CR Laurence To Showcase ‘Glass Rooms’ At FIT Show 22

CR Laurence

To Showcase ‘Glass Rooms’ At FIT Show 22

CR Laurence (CRL), one of the leading wholesale distributors to the glazing, industrial, construction, architectural, hardware and automotive industries, has signed up to exhibit at FIT Show 2022.

FIT Show, the UK’s leading event for the glazing industry, returns to the NEC Birmingham from May 10 – 12. CRL will utilise FIT Show as a platform to showcase its range of glazed solutions to fabricators and installers. effective way for us to introduce our brand and range of solutions to new customers within the glass and glazing industry, as well as to highlight new products to existing customers and gain their feedback.

“The event attracts everyone from fabricators and installers through to architects and specifiers, giving us a unique opportunity to engage with a wide yet appropriate audience.”

Speaking about its decision to exhibit at FIT Show 22, Simon Boocock, MD of CRL Europe comments: “FIT Show offers a very Amongst the products FIT Show visitors will be able to see is CRL’s Glass Room solution. Simon continues: “A highlight of the CRL stand at FIT Show 2022 will be our Glass Rooms, which enable homeowners to make the most of their outdoor space whatever the weather.

“CRL Glass Rooms are simple to construct, providing shelter from the elements and providing unobstructed views. With an intelligent modular design, the aluminium structure means very few supports are needed even over large areas.

“The innovative connectors give a high degree of flexibility with many variations possible, while optional extras including sliding doors, vertical blinds and roof blinds makes it simple to create a unique space that can be enjoyed throughout the seasons.”

The brand has long supported FIT Show, having exhibited in 2016, 2017 and 2019. Speaking about

the return of CR Laurence, FIT Show event director Nickie West said: “CR Laurence is a brilliant brand for our visitors, of which installers and fabricators make up the majority, to be able to see at FIT Show 22.

“Like many companies, CRL has experienced a surge in demand on the back of the pandemic and we are excited to see their fantastic products, including the amazing Glass Rooms, up close at FIT Show.”

Simon concludes: “Visitors to FIT can visit CRL on Stand A51 to find out more about this innovative system, at a time when homeowners are investing in the creation of such indoor/outdoor spaces and installers need a solution that is simple to install and offers a great deal of flexibility.” www.fitshow.co.uk

Checkatrade To Make

Debut Appearance At FIT Show 2022

Checkatrade is set to make its debut at FIT Show, which is returning to the NEC between 10 – 12 May 2022.

It will be exhibiting at FIT Show to raise awareness of the benefits of membership and to talk to installers about the demand it is currently seeing within the trade industry.

The business was founded in 1998 after a tornado hit a West Sussex village, causing rogue trades to flood in and rip off the locals. Checkatrade launched in order to help local people avoid these rogue trades, with its founder personally meeting and vetting every member. Today Checkatrade continues to carry out 12 checks on every member who wants to join, in turn giving quality tradespeople a unrivalled platform to promote their services to over 2 million homeowners each month.

Alex Cubitt, chief growth officer at Checkatrade, comments: “Over the past two years the home improvement market has experienced exceptionally strong growth, bolstered by the increased amount of time we’ve all spent at home during the pandemic. We’re always on the lookout for great trades who can help us meet the intense demand we’re seeing from homeowners. Exhibiting at FIT Show gives us the opportunity to speak directly to tradespeople about how Checkatrade can support them both now and in the future. 8 of 10 consumers would choose a Checkatrade endorsed trade and so there’s a great opportunity for us to help trades make the most of the current market conditions.”

Speaking about Checkatrade’s presence at FIT Show 2022, event director Nickie West said: “Checkatrade is a huge household name, and one that we are delighted to be able to bring to FIT Show 2022. We are committed to driving quality across the glass and glazing industry – trust and transparency, as embodied by Checkatrade, is a huge part of this.

