Window News January 2024

8 Cornwall Group 62 Stay Flexible Acquires Forward Glass

And Adapt To Change

110 Rehau Is The Cure For Epsom Hospital

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CONTENTS

W INDOWNEWS THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS

TRADE NEWS 4 VIEWPOINT 46 PEOPLE 74 UPVC WINDOW SYSTEMS

80

PRODUCT NEWS 84 SOFTWARE 102 MACHINERY 105 ON SITE 108 MARKETING & INTERNET

122

AWARDS 128 EXHIBITIONS 136 CHARITY 138

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Cover picture: Regalead Reports Successes With Urban Bar For Bifold Doors more on page 96 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 3

TRADE NEWS

Rocal Endurance Holdings

Acquires Aluminium Fabricator BDC Aluminium Rocal Endurance Holdings, known for its expertise in manufacturing composite doors, door panels, and specialist plastic extrusions, has solidified its market presence through the strategic acquisition of BDC Aluminium. The transaction, conducted for an undisclosed sum, marks a significant milestone in Rocal Endurance’s growth trajectory.

Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Witham, Essex, BDC Aluminium has carved a niche as a fabricator of premium aluminium windows and doors catering to both domestic and commercial markets, predominantly in the South of England.

The company boasts an extensive product range, encompassing bi-folding doors, 4 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

sliding patio doors, internal screens, curtain walling, and facades.

This acquisition not only enhances Rocal Endurance’s product offering but also unlocks new market opportunities, positioning the Rocal Endurance group for further expansion.

Expressing enthusiasm about the acquisition, Stephen Nadin, managing director at Rocal, stated: “We are thrilled to integrate the capabilities and expertise of BDC Aluminium into our existing portfolio. BDC Aluminium is a robust and profitable operation, and we plan to nurture and invest in its growth from its Witham base in the South East.”

Nadin added: “Our goal is

to leverage our extensive knowledge of consumer marketing to propel the business forward, generating leads and creating substantial sales opportunities for our nationwide network of installer partners.”

David Green, managing director at BDC Aluminium, shared his perspective on the acquisition, saying: “After investing considerable effort in building BDC Aluminium, it was crucial for me to entrust the company to a reputable business.

“Rocal Endurance perfectly aligns with this requirement. I have full confidence that they will not only take care of our loyal customer base but also support our existing team of 40 staff, who will continue operating from the same premises.”

He continued: “I am particularly excited about Rocal Endurance’s plans for the company. Their proven expertise in intelligent marketing and their ability to extend our reach, enabling us to supply installers across the UK, bodes well for a bright future for BDC Aluminium.”

TRADE NEWS

Triple Glazing Question

future.

Postponed After “Missed

As many of you will know, our intention had been to hold an event in March 2024 to discuss the impact of the Future Homes Standard.

Homes Standard

We asked our customers whether they thought the time was right for a second Triple Glazing Question, and the answer was a resounding yes.

Opportunity” Of Future The government has announced the proposed details of its Future Homes Standard. Edgetech’s Chris Alderson responds.

focus on heat pumps, airtightness and solar panels.

With the Future Homes Standard, the glazing industry has yet again been overlooked.

Far from representing a stepchange in building performance, the suggested requirements are lower than some homes are being built to now.

Like many in the sector, we expected it to recommend highperformance triple glazing to help drastically improve thermal efficiency.

Rather than improving energy efficiency, and thereby reducing total energy consumption, the focus is on rapidly decarbonising the energy we use.

In fact, in the government’s 36,000word consultation document, released on December 13th, glazing is mentioned a grand total of three times.

Who knows how long that will take – and the country will surely be left struggling with supply challenges for heat pumps and solar panels.

The proposals make no change to required U-Values or minimum fabric standards. Instead, they

At Edgetech, we feel this is a colossal missed opportunity to make Britain’s buildings better, and pave the way to a net zero

The day would’ve explored what part triple glazing could play in achieving Britain’s net zero objectives.

However, in light of this announcement, which indicates glazing has no place in the government’s plans, we have decided to postpone the event.

We are sceptical whether the measures will achieve the required 75-80% reduction in emissions, and think it’s possible the subject will be revisited.

If and when that happens, we will reschedule the event, and help the industry adapt to this unpredictable and rapidly changing situation. www.edgetechig.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 5

TRADE NEWS

Find Your Perfect Match With The New

GGF & FENSA Jobs Board The Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF) and FENSA have announced the launch of a new dedicated industry jobs board that will sit on both organisation’s websites and actively match those searching for work, with businesses looking for new talent.

a dedicated jobs board that can help to marry the two. It has been designed to suit both employers and employees with applicants able to create profiles on the system to make introductions between potential employers and employees even easier.”

Chris Beedel, head of advocacy & stakeholder relations at the GGF explains: “We understand from our members that it can be incredibly difficult to find the right people to fill vacancies in a business, but at the same time there are plenty of people looking for work, unable to find the right position for them.

That is why we have created

Lis Clarke, operations director at FENSA adds: “Sitting on both the GGF and FENSA websites for easy access, we believe this is the only jobs board of its kind in the industry with the functionality to add skill and qualification requirements on jobs and employee profiles so that users can automatically see when there is a match.

6 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

Chris Beedel

Notifications can be sent to those posting a job when applications are made, and to those looking for work when suitable jobs are posted, to make the entire process as easy and as proactive as possible.

Users will also be able to see new training courses that are available to further their careers.”

Chris continues: “Members of both the GGF and FENSA can post jobs to the site free of charge. Non-members can

TRADE NEWS

New Platform Launches To ‘Avoid Conflict’ In Home

Improvement Complaints

Manchester-based Qure Group has launched a new complaint resolution arm which provides an off-the-shelf route to resolve customer disagreements. also post jobs to the site for a fee, but it would work out cheaper to join the GGF. Plus, those businesses would then have full access to all the other benefits the GGF has to offer such as recycling schemes, pulse testing, and our Skilled Pathways Training scheme.

“The market unfortunately remains in a period of instability with continued uncertainty in the wider economic and political context,” concludes Chris, “so it is even more important for businesses to have the skillset they need to survive and succeed. Likewise with the cost-of-living crisis still looming, the more people we can help to find work, the better. The GGF and FENSA are proud to offer a solution that will hopefully bring these two communities together for the good of the industry.” www.ggf.org.uk www.fensa.org.uk

For use by SMEs and sole traders in the home improvement and renewable energy sectors, Complaint Assist uses the same tried and tested methods of complaint resolution previously only available to larger organisations, claims the company.

Inbound complaints from customers are screened and assessed by a team of experienced professionals who have a background in the home improvement sector. Using their technical knowledge and insight during an initial consultation, they aim to resolve issues and prevent the complaint from escalating into a more serious dispute.

“Using an approach which focuses on reaching a quick solution to complaints has proven time and again to reduce both cost and stress while ensuring organisations’ reputations are not damaged.”

Explains Ciaran Harkin, managing director of Qure Group.

He added: “Our objective in such cases is to prevent escalation and avoid conflict between businesses and customers along with saving time and preventing legal costs from spiralling out of control.

Too many complaints, which could be resolved quickly, descend into expensive, long running and ultimately damaging scenarios which can be avoided.”

The new Complaint Assist service operates on a subscription basis with packages of support starting at £60 per month.

Recent research by the company found that tradespeople face four customer disputes per year and that three-quarters of homeowners would select a contractor based on its use of an alternative dispute resolution scheme.

