Morley Glass & Glazing Doubles Production Capacity 10
Introducing Viiu The Ground Breaking Sliding Door 38
Polyframe Delivers The Full Package 66 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018 1
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TRADE NEWS 4
NEWS W INDOW INDUSTRY DIRECTORY
DEAR GERALD 28 PEOPLE 30
GLAZING SUMMIT 34
WINDOW
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Cover picture: REHAU flush fit windows have been used THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS to give a contemporary finish to a new luxury apartment development in South London, read more on page 60 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018 3
TRADE NEWS
Demand For Double R
Solid Roofs Soars
The Northamptonshire based specialist in glass and conservatory roofs, Double R Glass & Roofing Systems, is pleased to report soaring sales for its Guardian Warm Roof solid roof offering, having seen a 30% increase in April compared to April last year. “We’re supply only specialists of all kinds of roofs including traditional, lanterns and solid roofs,” explains Ian Sims, Managing Director of Double R, “so we have everything installers need as we move into the summer months, but we continue to see particular success with the Guardian solid roof product. We were among the first to bring the product to market, so we have years of experience and expertise that installers appreciate. Solid Roof 3“Because we’ve been working with the product for so long we have seen it installed in every kind of project imaginable, so our friendly team can always offer advice where needed with regards to Building Regulations, technical queries and installation issues – even though we don’t install ourselves. www.glassandroofs.com 4 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018
Yale Announces Partnership With Stevenswood Trade Counters Stevenswood, which is part of the Customade Group, has introduced Yale security products at a number of its trade counters throughout the UK. Stevenswood offers top quality windows, doors and conservatories through its growing national network of trade counters. Ten of these counters now stock the Yale Doormaster™ range of repair and replacement multi-point locks, along with the innovative Yale Conexisâ L1 smart door lock.
Conexisâ L1 smart door lock we are now able to help our customers to tap into the ever-growing smart home market.” To celebrate this partnership Stevenswood has hosted open days at trade counters across the country with Yale on-hand to support their customers in getting to grips with the new technology.
Joe Truman, Chief Operating Officer at Stevenswood. said: “Yale is a household name and a trusted brand, and we are thrilled to be adding its Doormaster™ and Conexisâ L1 security solutions to our trade counters.
David Pridmore, Key Account Manager at Yale, comments: “We aim to give our customers as much support as possible, it is much less of a transactional relationship these days. We’ve worked closely with the team at Stevenswood to provide in-depth product training, along with attendance from our technical service engineers at the customer open days.
“We pride ourselves on providing an extensive product range and we’re proactive in adapting to market demands. Partnering with Yale demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement and with the addition of the Yale
“We have a fantastic working relationship with Stevenswood and look forward to continuing our successful partnership in line with the growth of their trade counters.” www.yaledws.co.uk
TRADE NEWS
Tough Market Conditions In The UK
Door & Window Fabricators Market
AMA Research Ltd/Trade Estimates
The UK door and window fabricators market put in a strong performance between 2013 and 2016 but appears to have flattened out in 2017, according to a recent report by AMA Research, part of construction intelligence services provider Barbour ABI. The key defining factors that continue to pervade the market include; market maturity, fragmentation, competition, cost-management, building legislation, ‘green’ building, tough market conditions and diversification. Competition between suppliers remains intensive particularly given the current challenging economic environment. Growth prospects therefore remain modest with only marginal growth at best forecast in the short term.
The UK door and window fabricators market is driven by many factors, reflecting exposure to a number of markets, at times moving in different directions. These include private home improvement, public sector housing renovation, new housebuilding, commercial new build and refurbishment. Many door and window fabricators have responded to consumer market demand by broadening their range with alternative materials, styles and technical improvements to capture preferences which have included greater thermal and security features as well as triple glazing and increased colour options. The commercial glazing market has experienced steady
demand in recent years with office construction in particularly a key driver of growth. However, continued over-capacity in the industry, especially in the PVCu sector, is resulting in intense competition for business mainly amongst the larger retail suppliers. The market for residential windows is largely driven by demand in the replacement sector. Value growth 2015-17 for residential windows was good as manufacturer, distributor and materials price increases were applied, however from H2 2017 both volume and value growth has slowed due to lower levels of demand. The residential entrance doors sector has benefitted from sustained demand from the replacement sector, but increased competition has led to some squeezing of value growth. Following significant growth in 2016, the market for curtain walling has flattened in 2017 and H1 18 as demand from the commercial offices, in particular higher value glazed facades, has slowed. The supply structure in the overall door and window market remains very fragmented, comprising a mix of vertically integrated retail glazing companies, PVCu trade fabricators and fabricator/installers, aluminium systems fabricator/ installers, bespoke glazing contractors, composite door manufacturers, commercial glazing specialists, roof light manufacturers, steel window manufacturers and major joinery companies, as well as others. There has been some corporate activity in the sector in recent years, along with major Continued on page 6 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018 5
TRADE NEWS
changes among the larger firms. In particular, the aluminium sector has experienced a period of consolidation. Jane Tarver of AMA Research said: “In 2018, the prospects for this industry in the short-medium term remain challenging with little or no growth forecast 2018-19 as the economy remains volatile with some uncertainty over short term prospects. Longer term the outlook is mildly optimistic with lower growth forecast than in previous years but for a return to average growth of around 2-3% towards the end of the forecast period.” Residential new work is forecast to provide opportunities within the window and door market but with RMI and residential replacement programmes likely to be somewhat depressed by lower consumer confidence levels and spending. The non-residential sector is facing additional challenges and is likely to see subdued growth in the commercial glazing sector, and decline in other sectors such as ground floor treatments. Medium term prospects for the commercial windows sector will be determined by the return of confidence in the private commercial construction sectors, particularly for offices. Ultimately, the industry is mature and, in the longer term, heavily dependent on replacement demand in the residential sector, a market which into the medium-term will be influenced by aspects such as security, aesthetics, improved thermal performance/energy efficiency and product failure, which will remain the key reasons for replacing windows and doors. The ‘Door and Window Fabricators Market Report – UK 20182022’ report is available now and can be ordered online at www.amaresearch.co.uk 6 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018
Record-Breaking Sales For Deceuninck’s Flush Sash Window Deceuninck’s award-winning Heritage Flush Sash window has exploded in popularity since its launch 18 months ago, says the systems company. The G17 ‘New Product of the Year’ now accounts for a staggering 22% of total sash sales. According to Deceuninck, these are all additional sales.
Chris Jones, Deceuninck Head of Sales comments: “Homeowners love heritage-style windows because they enhance older properties and add character to modern homes. We developed our Heritage Flush Sash to meet this growing demand. In a short space of time Flush Sash has gone from zero to a massive 22% of total sash sales, an incredible achievement! What’s even more impressive is that the Flush Sash hasn’t taken volume from other products, it’s additional sales for Deceuninck. Our customers are seeing a similar trend and their sales have skyrocketed with this award-winning window. “Deceuninck’s Flush Sash comes in 26 colourways from
stock, another great selling point for customers. Heritage and colour go hand-in-hand and the majority of Flush Sash orders are foiled. Deceuninck customers sell the Flush Sash with confidence, knowing they’ll get it in 26 colourways and on their next delivery.” Deceuninck launched its Heritage Flush Sash window at the FIT Show 2016. Designed to replicate traditional timber windows, Deceuninck’s Flush Sash combines beautiful looks with high performance. It achieves outstanding energy efficiency, Airtightness Class 4, Water tightness Class E900, Wind Resistance AE2400, and PAS24:2016 for security. The Flush Sash can be fully welded or mechanically joined and comes with a night vent facility, Georgian bar option and choice of traditional ironmongery. Part of Deceuninck’s Heritage Collection, it suites with the 2800 series and comes in 26 colourways from stock. For more information call 01249 816 969, visit www.deceuninck.com
TRADE NEWS
From lef to righ Lance Gillett CFO Customade Group Alan Stanway Director JJS Damon Smith Director JJS Jhn Adams Customer Service Director Customade Group
Customade Group
Sells Bifold Shop Customade Group has announced that it has completed the sale of Bifold Shop – an established supplier and installer of specialist aluminium doors to the domestic market. Bifold Shop has been acquired by existing Bifold Shop director Damon Smith and Alan and Sally Stanway of JJS Construction Ltd. JJS Construction Ltd. has been the sub-contract installation partner for Bifold Shop for a number of years. Following a strategic review of the group’s operations, Customade Group made the decision to sell Bifold Shop. The move will enable
Customade Group to focus on its core B2B business, supplying to the trade only.
John Adams, customer service director at Customade Group, said “The £3 million turnover Bifold Shop has grown year on year for the last five years and is now a leading supplier in the B2C market. As a trade sales only group, it was the right time for us to sell this thriving business to allow the new management team to focus more fully on servicing its growing trade customer base. Bifold Shop will now become a trade customer of Customade Group and we are delighted to support the future growth of the business though our
ongoing supply agreement.” Bifold Shop will relocate from Stonehouse in Gloucester to JJS Construction Ltd’s premises in Cheltenham. The existing Bifold Shop team are all staying in their current roles. Customade Group is a collective of specialised companies with a combined product portfolio that is unmatched by any other fabricator in the industry. Delivering a complete solution for customers with strong, established brands, including REAL Aluminium, Atlas Glazed Roof Solutions, Polyframe, Virtuoso Doors and Fineline Aluminium, the full-service Customade Group can comfortably cater for the entire fenestration industry and is able to satisfy virtually any requirement a customer may have. To find out more about Customade Group and its range of products, call 01453 826884 or visit www.customade.co.uk WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018 7
TRADE NEWS
Tamworth Installer
Achieves 90%
Conversion Rate With Tradesmith
Join The
Real Aluminium
“We’ve been a successful PVCu installer since 1999 and wanted to get into aluminium but couldn’t find the right partner. Our goal is to become the biggest installer of aluminium products in the region and we needed to work with a supplier that would help us achieve this ambition and sustain our growth. I went along to a REAL Aluminium Customer Experience day and was immediately convinced they could provide all the support we needed.
Residence
Collective Hailsham-based Tradesmith are the latest high-profile trade manufacturer to join The Residence Collection, with a dedicated new factory to serve the South East with direct supply and support of R7 and R9 windows and doors.
This new factory looks more akin to a large joinery workshop, thanks to the benches and milling machines, and Tradesmith is fully mechanically jointing all windows and doors from The Residence Collection. With full set-up and technical support provided, this new manufacturing partner is also building a split-level showroom, so visiting installers and developers can appreciate the full range and quality of R7 and R9 windows and doors. With a number of prestigious postcode areas and conservation areas in the South East, Tradesmith believe that they will be able to exploit the swing away from typical white windows with R7 and tackle the timber sector head on with R9. They will also be supplying the newly re-launched R9 Solidor range of premium composite doors to complement Residence windows. www.tradesmith.co.uk 8 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018
A support package and a brand new showroom has helped a REAL Aluminium installer to eclipse all targets and achieve an astonishing sales conversion rate of 90% in REAL Aluminium windows, doors and roofing products. Since opening the doors of its new showroom in April, which is exclusively dedicated to REAL Aluminium products, Tamworth-based Bradley Scott Windows has significantly increased sales of aluminium and boosted its profit margins. The showroom – the only one of its kind in the area to display a full range of aluminium products, claims the company – has already attracted many local homeowners, with 9 out of 10 of them going on to place an order. Andy Farrington, owner of Bradley Scott Windows, explains:
“The REAL team helped us to design and set up our showroom and, in a matter of weeks, it was open. The showroom is busy all day, every day and sales are exceeding all expectations. When customers see the range of REAL Aluminium products on display, they’re really impressed with the look and quality. Opening the showroom made it easy to hit the ground running and make a huge success of aluminium. It’s been the best decision I’ve made!” Claire Miller, Customade Group marketing director, added: “Congratulations to Andy and his team on achieving this phenomenal success in such a short period of time. We’re delighted that they’re doing so well with the REAL range and winning new business at exceptional pace. We wish Bradley Scott Windows every success for the future.” www.real-aluminium.co.uk
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TRADE NEWS
Virtuoso Doors Celebrates
Record-Breaking Month
Virtuoso Doors has celebrated its biggest sales month ever in the history of the business.
business and achieve long term growth. Demand has driven increased volumes, but our growth is certainly not at the expense of the service we provide for customers and we have maintained our OTIF record of over 99%. At a time when some manufacturers are struggling to maintain quality output and reliable service, that is something to be very proud of.”
Since becoming part of Customade Group in 2017, Virtuoso Doors’ sales have grown at phenomenal pace. Now Virtuoso has announced that May was a record-breaking month for the business with sales up by 50% on the same period last year. Tony Craggs, managing director of Virtuoso Doors, explains: “It’s been an incredible time and we are absolutely delighted to celebrate the biggest sales month in our 37-year history. Demand for our range of precision manufactured doors has snowballed in the last 12 months and sales have now reached an
all-time high. “In a highly competitive market, we stand out because of the superb quality of our products and the levels of service we provide for customers to help them win
Virtuoso Doors’ customer Windows 4u (Scotland) has also celebrated a record month. Drew Smith, director, congratulated Virtuoso Doors and said: “Well done to you all on your fantastic growth. Your professionalism and service has helped my company to also achieve a record-breaking month. Long may it continue!”
Morley Glass & Glazing Doubles Production Capacity
Recent investments by Morley Glass & Glazing have doubled its production capacity, making it possible to manufacture up to 3000 sealed units with integral blinds inside per week.
The business, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, specialises in manufacturing UniBlind® sealed units with ScreenLine® integral blinds inside. It has invested £700,000 in a second IGU production line, which has now been installed at its 50,000 sq ft factory in Leeds. Ian Short, managing director at Morley Glass & Glazing, said: “When we moved into larger premises in 2016 we invested in a 58-metre long automated sealed 10 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018
unit production line from Best Makina. I’m pleased to say that the quality and efficiency of the equipment was so impressive that we were happy to invest in a second line. With the capacity to manufacture up to 3000 sealed units per week we are confident we will be able to continue to meet customer demand for our popular product range.” Morley Glass has achieved 30% year-on-year growth as demand continues to increase for its UniBlind® sealed units with ScreenLine® blinds inside, and this growth is set to continue.
with all manual, solar and motorised versions available in the industry’s shortest lead-time of 10 days from 11am any Friday, says the company.
The Uni-Blinds® range provides the widest choice of integral blinds in double and triple glazed units,
For more information about UniBlinds® visit www.morleyglass.co.uk
TRADE NEWS
Force 8 Shaken But Not Stirred, PAS 24 The Force 8 Decadence range of contemporary composite doors has now achieved PAS 24 and is document Q compliant. The stringent test was carried out at ERA’s new state of the art factory in Wolverhampton. One of the new Force 8 Zermatt doors was used for the test, fitted with the auto lock system and thumb turn.
“As far as we are aware, this is the first time a door of this kind has been tested for PAS 24 with the auto lock system”’ comments Dennis Sumner, Managing Director of Force 8. “We wanted to test a door that was straight off the production line, and is one of the most popular, which happened to be the auto lock system fitted with a long stainless steel handle”. Before the test started while the door was set in the test rig, it was adjusted by Force 8 as it would be during a normal installation, to make sure the door opened a closed with ease. “We wanted to make sure the test would be as authentic as possible, the door was opened and closed as normal and the thumb turn locked as it would be in any household before the test commenced”, comments Dennis.
The PAS 24 test was carried out to a stringent set of rules in ERA’s custom built test facility. The first part of the test consisted of pressure being applied to the corners and weak points at the front of the door by hydraulic rams. At the same time an opposing pulling force is applied from the back, the intention is to try and twist or warp the door to create a gap. The next part of the test consists of repeated blows from a steel ram to the same points on the door, pre-weakened by the pressure testing. The final part is the physical attack carried out by one of the test team. All the usual burglary tools were used from crow bars to chisels. In the past this has always been some concern with other composite doors as the skin is only 2mm thick, and can be scored with a knife and lifted to look for weak spots. The new Decadence range from Force 8 comes with a 4mm skin as standard, and this made a significant difference in the test. The door fails if the tester can cut a 50mm hole that is large enough to get an arm through and open the door within the time limit. Although looking a bit battered and bruised after the test, the door still held its structural integrity, and passed with flying colours. “We are extremely pleased with the result and how well the Zermatt performed in the test”, comments Dennis. If you want to find out more about the Zermatt and the Decadence range you can log onto the unique Force 8 door designer, which includes the company’s arched frames. www.force8.uk For further details on any of Force 8’s other products, call 0161 483 1997 or visit www.force8.uk WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018 11
TRADE NEWS
Two Thirds Say ‘Give Us U.S.-
Style Window Safety Week’ Two out of every three businesses asked have backed a call by Angel Ventlock window restrictor manufacturer Mighton Products for the UK to launch its own USstyle National Window Safety Week. “The figures speak for themselves,” said Mighton Chairman Mike Derham. “Not just in our poll but in the massive disparity between accident figures here and in the US, it is clear that more must be done to highlight this issue. “It seems incredible that we are spending millions designing windows that stop intruders getting in yet give barely a second thought to preventing children and vulnerable people from falling out.
aged five and under are treated in hospital emergency departments every year in the USA – which has over 320 million people – compared with over 4,000 equivalent accidents in the UK, with a population of only 66 million. Mighton asked more than 3,000 people one simple, direct question by email: Do you think we should have a ‘national window safety week’ that highlights the risk and dangers associated with windows?’ The reply came loud and clearwith more than two thirds of respondents saying yes.
“The USA has had a Window Safety Week for many years and they have only one sixth the number of accidents per capita than we have here – there are actually fewer in total for a population that is five times the size of ours*”. *An estimated 3,300 children
Mike Derham concluded: “Of course, it was only a relatively small survey sample but when it returned such a clear majority, that tells me we have found a strong mandate for action. To learn more about the Angel Ventlock range visit www.angel-ventlock.com
Listers Central Makes Room
For Räum Aluminium Stoke-based fabricator Listers Central has made a move into high-end aluminium with the addition of the Räum collection. The Räum collection combines a full range of luxury aluminium windows and doors including bifolds, sliding doors and even sectional garage doors. Named after the German word for ‘space’, Räum is designed to allow installers to create large-span openings and win new business at the sharp end of the home improvement market. “We’re absolutely thrilled to be adding the Räum collection to our aluminium range at Listers, providing our customers across the UK with a full range of high-end aluminium glazing products,” comments Phil Warren, Sales Director 12 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018
at Listers Central. “Combining bifold and patio doors, as well as windows and garage doors, Räum is perfectly placed to help our customers tackle the changing market, capitalising on the demand for aluminium but also for premium home improvements.” “We’re really excited to add Räum to our offering and when our customers see it, we know they will be too,” adds Daniel Shaw, Marketing Manager at Listers. “There’s no doubt that aluminium bifold or patio doors are the must-have home improvements among consumers. With Räum, we can not only help our customers meet this demand but upsell the complete premium package with windows, doors and even a high-end, automated garage door range.”