“Our visitors will be able to tap into the wide-ranging expertise of the Checkatrade team who will be on hand to offer advice and support about better promoting their businesses to homeowners. Any platform that promotes quality and connects installers with homeowners can only be a good thing.” www.checkatrade.com

Dave ThomasHaffner Says Size Does Matter! Haffner’s stand at this year’s FIT products demand. The Graf SynerShow was already set to be one of gy range is the only range for this. the biggest stands in the show’s It delivers world class seamless history. But the company has con- welding technology and patented firmed that it’s just got even bigger welding techniques, increasing – the new space will be 610sqm. fabrication efficiencies and delivDave Thomas, managing director ering superior product quality. By of Haffner, said: “Our space at the showcasing the entire range on our FIT Show will be a must-visit for stand, we’ll be able to show more any fabricator. It will be first ever fabricators what it has to offer.” fully seamless machinery stand in the UK because it will showcase Haffner is the exclusive UK supply our complete Graf Synergy range, partner of Graf Synergy and its FIT as well as machinery from our Show stand will showcase maHaffner and FOM ranges.” chines capable of welding seamless corners, transoms, reverse Haffner took the decision to extend butts, cruciforms and cills, showing the stand because of a rapid in- how far the state-of-the-art macrease in demand and a stream of chinery innovation has come. orders for fully seamless set-ups. Dave commented: “Fabricators But the Graf Synergy range is only are increasingly looking to use the the start of what Haffner’s stand latest technologies to deliver out- will have to offer. The company standing quality that feature-rich says it will be showcasing the largest and most comprehensive machine portfolio in the industry that makes it a go-to supplier for fabricators of all sizes. It is the sole UK agent of Haffner Machinery, which designs innovative and high-quality engineered products at competitive industry prices. It also supplies a range of aluminium fabrication machines from FOM Industries, who hold an international reputation for quality machinery that combine the latest technology with skilled engineering and competitive prices. Dave concluded: “This year’s FIT Show is probably the most eagerly anticipated ever because it marks the return of face-to-face exhibitions. We look forward to welcoming customers old and new to our stand and show them exactly how Haffner can help them take their manufacturing to the next level.” The FIT Show runs 10-12 May 2022 at the NEC in Birmingham. www.haffnermurat.com

Morley Glass ‘FIT

And Ready’ For 2022 Show

Integral blinds manufacturer Morley Glass will be showcasing its largest ever range of Uni-Blinds at this year’s FIT Show, giving window and door installers a long overdue and exclusive opportunity to explore its latest exciting innovations.

For many visitors, the spacious 110 sq. m Morley Glass exhibition stand – N31 – will be their first chance to see and appraise the two newest Uni-Blinds integrated blind systems which have been developed since the last FIT Show in 2019. Morley Glass is anticipating strong interest in both the pleated blackout and symmetrically designed SV+ sliding Venetian systems because of the unique proposition that they offer to homeowners and developers.

These latest products will feature along with the full Uni-Blinds integral blinds range to give FIT Show visitors the complete picture of what these multi award winning shading and privacy solutions have to offer. The range on display will also include the manually operated corded C System and the sliding S and SV sliding systems, the smart home compatible motorised MB System – incorporating Loxone home automation – and innovative W Smart, which is motorised and solar powered.

Morley Glass managing director Ian Short said: “After the disappointing but understandable postponement of the FIT Show in 2020 and again last year, May’s show looks set to be one of the most important door and window sector events for many years.

“That’s why we are looking forward to the 2022 FIT Show so much, finally getting the opportunity to catch up with customers, supply chain partners and industry associates, as well as those who are new to integral blinds but keen to learn how they can open up a whole new revenue stream.”

Morley Glass will have a significant presence at the show, with its stand being triple the size of the space it took in 2019, to cater for the growing interest in Uni-Blinds. By being so large, the stand will also help delegates stay safe too, with easy access from all sides and plenty of space to remain socially distanced.

