the survival of many businesses. One fantastic example of this ability to adapt is LVMH, the owner of Louis Vuitton, who started using its perfume production lines to make hand sanitiser to protect against COVID-19, back in March. This creative thinking helped stabilise the business during very uncertain times and had the world talking about its original outlook to a major challenge. So, why is looking outside of your industry the answer? Peripheral Vision
Looking Outside
Of The Industry For Innovation Can Be
The Key To Success 32 WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020
Simply put, there are only so many ideas you can produce when you are surrounded by the same people, doing the same tasks, and monitoring the same competition. By being too insular, and only paying attention to the sectors you operate in, you are cutting out a world of new ideas. Operating in this way may lead to some incremental improvements, but it is unlikely that the business will produce anything ground-breaking. By looking for inspiration in other markets or industries, you will be able to get a greater understanding of different technologies now available,
VIEWPOINT how other processes are being used effectively and discover what techniques are being used to disrupt the status quo. Many of these will be transferable to you, whilst others will have elements that can be adapted or adopted to enhance your business. Adopting a New Approach Any forward-thinking business will know that there is no such thing as a ‘one size fits all’ answer when it comes to innovating, otherwise everyone would be doing it. However, I do strongly believe that if decision makers and senior leadership teams follow a few simple steps, they can reap the rewards of creativity and growth. Question everything I know this is easier said than done, because ways of operating have often been ingrained in us for years, if not forever. But if you take a look at how other businesses in other sectors are doing things, and ask yourself ‘is this really the best way’, you are taking your first step on the road to true innovation. Just think how Uber disrupted the taxi business, or Airbnb the travel industry. They took an approach that had worked for years and completely turned it on its head. I was very lucky, because when I set up Origin with my cousin Neil, we were completely new to the industry. This meant we had no preconceived ideas of how things should work and normal ‘best practices’, allowing us to question how everything worked and find a better way. Come at problems in a different way When you allow yourself the time to see how other organisations and industries succeed,
you will also be able to see how they handle failure and overcome challenges. This is most pertinent when these challenges are the same, or similar to the ones you and your business face. To use a practical and personal example, I always had a problem with the delivery times manufacturers offered on bespoke products and goods. Within the fenestration industry, it can take up to eight weeks to have a set of bi-fold doors made and then delivered. To me, this seemed far too long. So, we looked at how other sectors handled this bugbear and were able to identify a new approach - the principles of Dr Goldratt’s Theory of Constraints. Basically put, these principles help companies locate the areas that are bottlenecking or putting undue stress on a process. By understanding our areas of weakness, we were able to develop innovative solutions and streamline our manufacturing processes further. This gave us something no one else in the market was able to offer - an unrivalled delivery promise that meant our bespoke products could be delivered within just 24 hours of an order being placed. By looking at how others handled challenges, we were able to take an archaic form of working and create a new industry ‘norm’. Start small Whilst we might all want to look to Silicon Valley and adopt the very latest tech, it makes better business sense to start by focusing on industries that have parallels with your own. For us, we identified obvious similarities between manufacturing doors and windows, and cars. The automotive sector is actually a prime example of an industry operating ‘fine’, until
a pioneer disrupts how we all think about it. Elon Musk took a long-established sector and transformed what is normal and what is expected. An inspirational innovator that sees the world completely differently from anyone else. Compare with the best Alternatively, if similar organisations are not giving you much inspiration, then seek out the market leaders in any number of fields and see how they are succeeding. We are revolutionising the way we deliver our products, following the way Amazon and Ocado operate. Their customer service levels are exemplary, professional, and efficient. Moving forward, and focusing on the Ocado way of working, we are hiring people based on their customer service abilities and then training them to be drivers. We are also introducing the same tech (Maxoptra) to help us build efficient routes and update customers more regularly on exact delivery times. This means our touch point with the end user is faster and more effective. To conclude I have always been of the opinion that in business, if you are not moving forwards, you are simply moving backwards. You cannot afford to rest on your laurels, because the moment you do, you lose your edge and your competition whistles past you. Any successful business needs to keep innovating and improving – never more so than in the current climate - and by looking outside of your industry, your business is more likely to disrupt a marketplace, stay ahead of competitors, navigate these very uncertain times, and most importantly, be a success. For more information, please visit www.origin-global.com
WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020 33
VIEWPOINT
Doing More With Less –
The Legacy Of Lockdown Like most PVC-U fabricators, we returned to work post-lockdown with a reduced workforce. Cautious about how demand would recover and constrained by the new social distancing requirements, we initially brought only 50% of our production team back from furlough. Within a few weeks though, that 50% was manufacturing 80% of our usual output; and we’re definitely not the only manufacturer to experience that. Euroglaze was already a highly efficient business, built on the principles of lean manufacturing, and we were confident that we were probably amongst the market leaders in terms of output per fabricator. However, what we learnt in those weeks during and immediately after lockdown, when we had to reorganise our factory and strip back every process to minimise contact, was that we were all actually capable of even more. The kneejerk response might have been to gradually build the team back up to the optimal level and restore our previous position. However, with demand booming and even more opportunities possibly coming as a result of the government’s green grant announcements, our plan at Euroglaze is actually to introduce a second shift for the remaining 50% of our team and potentially increase our output to 160% of pre-lockdown levels. It’s obviously not that simple a calculation, but we will certainly be able to deliver the increases in volume which we will need to keep pace with our customers, without sacrificing the efficiencies we have already achieved; and if that is one of the legacies of lockdown, then it’s a remarkable one.
I know that our customer service team are one of our biggest assets and have great relationships with our customers, but equally I know that phoning us to ask what time a delivery is due or whether we have a specific item in stock is a waste of time and money for our customers.
Martin Nettleton, Managing Director Euroglaze
Post lockdown of course, business is no less competitive than it ever was, and it will be the businesses which are the most efficient which I think will emerge from this crisis as the winners. As we’ve seen from some of the high-profile casualties during this period, it is no good being competitive on price if that comes at the expense of your overall profitability and leaves you with nothing left to invest in customer service. As I see it, the only way to stay both competitive and profitable is to focus relentlessly on your own efficiency. Only then can you really add value to your customers’ businesses and demonstrate that they don’t have to choose either service or price. Pick the right supplier and it is perfectly possible to have both. As well as production, the lockdown has given Euroglaze the opportunity to look for other ways to do more with less. I’m a great believer in the concept of marginal gains and we’ve focused particularly on customer service and how we interact with customers.
34 WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020
That’s why we’re extending the use of our bespoke DS system which gives us full traceability of every item in the factory and lets our customers access much of that data as well. We already have Eurostock which alerts a customer to an item which is out of stock when they place an order online or on the phone, allowing them to choose an alternative or reschedule their workflows, and we also have an alert which means incomplete orders can’t be loaded or unloaded from our vans. But now we’re targeting the kind of order tracking that we’ve all got used to with our online shopping during lockdown, enabling customers to see exactly where their order is from start to finish and know the point up to which they can potentially make changes. We’re incentivising Euroglaze customers to use our Windows on the Web online ordering tool because we know it saves time for them and for us and we’re already working on a new delivery app. Lockdown presented us all with a unique opportunity to re-examine our businesses and work out ways to be even better. We will probably never have that chance again. www.euroglaze.co.uk
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PEOPLE hard work and dedication of our team, and the support of our customers and suppliers. “Though we are sad to see John step back, he still remains an integral part of the company as Group Chairman and majority shareholder. However, the dayto-day running and strategic longer term planning for Glazerite will rest with myself, Robert and the current board going forward. “Robert joining us is a real opportunity given his wealth of industry experience. It’ll strengthen both our board and the business in general, and his manufacturing, continuous improvement, and commercial sales knowledge will be a real asset for Glazerite.”
Glazerite Announces New MD And Restructure As Part Of Long-Term Plans For Growth Leading trade fabricator, The Glazerite UK Group Ltd, has announced a board-level restructure as part of its ambitious plans for growth. The move includes the appointment of Robert Brearley as Group Managing Director, with former Group MD Jason Thompson taking on the newly created position of Chief Executive Officer. It follows Group Chairman John Hewitt’s decision to take a
step back from the business to focus more time on his recently founded suicide prevention charity, We Mind & Kelly Matters, in memory of his late daughter. Jason Thompson says: “Glazerite has gone from strength to strength since John and I founded the business 20 years ago. Today, we are one the UK’s leading trade fabricators thanks to the
36 WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020
Robert, who joins Glazerite on 24th August, says of the appointment: “I’m really thrilled about joining such a forward-thinking business as Glazerite. As we head into the next generation of the business, we have some exciting plans in place to further strengthen and grow our market position. With such a strong, experienced team already in place, there will be some fantastic opportunities ahead.” The news follows 18 months of investment for the fabricator, including site expansion at its Northwest plant in Bolton, and new machinery installation across each of Glazerite’s four manufacturing facilities. Jason adds: “In spite of the March and April lockdown due to Covid-19, our sales for June/ July this year are up 30 per cent in comparison with the same period last year. Our restructure will further strengthen our position as market leaders and allows us to build our offering and manufacturing capability further, in line with our own plans and the ambitions of our customers and suppliers.” www.glazerite.co.uk
PEOPLE
CMS Trade Strengthens Team With Experienced
New General Manager Fast-growing trade window and door fabricator CMS Trade has strengthened its team with the appointment of Jim Walker as its new general manager. With more than 15 years’ experience in the manufacture and installation of PVCu windows and doors, Jim is well-known within the Scottish fenestration sector. In taking up the position of general manager, Jim will be instrumental in CMS Trade’s growth plans, ensuring the company’s developing reputation for quality REHAU and Eurocell products – supported by first-class customer service – is maintained as the East Kilbride based business grows. Jim joins an experienced and skilled team at CMS Trade, a company which has grown strongly in its first
Jim Walker, newly appointed general manager at CMS Trade.
12 months of operation and now comfortably manufactures circa 700 PVCu units every week with capacity to grow. Part of the CMS Group, the company offers a full range of PVCu window and door styles, manufactured using REHAU or Eurocell systems, backed with a free recycling service for installers
so they can dispose of their extracted, post-use windows and doors safely and in an environmentally responsible way. Jim said: “CMS Trade has been a breath of fresh air in the trade window and door market, so it is really exciting to become part of a team that has achieved so much in just 12 months. With the diverse product portfolio, technical expertise available within the CMS Group and recycling service, CMS Trade is uniquely positioned to offer window and door installers a package that’s of real value and one that will help them thrive in a competitive market.” David Ritchie, CEO of CMS Group added: “We are delighted to welcome Jim to CMS Trade and look forward to supporting him and his team as the business develops. His technical knowledge and thorough understanding of what installers are looking for from their window and door supplier will be invaluable in strengthening our relationships with customers and supply chain partners alike.” www.cmswindows.com/trade
Appointment Underlines Window Supply Company’s Ambitious Growth Plans Window and door manufacturer Window Supply Company (WSC) strengthens its position in the UK fenestration market with the appointment of Fiona Rafferty as Head of Sales. Based from WSC’s headquarters in Livingston, West Lothian, Fiona will oversee the company’s trade counter network and will be responsible for driving forward WSCs long-term growth strategy as they look set to expand their network throughout Scotland and Northern England. Fiona Rafferty as Head of Sales
Fiona holds more than 25 years’ experience in sales management.
Previously as Sales Manager with global travel group Thomas Cook, responsible for 36 retail shops. Following this, Fiona’s career moved into the fenestration industry with Stevenswood initially, and now Window Supply Company. With many years of knowledge and experience in sales, and a proven track record in increasing revenues from the existing trade counter network, Fiona’s new role comes at a time when WSC is making significant investments in both manufacturing and infrastructure as a platform for growth. www.windowsupplycompany.co.uk
WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020 37
PEOPLE
Justin Hunter has officially joined AluK as the new Managing Director. With a long and successful career in aluminium systems, he brings a huge amount of industry experience to the role. His immediate priority is to ensure that AluK continues its phased return to work, protecting the safety of staff, customers and partners at every stage. However, he is also focused on building relationships with customers and understanding exactly what they will need from AluK in the crucial months ahead. Justin commented: “AluK is already operating safely and efficiently in a Covid-19 secure environment and passing on what we have learnt to customers. What’s important now is getting the additional support right to those customers, so that we strengthen our partnerships with them and use our expertise and resources to help in the best ways we can. “In terms of supply, our aim is for business as usual, but we will continue to be flexible in our approach and adapt our operations in line with the shape of the recovery and growing demand.”
