32 minute read
PRODUCT NEWS
Some of these fabricators will have made a conscious decision not to increase capacity while the market was uncertain, or simply cherry picked the customers they deem to be most profitable, but I suspect others fall under the definition of ‘zombie businesses’ – effectively carrying so much debt that they have nothing spare to invest or grow even if they wanted to.
R3, the UK’s insolvency trade body, estimates that up to 1 in 5 UK businesses can be defined as ‘zombies’ – neither dead nor alive. All the cash they generate goes to paying debt interest, so they have no way of ever reducing the debt itself. Bounce back loans and CBILS are at very low interest rates and banks are much more reluctant to call in loans than they were before the financial crisis. So, unless there is a significant hike in interest rates, zombie businesses can stagger on for years – safely ticking over but unable to take advantage of any new market opportunities.
In our market, these zombie fabricators obviously help to maintain overall capacity, but they do little to help those ambitious installers who want to grow and want to work with a fabricator who has the means to grow with them.
By contrast, as one of the UK’s leading Rehau trade fabricators, Euroglaze has been actively reinvesting our profits into the business for many years and, never at a faster rate than since the 2020 lockdown. We have just opened a 500m2 factory extension in Barnsley and installed both new CNC saws and new machining centres. Just as im-
Is Your Current Supplier A Zombie?
By Martin Nettleton, Managing Director, Euroglaze
The most recent research from Insight Data suggests that there were 35% fewer PVC-U fabricators in the UK in 2021 than there were in 2011 (a decline from 1860 to 1195). There’s no single explanation obviously; some have switched to buying in, some have merged or retired and there have been some high-profile failures as well.
Capacity in the market hasn’t fallen but, for installers, the result is obviously less choice and a sense of reduced competition amongst those fabricators who have survived. That was certainly the case in the immediate aftermath of the 2020 lockdown and to a degree ever since, with a number of big PVC-U trade suppliers actively turning down new business.
portantly, we have realigned our production lines and remodelled the workforce to optimise staffing levels so that we can increase capacity at will, without needing to significantly recruit.
Current maximum capacity is 800 frames per week from a single shift, but we can easily adjust our shift patterns to do more if market demand remains at current levels and more new customers come on board with us. Crucially, if demand falls, then we can also scale back our capacity just as easily without it having a damaging effect on our profitability.
We don’t have a giant fixed cost production operation to feed with frames sold at unsustainable prices which undermines the whole market as some of our competitors do. Instead, we have an operation which is easily scalable either up or down, offering absolute security to Euroglaze customers no matter how big they are currently, or how big they want to become.
At many points during the pandemic, we have been producing upwards of 900 frames per week, while all the time maintaining the personalised customer service, outstanding quality and efficiency which has helped to make our name. Lots of these frames are for existing stockists and installers who are seeing their own sales increase, but lots are for new customers who have found that their existing suppliers simply can’t cope with demand.
With no signs of any market downturn as yet, we are still taking on new business from customers right across the UK. We are a true one stop shop supplier – offering the full range of Rehau products, including vertical sliders, bifold doors and even fire rated windows, as well as PVC-U and composite doors.
By Mike Parczuk, Managing Director, Sternfenster
Rishi Sunak was the hero of the hour in March 2021 with the financial stimulus he put in place to help businesses survive the impact of Lockdown. Without it many companies would have failed, so the point I’m about to make is not a political one.
Response To The Spring Statement
It is, however, one that comes from a continuing level of frustration about how our product offer as an industry is seen – or perhaps not seen – by Government.
When making his Spring Statement, last week [23/3/22] Rishi Sunak started to talk about cutting VAT on energy saving materials (ESMs) to zero, to encourage homeowners to make energy saving improvements, my ears naturally pricked up.
There was Rishi making the link between energy prices, the costof-living crisis, and an opportunity to make homes greener and warmer through renewable energy sources and insulation. and-over again – well, not even zero rated – just a reduction to 5% VAT on windows and doors.
But then I remembered, contrary to what you and I might think, and despite the focus given to windows and doors in Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) of the Building Regulations, Government in this context does not class windows and doors as ‘energy saving’.
Hot water systems are; solar panels are; wall, loft, floor and ceiling insulation, are; but the only mention of windows and doors in the context of the zero-rated VAT break on ESMs, is in relation to draught proofing.
Part L, Part F – I’m not even going to get into the debate – government just doesn’t seem to get us, or is that we don’t get it?