Ian adds: “The FIT Show will be a great opportunity for anyone who isn’t familiar with integrated blinds to discover why they are gaining so much popularity. But aside from being able to touch, feel and try out our products, we can also explain how our service works and how we can offer the industry’s shortest lead times for a superior quality product which we make here in the UK.”

Visit Morley Glass at stand N31 www.fitshow.co.uk www.morleyglass.co.uk

Emmegi (UK) Confirmed For FIT 2022

Emmegi (UK) has just announced that it will be back exhibiting at the FIT Show in May, with a stand showcasing a mix of its newest and most popular machines. After 3 years away, it will be a chance for new and existing customers to chat to the team and enjoy some classic Italian-style hospitality.

Managing director Ian Latimer, said: “Since the beginning, FIT has been a really successful show for us – not just in terms of generating enquiries for new machines, but as a great place to meet up with customers and friends. With momentum building for the 2022 event, we didn’t want to miss out. “Machinery is always a good draw for fabricators at exhibitions, so I hope the fact that there’s now another machinery company on the floorplan will encourage even more people to register.”

FIT Show’s event director Nickie West agreed: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Emmegi back to FIT Show. Emmegi has supported every single FIT Show, growing its presence show-on-show.

“Being able to see working machinery up close really does create lots of buzz and excitement on the show floor. Emmegi’s showcase is a prime example of how a trip to FIT really does connect and engage the market on a scale like no other marketing medium. We’re in for a treat!”

Ian added: “I’d like to think the whole industry will come out and support FIT this year – either as exhibitors or as visitors. It’s a really valuable asset to the market and, if we don’t all support it, we’re in danger of losing it and regretting it in the future.”

More details of the machines to be featured, and the offers and promotions which visitors can expect, will be released ahead of the show in May.

Solar Calibre Doors To Make An

Solar Calibre Doors, manufacturers of GRP and timber composite doors, as well as GRP and timber fire rated doors, will be showcasing its Benchmark, Craftsman and Warden ranges at FIT Show 2022 (10th – 12th May). The three brands encompass the wider market, including the social housing/Local Authority sector, Entrance At FIT Show 2022

trade market and high-end new build.

Gareth Jones, managing director of Solar Calibre Doors, said: “I’ve always been a huge advocate of FIT Show so it will be great to get back to doing what we do best in May. We’re looking forward to bringing our latest product ranges to FIT Show, but we’re especially excited about being able to speak to our customers and prospects, who will be under the same roof for the first time in three years.

“A key strength of the wider Solar group of companies is our extensive supply chain and the capability that this affords us in servicing customers. We’ve got excellent access to materials, production and distribution across the UK – something

Gareth Jones.

which many companies have been blighted by over the course of the pandemic. I’d urge anyone who is seeking a new supplier in 2022 or beyond to come and chat with our team of experts on the Solar Calibre Doors stand.” The Solar group of companies operates from 12 sites across the UK, employing over 250 people, fabricating, supplying and installing window and door products for social housing providers and local authorities and for newbuild developers, trade and commercial installers.

Nickie West, FIT Show event director adds: “It’s an exciting time for Solar Calibre Doors, with a new MD at the helm and with a business model that has thrived through the challenges of the last two years. We’re excited to see the full range of Solar Calibre Doors products on offer and know that our visitors will benefit from being able to speak to the team first-hand at the show. Nothing beats face-to-face, after all.”

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Featuring

Leads 2 Trade is working even closer with installers in 2022 as it looks to hit the ground running for its members. The provider of double-qualified sales leads to installers operating in the home improvement sector has always adapted it’s offering to provide members with the best leads, says the company. From premium lead delivery and pre-qualified hotkey telephone leads to its most recent no pitch no fee guaranteed booking appointment service, members of the company’s trusted installer network have been able to get leads delivered to them in a way best suited for them. And the Stockport-based company is working even closer with them