Justin Hunter Joins AluK As
Justin Hunter
Managing Director 38 WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020
He added: “AluK is a fantastic business with a great team in place and I am really excited to be finally on board. These are challenging times of course, but we are in a very strong market position. The Coronavirus crisis hasn’t impacted our ongoing product development programme and, with the ongoing backing of the AluK Group, we will also be rolling out some market leading customer service innovations during the course of this year.” https://uk.aluk.com/
REHAU Strengthens Sales Team
PEOPLE with her expertise in the windows and uPVC market, means she is ideally placed to help us expand our southern UK operations. This appointment is of great strategic importance as we look to emerge from this COVID-disrupted period as strongly as we possibly can, and Hannah’s experience and enthusiasm for our market-leading products will be key to this.” This new appointment is the first of a number planned for REHAU’s Windows Solutions division. The company also plans on hiring Areas Sales Managers for the Northwest, Midlands and East Anglia region, and a Head of Sales for the southern region as the fenestration industry begins to recover from its pandemic-enforced lockdown.
As its UK operations gather momentum again, REHAU’s Windows Solutions Division continues to invest in its team with the hiring of Hannah Smith as a Sales Promoter. Hannah moved to the polymer solutions provider following four years with Synseal as an Account Manager and then Area Sales Manager. She will be bringing her extensive skills and understanding of the windows market to bear assisting REHAU installer customers in the south of the UK.
Hannah will be responsible for serving the needs installers in this area, covering both residential and commercial portfolios. One of her key responsibilities will be to grow the business and promote REHAU’s window ranges within her region, including the Rio Flush Fit and TOTAL70 Window and Door System. Barry Gilligan, Sales Director for Window Solutions at REHAU, comments: “Hannah’s talent for sales, customer service and business development, combined
“There’s no getting away from the fact that the business landscape has been dramatically changed by the coronavirus, so it is now more vital than ever that installers and fabricators invest in good value, high-performance solutions,” says Hannah. “With that in mind, I am very much looking forward to getting out there and meeting customers, and assisting them through this unprecedented time with not just REHAU’s portfolio of reliable and eye-catching window ranges, but also their sector-leading marketing support and services offering, including REHAU Connect and the Authorised Partner Program.”
New Role For Jason At Profine After two and a half years at profine UK as area manager for the south of the UK, Jason Scrivens has been appointed as national fabricated sales manager, following the successful purchase of essential assets from Aperture Group in May, 2020. The new role is a perfect fit for Jason, given his previous experience in manufactured windows
and doors, including vertically sliding sash windows. His new remit will be to help ignite sales of the Evolve sash window which will benefit from the exclusive Greenline compound from profine and sales of fabricated WarmCore products, including bi-folding doors, patio doors casement and flush sash windows. www.profine-uk.com www.kommerling.co.uk
WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020 39
PEOPLE
Daniel Baker Appointed As New
Managing Director For Origin
ties available, both in the UK and across the globe. Commenting on his new role, Daniel said: “I’m extremely pleased to be leading the Origin team at what is a key time for the business. Following ten years on the board of directors, I already know the business inside out and am looking forward to hitting the ground running, building on Origin’s significant success, whilst continuing to deliver the fantastic products it has become renowned for.” Daniel will replace Origin’s previous Managing Director, UK, Andrew Halsall, who will be stepping down from the role after over ten years with the company. Neil Ginger, Founder and CEO at Origin, said: “We would like to thank Andrew for his huge contribution towards the business and wish him all the best with his next challenge. Over the past ten years, Origin has grown and changed exponentially. In just a decade, the business has matured from a designer and manufacturer of an award-winning bifold door, to a global systems designer and manufacturer with products installed in over 20 countries world-wide. It’s an incredibly exciting time for the business, and we are confident that Daniel’s wealth of knowledge and experience will support the Origin’s growth and development for the next ten years and beyond, ensuring that the business realises its full potential.
Daniel Baker
Manufacturer of premium aluminium windows and doors, Origin, has appointed Daniel Baker as its new Managing Director, UK. Daniel, who has been a non-executive member of the Board of Origin since 2010, has been instrumental in supporting the goals and visions of the business since he joined the company 10 years ago. Following a successful career
as an Angel Investor, Non-Executive Director and Management Consultant, Daniel brings with him extensive experience of delivering the development and maturation of businesses like Origin. The appointment comes at an exciting time for Origin and signifies the company’s continued growth, as the business looks to explore the ongoing strategic opportuni-
40 WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020
“Whilst Daniel’s appointment signifies the next step in Origin’s growth, the business that our customers and partners have come to rely on is not going to change, and we will continue to strive to design, manufacture and deliver, on time and in full, the best aluminium doors and windows possible. As demand continues to rise, we are looking forward to progressing with momentum, confidence and enthusiasm.” https://origin-global.com/
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Dear
Gerald Dear Gerald Like all UK businesses, we found out last week that for every member of staff furloughed whom we still employ in January 2021, we will receive a £1,000 bonus. Because every member of the Brisant team is back from furlough, this amounts to around £50,000. It is this grant that many high-profile companies such as Primark and John Lewis, have turned down and are giving it directly back to the Government. But we wanted to do more with it and so we are putting it towards the creation of five new trainee jobs for young people aged between 16 and 24. Over the last few years we have seen remarkable growth and last year the Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 ranked Brisant-Secure as the 18th fastest growing business in the UK. We believe the best way we can make a contribution is by investing the staff retention bonus directly into new jobs. This ensures that our capacity to give a next-day service on bespoke products stays in front of growing demand. By maintaining this service with new jobs, we also bring security for the existing team and more job opportunities, as the business continues to see more demand born from secure products and a dependable service. The trainees will be spread across the business and will be in the most vulnerable 16 to 24 age bracket. Nick Dutton and Steve Stewart Brisant-Secure Ltd 42 WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020
Dear Gerald Is it possible to become institutionalised to bad service? Given what we all know has happened during lockdown, Euroglaze can’t be the only medium sized Rehau fabricator suddenly getting an influx of calls from companies looking for a new supplier. What is surprising to me is how many of them, absolutely through no fault of their own, have come to expect, or at least accept, levels of service which would trigger an internal investigation if they ever occurred at Euroglaze. In almost all the conversations I’ve had with potential new customers, there has been real surprise when I have pointed out that they don’t need to accept bad service in order to get good value. What I’m trying to do, and I’m sure lots of other MDs in my position are as well, is communicate the fact that price and value are not the same thing. We all know that a drive to the bottom on price benefits no one in the industry, and yet it has been allowed to happen time and again and, post lockdown, there is a very real danger that it will return. We need to get the message across that selling product at prices which are so low that margins are unsustainable is a recipe for disaster, not just for the supplier but ultimately for the customer as well. By contrast, value comes from knowing that your product will be delivered within a guaranteed lead time, that the order will be complete and on time, and that if anything on your order is not in stock, then you’ll be notified and offered an alternative at the point the order is placed. That kind of consistent, reliable service means you don’t have to spend your own precious time chasing your supplier for deliveries or updates and sorting out incomplete or incorrect orders. It also means you don’t erode your own margins by having to send your fitters out more than once to finish jobs they should have been able to do in one go, and more importantly, you don’t risk your hard earned reputation with social media savvy retail customers.
PRODUCT NEWS We’re at a point where, as an industry, we should be pushing at an open door when it comes to rejecting the old ways and recognising that service and value can actually go hand in hand. Efficient, well run fabricators, like Euroglaze, are lining up to show customers exactly what they have been missing for all these years. Martin Nettleton Managing Director Euroglaze
“…We All Need To Work Together With Honesty And Integrity” – A Letter To The Media
Dear Gerald We are clearly in unprecedented times. However, the glass and glazing industry appears to be facing untold challenges when it comes to the supply of products. By that, I mean PVC and aluminium extrusions, hardware, reinforcement, glass and other ancillaries. Anyone in the industry claiming otherwise simply isn’t telling the truth and headline claims by companies being x% up on last year don’t help the matter either. It’s a disruptive market with companies throughout the supply chain facing the operational challenges to deliver the work-in-progress, along with satisfying the unprecedented new consumer demand. As an industry that’s been plagued with a race to the bottom in price for several years now, we’re now seeing companies taking a similar stance when it comes to lead times. As one of the most respected brands in the global market for PVCu systems, we act professionally in everything that we do and in the way in which we communicate to both existing customers and also prospective ones. Untruths have no place in this industry and more so at a time where we all need to work together with honesty and integrity. There’s been the balancing act for all companies as to how and when individuals come back off fur-
lough and many still have yet to return all workers, while others have already made some redundancies. Consumers have been used to queuing at supermarkets, farm stores and even on the high street in recent weeks and so the extension of lead times is something that the vast majority will accept. But the issue of supply is also compounded by the fact that throughout lockdown consumers have spent more time than ever in their respective homes and so home improvements are higher up the agenda than ever before. If we are assuming that a double income family has been pretty much tied up at home for three months, then there has been the savings on fuel, the inability to go out for entertainment, a possible mortgage holiday and the lack of a large foreign holiday. The result is that consumers are looking to invest in their homes with the surplus of money that’s been accumulated over several months. The impact the uncertainty surrounding Brexit had has also been pushed aside. If we look elsewhere in the building sector there has been a considerable shortage of materials including plaster, drainage and insulation and so we are not alone in our segment. As an industry we need to be communicating clearly, honestly and accurately to each other, so that we can manage everyone’s expectations in a diligent and professional manner. Yours sincerely Gareth Jones Managing Director profine UK Ltd
If you want to get involved in the discussion, or would like to air your views on a particular industry subject, then Email me at gerald@windownews.co.uk We cannot guarantee that we will publish everything, but we will do our utmost to make sure that everyone’s voice is heard. Your views and thoughts are imprortant to us. WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020 43
PRODUCT NEWS look at their businesses and identify any areas for potential improvement. For many, it was probably the first time in their careers that they had been able to really take a step back like that. I was in touch with Mila customers throughout and they were all using the time as productively as possible to reorganise their factories, look at skills matrixes for their staff, investigate new software solutions and remote selling tools, and review their product ranges. In terms of products, the main objective seems to have been to identify products which will bring in new sales with strong margins but which, crucially, are easy to manufacture and fit.
From Mila’s perspective, the biggest winner from that has been our stainless steel door products. We’ve seen a surge in demand from companies who have decided to finally make the switch to stainless steel hardware as standard in order to upgrade their product offering. They may have been planning to do that at some point anyway, but the decision seems to have been accelerated by the enforced stop to their production lines.
Making The Switch To Stainless Steel
Hardware How the lockdown has accelerated the decision for many – By Julie Holmes, National Sales Manager, Mila If the enforced lockdown did anything positive, it did at least give fabricators time to take a close 44 WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020
The big benefit of stainless steel of course is the enhanced durability, and there is a growing sense that stainless steel is the right choice now, not just for the premium end of the market where demand seems to be strongest post lockdown, but also for the commercial and social housing markets where it can guarantee fewer costly remedials. We’re seeing orders coming in from existing Mila customers who are upgrading to our stainless steel range from our standard zinc diecast products, as well as from new customers who are using a switch to our stainless steel as an opportunity to switch to a new door furniture supplier. That includes big name fabricators such as Nationwide Windows, Safestyle, Consort and Dunraven. All of the products in Mila’s stainless steel range are branded Supa™ and the range includes standard and security door handles, pull bars and escutcheons, door knobs and pony tail knockers, letterplates and letterplate cowls. Fully suited, they combine stylish design with long-lasting finishes, which have been independently salt spray tested, and come with the reassurance of a 25-year surface finish guarantee.