“We have been working hard transforming our showroom in Fenton to include the complete Räum collection, allowing our customers to not only see these quality products for themselves, but use this premium showroom space with their own customers. To be expected from Listers, we will also provide full support including showroom literature and samples as well as a complete premium marketing package.” www.listertf.co.uk
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TRADE NEWS
Mila Proves The Perfect
Partner For The Fascia Place
At the start of 2016, The Fascia Place took the decision to stop buying in its windows and doors and to take control of its own production and supply. The company appointed experienced production manager Stuart Shearman to head up a brand new factory which, 18 months on, is producing more than 100 windows and doors a week and supplying not just The Fascia Place’s 13 trade depots across the south but also its sister commercial company, RC Grant as well. What has been crucial to the success of the new venture has been the support of key suppliers including Liniar and particularly hardware specialist Mila. Stuart Shearman had worked with Mila before and was confident that it would be the right partner for the start up factory. He said: “We wanted a hardware supplier who would see the bigger picture of what we wanted to achieve and support us not just with competitive pricing but also with access to 14 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018
technical advice and even product testing. “Mila has been with us every step of the way so far and has delivered on every promise the team made. Through them, we get access to quality products at every price point to suit the trade and commercial customers we are supplying, and we have amazing service on deliveries. “More than that though, they’ve supported us with performance and security testing of our windows and doors and have even helped us to work alongside Liniar to get one of our 30-minute fire doors fully tested and accredited for our commercial customers.” Part of the reason why The Fascia Place chose Mila was because it provided the same combination of quality, value and service which the company’s 13 depots aim to provide to their trade customers. Stuart Shearman continued:
“We invest in our customers in the same way that Mila has invested in us – helping them with technical issues and visiting sites to give advice, but never losing sight of the fact that what they need above all is quality products at competitive prices. The Fascia Place factory features highly automated machines to maximise productivity, and Mila has advised on the most efficient fabrication methods for products including its Evolution hinge and ProSecure door handle. Mila supplies all of the company’s hardware requirements, including some third party products by Yale which come with the same reassuring Mila guarantees on prompt delivery. The Fascia Place is already planning to expand, investing in a new factory and opening further new depots during the course of 2018. Further details are available at www.mila.co.uk and www.thefasciaplace.co.uk
TRADE NEWS
manufacture of tooling, to extrusion, quality control, personalization and packaging, plus shipment either for own distribution or direct to customers. It also offers financial support to its customers to invest in tooling on larger volume runs.
Euroseal To Take On Additional 5,000 sq ft Of Space To Meet Demand Specialist extruder, Euroseal has added an additional 5,000 sq ft of new warehousing and storage space to its Birmingham operation.
“In using us, our customers can bring new product to market more quickly either by extruding it through us or by shifting-out part of their pre-existing production to us to release capacity on their own lines without major investment costs.
This has included more than £2m of new contracts agreed at the start of the year. “We’re seeing increased demand from a number of different sectors, as companies bring on new products or seek to bring on additional capacity without capital investment cost”, said Chris Byers, Managing Director, Extrudaseal.
“We’ve continued that into this year with the addition of a new unit and 5,000 sq ft of new stor-
Euroseal’s fifth twin screw line – and with a further four single screw lines, it’s ninth in total – the investment gives specialist extruder a high level of service and product flexibility. “We deliver capacity at times when our customers are seeing rapid growth, or when market conditions are less favourable and capital spend on in-house capacity is more difficult to justify”, continued Byers.
The investment comes as Euroseal builds additional capacity into its operation following a series of significant new business wins.
He continued: “We put in place a programme of investment from the mid-point of last year to build in increased capacity within our own operation.
In addition to the new warehousing space added to its operation this year, Euroseal’s investment programme has included as six-figure spend on a new twin-screw extrusion line, mezzanine floor and the construction of a new tooling design workshop and servicing facility.
age space and warehousing, to ensure that our own growth remains sustainable.” Euroseal offers a complete extrusion service, from initial concept to delivery. This includes, design and CAD creation and
“We provide a complete audit trail for every profile we extrude. This includes printing bar length every 0.5m with the date, time, the machine it was extruded on and by which operative – everything is auditable and transparent. “It’s about genuine partnership”, he added. For more information email sales@euroseal.co.uk or visit www.euroseal.co.uk WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018 15
TRADE NEWS
FSB Calls On Big Business To
Raise Their Game In Fight To End
Late Payments Crisis ers, and the frailty of the Prompt Payment Code.
FSB is calling for a non-executive Director on Boards to be given a specific responsibility for good supply chain practice including making sure the firm is opting to follow best practice and lead the way, not just doing the absolute minimum or the best it can get away with, and so still squeezing suppliers to improve the firm’s cash-flow. FSB National Chairman Mike Cherry, said: “The poor payment practices that run rampant through UK supply chains is a national disgrace with the country falling behind almost all other industrialised nations in our ability to pay small businesses on time. Big business has been put on notice by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and warned that they must do more to end late payments, poor payment practice and supply chain bullying that is damaging the UK economy. A letter from FSB National Chairman, Mike Cherry, to all FTSE 100 companies urges Chairman and CEOs to take immediate action by agreeing to lead the way in stamping out poor payments for good. In the letter FSB National Chairman, Mike Cherry, calls on these companies to work with small businesses to help foster a new payments culture in the UK. Research from FSB shows the hugely damaging impact these practices have on small firms within supply chains with our data showing that the vast majority (84%) of small firms report being paid late, with a third (33%) saying at least one in four payments they’re owed arrives later than agreed. A similar proportion (37%) state that agreed payment terms have lengthened in the past two years, hampering cash flow. Only four per cent say payment terms are improving. The pressure from small business comes after the release of Parliamentary joint Select Committee report on the collapse of Carillion published last week. The report laid bare the substantial failures at the company including the squeezing of its suppli16 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018
“Carillion’s demise shone a light on the worst kind of payments practices but unfortunately it isn’t a one-off. Some big businesses use inequality of power in business relationships to squeeze small suppliers and delay payments to improve their own cashflow. This is bullying, pure and simple. “These practices are putting small businesses at risk forcing many to turn to personal credit cards or overdrafts just to survive. Sadly, we estimate late payments lead to 50,000 small businesses a year closing their doors, costing the economy £2.5 billion annually. “Small businesses have the support of Secretary of State for Business, Energy and the Industrial Strategy, the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Prime Minister in their mission to stamp out poor payment practices. The time has now come for big business to get on board with this mission and strive to be champions of good payment practice. My door is open to any business looking to work with small businesses to get this right. “We can only end the late payments crisis and poor payment practices when we see a fundamental cultural shift in the boardrooms of big business, with those at the very top showing a willingness to address the issue and be accountable for their payment practices.” www.fsb.org.uk
The right direction for
Sliding Doors Mechanical joint option available for ease of transportation and onsite manoeuvrability.
Easily achieves a Door Energy Rating of A with standard argon filled, double glazed units.
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Dual and triple track system for 2, 3, 4 and 6 pane options, opening from either left, right and even from the centre. 12 point locking to achieve PAS 24 and SBD.
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TRADE NEWS
Georgian Bar launches
Stateside For anyone that knows Philip Dewhurst Jr, Commercial Director of The Georgian Bar Company, his love of travel won’t come as a shock. But it’s not all play and no work, because his stateside trips have now culminated with an impressive launch of a new product ‘WINtek’ through extrusion & distribution partner US Polymers Inc. “WINtek is a new Vinyl SDL Grid system created and patented for the US market,” says Philip as he explains the differences between windows in the UK and the US. “US windows on the whole don’t have gaskets, so we created a specially designed stainless-steel clip that fixes the bars in place. We had to re-engineer the bar clips from 1.1mm thickness used in the UK to a miniscule 0.2mm.” This new product has passed the American Architectural Manufacturers Association’s stringent tests. “When they say it needs to be hurricane proof at 50 storeys, they mean it!” The Georgian Bar Company first started going to Glass Build America in 2014. “There was immediate interest in our product,” adds Philip. “We could also see that we needed to create a new product to suit windows in the US. At subsequent exhibitions we were able to show the prototypes, which meant we were gaining more interest in the products from system companies and large fabricators.” US Profiles is a custom extruder of vinyl profiles within the US 18 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018
“While this is a huge company in the US, it’s also a family business like ours. In fact, my dad Philip Sr. dealt with Harout Ohanesian in Dubai 20 years ago, and I’m dealing with his son Viken in the US. We didn’t have a clue when we first started working together, it came out recently during a meeting. Since finding out, our relationship has become even stronger. “Initial interest has been phenomenal. We now have 30 window manufacturers from Boston to Beverly Hills trialling the products. Some US fabricators can produce 10,000 to 75,000 windows a day, so switching products doesn’t happen overnight.”
Philip Dewhurst Jr, Commercial Director of The Georgian Bar Company
Polymers family of companies. Products range from window shutters to plastic decking and sheds. It boasts being the largest supplier of sheds to Home Depot. One of USP’s subsidiaries Duramax is the official distributor of WINtek to 50 states, based in Montebello, East Los Angeles. The test runs for extrusion using tooling owned by Georgian Bar Company have been completed, and USP is now geared up for mass manufacture. WINtek will be available in white, clay and beige, the most popular window colours in the US. The clever stainless-steel clips keep the grids in place, which is a critical improvement for the North American climate.
It’s not just America that’s on the hit list for the re-engineered product. During December 2017, at the Canadian WinDoor Show in Toronto there was fantastic interest in WINtek. It also scooped top prize for the Best New Product at the show. Philip says he was taken aback by the win, however he was very happy because it showed that the judges saw the ingenuity and the potential for the product. The next exhibition is Glass Build America 2018 in Las Vegas. “It will be the first exhibition where the new products will be offered fully to the US market. It already looks like it will be a superb show for us, and we are talking to a lot of companies interested in seeing the product for themselves,” Philip says. But it won’t be all work and no play for Philip and the team. True to Georgian Bar’s style, there will be time set aside to celebrate with a glass or two of Champagne with companies that have already switched to WINtek. www.geofast.co.uk
TRADE NEWS
Rapierstar Breaks Dispatch Record With First £100K Day
Door and window fastener specialist Rapierstar has passed another major milestone on its path to record growth, by exceeding more than £100,000 of dispatches in a single day for the first time. David Furness, group managing director says: “When you consider the tiny unit price of a screw, £100,000 worth of screws is a huge volume to sell and dispatch in just one day. It’s a milestone we’ve
reached ahead of our target and reflects what we are seeing in the market, with fabricators seeking to improve efficiency with a supply chain they can depend on. “Our £100,000 record was broken with lots of normal customer orders, individually picked and dispatched from our central warehouse and did not include pre-ordered, direct delivery containers, that create even larger daily sales
figures!” The company is on track for sales growth of 25% this year as it responds to a customer base increasingly seeking the highest quality screws delivered on time in the shortest lead times. Rapierstar has invested more than £5m in increased stockholding and in the infrastructure of its 100,000 sq. ft. Cheshire bonded warehouse and distribution centre, and customer order volumes are certainly responding. Rapierstar now holds a stock of more than one billion fasteners at its bonded warehouse near Macclesfield, which ensures fabricators and installers across the UK and Ireland can benefit from access to a complete product range, competitively priced and delivered next day. This service is backed by technical support which helps customers select the right fasteners for a specific application. The Rapierstar team has a collective experience in the fastener market of more than 150 years, supported further by their in-house R&D and technical centre. rapierstar.com
VBH Gets 10/10 For Service And Quality From Garrard Windows Buckinghamshire fabricator Garrard Windows has been a customer of hardware distributor VBH for more than 10 years. Manufacturing around 2,500 products a week, including PVC-U and aluminium windows, bifold and patio doors, Garrard uses VBH door hinges and handles, window handles and door cylinders across its whole range. Adam Webb, Director of Garrard, has seen many changes over the years as both companies have grown. “Since we started working with VBH we’ve seen steady growth in our business,” says Adam. “The support we’ve had from them has been great – their systems make it
easy to do business. The greenteQ range has grown considerably, so there is a product to fit every requirement, and using the webshop means we don’t have to spend time working out what we need for each job. After our initial nervousness – it did seem a bit daunting at first, compared to hand written faxes which we’d been using before – we haven’t looked back. In one operation we can see what we need for the job, stock levels, prices and the progress of our orders. It can even help us produce tenders – all we have to do is add the product number and quantity and it’s worked out for us. The favourites list which keeps track of our most regularly ordered items
Adam Webb left Director of Garrard Windows and Dan Powell right Regional Sales Manager at VBH
is also really useful. It’s a no hassle process that saves us time – and time’s money. And of course, if there is any query we can always talk to VBH and know we’ll get a swift response.” vbhgb24.com WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018 19
TRADE NEWS
Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG) for a Building Project, “On Thursday 10th May I contacted GGFi to see if they could help us with an IBG for a large project we were due to start on Monday 14th May 2018. I was aware of the short notice and the urgency to get this project covered as soon as possible – Irene contacted us to discuss our requirements and to take the necessary documentation.
GGFI Outlines Its High Value
Commercial Products As one of the leading insurance administrators of insolvency products, GGFi is fully aware that clients within the construction and home improvements industry are increasingly looking for ways to protect the investments they are making in large-scale projects. In the wake of the collapse of Carillion, a number of specifiers are now seeking increased protection against the insolvency of contractors they utilise. Thankfully, GGFi has in place an agile, client-focussed solution to assist contractors in obtaining the cover they need. GGFi can provide quotes for a wide variety of circumstances – offices, warehouses, schools, retail units, hotels, whatever the scale or nature of the project, GGFi’s commercial referral services can assist. GGFi’s insurance solutions are not just limited to glazing – insurance for curtain walling, roofing, general building and a host of other installation types can be provided. GGFi’s Commercial Administrator Irene Akpojaro outlined the principles behind this service, “We are aware that each project and each client can be different – presenting a variety of challenges for installers and insurers alike. Our commercial warranty insurance product is therefore tailored to be as flexible as possible whilst still providing competitive rates at a very swift turnaround.” Pete Matthews from P.M.H.I. Ltd, shared his first hand experience of GGFi and his successful 20 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018
Then, on Friday 11th May she confirmed that she had obtained the perfect cover for the project. She liaised with us and the underwriters to implement the policy and to make sure the cover was ready for the start of the build on Monday 14th May. Fantastic! Thank you so very much for your speedy, outstanding and professional service.” Irene added, “With project values sometimes running into seven figure sums, we know what can be at stake and with this in mind, we seek to provide a thorough, user-friendly service that aims to keep clients advised at all stages within the process. These projects can be complicated, but that is one of the reasons we are here and are providing this service – to help remove some of these complexities, advise accordingly and ultimately enable clients to be armed with the quotes and policies they need.” Whether it is a tender for a Local Authority or Housing Association that encompasses a number of dwellings or a single property for which a commercial contractor requires insolvency insurance, GGFi’s system has been proven to provide a bespoke, friendly service that gets to the heart of a client’s requirements quickly. Alan Hodge at N&P Windows Ltd said “We use GGFi to provide insurance backed guarantees and find their overall service is very good. Their response to requests for quotations is swift, and guarantee documentation is expedited quickly and efficiently.” Sheila Bevan at Renolit UK Ltd added that GGFi has an excellent service as a whole. “Most quotations, invoices and policies are returned very quickly.” If businesses require a quote or policy commercial work, do not hesitate to contact GGFi, either by email on commercial@ggfi.org.uk or by calling 020 7645 3744. The GGFi team is happy to assist. For further information on GGFi and its ranges of products and services please visit www.ggfi.org.uk
Enjoy Colour Any RAL colour now available, inside or outside!
0345 2000 816 | customerservices@distinctiondoors.co.uk distinctiondoors.co.uk | door-designer.co.uk Tried, tested and trusted, the UK’s number 1 composite door supplier
TRADE NEWS
Tradesmith Adds Deceuninck To Open
Doors With Colour And Choice Tradesmith Ltd is the latest fabricator to say ‘yes’ to Deceuninck. The Sussex-based trade fabricator, who recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, identified a growing trend for colour and the need to offer customers more choice for a changing market. According to Managing Director Mark Hutchinson, Deceuninck was the obvious solution. Mark explains: “After a detailed company, market and product review it was clear we needed to give customers more choice, service and support to help them compete more effectively in growth markets. Colour and heritage windows were the prime areas. We met several systems companies but Deceuninck stood head and shoulders above them. They have an impressive product portfolio, and a simply unbeatable 26 colourways
ers’ strong appetite for colour and high-end windows and doors.
Tradesmith Managing Director Mark Hutchinson
from stock offer with outstanding On-Time-In-Full (OTIF). It’s a huge selling point because that lets us quote the same short lead times for colour as for white. Deceuninck’s attractive product range puts Tradesmith customers in a great position to capitalise on homeown-
“Tradesmith was established 25 years ago and it’s the first time we’ve changed our line-up. We’ve built a large, loyal customer base giving customers the service and products they want. We even help customers with bespoke specifications such as polished welds and different bead options. If it can be done, we’ll do it. We’re always ready to help, and Deceuninck’s customer-first ethos is the same as ours.” Tradesmith offers Deceuninck’s award-winning Flush Sash, Chamfered and Sculptured systems, all part of the Heritage Collection, in the full colour range. Further products will be introduced later. www.tradesmith.co.uk www.deceuninck.com
Apeer Gears Up For Growth get. We had the SCM Accord 25 with 5-axis installed in January and the addition of this CNC machine has already helped increase our door production.”