Leads 2 Trade Working Even Closer With Members To Achieve Best Cost Of Sale now to make sure they get the best lead value and achieve an acceptable cost of sale. Andy Royle, co-founder and managing director of Leads 2 Trade: “After the industry boomed last year, the landscape is set to change as this year progresses, with some installers already reporting a definite shift to receiving fewer enquiries from their self-generated efforts. “Sales leads will need to provide installers with even more value and while volume and price were once the most important thing, now it must be about conversion to appointment/survey and appointment to sale for businesses to grow. “That’s why we are working closer than ever with our members to make sure they are getting the lead value they want and an acceptable cost of sale.” The company’s confirmed appointment booking, no pitch no fee service is proving hugely popular, with the lead sold to just one other company, meaning a 50% chance of winning the work for members, and only paying for the lead if they sit and pitch it. Leads 2 Trade’s free mobile app also means members will never miss a sale with appointment and lead alerts. “Our no pitch no fee is certainly providing unbeatable value for members with a cost of sale that’s almost three times less on average than for a standard double qualified lead, while our mobile app allows them to have reporting and sales conversion stats at their fingertips,” added Andy. “We have always been much more than a lead provider and the message is, tell us what your acceptable cost of sale is, and we’ll work with you to achieve it.” www.leads2trade.co.uk

Shepley Launch

New Visage Website

Shepley has launched a fresh new website for its popular retail brand Visage. visageonline.co.uk showcases the complete Visage product range including Rehau PVCu windows and doors, Vuelta Flush sash windows and the Visage Composite Door Collection. The website also offers homeowners advice on glazed extensions, conservatories and bifold doors. project,” says Ian Griffiths, managing director at Shepley Windows. “They can even choose the perfect composite door using the Visage door designer.”

Visage was created as a home improvement brand in 1986 to support installers and the popular Visage Online website generates retail sales enquiries across the UK.

Ian continues: “The latest version of the website makes it easy for homeowners to browse the complete Visage range. It contains high quality installation photos for inspiration and visitors can select from the full range of Visage brochure downloads.” The Visage composite door designer WebApp has more than 40 traditional and contemporary door styles and features exclusive glass options, enabling homeowners to design their own composite door in just a few clicks.

Shepley customers can add the Visage composite door designer to their own website and can also upgrade their website to a bespoke Visage site that’s tailored to their own business.

Visit the new website at www.visageonline.co.uk

“Accessibility to information online is key for homeowners researching home improvements. With recent reports claiming that 51 percent of people are planning to enhance their home in the next year, the new Visage website offers homeowners practical information and advice for their

Epwin Window Systems’ Connect integrated digital platform is proving popular with installers with over 200 new installer registrations being made in the last four months.

Connect brings together all the vast value-added benefits available to Epwin Window Systems’ customers offering what is arguably the industry’s most

Epwin Window Systems’

Connect Platform Proving Valuable For Installers

extensive range of support, says the company. Intended for use by both fabricators and installers, Connect has been purposely designed to support businesses of all sizes.

Installers enjoying the many benefits that Connect delivers include Matthew Dunne Smith of Oswestry Window and Doors. He says: “Having access to the widest range of marketing, digital, technical and PR support is incredible and is something we would never haven been able to achieve ourselves. Connect is another level of support for us to tap into – it’s a hugely impressive platform that is bringing us great advantages.” “Installers everywhere are busier than ever, so they need to maximise efficiency and effectiveness. Connect brings together our complete support offering, which means everything our customers need is available in the same place, saving them time and money.”

There are sections that bring together all the marketing support that is available, including everything from image and video libraries to bespoke creative services and brochure downloads.

Technical documentation is available on all Epwin Window Systems’ products as well as a dedicated section for commercial installers.

A Showroom To Show Off

For Epwin Window Systems’ Installer L Pearce Home Improvements

L Pearce Home Improvements, an Epwin Window Systems’ installer, has just opened a stunning new showroom in a Grade II-listed building which was previously an old pump house in Rhos-on-Sea, North Wales. The extensively refurbished building now showcases a wide range of Epwin Window Systems products including a selection of Optima PVC-U windows and doors, Stellar aluminium windows and doors and PatioMaster sliding doors. Taking centre stage is a 3.5 metre Stellar aluminium bifolding door which opens up to a kitchen bar area, demonstrating the open plan appeal that bifolding doors deliver.