EW N
PRODUCT NEWS
Julie Holmes, Mila’s national sales manager.
The whole range has been designed to work in both standard and Secured by Design settings, with standard and security Supa™ handles and standard and security grade escutcheons available. It also works across both contemporary and traditional door designs, with a wide range of pull bars alongside the conventional handles. We offer, for example, inline, offset, D shape, V shape, bow shape and even square pull bars, all with a choice of lengths and finishes, for through fix, concealed fix or back-to-back fitting.
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What’s perhaps most important though is that, with Supa™, customers get the quality, ease of installation and service that they associate with Mila, but at an affordable price which allows them to preserve their margins. At a time when efficiency and profitability are paramount, that’s a winning combination. More details are at: www.mila.co.uk WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020 45
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PRODUCT NEWS
VBH Introduces New Lift/Slide Door System consumer hardware guarantee.
Hardware company VBH has added the ClearLIFT hardware system for aluminium lift/slide patio doors to its greenteQ range. Lift/slide doors are gaining in popularity due to their ability to carry very large and very heavy sliders. They also provide large glazed areas that allow uninterrupted views and maximise the natural light. ClearLIFT can carry sashes weighing up to 300Kg and measuring up to 3.33m wide or 2.7m high, subject to the systems company’s recommendations. VBH advise that stock holding is reduced as all door heights are achieved with just two gear heights. The system has been cycle tested to 25,000 operations and is covered by Q-secure, VBH’s multi-brand
VBH marketing manager Gary Gleeson says “Our greenteQ designers have gone to great lengths to make sure that ClearLIFT is a premium product, fit for a premium ‘lifestyle’ door. Precision ball bearings in the bogies ensure a smooth and quiet sliding operation, as do the built-in brushes that sweep the tracks clear of grit as the door slides. Sprung drive gears also make the initial lifting action very easy for the user, even on the heaviest doors.” ClearLIFT joins the greenteQ Lifestyle product portfolio that already includes Clearspan bi-fold hardware, the Invisifold slide and fold door and window system and the Aspire lift/slide handle range. Gary adds “Aspire handles are available in nine finishes to match or complement all door finishes. With the user in mind, again, Aspire handles look great and their positive location at 90º helps to ensure that the door is operated properly every time.” https://www.vbhgb.com/
New Heritage Handles From Mila Mila has launched its own range of Heritage espag handles, combining elegant styling with intelligent design and security features. Available in both Monkey Tail and Pear Drop designs and in both left and right-handed options, the new handles are the perfect option for homeowners who want a traditionally styled sculptured, chamfered or flush sash window. They even come with a range of fully suited peg stays and faux butt hinges to complete the overall look. The new Heritage handles were designed in-house by Mila’s experienced team, so combine lots of fabricator and installer-friendly features which make them easy to fit as well as easy to sell. A simple push-to-fit, design-registered screw cover, for instance, incorporates a faux clocked screw for the kind of authentic
styling which consumers love. And alongside that, there is a simple, push-button locking mechanism, which comes with a beautifully designed rosette dead lock key. Mila’s Managing Director Richard Gyde says they are the ideal product for the demands of the market right now. He says: “Demand is still surging ahead for timber replacements, flush sashes and coloured PVC-U and these Heritage handles compliment all of those perfectly. They don’t just look great either. They come with all the Mila guarantees on performance and durability, so fabricators and installers can fit and forget.” There are nine classic and modern finishes to choose from in the new range, including a traditional textured effect in either Black and Pewter, as well as matt black, white, polished chrome, polished
46 WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020
gold, satin chrome, pewter patina and antique bronze. When it comes to security, the Heritage handles have been independently tested to PAS24 and are Secured By Design accredited. And, as buyers would expect from Mila, they have a 10-year guarantee on both finish and performance. www.mila.co.uk
PRODUCT NEWS
Kenrick Goes Smart Kenrick has signed an exclusive deal to become the UK distributor of BeeSecure – an app-based smart home security solution, which allows homeowners to monitor their home from anywhere with their smartphone. The move follows many months of research by Kenrick to find what it believes is the best smart home security product for the market. Reliable and easy to use, BeeSecure enables users to detect movements within their home, even if they are miles away. The system features a central hub, called the BeeHub, which links a series of devices inside the home to an app on the user’s phone. If a sensor on one of the devices is activated, the homeowner is alerted with a notification on their phone. Devices in the BeeSecure range include a motion sensor, an object movement sensor, a cam-
era, a smoke detector, a doorbell, and a window and door sensor. The window and door sensor is lightweight and compact and it detects if windows or doors have been opened. It also allows homeowners to check remotely if all their windows and doors have been properly closed. The sensor unit can be fitted by fabricators onto new windows and doors and it can also be retro-fitted onto any existing doors and windows around the home. Steve Williams, Kenrick’s sales and marketing director, says: “Today’s consumers embrace modern technology and smart home security has the potential to transform the way we live – making properties more secure and home entry easier and more convenient. “BeeSecure is a brilliant early warning system for homeowners, whether they are at home or not. It can let them know
if anyone is outside or inside their home, if any windows or doors are being tampered with and even if smoke is detected inside their property. Ultimately, it makes their home and safer and more secure place and gives them greater peace of mind. “We’re proud to be at the forefront of the industry by bringing a security innovation that delivers what modern homeowners want, whilst also helping forward-thinking fabricators and installers to enter the ‘smart’ market.” Claimed to be cost effective and easy to use, BeeSecure has been designed to enable homeowners to prepare their homes to be fully-smart in the future. It is also very versatile and the central hub can connect up to 16 BeeSecure devices. Additional devices can be added with the Bee-Repeater. www.kenricks.co.uk
WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020 47
PRODUCT NEWS Kelly Matters.”
Pink Door Range
To Support We Mind & Kelly Matters
DOORCO announces a brandnew and exclusive Pink Door Range in support of We Mind & Kelly Matters, a charity set up by Glazerite’s John Hewitt in memory of his daughter Kelly, which aims to raise awareness of mental health and try to prevent suicide.
Dan Sullivan comments: “During lockdown we did some reviews on our products and in particular, colour. There was a lot of talk about pink doors and we remembered Kelly Hewitt because pink was her favourite colour. We had a good relationship with Kelly when she worked at Glazerite and we were all affected by her suicide. We were aware of Kelly’s Heroes, the cycling challenge John and his friends are undertaking in August and wanted to show our support. While we could have just made a single
donation, we wanted to do something that had more longevity. So what better way to support We Mind & Kelly Matters than to create a pink door in Kelly’s honour.
“Of course in the usual DOORCO fashion, we didn’t stop at one pink door! We’ve created an exclusive collection of four doors, each one in a new shade of pink. We’ve opted for a more traditional style, using our best-seller Carnoustie and half-glazed Lytham, but adding a modern twist with brand new exclusive glass options, some designed by Jeyda, and all produced for us by Regalead. The design is completed with the stunning Rose Gold Sweet hardware from Brisant. “DOORCO is going to donate 20% of all the door blanks sold from this range to We Mind &
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John Hewitt, Glazerite Group Chairman and Kelly’s dad comments: “When DOORCO approached me about this new collection I was blown away. We originally set up We Mind & Kelly Matters to keep Kelly’s memory alive, but as time has gone on, we are determined to make a difference in the prevention of suicide. All the money we raise through the charity goes to mental health awareness, trying to remove the stigma and prevent other young people from taking their own lives. We’ve recently teamed up with Rushden Mind, our local Mind charity that has supported us through this impossible time, and funded a brand new project called S.A.F.E – Suicide Awareness For Everyone. Back in Oct 2019 they started SAS groups (Support After Suicide) with the intention of taking S.A.F.E into schools, colleges or businesses to educate everyone about the “S” Word – Suicide. This is about to be launched and we are aiming to roll this out across the county of Northamptonshire. We are also talking to other mental health charities to see how we can support them as well. “I intended to do the ride alone, but thanks to friends and family, Kelly’s Heroes was born and the event is certainly gaining traction. We’re are extremely grateful to DOORCO for this initiative which I’m sure will provide us with funds to help realise our plans to educate the next generation about mental health before it’s too late.” For more information on We Mind & Kelly Matters visit: https://bit.ly/2Pu1iTY The Pink Door Range is available soon. Please contact info@door-co.com to register your interest.
PRODUCT NEWS
Norseal Is A Cut Above
Door seal specialist Norseal says it has become the first company in Europe to develop a custom-made drop seal cutting machine. The machine will cut any drop seal to the exact size required, ready for next day delivery, without damaging it, and so keeping the fire, smoke and acoustic integrity of the
in the business. It will accurately cut its Norsound range of acoustic, smoke, and weather drop seals to the exact size required ready for immediate fitting on site or in the factory. It will put an end to the incorrect size being cut on site and eliminate the damage that can be caused to drop seals by cutting by hand which can deform or bend, rendering the seal useless.
door intact. Every door seal cut to size by Norseal with its new equipment comes with a one million cycle guarantee. Norseal has developed the new cutting machine as part of its ongoing commitment to offer the best customer service proposition
“We believe that this new machine will revolutionise the fitting of drop seals for door manufacturers and contractors,” says Norseal MD Michael Spoors. “It not only eliminates an entire manufacturing process for them to save time in production or on site, it will also massively reduce wastage with its accurate and damage-free cutting. All of the seals we cut on the machine will still be available for next day delivery and, best of all, the service is completely free of charge for customers.” www.Norseal.co.uk
Contemporary Door Designs Prove Popular
From ODL Europe
are available in smooth and grained options so consumers can replicate wood or aluminium depending on the look they want to achieve. ODL Europe says that, as with all their products, the pedigree is second to none. The door slabs have a 2mm thick impact-resistant GRP SMC skin. Stiles and rails are manufactured from a water-resistant pure PVC polymer and reinforced using LVL (Laminated Veneered Lumber) timbers. They are capable of achieving a U value as low as 0.8W/m2k when part of a doorset assembly and when used with an ODL glazing system they achieve PAS24:2016.
If you want to take advantage of the growth in contemporary composite door designs, look no further than ODL Europe. This is the view of Suzanne Nicholl, Business Development Manager of Bootle-based ODL Europe who said: “We have a complete contemporary door package from the door slab to the glazing cassette to the glass. Add in the quality of our products and you have a package that’s hard to beat.” ODL Europe offers a wide range of contemporary door styles but Suzanne reports two styles are proving to be particularly popular: Flint and Monroe. Both
Alongside the door slabs, ODL Europe also offers the ZEEL™ glazing cassette, which is the perfect match for contemporary door styles. Suzanne explained: “ZEEL™ features a sleek, flat-profile design that allows the glass to take centre stage. The clean low-profile offers an alternative to flush-glazed doors and is ideally suited to contemporary door styles.” To complete the package, there is a range of contemporary glass options that adds a sophisticated finishing touch and allows fabricators and installers to add value to their offer. www.odleurope.com WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020 49
PRODUCT NEWS does not solve the problem as it can re-occur during the next bout of hot weather. At Force 8 this issue is now consigned to the past, says the company, with not a single door problem or issue in the past twelve months and during the recent hot weather. “Having a fitting team based at our Stockport manufacturing facility gave us a distinct advantage over rival composite door manufacturers”, comments Dennis Sumner, managing director at Force 8. “Dealing with actual customers on the ground gave us a hands-on insight to the issues and problems. “We also identified that the darker coloured doors installed with a south facing aspect were the most affected, due to the extra heat absorption. This has become a major problem within the industry, plus Force 8 specialise in unique contemporary door designs and mostly rely on the pull latch system, which is particularly affected by the problem”.
Say Goodbye To able to open the door at all.
Force 8 identified at an early stage of design with their new Decadence door range that this was not going to have a single answer – a magic bullet that would cure all ills. They looked at every component starting with the door slab; they needed to have the highest and most robust quality available and chose a reinforced slab, which offered the extra strength with value. They improved the quality of the hinges with a fully adjustable system, making sure that the door could be properly aligned during installation.