Also aiding this increase is the addition of a new spray booth and infrared curing oven. After experiencing a notable surge in demand for coloured doors, especially two tone doors, the company has invested in a third spray booth to ensure that they continue to manufacture within lead times and without any compromise on quality. As part of ongoing plans for growth and expansion in 2018, leading composite door manufacturer Apeer has heavily invested in its Ballymena factory with the addition of three new machines. “This investment in machinery forms just part of a wider programme of improvements being made to our factory, production processes and general infrastructure,” explains Managing Director Asa McGillian. “There is a definite focus on improving our production capacity this year and with the purchase of three new machines we are some way towards achieving our tar22 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018
Requests for larger decorative glass designs have also multiplied in recent months and Asa and his team recognised this as an area for the company to diversify: “We made the decision to add a Cadblast CB 4800glass plotter earlier this year and it is one of the improvements that has helped us to remain competitive. We already offer a bespoke 600mm decorative glass service but the addition of the new machine means we can now offer larger templates up to 1200mm, presenting our installer partners with a wider choice of bespoke glass options to pass on to their customers.” www.apeer.co.uk
TRADE NEWS
Patiomaster Stalwart Opens New East Midlands Franchise PatioMaster East Midlands has recently opened its doors and is run by former Epwin Group employee, Neil Dattani. Based in Leicester, PatioMaster East Midlands will cater for the growing number of customers operating throughout Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire areas. Commenting on the opening of PatioMaster East Midlands, Neil said: “Throughout my time at the Epwin Group I assisted in growing the sales for PatioMaster. It is brand that I am not only passionate about but have seen for myself the value-added benefits the high-quality product range can add to an installer’s portfolio. I am delighted to be working with PatioMaster once more and look forward to developing the East Midlands branch.” Having worked both sides of the PatioMaster brand concept, Neil is only too aware of the added-value
benefits PatioMaster can deliver. Neil comments: “Perhaps the biggest advantage of partnering with PatioMaster is you’re partnering with a company that manufactures bespoke patio doors that are easy to install. PatioMaster doors are made to our customers’ exact specifications and are typically delivered within a week, meaning
orders can be fulfilled quickly. The installation process is aided by PatioMaster’s ultra slim profiles, which significantly reduce the amount of plaster cutback required during installation. Combined with superb technical features including Secured by Design options, a wider range of configurations and an impressive 28 shade colour range the PatioMaster offering is superb at every level.” Commenting on new East Midlands branch, Carmen Velilla, PatioMaster’s Brand Manager said: “We are delighted to welcome PatioMaster East Midlands and look forward to working with Neil and his team. Neil’s passion for the brand has always been evident and we are delighted he is now working with us as a valued customer. We know the high-quality PatioMaster product coupled with Neil’s hands-on experience and enthusiasm is sure to make PatioMaster East Midlands a great success.” www.patiomaster.co.uk
Glazerite Keeps Ahead Of Market Trends With New Products From DOORCO
As a longstanding industry name, with almost 20 years trading under its belt, The Glazerite UK Group is a leading supplier of windows, doors and conservatories to the UK market place. Built on the desire to excel in service and product quality, the company continues to broaden the scope of its product offering to ensure it keeps ahead of the market and does this with the help of like-minded suppliers, such as DOORCO. Jason Thompson, Group Managing Director at Glazerite, explains: “DOORCO continually develops and expands their product offering – the Inox and Contemporary range launched recently are testament to that. This is great for us
as it means we can stay one step ahead of what our customers are asking for. We’re seeing a definite move away from the standard colours and designs as everyone wants something different. With DOORCO’s help, we’ve just launched our new door brochure including their new product ranges. They’ve supported us with supporting our customers. It’s been really well received and we’ve had lots of enquiries for the Contemporary range and smooth finishes. “We have partnered with DOORCO for the last five years and our relationship now is the best it’s ever been. This is because, as a supplier, they are great to work with as their delivery, service and
communications are always spot on. Obviously there may be times when an issue may arise – it’s the nature of the industry – but on those occasions, they always work to resolve matters quickly and keep lines of communication open. We hope our relationship with DOORCO continues to go from strength to strength.” and beyond our expectations of a supplier.” For more information on Glazerite visit www.glazeritewindows.co.uk WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018 23
TRADE NEWS
Bison Grows As High-End Demand Increases
Window and door manufacturer Bison Frames has doubled the size of its production facility, to keep pace with demand for its popular Genesis Collection PVC-U and aluminium windows and doors. Well-known throughout the industry for Genesis VS vertical sliders, more recently the Barnsley-based fabricator has used its knowledge and experience of specialist window fabrication to extend its range into the Genesis Collection. The collection of high-end windows and doors includes PVC-U vertical sliders, flush casements, patio doors and bi-folds, and WarmCore aluminium windows and doors. As a result, demand has grown to a point at which bigger 24 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018
premises were required. Bison co-Director Mark Tetley explains: “As the market moved towards higher-end, premium products, we found ourselves in the perfect position to play a leading role. We already knew how to develop class-leading vertical sliders – several years ago we were the first to take the market-leading Spectus VS profile and develop a fully mechanical sash window. As the market caught up, we had already invested in a new Graf Synegy welder, allowing us to offer seamless welds as well as mechanical joints. We took that experience and applied it to a wider range of products – what’s now the Genesis Collection. “The results have been fan-
tastic, and it soon became clear that to handle demand while continuing to offer our customers the level of service they’re accustomed to, we’d need more room. Fortunately, the unit adjacent to our current factory became available, so we snapped it up and began the process of almost doubling our production space.” Mark’s co-Director Martyn Haworth comments: “This year has seen a huge leap forward for Bison. We’ve doubled our factory space, invested heavily in new equipment – with more to come – and introduced a new range of marketing materials, brochures and soon-to-be launched websites. We’ve also expanded into aluminium for the first time, manufacturing the cutting-edge WarmCore door and window system. By running WarmCore through our Graf welder we can produce aluminium windows and doors of an unsurmountable quality. Whether it’s standard frames, shapes or rakes, everything has a strong, engineered precision finish. “We’ve created the only complete high-end suite in the UK that includes sash windows, flush casements, bi-folds and patio doors – with mechanical and seamless weld options. That’s complemented by our WarmCore range that’s Graf-welded for precision and quality. Homeowners love the clean, professional look of matching products, while installers – our customers – can get everything they need for premium, high-value jobs from a single supplier they know and trust. That’s something we’re very proud of.” Martyn concludes. To find out more about Bison’s Genesis Collection and WarmCore visit www.genesiscollection.co.uk
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PVC-U extruded profiles would continue to function satisfactorily for more than 35 years and that the thermal transmittance value or U-value of the range was 1.2 W/m² using 4/20/4 mm sealed double-glazed units. The Modus system is available in nine solid and woodgrain-effect colours, all of which are available with white internal finishes to create a light and airy living environment. A further range of more than 40 solid and woodgrain effect finishes is available, including colour both sides.
Derek Warwick
Chooses Modus For Its Practical Aesthetic Appearance, quality and low maintenance led Derek Warwick Developments to equip its upmarket development on the Dorset coast with PVC-U systems from Eurocell – one of the UK’s leading manufacturer, distributor and recycler of window, door, conservatory and roofline products. Designed by the award-winning architects David James, Durlston Point is a superb arrangement of five detached houses that occupies a commanding position in Swanage. The houses feature Modus casement windows in Moondust Grey, Aspect bi-fold doors and white Eurocell fascias and soffits, to complement highend elements such as underfloor heating, German contemporary kitchens with Silestone work surfaces and smart home systems designed by Nethaus. The decision to install PVC-U products on the external envelope of the house was both practical and aesthetic, as Lance Macklin, a director at the compa26 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018
ny, explains. “This is an exposed coastal location so the doors and windows have to be robust as well as good-looking”, he says. “We first thought of a slim, grey aluminium profile, which is very fashionable, but we would be responsible for remedials if the powder coating lifted. We chose the Modus window because it is high quality and maintenance will be minimal”. “Similarly, bi-fold doors are very much on-trend now and Aspect doors are well-made, well-sealed and good quality. Again, there is less likelihood of issues while the development is in warranty. And the fascias and soffits have the same advantages and complement the doors and windows”. Both Modus and Aspect are guaranteed: Modus for 12 years; Aspect bi-fold door profiles for ten years, and door furniture for five. The Modus range is not just attractive – it is also durable and thermally efficient, as its BBA certification documents confirms. The BBA concluded that the
The slim profile makes the range suitable for work in conservation areas, as does the colour range, which can offer the general ‘heritage’ look made fashionable by paint manufacturers such as Farrow & Ball. The popular Aspect bi-fold door system has recently been equipped with an improved double-bogie roller system for smoother, easier ‘one touch’ operation that complements an already extensive list of features and benefits that make it one of the most popular bi-fold systems on the market today. Apart from the high aesthetic and performance benefits, the doors offer hassle-free fabrication and installation from intelligently designed and precision engineered bespoke components that enable accurate, consistent, straightforward manufacture and fitting. Door openings can be up to six metres wide, with up to seven door panels. The unique roller assembly means doors can be configured to meet customer preferences, including the popular 4/2/2 configuration as well as simple 2/2/0 arrangements to replace existing patio doors. www.eurocell.co.uk
TRADE NEWS
Central Inspires Customers With
New Colour Service With colour now such a common feature in homeowner buying decisions, Midlands-based fabricator Central RPL has launched its innovative new Central Inspired colour service, simplifying and enhancing the process of buying coloured windows and doors for its trade customers.
Central Inspired offers customers their full range of products – including windows, doors, conservatories, ancillaries and roofline – direct from their existing manufacturer, on a single order. It also promises to support customers when selling coloured products to homeowners, through technical backup, marketing assistance and Central’s existing commitment to first class customer
support.
Cara Lansley, head of Kolorseal Midlands, explains the new service: “With Kolorseal Midlands and Central RPL as part of the BoingBoing Group, and with our state-of-the-art colour facility already on-site, it makes perfect sense to launch the Central Inspired service for Central’s customers. We can offer the entire Central RPL range in any colour the customer chooses, whether it be from leading colour systems such as RAL, BS, Dulux or Farrow & Ball, or through our colour-matching service. We also offer four different finishes – satin, matt, gloss and metallic – and the whole process typically adds only five days to Central’s standard lead time.
“As a result customers get the best of both worlds: the simplicity of dealing with a single supplier that fabricates and colours all the products they require under one roof, plus the quality and confidence that comes from using leading colour specialist Kolorseal Midlands. Applying coatings to windows and doors is a complex process that’s sometimes underestimated by companies getting into it for the first time. Through Central Inspired our customers know that they’re getting the benefit of Kolorseal’s knowledge, investment and expertise, backed up by our full 10-year guarantee for both colour and adhesion.” Gary Morton, CEO of the BoingBoing Group – which includes Central RPL – comments: “As any fabricator will tell you, the demand for colour has grown rapidly. However, buying coloured products is often a major headache for installers, especially when dealing with a host of different suppliers. We wanted to offer our customers something better – a complete end-to-end colour service that’s both simple to use and which allows them to differentiate from the competition. “Since welcoming Kolorseal Midlands into the group we’ve invested heavily in our on-site, state-of-the-art colour facility. As a result, we have a true frame and colour manufacturing service – not just a paint shop – which our customers can benefit from. That’s what the Central Inspired service is built upon: first class products, colour expertise and customer service, all from a single supplier that our customers know and trust.” To find out more about the Central Inspired colour service from Central RPL, visit www.centralrpl.co.uk WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018 27
DEAR GERALD
Dear
Gerald Dear Gerald Many fabricators chase every order. White or foiled, selling more frames is the goal, even if you take a hit on margins. When I predicted we’d see the first colour-only fabricators this year, it caused a stir. But it wasn’t a publicity stunt. We’re very nearly there with several fabricators selling colour and supplying white only if asked. Imagine a different business model from the one most fabricators are used to, where you’re not chasing volume and getting knocked down on price. Imagine you and your installer customers are fully colour-enabled and selling to the Haves, a large and fast-growing group of affluent, older homeowners. The Haves want the best products to enhance and add value to their properties. They’ve gone off ‘shiny white’ PVC-U and love colour, and they’re prepared to pay for it. What does that mean? Colour means better margins, and higher margins means more profit. Who’s going to be first to offer colour only, delivered in five to ten days? Selling to installers who want to profit from this trend, whose usual fabricator is too busy making white frames, and selling to smaller fabricators who deal with small volumes and don’t want the hassle of foiled stock and the usual supplier problems. Fabricators who want to sell colour are frequently let down because most systems companies (SysCos) are not colour enabled. Most SysCos see colour as the devil and make to order, rather than make for stock. It’s very expensive for SysCos to stock vast amounts of colour, but it’s the only way you can provide a reliable supply. That’s why we invested in world-class foiling, vast warehousing and an anytime online ordering system so our fabricator 28 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018
customers can sell colour with confidence. We keep 26 colourways in stock, including cills, trims and ancillaries, with another 24 colourways available within five weeks. Not surprisingly, Deceuninck customers’ colour sales are skyrocketing. Our six largest customers are all over 50% colour, and that percentage is growing. We’re #No1forColour because we make sure our customers are #ColourEnabled, and we’re committed to leading on colour. We’re reviewing and refining our colour offer now to make it even better – watch this space! Sincerely, Rob McGlennon Managing Director, Deceuninck UK & Ireland www.deceuninck.com
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.
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PEOPLE
REHAU Welcomes New Head Of Marketing Global polymer solutions provider REHAU has welcomed a new head of marketing to its team at its Ross-on-Wye headquarters. With a wealth of experience Stephen Beresford joined the team at REHAU in January to lead the marketing team and support the global delivery of integrated communications campaign. As part of his new role Stephen will head up the marketing team at REHAU, covering the Building Solutions, Windows and Furniture Solutions divisions for UK and South Africa. As a member of the global communications team, he will also support initiatives and colleagues in other countries. He joins REHAU with a great deal of marketing and managerial experience. Stephen’s 30 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018
previous roles include Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs for Central England Co-operative and Senior Manager for European Marketing at electronics giant Toshiba. These roles not only enabled Stephen to lead teams and individuals to success, but also understand the customer journey and the sales process, which are invaluable to this new position. Stephen Beresford, Head of Marketing Communications at REHAU, said: “I was delighted to become part of the team at REHAU. There is much coming in the way of innovation within both the product sphere and in terms of customer solutions, so being involved at this time is very exciting. “We are currently in a real
period of change, our customers and their consumers have ever changing needs and as a business we are striving to develop innovative solutions to these changes. It is our job to communicate just how forward thinking REHAU is and how we are meeting their needs, with the best solution for them. We have a fantastic team at REHAU and my role is to lead the team and create a strategy to deliver on this. “From a worldwide perspective we will be working closely with our international colleagues to ensure we deliver our global communications campaigns consistently.” For more information about REHAU visit www.rehau.uk
Meet The Mila Team
Mila customers can now put a face to the expert voice on end of the phone, thanks to a new page on the company’s website which profiles everyone in the sales office team.
ager Lee Bullimore is, which member of the team has raised £6000 for The Soldiers’ Charity, who used to be a county level swimmer, and whose guilty pleasure is ‘80s American rock music.
Visitors who click on www.mila. co.uk/us/internal-sales-representatives/ can find out just what a dapper dresser sales office man-
Much more than that though, they can discover whose favourite hardware is the ProSecure range, who gets the most excited about
Yale Conexis, and who loves the ingenuity of Mila’s Smart Spindle. And, if they scroll over anyone’s photo, they’ll see a different side to every single member of the team as well. Marketing Director Sarah Gyde, who is responsible for the new Mila website, said: “We’ve long recognised that our people are our greatest asset – they’re the ones who help to deliver the quality and service which is our trademark. Our customers love the advice and support they get from the smart and friendly bunch in the sales office, and this new feature gives the whole team the online recognition that they undoubtedly deserve.” As well as the Meet the Team feature, the new Mila website (www.mila.co.uk) also has spotlights on key product ranges, latest news and blogs, updates from the company’s technical experts and full product information on Mila’s complete product range.
New Contracts Manager At The
Window Company (Contracts)
Steven May is the new Contracts Manager at award winning commercial installer The Window Company (Contracts).
ethical culture of The Window Company (Contracts) and the standard of professionalism exhibited at every level fits perfectly with my own approach. I’m very excited to be joining a company with such an outstanding reputation, at a time when it is expanding so fast.”
He has been appointed to oversee and supervise a number of projects from survey to final completion, including the window and door replacement contract for Basildon Council, which the company was awarded recently. With substantial experience in the construction sector, particularly in operations roles with two leading façade specialists, Steven has valuable knowledge of the aluminium and new build
markets, and brings an important new dimension to the already strong management team at the Chelmsford based business.
Steven will be responsible for everything from onsite health and safety to pricing and planning compliance and is being supported by Natalie Bell, who has also just joined the company as an Order Processor to work largely on the Basildon Council contract.
He said of his new role: “The
www.thewinco.co.uk WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018 31
PEOPLE
Samsara Hits The Ground
Running For REHAU Gunn Fired Up
For New Role
At Kestrel Kestrel’s John Gunn has shot up the ranks of the UPVC fascia and cladding brand to become Regional Sales Director for Ireland, Scotland and the North of England. John, who joined Kestrel will be working with a team of business development managers across his area. Having managed Scotland and Ireland for a number of years, John is now fired up to take on his new role. “It’s an exciting time to be taking on this role,” John said. “We have a strong business development team in the three areas who are working to reinforce Kestrel’s presence and maintain the excellent standards of service our customers expect.” Kestrel sales and marketing director Owen Thorogood paid tribute to John’s experience. “John has a great knowledge of the industry, his geographic areas and, of course, Kestrel products,” he said. “His appointment will be a real asset to our team.” Before his appointment John was the Business Development Manager for Scotland and Ireland. His replacement is Graeme Appleton who joins Kestrel from a fenestration company. 32 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018
The REHAU windows team has welcomed a new addition to its Commercial Sales force in Scotland. Samsara McDonald joined the team earlier this year with a strong sales background and hit the ground running helping to launch the new REHAU Connect platform. Working on the REHAU Connect app project has introduced Samsara to a variety of REHAU customers, whilst the platform – a new and easy digital way to order profiles – has been rolled out in Scotland on a trial basis. She said: “It’s been a great introduction for me into REHAU working on the Connect platform, meeting all the customers and installers and understanding their businesses. We’re looking forward to continuing to role the programme out and offering this extra service to our customers” The REHAU Connect platform is easy and intuitive to use and
keeps everything an installer requires for an order in one place, from quotation to completion, and installers can use it to show customers all the options they have to best meet their needs. Whilst concentrating on the REHAU Connect project has been a great spring board for Samsara into her role she is also looking forward to working on the commercial projects. In her day to day role Samsara will be involved from the start of a project liaising with architects and specifiers to provide technical and design advice. “In my previous role I worked closely with architects and local planning authorities and so I’m really looking forward to liaising with those contacts once again,” added Samsara. “In my role as Commercial Sales Manager I will be working on projects from the beginning and I really enjoy seeing how our contribution both in support and product can help bring a project to fruition for our customers.”