So, we’re where we are. Part L, well that’s ok, Part F, the less said about that the better. But to not be included as an ESM? Something has to be going wrong somewhere don’t you think?
The Lead Generation Imperative
By Ryan Johnson, Managing Director, Emplas
Earlier this year, we highlighted the challenges that were lining up ahead of the industry – inflation, the cost-of-living crisis, spiralling energy prices, and materials and labour price increases.
At that time things were still busy. Installers were working (and many continue to) to work through 12week order books.
But things are now starting to change. Many of those order books are back to six-weeks (although, this is something most window retailers would have been more than happy with, pre-Covid). Nonetheless, looking ahead, we can’t afford to be complacent.
6.2% inflation recorded in February represented a 30-year-high. That’s before the conflict between Russia and the Ukraine set fuel and food prices skyward. With further increases expected, inflation is going to hit every single one of us – and that impacts on our ability to spend.
War has also rocked consumer confidence. Why would you invest in home improvements in the face of so much uncertainty?
And there’s going to be no Rishi riding to the rescue. The Chancellor may have cut fuel duty by 5p a litre, and there were also future pledges about income tax, but he made it clear in his Spring Statement last week [23/3/22] that this time around, he’s not riding to the rescue.
That retail leads are down and that conversion rates are lower, against this context, shouldn’t be a surprise. In short, we’re entering a period where leads aren’t going to drop into our lap in the way that they have done for the past twoyears.
We know because we see it in T&K, our retail business. We’ve had to work harder to generate leads – and critically to convert them. But while we have had to dig deeper, we are continuing to win business, developing new retail lead generation tools which we’re sharing with our customers.
Some of the things that we have highlighted as a source of concern also have a flip side. Soaring energy prices make it more likely that homeowners will be prepared to invest in home improvements which reduce them.
The pinch of rising energy prices will be likely to be felt by the 800,000-plus households who bought properties in the 12-month run-in to the end of the Stamp Duty Holiday at the end of September 2021. Having just come through their first winter in their new homes, with the old windows and doors that they inherited in their purchase, they may be particularly responsive to messaging which highlights the energy savings that new windows and doors can deliver.
Property prices also remain high and, as long as they do, ultimately people will continue to invest.
Those who are being hit most acutely by the cost-of-living crisis are not, in general, homeowners. Inflation is putting pressure on all households, but continuing high house prices give homeowners a greater resilience to rising costs.
In this sense our profitability this year is in our hands. It’s not going to be delivered by a government windfall, Stamp Duty holiday or Furlough, and neither is it going to be taken away by inflation.
We need to work and to innovate to win business. We’re doing that in T&K and we’re supporting our customers in doing the same, in theirs.
Bryan Bultema Appointed As New Managing Director For ODL Europe ODL Europe has announced the appointment of Bryan Bultema as its new managing director. Bryan, who has been with ODL Inc since 1988, has been instrumental in supporting the vision and development of the global business. Following a successful career as vice president of Zabitat, an ODL company specialising in online home improvement products, Bryan will continue to lead ODL Europe and its day-to-day executive management team as the business continues to deliver its growth strategy across the UK market. Bryan will replace ODL Europe’s former managing director, Nathan Barr, who will be stepping down from the role after four years with the company due to family commitments and to pursue new opportunities outside of the fenestration market. Bryan’s appointment comes at an exciting time for ODL Europe and signifies the company’s continued development in composite doors and value-added product solutions. Commenting on his appointment, Bryan said: “I am thrilled to join ODL Europe. Together with the strong talent Nathan has assembled, we will continue executing our plan of creating and providing solutions that contribute to the success of our valued customers while honouring our values-based culture.” Townes Parsley, executive vice president at ODL Inc, said: “We would like to thank Nathan for his huge contribution towards the business and wish him all the best for the future. Over the past few years, ODL Europe has experienced rapid growth and we have embarked on a future-proof investment strategy to scale up the business to continue to support our customers. ODL Europe has a bright and exciting future and we are looking forward to working with Bryan and continuing on the journey.” Bryan will join ODL Europe on 1st April, 2022. www.odleurope.com
Ultraframe Expands Marketing Team
Ultraframe has expanded its marketing team with the appointment of an experienced assistant brand manager, Laura Peel, to join the existing Ultraframe and Wendland brand managers. Laura joined the marketing team in late 2021, having previously worked within the Fabricator First area of the business, and brings many years of marketing experience to her new role.