A major problem highlighted was as the door bows, the hooks can bind against the keeps, making it difficult to unlock, and this issue is accentuated with the new pull latch systems. The normal remedy is to replace the door, but that
“The major problem was the locking system; we had to completely rethink how this would work. As the normal central latch helped to pull the door into line in the middle, the answer in the end was quite simple, a three latch system,
Bowing Doors
With Force 8 According to Force 8, although the recent hot weather was a welcome benefit during the lockdown, it was probably a nightmare for installation companies, with endless complaints from customers due to bowing composite doors. They range from the door not closing properly, or very stiff, to not being
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PRODUCT NEWS top, middle and bottom”, comments Dennis. The three latch system (Surefire Auto Lock) made a considerable difference combined with the reinforced slab and hinge system, but Force 8 wanted to combat the root of the bowing. At the heart of the problem is the heat build-up and the temperature difference, from the outside to the inside. “As we were developing our new two-tone colour range, which we spray in-house along with the frames, we decided to formulate a new heat resistant paint”, continues Dennis. “This was the final piece in the jigsaw, which to date, combined with the other components has cured the bowing problems we incurred. With our installation team on the ground reporting directly back to us, plus other installation companies, even the popular grey doors facing south have had no issues. In addition we have recently achieved PAS 24 on our full range of doors, which includes our arched and stable doors”. Force 8 says the cost saving can be immense, no more time wasted with fitting teams endlessly returning to problem doors, or even replacing doors at the company’s own expense, which is just replacing the door with the same problem. “It’s with bitter experience we have encountered most of these issues, and it’s been trial and error finding the solutions, but our new doors are a dream compared with the old systems, and I am extremely pleased with the results as are our customers”, comments Dennis. The Decadence range is fully equipped with the new systems and is only available from Force 8. www.force8.uk
Green Homes Grant Presents Opportunity
Distinction Doors has welcomed news of a new government initiative which will see homeowners in England receive vouchers worth up to £5,000 to make environmentally friendly home improvements. Under the Green Homes Grant scheme, the Government will pay at least two-thirds of the cost of the energy-saving products, capped at £5,000 per household. This could be more for those on a low-income and potentially cover the full cost of the improvements, up to £10,000. While companies and homeowners await the finer details, including a definitive list of eligible products, Distinction believes that the scheme will create valuable opportunities for those who fabricate and install its doors. “We provide the most energy efficient composite door on the market,” says Bethaney Larkman, marketing manager for Distinction Doors. “So, if insulated composite doors qualify for the grant, we are
the ideal choice for those wishing to take advantage of the scheme.” The company says Distinction GRP composite doors have been proven to be 19% more thermally efficient than a 48mm solid timber core composite door and 17% more thermally efficient than a 44mm traditional timber panelled door. Doors were tested at the University of Salford’s Energy House. The doors also achieve indicative energy ratings between A and C, with A delivering the best performance levels. “The scheme is set to launch in September, with homeowners having to apply online for the vouchers,” continues Bethaney. “In the meantime, we will be working hard, in partnership with our customers, to raise consumer awareness of our doors; efforts which will be rewarded regardless of their eligibility. We can assist with showroom development including literature, access to our online door-designer, social media support and product videos.” https://bit.ly/2PxREjw
WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020 51
PRODUCT NEWS
Quality Within From
ODL Europe When it comes to composite doors, quality and strength are essential in the overall credibility of a quality door. Ian Glenister, Technical Sales Manager of ODL Europe, comments: “Composite doors need to stay looking good for years to come, they need to be secure and they need to be robust enough to stand up to daily use. For a door slab that ticks all these boxes – and more – the Capstone composite door slab from ODL Europe is the answer. It has a pedigree you can trust and allows you fit a composite door with confidence.” According to ODL Europe, the Capstone composite door slab has a wealth of features that give them exceptional strength and means they are resistant to bowing or expanding, so they stay looking good for longer. Stiles and rails are manufactured from a water-resistant pure PVC polymer and are
reinforced using LVL (Laminated Veneered Lumber) timbers with a minimum density of 570 kg/m3. The SMC skins and sub frame door assembly are fully bonded using a urethane adhesive resin and the thermally efficient CFC-free polyurethane foam filling means that when the door is part of a doorset assembly it can achieve a U value as low as 0.8W/m2k. The finish on each door is also outstanding, starting with the 2mm thick GRP skin. Painted and woodgrain finishes use a hard-wearing proprietary polyurethane paint system similar to ones used in the yacht industry add low maintenance and hard-wearing benefits. All doors finished using this paint system come with a 10-year warranty against fade, loss of gloss and adhesion and 5-year warranty on woodgrain finishes.
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Security is reassuringly high too. When used in combination with the SecureDesign board reinforcing and ODL glazing cassette systems, the Capstone slab achieves PAS24:2016, which is a requirement for meeting Document Q of Building Regulations and gaining Secured by Design certification. Alongside the exceptional quality, the Capstone door slab from ODL Europe offers a wealth of design options. There are 30 door styles, many of which are unique to ODL Europe, 29 colour finishes plus three PAS 24-compliant glazing frames and 25 decorative glass options. Ian concludes: “Customer satisfaction is going to be more important than ever, so now is not the time to compromise on the quality of your products. The Capstone door slab has a reassuring pedigree and for additional peace of mind, they are all manufactured as part of the BM Trada Q-Mark scheme for quality, which gives us full traceability for all factory processes. When it comes to composite doors, ODL Europe is the name you can trust.” www.odleurope.com
PRODUCT NEWS
Emplas Launches New Colour Offer
2013 (Palmer). In addition to the expansion of its offer, Emplas has also worked with Profile 22 to bring a grey substrate into its range in response to customer demand. This means that Anthracite Grey on both sides, will be available on a grey rather than brown base. “The benefit for our customers is that they are getting a lot of additional flexibility in colour offer. That extends to substrate. “If you’re quoting on an extension end-users may want to match into an aluminium bi-folding door with a foiled PVC-U product. A grey substrate makes the finish far stronger. “More flexibility in colour and substrate gives installers greater flexibility in how they sell”, Jody continued.
Emplas has launched a new colour-offer, adding 13 completely new foil options to its colour pathways, expanding its overall offer to include 30 different options. Developed following extensive market research, the new colour offer gives installers the opportunity to offer end-users the choice of an extensive range of colour but also finish options, including smooth and ultra-matt finishes. This includes new Pebble Grey; Buckingham Grey, Silver D Smooth; Sage Smooth; Hazy Grey Finesse; Claystone; Basalt Grey Smooth; Flemish Gold Smooth; Windsor; Black Ulti-Matt; Kensington Grey; Honey Oak Super-Matt. Jody Vincent, National Sales Manager, Emplas, said: “We’ve seen a real evolution of the market for foils. Homeowners want greater subtlety and more choice. Something that’s only accelerat-
ed during and since lockdown. “The new build sector is also specifying colour in far greater quantity because of its ability to define the architectural aesthetic of new homes. “What you’re getting is increased demand in terms of volume but also for choice. The colour ranges we’re now offering allow us to be more flexible in the way that we’re able to serve the installer. At the same time new colour pathways and increased end-user appeal, gives them more reach into those markets.” The offer also includes three of the new colour options – Pebble Grey; Sage Smooth; and Claystone – from stock. Analysts argue that colour has been instrumental in driving growth in the installed value of PVC-U product, demand for foils including both woodgrains and solid colours – up 45% since
Emplas supplies Optima from Profile 22 with either sculptured, chamfered (QC) or flush casements options. Alongside a deep bottom rail, this also includes an option for a mechanical 90° joint on flush casements. Available in 28mm glazing Optima is supplied by Emplas as a WER A+ window as standard. Typical U-values start at 1.4W/ m2K. “The colour options here are important. It’s the fact, however, that we can deliver them with far greater flexibility which delivers the real benefit to our customers”, Jody said. “End-users want colour but post-lockdown they want it more quickly than ever. With rapid delivery across 30 colour options, 13 of which are completely new, we’re helping them to add immediate value to their offer”, he concluded. For more information visit www.emplas.co.uk
WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020 53
PRODUCT NEWS
Sheerline Launches Classic Ultra Slim Beadless Aluminium Window System Sheerline has launched Classic, its first residential aluminium window system, which the company describes as an ideal high performance replacement for traditional slim steel windows. The aluminium system is the result of substantial investment, research and development from some of the most well-respected window industry experts. According to Sheerline, Classic is an ultra secure, ultra slim, beadless aluminium system that offers exceptional performance combined with simply beautiful aesthetics – at the heart of which is Sheerline’s patented corner jointing method. Sheerline’s unique construction method removes the need for separate glazing beads and is tested to PAS24:2016. The patented corner method is said to also allow each window to be individual hand tuned for a high quality, flawless finish which eliminates stepped corners.
Engineered for high performance, the Sheerline Classic system uses innovative Thermavic® multi-chambered thermal breaks to give superior energy performance and U-Values as low as 1.4 W/(m2K) in double glazed windows. All Sheerline profiles and components are designed and made in Britain at Sheerline’s state-ofthe-art manufacturing facilities in Derbyshire and are available on very short lead times – just five working days for any of 11 stocked colours, which include 3 anodised finishes. Bespoke colours and dual coloured orders are available within just 10 working days. Roger Hartshorn, Garnalex CEO comments: “For years, many aluminium fabricators and installers had to put up with limited product development and poor service. But Sheerline saw aluminium’s potential and we set out to transform the way alumin-
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ium profiles are supplied, and aluminium windows and doors are fabricated and installed. Over the past two years our top team of designers have examined every aspect of aluminium windows to develop Sheerline Classic, a truly groundbreaking ‘heritage’ system that’s easy to fabricate, and a dream to sell and install. “The launch of Sheerline Classic is the first of our systems to re-invent aluminium windows and doors. We’ll be adding to our range of products with Sheerline Prestige at the end of the summer.” Sheerline Classic is available in July from selected fabricators. To learn more visit www.sheerline.com
PRODUCT NEWS
Emplas To Offer Mechanical Joints On Optima Flush Emplas is offering 90° mechanical-joints on the Optima Flush sash casement, which combines a technically advanced multi-chamber PVC-U system with traditional timber sightlines.
Combined with the launch of its new colour offer adding 13 completely new foil options to its colour pathways, it gives Emplas customers access to a more flexible offer aligned to key trends in window and door retail. Jody Vincent, National Sales Manager, Emplas, said: “Optima Flush is an increasingly important part of our offer. Demand is growing in line with increased homeowner aware-
ness, plus corresponding demand from new build. “The flexibility to offer a 90° mechanical-joint on the sash is important, particularly in replacements in older properties, where owners want to match to original timber windows. “We’ve also developed a series of new colour pathways, which bring new choice and far more contemporary and subtle finish options. These are key drivers of the second time replacement market.” Opening-up significant new opportunities in retail, Optima is designed to emulate a traditional
timber window design. This includes a defining flush casement finish, traditional top and deep bottom sash rail options, heritage dummy sash on frames with fixed lights and integrated hardware including monkey-tail handles and dummy peg stays. With a simple chamfered finish to the sash externally, the outer-frame is available in either sculptured or chamfered finish options. www.emplas.co.uk
WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020 55
PRODUCT NEWS
Epwin Window Systems’ New Colour Collection Reflects
The Latest Trends In Colour
Epwin Window Systems’ new Colour Collection has been designed to help its customers lead the way in colour by offering the latest trends in colour today and the favourites of the future. Gerald Allen, Marketing Manager at Epwin Window Systems, said: “By reflecting the latest colour trends and direction, we can give our customers a clear point of difference.” The new Colour Collection includes an expanded number of popular heritage shades, including Sage, Claystone, Pebble Grey, Anthracite Grey Smooth and Cream on White. Gerald commented: “The new additions to the range reflect
the latest market research and feedback from our customers. The trend is for understated, natural shades that recall times gone by – it’s something that’s echoed in the popularity of Farrow & Ball colours, for example. Our new colours tap into this trend and take it one step further.”