PEOPLE UK.”
from Left to right Steven Hunter ( Production Manager ), Katrina Earl (National Sales Manager), Mark Pardoe ( Customer service Manager ) and Sam Croft ( Operations Manager )
Experienced Team Leads Epwin Glass
Epwin Glass’ experienced team are on hand to help fabricators and installers with all their glass requirements and pride themselves on their expertise and knowledge of the glazing solutions market. Katrina Earl, National Sales Manager at Epwin Glass explains: “The Epwin Glass team has over 50 years’ experience in glass manufacture and supply. Delivering superb quality products efficiently
and on time is at the heart of our customer offering. By working with Epwin Glass you have the added reassurance that you’re choosing a company that is one of the leading manufacturers of insulated and energy-rated glass units for the window industry and offers over 30 years of experience in supporting the largest and most respected domestic and commercial window fabricators and installers in the
Epwin Glass offers an impressive range of over 140 product types for the trade, light commercial, new build and social housing sectors need. It includes noise insulation, safety and security, self-cleaning, solar control and thermal insulation glass. The company also offers a large range of decorative glass, giving customers the option of adding value to their projects including a bespoke design service. The range features coloured, textured, leaded, stained, bevelled and Georgian style options such as gothic arches, sun bursts and cottage style designs. Their coloured, stained glass and Georgian style units benefit from the expertise of their inhouse skilled craftspeople to ensure the highest quality result. Katrina concludes: “We have an experienced workforce and everyone understands that every customer is unique. It means we can meet the individual needs of our growing customer base. The result is that we’re able to build long term relationships that are built on reliability and trust” In short, the team from Epwin Glass delivers everything you look for from an experienced glass supplier.
Chris Fenney: Obituary Announcement from Freefoam Building Products:
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Chris Fenney, New Build Manager, Freefoam Building Products on Thursday 31st May, 2018. Chris was an incredibly valuable member of our team at Freefoam. He worked with us for 13 years, joining us with many years experience in the building industry. Chris bought a breadth of knowledge and skill that is unsurpassed and single-mindedly drove through sales to the new build sector. Developing strong, long standing relationships with customers Chris created a very successful part of the business, indeed leaving a lasting legacy. With a first-rate work ethic, and a great sense of fun and humour, working with Chris was a pleasure for
everyone. Outside the business he was also a well-respected and highly regarded industry professional and will be sadly missed by many friends, associates and colleagues. WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018 33
GLAZING SUMMIT
Glazing Summit
Attracts 400 Industry Leaders
from materials and products to technology and innovation, with the final discussion of the day focused on mergers and acquisitions – included panellists David Leng from Customade Group and Rob Crews from Momentum Corporate Finance sharing their views on private-equity backed businesses. Other speakers throughout the day included Andy Jones from Synseal, Paul Atkinson from Yale, Chris Alderson from Edgetech, Window Ware’s Samantha Nuckey and Russell Yates from AluK.
including key-note speakers and panel discussions featuring some of the industry’s most influential people.
The keynotes included Jade Greenhow from Insight Data who gave an expert overview of the industry and outlined further consolidation across all sectors. Jade also highlighting product trends and changes within the supply chain with the rise of trade-counters and local builders now capturing more market share from traditional double-glazing installers.
PR235 - Glazing Summit ConferenceDiscussions ranged
One of the UK’s leading economist’s Dr Walter Boettcher from
Andrew Scott, Purplex Marketing and Insight Data CEO.
The inaugural Glazing Summit conference was held on 22nd May and was attended by 400 business leaders from across the glass and glazing industry. The conference had 9 sessions 34 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2018
GLAZING SUMMIT Colliers International gave a powerful presentation on the UK economy and construction sector after Brexit, with encouraging data showing an underlying strong economy.
West Port Wows Crowds At First Ever Glazing Summit
The conference was organised by Insight Data and Purplex Marketing. CEO Andrew Scott commented: “This was breaking new ground, the industry has never had a major business conference but as the market matures and becomes more professional, a platform for CEO’s and business leaders to come together, learn and share information has become paramount.” PR235 - Speakers - Chris Alderson, Edgetech - Graeme Bailey, Business Micros - Kevin Noray, Winmac Machinery - Paul Atkinson, Yale Door and Window Solutions“With several different sectors represented and a diverse range of companies of every shape and size it is impossible to provide content relevant to every delegate on every session, but our aim was that delegates would take away at least some valuable pearls of wisdom and connect with industry leaders and from the feedback this was definitely achieved.” The conference was a ‘who’s who’ with CEOs and stakeholders from the industry’s most influential companies attending, with combined UK annual sales of over £1 billion. A VIP Leaders Dinner followed in the evening, with after-dinner speaker and iconic businessman Gerald Ratner gaining a rapturous applause. “As the first conference of its kind, there was much to learn. We welcomed all the feedback which will help us shape the event if the industry feels it should be a regular fixture.” For more information please visit www.glazingsummit.co.uk
Sean Parnaby, MD of West Port at the Glazing Summit
Cumbria’s West Port windows flew the flag for timber at May’s Glazing Summit.
What’s more, it’ll last you at least sixty years.
The fast-growing fabricator was the only timber company sponsoring the landmark event, and Managing Director Sean Parnaby took to the stage to debate the future of fenestration materials.
“Coupled with the sort of stateof-the-art manufacturing and colouring facilities we have at West Port, timber becomes the strongest, greenest, most versatile and most aesthetically pleasing window material on the market.
“The Summit was a fantastic platform to tackle some of the biggest misconceptions about timber in glass and glazing,” comments Sean.
“In short, modern wood windows offer an amazing opportunity for installers to appeal to aspirational end users, improve their margins and grow their businesses.”
“During the debate, I was particularly keen to demolish the idea that uPVC and aluminium have rapidly advanced in recent decades, while timber has somehow stood still.
As a Glazing Summit sponsor, West Port also had a stand at the event, which drew significant interest from attendees. “We were delighted with the response we got on the stand,” Sean continues. “We walked away with twelve very promising new leads, and two potential customers have since arranged to visit our factory”.
“This is rubbish. The sort of modern engineered timber used by leading fabricators like West Port bears virtually no resemblance to the wood used in millions of twentieth-century windows. “All a modern engineered timber window needs is a light sanding and re-coating once every ten years to keep it in top condition.
“All in all, we thoroughly enjoyed our time at the Glazing Summit, and we hope it’s not the last.” For more information visit www.west-port.co.uk WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2018 35
GLAZING SUMMIT
Improveasy Sees Fantastic Response To Finance
At The Glazing Summit 2018 Improveasy, the industry’s leading finance specialists are celebrating a resounding success at the Glazing Summit, with a fantastic response to their range of finance solutions. Sponsoring the high-profile event, the company saw strong footfall to their stand whilst Managing Director Austin Barcley received positive feedback championing finance in the Installer Challenges debate. The launch of Improveasy’s new range of Business Finance Solutions attracted much interest from attendees, leading to a number of personal appointments and consultations being booked across the country. “We had a brilliant time at the Glazing Summit speaking with 36 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2018
fabricators, manufacturers and business owners about the opportunities available through finance,” comments Austin. “Asset Finance, Hire Purchase, Refinancing, Finance Leasing and New-Start Company Loans are just some of the products now available, all designed to encourage and enable business growth and development at every level. “The Glazing Summit also provided the perfect platform to dispel the myths around finance and really explain the benefits. For installers, they can level the playing field with the national brands by offering a full range of flexible finance options including 0% APR. For fabricators, they can deliver a full range of bespoke finance packages to their net-
Austin Barcley. MD of Improveasy at the Glazing Summit
works, strengthening their proposition. What’s more, with our new business finance solutions they can now fund investments such as new machinery, equipment and vehicles with ease. “Above all, by using Improveasy, businesses do not need to enter the lengthy and pricey process of becoming FCA approved. Instead when you appoint Improveasy you become an Appointed Representative (AR). It’s a real game-changer and we’re delighted with the overwhelming response we received.” Alongside their range of finance solutions, Improveasy also offers sales training seminars and ongoing support. Most clients can be up and running in 14 days, offering finance either under the Improveasy banner or using their own company’s branding. For more information about Improveasy visit www.improveasy.com
GLAZING SUMMIT
David Leng Joins Expert Panel At Glazing Summit
David Leng, group chief executive at Customade Group
David Leng, group chief executive at Customade Group, has urged any owners considering selling their firms to think ahead and look at how they can add value to their businesses before they begin the sales process. David, who joined a panel of experts on mergers and acquisitions at the recent Glazing Summit conference, also called for them to be ‘straightforward’ with their figures to aid the process of selling their business. Sharing his experiences of buying and selling almost 20 companies in the fenestration industry, David said: “Investors need good reasons to buy a company, so the first step for any vendor is to spend time examining their own business model before they even put their firm up for sale. At this stage, they should ensure that they have the right products and management team in place to add maximum value to their organisation and make it more attractive to buyers. Essentially, vendors need to ask ‘why would someone want to buy my business and what is the risk to the business when the vendor steps away’? “In a flat market, you must be very
clear where the value lies in your business. The most effective ways for the purchaser to add value after the sale are either by scaling-up the size of the organisation or by introducing more products or customers. Businesses that demonstrate they can fall into one of these categories are safer and more lucrative prospects for potential purchasers on the acquisition trail. “Just as importantly, vendors need to get their numbers right. No investor wants surprises, so companies must be straightforward with their figures. Around three quarters of deals fail and, in many cases, it’s down to lack of transparency and poor financial forecasting. Remember, companies are not just buying your organisation’s history, they’re also buying its future, so they need to know what to expect.” In light of the industry experiencing a 30% drop in fabricators whilst the number of installers rises, David and the rest of the Glazing Summit panel also offered practical advice to potential vendors on how to raise their profile in advance of a sale and how to secure the right buyer.
David added: “Selling a business is a huge financial transaction and owners must appreciate that buyers will want to see the longterm potential of that business. For instance, you cannot underestimate the value of your brand and the power of your reputation. Firms should consider their corporate image and spend time engaging with prospects through channels like PR, networking and social media. “And, finally, you need to get the right funding for your deal, whether it’s finance or private equity. You shouldn’t immediately rule out overseas investors either as they often give a higher valuation on larger scale businesses. The key is to find the right buyer who understands your business and is prepared to offer you the best price for it.” Customade Group was also a sponsor of the Glazing Summit – a pioneering event, which aimed to tackle the key issues affecting fabricators, installers and glass companies in the window, door and conservatory industry. The conference attracted 400 entrepreneurs, executives and business leaders from across the industry. Andrew Scott, CEO of Purplex Marketing and Insight Data, who organised the event, added: “The aim of the Glazing Summit was to finally provide a platform for the industry’s most influential business leaders to come together to meet, learn and share ideas and information that will allow them to confidently plan for the future. Judging by the feedback we received it seemed this was definitely accomplished. The support of the Customade Group as a sponsor and David Leng as a speaker showed the relevance and importance of such a major industry conference. David’s insight in the acquisitions debate was invaluable and helped to create one of the day’s most powerful discussions.” www.customade.co.uk WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2018 37
SLIDING & FOLDING DOORS
Introducing Viiu
The Ground-Breaking Sliding Door Viiu (pronounced ‘view’) is the revolutionary new product set to shake up the UK sliding door market. Offering ultra-slim sightlines, secure laminated glass throughout and an ingenious, unobtrusive design, Viiu is, according to the company, one of the most advanced aluminium doors ever produced – and manufacturers Viiu Ltd think it has the potential to become the next big thing in glass and glazing. “We believe we’re offering the ultimate aluminium sliding door,” comments Sales Director Rod Tate. “With Viiu, we’ve taken all the elements that make slim-line door products so popular and perfected them. 38 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018
“End-users love slim sightlines, so we’ve made them as minimal as possible. The motorised option’s drive gear is discreetly housed inside its 100mm head profile which is hidden behind the building’s façade – most competitor products require chunky head profiles up to 300mm in height to house their motors that reduces the amount of transparent space. “They love wide sections of glass – so we’ve designed a door that’s strong and tough enough to move glass sections up to 750kg in weight effortlessly. “And they love sleek, symmetrical design – so Viiu’s unique electric locking mechanism is cleverly concealed in the head of the outer frame, and a patented interlock section offers perfect
alignment.” The product also features automatic obstruction detection, a choice of wall-mounted or key fob operation, and easy motor access for maintenance and repair. “We’re already seeing a surge of interest in Viiu, and we expect that to intensify as word about the product spreads,” Rod continues. “It’s been specifically engineered to help outstanding installation businesses capitalise on growing demand for luxurious high-end doors, and it’s a surefire way of attracting affluent and aspirational end-users. “If you’re interested in learning more, don’t hesitate to call us today.” www.viiu.co.uk
SLIDING & FOLDING DOORS
Continued Growth For Mercury’s
Visofold Bifold Door Document L 2010 and a Document Q specification means it can be used in new builds too. Chris said: “Doorsets in accordance with PAS24 are being requested by our customers who work in the new build and refurbishment markets. Our Bifolds are designed to meet this criteria and are fully compliant.”
Mercury Glazing Supplies Ltd has reported a 19% increase in Aluminium sales, based on the same period in 2017, attributed mainly to the Smart’s Visofold Bifold Door. The growth in sales is as a direct result of increasing demand from their customers who have witnessed a significant growth as the door becomes the designer’s product of choice. Chris Reeks, Mercury’s Sales and Marketing Director, commented: “Watch any home design programme and you are sure to see a Bifolding door. Because of their construction and ease of use, Bifold doors are ideal for both homes and commercial properties that want to turn the outside space into another useable
room. Just take a look at the recent installation by our customer Future Rooms with one of their bespoke garden rooms! The popularity of our Bifold door is showing little signs of slowing down with larger more complex doors being the order of the day.” The Smart’s Visofold 1000 aluminium Bifold door offers elegant slim sightlines coupled with highly engineered hardware and a choice of colour options for personalisation. It features a polyamide thermal break that enhances the thermal performance of the profile and improves the overall U-value. It complies with the requirements of Building Regulations
Mercury has been fabricating the Smart’s Visofold 1000 Bifold since 2013 and is delighted by the integrity of the product. Chris said: “Our Smart’s Bifolds are manufactured using materials sourced solely from Smarts and adhere to their strict manufacturing requirements to ensure the product is fully warranted and meets with their own exacting standards. We fully fabricate every door before packaging and delivery so it’s ready to install direct on site. It’s something our customers appreciate as a recent first-time customer commented that it was the best Bifold he had ever fitted!” Mercury’s service enhances the Bifold’s already impressive credentials. The company offers a ten working day turnaround on stock colours, which are White, Anthracite Grey and Anthracite Grey on White. Mercury’s name has been built on offering the specialist products and customer-focused service that adds value to installers’ portfolios and the continued growth in their sales demonstrates this is an effective formula. WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018 39
SLIDING & FOLDING DOORS
aluplast Announces Major New Business Win aluplast has agreed a new supply deal with Weatherglaze for its cutting-edge Ideal 4000 system and its new Lift-an-Slide door. Operating from Gorey, just South of Dublin on east coast, Weatherglaze is one of Ireland’s leading fabricators, suppling windows and doors throughout the Republic. The addition of the Ideal 4000 and Lift-and-Slide comes as the manufacture gears up for growth and looks to access new opportunities generated by PVC-U/aluminium cross-over products delivered by aluskin, aluplast’s innovative external aluminium fascia system. Jim Dempsey, Chairman, Weatherglaze, said: “aluskin gives the Ideal 4000 and the aluplast Lift-andSlide a lot of retail and commercial appeal. 40 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018
“It delivers a strong aesthetic, is very energy efficient – far more energy efficient than aluminium – it allows us to combine price and performance and we expect it to deliver new opportunity to our customers.” aluplast launched the Ideal 4000 and its new Lift-and-Slide door last year [2017]. The former is defined by a contemporary ‘SquareLine’ finish. It’s also Part Q approved, achieving a WER A rating in either its’ standard PVC-U, foiled or aluskin forms. The modular aluplast 85mm Lift-and-Slide door system, was also added to its offer last year. It delivers u-values as low as 0.65 W/m2K, meeting Passive Haus standards, is capable of spanning openings of 6.5m X 2.8m, while also delivers manufacturing time
efficiencies of up to 40% over comparable systems. “The Ideal 4000 and our Lift-andSlide door are available in aluskin, our innovative ‘click-and-fix’ aluminium-cladding system”, explained Ian Cocken, Director of Sales and Marketing, aluplast. “It’s relatively new to the UK and Ireland but draws on proven technologies, guaranteeing through-life performance. “It means that Ideal 4000 in aluskin is not only the first but remains the only true aluminium-clad casement window available in the UK and Ireland. The Lift-and-Slide door it allows our customers to deliver some incredible u-values in a very flexible, cost effective and modular system.” aluplast has recently further refined this offer with the addition of a new grey substrate option. “As a foundation for aluskin or grey foils it’s the logical choice, delivering a far stronger aesthetic”, added Cocken. www.aluplast.co.uk
SLIDING & FOLDING DOORS
Deceuninck Launches
‘Best Performing’ Sliding
Patio Door – Slider24+ More Colours
Stocked From
Modplan
Deceuninck has launched Slider24+, the top performing sliding patio door. Slider24+, which is Part Q security and Part M mobility compliant, is designed to withstand heavy loads and has #BestInClass weather performance, air and water tightness, claim the company. Chris Jones, Head of Sales at Deceuninck, says: “Slider24 quickly established a lead in the market with its all-round #BestInClass performance and looks, with 26 colourways from stock. “Its successor, Slider24+, is the latest in a range of unique, new Heritage products from Deceuninck that are designed to give our fabricators a powerful competitive edge. Fabricators and
installers tell us it’s comfortably the best on the market. “It’s a beautiful patio door that has no plunge bolts and is simple to install and operate. Homeowners will love it because it comes in 26 colourways from stock, meaning quick turnaround on deliveries. It’s so secure it comes with the only security guarantee recognised by Neighbourhood Watch.” Slider24+ is certified to PAS24:2016 enhanced security, with a 12 point locking mechanism, has a double glazed A+ WER energy rating and comes with an ERA total security guarantee. To find out more about Slider24+ call 01249 816 969, visit www.deceuninck.co.uk and follow @DeceuninckUK
Leading VEKA trade fabricator Modplan has just announced more colours from its Variations range will now be available from stock. Heidi Sachs, Managing Director of Modplan said: “The increase for coloured products shows no signs of slowing down as the surge in demand from consumers looking to personalise their homes has resulted in more colour options being required. Our three new stocked colour finishes will give our customers additional opportunities to promote colour further with the confidence of a quick turnaround.” From 1st June, Modplan will stock an additional three perennial favourite finishes - Anthracite Grey on White, Anthracite Grey on Grey and Chartwell Green on White. This is in addition to their Rosewood, Golden Oak, Grey, Black, Irish Oak and on white options. In addition to the stocked Variations colour range, Modplan also has a dedicated on-site paint plant which opened in 2014. Heidi explains: “Having our own dedicated paint plant means we have rapid turnaround times on our painted coloured products too. Feedback from our customers tells us that this has made colour a lot more accessible and helped them add value to their contracts more easily.” www.modplan.co.uk WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018 41
PRODUCT NEWS
Sweet – Rethinking Door Furniture Brisant Secure have just unwrapped Sweet, a truly suited range of door furniture. It shares the same registered curved design ethos and longevity with Lock Lock, their revolutionary security door handle and includes handle, knocker, letterplate, escutcheon and numerals.