Despite this, 42% of home improvement contractors are not part of a dispute resolution scheme.

WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 7

TRADE NEWS

Cornwall Group Acquires Forward Glass

excess of £10m a year, employing over 100 people and, looking ahead, we have plans to broaden the offering. The Birmingham based company has three toughening plants, which brings the total at Cornwall Group to eight. Forward’s typical customers are sealed unit manufacturers, traditional glass merchants and shop fitters. They are a successful business with a loyal customer base, and to them I would say it will be very much ‘business as usual’.”

The current joint managing directors of Mackenzie Glass – Matt Prowse and Mark Herbert – will handle the day-to-day running of the business.

Forward Glass’s former owner and managing director, Mark Weston Smith, who plans to retire, is the fifth generation of his family to operate in the glass industry, and was careful to find the right home for the employees and customers.

“For me and my family, Forward Glass represents more than a century of tradition and experience,” he said. “I was keen to ensure the business was acquired by someone who shared our values. I believe Cornwall Group has a similar culture and the expertise and experience to manage the business and take it forward.”

Mark Herbert

Matt Prowse

Cornwall Group has acquired Birmingham-based Forward Glass in a transaction that completed on December 1st in the Group’s most substantial deal to date.

“Forward Glass is a great fit for us,” Cornwall Group’s chairman Mark Mitchell said. “The business is very similar to our Bristol based company Mackenzie Glass, which we bought from Pilkington Glass in 2017. They are an independent, family-owned business, selling single toughened, processed glass and stock to the trade.

Cornwall Group has also acquired the 100,000ft2 site.

Cornwall Group purchased 100% of the share capital of Forward Glass, the Midlands’ largest independent toughened glass manufacturer and stock distributor. The Company will continue to trade under its own name.

8 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

“Forward Glass has a turnover in

“Our plans for the future include investment in plant and machinery and the introduction of an apprenticeship programme,” Mark Mitchell said. “But, ultimately, the acquisition of Forward Glass will allow the Cornwall Group to step out from its traditional base in the South West and expand into new markets.”

Cornwall Glass’s advisors were Coodes (legal) and Lang Bennetts (financial), and Forward Glass was represented by Higgs (legal) and Springboard Corporate Finance (financial). www.cornwallglass.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

Builders’ Merchant Q3 volume down -10.5% on Q2

2022. Value sales down -3.3% Compared to the same period in 2022, Q3 2023 total volume sales to builders and trades fell -10.5% from Britain’s Builders’ Merchants. Value sales were down -3.3%, as prices rose +8.0%. There was no difference in trading days. The three largest categories all sold less: Heavy Building Materials (-1.5%), Landscaping (-7.0%) and Timber & Joinery Products (-13.1%).

Q3 results weren’t helped by September total value sales, which were -6.1% down on September 2022, with no difference in trading days.

Volume sales fell -13.0% and prices rose +7.8%. Heavy Building Materials (-5.8%), Landscaping (-6.7%), and Timber & Joinery Products (-13.9%) all sold less.

10 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

Quarter-on-quarter, total value sales dipped -1.4% in Q3 2023 compared with April to June 2023. Volume sales dropped -2.1% and prices edged up +0.8%. With four more trading days in the most recent period, like-for-like sales were -7.5% lower in July to September compared to Q2.

Nine of the twelve categories had higher value sales quarteron-quarter, with Kitchens & Bathrooms (+7.5%) increasing the most. Landscaping (-13.3%) was weakest.

Compared to August, total merchant September value sales were down -3.4%. Volume (-2.7%) and price (-0.7%) were also down. With one less trading day in September, like-for-like sales were +1.2%

higher. Only three categories sold more: Workwear & Safetywear (+2.7%), Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (+2.3%) and Kitchens & Bathrooms (+0.8%).

Seasonal category Landscaping (-9.2%) contracted the most.

Mike Rigby, CEO of MRA Research who produce this report, said: “Quarter 3 was a wash out for the building industry. From the unrelenting rain which put a halt to outdoor work in August and September, sending homeowners abroad in search of the sun, to the drop in housebuilding output which fell to its lowest levels since Covid, not much was happening.

“GfK’s Consumer Confidence Index also fell sharply from -21 to -30 in October defying expectations of continued improvement to -20 as the high cost of living and economic uncertainties weighed on sentiment. But with inflation dropping more than forecast, from 6.7% in September to 4.6% in October, a year after the dismal days of Prime Minister Liz Truss, will the

TRADE NEWS Chancellor’s Autumn Statement lift the national mood and get Britian building, and growing, again? There’s a lot of resilience in the private housing repair, maintain and improve sector. If you doubt it, try finding quality trades who are not busy and booked into 2024, for your home improvement project.”

Developed and run by MRA

Research, the BMBI – a brand of the Builders Merchant Federation – is a monthly index of builders’ merchant sales, and the most reliable, up-to-date measure of Repair, Maintenance, and Improvement (RMI) activity in the UK. The index is based on actual sales from GfK’s Builders’ Merchant Point of Sale Tracking Data, which captures value sales out to builders from generalist

U-Comply N Calculator

Adding Value, Says

Epwin Window Systems

Epwin Window Systems has confirmed an increase in downloads of its thermal efficiency calculator U-Comply N by customers calculating the thermal performance and transmittance of their window and door specifications. The U-Comply N online tool is fully accredited by the BSI and the BFRC and can be used to prove a product’s compliance with Part L of Building Regulations, says the company.

Gerald Allen, head of marketing at Epwin Window Systems, said: “With

the changes to Part L, the compliance aspect is gaining significance across all market sectors – over 2,600 calculation reports have been generated by our customers in the past 12 months alone, each based on their chosen specification, including profile, glazing unit, reinforcing and more.”

The U-Comply N reports have increased in importance since the introduction of the updated Part L of Building Regulations last year, which was the stepping stone to the Future Homes Standard in 2025 aimed to reduce the carbon

builders’ merchants, accounting for over 80% of total sales from builders’ merchants throughout Great Britain. An in-depth review, which includes commentary by sector experts, is provided each quarter.

The Q3 2023 BMBI report is available to download at www.bmbi.co.uk

emissions from new homes by implementing higher energy efficiency requirements.

Gerald commented: “To demonstrate compliance with Part L, decision-making must be documented throughout the design process. Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) assessors and local building control need to see the decisions and how designs meet the new regulations. The U-Comply N reports provide this evidence.”

The U-Comply N calculator is part of Epwin Window Systems’ Connect digital platform, which aims to elevate customer support across all business touchpoints. To date, it has over 1,000 registered users and sees over 2,000 direct downloads per month, as well as the 2,600 calculation reports, demonstrating the extensive value the platform is delivering to fabricators and installers, claims the company.

The calculator builds on the support Connect was able to offer when the Building Regulations were updated last year, when it provided a wide range of practical guidance, including hosting live stream Q&A sessions to assist customers in navigating the complexities of the new legislation. www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 11

TRADE NEWS

Quantuma Advises

On Sale Of ABC Glass

Processing To An Employee Ownership Trust

continue.

The sale of shares to an EOT is a transformative step that empowers employees by providing them with beneficial ownership of the company, aligning their interests with the long-term success of the company and ensuring an exciting future for the business.

Well-known examples of EOTs include Richer Sounds and Aardman Productions (producers of Wallace and Gromit).

Philippa Robinson, director at Quantuma said: ‘It has been a pleasure working alongside the ABC team on this transaction.