The new Colour Collection is the latest move in Epwin Window Systems’ investment in colour. The systems company invested in several new twin lines last year and is also using the world’s first Luna R automatic profile wrapping machine to ensure that colour quality is unsurpassed.
As well as introducing new shades, the new Colour Collection makes more colours available from stock. There are also 30 Made to Order colours that includes more of the popular contemporary greys and blacks along with new metallics to capitalise on the growing demand for aluminium alternatives.
Gerald concluded: “Our prediction is that the Covid-19 pandemic will mean order values will continue to increase. Colour will be a vital part of that shift and our new Colour Collection perfectly places our customers to benefit from any growth.” https://bit.ly/3i9I2aK
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PRODUCT NEWS product into many more to get a feeling for just how big this market is.” Available either as a clamped or free-standing option, VetroScreen, has been developed by the glass consumables and hardware specialist as a solution to screen adjacent desks in open-plan offices. Able to accommodate glass thicknesses of 4mm to 10mm it’s been designed to be fitted in minutes, sliding over the edges of a desk or table and tightened. This creates a secure fix without drilling for screens typically up to 1000mm high dependent on risk assessment.
Multi-Million-Pound New Market For Processed Glass Modelling by Bohle suggests that COVID-19 cough and sneezeguard screens plus Covid-related office re-fits, represent a multi-million-pound new market for the glass processing sector. Far from representing the end of the offices, UK companies ultimately want staff to return to work but will, according to analysts, need to cut staff numbers by 3050% as well restructuring space to meet social distancing guidelines and to minimise risk. This according to Bohle, which launched its new clamped and freestanding desktop sneeze and cough guard, Vetroscreen last month, has created significant new demand for processed glass, creating a multi-million-pound new market. Dave Broxton, Managing Director, Bohle, said: “Everyone in office fitout has been holding their breath to see if companies will go back
A weighted desktop version manufactured in high quality powder coated aluminium and steel, also provides a solid foundation for glass screens typically of up to 800mm high dependent on application. Dave continues: “Average office density is at 9.6m2 per person. To maintain social distancing at 2m, you need around 14m2, even then space is tight. “Even if companies only bring back 70 or 50% of their workforce back into their office space each day with the rest working from home or rotating through, they are going to need to restructure space to minimise risk”, Dave continued.
to an office environment or stick with home working. What’s now clear is that we’re moving towards a hybrid solution. “That is creating massive demand from the office market for glass, partitioning and new products developed to support Covid-19 working including Vetroscreen. “We have customers already quoting on quarter-of-a-million-pound contracts – that’s on a single project. You don’t have to supply
“They have to. Average leases on commercial property in the UK are for 6.3 years. That space has to be used – plus the value of single-location working despite increased use of remote working platforms is increasingly being recognised by companies and their employees. “That’s absolutely born out in the demand that we, and our customers are seeing for Vetroscreen.” For more about Bohle’s product and service offer visit www.bohle.com
WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020 57
PRODUCT NEWS
Eyrise Launches
Experience Lab At Newly Transformed Headquarters
To Drive Liquid Crystal Glass Innovation
provided will be used to steer future digital developments as part of ongoing research into optimising customer experience. “The ease and speed with which we were able to retrofit the glazing of our factory demonstrates how simple it is to bring lightwellness to an existing building, while saving energy, space and costs,” said Celine Glipa, Managing Director at Eyrise. “Architects and building designers will now have the opportunity to experience how people interact with solar shading and privacy glass in a real-world context.” The experience lab will give global construction industry visitors a more in-depth feel for Eyrise’s unique products. Alongside established working products already on the market, new innovations will be shown.
Eyrise has launched an experience lab at its newly transformed headquarters to showcase the extended capabilities of liquid crystal glass and drive research into smart glass innovation. Based at Veldhoven in the Netherlands, the specialist glazing company uses proprietary liquid crystal technology to manufacture energy-saving windows that can be tinted to provide instant solar shading without compromising on natural daylight. Recent research by Elementa Consulting revealed liquid crystal glass has a significant positive impact on the health, wellbeing and productivity of a building’s occupants. Eyrise has recently retrofitted its entire office building with
dynamic glass to create an interactive environment that offers solar control and privacy for employees, and a space where visitors can experience its benefits first-hand. In just three weeks, the company replaced 279m² of glazing with liquid crystal glass into the existing window frames. The external facade now comprises 155m² of solar shading windows. Inside, it has fitted every meeting room partition wall with instant privacy glass panels. Fifty-one units in twenty-three different sizes have been installed, representing a surface area of 124m². Staff can individually control solar shading and privacy control via a newly developed app, ensuring continuous comfort and well-being. The data
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One example is the installation of 20 prototype instant solar shading panels, segmented horizontally into three identical areas. These can be controlled separately, allowing people to try out differing tint configurations. A display of multiple shapes, colours and designs illustrates the creative freedom offered to architects by the glass. “Visitors will be able to engage directly with us in our experience lab and throughout the building as we continue to develop meaningful innovations that make people’s lives better,” Glipa continued. Employing 70 people from 17 different countries, Eyrise’s Veldhoven production facility is the first of its kind, using specialist manufacturing equipment to make liquid crystal glass windows for modern building projects worldwide, says the company.
PRODUCT NEWS
Record Searches For Patio Doors
Good News For Installers, Says CDW Systems Production Director
Reports of record levels of interest in patio doors despite the impact of COVID-19 will be good news for savvy installers. That’s the view of Allan Little, Production Director of Gloucester-based aluminium specialists CDW Systems. The company’s marketing partner Purplex is constantly tracking Google search data and has reported the term ‘Patio Door’ is at its highest compared to previous 2015 records and was searched by more people in the last 12 months, with a big spike going into June as the summer approaches. According to Allan, CDW Systems range of patio door prod-
ucts from some of the most respected aluminium systems companies will provide a valuable route to market for ambitious installers. “Lockdown has seen homeowners gain a new appreciation of their homes, while the recent spell of fantastic weather will have provided them with a renewed desire to bring the outdoors in,” said Allan.
functioning sliding patio doors includes the Sapa Technal Crown Sliding Patio Door; Reynaers CP130 Lift & Slide system; and the Slide 2000 Patio Door and Visoglide Plus Thermally Broken system, both from Smart. The trade and commercial fabricator also offers full technical back up and customer assistance, as well as UK delivery direct to the customer.
“With long haul holidays off the menu for the foreseeable future, they will be searching online for ways to invest in their homes and achieve it, and patio doors can provide the perfect link between a home and garden.”
“The interest and demand is clearly there for patio doors and our range could be a reason why customers choose a competitor ahead of you when their thoughts turn to the perfect patio doors,” added Allan.
CDW Systems range of easy
www.cdwsystems.co.uk WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020 59
PRODUCT NEWS
Stellar’s Ease And Speed Of Fitting Offers
Clear Benefits To Installers Installers are now benefiting from Stellar, the double G Award-winning aluminium system from Epwin Window Systems, its speed and ease of fitting is helping to improve productivity, which is more important than ever at the moment. Gerald Allen, Marketing Manager at Epwin Window Systems, explained: “Maximising productivity will be at the top of installers’ minds at the moment. Stellar was designed from scratch to take aluminium systems to the next level and one of the ways it does this is by being exceptionally easy and quick to fit. It means installers can install the products much
more quickly therefore reducing the time needed at a customer’s home which is imperative at this challenging time.” Epwin Window Systems says there are several reasons why Stellar is so easy to fit. It is fully internally glazed and it uses patent-pending knock-in beads which makes glazing rapid. The system has flat rebates so fitting glazing packers is simple and because the frames are flatbacked, it’s simple to position them perfectly. Installer Darren Young of DP Young Joinery in Stoke-on-Trent summed up the experience of fitting Stellar: “I recently fitted my first Stellar bifold
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door and it was the best bifold I’ve ever fitted. I saved loads of time because the beads clipped in and it gave the neatest finish I’ve ever seen, plus the speed of fitting, about an hour quicker than a comparative aluminium bifold door, meant we reduced the time spent on site. As a result, we have secured more work for the Stellar bifold door with consumers.” Gerald commented: “The ease with which Stellar can be both fabricated and installed is impressive and it’s an element of the system’s design that has never been more important with the industry manufacturing and fitting in the ‘new normal’. Combined with the undoubted aesthetic appeal of the system, it makes it a powerful proposition.” Gerald concluded: “Installers looking to improve productivity levels and give themselves a competitive edge with the products they offer should look to Stellar as the answer.” www.stellaraluminium.co.uk
PRODUCT NEWS
Tiled Conservatory Roofs Providing Perfect Renaissance Thanks To Supalite Conservatory specialists Renaissance Conservatories has seen great success since adding high-performance solid tiled conservatory roof systems from SupaLite to its range. The Devon-based company, which also provides high-quality uPVC and aluminium windows and doors, has transformed homes with high-quality conservatories for many years. The company has been offering SupaLite Tiled Conservatory Roofs since 2014 and they have become hugely popular with customers according to Ben Cogavin, Renaissance Conservatories Director. “For homeowners, a fully functioning conservatory really is a wonderful space and a SupaLite Tiled Conservatory Roof allows it to perform
to its maximum,” said Ben. “Thanks to its amazing energy efficiency it retains exceptional amounts of heat in the winter and keeps the temperature cool during the summer, meaning our customers can take advantage of the glorious weather in Devon.” A SupaLite roof uses lightweight aluminium beams and rafters,
Modplan Adds Leka
Systems Skylight To Its Portfolio
100mm high-density insulation and high-performance ExtraLight roof tiles to achieve an exceptionally low U-value rating of 0.18W/m²K. And Ben added: “As a family-run business we pride ourselves on offering the best products for our customers and being one of the few SupaLite approved installers in Devon ensures we can do that.” www.supaliteroof.co.uk aesthetics of skylights to a whole new level. They look crisp, clean and refreshing. When homeowners compare the options available to them, they will be able to see the clear aesthetic advantages of the Leka Systems Skylight.” Heidi also highlighted the ease of installation of the product: “Installation is simple, which saves time and money on site and helps installers to increase productivity and profitability, which we know are more important than ever at the moment.”
Trade fabricator Modplan has just added the Leka Systems Skylight to its portfolio. Heidi Sachs at Modplan, said: “The Leka Systems Skylight gives installers a competitive edge by providing an innovative and flexible solution to bringing natural light into a conservatory.”
latest innovation from Leka Systems. It is a fully glazed unit with a neatly finished surround that doesn’t need roof bar caps. It is available in any height and has a maximum width of 800mm, which offers flexible alternatives to opening vents.
The Leka Systems Skylight is the
Heidi commented: “This takes the
The Leka Systems Skylight is the latest innovation from the company. Its new way of thinking has just been reflected in a patent award. The Leka Systems Tiled Conservatory Warm Roof is protected by GB patent number 253 8540 and is claimed to be recognised as one of the most innovative roof systems on the market today. https://www.modplan.co.uk/
WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020 61
MACHINERY
Avantek Announces Partnership With Graf Synergy Avantek Machinery has announced it is now an official Graf Synergy distributor for the UK. Avantek says the commercial partnership will lead the Italian company to significantly consolidate its presence in the United Kingdom and allow Avantek to revolutionise the national market of PVC windows thanks to its V-Perfect® technology.
operating in a socially distanced reality, increased efficiency and the need for less machinery and less manpower is essential to future success and the safety of a workforce. With Graf Synergy’s welders, fabricators will achieve both reduced space and manpower whilst producing consistently excellent, high quality welds for their PVCu window and door systems, says Aventek.