Suited door furniture has long been a headline requirement for door buyers, yet in most instances the term ‘suited’ extends little further than colour, with no design compatibility between components. Bringing Brisant’s curved design concept into the handle, knocker, letterplate, escutcheons and even numerals gives the door a genuinely coordinated appearance with curve appeal. Every Sweet element is manufactured to the same speci42 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018
fication as Lock Lock, which boasts 8,000+ hours in a salt spray chamber, 34 times longer than the 240 hour accreditation requirement and eight times that claimed by stainless steel systems. Based on independent tested performance, the Sweet 10 year anti-corrosion warranty is a guaranteed expectation of life-span, not a period of time that the installer is expected to supply replacements for.
To reinforce this confidence, Brisant are relieving the installer from tiresome ‘pitting’ furniture issues by giving a direct-to-consumer warranty, with a simple and quick on-line activation system. Nick Dutton CEO of Brisant Secure commented: ‘We have seen little innovation in the door furniture sector for
many years, with ever-inflating prices for me-too products. So we’ve developed Sweet, a fully integrated door furniture system, that’s all wrapped up in a beautiful design and so it not only looks sensational, but offers unrivalled longevity, something we’re backing up by taking full ownership of the warranty. He continued: ‘At the same time we’re bringing in Lock Lock to the Sweet family as not only the ultimate high security upgrade, but as a suited high security upgrade. Collectively, this will provide unique sales opportunities for our customers in the entrance door market, without the worry of pitting hardware and excessive call backs.’ www.sweet-doors.co.uk
PRODUCT NEWS
Window Ware Chosen To Supply
Cutting-Edge Caldwell Lock Hardware supplier Window Ware has been announced as the exclusive launch partner for Caldwell’s innovative new Cotswold Sinidex window lock in England and Wales. The deal comes as the pinnacle of over ten years of close collaboration between the two firms, as Caldwell’s Strategic Accounts Manager Alan Hartley explains.
The cutting-edge Cotswold Sinidex system is a high-specification window lock with twin locking cams and is tested to PAS24 standard with a Secured by Design accreditation. The product boasts several fabricator-friendly features such as an intelligent floating mushroom technology, that offers robust security performance and ex-
cellent tolerance, and ensures the window always locates. Designed with the fabricator in mind, there are also time-saving features such as the routing prep, the same as a standard espagnolette, and there are handy lines on the rod to aid alignment. The Cotswold Sinidex lock will eventually form part of a full casement window guarantee package, including stayguards and hinges, allowing customers to quickly and easily manufacture high-performance product. www.windowware.co.uk
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“We’ve developed a fantastic relationship with Window Ware over the last decade, and when it came to finding a launch partner for the new Cotswold Sinidex lock, they were the obvious choice.
“Window Ware share our uncompromising commitment to quality, innovation, and outstanding customer service – and I’m confident that, with their support, the Cotswold Sinidex lock will go on to be a huge success.”
N 16
Hero TBT Gearing. As good as the big brands. Just more competitively priced. High quality & high security as standard. Independently tested at Europe’s largest test house, IFT Rosenheim in Germany.
From award winning European manufacturer
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WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018 43
PRODUCT NEWS
Yale Announces
Improvements To Its Lockmaster Panic Exit Hardware Security specialist Yale has enhanced its Panic Exit hardware to offer a superior solution that’s faster to fit and easier to operate. The updated Lockmaster Panic Exit device has been redeveloped for improved fabrication, installation and use. Instead of using adjustable bosses, the device now features straight through fixings to guarantee smoother operation for both fabricators and end users alike. Additionally, all components are supplied in a dedicated kit box to make the installation process much more streamlined. Paddock Exit 03-11-11Paul Atkinson, Sales and Commercial Director for Yale Door and Window Solutions, said: “Safety is more important than ever and at the forefront of specification we want to make sure our customers have all the information and advice they need to install 44 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018
devices in line with the latest guidance. To demonstrate our commitment to customers and continuous improvement, we have redeveloped our Panic Hardware to enhance the fabrication and installation process, investing heavily in a comprehensive range of marketing and training support to make installation as easy as possible. “The resources include a user-friendly installation manual and product instructions as well as a series of ‘How to’ videos. The videos demonstrate the installation process for the device as well as how to operate once installed. All of which adds clarity to the installation process making it much more straightforward for our installer customers.” The new hardware also comes with separate end-user instructions providing clear operating guidance.
Specifically designed for use with Yale’s Lockmaster range of multi-point door locks, the Lockmaster Panic Exit hardware offers the advantage of high performance security and compression, together with accredited emergency egress capability for a wide range of commercial applications. When the device is installed on a double door, Yale offer a patented solution. The panic exit device is fully compliant with EN1125:2008, meets classification 37601421AB and is also CE marked to meet current European legislation. It is also backed by Yale’s 10-year guarantee – providing ultimate peace of mind for end-users. For further information on Yale’s Lockmaster Panic Exit Hardware, please visit www.yaledws.co.uk
PRODUCT NEWS we add to our offering, prioritising high-performance, high-specification glazing products,” comments Colin Stanley, Operations Director at Astraseal. “We are absolutely delighted to add this fantastic range, which undoubtedly ticks all the boxes. The combination of the styles and colours with a market-leading performance means not only is it incredibly versatile but hugely attractive for both consumers and specifiers. We expect this range to be incredibly popular with our customers nationwide, providing a desirable, high-value product that wins new business.” Available with fixed-side or head-light glazing combinations and in either single or double door configurations, the Designer Door range offers U Values as low as 0.9 thanks to revolutionary thermal break technology, a fully insulated door panel and triple glazed and laminated glass units.
Astraseal
The new Designer Door range joins the Wellingborough firm’s full range of aluminium glazing products including windows, doors, bi-folds, patio doors and outdoor living products. The firm also manufactures a full range of uPVC glazing products using REHAU and Eurocell profiles.
Astraseal, the renowned trade and commercial fabricator has once again strengthened their aluminium offering with the introduction of the Designer Door range from respected extruders Smart Systems.
With one of the biggest portfolios in the industry, Astraseal has built a strong reputation for high-quality aluminium and uPVC products including windows, doors and conservatories. For over 30-years, operating from Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, Astraseal’s ethos has been to offer exceptional products with customer service that goes above and beyond.
Boosts Aluminium Offering With
Smart’s New Designer Doors
The Designer Door range is the result of Smart’s continued research and development, creating a premium aluminium door range that expertly combines
style with unrivalled strength and durability. It means that along with traditional, heritage and contemporary styles and a range colours, the Designer Door range offers 66mm triple glazing, a 10-point locking mechanism and 3 adjustable hinges that can withstand an incredible 80kg of pressure. “At Astraseal we are extremely selective about the products
www.astraseal.co.uk WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018 45
PRODUCT NEWS
Vista Supplies Xtreme Slabs To Northern Ireland Police
To Aid With Access Training Composite door manufacturer Vista Panels has supplied the Police Service of Northern Ireland with 50 of their highly secure door blanks for access training.
The Northern Ireland Police College will train their staff on how best to tackle the GRP entrance slabs with a variety of cutting tools. Like all Police forces across the UK, the PSNI on occasion need to gain quick entry into properties and the high-security make up of GRP composite doors can be a formidable and time-consuming barrier. “We are always happy to help the Police service as we understand the importance of them being able to gain access to properties as part of their duties. Whilst we design the doors to be of the highest security, the Police have at their disposal some specialist hardware that will allow their officers to get
having to train with the materials in order to do this. GRP composite doors with high-security multi-point locks have created a fresh challenge for police forces as timber doors were much easier to get through. It is only right and forward-thinking that they would come directly to the manufacturer to carry out their own tests on how best to gain access and either save lives or tackle criminals.”
It is not the first time the Merseyside-firm has worked in partnership with the UK’s Police service. Back in 2013, Vista supplied Greater Manchester Police’s access training facility with a number of full door sets to practise their own methods of gaining entry. The Manchester-based training centre found the experience hugeinto the property,” comments Ian ly helpful and were so impressed Smith, Sales and Marketing Manag- with the door sets that some of er at Vista. their officers even had them fitted on their own properties. “It’s a real testament to the strength of composite doors that they are www.vistapanels.co.uk
Distinction’s Nxt-Gen Door Proves Popular For APC Panels Fabrication door specialists, APC Panels Ltd introduced Distinction Doors nxt-gen composite door range into their portfolio last year and have been delighted by the results. Hugh Jones, Director of South Wales-based APC Panels said: “We added the nxt-gen door to our product portfolio following its launch and it has further enhanced our already impressive range of door products. The nxt-gen doors have been well accepted by both our trade and retail customers and they’ve been a great addition to the range.” APC Panels has been a Distinction Doors customer for around ten years and manufactures both the Signature and nxt-gen composite 46 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018
door ranges. It also offers a comprehensive selection of stunning glass designs from the Distinction Glass collection. Hugh said: “As a longstanding Distinction customer we have always been impressed with the quality and innovation of Distinction’s product range. But what impressed us with nxt-gen was the product’s balanced aesthetics, the ease of de-glazing and the speed of manufacture. It sets a new standard in composite door design.” APC Panels has over 30 years’ experience in the manufacture of door products in South Wales. The company believes that one of the greatest contributions to their success over the years has been
its attitude towards its customers. Hugh said: “We take pride in offering our customers a complete end-to-end service. From bespoke design and accurate fabrication, right through to delivery. We take pride in offering a high-quality service. www.distinctiondoors.co.uk
PRODUCT NEWS
Bennetts Help Transform Ainsdale Train Station Aluminium glazing specialists Bennett Architectural have completed work on the refurbishment of Ainsdale Train Station in Southport. Working with Morgan Sindall and Liverpool based Owen Ellis Architects, Bennetts supplied and installed Kawneer AA100 curtain walling and Pilkington Planar systems; with stunning
results. The £2.5m investment in the Merseyrail station comes from the Government’s National Stations Improvement Programme and Network Rail. Lionel Grant, Managing Director at Bennett Architectural commented, “We’re delighted to have completed work on
Ainsdale Train Station and from the images you can see a stunning transformation. “This all-round improved facility will greatly benefit the local community of Southport.” Additional features for Ainsdale Train Station include a passenger waiting area with WiFi, improved information screens, increased seating and new waiting shelters. www.baasl.co.uk WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018 47
PRODUCT NEWS
Turning Every Door Installation
Into A Veranda Opportunity With ALUK
smaller spans where additional steel reinforcement is not required. The glass roofed 3.5m wide x 2.5m deep Veranda arrived on site in kit form and was assembled and installed all in one day. All of the clever features, which go across all the models in the range, such as invisible fixings, water drainage pipes integrated within the posts, and an easily adjustable roof pitch made the installation quick and easy. The homeowners were delighted with the finished project, which perfectly matched the visualisation produced for them beforehand using AluK’s clever Veranda app. This bespoke app allows installers to take a photo of the property where the Veranda is to be fitted and provide potential customers with a tempting illustration of how it will look with their choice of Veranda fitted along with their quotation.
The AluK Veranda system is a product which gives customers the perfect add-on to every bifold and sliding door they fit, as well as providing an opportunity to revisit virtually every door installation they have completed in recent years and generate a follow up sale. It is particularly appealing to installers because it offers a highly attractive retail gross margin and can be fitted in less than a day. It generally will not need planning permission either, so represents a very straightforward addition to their product portfolio and, even as a retrofit, it promises minimal disruption to the customer. To illustrate just how easy the installation process is and how great the Veranda looks when finished, AluK has completed a 48 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018
‘model’ installation in Sidcup, Kent. Appropriately this was at a property where the homeowners already had an AluK Optio BSF70 bi-fold door fitted and where they could see how a Veranda could open up their outdoor space even further. They wanted to be able to use their patio area more for entertaining and relaxing – even when it is windy or raining, and to increase the open plan feel of their home and garden. To match perfectly with the Optio BSF70, the homeowners chose AluK’s Type 3 Modern Veranda model in a textured 7016 grey finish. The Modern is the most contemporary of AluK’s Veranda options, with slim aesthetic lines, and is the most cost effective option for
The app works with AluK’s online ordering tool as well, which guides customers through a step by step process to get the specification just right and automatically calculates the roof pitch, wind loading and glass sizes required. Alongside this Modern Veranda, AluK’s range also includes standard and Enhanced models, which come with steel reinforcement and are suitable for larger open spans of up to 6 metres with just two posts, and Premium, which features thermal breaks so that it can be combined with low threshold glass sliding doors and protective side walls to create a truly year round indoor/outdoor option. They are available to customers in bar lengths or as kits. Further details are available at www.aluk.co.uk
PRODUCT NEWS
expectations – particularly the heating costs. “It’s brilliant, my wife loves it. Everywhere’s so much lighter, even in the original kitchen, and the roof looks as if it’s always been there because it matches the roof on the other side of the house. We’d planned to have a heater in the conservatory so we could use it all year round but the roof is so effective at keeping in the heat that we’ve never been cold at all – even though there have been a couple of frosts recently”.
Sharp Looks In Spalding With Eurocell’s Skypod Acute Extra space and light all year round – but with no extra heating costs – are the benefits Dan Sheppard enjoyed after choosing to cap his conservatory extension with the Skypod Acute from Eurocell – one of the UK’s leading manufacturer, distributor and recycler of window, door, conservatory and roofline products. And, thanks to the steep pitch of 350, the new roof matched the existing roofs and looked as if it was part of the original design.
Precision engineered for quick and simple installation, Skypod can be fitted quickly and accurately because there are no mitring or awkward angles to cut – just assemble and screw into place using the pre-drilled screw holes. Available in blue, neutral, bronze or clear self-cleaning temperature controlled glass, a Skypod lantern roof provides the homeowner with exceptional energy efficiency – U-values as low as 1.0 are achievable.
When Dan and his wife Ashy moved into their bungalow in Spalding, Lincolnshire, it soon became apparent that the kitchen was too small for their needs and was, facing east, rather dark. After deciding on a conservatory extension, Dan brought in David Shaw of Shaw Home Improvements, who suggested Skypod Acute would be ideal.
me looking at this job”, says David. “I thought it would look really good and I really like the Skypod system – it’s a doddle to fit. A roof like this we can fit in two or three hours while another system would take half a day”.
“I follow Eurocell on Facebook so I saw that this new version of Skypod when it was released and this just coincided with
EP1815SN Eurocell Skypod Acute Spalding (2)And Dan is more than happy with the result, which has exceeded his
There are three versions of Skypod: the original, which has a fixed 200 roof pitch; SkypodSQ, a square skylight with a simple but ingenious four-hip design that lets in more natural light than conventional designs of equivalent surface area; and Skypod Acute. Skypod Acute’s 350 pitch is also ideal for more commercial applications such as schools, colleges, hospitals and offices. All three models are covered by a 10-year guarantee and available in the full colour range of Anthracite Grey, Moondust Grey, Golden Oak, Rosewood and White – with a further 30 colour options that can be made to order in just three weeks. www.eurocell.co.uk WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018 49
PRODUCT NEWS
ing on application and budget, the roof can be covered with a choice of 8mm toughened glass that offers a clear view of the sky, or 35mm structured polycarbonate panels that are vandal and shatter resistant. The system is manufactured from Milwood’s bespoke aluminium extrusions and are finished in any RAL or BS colour required. Both products can be supplied with a range of upgrades to enhance the use of the structure, such as heating, lighting and glass sliding doors as part of the luxury glass room package. The products have been designed with simplicity in mind by Managing Director Mark Wood. Thanks to Mark’s background as an installer, all products have been designed with an installer focus to make them as simple as possible.
Milwood Group Helps Installers Prepare For The Summer
With New Alfresco Veranda Range Outdoor Living specialists the Milwood Group have launched two new products in its stunning, high-quality Alfresco range of verandas as the outdoor living market continues to grow into the summer. After hitting the target with the Traditional Alfresco, Milwood Group has extended the range with the Lifestyle and the Contemporary Alfresco systems. The Lifestyle Alfresco has a 50 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018
fresh, rounded appearance, which enables it to fit in with both modern and older style buildings, creating a subtle look. The Contemporary Alfresco is a sleek yet modern structure that will never go out of style due to its clean and sleek appearance. Each system can span up to six metres between posts and can extend out from the property by six metres to accommodate any size of outside space. Depend-
Mark comments: “We are delighted to announce our new range of Alfresco verandas, providing our customers with three very different looking, high-end structures that will complement any environment and meet the rising consumer demand. “The outdoor living market is growing off the back of the boom in the bi-fold door sector. Verandas, canopies and luxury glass rooms offer a big span between posts, which creates a viable outdoor space that’s useable throughout the year. “As with the current Alfresco system, all three structures are able to span up to six metres from the wall and have a maximum distance of six metres between the front posts, leaving customers with an expansive, uninterrupted view.” For more information visit www.milwoodgroup.com
PRODUCT NEWS
Smart Launches
UK’s First PAS 24 Tested Auto Slide Door
and high-performance entrance door solution. “Having elected to use the dormakaba ES200 sliding door operator system, our team undertook some re-design work of the existing Smart Wall door system to ensure that the auto-slide product delivers the same demanding performance and aesthetic requirements as the rest of the system, including the achievement of the new PAS 24 standards.”
Smart Architectural Aluminium has introduced a PAS 24 option to its auto-slide Smart Wall door system. Featuring standard and fire escape door variants, the new auto-slide door is the first in the UK to be fully tested to the latest PAS 24 standards.
light commercial applications and public buildings such as schools, hospitals and leisure centres and is available in both single and double door configurations. With the correct gearing set-up, the system is also suitable for installation as a fire escape door.