The shareholders were keen to ensure that their loyal staff could be a part of the company’s future and selling into an EOT structure has allowed them to do just that.

I wish the team and the exiting shareholders all the best in the future and I look forward to seeing how the business grows.”

Business advisory firm Quantuma has announced its successful role in delivering the sale of A.B.C. Glass Processing Limited (ABC), a bespoke glass processing specialist, to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). This is a noteworthy achievement for ABC, as its three glass merchant founders empower the company’s workforce to play an active role in the next phase of its journey.

Established in 1999, Portsmouth-based ABC Glass Processing is one of the leading bespoke glass manufacturers and glass suppliers in the South of England. From its 20,000 sq ft factory, ABC offers a wide variety of products and services, ranging from glass cutting and processing, to balustrades and glass splashbacks. The business has a circa £5m turnover and has built an unrivalled reputation

within the glass industry for providing high-quality products to its loyal customer base.

This transaction was delivered

by Quantuma’s corporate finance experts director Philippa Robinson, manager Richard Hill and assistant manager, Darra McCarthy-Paul. Tax support was provided by managing director, Holly Bedford from Quantuma’s sister company K3 Tax Advisory.

The collaborative partnership ensured that compliance with regulations was achieved, in order to secure a tax-efficient deal for the vendors.

The transaction allows the shareholders to realise the value they have created over the last 20 years and to enjoy their retirement with the comfort of knowing that the structure of the business remains in place for staff and the legacy of ABC can

12 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

Ian Sawyer, director at ABC commented: “As a close-knit family business at heart, with an ethos grounded in service and quality over quantity, we decided that an EOT was the right option to carry the company forward for the long-term benefit of it and its employees and for the exit of the current owners. In this journey we were very grateful for the unwavering support of the Quantuma team led by Philippa Robinson. We are also very appreciative of the legal teams involved whose advice was invaluable. The process was undertaken in volatile market conditions, but successfully concluded.”

The EOT transaction was delivered in partnership with sell-side lawyer Jeremy Hyde, director, Howes Percival and Matt Cook, Partner, Bright LLP who acted as a lawyer on behalf of the Trust. www.quantuma.com

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TRADE NEWS

The BMBI, A Measure

Of Sales To Builders And Trades, Expands To

92% Market Coverage 2023 rounded off with a significant relaunch of the Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report, now featuring builders’ merchants sales data to builders and trades people covering 92 percent of GB national sales, up from just over 80%.

Launched in 2015 as a brand of the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF), BMBI uses data from GfK’s Builders Merchants Panel. The panel captures generalist builders’ merchants’ sales throughout Great Britain to builders and trades people who are directly involved in repairing, maintaining, and improving Britain’s 27.7 million homes. The recent addition to the panel of Huws Gray, JT Dove and CMO Stores, mean the data now tracks the sales of 92 percent of builders’ merchant branches making it the most accurate, comprehensive monitor of 14 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

market performance available, claims the company.

The monthly BMBI report is well used by merchants, their larger customers and suppliers and is used by construction generally.

It has also caught the attention of companies and organisations outside of construction, who want to know what’s happening, what’s important and why. The why is provided by leading brands of building materials, components and software – the BMBI Experts – who make sense of the trends and issues for readers. The website is regularly visited by economists and advisors, the national media, the big banks, big six accountants, management consultants, private equity investors, financial institutions and Government departments, anyone in fact who needs to know the trends and what is driving the trends in a complicated and fragmented

industry. Across the pond, readership is growing rapidly, and the BMBI website gets regular hits from the US Senate, US State Department, individual senators, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to name just a few, claims the company.

“Since its inception in 2014 GfK’s Builders Merchants leaderpanel has become a key market barometer through its usage in the BMBI,” says Emile van der Ryst, key account manager – Trade & DIY at GfK – an NiQ company. “It’s become a reference point for industry leaders, financial institutions, and government organisations.

“After a relaunch of the data in 2020 we are now pleased to announce the latest relaunch, which comes into effect with the October 2023 dataset. The key missing market contributor, Huws Gray, is included for the first time alongside CMO Stores and JT Dove, both well-known market players.

“This is an exciting new chapter for the service which we believe is a crucial step in providing a relevant and important view of the market, especially in these challenging economic conditions.”

Mike Rigby, managing director of MRA Research which

TRADE NEWS produces the BMBI report says: “Once you track over 90% of builders’ merchants’ sales of building materials to builders and tradespeople the numbers are, practically speaking, the market itself, not an estimate or approximation of it. That’s a crucial distinction. It’s not like a survey or poll which takes a small slice of the market, which is intended to represent the market, and then scales up.

However sound your sampling and rigorous your methodology,

there’s a world of difference proxy we have to the important between scaling up from a small residential RMI (Repair, sample, and reporting on 92% of Maintain, and Improve) market. actual sales to the market.”

“BMBI is as accurate a measure “The relaunch in the October of the market as it’s possible BMBI report,” confirms BMF to get. That’s one reason we chief executive John Newcomb, call GfK’s Builders Merchants “is a significant step forward in leaderpanel, ‘gold standard’ establishing reliable statistics data. And it’s why so many across construction. The BMF’s decision makers and influencers Builders Merchant Building Index regularly spend so much time (BMBI) is the closest measure poring over the reports and there is of Britain’s small builder video debates from the BMBI and trades market, and the best Experts on www.bmbi.co.uk.”

Comp Door Achieves Made in

Britain Accreditation Staffordshire-based door manufacturer, Comp Door, has announced that it has recently attained the coveted Made in Britain accreditation. Joining the list of Comp Door’s other accreditations, including UKCA, Secured by Design, BSI ISO, BSI Kitemark, and ACDM, this recognition from Made in Britain further bolsters the legitimacy of Comp Door’s operations, reinforcing its standing as a reputable and responsible manufacturer, says the company.

The Made in Britain accreditation is a testament to Comp Door’s dedication to manufacturing excellence, adherence to ethical practices, and compliance with stringent British standards. This accreditation serves as a mark of assurance for customers, providing them with confidence in the quality and ethical production

processes of Comp Door’s finished products. As a company widely respected across the UK door and window industry, Comp Door recognises the increasing importance of transparency and accountability in today’s consumer-driven market. The Made in Britain accreditation not only validates the company’s commitment to responsible manufacturing but also positions Comp Door as a trusted and reliable choice for customers seeking top-tier products, claims the company.

The decision to pursue the Made in Britain accreditation was driven by the growing demand from customers who sought assurance regarding the origin and quality of Comp Door’s products. While the company has consistently adhered to British standards and ethical manufacturing practices, obtaining the accreditation was a strategic move to make this commitment tangible.

Comp Door’s leadership team views the Made in Britain accreditation as more than just a certification; it represents a milestone in the company’s journey, signifying its dedication to development and investment in the manufacturing sector.

Pierre Mifsud, managing director of Comp Door, says of the accreditation, “It’s a huge achievement for the team at Comp Door to have our products accredited by Made in Britain. Comp Door was launched just two years ago, and since then we have worked tirelessly to refine, develop, and improve our door range. Providing quality and raising industry standards have been Comp Door’s main priorities since our inception, and this accreditation provides legitimate recognition of our efforts.” https://www.compdoor.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 15

TRADE NEWS

Conservatory Outlet

Records 125% Increase In Sales Of Its Envisage Flush

Casement Windows Conservatory Outlet, a UK fabricator of windows, doors, and specialist home improvement products, has recorded a 125% increase in the sales of its trademark collection of Envisage flush casement windows.