Despite the building’s historical heritage, the showroom has been purposely refurbished with a modern contemporary interior that has a fresh open appeal and complements the cutting-edge products on display. Its opening marks the next stage of the company’s impressive three-year growth which has seen the business develop from a one man start up to a successful, established installation business.

While the business has flourished due to the upturn in the domestic market as a result of the pandemic, founder Luke Pearce is clear that the products from Epwin Window Systems have played a crucial part. He said: “We have been fitting Optima and Patiomaster products since we started the business and introduced the Stellar aluminium range to our portfolio nine months ago. The aesthetics of the products is second to none and offer huge appeal to homeowners. Similarly, the quality and reliability of the products allow us to fit with confidence knowing we are not going to get any call backs. This protects our margins and our reputation.” in January 2022, exudes quality at every level. Luke said: “As soon as customers drive up to the building there is an immediate wow factor. This opens the business up to a different demographic of customer and starts a first-class customer journey. Once inside, the showroom demonstrates the vast range and diversity of our offer in a clean, contemporary environment. This design approach was quite deliberate and capitalises on current design principles towards smoother, cleaner lines and less cluttered living. We are delighted with the end result and it’s proving very popular with customers both existing and new.”

Gerald Allen, head of marketing at Epwin Window Systems commented: “The showroom is your window to the outside world but can be a severely underexploited resource. The quality of L Pearce Home Improvements’ showroom perfectly showcases our products in a clean, contemporary setting. The attention to detail is evident at every level and we are delighted that it is already proving successful for them.”

Emmegi’s two apprentices training in the company’s Coventry workshop We’re nurturing them carefully – giving our experienced engineers time and space to train them on jobs where we know they are likely to learn and practice their skills and allowing them to work on the second-hand machines in our workshop without any time pressures.

Both our apprentices will complete their four-year college courses in 2022 and we anticipate that they will be ready to service machines on their own during the course of this year. In 2023, the plan is that they will move onto installation and repair jobs unsupervised, but with the full support of the whole team here.

They are obviously learning much more than mechanical and electrical engineering with us. The key to a successful apprenticeship, as I see it, is that youngsters are immersed in a positive work culture and also learn the softer life skills such as time management and customer communication.

As a global business, Emmegi undoubtedly has some inherent advantages when it comes to recruiting and retaining engineers. There are lots of opportunities here for travel and progression and the chance to work with the very latest software to learn tech skills as well.

No Such Thing As A Quick Fix By Wayne Hunter, Operations Manager, Emmegi (UK)

It’s no secret that the industry wide skills shortage is probably most acute in the machinery sector. Competition for skilled service engineers is fiercer than ever – and not just between different machinery suppliers.

The problem has been exacerbated by the boom in automated warehousing which we’ve seen particularly since the start of the pandemic, with the likes of Amazon and Ocado creating thousands of extra well-paid engineering jobs and emptying the talent pool even further.

However, while it’s not a quick fix, there is hope in the form of tailored apprenticeships for young engineers. We know that what both machinery suppliers and fabricators need are more experienced, time-served engineers who have learnt their trade in this industry. So, at Emmegi (UK), we’re putting our money where our mouth is.

Wayne Hunter

We’ve got two young trainees learning their trade with us under the government’s much lauded apprenticeship scheme and we’re giving them the kind of training and work experience which will hopefully make them both want to stay with us and, just as importantly, in this industry, long term.

At 22 and 23 years old, Dan and Will are both getting a mix of practical and college-based training which will see them acquire first an NVQ in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering and then, in time, an HND and potentially even a degree. We haven’t chosen the apprenticeship route as an alternative to hiring experienced engineers either; and all of those benefits apply equally no matter what stage in your career you join us.