Well-known for its world class seamless welding technology, Graf Synergy’s patented welding technique is said to offer increased fabrication efficiency and unrivalled quality. While the industry comes to grips with
“While Graf Synergy’s innovative technology has been around for a while, it only welded corners in such a seamless way, but not transoms. Now the same technique used to create corner welding perfection is available for
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The Graf Synergy SL5-TFF offers V-Perfect® transom welding
V-Perfect® transom welding. It’s a game changer for fabricators,” comments Avantek Machinery’s Sales Director, Jamie Munday. “We’re delighted to announce our latest partnership with this leading Italian company and will soon be offering demonstrations on the full range of Graf Synergy seamless welders at our state-of-theart showroom in Derby along with highly qualified engineers to talk you through the process.” For more information about Avantek Machinery and Graf Synergy seamless welding technique, please contact Jamie at sales@ www.avantekmachinery.co.uk
MACHINERY
Live Demonstrations
At Haffner Murat
Haffner Murat now offer live demonstrations of a range of their machinery to potential customers from the company’s showroom in Staffordshire. Dave Thomas, Managing Director of Haffner Murat, explains: “We promote our machines through various digital, video and offline platforms but for potential customers to truly appreciate how our machine technology makes a difference to the quality of their fabrication businesses, there is no substitute for seeing the machines in action. And this is something we now offer.” A range of aluminium and PVC-u machinery from Haffner, Italmac and FOM are on display at any one time. Currently on show is their popular TT405 PVC-u and Aluminium profile cutting centre. The impressive machine has been proving a popular choice with fabricators
due to its point to point cutting accuracy and automatic transom and short cut facility, delivering superb automation. The double-cut saw is suitable for both aluminium and PVC-u profiles up to 70mm and has the choice of USB data control or a secure network connection with touch screen technology.
safety protocols.”
In 2019, the Staffordshire-based business undertook a significant expansion programme which saw their headquarters double in size and provides additional space to accommodate such live demonstrations. The impressive headquarters also houses meeting Dave said: “Previously, potential facilities with digital conference customers would see our machines facilities to ensure customers have in action at either an existing a comprehensive understanding of customer’s premises or at exhibithe various machine options and tions such as the FIT Show and what they will deliver. Fensterbau. But with exhibitions postponed and existing customers Dave concludes: “To be able to quite rightly limiting the number work in the new normal, businessof non-essential visitors to their es need to think and do things premises, it made perfect sense differently. Due to our expansion, it to demonstrate our machines on was always our intention to be able our premises as we had always to offer various live demonstrations planned. We now have the space and, in our current climate, this has to do this effectively while meeting never been more appropriate.” all social distancing and health and WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020 63
ON SITE
Far-Reaching Views And Outstanding Comfort Room-height window walls with sliding doors create an uninterrupted view in a single-family house in South Tyrol. To avoid having to make any compromises on thermal protection, the energy-saving glazing units were manufactured with SWISSPACER warm edge spacer bars. When you get the chance to build on a south-facing plot in South Tyrol’s Eisacktal valley with far-reaching views over
the mediaeval centre of Brixen, then large window openings for an uninterrupted vista are an absolute must. However, considerable solar gain has to be accounted for in sun-drenched South Tyrol, as this can lead to unwanted overheating of the interior spaces, especially in summer. While devices commonly used to provide protection against the sun, whether internal or external, would achieve the desired shading effect in summer, they would also block
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the view. For this modern single-family house on the outskirts of Brixen, the architects used an architectural trick to protect the large window areas from too much incidental sunlight in summer. The two floors of the organically shaped building are crowned by curved roof slabs that are cantilevered well beyond the edge of the building and support a large balcony as well as the flat roof. The snow-white roof slabs
ON SITE form an exciting contrast to the anthracite-coloured wood cladding of the main structure. An oval opening in the roof slab is large enough to let light pass through to the balcony below and is positioned so as not to put the necessary shading at risk. The external walls of the two storeys below are almost entirely glazed. The fixed window elements and sliding doors guarantee the desired far-reaching views across the valley in every season and fit discretely into the dark wooden façade with their narrow, anthracite-coloured aluminium profiles. FIN-Slide sliding doors and FIN-Project windows were integrated into the FIN-Vista window wall system of the South Tyrolean window maker Finstral. The modular system comes with many material combinations and offers diverse design options for the integration of different opening types. The version with glass covering the outside of the frame guarantees maximum penetration of light. The plastic core ensures the very best thermal insulation values. Maximum light penetration and the highest requirements for thermal insulation and imperviousness are also the fundamental reason why the window designers at Finstral use SWISSPACER warm edge spacer bars in their energy-saving glazing units. The small components make a big contribution to reducing thermal losses in the glazing and improving the energy-efficiency of buildings. With their extremely low lambda values, they ensure, depending on the frame material and glazing, minimal transmission of heat at the edge of the insulating glass and a low Uw value in both windows and façades. Further information is available at www.swisspacer.com
Senior Provides Window
Of Opportunity For The Housing Market
By offering some of the lowest U-values available, the patented PURe® aluminium window system from Senior Architectural Systems has become a firm favourite in the residential sector.
and complement the neighbouring residential developments.
Prior to securing the contract to provide the full fenestration package for Weavers Quay, Senior successfully delivered what was at The thermally-efficient windows the time, the largest order to date have been widely specified on for its thermally-efficient PURe® a number of housing developaluminium windows at the Cotton ments in the North West, including Field Wharf development. Marking high-profile schemes from leading the start of a positive collaboration property developer Manchester with Manchester Life, here Senior Life. After making its debut at the worked alongside John Sisk & Son Cotton Field Wharf project back in and supply chain partner Elite Alu2018, Senior has gone on to secure minium Systems. Senior has gone several other contracts to supply its on to once again work with Elite innovative PURe® window system Aluminium Systems at the soon to including the recently completed be completed New Little Mill deWeavers Quay development in the velopment in Ancoats, where main New Islington and Ancoats area of contractor Eric Wright is overseeManchester. ing the sympathetic conversion of what was Greater Manchester’s Boasting an attractive facades first electric-powered cotton-spindesign that has been influenced by ning mill. the area’s industrial heritage, Weavers Quay has been designed by Most recently, Senior’s aluminium Buttress Architects, with Senior’s fenestration solutions have been high-performance PURe® aluminspecified for use on Manchester ium windows installed by Quest Life’s new Lampwick development, for main contractor Graham Conworking alongside supply chain struction. The development has a partner Aire Valley Architectural Alunique design which ranges from uminium and main contractor John 10 storeys to four, to maximise the Sisk & Son. views of the New Islington Marina https://bit.ly/3fDoCcU WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020 65
ON SITE
Windows Reflect Well In Luxury Cala Site With a strict specification to adhere to, the pressure was on for REHAU window fabricators Dessian, when they were asked to complete a very unique and premium installation in an upmarket Glasgow suburb. Dessian has long been regarded for its high-standard position within the window market, so it came as no surprise when developer, CALA Homes (West), approached them for help on their Riverside at Bothwell development. This installation however, required Dessian to adhere to stricter than usual residential requirements.
Considered to be a well sought-after area, Bothwell is located in the heart of the major transport links, within close proximity to both Glasgow and Edinburgh. Although it was just a small development for CALA, it was a very idyllic and affluent one, nestled right on the Clyde River. It is therefore, unsurprisingly, a hotbed for the rich and famous. That being said, challenges were set and standards were high. In total, CALA Homes was tasked to construct 12 large modern houses and apartments, with all the windows and
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doors specified in the popular anthracite grey profile. The first challenge came in the specification; the development needed to be modern, yet in-keeping with the area’s traditional heritage. Dessian had to strike a fine balance to ensure that the build was progressive and contemporary in style, but still held onto the natural look of the semi-rural area. As exclusive fabricators of REHAU windows for over 30 years, the team at Dessian was confident in using the TOTAL70 tilt and turn, and casement windows. CALA wanted a par-
ON SITE
For this reason, it was imperative that the job was completed as quickly and quietly as possible. Having experience with REHAU’s TOTAL70 profile, and confidence in the solid quality of the product, Dessian could assure CALA that it was a oneset job that would not fail. Upon reflection of the installation, Elaine McDermott, Business Development Manager at Dessian, was impressed with the installation: “There was initial concern that the new build wouldn’t blend into its surroundings, and that it would create some tension with the local residents. We’re really pleased with our work here, the REHAU range complemented the high-quality build and surpassed all expectation – it all just came together to create a really modern and clean look. “For us in particular, it was a really good chance to demonstrate what Dessian and REHAU can do together. We got to show the best of the product, and the best of the installation. The windows and doors form a significant part of the development, and we really utilised the light and space range to make the most of the riverside views.”
ticular look and Dessian was certain that their REHAU range would fit well. Not only did the range conform to the modernity of the specification and incorporate the anthracite grey colour profile, but also emphasised the light and space range of the surroundings to add character to the homes. The second challenge for Dessian came in the installation process itself; keeping to a tight time schedule with as little disruption as possible. Dougie Irvining, Assistant Site Man-
ager at CALA Homes (West), was particularly concerned that because of where the site was situated, in a quiet residential area, the construction phase would cause some disturbance to the local residents. Dougie commented: “It was important, that the onsite builders were considerate of the residents living there. At the end of the day, they were moving through a leafy suburb area that hadn’t been disturbed for a number of years.”
Windows are a key selling point for a new home, and having to blend in with the local surrounding meant the pressure was on. In summary, Samsara McDonald, Commercial Sales Manager at REHAU (Scotland) commented: “We are very proud of the work our long-standing partners, Dessian, have done here. The TOTAL70 range is demonstrative of REHAU’s mantra of windows being reinvented for modern life.” For more information about REHAU’s TOTAL70 range, click here.
WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020 67
ON SITE
Windows Reflect Well In Luxury Cala Site To create a new basis for collaboration with customers, startups and partners from science and industry, Uzwil-based technology group Bühler built a groundbreaking innovation campus. The façade is just as technologically sophisticated as the smart building concept – the electronically tintable all-glass façade made of SageGlass provides solar protection, allowing a previously unattainable level of openness and transparency in design, contributing to the building’s unique aesthetic. The Bühler AG innovation cam-
pus consists of two elements: the CUBIC innovation building and the adjoining application centers, which were modernized at the same as the new building. The new campus for the Swiss technology group, which provides leading process solutions in the food, feed and mobility markets, brings together research, development, prototyping, engineering, production and education. The aim is to transform the pressing challenges faced in an era of healthy eating and clean mobility into new solutions and business.
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State-of-the-art office design The three-story steel frame construction of the CUBIC building appears to float above the modernized test halls. The construction rests on a twopart entrance core with connecting bridges to the high-rise buildings and the customer center. The upper floors are supported by a steel catching table. All the supporting elements, stairways, elevators and technology in the building concentrate on three concrete cores, which, together with the three courtyards and three double-story halls, form the core of
ON SITE
glass can control the heat influx from sunlight – all while staying transparent and offering an unobstructed view of the outdoors. SageGlass Vario is a certified design variant for challenging all-glass façade applications. Even in bright conditions, the coating on the inside of the glass blocks heat from the sun before it enters the building. The CUBIC building required no external solar protection as a result. A total of 1 600 m² of SageGlass was installed – 450 m² of which was used for the courtyard façades. Smart façade he façades for the three courtyards in the CUBIC building were also fitted with SageGlass. Even in bright conditions, the coating on the inside of the glass blocks heat from the sun before it enters the building. (Image ©SageGlass, photographer Faruk Pinjo)
the building. Around this core, open office environments span two floors, providing maximum flexibility and full contact with the communal areas in the centre of the CUBIC building. With its industrial atmosphere, the workshop effect was chosen deliberately: the CUBIC building is a space for collaborative research and development, a state-of-theart co-working space for the project teams of the Bühler staff, startups, customers, industry partners and university teams. For the floor plan, architect Carlos Martinez drew inspiration from the image of a centrifuge: the ideas developed collaboratively in the core are “catapulted” into the outer office areas, where they are fleshed out by small and large work units. The results are then taken back into the auditoriums in the centre for presentation, so that they can be tested on prototypes and models in the “maker space” at a later stage, before receiving the finishing touches in the ring of offices.