Designed to replicate the look of traditional timber windows, Envisage windows are known for their sleek appearance, exceptional thermal performance and durability, claims the

company.

Conservatory Outlet offers its Envisage windows with welded or mechanical timberstyle joints. This unique selling point has driven sales amongst homeowners across the country, as Conservatory Outlet’s CEO, Greg Kane, explains.

“A year ago, Envisage flush casement windows made up around 8% of our total sales.

16 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

After strong trading throughout 2023, that split stands at 18% of sales, an increase of 125%.

“We have seen a substantial uptick in orders of our Envisage flush casement windows, especially options with timberstyle mechanical joints. When people want to improve their homes, it is clear they care just as much about the style and design of their windows as their performance and security.”

“The Envisage window provides the best of both worlds. It combines the strength and energy efficiency associated with UPVC windows and the classic, clean look and feel of traditional wooden frames.”

Capable of achieving a WER of A+ and U-Value of 1.2, claims the

TRADE NEWS company,the Envisage collection is also Secured by Design accredited and is available in a range of traditional and contemporary colours, including a colourway exclusive to Conservatory Outlet, Olive Grey.

Conservatory Outlet is showing continuous year-on-year growth.

Much of this success is due to its exclusive product portfolio and the close level of support it provides its Network of Premium Retailers around the UK, says the company.

Managing director Mick Giscombe adds: “Heritage-style products are extremely popular at the moment.

“The Envisage flush casement window caters to this market, offering a high-quality flush finish, distinctive design options and a stunning collection of colours and

Conservatory Outlet’s CEO, Greg Kane (L), and managing director, Mick Giscombe (R)

hardware styles.

“We always aim to provide our customers with innovative solutions to meet market demands and the Envisage window, which Conservatory Outlet launched in 2017 and has

seen continuous advancements over the years, has proved to be a fantastic product for retailers, installers and homeowners alike.” https://bit.ly/4aFodUT www.conservatoryoutlet.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

“The Rolls Royce Of Consumer Protection,”

Says DGCOS Member The Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS) recently announced its successful accreditation to ISO 9001, one element of which includes customer satisfaction.

ISO 9001 seeks proof that a business needs to ensure it maintains a focus on enhancing customer satisfaction, always looking to improve the customer and supply chain experience.

Faisal Hussain, DGCOS chief executive, comments: “We loved the customer satisfaction focused elements of ISO 9001 because it’s something that 18 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

is at the heart of what we do.

Working with installers and consumers, we want everyone at every touch point with our brand to be satisfied. One of the key ways we achieve this is through collaboration, embracing the transformative power that working together has, when it’s properly integrated into a business. Of course, for true collaboration, you need to know what your customers are thinking, planning and are looking to improve.

“Our Membership teams speak to customers day in day out to keep ahead of market trends,

Faisal Hussain

offer support on challenges being faced, and to make sure the organisation remains relevant and fit for purpose.

This is where our members tell us DGCOS really comes into its own. We always have our members’ best interests at heart. We listen and engage with them so they can contribute and collaborate in industry topics and feel heard. We then turn this feedback into actions which serve purely to raise standards, protect consumers, and help our members’ businesses stand out and thrive. Our Installer Journey Benefits highlight all the areas in which we collaborate with and bring value to our members at every stage of their journey.”

Don’t just take our word for it DGCOS recently spoke to a couple of members about the benefits of being part of the

TRADE NEWS Scheme.

and the homeowner.

James Mizen from Crystal Clear comments: “As a family business with over 100 years of combined experience in the home improvement industry, our personal approach means we deliver time and time [again] with the right quality products and the right price. This focus on ‘quality’underpins the strong synergy Crystal Clear has with DGCOS. We are a founding member of the organisation, having recognised over a decade ago that the industry needed a decent regulator and ombudsman who would work with decent installers to protect both sides of the contract process. DGCOS fills this role fantastically. On a practical level, the ability for us to get advice and offer mediation to clients who feel that we’re not being fair, is critical for our business.

From a marketing perspective, we can sell the fact that our customers have free access to this should it be needed which gives them true peace of mind.

We would absolutely recommend DGCOS membership to others for the confidence it gives both installers and homeowners.”

“Another key benefit of our relationship with DGCOS is trust, and we trust them to support our business and our customers in the best way possible. Consumers also put trust in recognisable brand ambassadors, and this is most definitely true of DGCOS’s brand ambassador, George Clarke.

To me, DGCOS are the ‘Rolls Royce’ of consumer protection.

We take full advantage of their installer journey benefits, lifting the lid on our business – our financials, our contracts, our procedures – to DGCOS to gain insight into where we can improve. If you take this support, you will improve and it will, ultimately, make you more profitable.”

Friendly, approachable business support A founding member since 2010, Ideal Window Solutions has over 12 years of association with DGCOS and has protected over 6,500 customers. When asked the benefits of being a member, Thom Emerson, sales and marketing director of Ideal Window Solutions comments: “I believe as a company that we really are a consumer champion. We work very hard to be communicative and transparent with our customers, but as with many construction projects, disputes do occur.

Having a professional body to go to that you have absolute faith in to mediate any issues is so important for both our business

A two-way street Faisal Hussain concludes: “It’s fantastic to receive and share such positive feedback from members. I’ve spoken many times before about the fact that membership is not for everyone.

Like us, the people behind our members believe in doing the right thing and most importantly, they care.

“We do offer a service that supports installers’ businesses but that’s a two-way street, and we continually work with our members to improve. They feedback to us about what we’re doing right and wrong which guides our future direction of travel. We also make sure that when we’re dealing with consumers on their behalf, they are invited to engage with a satisfaction service to monitor how they feel after the service with a complaints procedure for anyone that is not happy. At the end of the day, DGCOS focuses on doing the right thing – and so do these customers.”

Find out more about DGCOS: https://installers.dgcos.org.uk/

Pure Vista

Celebrates Being Granted Made In Britain Membership

Mark and Adam Oakes

Pure Vista has been accredited as a member of Made in Britain.

Pure Vista says the adoption of the official, protected mark will help buyers recognise its products as good quality, great value and British-made.

According to the company, the mark also lets customers know that Pure Vista is a trusted company that values transparency, sustainability and ethical business practices, and add that consumers are increasingly recognising the Made in Britain mark as a mark of confidence.

“We wanted to join Made in Britain because we are a British specialist in designing and manufacturing architectural glass systems. Britian is renowned globally for its design and engineering and MiB allows us to show that we are at the forefront of this. This certification will help us as we expand our products globally and we can clearly show our customers that we target a very high standard for the products we supply,” said Mark Oakes, a director at Pure Vista. www.pure-vista.com WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 19

TRADE NEWS

Machinery Investment

Sees JFP Increase Output

With Timber-Look Sash

than 53 years and throughout that time we’ve always invested heavily to stay ahead of the curve of product development, providing our customers with the very best choice and exceptional service,” said Mark Dicconson, managing director of JFP. “The new machinery has enabled us to add this specialist product offering to our portfolio, giving customers the edge over competitors whilst increasing output and flexibility.

A near-million pound investment

by Huddersfield-based window and door manufacturers John Fredericks (JFP) has seen efficiencies improved by almost 50 percent and increased output by an additional 100 frames per day, giving customers the edge with the option of its timber-look welded joint product range.