Like every business that makes a real investment in training though, we’re aware of the fact that our engineers could potentially move to a different supplier at some point. However, we take the view that every supplier should be doing their bit to address the skills shortage and that increasing the talent pool is not just good for us but good for the wider industry as well.

GGF’s Beedel Addresses Minister At National Apprentice Week Launch Building Our Skills Expands Training Centre Network

Chris Beedel, director of government advocacy for the Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF) addressed a kick-off event organised by the National Home Improvement Council (NHIC) for the launch of National Apprentice Week, which was attended by Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Minister Lee Rowley MP.

The NHIC is the umbrella organisation for the UK, repair, maintenance and home improvement sector, for which the GGF is a member organisation representing the interests of the replacement window, door and related products industry. Chris Beedel, who represents the glass and glazing industry to government departments and other stakeholders, was one of several speakers invited to address the event.

Chris used the opportunity to highlight the newly launched GGF Apprenticeship Scheme, with the first cohort of apprentices due to start in April 2022. The GGF Apprenticeship has been designed to overcome the barriers seen in attracting apprentices to national schemes, such as a required A-C grade at GCSE in Maths and English.

The GGF Apprenticeship Pilot Scheme allows for an initial 20 apprentices to be placed with GGF members and the GGF will cover 50% of their external training provider cost of £4,000, the other 50% being covered by the GGF member.

Sanitaryware manufacturer Ideal Standard hosted the launch of National Apprentice Week, which runs from 7th – 13th February and for which the aim is to promote and celebrate the value, benefit, and opportunity that apprenticeships bring. The theme for NAW22 is “Build the Future” and Minister for Industry Lee Rowley MP chose to open the week by meeting apprentices from the home improvement sector, seen as being key to the government’s “build back better” and “levelling up” campaigns.

The Minister met apprentices from all parts of the repair, maintenance and home improvements sectors and said: “It’s encouraging to hear the positive stories from these apprentices, but I am acutely aware of the need to increase capacity in the home improvement sector and am looking forward to working with the NHIC and its members to find ways of doing just that.”

Afterwards Chris Beedel commented: “It is crucial that we are able to ensure that the voice of the glazing industry is communicated to government ministers and other influential partner organisations. This is especially important with the government’s commitment towards Net Zero and the increased role that our industry can play in that.

“We also need to encourage apprenticeships in our industry as a key means of resolving the skills shortage that is hampering so many businesses, especially as demand for glass and glazing products continues so strongly,” added Chris. www.ggf.org.uk Building Our Skills – Making Fenestration, Glass and Glazing a Career of Choice is expanding its national network of practical training centres with the addition of two new academy sites. The first is via a partnership with BUILD training, located near Heathrow airport, and the other through collaboration with Glass & Fenestration Training Solutions (GFTS) in Cornwall.

The expansion of the delivery network for practical training follows quickly after the acquisition by Building Our Skills of the digital assets and course content of Profitter which includes a range of courses including an introduction to fenestration for beginners, intermediate and advanced courses, along with specialist opportunities and surveying.

BUILD is an independent training provider, working with learners of a broad range of ages from sixteen up to seventy-five to facilitate their entry into the construction sector. Commenting on its partnership with Building Our Skills, BUILD’s head of centre, Marcia Wootton and Jane Gunn, BUILD’s head of construction jointly stated: “It’s great to be part of the Building Our Skills ‘family’. The aims of BOS and BUILD are very much aligned. We’re fans of what BOS is trying to achieve, and hope that we can contribute to this too. We’re passionate about the fenestration industry, and want to help address the skills gap from which it is suffering. In particular, we can help to encourage younger people into the industry by ensuring they see the real career opportunities it presents.” www.buildingourskills.co.uk or through www.profitter.org.uk

Commenting on its Accredited Training service, GQA’s EQA/ technical officer, Martin Sadler says: “Using our Accredited Training service means that employers can develop their own training to suit their employees or their customers’ needs with the GQA stamp of approval to show the quality of the training delivered. The GQA-branded certificate we offer is an important tool and highlights the third party endorsement we bring. We can also help to develop specific courses in the consultation phase of our collaboration.”