Commenting about her new position at the Clitheroe-based conservatory and extension specialist, Laura said: “I started in the Fabricator First team which was a great introduction to the business, but I was missing marketing, so I jumped at the chance to join the marketing team when the opportunity arose. The role is extremely varied, and I get to work on a range of Ultraframe marketing projects including new product launches, supercharging our customers, the Ultra Installer Scheme, and currently, working on our FIT Show stand. I think there are some fantastic opportunities here at Ultraframe and would like to grow within the team and see where that takes me!” marketing@ultraframe.co.uk
Vertik-Al Transport Manager Celebrates 30 Years
This month, Vertik-Al transport manager, Tony Brown celebrates 30 years’ service with the powder coating specialist. To mark the occasion, Tony was presented (pictured) with a celebration cake, cards, and gifts from the management team.
During his 30 years Tony has worked in many departments throughout the business. Currently, he is responsible for managing all inward and outbound transport. All drivers and the yard team report direct to Tony.
Commenting on Tony and his long-service, Vertik-Al managing director, John Park-Davies says: “Tony is one of the ‘grandees’ of Vertik-Al. His hard work, loyalty and dedication to the business is greatly appreciated. 30 years’ service is an outstanding achievement, and we look forward to celebrating many more milestones.”
L-R: Richard Gibbs, operations director; Tony Brown, transport manager; and John Park-Davies, managing director, Vertik-Al.
Internal Promotion At Carl F Groupco
Hardware distributor Carl F Groupco has announced the promotion of Nathalie McKee to the role of sales office manager. Having worked for the company for 11 years, Nathalie brings a wealth of valuable experience and exceptional product knowledge to the role.
Based in the company’s Peterborough headquarters, Nathalie’s role will see her manage the internal sales and customer service teams to ensure the company’s exceptional service levels are upheld and develop the team as required. She will work closely with Carl F Groupco’s sales director, John King, to coordinate between the external sales teams and provide a smooth buying process for customers.
John King, sales director for Carl F Groupco added: “Nathalie is a great asset to Carl F Groupco. Her promotion to sales office manager reflects the strength of her abilities and her commitment to the ongoing success of Carl F Groupco”.
www.carlfgroupco.co.uk www.smartsecure.co.uk www.carlfdirect.co.uk
Two New Directors Join Euroglaze Board
Euroglaze in Barnsley, has just made two new board appointments as it plans for the next stage in its growth.
Glen Park has been appointed operations director and Emma Mitchell has been appointed finance director; and they are both now shareholders in what had been a family-owned business since 1979.
Glen has been with the business for many years and has long been the driving force behind Euroglaze’s successful implementation of lean manufacturing techniques and philosophies. Emma joined the business in 2017 and has helped to oversee a significant investment in a new factory alongside the existing one.
Martin Nettleton, the company’s managing director and son of the founder Alan Nettleton, explained that the move reflects the fact that Euroglaze has transitioned over recent years into an employee-based organisation, shaped and driven by an outstanding workforce.
He commented: “Glen and Emma have both shown extraordinary commitment, determination, and leadership, particularly over the past 2 years when we have pushed ahead with a major expansion programme despite the Covid crisis. The business was strong with them as part of the management team, but I think it’s even stronger now with both of them on the board.
“They will be helping to drive the strategic direction of the business and shaping the way that we move
new Euroglaze Directors Glen Park and Emma Mitchell pictured with Managing Director Martin Nettleton (seated)
forward post-pandemic. Like many owner managed SMEs in this industry, Euroglaze is at the point of planning for its future and I think expanding the board, rewarding talent from within and empowering others to help make decisions will make that future very exciting.”
www.euroglaze.co.uk
Rehau Expands Sales Support In The North
As part of its ongoing business investment, Rehau has appointed Robert Benn as commercial sales manager for Window Solutions, North.
Robert comes to the polymer solutions provider after more than five years as an estimating manager within the fenestration industry. Bringing skills from his previous role, Robert’s new responsibilities involve assisting installers on both residential and commercial projects in the north of the UK.
Robert commented: “My last role gave me first-hand experience working with suppliers such as Rehau, which I’m keen to take forward and use in this new position. I’m excited to build relationships with installers, architects and specifiers alike, and understand their
Robert Benn
specific requirements to help them overcome any challenges.”