Machine Services, including a new Schirmer saw centre, two timberweld verti-quads with associated welding blocks and heater plates, five timber-weld millers with extraction units and milling blocks, and a SV800 corner cleaner, has enabled the award-winning company to revamp its production lines.

This significant expenditure in new machinery from UK partners Total

“As a company, we’ve been trading continuously for more

20 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

“The new line removes the need for manual fixing with cleats, glues, screws and sealant. It means we can manufacture a fully welded, sealed, and secured joint while retaining that exceptional timber appearance on our casement window sash and doors, both open in and out options.

“This advanced process has increased our efficiencies by almost 50 percent and enabled us to produce an additional 100 frames per day! And we’re already planning our next investments.” https://bit.ly/3H7p2IA

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TRADE NEWS

Made For Trade Celebrates 40 Years

Of Innovation And Excellence The December anniversary sees the pioneering North East manufacturer raises a glass to celebrate four decades at the forefront of fenestration In a world where a lot can happen overnight, rolling the clock back 40 years brings visions of an entirely different era; one where the UK was even yet to see the arrival of a compact disc let alone online sales and domestic 3D printing. The fenestration industry was however heading into its PVCU boom time and one business was set to shake up the industry; known in the years to follow as Made for Trade.

Bradley and Richard Gaunt Originally established as Aanco

by Richard Gaunt in 1979, the company was officially incorporated on December 13th

1983, and since then has evolved into a powerhouse in the industry.

A business that began as a supplier and installer of windows and conservatories to the retail market throughout the 1980s and 1990s, it moved from an original location in Sheffield to the North East, and soon became known for raising the bar and doing things differently in that busy PVCU sales era.

It wasn’t long before an enviable reputation was firmly established in the Tees Valley area; becoming known for quality in both products and service. As well as delighting customers by offering ‘unbeatable’ prices, the company invested in the region with its inaugural purpose-built Teesside factory, soon followed by a show village to engage with consumers and showcase the products for which they had already become

22 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

Bradley and Richard Gaunt

known.

That same quality-led ethos has remained at the core of the business for the last four decades, and during its transition from retail to trade with fenestration products that moved with the times and market demand. The company steadfastly remains a family enterprise, whilst that famous North Eastern friendliness is reflected in what the company believes is the industry’s ‘best customer service and support’ from what is now a workforce in excess of 250.

The strive to constantly improve production and manufacturing took a huge leap forwards in the early 2000s when Richard’s son Bradley joined the team, bringing with him qualified experience in lean manufacturing – a step change that was set to revolutionise not just their home-grown company through newfound efficiencies but to pioneer new precision engineering standards across the industry.

The Made for Trade name was suitably established in 2005 and the company continued to grow in

TRADE NEWS

Dekko Celebrates

Ten-Year Partnership

With Residence Collection

How it started

How its going

size under new leadership.

the first time at the 2019 FIT Show to a rapturous reception thanks to a number of highly innovative features, plus a price that saw it compete with industry bestsellers.

The next significant step came in 2016, with the launch of the Korniche brand; a disruptive product line that would go on to change the perception of the fenestration industry and stand behind a range of items with a unique engineering-led focus.

So much so in fact that in the years that followed, Made for Trade is often regarded not as a fenestration business, but as a precision engineering company that just happens to be designing and manufacturing fenestration products.

The first Korniche product to market was the Aluminium Roof Lantern, which alongside its design set the bar to new heights when it came to ease of installation, graphic instructions, and its ability to reduce the time spent on site for installers. The brand established its presence as a household name for both consumer and trade buyers at the 2016 FIT Show and the Homebuilding and Renovating Show two years later; where live demonstrations wowed onlookers via installations measured in minutes.

Designed by the ever-growing engineering team now headed up

by Bradley’s brother, Ashley Gaunt – recruited back to the family firm from his role designing motorsport suspension systems in Italy – the second clean-sheet product to be announced under the auspices of the Korniche brand was the Bi-Folding Door. It appeared for

Production commenced the following year just as the company settled into their new home; a 120,000 sq-ft three-factory site in Wynyard that brought most of the core functions of Made for Trade under one roof. From initial quotation to final delivery – something which would soon include glass on the same drop.

The next three years saw extensive growth as the family team geared up to meet demand; whilst a new site in Hartlepool underwent redevelopment ready for the next stage of expansion.

Of key importance during this time was gaining ISO 9001 accreditation for quality standards.

The Korniche Flat Glass was suitably unveiled in MFT’s 40th Anniversary year as the third product under the brand name; again at the ideal time to capitalise on market demand, and the systems are now available to order with deliveries starting in January.

Made for Trade is poised to continue its upward trajectory of growth and success in its 40th anniversary year as alongside new products it prepares trade days, press events, and inhouse celebrations to honour its dedicated staff, many of whom have been with the company throughout its remarkable journey.

Dekko Window Systems is celebrating ten years of collaboration with Residence Collection, a milestone that underscores a decade of shared success, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to delivering excellence. Since joining forces in 2013, Dekko has manufactured timber alternative uPVC windows and doors that meet the highest standards of quality and design, having since become the UK’s largest Residence Collection fabricator, claims the company.

In ten years, Dekko has manufactured over 61,000 Residence Collection frames, averaging 130 frames per week across the R9, R7, and R2 ranges.

Dekko sales director Kurt Greatrex comments: “Today’s consumers are looking for high quality, beautiful and functional products, and that’s what they get with The Residence Collection. We’ve been proud to produce their stunning windows and doors for ten years now, and from day one it’s been a productive relationship.

“Our enduring collaboration with Residence Collection extends beyond mere product manufacturing – it’s a shared journey of innovation and excellence. The premium systems from Residence have played a pivotal role in enhancing our product offerings, enabling us to consistently provide exceptional solutions to our customers”. www.dekkowindows.com www.residencecollection.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 23

TRADE NEWS months, a couple of big names in the sector have been forced to close their doors as a result. One of which, industry giant Safestyle.

“Whether or not installers have been directly affected by the closure of Safestyle or any other supplier to whom they subcontract, uncertainty can highlight the need for change. One of these changes may be to set up as a sole trader for more autonomy. But the thought of going solo and being your own boss can be daunting.

That is why we have produced a comprehensive guide to becoming a sole trader. The guide covers everything including the first steps to take to become a sole trader, employing people, how to manage your taxes, what the risks are, insurance considerations, and how to manage your finances.”

Lis Clarke, operations director at FENSA and BFRC

FENSA Ups The Ante With Support For Installers In Disarray Most markets see their fair share of ups and downs and the home improvement industry is certainly no stranger to turbulence. FENSA understands the impact these wider market changes can have on local installers and so has created a bank of support, including a complete guide on ‘How to become a sole trader’, to help these companies through this latest bout of instability.

“The window and door industries are unfortunately feeling the impact of government uncertainty, rising inflation, and increased interest rates,” explains Lis Clarke, operations director for FENSA, “directly after a period of booming sales that were almost difficult to fulfil. The volatile nature of 24 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

these changes makes it hard for businesses to keep up and as we have seen in the last couple of

As well as the launch of the new guide, FENSA is also supporting installers with practical help such as dedicated staff to deal with all Safestyle insurance claims for Installsure and dedicated S75 reports produced by RISA for homeowners with a unique webpage for them to book in.