Representing the latest security upgrade to Smart’s established Smart Wall system, the new auto-slide door provides architects, designers and facilities managers with even more flexibility when working on both new build and refurbishment projects. Meeting the requirements of BS EN 16005, the door is ideal for use in both
Commenting on the product upgrade, Kevin Cole, Smart’s Senior Project Engineer, said: “In developing the new door, our technical team worked closely with access control hardware-specialist dormakaba, bringing the combined strength and experience of our two businesses together to create an elegant, high quality
Lee Chandler, Product Marketing Manager at dormakaba added: “Our new ES200 hardware offered the perfect solution for the Smart Wall door, enabling it to operate smoothly, quietly and efficiently with a wide range of widths, weights and functionality. Although we have worked with Smart for many years on a number of products and projects, it has been great to work so closely with the team to successfully bring this new product to launch.” The door is available in a wide range of colour options, including dual colour, from Smart’s extensive range of standard and non-standard finishes and in line with all products in the Smart Wall range, the profiles of the new auto-slide door feature polyamide barriers to maximise thermal performance. The product also complies with the latest requirements of Document L for thermal transmittance. For more details visit www.smartsystems.co.uk WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018 51
PRODUCT NEWS
Optima From Profile 22
Ticks All The Boxes
If you’re looking to compete in the market, choosing a system that ticks all the boxes is a good place to start. Gerald Allen, Marketing Manager at Epwin Window Systems, says: “From the aesthetics to the versatility to the thermal efficiency to the security Optima from Profile 22, an Epwin Window Systems brand, ticks all the boxes. It’s why the system is attracting so many plaudits, it’s increasingly the commercial sector’s preferred choice and is popular in both the trade and retail markets too.” Optima isn’t just one system, it’s three, opening up a world of opportunities. The sculptured system offers clean, modern and attractive styling, the chamfered system conveys its simple, angular lines and the flush 52 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018
casement option delivers the feature-rich qualities that today’s market demands. While each option is very different, all share a slim-framed aesthetic that increases sightlines and solar gain. The versatility is enhanced with Optima’s ancillaries range, which includes cills, baypoles and packers to maximise the flexibility so fabricators and installers can personalise and perfect every project. The Optima colour range includes 28 shades to appeal to every taste. The system also fully integrates with other products from the Epwin Window Systems stable so you can offer a complete solution for every project with ease. Optima delivers outstanding thermal efficiency. An Optima double glazed unit can achieve
an A+ rating and a U-value of 1.2 W/m2K. And with triple-glazing, U-values as low as 0.8 W/m2K are available. These figures are achieved thanks to features such as a six-chambered outerframe and a five-chambered sash, which can be used with RCM thermal inserts. The system also offers the widest range of glazing options on the market, ranging from 24-44mm, plus triple glazing in three sizes. Security is also exceptional because Optima has features such as a central Eurogroove and a secure bead system that passes security tests without glazing clips. The system more than meets current security requirements and is ready for proposed enhancements to PAS24 too. www.profile22.co.uk
PRODUCT NEWS
Mark Haley, Director, HWL Trade Frames
Non-Glass Bonded R9
Cuts The Cost Of Installation By A Third Customers buying in Residence 9 unglazed are saving up to third on installation costs compared to the install of glass-bonded products by reducing weight and simplifying handling, says fabricator HWL. HWL launched R9 unglazed last year following significant investment in its manufacturing process and the addition Timberweld® sash-welding technologies. This gives it an almost unique capability in the UK to butt weld window sashes inside and out, replicating the aesthetic delivered in a 90° mechanical joint. The process also eliminates the requirement to glass-bond units to provide structural strength to the window. This means that HWL’s window can be supplied frame-only and glazed on site, significantly reducing weight and simplifying installation. IMG_MarkHaley2 Mark Haley, Director, HWL Trade Frames
“What we’re doing is we’re levelling the playing field”, said Mark Haley, Director, HWL Trade Frames. “In butt welding the window, it looks the same as a mechanical joint but you don’t need to glass bond sashes so you fit it in exactly the same way as you would any other window. “There isn’t an installer in the country who would fit a window glass bonded by choice because of the weight and because the install is much more difficult. “We’ve removed all of those obstacles. You buy you’re glass from your usual supplier and fit it just like any other window. What that leaves you with is a great window but one that is also easy to install.” This means that where the weight of a larger glass bonded window, for example bay, would require a three-man fit, as a standard unglazed install, HWL says it can comfortably be delivered by a single team, reducing the cost of installation by a third.
Mark continued: “An average day rate for a fitter is £120 and the average R9 install will generally run from two to three days. In choosing to buy non-glass bonded frames, you could be cutting as much as £360 off the cost of each installation. “If you’re paying per window at say £50 per window you could be looking at £500 back on a threeday fit on an average property with 10 windows and doors – that goes straight back on to your bottom line.” The R9 specialist’s pioneering unglazed/frame-only R9 window secured PAS24 and Part Q approval in May. This also follows a series of top passes under BS EN 6375 – 1 Weather Testing completed in April this year. “R9 is a great product. It’s defined a whole section of the market but there are other systems out there which while not matching R9 on aesthetics or performance, have been better to fit because they’re not glass bonded. “Remove the glass bonding process and installation is infinitely easier – you buy your glass from your usual supplier, fit as you would a standard window and save up to £500 on installation costs compared to fitting a glass bonded window. Why wouldn’t you?” www.hwlwindows.co.uk WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018 53
PRODUCT NEWS
Lumi2 Shines At Debut Installation
Dekko Adds
New Grey Substrate
To Their Seamless Infinity Flush Sash
Dekko Window Systems has extended the premium credentials of its seamless uPVC system with the addition of a new grey substrate. The new substrate, finished in an Anthracite Smooth Matt foil, gives Infinity a matching high-end finish on the inside of the frame – replacing the standard white or dark brown finish that’s found when you open other window systems. The combination of the grey on grey appearance, alongside both Graf welded frames and now cills, means Infinity is expertly placed to help Dekko customers target the premium end of the home improvement market. “Infinity has long been the luxury alternative to standard white uPVC windows and we’re delighted to extend that with the brand-new substrate,” comments Kurt Greatrex, Sales Director at Dekko Window Systems. “With its Smooth Matt finish, the new substrate adds the final touch to what is already a highly-desirable and high-margin window system, which meets the premium demands of today’s consumer.” dekkowindows.com 54 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018
Apeer says the radical Lumi frameless window system has been one of the runaway successes of the decade – and now its successor, the retrofit-friendly Lumi2 has begun to cause as much of a stir, even after its debut installation. But as the installer explained, its retrofit proposition is only half the story of its popularity. Dublin-based Harvest Energy was the first to put in the new system and immediately won another order on the strength of it, with a third signed up soon after and a few more homeowners already showing an interest. Lumi2 was designed with retrofit in mind – with its slimmer, 70mm outerframe depth and 28mm double glazing – but, as Harvest owner Jason Peters explained, that is only one of two major benefits the system has for retailers: “Of course, it opens up a whole new market for Lumi,” he said, “But it also gives an extra, midrange price point for anyone thinking about Lumi. “The systems look pretty much the same when they’re installed but the price difference gives a big strategic advantage. Lumi gives us something no one else can offer and Lumi2 lets us offer the same look priced between PVC-U and the original Lumi. “It also gives us something we can work down to where we have quoted for the original Lumi, especially in commercial and new-build pitches; that is very valuable.”
He concluded: “By the way things are going, we are looking to Lumi making up 20% of our business by
next year.” Apeer MD Asa McGillian said that with Lumi2 working out around a third less than the original, the potential for cost saving – including combining both systems in a single installation – is proving to be an added draw for many installers: “The core purpose of evolving the Lumi system into Lumi2 was to make it more compatible with domestic retrofit. But the feedback we are getting from installers who have looked at the system tells us, just as Harvest has discovered, that the strategic benefit of a lower cost alternative will be significant. “Also because the two have the same external appearance, they can be used in combination, for example with the additional soundproofing of the original at the front of a house, then Lumi2 at the back.” www.lumiwindows.com www.apeer.co.uk
PRODUCT NEWS
Truframe’s 5 Colours In 5 Days Despite the recent rhetoric for “new thinking” towards coloured uPVC window supply, TruFrame have been offering a 5-day service for foiled products since 2013. Today, the company continues to support their customers by offering these impressive lead times on an even wider range of colours, whilst backing up their promises with world class OnTime-In-Full service levels. ‘Though the market demand for uPVC profiles in an ever-increasing number of colour options has never been in doubt, the product complexity and requirement for foiled-on-white and foiled-bothsides means that most fabricators offer foiled products on extended lead times,’ explains TruFrame director Patrick Firmager.
For the past five years, TruFrame customers have benefitted from being able to order all foiled options for rosewood, golden oak and anthracite grey on the same lead time as white uPVC – just 5 days. In addition, the company’s 7-day lead time offering encompasses smooth ivory, white foil, cream foil, black foil, Chartwell Green and Irish Oak. Elsewhere in the Liniar range is an even wider range of colour options offered on a longer lead time, due to the profile needing to be foiled to order. As market demand shifts in line with consumer trends, TruFrame will again look to adopt shorter lead times on new foils as popularity increases, ensuring that customers always have easy access to the next “in” colour.
Patrick added that: ‘Our 5-day service for both white uPVC and high demand colour options is something that our customers value and take full advantage of, as it can be the defining factor between winning or losing a job. Our commitment to delivering high quality hand-finished products when we say we will, gives our customers the confidence to actively promote foiled products.’ With desire for foiled windows and doors every increasing, the way in which colour is sold must also evolve. Today’s homeowners want to see exactly what it is they’re buying, which is why TruFrame’s innovative QuoteBuilder tool provides fully-representative and photorealistic visualisations of every product, in every colour combination available. Going to such length demonstrates competency and transparency to homeowners, whilst generating qualified leads for TruFrame’s installation partners. Please visit www.truframe.co.uk WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018 55
PRODUCT NEWS
New Figures Suggest That Industry Is Underplaying The Potential Of Colour
Manufacturing gaskets for a wealth of systems, including Smart, ALUK, Metaltech, Senior and Ikon, amongst others, Extrudaseal’s range is available in more than 1000 RAL colours. “The irony is that product differentiation in window and door manufacture and retail is very difficult to come by”, continued Paul. “We know colour gasket works for those customers who are using it because they’re telling us.
New figures released by specialist extruder of gaskets, Extrudaseal, reveal that despite increases in overall volumes, black remains by far and away the dominant gasket colour. According to its analysis, there was little change in the supply of gasket in the last two years, with black accounting for 92% of all window and door gasket it supplied in 2016 and 2017. White was the next biggest seller accounting for 4.5% of sales in 2016 with a slight drop in popularity to 4.2% of the total last year. Grey gasket remained the next strongest performer, accounting for approximately 2% of sales in 2016 and 2017, while brown accounted for approximately 1%. Metallic gasket accounted for 0.2% of sales in 2016 and 0.1% in 2017, with the remainder in 56 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018
both years, (0.3 to 0.7%) made up by special orders. IMG_3454Paul James, Sales Director, Extrudaseal, said: “Perhaps slightly disappointingly demand for colour gasket stood still last year, despite an overall increase in volumes. “Of the colour gaskets we supply anthracite grey is singularly the most popular – which is a direct reflection of popularity the colour is enjoying across the board.
“Matching gasket into the frame colour, whether that’s grey, white or something else, delivers an effect which lowers the sightline so that it disappears into the frame creating a genuine point of differentiation for very marginal cost.” This includes its RAL 9007 metallic silver gasket, designed to provide a match to contemporary silver powder coated installations, which accounted for approximately 0.1% of sales last year.
“The figures are clear – black remains what most of our customers buy from us. This also means that there is an opportunity that’s going untapped. We “But fundamentally, the opportu- have the capability to manufacnity to upsell aluminium product ture in more than 1000 RAL coloverall by colour matching gasours, which add a tangible point kets to frames by both fabricaof differentiation at the point of tors and installers, isn’t being retail”, said Paul. exploited.” He concluded: “That’s a very Extrudaseal became a stanreal USP in a crowded market dalone business from parent and place.” now sister company, Euroseal in 2012, giving new and dedicated For more information visit focus to the then Euroseal flexi- www.extrudaseal.com ble extrusion business.
PRODUCT NEWS
Kolorseal Opens New
Midlands Depot
Established over 14 years ago, Kolorseal Ltd provides an expert colour coating service to the fenestration industry. Thanks to the ever-increasing demand for coloured windows and doors, the business has enjoyed 30% growth in the last year alone and has now opened a second depot – Kolorseal Midlands – in West Bromwich.
Distinction Doors
In Any Colour! Distinction Doors, one of the UK’s leading composite door suppliers, now offers any colour across their entire composite door ranges, both internally and externally. Bethaney Larkman, Distinction Doors’ Marketing Manager said: “For the consumer, selecting the colour is one of the most important decisions when choosing a front door which is why we now offer all our doors in any colour. We are giving our customers and their installers a competitive edge to offer any colour door and add value to the sale.”
Distinction Doors opened their state-of-the-art paint plant back in 2015 with the investment bringing a wealth of benefits to Distinction’s customers. Bethaney explains: “We’re much closer to the painting process therefore we’re aware of
trends in colour, which gives us great market insight that we can use to support our customers. Our state of the art in-house paint plant allows doors and glazing cassettes to have an exact colour and woodgrain match across all our bespoke colours. This also means that customers benefit from having only one surface warranty.Our customers love that their consumers can choose the perfect colour for the exterior of their home and can choose a different colour for the interior side of the door for a seamless look and feel.” As consumers become more adventurous with colour it makes good sense to partner with a composite door company who can offer all the colours you need. It’s what we call the Distinction difference!
Deborah Hendry, Director of Kolorseal comments: “The demand for coloured windows and doors is growing fast and being able to offer a wide range of colours is a must for any fabricator or installer. However, in-house painting or foiling facilities require significant investment and expertise. This is where, as colour coating specialists, Kolorseal comes in. For us it’s all about process efficiency and service. We don’t just paint; we offer a deep understanding of the best way to achieve the best quality and a fast, reliable, hassle-free solution to colour, for our customers. “The business has grown substantially in the last few years – over 30% year-on-year – and more enquiries have been coming in from a wider area than ever before. The new Midlands depot allows us to offer this unique level of service to a wider geographical area, as well as even better service for existing customers more local to our new facility. “The new depot is 6,000 sq.ft with dedicated spraying booths and an infra-red drying system that can dry within 3 hours. Our standard service levels will apply, including any RAL or BS colour as standard on a 5+1 day turnaround, a bespoke colour matching service, with a free collection and delivery service within 75 miles of West Bromwich.” www.kolorseal.co.uk WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018 57
PRODUCT NEWS
Morris Homes Feature
100 homes planned for the development we needed to be confident that the roofline materials would be consistent and available when needed. We don’t have the facilities to store large quantities on site so I order enhance the local area. One of on a plot specific basis at the the ways we achieve this is by same time as the roof trusses. using colour instead of white. It Our local Freefoam Supplier immediately raises the profile of ensures that all grey fascia is a house design and gives instant available and arranges delivery kerb appeal.” to site. The quality of the product is excellent and the whole Freefoam Building Products is process is working really well for the colour specialist. Colour us” fascia, soffit and guttering is manufactured using Freefoam’s Colour is rapidly has become patented ColormaxTM technolo- one of the major design changgy – an advanced master-batch- es in both new housebuilding ing process with a blend of and retrofit in the last five years. natural PVC and pigments that House builders like Morris are simultaneously co-extruded. Homes are increasingly using Fascia and Soffit are produced colour to bring style and definiwith built-in colourfastness, col- tion to developments. Freefoam our variety, and reliable colour Building Products have estabmatching, all with a ten year lished themselves as experts guarantee. Eight roofline colours in colour and have put in place are all available straight from manufacturing and ordering stock, ranging from subtle Pale processes to meet customer exGold and Sand to more dramatic pectation and deliver customer Black and Grey. demand.
Freefoam Colour Fascia Freefoam Building Products are delighted to showcase Dark Grey Fascia at a new Morris Homes site in Leicester. Situated on the edge of the city, surrounded by beautiful open fields and woodland, the Glebelands Park development features a collection of detached and semi-detached 3, 4 and 5 bedroom properties designed to offer stylish homes that blend in to the surrounding countryside. Morris Homes selected Dark Grey fascia to perfectly complement the grey window frames, juliet balconies and garage doors to achieve a coordinated, contemporary look. Phil Shaw, Procurement Manager explained “The site at Glebelands Park is one of our more ‘contemporary’ sites. We’re often driven by planning guidelines and pride ourselves on being able to offer Local Authorities a ‘non-standard’ look that will 58 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018
Richard Watson, Site Manager explained how it works “With
To see the full range of colour fascia click here
PRODUCT NEWS
Wide Soffit Just Got
Woodgrained! Freefoam Building Products has announced the addition of four woodgrain finishes to its Wide 605mm Soffit Range. The wide General Purpose Board is becoming a popular choice on many contemporary house styles, and has been added to the range as part of Freefoam’s continuing support of customers servicing the Housebuilder. Available in a choice of Rosewood, Light Oak, Black Ash and Anthracite Grey the woodgrain finish allows for a fully coordinated roofline. The Freefoam woodgrain range is manufactured to last using marketing leading Renolit Exofol MX foil that features Solar Shield Technology, a technology to provide built in UV protection,
elements as a cost effective way to add a contemporary feel to house and apartment developments. Freefoam made a long term commitment to colour right at the start of this trend embracing new ways of manufacture and ensuring that colour and woodgrain facia and soffit are available across the entire range. These additions further underline Freefoam’s position as the colour specialist.
Colin St John, UK General Manager, summarised “We have established ourselves as leaders to reduce heat absorption, temperature build up and expansion. in the manufacture of colour PVC roofline so monitor the marketThese properties allow Freefoam to offer a ten year guarantee on all place to ensure our product range is meeting new trends and woodgrain fascia and soffit. demands. Research and customer feedback has led us to Colour for external PVC prodadd this wide soffit in woodgrain ucts such and windows, doors, colours which will ensure that our balconies, fascia and guttering range gives housebuilders and has been one of the major style domestic installers the products changes in the new build market in the last five years. House build- they need to meet this growing demand.” ers are increasingly using colour to bring style and definition to developments and utilising colour www.freefoam.com
New Timber-Like Roofline Board Fits The Bill
Eurocell, one of the UK’s leading manufacturer, distributor and recycler of window, door, conservatory and plastic building products, is enhancing its popular Roofline range with the launch of a new 16mm Flat Roofline board. Ideal for new-build and refurbishment, the aesthetically-pleasing and engineered board is identical to a standard timber fascia but carries a guarantee of up to 20 years and is easier to fit. Installation is simple and swift: just fix it directly to the rafter feet with Polytop nails or screws. Once in place, the board will bear the weight of eaves tiles and guttering without any need
for a backing board or tilt fillet to reinforce it. EP1812FR 16mm Flat Roofline launch (2)This board also simplifies fitting the soffit board – just push the appropriate Eurocell soffit and it will slot into place.