Last year Rehau announced a £10 million investment into a state-ofthe-art recycling facility located in the North of England, PVCR. Alongside growing the business and promoting the organisation’s market-leading window ranges, Robert will play a role in raising awareness of window recycling and co-extruded profile solutions as Rehau continues its efforts to lead in sustainable practices.
Speaking on Robert’s appointment, Barry Gilligan, sales director for Windows Solutions at Rehau added: “Robert’s vast knowledge of the entire construction process – gained from working with window fabricators and installers – equip him with unique skills which I am looking forward to seeing him apply in his role. I am highly confident he will excel at Rehau, given his insight into areas of the construction process which often lead to issues on-site and completing jobs.”
Made For Trade
Looks Ahead to the
MFT’s innovative range of Korniche products are set to place design firmly in the frame and showcase the very best in fenestration engineering, as the FIT Show returns to the Birmingham NEC in May 2022
FITness of the Glazing and Fenestration Industry in 2022
Pioneering glazing manufacturer Made For Trade is delighted to be attending the FIT Show in May at the Birmingham NEC as the event returns to the exhibition roster stronger than ever, following a two-
year forced Covid hiatus. Widely promoted as being more than just a show but rather ‘the community for our industry’, the FIT Show will see MFT display an impressive stand alongside more than 200 other exhibitors as the show welcomes attendees from across the entire industry in a long-awaited return to physical exhibitions.
A longstanding supporter of the fenestration and glazing industry event, Made for Trade also have an in-house heritage promotional link to be celebrated, since the FIT Show platform was chosen for the initial launch of MFT’s Korniche roof lantern back in 2016. In the years since, that inaugural Korniche-branded product has gone on to receive a plethora of awards and become a sales phenomenon, whilst Made For Trade has continued to choose FIT Show as the number one exhibition of the year through which to showcase new innovations, plus design and engineering prowess.
As an ideal event for product interaction and with which to display all the unique attributes of the range to industry professionals, this year sees Made For Trade return with a more extensive range – all of which benefit from the cutting edge design and engineering that has seen the Korniche roof lantern become such a renowned success following its 2016 FIT Show launch.
Running for three days and free to attend for those registering in the trade, FIT Show is the UK’s number one exhibition dedicated to the window, door, hardware, and flat glass industry. The expansive layout will not only showcase countless products and allow attendees to see, touch and compare offerings such as the Korniche range up close and personal, but watch live installations and installation demonstrations. As a significant aside though, Made For Trade are thrilled that the event will allow a proper return to face-to-face networking across the entire glazing industry all under one roof after two years of online meetings and interaction restrictions.
The 2022 Made For Trade FIT Show exhibition stand will up the ante in comparison to the 2016 event, with the entire product range on display including the recent Korniche bi-folding door system - proudly offering the same engineering-led design prowess as the multi-award winning lantern roof – plus the flagship new Visoglide Plus sliding patio door system.
The Wynyard-based firm are set to display the range via an eye-catching and exciting 170sqm stand area, which is currently under construction in preparation for the event on 10-12 May 2022. Attendees can operate the products and compare the renowned construction, as well as speak to the on-site MFT team who help set Made For Trade apart from competitors.
Proudly offering the best products with the best service at the best prices, information and staff will be on hand not only to guide newcomers through the engineering-led design approach that always places Made For Trade one step ahead with benefits for retailers, installers and consumers – but also with information on everything from business support, to sales and services available. Should any colleagues be unable to attend the FIT Show, appointments can be arranged for a visit to see the same products on display at the recently launched in-house showroom within Made For Trade’s North East HQ. Plus of course, with two years in preparation the MFT team will be keen to catch up at the event with contacts, partners and industry representatives alongside new customers set to join in 2022 sales success. As one of the main sponsors of the exhibition, Made For Trade are proud to support such a vital trade gathering alongside their physical attendance and be a part of the #FITShowFamily, whilst the event is evidence of another way that MFT and the Korniche brand are becoming synonymous with the very best that the industry has to offer.