The company has also made Mandatory Technical Competency (MTC) provisions for the installers that now need to update their details on an MTC card or certificate and has published a Frequently Asked Questions document on its own website, as well as the GGF and RISA sites for easy access.

Lis concludes: “It is always hard when any company goes out of business, but of course the larger the organisation, the wider the impact. We want to reassure installers that they are not alone in dealing with the fallout of the Safestyle closure. Whether they need practical support, help with any additional admin involved, or simply some advice on how they can move forward, FENSA has the resources to help.” www.fensa.org.uk

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TRADE NEWS

Dutemänn Announces New Partnership With Deceuninck Aluminium Aluminium door and window specialist, Dutemänn has agreed a comprehensive new supplyagreement with Deceuninck Aluminium.

As part of the new partnership, Dutemänn will begin manufacture of its own uniquely designed variant of the easy-fit Decalu88 Bi-folding Door, which will be branded as Elän; and the Decalu 163 Lift-and-Slide, which will be sold under Dutemänn Glide product range.

Dutemänn will also begin manufacture of the complete Decalu window range including tilt-and-turn, fully reversible and new flush casement options which will be supplied under its 26 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

Schärpe brand.

Martin James, managing director of Dutemänn, said that the ultra-low u-values achieved

by Decalu across its range were instrumental in driving its’ decision to team-up with the aluminium systems provider.

He said: “Our customers are owner-driven businesses, with impressive, modern showrooms.

They always have their own fitters (they wouldn’t subcontract) and they tend to work in the architectural or self-build spaces.

“They are looking for quality and with 2025 and the Future Homes Standard on the horizon,

L-R Martin James, managing director at Dutemänn and Nigel Headford, director at Deceuninck Aluminium

they are also looking for great u-values.

“Deceuninck Aluminium and Decalu delivers that. It’s one of the very few aluminium systems that gets down to 0.8W/m2K, today. That’s going to be very important because window and door design is going to have to change – it already is.”

Designed in the UK, flush inside and out, and with u-values as low as 0.8W/m2k triple-glazed – and 1.2W/m2k with a standard unit – Deceuninck Aluminium’s new Flush casement window epitomises the aluminium systems company’s approach.

Launched in January 2023, it is, however, only the latest in a series of new product roll-outs which began with the Decalu88 bi-fold (u-values in this case go even lower to 0.68W/m2K).

TRADE NEWS This was followed by the Decalu163 Lift-and-Slide; then the Decalu88 range of contemporary casements, reversible, tilt and turn, and heritage options – each delivering u-values low enough to comfortably meet whatever changes Part L and Future Homes delivers.

DGCOS Announces

New 6 And 2 Year

Registration Options

Martin continued: “As with everything that Dutemänn has done over the years, we didn’t restrict ourselves to a UK centric search, we looked at what was on offer in Germany and in the Benelux countries – because they lead the way.

“Deceuninck Aluminium is relatively fresh to the UK market but that didn’t concern us because the system is proven.

“What was important was that Deceuninck Aluminium was prepared to listen and to work with us as a genuine partnership. That has happened and more. It’s been 12-months in the making, but it’s been an absolute pleasure.”

Set up in 2010 as a specialist supplier of aluminium bifold doors, Dutemänn has seen rapid growth to become one of the UK’s leading manufacturer’s of quality aluminium doors and windows.

Nigel Headford, director at Deceuninck Aluminium, said: “Dutemänn is a very high-profile fabricator with an established reputation for quality, service and innovation.

“It’s decision to partner with us, is built on those shared values and particularly the lead we have taken in the supply of energyefficient aluminium windows and bi-folding, lift-and-slide and composite aluminium entrance doors.

“With the new Future Homes Standard around the corner, that assumes increasing importance.” www.deceuninckaluminium.co.uk

To support the changing market, The Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS) is introducing shorter 6 and 2 year registration options for members, in addition to its current standard of 10 years, allowing members to offer more relevant protection on installations and replacements.

Faisal Hussain, DGCOS chief executive, explains the thoughtprocess behind the decision: “Did you know that under Competent Person Scheme requirements installers must provide 6 years’ financial protection for consumers when replacing windows and doors?

And, that some Competent Person Schemes also only require 6 years’ consumer protection too. As an industry, we have always offered 10 years as standard, and this could be an unnecessary expense. We want to give our members the option to provide either a new standard 6-year registration or a 10-year ‘added value’ registration. Consumers would still have free access to all our services, under the 6 and 2 year options, which includes our advice line, mediation and access to the Ombudsman.

“The new 2-year registration level is specifically designed for smaller jobs such as replacement handles, locks or individual units, where a 10-year guarantee is neither needed nor required.

“By offering different registration levels, we are reducing the financial burden on installers at a time when companies have to compete for every penny earned, and when costs are increasing. Installers can still meet their legal requirements towards their customers but can do it at a more accessible price point, something that we believe will appeal to medium sized businesses, in particular. As it stands, the 10-year package is still vital for companies who are Fensa members to match their requirements on guarantees.

“As I have spoken about before, overdelivering on consumer rights by having 10 year guarantees in place adds to the wider cost for all of us across the industry. More information will be provided when the new registration options go live, which is expected to be in 2024.” installers.dgcos.org.uk WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 27

TRADE NEWS

Growth Drive

For Bedford Manufacturer

With £1.9M Investment A Bedford-based glass manufacturer is doubling its capacity after investing in new machinery and its HQ with the support of a £1.9m funding package from Lloyds Bank.

Clearglaze Ltd has used the capital import finance loan to acquire a new glass toughening furnace from a specialist manufacturer in Italy.

The more efficient machine has twice the capacity as its previous glass toughener, meaning the business is saving around £10,000 on its energy bills each month and has greater capacity to meet growing demand. It has also recently invested in a new fully automatic insulated production line, which automates the process of washing, adding argon gas and sealing double glazed sealed units.

The company specialises in sealed double glazing for windows in residential and commercial developments, with the majority of its business

secured through supplying glass to framers contracted directly by developers. However, it also creates a range of glass for interiors, including splashbacks, mirrors, balustrades and shower screens, manufacturing approximately 1,200 units per day.

The investment follows a period of significant growth for the business. Last year it reported record sales with turnover increasing by nearly 20% to £7m.

As well as investing in the new toughener, Clearglaze has also made a series of improvements to its 32,000 sq ft HQ in Bedford. It recently installed a new roof and windows to boost the building’s efficiency, and also added a new canteen for its 50-strong workforce.

The family business was founded

by Salvatore and Anna Graziano in 1994, before being acquired by Sav Jr and Nick Graziano in 2020.

28 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

Sav Graziano Jr, operations director at Clearglaze, said: “The last two years have been incredibly successful for us, and turbocharged our business. We’ve made some pretty simple changes to our operations, but they’ve really helped to reduce our costs and that’s helping us to invest further.

“This phase of investment – supported by Russell and the team at Lloyds Bank – represents a new era for our business, as we boost capacity, quality and keep costs low. Most importantly, these things will help us to achieve our top priority of offering the best service possible, and I’m really excited for what the future has in store for us as we continue to grow.”

Russell Dermont, relationships director at Lloyds Bank, said: “Clearglaze is an excellent example of a business not resting on its laurels. It’s so important to recognise when demand is rising and to invest in order to capitalise on it, which is exactly what the business has done.

“Constantly keeping an eye out for ways to boost efficiency should be high on all firms’ agenda, particularly as operational costs remain high. It will unlock opportunities for growth, and we’re committed to being by the side of businesses moving towards this.”