A great example of the way that GQA’s ‘Accredited Training’ service operates is work done recently with AluK, specialists in the design and testing of aluminium products for the fenestration industry. When AluK wished to achieve third party accreditation for its training courses the company turned to this specialist service from the fenestration industry’s awarding and qualifications-writing organisation. GQA’s Accredited Training service is aimed at employers in the industry who want to have their in-house training endorsed by GQA Qualifications and gives them the opportunity to deliver training that focuses on candidates’ particular needs specific to their role with the employer. Darren Burford, training manager of the ‘AluK Academy’ explains: “The AluK Academy pre-

GQA Helps AluK Achieve Training Accreditation sents workshops in fabrication, installation, product awareness and the use of the company’s design system called ‘Logikal’. GQA has provided third party accreditation for the workshops and our training days. The organisation offers a professional service, providing invaluable guidance and support, especially in the development of our training programmes. I would say GQA is a real advocate for the aluminium industry. Its auditing process ensures that all of our courses are consistent, and GQA has helped us get to where we are today as a GQA Accredited Training Centre. “The fact that the organisation offers recognised qualifications and is one of the few bodies specialising in the fenestration industry made this a good fit for us. The whole process of working with GQA, right from the outset, was a true partnership.” In addition to its Accredited Training service, GQA also offers one in ‘Bespoke Qualification’. Together, the two specialist services are helping the fenestration industry to develop training solutions tailored to the specific needs of employers and their staff. The two initiatives mean that employers can create and accredit in-house developed training courses and learning programmes in addition to utilising existing qualifications. GQA’s Bespoke Qualification service is aimed at employers who wish to be able to offer those staff and customers undertaking very specific roles the opportunity to work towards gaining a qualification where one does not already exist. The service is perfect for niche specialist areas, which do not lend themselves to meeting the required content of a standard regulated qualification. GQA has close to 200 qualifications covering a broad variety of sectors. The fenestration industry, just like any other, needs training solutions tailored to its specific needs. The organisation’s services are helping to facilitate this, and are contributing to raising standards and assisting in shaping careers. www.gqaqualifications.com

Glazerite Highlights Key Role Of Its Apprentices

site. Mia, 19, who joined Glazerite after sixth form, says: “I knew that university wasn’t the right path for me. I wanted to continue to learn and work towards more qualifications however, so an apprenticeship was very appealing. “It has enabled me to learn new skills, and I’ve become much more confident in my abilities. Being able to actually put my learning into practice in a working environment has really helped as I’ve been able to learn so much about the industry first-hand. I’m really enjoying my new role as a customer advisor; it shows what opportunities are out there and I would definitely encourage more people to consider an apprenticeship.”

Mia welcomes the encouragement and support she’s received from her Glazerite colleagues during her studies, and both she and Amanda have been praised by their line managers and the fabricator’s directors for their commitment to self-development, their roles, and the business itself.

7th-13th February 2022 marks National Apprenticeship Week, an annual celebration of apprentices and the difference they can make to UK businesses. In recognition of the event, the Glazerite UK Group is highlighting the contribution made by two of its own employees who have been through the fabricator’s apprentice route.

Company accountant, Amanda Newman, is currently undertaking her Level 4 CIMA apprenticeship. Based at Glazerite’s head office in Wellingborough, 56-year-old Amanda seized the opportunity to further her training via an apprenticeship. She says: “Though it does feel harder studying as an adult, I am really lucky to have been given the opportunity, and I’ve been well supported by Glazerite. It has been challenging at times, but it’s really helped me to fill in the gaps in my knowledge, much of which had been previously ‘self-taught.’”

Amanda adds: “The apprenticeship has made me feel better able to carry out my role and love my job even more. I want to continue to challenge myself and develop even more skills. I’ve proved that it’s never too late to learn and it is always worth giving it your best shot, whatever your age.”