Smart solar protection Even in the first drafts, a smooth glass shell was planned for the façade of the CUBIC building, designed to convey the concept of openness outwards, too. The curtain façade of large glass elements measuring 1.12 x 3.05 m is supported by an internal frame construction, which is connected to the building’s support structure with brackets. A third of the 535 glass elements were designed as opening elements. The swinging elements can be opened automatically for ventilation and smoke extraction in the event of a fire. The exterior view of the all-glass surface has a uniform, delicate appearance and is divided only by thin joints between the glass elements. This façade design was used on all the vertical façades, including in the three courtyards. The structural glazing façade was built using Vario solar protection glass by SageGlass. Thanks to its tinting electrochromic coating, the smart
To maximize the flexibility of the space, the façade was divided into small sections. Two of each of the triple-glazed elements form a zone that can be tinted individually. This is important for controlling the solar protection, as the building’s façades are shaded to varying degrees by the neighbouring buildings. Areas can also be reallocated when the room layout is changed to support flexible use of space. The façade tinting system is linked via a BACnet interface to the internal building management system, which is used to monitor and manage the entire building. In addition to automatic tinting via sensors that respond directly to changes in sunlight, the façade at the CUBIC building can also be controlled manually with touch panels. When the sun shines, the façade darkens, constantly changing its appearance. A major advantage of SageGlass is its constant ability to react to its surroundings, even when tinted. This is much more beneficial to the employees in the building compared with internal or external solar protection. Moreover, the transition between the different tint levels is smooth and completely silent, preventing any disruption of operations. www.sageglass.com/eu
WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020 69
ON SITE
Channelling
Success Top-end home improvements are a high-margin growth area for glass specialists outside, and increasingly, inside the home.
We get it – your average three-bedroom semi-detached home doesn’t have a pool, a sauna or changing or games room – but there are a growing number of properties that do, or at least elements of them, and glass is a defining feature. The use of glass to divide spaces, while supporting a flow between them, is increasing. And depending on where you’re working, already a key part of the product and service offer of glass processors. “We’re definitely seeing more
demand and doing more high-end domestic fit-outs. It’s not there all of the time but it’s nice work to do”, says Paul Groves, Contracts Manager PGS Glass. He continues: “The main thing to consider is that it’s a lot more involved. You’re working with architects, designers and alongside the main contractor but we have a growing reputation and we’re picking up more business on the back of that.” With specialist expertise in the supply of fire-rated glass, and working across commercial contract and home improvement markets, PSG is one of a growing number of glass processors to have diversified their
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offer to include high-end domestic and commercial installations. This included the delivery of a project at the tail end of last year to deliver a large scale and premium internal fit out in and around the pool area of a luxury home in Greater London. Including the installation of a glass wall separating the pool and games room; sauna; gym; changing and shower rooms, PGS Glass selected Bohle as its supply partner. “The installation was for a private client”, continued Paul. “It was being project managed by a family member, which was very good because they got us in early and had a very clear idea of what they wanted. That doesn’t always happen.” PGS Glass was brought in at the point at which the building was still largely a shell. This meant it could work effectively with the client, main contractor Manak Homes and architects, to integrate delivery alongside other specialist trades. “We met and identified the require-
ON SITE use four fixings into the floor. It’s so easy to fit and you save so much time on site.” The Bohle Self-closing Patch Fitting was also used by PGS in the glass wall and door of the sauna. This again used the U-channel system to create to sidelights either side of the door. “It’s obviously really important in a sauna installation that you keep the heat inside, so we needed to work within very small tolerances. “The advantage of being in early was that we were able to make sure that the sidelights were absolutely square, which meant that we could install the door very tight. It’s very much about precision. The products command precision. The customer wants a precision fit”, he adds.
ment and then sourced the hardware that was going to be used so that the client and architect could review and approve it. This was eventually signed-off in a pre-order meeting. “Almost everything we used was supplied by Bohle and we worked closely with them to identify the right fittings before we started. Everything needs to be precise – before you get to site and then on site.” The largest single element of the project was to construct a frameless glass wall between the pool and games room, including locking options and access door. PGS achieved this using a deep U-channel fixing from Bohle which was hidden in the ceiling and the shallower channel, which was ‘sunk’ into the floor, providing a fixing point for four 1384mm X2235mm high 10.8mm laminate panels, also used on a smaller scale in other areas of the project including gym. Bohle’s Self-closing Patch Fitting
was used by PGS throughout the project, to provide an access point between the games room and pool with a lock and key to secure the door. This replaces the conventional floor springs used in traditional internal swing-door self-closing systems with a cutting-edge hydraulic option. The major advantage is that the self-closing Patch Fitting doesn’t need to be recessed and can be fitted in as little as 45-minutes, using just four screws to achieve a fixing to the floor, as part of a simple two-stage process. This delivers a significant on-site time saving compared to traditional installation techniques, including time lost for cement to cure. Also featuring simple and easy zero positioning of cover plates, the double action ‘push/pull’ system opens to 90° and features fully adjustable closing speeds. “It’s [the Bohle self-closing Corner Fitting] a very good product at a very good price”, says Paul. “You
Bohle’s self-closing corner fittings were also used on a sandblasted sating changing room door, with privacy lock, plus single doors leading into shower areas. PGS Glass also used Bohle’s Bilbao Premium swinging shower door hinges, which accommodate weights of up 36kg or 50kg per pair and 8mm, 10mm, and 12mm glass. This means that they can be used with doors of 1000X2000mm. Available in a choice of chrome or stainless-steel finishes and with a contemporary design, they offer an infinitely adjustable zero position, a plus or minus 15 degrees return motion and use concealed fixings. “We work with Bohle because the product is quality and there is always a solution somewhere in its offer for almost anything you want to do with glass”, continues Paul. “When you’re doing jobs like this, it’s also really important to get the support from your supplier and know that when you pick up the phone, someone is there help. For us it’s a growing area of our business and having that relationship and confidence in your suppliers is key.” www.bohle.com
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MARKETING
Freefoam Launch Video To Acknowledge 30 Year Anniversary Freefoam Building Products has released a video to highlight and celebrate their 30 year anniversary. Featuring an informative interview with Chairman and founding Director Tony Walsh, and Managing Director Aidan Harte, the video brings the Freefoam story to life and highlights some of the key milestones in this inspiring 30 year journey. Tony and Aidan explain the principles behind the company and how Freefoam started from very humble beginnings in Cork with just one extruder and eight people and has expanded to become a business with three
operational locations, Ireland, the UK and France employing over 300 team members. Tony Walsh commented “We are very proud of Freefoam and what we have achieved. This video has given me a welcome opportunity to reflect on the milestones we have reached and to thank our team members and customers for their fantastic support, loyalty and commitment over the years. 30 years is a tremendous achievement and we couldn’t have done it without them.”
statistics. The video has been edited to project these facts and figures on to the interviews to help illustrate key events, innovations and milestones that have taken place over that time.
Aidan Harte summarised: ”In turbulent times being a stable, financially secure and reliable company is more important than ever. This video illustrates how Freefoam has grown and developed to become one of the major forces within the PVC building product market and with planned investment and growth A story of 30 years inevitably fea- strategies is set to be around for tures a huge range of data and many more years.”
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MARKETING
Double-Glazing Pricing App
Available To Installers For Free The company behind a ‘revolutionary’ double glazing pricing app is giving all installers a free two-month trial of the software. As installers look to kickstart business after the Covid-19 lockdown, Virtape, a sister company of Leads 2 Trade, has decided to provide the trial of its Double Glazing App to help. It allows prospective customers to download the app from the installers website onto their smartphone, use it to measure their windows and doors and select the colours and styles they want, and then submit the information to receive an accurate price in under 90 seconds. They can then confirm it by booking a survey and signing up in the normal way. Launched early originally to help installers price jobs remotely during
the lockdown, the app will now be available for free to help businesses hit the ground running. Virtape Managing Director John Cohen said: “Double Glazing App has the potential to revolutionise the way installers generate leads and sell replacement windows and doors by providing them with instant leads, more leads from their existing website visitors and better conversion rates. “We want them to see the benefits
Surge In Demand As Tommy Trinder
Installers Quote £26m In June
Proof there’s real appetite from homeowners to spend money on windows and doors is plain to see in the latest activity statistics from TommyTrinder.com Ltd. The value of quotes prepared by installers on its Framepoint® sales app has doubled month-on-month through
first-hand, which is why we have decided to offer a 60-day trial completely for free.” The company says Double Glazing App also gives you the opportunity to offer a monthly finance option alongside the sale price, while new software updates allow all app users to be tracked and communicated with. “The home improvement market is buoyant at the moment and we want all installers to be able to take advantage of that,” added John. “And with more and more homeowners looking for affordability before they even get involved with sales, being able to generate leads quickly and remotely is even more important. That’s why it’s vital installers don’t miss out on this offer.” After the 60-day period, installers who want to keep using it can just pay a licence fee from month three. For those who don’t, the app will simply be removed. www.doubleglazingapp.co.uk selling using our platform to secure the future of their companies. We’re adding 30-40 new installation companies every month, and now have over 500 individual users.” “During lockdown Framepoint® allowed us to embrace remote selling and keep building our pipeline,” explains Mark Ramsey, Managing Director of Kent-based installer Kestrel Home Improvements, who subscribed to the app at the beginning of March. “We sold 12 jobs over lockdown and 30 since, all using Framepoint®. We’re booked until mid-September and orders keep coming in!”
lockdown, topping £26 million in June alone. “Is it business as usual? No.” says Chris Brunsdon, CEO of Tommy Trinder. “But it’s business all the same for installers that have found their ‘new normal’ and are actively
Mark continues: “There will always be customers who prefer face-toface interaction, but we plan to continue with remote selling in the long-term. We get more quotes done – and many customers prefer it.” www.tommytrinder.com
WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020 73
MARKETING tistic that is supported by the fact that we receive over 15,000 postcode searches a month on the FENSA website, from consumers who are searching for their nearest FENSA Approved Installer. “The introduction of our new lead generation search facility will allow our Approved Installers to gain direct access to this demand for free. Homeowners will not only be able to look for FENSA registered companies in their area, but they will also be able to post job details – including desired materials, products, budget and timeframe – which will then be emailed directly to those businesses, who can then respond with a quote or offer a home visit.
FENSA Launches Free Lead Generation Function On Website For
Approved Installers
FENSA prepares to launch a new lead generation function on its website this August that will enable its Approved Installers to provide quotes directly to homeowners who are actively searching for FENSA registered companies. The service will operate in a similar way to existing online platforms that are designed to connect tradespeople with customers searching for home improvement quotes. The FENSA adaptation of this service will be focused exclusively on connecting homeowners that are looking for window installation companies and, crucially, will be completely free of charge for FENSA Approved Installers. Chris Beedel, FENSA Director of Membership, commented: “Our market research has shown that 73% of homeowners considering replacing their windows or doors say they would only use a FENSA Approved Installer to carry out the work, a sta74 WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020
In order to take advantage of the new service, FENSA is urging all its existing Approved Installers to complete the ‘Information Form’ on the FENSA Installer Portal as soon as possible so that their company details are included when it goes live this summer. Users will be provided with log-in details to a dashboard that is designed to help manage any leads, as well as monitor the progress of them throughout the year FENSA have been working with ICAAL, an award winning full service creative digital marketing agency specialising in search, design and lead generation within the fenestration industry, to develop the site and ensure all Approved Installers will benefit. CEO of ICAAL, Chris Tahmasaby said; ‘This is an extremely exciting opportunity which will revolutionise the way FENSA deal with enquiries and add real value to its members. Installers will have the opportunity to showcase their credentials and ensure more leads backed by an industry governing body giant. I would encourage all members to take advantage of this opportunity to gain more leads and increase sales.’ Any new companies considering joining the FENSA Approved Installer scheme will also be added automatically to the lead generation function once they become approved members. The new search facility is the latest in a series of exciting new initiatives from FENSA that have been introduced as part of renewed efforts to extend the services it offers to its Approved Installers. These include a new suite of specialised business-related insurance products, plus the introduction of a new Installer Marketing package that offers a range of tailored, affordable marketing strategies. For more information on FENSA, including details of how to join, please visit: www.fensa.org.uk
MARKETING
ODL Europe Launches New Website ODL Europe has just launched a new website at www.odleurope. com. Nathan Barr, Managing Director of ODL Europe, said: “We are delighted to have launched the new website. It brings all the ODL Europe products under one roof and enables our customers to place orders online through our dedicated partner portals in addition to downloading marketing and technical materials.” The website has been designed and built by specialist web development agency The Consultancy and ODL Europe’s marketing partner Team 4 Marketing Ltd. The easy to navigate site has been designed to increase engagement across all product groups. The content of the website has also been updated and expanded with four defined product areas: GRP composite doors slabs, decorative
glass, glazing cassettes and Blink Integral Blinds. There is also information on the company’s door prep offering, as well as the service and support it offers to customers. The whole site is simple and intuitive to navigate as well as mobile and tablet friendly.