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TRADE NEWS

Open Day Success

for Hörmann Truedor

Hörmann has opened its doors for a series of Open Days and welcomed visitors to South Wales to find out more about their Hörmann Truedor range of composite doors and view one of the most advanced door manufacturing facilities in the UK. 30 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

The Open Day events were held at the company’s IG Doors new 200,000 sq. ft manufacturing plant located in Oakdale, with sessions being held over three days. Over 90 existing and prospective customers, along with members of the press attended and were able to tour the highly automated

manufacturing facility.

The day started with a short presentation on the history and the capabilities of IG Doors, together with a brief introduction to the comprehensive Hörmann Truedor range of doors. This was followed by a tour of the on-site showroom which featured not just an extensive display of composite doors but also the company’s Platinum44 steel doors, Ignis30 fire door and the Clima63 – a thermally efficient composite door which is able to achieve a U value of 1 W/M2K and below.

Hörmann Truedor hold a unique position in the market by supplying the only GRP composite door to feature a door slab totally produced in the UK, which, says the company, means they can ensure consistent quality and secure supply. The addition of local, short supply lines and advanced manufacturing methods results in one of the

TRADE NEWS most sustainable doors on offer.

Visitors were able to see first-hand the whole manufacturing process from the creation of the complete door slab, paint, assembly and finishing, right through to despatch, with experts from both the Hörmann and IG teams on hand to answer questions.

Commenting on the events, David O’Mara marketing manager for Hörmann Truedor,

“We were delighted by the first for all concerned. attendance at the Open Days with new and existing customers “In fact, the six sessions we joining us from all over the held were such a success and country, with one company even Hörmann Truedor have such visiting from Shetland. I can a positive and compelling confidently say that everyone who message to convey to the went on the factory tour were market, we are planning further impressed by the scale of the Open Events in the Spring of plant, the levels of automation 2024, dates of which will be and the expertise on show, and announced in due course. So, as being able to see the actual they say, watch this space.” production of a door slab was a www.truedor.co.uk

The Value Of Partnerships

and experience when it comes to fenestration and are a proud to be a Glazpartner as they have been using the Glazpart vents within their designs for over a year, upgrading to the Link Vent after the Building Regulations (Part F ventilation) changed in July 2022. The ‘Link Vent’ range sizes include 5000, 4000 and 2500 EQA. Equivalent Area (EQA) is the measure of the vents’ airflow performance.

Simon Bird, Joint MD, GAP commented, “It is an honour to develop our partnership with Glazpart, who have provided an incredible solution to what has been an issue for the fenestration sector in recent years. This newly formed partnership will allow us to continue providing our customers with the best quality units for installation whilst meeting the updated regulations with ease.”

Glazpart has announced that General All-purpose Plastics (GAP) have become Glazpartners – the marketing partnership set up by Glazpart to develop closer collaboration with customers for mutual benefit.

Blackburn, Lancashire, GAP has four manufacturing hubs spread across the UK and have been manufacturing, distributing and stocking PVC-U systems for over 25 years, including their Rockdoor composite doors and HomeFrame PVC-U windows and door brands.

GAP are low maintenance PVC-U building product specialists, who have been successfully supplying the trade for 30 years for both the residential and commercial building markets.

The low maintenance specialists supply (the GAP brands) across England, Scotland and Wales across an expansive network of over 85+ depots covering the UK from Inverness all the way to Southampton.

Dean Bradley, sales director, Glazpart added, “We are delighted that GAP are Glazpartners and happy to supply our award-winning Link Vent range for GAP windows and doors. The Link Vent offers a superb solution for ventilating the home and blends in with the overall design of the window.

Its proving increasingly popular with fabricators, manufacturers, installers and homeowners across the UK.”

With their headquarters in

GAP has extensive knowledge

www.glazpart.com WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 31

TRADE NEWS these services.

For those who are not currently part of a scheme, the most widely cited reasons for this were that they are too expensive (40%) and that contractors are unsure of how to choose a scheme (33%).

Despite 43% spending between two and five hours a month dealing with complaints, a third felt that there isn’t enough of a need to be part of a scheme.

Nearly Half Of Contractors Are Not Part Of An ADR Scheme

Set To Become Compulsory This Year, Says Disput Assist Two-fifths (42%) of UK contractors are not part of an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) scheme despite the fact that it could become mandatory in 2024, reveals new research.

Commissioned by Dispute Assist, a leading UK dispute resolution provider, the survey of 200 home improvement contractors found that many are not utilising dispute resolution services even though more than a third (36%) have previously had an unhappy customer make a court claim against them.

This is partly due to the fact that almost three in ten (28%) of contractors do not know what ADR is. A concerning finding considering that since 2015, it’s been a legal requirement for traders to signpost consumers to an approved ADR provider when they are unable to resolve a complaint, says Dispute Assist.

ADR is an effective route 32 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

to resolving disputes in the home improvement sector.

It includes methods such as mediation, conciliation and expert determination which help to avoid lengthy and expensive legal proceedings, enabling both parties to move on in a mutually beneficial manner.

Encouragingly, 38% of those not currently part of a scheme said that they would be interested in signing up, suggesting that with a greater level of education on ADR, there is an appetite amongst contractors to get on board.

Of the tradespeople who were aware of ADR, 80% are part of a scheme, indicating a high level of awareness within this group of the benefits it can bring. Nearly half (46%) of contractors who are part of a scheme are in one via a trade body or association meaning that these organisations can play a key role in raising awareness of dispute resolution amongst members and providing access to

Commenting on the findings, Ciarán Harkin, managing director of Dispute Assist, said: “With consumer disputes becoming more frequent as the number of home improvement projects increases, contractors who are not part of an ADR scheme are leaving themselves vulnerable to legal action and reputational damage, even if they’re not at fault.

“It’s clear that there is a need for greater education and awareness around the ADR process to provide contractors with the means to make an informed decision about whether to join a scheme. With mandatory ADR on the horizon, home improvement contractors must be clued up on what ADR is, how it works and the benefits that it brings.

“When it comes to the reasons why contractors are not part of a scheme, it’s interesting to note that a third feel there isn’t a need when a high proportion of home improvement tradespeople are facing customer disputes each year.

“Where cost is a barrier, contractors should investigate different providers and look for a scheme which suits their individual budget. Beyond this, for those struggling to choose a scheme, other factors such as the range of services offered, the speed of resolution and the independence and reputation of the scheme should be considered.” www.dispute-assist.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

aluplast Celebrates 10-Year Global

Partnership With Visit To Affordable Windows Affordable Windows Group in Blackpool became the meeting point for key global aluplast personnel who gathered in the UK to celebrate a decade of collaboration and discuss Affordable Window’s leading fabrication technique, specially within the flush sash sector. aluplast’s UK owner and managing director Keith White welcomed aluplast’s global coowner Patrick Seitz, aluplast’s

head of expanding markets Babak Golriz and managing director of aluplast Australia Ben Webster on a three-day fact-finding mission in the UK.

Affordable Window’s head of marketing Amelia Gaughan and sales manager Ryan Fisher facilitated a full guided tour of their three factories and stateof-the-art sales HQ. It was here that they could sit down and discuss the growth of Affordable

34 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

Group picture (from left): managing director of aluplast Australia Ben Webster; aluplast’s global co-owner Patrick Seitz; aluplast’s UK owner and managing director Keith White; Affordable Window’s head of marketing Amelia Gaughan; Affordable Window’s sales manager Ryan Fisher; and aluplast’s head of expanding markets Babak Golriz

Windows, touching on their decade-long partnership.