FIT Show To Tackle Key Industry Issues In May FIT Show organisers have announced that its learning programme will tackle key industry issues when the glass and glazing industry’s only UK dedicated trade show returns to the NEC in May (10 – 12, 2022.) Working in partnership with third party expert 12th Man Solutions, FIT Show has curated over 30 hours of CPD content. The learning programme comprises seminars, demonstrations and panel discussions all delivered by industry experts. Kick starting at 10.30am on day one of FIT Show (Tuesday 10th May), visitors can attend free sessions including: • ‘Five ways to turn your data into cash’ – Elton Boocock, MD, Business Pilot • ‘How to be seen on social media by potential customers, without spending a penny’ – David Glenwright, JS Social Media • ‘Preparing for changes to Building Regulations – meeting Part L’ – John McComb, technical services director, Reynaers • ‘The future of competence’ – Jon Vanstone, chair – Interim Industry Competence Committee (BSR/ HSE), Member – Building Regulations Advisory Committee (DLUHC), chair – Competent Persons Forum (DLUHC) • ‘The importance of third party certification for fire doors’ – Kevin Underwood, technical director, British Woodworking Federation • ‘Standards and legislation affecting flat entrance doorsets’ – Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens, chair of the ‘timber doorset group’, Door & Hardware Federation • ‘Ironmongery fire safety’ – Douglas Masterson, technical manager, Guild of Architectural Ironmongers The full programme can be viewed here, there are limited spaces available for each session and visitors are encouraged to register early to avoid disappointment. FIT Show’s in-person learning programme follows on from the launch of its hugely successful online learning event which took place in September and attracted over 250 delegates. Next month (April), FIT Show will once again deliver an online event
in the form of its business leaders roundtable in conjunction with Building Products Magazine. The roundtable will include input from experts across the fenestration sector who will come together to debate sustainability.
When FIT Show returns to the NEC Birmingham from 10-12 May 2022 it will bring together every link in the fenestration supply chain, all under one roof, for the first time in three years. Over 200 brands will display the very latest products and materials for use across domestic, commercial, private and public sector building and renovation projects.
FIT Show visitors can see the likes of door manufacturer Doorco, glazing experts Glazpart, window systems giant Kommerling, Roseview Windows, lantern roof and bi-folding door experts Made For Trade, Morley Glass, Ultraframe, VEKA and machinery giants Haffner Murat, Stuga and Emmegi.
Seal The Deal
At The FIT Show
Visitors to the Hodgson Sealants stand (S59) at this year’s FIT Show will be able to see some of the company’s range of sealants specially formulated and manufactured by Hodgson for the glazing industry for both fabricators and installers. As well as exciting new colours for its Silfix U8 and the ever-popular Silfix LMN, Hodgson will also be spotlighting its new Hodgson HY-SPEC 25 Hybrid sealant. The company will also be showcasing its aluminium foil-packed sealants to help installers and fabricators hit their sustainability targets. HY-SPEC 25, is a highly elastic sealant that is perfect for connection joints, expansion joints, glazing applications, composite panels and facades. It works particularly well where high movement occurs, especially between dissimilar materials such as in the perimeter sealing of uPVC frames, inside or out without cracking or shrinking, claims the company. It over paints beautifully with water-based paints and wood stain and, as with all Hodgson glazing sealants, HY-SPEC 25 meets the requirements of BS 8213-4 for the installation of windows and doors.
In response to a growing market trend for wood and neutral coloured PVC-U window profiles, Hodgson Sealants has launched new colour options to its Silfix LMN and U8 ranges. Silfix LMN will now be available in Teak/Rosewood and Toffee/ Caramel while Silfix U8 will now be produced in Portland Stone, Mid Grey and Magnolia. Silfix U8 is a low modulus, neutral cure, solvent free, alkoxy silicone sealant that is approved for a variety of façade and glazing applications and works well even in cold conditions. Silfix LMN is perfect for perimeter sealing around window and door frames and has excellent adhesion to a wide variety of building substrates. These new colours will match window and façade styles popular today, especially in rural areas and on older properties where the more usual brilliant white window profiles are deemed too harsh, especially against sensitive substrates.