Mia Harrison has just completed her Customer Service Level 3 apprenticeship with a distinction and is now a trainee customer advisor at the fabricator’s Wellingborough HR advisor, Laura Rorke, who started her human resources career as a Glazerite apprentice knows first-hand the benefits the scheme brings. She says: “I was able to combine my CIPD management qualification while learning on the job; getting handson experience and putting theory into practice is such a great way to learn and develop a career. Mia has really blossomed in the time she’s been with us; it’s great to see her grow in confidence, successfully complete her apprenticeship and start her new role.

“Amanda is also a fantastic resource and has demonstrated that the apprenticeship route is not just for school leavers. It’s an ideal route for those of any age who want to gain a recognised qualification or switch careers.”

Victorian Sliders Supports Worthy Causes With £10K Charity Donation

Sash window specialists Victorian Sliders have begun 2022 by supporting two extremely worthy causes.

In place of the Christmas gifts they would usually send to their customers, the South Wales firm has donated £5,000 to Ty Hafan’s children hospice, and £5,000 to ABF – The Soldier’s Charity.

One of Britain’s leading paediatric palliative care charities, Ty Hafan offers comfort, care and support to life-limited children throughout Wales.

This support can be in the hospice, in the community or at home, and gives parents and carers a chance to relax and recharge their batteries.

Formerly the Army Benevolent Fund, ABF is a national charity established to support both serving soldiers and veterans of the British Army.

ABF supports 60,000 people in 63 countries, giving grants to individuals, families and other organisations. In the 2020-2021 financial year, the youngest person it helped was aged two, and the oldest was aged 103.

However, the fantastic service offered by both charities comes at a cost – Ty Hafan has to raise over £4.5m every year to stay operational, while last year ABF’s expenditure was £8.3m.

“Throughout the pandemic, thousands of fantastic charities supporting people across the country have struggled to raise vital funds,” comments Victorian Sliders marketing manager Geoff Bishop.

“That’s why, this year, we decided to do our bit to help Ty Hafan and ABF continue their incredible work. On behalf of ourselves and our valued customers, we’ve made donations which we hope will help both organisations make life better for dozens more people around the country.

“If you’d like to do the same, please visit the Ty Hafan and ABF websites – http://tyhafan.org and https://soldierscharity.org”

£10K Pledge To Support Mental Health In Construction

QANW has donated £10,000 to Lighthouse Club, the Construction Industry Charity that provides emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support to construction workers and their families in times of crisis.

Gemma Swankie, head of sales and marketing at QANW, said: “We are very proud to be partnering with Lighthouse Club to help fund the support that they offer to the construction industry. Our members are all involved in the construction and home improvement sectors, and as well as this donation, we will be working with Lighthouse Club to spread the message about the work they do, and the resources and help they offer to anyone who is struggling.

“There are staggering statistics about the impact of mental health issues within our sector, which have only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. We see this new partnership as a way to support the important and vital work that Lighthouse Club does to help construction workers and their families when they are in need.” Construction Industry Charity, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to QANW for their amazing donation which means that we can continue to proactively support our construction colleagues in need. Our mission is no construction worker or their family should be alone in a crisis and this donation will go a long way to helping us achieve that.”

QANW handed over the donation at the Lighthouse Club Scotland East Annual Dinner in Edinburgh on Friday 12 November.

Installer Alert...

...over 30 benefits of joining DGCOS

“It’s great being a part of the family representing DGCOS who offer the real deal to the double glazing sector. They are absolutely passionate about improving the industry, protecting consumers and providing all-round support for their members with a wide range of benefits, helping to give them the edge ”in the marketplace. George Clarke Scheme Ambassador

DGCOS is a consumer protection scheme that covers the installation of double glazing products. Being a member of DGCOS shows that as an installer you are committed to complying with high standards of consumer protection. To find out more, contact us: 0345 053 8975 info@dgcos.org.uk | www.dgcos.org.uk