Patiomaster Launches
New Retail Brochure
PatioMaster has launched a new 36-page consumer brochure. Gerald Allen, Marketing Manager at Epwin Window Systems, said: “Our new PatioMaster retail brochure has been designed to support both fabricators and installers’
marketing activities by showcasing the exceptional quality and design credentials of our PatioMaster doors.” The high-end consumer brochure includes information on the com-
The website also reflects the scale and size of the ODL group operation. Nathan said: “The scale and size of our group operation was not immediately apparent. But as part of an international group of companies this was something that needed to be reflected in our new website.” prehensive patio range, including both inline and triple track patio door options. Gerald said: “The trend for wide apertures and large expanses of glass has never been stronger with consumers and our Triple-track patio doors deliver in all areas and have proven to be a popular door option.” The brochure also showcases the new colour offering that is available across the PatioMaster range. The doors are available in a choice of 30 foiled finishes, including wood effects, solid, flat and grained textures reflecting a varied colour palette of options allowing fabricators and installers to take advantage in the growth for coloured products. Gerald said: “Coloured products have grown significantly in recent times and our new colour collection reflects a plethora of colour hues and finishes that add value to a fabricator and installer’s portfolio and presents a wide choice of options for the consumer.” www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk
WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020 75
MARKETING
Channel Glass: GGF Launches New Publications The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) Technical Team is continuing to update and add to the Federation’s publications. Following last month’s launch of the Technical Datasheet series on Window Film, the GGF is pleased to introduce the Series 4.6 Channel Glass, which includes five new Technical Datasheets. David Borland, GGF Senior Technical Officer commented, “This product has seen a real resurgence in recent times and we felt that GGF guidance on the product and its applications was long overdue. They are a welcome addition to the GGF’s technical library.” The new Series consists of five comprehensive Datasheets with details on; the types of channel
glass available such as wired; unwired and toughened, single and double glazed as well as methods of installation, both vertical and horizontal and all aligned with the relevant British and European Standards. Whilst the lockdown continues to affect travel for Technical Meetings and Site Visits, the Technical Team continue to use the opportunity to bring the GGF’s library of technical information completely up-to-date, whilst also creating new publications that GGF Members have requested. A new Series 6 for Windows & Doorsets and Hardware is currently in its first draft and will be issued shortly for review and comments to the GGF Members of the relevant technical groups.
76 WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020
Series 4.6 Channel Glass Datasheets GGF Data Sheet 4.6.1 Channel Shaped Glass: Generalities – Definitions, Terminology, Properties GGF Data Sheet 4.6.2 Channel Shaped Glass – Annealed – Wired and Unwired GGF Data Sheet 4.6.3 Channel Shaped Glass: Thermally Toughened Soda Lime Silicate Channel Shaped Safety Glass GGF Data Sheet 4.6.4 Channel Shaped Glass – Coated Channel Shaped Glass GGF Data Sheet 4.6.5 Channel Shaped Glass: Glazing and performance of Channel Shaped Glass All of the above Datasheets are now available for download/viewing from the GGF website, publications section.
MARKETING
Epwin Window Systems
Releases New Colour Retail Guide
Epwin Window Systems has released its new colour retail guide to help fabricators and installers sell colour into the consumer. Gerald Allen, Marketing Manager at Epwin Window Systems said: “The new four-page brochure illustrates our new colour offering across the six
colour families to help consumers choose the perfect colour and finish.” The Colour Collection, as it’s known, features the six colour families which comprise of Heritage, Contemporary, Timber Grain,
Black, Primary and Metallic ranges. The 30 colour options all reflect the modern trends in colour hues and have been developed to suit all sectors and all tastes. Gerald added: “Our colour range includes an expanded selection of attractive heritage tones, more of the popular contemporary greys and a new UltiMatt black finish, as well as new metallics to capitalise on the growing demand for aluminium alternatives.” The recently-launched colour offering also features up to 16 Fast Track foil finishes which includes new colours Anthracite Grey Smooth, Cream on White, Sage, Claystone and Pebble Grey. Furthermore, Epwin Window Systems has worked closely with its sister companies within Group to offer a range of matching trims and roofline products to help customers provide a seamless finish across an entire building envelope. www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk
More Marketing Support From The Residence Collection
The Residence Collection continues to be highly visible and proactive throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and as we come out of the other side in a measured and disciplined way. This has been to support trade partners and to encourage consumers with increased interaction, through a number of social media channels. These trade partners have been inspired with several educational e-bulletins over the course of April and May focusing on photography and social media tips, two areas that The Residence Collection excel at. In addition, e-mail has been again used as the broadcast platform to announce a number of product system overviews for R2, R7, R9 and
media details and also a new Showroom Guide. This handy document enables installation partners to assess what can and should be done to maximise their sales opportunities as they return to work.
RD and this information has been widely digested by an audience keen to learn about what can be done from a marketing perspective, during an unprecedented lockdown. There’s also been a new ‘Welcome to The Residence Collection’ portfolio launched which includes all marketing assets including brochures, logos, social
Sarah Hitchings, sales and marketing director of The Residence Collection commented: ‘It’s been a conscious effort to be highly visible throughout this pandemic, to help assist with installation and manufacturing partners, but also to engage with consumers. Social media has never been so active and in time we expect this level of engagement to help ignite sales as we come out of full lockdown.’ www.residencecollection.co.uk
WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020 77
AWARDS
RoSPA Health And Safety Award
For The Window Company (Contracts) and safety concerns have been key to our success, so this RoSPA award really does belong to all of us.” As the UK’s toughest and longest running health and safety awards, the RoSPA programme attracts nearly 2000 entrants every year. Julia Small, RoSPA’s head of qualifications, awards and events, explained its global reach: “The RoSPA Awards scheme receives entries from organisations around the world, making it one of the most sought-after global accolades in health and safety.
Commercial installer, The Window Company (Contracts), is celebrating after landing a coveted RoSPA 2020 Health and Safety Award. This was the first time the Chelmsford based business had entered RoSPA’s internationally recognised programme, and the team were thrilled to receive a Silver Award first time out. The Award recognises The Window Company (Contracts)’ success in keeping staff and customers safe, with the assessors commenting on the ‘excellent monitoring and reviewing procedures’, which help to contribute to a culture of continuous improvement in health and safety practice. The company’s Chairman, David
Thornton, commented: “Despite massive improvements in health and safety over recent years, construction remains one of the most dangerous occupations in the UK and that simply isn’t good enough. As employers, we all have a responsibility to put health and safety right at the heart of our businesses. At The Window Company (Contracts), our programme actively engages with our staff so that they have direct input into shaping our policies and procedures, and I’m delighted that we have been rewarded for that. “New initiatives such as Point of Work Risk Assessments carried out by lead fitters on their smartphones at the start of every installation and the setting up of a Fitters Council which reports and monitors any health
78 WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020
“RoSPA wants every employee, wherever they are, to work safe in the knowledge that they will be going home unharmed and healthy at the end of every day. The RoSPA Award winners are vital to help achieve this goal, as by entering they are driving up standards and setting new benchmarks for organisations everywhere. Currently, around 7milion people are directly impacted by the RoSPA Awards, but the scheme’s influence is even wider.” As well as the RoSPA Silver Award, The Window Company (Contracts) is already a proud holder of a Gold rating in the GGF’s GLASS (Goal Less Accidents Safer Sites) Charter and is CHAS accredited. The NEBOSH sponsored RoSPA Award presentation will take place online this year, with a virtual awards ceremony being held on 3 September, hosted by broadcaster Ed James. More details at: www.thewinco.co.uk
AWARDS
Shuttercraft
Nominated For Major Franchising Award Shuttercraft has been shortlisted in the Business Transformation category at the bfa HSBC British Franchise Awards, to be held at the Vox, Birmingham, on November 30. Shuttercraft is a business that imports and sells products via the brand S:CRAFT to both trade partners and franchise partners across the UK. The products sold are Plantation Shutters and Blinds. The franchises across the UK provide a survey, supply and fit service and only sell S:CRAFT products to their customers. Shuttercraft generates the leads for its franchises centrally – supported by local advertising. “The team have worked so hard this last 18 months, pushing boundaries, stepping out of their comfort zones, and striving for change in order to provide the very best service to and for our
network. Being shortlisted for the Business Transformation award, amongst such fantastic other entries, has been a massive recognition of the team’s dedication to the development of the franchise. We are genuinely rather overwhelmed to have reached this stage,” said Lisa Stead, Franchise Manager at Shuttercraft. The awards evening is the flagship event in the franchising calendar and getting a nomination in itself is an achievement, proving the business works ethically and in the best interests of franchisees and staff, beating many other franchise systems who also entered. Pip Wilkins QFP, CEO of the British Franchising Association, congratulated the shutters and blinds company: “The transformation of this business sits in its franchise type, with a clear shift from an operator van franchise to a mana-
gerial franchise model. Formerly, it was very difficult for franchisees to successfully scale up the business. Since the new model was launched, 12 new franchisees have joined the network and feedback shows that the change has transformed the business.” Andrew Brattesani, Head of Franchising, HSBC, said: “In order to change the franchise structure, the entire model was overhauled. There is now more focus on bespoke technology, an increase in marketing, a larger head office and more opportunities to engage as a network. These are just some of the changes in the past two years.” Shuttercraft will go head-to-head against two other franchise systems in November. For more on Shuttercraft, visit www.shuttercraft.co.uk
WINDOW NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2020 79
CHARITY
Glazerite Chairman Gets Ready For
Epic Charity Ride John Hewitt, Chairman of the Glazerite UK Group Ltd, is just weeks away from a 1,000 mile cycle ride in memory of his late daughter Kelly.
The challenge, nicknamed Kelly’s Heroes, will see a 12-strong team of amateur cyclists take part in a mammoth ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End, pedalling off on 16th August. Some of Glazerite’s customers and good friends of John will be joining him for the ride, including Pete Mew of West Midlands-based Mews Windows and Glyn Pepper of Snowdon Homes. The team are hoping to raise £50,000 for the charity We Mind & Kelly Matters, which John set up to honour his 24-year-old daughter following her passing in 2018. John says: “Kelly had fought a 80 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2020
battle with anxiety and depression in the months leading up to her death. After she took her own life, we wanted to do all we could in her memory to raise awareness of mental health and support other charities like MIND. “We hope that our bike ride can raise awareness of the battles people face on a daily basis, as well as illustrate the help and guidance on offer to help support those who are struggling.” John, Pete and the rest of the team have been training for the challenge since last autumn, with a mix of indoor and road cycling. Much of the team’s training this year coincided with the UK-wide ‘lockdown’, which meant finding new ways to train together virtually using indoor cycling equipment and catching up over What’s App for cycling sessions. In the pro-
cess, John has lost nearly three stone.
John adds: “We know it’s going to be a tough two weeks but nowhere near as tough as it is for those who face battles with mental health. I’d like to thank all the installers and suppliers, including VEKA and the Independent Network, for the support they have shown us so far, including sponsorship and donations. The support from the fenestration industry, even in the difficult times we’re all currently facing, has been tremendous.” The team leaves John O’Groats on 16th August 2020 and aims to reach the Cornish landmark within 13 days. To sponsor Kelly’s Heroes, visit:https://bit.ly/3kgoUK3 To meet some of the team, visit: youtu.be/sPNbDLFQ9bI
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