Morley Glass To Unveil Further Integral Blind Innovations At 2022 FIT Show Integral blind manufacturer Morley Glass will unveil two further innovations in its award-winning Uni-Blinds range at this year’s FIT Show. The first is a completely new system for the health and social care sector, as well as other commercial and public buildings, called ScreenView. This provides installers with a solution for applications such as hospital and medical school door vision panels, where a mix of privacy and observation is As with every product in the Unirequired, switchable with ease, at Blinds range, ScreenView is manudifferent times of the day. Coupled factured by Morley Glass in Leeds with fire rated glass, this offers a using the ScreenLine integral blind solution that is both practical and systems from Italian pioneer Pellini fully compliant with the require- S.p.A. ments of a fire door specification, claims the company. A second innovation making its debut at the FIT Show is a smart Unlike any of the Venetian or pleat- home solution for the eco-friended blinds available in the current ly, solar powered integral blind Uni-Blinds range, ScreenView has system, Uni-Blinds W Smart. two layers of wide slats arranged in Already available with a remote a ladder style, which move up and control device, the W Smart is a down to provide an open view for Venetian blind that utilises a small observation or complete closure. solar panel on the exterior face of the window or door to power the raising, lowering and tilting of the blind – providing easy automation without the need for any hard-wiring by an electrician. Now, providing an alternative option to the fully Loxone smart home compatible Uni-Blinds MB System, W Smart features a new Pellini plug and play smart hub called ScreenHub, a technology upgrade that means it can now be controlled using a smart phone app. Both innovations will be on display at the FIT Show for installers to explore and try-out at the Morley Glass stand, number N31, which will take place at Birmingham’s NEC from 10th to 12th May. Ian Short, MD of Morley Glass said: “These exciting new products reflect our commitment to be continuously innovating to give installers and end-users ever more attractive and suitable integral blinds, whatever their requirement. ScreenView and our new technology for W Smart satisfy very different needs in completely different markets, but what they both have in common is that they enable end-users to take a different approach to how they incorporate shading and privacy into their windows and doors.” As with all Uni-Blinds integral blind systems, which sit between the panes of glass in a double glazed unit, ScreenView and W Smart are manufactured by Morley Glass and delivered nationwide at no additional cost in as little as 10-12 days. Full design and installation support is available to help installers achieve the highest quality solution across the Uni-Blinds range. This range includes five control systems and the option to upgrade the glass specification for greater thermal or solar control performance in any of the integrated Venetian, pleated or pleated blackout blinds. Find out more about Morley Glass: www.morleyglass.co.uk
dustry. We’re really looking forward to sharing our new products and software with more customers and speaking to them face-to-face in just a few months’ time.SupaLite To Exhibit Major Product “We shared a preview of our new products at our SupaLite Seminars, and we received a really posiDevelopments At FIT Show 2022 tive response to the latest products and our new app. We can’t wait to show more people what we’ve been busy working on.”
SupaLite, the Preston-based tiled roof specialists, will be launching some major new product developments to their roof system at this year’s FIT Show.
The company says visitors will be given exclusive access to view the latest developments which makes the SupaLite roof even faster to manufacture and install thanks to these changes.
The SupaLite team will also be showcasing their new trade and retail pricing app which is due to launch in the spring. The app will provide roof costs for business owners and prices based on customers’ retail pricing. It also links to the company’s installer hub, SupaLite FUSE, which means users will have free access to a database for their retail sales.
Some customers were lucky enough to get a sneak peek of these latest products and the app during the SupaLite Seminars, which were delivered in major cities across the UK at the end of last year. But for those who couldn’t attend, the FIT Show offers the perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with SupaLite’s product range, marketing packages and the popular installer scheme.
“It’ll be great to get back to the NEC in Birmingham and exhibit at this year’s FIT Show,” explains Wes Clarkson, sales director at SupaLite. Joining the newly enhanced roof system on the stand will be the new flat roof orangery. According to SupaLite, this latest product has been designed to be one of the fastest flat roof systems on the market, with recent tests revealing it takes around three hours to install a typical 6×4 roof – excluding roof coverings.
All the new products are said to complement the original SupaLite roof and just like other SupaLite products, the new flat roof orangery will also be fully accredited for building control JHAI.
The FIT Show is running from May 10th till the 12th and SupaLite will be on stand M60. www.supaliteroof.co.uk
Jeld-Wen Launches
Purplex says visitors to this year’s FIT Show will be able to access the best marketing advice thanks to its presence at the exhibition.
The agency will be showcasing the latest marketing techniques and technologies from its 105m² ‘Marketing Village’ stand – including an augmented reality product that Purplex says ‘will transform the way installers sell conservatories’.
The agency’s senior team will also be running a series of specialist seminars outlining the tools and trends which will help companies to maintain momentum throughout 2022, including a daily slot from managing director Andrew Scott, who has acquired, built and sold several window companies over a 35-year career and now advises some of the biggest names in the industry.