As with all other Roofline products the 16mm board has the same market-leading guarantees against discolouration, warping and cracking: 20 years for white, and 10 years for laminated boards, provided the manufacturer’s recommendations are followed. These boards are available in a range of colours to enable homeowners to achieve a contemporary look and complement
existing features. Colours include white, rosewood, black ash or anthracite grey wood grain and the board comes in convenient widths of 150, 175, 200, 225, 250, 300 or 400mm. www.eurocell.co.uk WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018 59
ON SITE
REHAU Flush Fit Windows Give Modern Twist To Town Centre Development 60 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018
REHAU flush fit windows have been used to give a contemporary finish to a new luxury apartment development in South London, which forms part of Brunswick Square – the centrepiece of Orpington’s town regeneration programme. Situated close to Orpington high street, the Brunswick Square development is being delivered by Berkeley Homes (Eastern Counties). Built on the location of the former Met Office building, the scheme includes 83 modern one and two-bedroom apartments
ON SITE
qualities and low maintenance that PVC-U windows can offer. In total, 192 REHAU PVC-U flush fit casement windows were fitted at Brunswick Square. REHAU‘s flush fit window is based on an authentic, traditional design, timber window but with all the benefits of modern PVC performance. The window integrates seemelessly into new builds and other commercial projects and meets a range of requirements – it is multi-chambered for improved U Values, withstands all weather types, offers a full range of colour laminate options and much more. The style consists of a casement window side and top hung where the sash fits flush into the frame.
each with a private terrace, winter garden or balcony. It is surrounded by a landscaped public square, a cinema, hotel, gym and restaurants, and all within 20 minutes of central London.
the high standards expected, but also adhere to the rigorous planning regulations for the regeneration area and match the aesthetics of the police station, which made way for the development.
The Berkley Homes brand is synonymous with high quality specification and attention to detail, so when it came to the selection of windows for the Brunswick Square scheme, contractor SEH Commercial needed to recommend products which would not only meet
SEH Commercial recommended REHAU’s flush fit windows with a Smooth Anthracite Grey on the exterior with white on the interior, to create contemporary and clean lines for the building’s exterior yet offer homeowners all the efficiency advantages, noise reduction
Kevin O’Neill, Commercial Manager at REHAU said: “We launched our flush fitting casement windows in 2014 to offer REHAU customers even more options for their clients when specifying PVC-U windows. With a flush fit window its possible to create very clean and contemporary lines, which works particularly well on large developments like Brunswick Square. The addition of the grey laminate foil adds a further modern twist and reduces sight lines to deliver a glazing finish which scores high for aesthetics, as well as cost, efficiency and longevity. The Berkeley Group have embraced the use of our flush fit casement window on a number of their developments, and remain a key customer for REHAU. Glen Swatman, Managing Director SEH Commercial said: “When you see the transformation of a local landmark into something new it gives the whole area a new lease of life. The aesthetically pleasing development of Brunswick Square has demonstrated how we can work in partnership with a developer and deliver a first class project.” For more information visit www.rehau.uk WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018 61
ON SITE
Joinery Company Transforms Home With Warmroof Hybrid
A stunning single storey extension installed by Steve Gill Joinery has recently been completed, showcasing the WARMroof hybrid roof and aluminium glazing elements supplied by Prefix Systems. The initial brief from the home owner was to replace a staircase but, this led into them asking Steve Gill to help design an inspirational new extended living area. They wanted an extension that could be used all year round and that would offer a panoramic view of the garden. The installation was 4.4m wide x 3.4m in projection and harnessed anthracite grey full height fixed aluminium frames either side, and bi-folding doors to the front projection. The WARMroof included a deeper soffit overhang design, and was dressed with a matching exterior grade hardwood and completed with spotlights. Spotlights also featured on the internal pelmet with the triple-glazed hybrid elements framed with the OPUS timber claddings and two hanging crystal chandeliers adding further to the designer appeal of the new living space. 62 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018
To the outside, slate cladding was used as a contrasting alternative to brick of which was no longer available as an exact match and the plan was to use the same system in the garden for raised areas. The job has been such a success that a request has been made from a neighbour for something similar in the coming months. Steve Gill commented: ‘As a time served joiner I knew that this project required careful attention to detail and outstanding materials, and this hybrid roof from Prefix Systems is very much unique, well-designed and effortless to install. With all the aluminium glazing also supplied by them I was able to benefit from coordinated deliveries of materials and outstanding customer and technical support.’ Chris Cooke of Prefix Systems concluded: ‘It’s a stunning installation and a perfect example of an extended modern living space that can be used all year round. With a single point of order and full technical support it’s great that we can support skilled craftsmen on building projects such as Steve Gill, as well as installation companies across the UK.’ Please visit www. www.wiganjoiner.co.uk www.prefixsystems.co.uk
ON SITE
Berkeley Group Selects
Deceuninck’s Tilt & Turn For Imperial College worked closely with Dempsey Dyer to develop windows with seven different levels of acoustics, ranging from RW34db to RW43db.
Deceuninck’s 2500 Tilt and Turn window has been installed in flagship student accommodation in London.
aluminium with the same performance and aesthetics, while saving 30% on the overall cost of windows.
Working with the Berkeley Group, Deceuninck fabricator, Dempsey Dyer installed 1,100 frames in the Woodward Buildings complex for Imperial College London. The development houses 590 students in a series of high rise buildings, including a 19-storey tower with a bull-nose aluminium façade.
The windows were installed in high-rise buildings, so they needed to be strong enough to withstand elevated wind and water pressure. The 2500 Tilt and Turn comfortably met these demands with Class 4 Air permeability; Class 8A Water tightness and Class A5 2000Pa exposure. The windows also achieved low U-Values of 1.5 and G-Values of 0.27 to prevent overheating in the building.
This was a technically demanding project and the client had complex requirements for aesthetics, weather performance, acoustics, safety and durability. Dempsey Dyer met all the criteria with Deceuninck’s high performance 2500 Tilt and Turn window, meeting the original specification for
Acoustic performance was an important consideration, with the lower floors and elevations facing main roads demanding higher acoustic values. Deceuninck’s technical team
Safety and durability were also key concerns to the developer. Deceuninck’s Tilt and Turn window is ideal for high-rise and student developments because it can be locked in the tilt mode for added safety and unlocked by maintenance teams when cleaning is required. The windows were finished in Iron Grey Decoroc on all four sides of the profile to match the appearance of aluminium. Decoroc is an extremely durable, low maintenance colour finish that can be easily repaired if damaged, so it’s a popular choice in high-rise developments. Deceuninck’s Decoroc colour finishing system is micro-sprayed for a highly durable, easy-clean matt finish and comes with a 10-year guarantee. The installation process included full EPDM shrouding and on-site water testing and was completed on time and in full. Due to the success of this project, Berkeley Group has awarded Dempsey Dyer more contracts with Deceuninck products. Deceuninck works closely with commercial fabricators and gives comprehensive support on specifications, contract generation, tenders and technical requirements. The company’s full product portfolio is available from the NBS National BIM Library at www.nationalbimlibrary.com WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018 63
ON SITE
foam tape has been used to seal the expansion joints and gaps around the window and door frames. This will significantly help to achieve a Passivhaus target of <0.69 m³/hour/ m² measured at 50 Pascals airtight seal per completed building – a good standard for the construction industry is anything between 3 – 5 m³/hour/m².
ISO CHEMIE Tape Has New Low Carbon Homes Sealed ISO-CHEMIE’s expanding foam sealing tape has been specified for a low carbon housing project, which incorporates the latest developments in sustainable building technologies. More than 240 properties at Little Kelham on Kelham Island, on the banks of the River Don in Sheffield, feature ISO BLOCO ONE tape, which provides a high performance airtight, acoustic and thermal seal for hundreds of new doors and windows. Developed by sustainable urban developer, Citu, in collaboration with Historic England as part of a city regeneration project, the houses have been built combining Scandinavian design and renewable construction materials to lower the carbon footprint of the occupants. Sustainability is a key driver of the scheme, so self-adhesive 64 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018
The external seal area provides weather resistance and breathability with a minimum resistance of 1000 Pascals (hurricane forces). The intermediate seal area provides extra thermal and acoustic properties, with a U-value upwards of 0.8, while the tape installation itself gives less than 0.01 m³ air loss when tested at 1,000 Pascals air pressure difference. Kelham Island features in the top 10 hippest places to live in the UK, and Little Kelham is right in the heart of it, said Mark Fox, operations manager at Citu. He added: “ISO-BLO-
ON SITE CO ONEis an excellent product, meeting the requirements for an easy-to-install, cost effective and extremely reliable sustainable sealing solution.” Andy Swift, ISO-CHEMIE’s national sales manager, said: “Developers like Citu are looking at new ways to deliver low carbon homes, which use sustainable technologies. Our sealant tape technologies support this approach.
Bennetts Begin Work At Manchester
Health Academy
“Involvement in this and other ground-breaking projects reinforces our strong environmental credentials and showcases the long term airtight, acoustic and thermal benefits of sealing tapes.” ISO-BLOCO ONE offers a single product ‘fit and forget’ solution for fast and effective sealing based around the European RAL principles of three level sealing – the inside seal area is more airtight than the external one, allowing any trapped moisture inside the joint, or within the wall, to escape outwards rather than into the building. Once installed, ISO-BLOCO ONE ensures a building is better protected from elemental factors like wind, dust and moisture ingress by accommodating the changes in structural movement caused by environmental, cyclical and settlement factors, says ISO-CHEMIE. Product, which has Passivhaus certification, has CE marking and complies with energy saving regulations (EnEV) on windows and doors as well as the RAL quality assurance association, has an EC1 rating for very low emissions and a B1 fire resistant rating. It can accommodate extremes of temperature changes – from -30°C to + 80°C and is available with a 10-year performance warranty. More at \www.iso-chemie.eu/en-GB/home/
Aluminium glazing specialists Bennett Architectural have been chosen to supply and install doors, windows and curtain walling for the £10m expansion of Manchester Health Academy.
“Our team brings a wealth of experience of working in the Education sector and we have no doubt we will help to create another excellent facility for students at Manchester Health Academy.”
The Wythenshawe-based Academy was selected by Manchester City Council to expand its student population, with numbers predicted to rise from 750 to 1100 students by 2022.
Mr. Green, Principal of the Manchester Health Academy added,
This expansion will see the addition of new dining room extension, multi-use games are and an FA standard all-weather pitch for students and community use. Lionel Grant, Managing Director at Bennett Architectural commented,
“I am delighted with the way the Academy’s expansion is coming to fruition. These new facilities will provide our students with an excellent environment that will optimise their learning experience, whilst providing our teaching team with state-of-the-art tools to succeed.” The expansion of Manchester Health Academy will open in September 2018. WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018 65
MARKETING more sales.” As part of its manifesto, Polyframe is unveiling a host of new products that have been designed to meet the needs of today’s consumers. Its latest introduction is a new Flush Sash casement window, which is available in Halo and Duraflex profiles, and gives installers a greater choice to offer to homeowners. The new window enables installers to tap in to the growing timber heritage replacement market and maximise lucrative sales opportunities.
Richard Lee, Polyframe Halifax
Polyframe Delivers
The Full Package
With a wide range of PVCu products, a raft of innovative developments and an incredible new marketing and showroom package, Polyframe has moved its support strategy up another gear to enable PVCu installers to win more business and stay ahead of their competitors.
value to our customers’ business and really enhancing their experience of working with us. The unique breadth of products, profiles and support we offer means that installers only need to look to one supplier for a complete PVCu package to help them succeed in the long term.”
Under a pledge to help customers sell more effectively, widen their scope and maximise opportunities in PVCu, Polyframe is welcoming installers who want to make the most of its full service solution and achieve profitable growth.
“Our customers’ success is our success and we want them to be the best that they can be. We know from installer feedback that they operate more effectively, and profitably, by partnering with one single trusted supplier. The complete product, sales and marketing solution from Polyframe gives them a strong competitive advantage and ultimately helps them drive
Richard Lee, managing director at Polyframe, Halifax, explains: “We’re passionate about adding 66 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018
Technical director Greg Hawksworth comments: “At Polyframe, we partner with installers who share the same ethos, values and ambitions for continued growth. We’re driven by our customers and we’re constantly working on new product developments to support them and enable them to explore fresh opportunities. Our rolling NPD programme will bring more new products, like the Flush Sash, to market to help our installers broaden their market reach, enhance profitability and achieve long term success. The next few months will be really exciting for Polyframe and our customers as we introduce more new innovations.” The firm’s experienced in-house marketing team is also on hand to give customers an extra level of support. From delivering consumer sales leads to helping to develop successful marketing campaigns, the team provides installers with all the tools they need to differentiate themselves, promote their brand and maximise profitability. For further information on how you can easily switch to Polyframe as the UK’s leading fabricator of multi-system PVCu windows, doors and conservatories, visit www.polyframe.co.uk
MARKETING
Retail Display
Initiative To Boost Your Sales With Excellence As Standard
SupaLite
Celebrates
Telesales Success With Insight Data
A new retail display partnership is set to boost sales for members of Excellence as Standard, the fabricator and installer programme dedicated to promoting excellence across the window and door industry. Excellence as Standard has teamed up with retail display experts Merit Display to enhance the customer experience and engagement within retail showrooms. Excellence as Standard’s Programme Manager, Katie Leese commented: “It is proven that customer conversions and revenue are increased when products are professionally displayed in an engaging way that encourages interaction.” In collaboration with Merit, various design options have been devised that will encourage customers to use the products and experience their key features while ensuring the best use of showroom floor space. The range of options includes counter-top and wall-mounted displays, modular free-standing window and door displays through to custom showroom fit-outs. Katie said: “For customers investing in their showrooms it makes good sense to have an industry
display expert working with them. Merit Display have more than 25 years’ experience and offer both creativity and practicality to all their product display units along with a quality construction to withstand regular customer interaction. All display units can be viewed through the Excellence as Standard online member platform and ordered direct.” Laurie Mitchell, Managing Director of Merit Display, said: “Effective retail displays enhance customer experience, encourage product engagement and increase your sales. We’re delighted to be partnering with Excellence as Standard and helping their members to boost business.” Excellence as Standard advocates excellence at every stage of a project – from manufacturing through to the physical installation in a consumer’s home. In partnering with Merit Display on the programme, Excellence as Standard is demonstrating it has its finger on the pulse in understanding what today’s consumer wants: attractive, stylish products that they can interact with. In short, they are showing what good design is all about and helping boost sales for their member customers too. www.excellenceas.co.uk/trade/
One of the UK’s leading tiled roof manufacturers, SupaLite has seen incredible success from their telesales campaign, conducted by industry data specialists Insight Data. Preston-based SupaLite, which specialises in lightweight replacement tiled roof systems for both conservatories and orangeries, joined forces with Insight Data’s experienced telemarketing team to promote their retro-fit product range. Steve Hacking, Operations Director at SupaLite comments: “After a successful launch this spring with the new Supalite flat roof orangery, we have a lot to shout about. We spoke with Kirsty, Alex and the team who suggested exploring telemarketing to promote our business and our product range.” “We have worked closely with Insight Data on a number of telesales campaigns so far this year, and we firmly believe it has produced by far the best results in terms of lead generation and new business. We’re so impressed with the experience and the results, we are moving further budget towards Insight Data to complete additional telesales campaigns.” hello@insightdata.co.uk WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018 67
MARKETING
Listers Central Goes Live With New Website With clear ambitions to take the business to the next level, prominent Stoke-based fabricator Listers Central has ramped up their online presence with the launch of their brand-new website (www.listertf.co.uk). The smart new website showcases Listers’ full range of glazing products from leading manufacturers including VEKA/ HALO, the Residence Collection and Räum aluminium. Fully responsive and mobile-optimised, the new site includes an online portal for customers to access product resources and the firm’s renowned marketing support. “We’re absolutely thrilled with
our brand-new website, which expertly captures the professional service we offer to customers across the country,” comments Daniel Shaw, Marketing Manager at Listers Central. “This year, we set our sights high as we aimed to grow Listers Central from a successful
local-based fabricator into a national trade supplier. A high-impact website is imperative to make this a reality, promoting not only our industry-leading product range, but our comprehensive support package and our four decades of industry experience. I believe this new site certainly achieves this!” The new website is just one of many investments made by the Stoke-based firm as they gear up for growth. Just recently, the firm introduced the Räum collection, a luxury range of aluminium windows, doors and even sectional garage doors designed to attract high-end focused consumers. The full offering from Listers, including the new Räum range is available to order through their new, online platform Easy Connect. For more information call Listers Central on or visit listertf.co.uk
The Consultancy Launches Revamped Website The well-respected digital specialist providing online solutions to the window, door and glazing industries, The Consultancy, has announced the launch of its revamped website www.theconsultancy.co.uk featuring a brand new animated corporate video.
“We’ve been helping companies to boost sales with a meaningful online presence for a long time now,” says Richie Thornton, Director of The Consultancy, “but some people still only know us for the prestigious door designers we have created for our industry’s leading door suppliers. While our previous website did include a portfolio of work, we felt it was time to update our own online presence to let people know more about the team behind The Consultancy, what they do and the wide range of companies we work with. “We have a vast portfolio of var68 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018
ious online products and websites for companies in the casement window, vertical slider, composite door, bi-folding door, PVC-U and aluminium sectors and everything we create is grounded in a commercial foundation, to support the business with sales, lead generation or customer service. Our revamped website gives visitors more of an insight into the range of work we do and how we work as a team to deliver on our promises.
“The revised site is also now host to a short animated corporate video to provide a quick overview of The Consultancy and what we’re about. We hope it reflects our ethos of being friendly and approachable as well as professional and driven when it comes to achieving real results for our customers.” For more information visit www.theconsultancy.co.uk
MARKETING
Conservatory
Outlet Ltd Release New
Brochure UK fabricator Conservatory Outlet Limited has launched a new suite of retail brochures, boasting unique artwork which is bespoke for each of its Network members. The new collection maps out inspiration and guidance for homeowners to support their home improvement ideas, featuring the very latest extension styles and products represented through real-life photography which is exclusive to the Conservatory Outlet Network. The range features three separate brochures, comprising of Living Spaces (Extensions, Conservatories & Orangeries), Windows and Feature Doors, and Front and Back Doors. Karen Clough, Conservatory Outlet Marketing Manager, explains: “We’re absolutely delighted with the new brochures, which really reflect the individuality and local ethos of our Network members. “Our marketing team spent considerable time researching the latest marketing concepts from the retail home improvement sector and conducting focus groups with our Network members to find out what they really wanted from their new pointof-sale materials. The result is something that has been truly shaped and moulded by our customers to support their journey with the home owner.” Each Conservatory Outlet brochure will now be exclusively branded for each retail partner throughout, with numerous pages dedicated to reflecting the unique personality and offer of its customers.