Andrew commented: “After an unprecedented two years, businesses will be facing more challenges as the market steadies and the supply chain and labour issues continue to bite. The purpose of the Marketing Village is to provide fabricators, installers and the wider fenestration market with valuable advice on how to navigate the changing landscape and create real growth.
“At Purplex we’re advising businesses to focus on their brand and reputation, and align sales, operations and marketing under one clear strategy – and I look forward to sharing my thoughts on how best to apply this.”
Digital transformation is a real focus for many companies this year and the Marketing Village will showcase the latest digital solutions for the fenestration industry, as well as the newest trends in PR, social media, SEO, brands, video and more. purplexmarketing.com
Purplex Marketing MD, Andrew Scott
AT Precision Set To
Reveal New Investment At The FIT Show
Since early 2020, AT Precision has been supplying fabricators with quality, affordable aluminium bi-fold hardware, compatible with most major systems on the market, claims the company.
Now, the supplier is excited to attend the FIT Show this May, ready to announce a new addition to its range that will help its customers even further.
Sales director Michael Hewitt comments: “Since opening our doors, we’ve been supplying our Everglide range of bi-fold hardware, which includes door rollers, top guides, pull handles, cleats and shootbolt handles, as well as the Everseal range of high-quality gaskets. “Both ranges are compatible with most major systems, and because they’re manufactured in-house, come at a very affordable rate, potentially saving aluminium fabricators thousands of pounds a year.
“Over the past 12 months, we’ve further expanded our portfolio with a range of plastic ancillaries, a high-quality range of espagnolette window handles, and the Ingenious Duplex MPL from Ingenious Locks.
“The combination of all these recent product investments means we’re able to supply fabricators with everything they need to manufacture a bi-fold door, bar the actual profile and glass – but that’s soon to change.
“Thanks to a recent strategic investment to be revealed at the FIT Show, we’ll soon be able to supply more than just hardware, but profile as well, giving the full offering to our customers and saving them even more money, time and hassle, with no compromise on quality.
“The FIT Show is going to be a fantastic opportunity to meet up with potential customers and discuss the future of an ever-evolving industry, and I very much look forward to the event, and showcasing everything AT Precision has to offer.”
Solar Calibre Is ‘Always Open’ At FIT Show
Solar Calibre Doors will be making its debut appearance at FIT Show 2022 (stand R11), supported by its new ‘Always Open’ marketing campaign and showcasing its extensive range of GRP and timber composite doors, under the brands Benchmark and Craftsman.
According to Solar CalibreDoors, its flagship Craftsman collection ‘unites precision engineering with the beauty, strength and resilience of timber’, while Benchmark offers an energy efficient, entry level composite GRP range.
The business is developing further its specialist doors, in particular its fire door range. It will be showing its existing Warden FD30S timber fire doors, as well as extending the range with the addition of a GRP fire door. These products are claimed to be safety tested to the highest, most exacting standards, the entire range exceeding fire safety regulations.
Already an established supplier of composite doors, Solar Calibre is looking ahead, exploring new technologies and glimpsing the future of door specification. Visitors to the stand will be able to take a look at some options and give their thoughts to the Solar Calibre team, which is always open to observations and feedback from customers.
As well as having its stand presence at FIT Show, Solar Calibre will also be represented on stage when Gareth Jones joins a panel on 10th May, 1.10-1.40, discussing ‘Facing up to the skills shortage’ with industry colleagues.
https://bit.ly/36SoIin
Extrudaseal To Attend FIT Show 2022
Extrudaseal, gaskets and seals manufacturer for the window and door industry, is exhibiting its entire product range on Stand G6 at FIT Show 2022, including PremaSeal and its range of Se-Lon foam seals. of FIT Show, and we can’t wait to see so many industry faces in one place again,” says Chris Byers, managing director at Extrudaseal.
“The event provides fabricators and installers with a fantastic opportunity to meet other people in the industry, learn about the latest technology and how it may be able to benefit their business. The 2019 event was very successful for us, we spoke direct to fabricators and installers about the benefits of working with Extrudaseal, as well as showing off our wide range of products, and we’re looking forward to showing visitors our new PremaSeal range at this year’s event.
“PremaSeal is our premium range of seals and gaskets which have integrated anti-stretch technology to help prevent shrinkage or stretching and the team at Extrudaseal are looking forward to showing fabricators and installers the benefits of this product faceto-face.”
FIT Show 2022 will be taking place at the NEC Birmingham between 10-12 May, and you can find the Extrudaseal team on Stand G6.