Suitesite
This includes images of their showrooms and staff, details of their flexible finance options, and the characteristics that make their company different. Other features include a new photography portfolio that mirrors up-to-date market trends, including energy efficient solid roof systems, skylights, aluminium and coloured frames. Reflecting a real sense of ‘lifestyle’ through a focus on interiors, many images feature real customers and their children and pets enjoying their recently completed installations. Dedicated sections on energy efficiency, security and hardware have also been upgraded from the previous content to echo the expanding product range offered by Conservatory Outlet, with specific guidance on Secured by Design, British Standards and U-Values so customers are fully equipped with the knowledge to make informed purchases. Karen continues: “We’re proud to be able to say that we’re offering marketing support to our retailers that is truly different from any other supplier. Having the flexibility of a strong in-house marketing team continues to be a massive string to our bow in supporting our retailers to grow and expand.” Links to new Living Spaces and Windows and Feature Door Brochures: Windows & Feature Doors – www.conservatoryoutlet.co.uk
WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018 69
MARKETING
sales tools they need and the new Signature collection colour swatch has been developed with this ethos in mind.
Sign Up For Senior’s New
Signature Range! Senior Architectural Systems is putting colour in the frame with the launch of the new Signature range – an exclusive sales tool for its trade network of installers which has been designed to make it easier for domestic customers to choose from a selection of the most popular and on- trend colour shades and powder-coated paint finishes. Compact and convenient, the high quality swatch book showcases 14 different colour options that are available across 70 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018
Senior’s Ali range of slim line Ali VU aluminium windows and Ali FOLD patio and bi-folding doors. The Signature collection features an inspiring palette of colour options from classic neutral tones to more vibrant shades, all of which can be created at Senior’s in-house powder coating facility. Jonny Greenstreet, Senior’s marketing manager, said: “We are committed to providing our trade installers not only with the products they want, but also the
One of the biggest advantages of aluminium fenestration systems is the design flexibility they offer through the use of powder coating but we appreciate that consumers can feel overwhelmed with the choice of colours and finishes available. Our new Signature colour swatch is a great way for trade contractors to showcase the different options for our Ali range of doors and windows in a professional and convenient way. As we can match all colours in our in-house powder coating facility, we can also offer our trade customers the reassurance of a quick turn-around, guaranteed delivery dates and consistent high quality.” In addition to the 14 striking shades in the Signature collection, Senior can coat to the full range of RAL colours and also hold a large stock of grey, white and grey/white dual profile colours for quick and reliable delivery. The new colour swatch is the latest addition to Senior’s existing benefits package which is exclusively available for its network of trade fabricators and which also includes technical advice, training and PR and marketing support. To open your account today and take advantage of the full range benefits available, including requesting a copy of the Signature swatch book, please contact your regional technical sales manager. More information on Senior’s Ali range of doors and windows is also available atseniorarchitectural.co.uk/askforali or by searching for Senior Architectural Systems on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.
AWARDS
Quickslide Scores With
Football Links At Home And Away
Yorkshire-based window and door fabricator and VS specialist Quickslide Windows has strengthened and renewed its links with football through the sponsorship of no less than three football clubs, all of which are at quite distinct levels of the game.
LEKA Increases Consumer
Awareness With TV Advertising
TV adverts for the LEKA Warm Roof and the LEKA Orangery Roof will be on shown on More 4, More 4+1, Home and Home +1 for four weekends from 25th May. Rhys Hoddinott Director of LEKA Systems said: “We’re looking forward to seeing LEKA on TV. The adverts are part of our commitment to supporting LEKA fabricators and installers by driving leads and we know they will benefit from the increase in the products’ profile.” The LEKA Warm Roof and the LEKA Orangery Roof have taken the market by storm because they tap into the trend towards creating open plan living spaces with greater flexibility than a traditional conservatory. They deliver U values of just 0.14 W/m²K, so they create the year-round room homeowners are looking for. The LEKA Warm Roof is a solid roof solution that is perfect for retro-fitting on existing conservatories that suffer from being too hot or too cold. It typically weighs within 10-12%
of a traditional glass conservatory roof (dependent on tile covering) which means that in most cases existing conservatory frames are able to take the weight of the new LEKA roofing system without needing additional reinforcement. The LEKA Orangery Roof offers a lantern-style solution that creates the sophisticated, light-filled space that is so popular with homeowners at the moment. Rhys commented: “As well as seeing increased orders, we are also expecting to see more enquiries from fabricators and installers interested in adding LEKA products to their portfolio. We provide full marketing and technical support so new partners can start to add value to their portfolio very quickly.” Watch out for the adverts on More 4, More 4+1, Home and Home +1 over the coming weekends. And to find out more about what LEKA could offer your portfolio visit www. lekasystems.co.uk
With Quickslide located in Brighouse the firm has renewed the links with its nearest top-level club Huddersfield Town which plays in the English Premier league, also agreeing sponsorship for Evo-Stik Northern Premier League team Brighouse Town. Extending Quickslide’s support for The Beautiful Game still further to the Midland League, Uttoxeter Town is being supported by the window and door maker on behalf of a friend of the company. The partnership with Huddersfield Town, also known as The Terriers, extends over several years and to the days when the Premiership was just a dream for the West Yorkshire based team. The relationship goes beyond the sporting element of the club, says Quickslide Chairman Adrian Barraclough: “For many years Quickslide has partnered with The Terriers, getting involved right at the heart and using the club as an inspiration for the philosophy that success can be achieved with good honest hard work, great spirit, and sharing common ideals, all whilst having fun. This spirit is what has driven Huddersfield Town to achieve such success even against some huge clubs and we identify with that.” www.quickslide.co.uk WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018 71
AWARDS
Just to add to the tally of accolades, Glazerite is primary supplier to 16 of the 36 finalists and secondary supplier to five more. The Glazerite UK Group Ltd Director Jason Thompson said: “We are really proud of all of our installer partners and very happy that we have been able to support them. They have always excelled themselves at the IN and Network VEKA Awards but they just go on getting better every year.
Glazerite Installers Take Five Of The Six Independent Network Awards Glazerite installers have once again returned triumphant, beating all-comers to win five out of six of the main National Independent Network Awards at the organisation’s annual ceremony. The haul this year, beats The Glazerite UK Group Ltd’s previous run of records, with its customers claiming a trophy in every sales category of the awards except one – and even that winner sources some products from the Group. Top in the £2million-plus categoAluFoldDirect has been named Manufacturing Company of the Year 2018 (under £25m) at the Made in the North West awards. This latest title brings the Everything Aluminium fabricator’s total 2018 award wins to three and automatically puts them in the Made in the UK awards final in June. Craig Miller, Managing Director says: “It’s a real honour to win this third award as it recognises our brilliant team’s hard work and dedication in delivering customers certainty of supply so they can get on and grow their aluminium business. 72 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018
ry was Thistle, making a fantastic 16th win in the IN and previously Network VEKA Awards for the Aberdeen-based company. In the £1-2million, another repeat winner, Cheadle Glass returned to collect its fourth trophy, while Cannock-based Goliath Homeworld, in the £600k-£1m group, took its seventh. Wilson Windows of Loughborough won the £400k-600k award, having previously ben voted Best Newcomer in 2016, and firsttime winner but previous finalist Mews Windows of Walsall came top in the £250k and under.
“Seeing all of their trophies, past and present, just shows what can be achieved when competent, professional installers are given all the support they need to bring to bring out best in each of them.” The awards were presented by Sky Sports presenter Chris Kamara at the Independent Network AGM, Conference and Gala Dinner at the Chesford Grange Hotel, Kenilworth, on Saturday (June 16). During the day, the AGM conference was hosted by Jeff Grout, Business Consultant Specialist known for being one of the top 100 best business speakers in Britain, while some exciting plans to work with WHICH Trusted Traders and FENSA were announced in the Independent Network Marketing update. glazeritewindows.co.uk
AluFoldDirect Named Manufacturing
Company Of The Year
AWARDS and for good reason, as it’s the best composite entrance door out there, backed by unrivalled marketing. We’ve found out over the years that price is less of an issue with this composite door and so we’re able to achieve strong margins consistently.
Leamore’s The Latest Solidor Showroom Star Leamore Windows are the latest company to win the Solidor Showroom of the Month honour, with a newly expanded showroom environment comprising of seven premium composite doors at their established premises in Walsall. The company is also celebrating their 35th year in business, making them one of the longest established home improvement
and glazing businesses in the West Midlands and have been a long-standing Solidor customer since 2012. The recent expansion in the number of Solidor composite doors on display to seven, has been the result of an increase in demand for a better entrance door from consumers, in terms of design and unrivalled security.
Gary Hackett, managing director of Leamore Windows commented: ‘People ask for a Solidor by name
He continued: ‘Consumers want to make an impact at the front of their respective homes and a new Solidor is the best means to achieve this. While sales of our other home improvement products fluctuate, our entrance door order book remains full pretty much all year round, which is hugely beneficial for us.’ Gareth Busson, head of sales and marketing for Solidor Group concluded: ‘Leamore are the latest company to win this award for Showroom of the Month and understand the fundamental importance of product presentation. Like all of our showroom winners, they all benefit from our marketing model, world-class logistics and the fact that consumers are asking for a Solidor by name.’ www.leamorewindows.com
Window Ware Shortlisted For SME
Bedfordshire Business Awards 2018 Final Hardware distributor Window Ware has reached the finals of the SME Bedfordshire Business Awards – Service Excellence category. Armed with plenty of positive testimonials and documented evidence of its efforts to continually hone its hardware provision, the Bedford-based Window Ware decided to enter the Service Excellence category in the Bedfordshire Business Awards 2018 and are delighted to have been shortlisted as a finalist. Window Ware’s MD, Sam Nuckey, comments: “Our customers aren’t
shy in telling us how they feel about our products and services, and that’s great, because we actively invite feedback, good or bad, and use it constructively, to fine-tune our offering and ensure we’re delivering just what our market needs. Thankfully, our customers seem to
like what we’re about, in fact our average TrustScore is at an all-time high – 9.2 out of 10! The Gala Awards final takes place on Thursday, July 5 and for a full list of finalists, visit www.bedfordshireawards.co.uk WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018 73
EXHIBITIONS
Commenting on the exhibition coup, Clare Crockett, Marketing Manager for Carl F Groupco said:“Grand Designs Live is a multi-award winning event. It is a prime location to showcase the FUHR lock and the capabilities of our SmartSecure electronic locking and access control brand: we were delighted that our technology was selected by Grabex to be incorporated into its stand design. “This was a major opportunity to promote SmartSecure to the domestic market and, having visited the stand, I saw first-hand the keen interest shown in the FUHR hardware and Smart tech that we supply.”
SmartSecure
Showcased by
Grabex Windows
Grabex Windows featured the FUHR 881 fully motorised multipoint door lock, supplied by Carl F Groupco, on its stand at the 2018 Grand Designs Live London event. Considerable interest was shown in the innovative lock that was displayed with Carl F Groupco’s SmartSecure fingerprint and remote key fob access control options on Grabex’s timber door.
Carl F Groupco’s range of SmartSecure access control options allow the user to electronically unlock the door. The FUHR mulitronic 881 is at the heart of the solution – when the door is closed, all locking points, including the deadbolt, lock automatically driven by a dual motor to engage and secure within three seconds of closing. The FUHR 881 integrates with all SmartSecure access control options including the fingerprint and remote key fob access displayed by Grabex at Grand Designs. Returning to Grand Designs for the ninth time, Grabex Windows presented a wide range of glazing products manufactured at its factory in Orpington. Carl F Groupco is an established supplier of hardware including FUHR mechanical and electronic door / window locks for Grabex’s aluminium, uPVC and timber range of windows, doors and conservatories. www.carlfgroupco.co.uk
Edgetech Helps Manufacturers Adapt To Changing
Industry At China Glass
Globe-trotting Edgetech has returned from a highly successful showcase at the 2018 China Glass exhibition, one of the biggest events in the glazing industry calendar.
Visiting Shanghai from the 19th to the 22nd of April, China Glass draws glazing professionals from across Asia and the wider world to see the latest cutting-edge products, and discuss the key trends and developments reshaping the industry. This year, the show captured a snapshot of an industry in transition, as Daniel Zhang from Edge74 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018
tech’s dedicated agent in China explains:
“The glazing market is changing rapidly – particularly here in China. We’re seeing rising demand for energy-efficient products, and for higher-end, better-performing products in general. What’s more, like their European counterparts, Chinese manufacturers are showing more and more interest in automation. “This year’s China Glass reflected that – and at Edgetech’s stand, our market-leading spacer products received a huge amount of attention. We showcased the flagship
Super Spacer, the TruPlas rigid bar, and a large curved IGU made with our premium commercial-grade product TriSeal, which seemed to particularly impress visitors. “Beyond the products themselves, there was also a great deal of interest in the broader manufacturing solution that Edgetech can offer – fully-automated lines, world-class technical assistance, finance packages for key customers and more. “It’s clear that modern IGU manufacturers are looking for both outstanding products and extensive value-added services – and we’re confident that our ability to offer both will ensure we thrive in the years ahead.” www.edgetechig.co.uk
EXHIBITIONS
Bison’s Birmingham Debut
Barnsley-based fabricator Bison Frames have broadened their appeal and reach to the homebuilding and renovating market by exhibiting at the National Homebuilding and Renovating Show at the NEC in Birmingham. Following a successful exploration of the market at a regional version of the show in Harrogate last year, Bison’s directors Martyn Haworth and Mark Tetley took the decision to invest in the national show, supporting their growing Genesis Installer Network with direct leads from the public. The high-end manufacturer demonstrated their full range of products to an audience of more than 40,000 at the four-day event. In particular their PVCu Genesis Collection – which includes sash windows, flush casements, sliding doors and bi-folding doors – and their WarmCore hybrid aluminium windows and doors, drew a lot of interest from homeowners planning renovation and extension projects on their homes. Following the show Bison co-Di-
rector Mark Tetley commented: “We manufacture a full range of high-end PVCu and aluminium windows and doors, through our Genesis Collection and WarmCore ranges, but within the trade we’re probably best-known for our Genesis VS sash windows. However, HBR is an opportunity to demonstrate the full range of what we do directly to the public – particularly those in the process of planning homebuilding, extension and renovation projects. “The show attracts more than 40,000 paying visitors, so you know they’re there actively looking for products and inspiration. We found that they appreciate the opportunity to get close to the windows and doors and talk to the people who actually make them, taking advantage of our knowledge and expertise in relation to their specific projects.” Discussing visitors to their stand, co-Director Martyn Haworth comments: “Over the four days of the show there was a constant stream of people checking out our range
and considering different styles and options. Many were unaware that they could have true high-end uPVC windows and doors—like those in the Genesis Collection— as a great-looking, low-maintenance alternative to timber, even in conservation areas. For those more interested in aluminium—they loved our WarmCore range, especially when they found out that it’s more energy efficient than standard aluminium. “As a trade manufacturer we don’t install anything ourselves, but the reason we are there is to support our Genesis Installer Network with live projects from the public. Having inspected the products and made their decision, we take the homeowner’s details and put them in touch with their local Genesis Installer Network member, who takes it from there and deals with them direct. It’s simply one part of the support package we provide to trade customers and network members.” www.bisonframes.co.uk WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018 75
CHARITY
Bennetts Raise £130 For Alzheimers
Society From Football Tournament
Eleven members of staff from aluminium glazing specialists Bennett Architectural took part in a charity 7-a-side football tournament supporting the Alzheimers Society raising £130. The 7-a-side tournament organised by the Stoke on Trent branch of CCF, had 12 teams take part at the home of Nantwich Town FC; the Weaver Stadium. Despite giving a good account of themselves the Bennetts team didn’t make it out of the group stage, registering a credible 0-0 draw in the first match before four straight defeats in scorching conditions. The tournament was eventually won by Shadwell, who overcame Travis Perkins Stoke 3-0; going the entire tournament without conceding a goal. To find out more about Bennett Architectural Aluminium please visit www.baasl.co.uk or call 01782 566512.
If you want to be included in our magazine, website and twice weekly Newscast, send you stories to: gerald@windownews.co.uk 76 WINDOW NEWS JUNE 2018
(L-R) Roxanne Youman from North Leeds Dance Academy, Kathy and Ian Short, Mill Field headmistress Jo Heggie and Ian’s dance partner Olivia Choi.
Morley Glass Helps Get School On The Road
Morley Glass & Glazing managing director Ian Short has helped provide Mill Field Primary School in Leeds with a new set of wheels after he raised more than £10k for children’s charity Variety.
Last year, Ian trained for three months alongside professional dance partner Olivia Choi from the North Leeds Dance Academy before competing against 9 other amateur dancers in Variety’s Strictly Ballroom competition. Ian and Olivia wowed the star-studded judging panel with their samba and were crowned the winners on the evening. Best of all, the charity event raised a total of £39,500, enough to fund Mill Field’s new Sunshine Coach. Presenting the coach at the school last week, Ian said: “The last year been a fantastic journey for me, from quitting smoking and getting fit to learning to dance and losing over six stone in weight so far. To be able to present the new coach to teachers and students at Mill Field Primary School was a won-
derful conclusion to the story.”
Mill Field Primary School in Leeds is a large, multi-cultural primary school that offers facilities that are used to enhance learning experiences for all its students. Serving a diverse community in an area of significant social disadvantage, the school employs a play therapist to help support its students, is a member of a food waste programme and provides a breakfast club for over 80 students. The Sunshine Variety Coach will allow the school to plan activities without worrying about the cost and timing of public transport. The students, including two wheelchair users, will benefit from greater access to their communities and the opportunity to engage in extra-curricular activities. Every year, Variety provides coaches, wheelchairs and grants for specialist equipment to children and school across the UK. The charity also helps fund days out for disadvantaged children via its Great Days Out Programme.
Enjoy Colour Any RAL colour now available, inside or outside!
0345 2000 816 | customerservices@distinctiondoors.co.uk distinctiondoors.co.uk | door-designer.co.uk Tried, tested and trusted, the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s number 1 composite door supplier
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Can accommodate up to 36mm triple glazed units. Maximum opening width of 5m and heights of up to 2.4m.
Dual and triple track system for 2, 3, 4 and 6 pane options, opening from either left, right and even from the centre. 12 point locking to achieve PAS 24 and SBD.
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