“We are delighted to welcome our colleagues from aluplast to the UK,” Keith said. “First and foremost, this is a celebration of a successful 10 years of working together, and how we’ve grown together as a true partnership.”

Keith explained that aluplast operates in many territories around the world, and regularly meets to develop new products and services, especially those that support the growth into the higher-end niche market.

TRADE NEWS

This prompted the visit to Affordable, which has witnessed significant growth in this sector, thanks to the dedication and development of their Timberlook range.

Affordable Windows’ Timberlook windows are made with aluplast’s Ideal 70 profile and flush sash using their own manufacturing technology. The result is an authentic timbereffect window, with all the advantages of PVC-U, including thermal efficiency, security, and minimal maintenance.

“People always want new technology and better-looking windows,” Amelia said. “And in 2015 we decided to start manufacturing a flush sash casement window to meet these changing demands.”

Keith said: “Affordable is by far and away our largest flush sash producer. Using the Timberlook system, which has

a high-end feel, and their own marketing sets it apart from absolutely anything else in the marketplace.”

Amelia says that moving into this high-value market was risky, but it was something the company’s owners believed in. Plus, the market for window sales was changing, and Affordable Windows discovered they could directly influence the end user with their designs.

“Homeowners scroll through Pinterest and Instagram and they see lots of different things that they hope the installer will be able to provide them,” Amelia said. “We can take leads from here and pass them on to our trade customers, resulting in sales for us.”

As a result, Timberlook has proved to be so popular that Affordable has opened a new purpose built second uPVC manufacturing site in Blackpool to allow for the growth of its Timberlook brand.

Affordable Window Systems’

discerning vision and commitment to innovation have enabled them to utilise the profile already available from Aluplast to create flush sash single-door and double-door, offering their customers a full Timberlook suite.

Their doors have been rigorously tested and found to fully comply with Document Q of the Building Regulations, which underscores Affordable Window Systems’ and aluplast’s commitment to offering its customers the best quality products, profile and performance available.

This UK visit follows news that aluplast’s new extrusion and distribution facility in Poland is currently being fitted out with 50 high-speed twin extrusion lines, alongside a mixing plant, R&D facilities and foiling lines. This will further support the supply of high-end product to the UK. For more information about aluplast, visit www.aluplast.co.uk For more information about Timberlook, visit www.timberlook.com WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 35

TRADE NEWS

FIT Show

Becomes A Glazpartner

of FIT Show since the outset and we are delighted to be Glazpartners, championing the campaign in its ambitions to promote the value of customer relationships in the industry.

One of the key principals FIT Show is built on is connecting people and products, which aligns perfectly with the Glazpartners initiative.”

At this year’s FIT Show, Glazpart launched the Glazpartners initiative with a bespoke window and door display from 35 of the UK’s top window and door fabricators, systems houses and installers. Some of the highest profile brands from all parts of the industry were promoted as Glazpartners on the Glazpart stand.

Nickie West, FIT Show managing director

Gazpart sales director, Dean Bradley

Glazpart has announced that FIT Show has joined the Glazpartners initiative to further strengthen the relationship between the two companies.

FIT Show is the UK’s number one exhibition dedicated to showcasing the window, door, hardware and flat glass industry.

The latest UPVC, timber, aluminium windows, doors, glazing components, hardware, flat glass processing equipment and machinery are all exhibited at FIT Show which next takes place at Birmingham NEC on 29 April to 1 May 2025.

The Glazpartners initiative is designed to promote the value of customer relationships in the fenestration industry and this latest partnership will bring greater collaboration and joint promotion for both FIT Show and Glazpart with multiple branding, PR and social media opportunities.

36 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

Nickie West, managing director of FIT Show commented: “Glazpart has been supportive

Dean Bradley, sales director of Glazpart added, “Glazpart has been an exhibitor at FIT Show since it started in 2013 and it was the platform where we launched our award-winning Link Vent range, so we are delighted that FIT Show is now a Glazpartner. FIT Show is a key event in the glass and glazing industry and we have already booked up for the next show in 2025 when we plan to have some special activities as it will be the start of our 40th anniversary celebrations. With FIT Show being Glazpartners, both the show and our brands will enjoy mutual promotional benefits.” www.glazpart.com

TRADE NEWS

AT Precision

handles, friction stays and PVC infill extrusions, all of which are compatible with major systems, thereby saving customers time and money, says AT Precision.

Celebrates Four Years Of Success The past 12 months in particular Leading bi-fold hardware supplier AT Precision is celebrating its fourth anniversary this year, having provided fabricators across the UK with high-quality products and services since 2020.

Having opened its doors during an extremely challenging period plagued by national Covid-19 lockdowns and the subsequent disruptions in the market, the Durham-based company has come on leaps and bounds thanks to several strategic investments and product

innovations.

In February 2020, AT Precision started off as a small company manufacturing the Everglide range of bi-fold hardware, such as rollers, guides, hinges and cleats, supplying to around 100 aluminium bi-fold fabricators across the country.

Significant machinery investments over the years have since seen the company grow its product portfolio to include the Everseal range of gaskets, security hardware, window

38 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

have seen huge growth for AT Precision, with the launch of the company’s own Everglide range of aluminium profile for bi-folds, which, when combined with the rest of its vast product range, creates a complete package of everything needed to manufacture an aluminium bifold door – bar the actual glass.

The year also saw the relocation to a new 60,000 square foot factory, significantly ramping up production and creating increased space for finished products ready for distribution, and therefore keeping lead

TRADE NEWS times to a minimum.

The company’s main focus for 2023, however, was sustainability, starting off with a significant investment into an in-house recycling scheme.

Following the purchase of a new £370K extrusion machine, the scheme involves picking up unused uPVC materials from customers, and processing these for use in manufacturing thermal reinforcement bars, and most recently, a new range of uPVC roof laths and joists.

NBP’s £1 Million-Stocked

Super Depots Speeds Things

Up For Stevenswood

To date, the company has recycled over 100 tonnes of material, a real indication of the commitment of not just AT Precision, but of its customers, to reducing waste.

Sales director Michael Hewitt comments: “As we celebrate our fourth anniversary, AT Precision reflects on a journey marked by resilience, growth, and unwavering commitment.

In the face of unprecedented challenges, we’ve not only weathered the storm, but emerged stronger.

“We’ve come extremely far since the dark days of early 2020, and our success is a testament to strategic investments, innovative products, and most importantly, the trust of our customers.

“As we look to the future, our focus on sustainability underscores our dedication to making a positive impact. With a new recycling scheme and cutting-edge technology, we’re not just manufacturing quality products, we’re shaping a sustainable legacy.

“Here’s to four years of excellence, and to a future built on innovation, quality, and environmental responsibility.” www.atprecision.co.uk

Stevenswood’s customers are benefitting from Northern Building Plastics’ speed, service and £1 million-stocked Super Depots following a partnership that sees NBP now supplying window trims, roofline and rainwater goods to the successful trade counter business.

Neil Wright, commercial director at Stevenswood, says: “We’ve been very happy with the relationship we have built with NBP since we started working with them.

NBP’s £1 million stock holding per depot is impressive, and its next day delivery offers a great service.

“We’re benefitting from NBP’s ‘class-leading’ service, with 99 percent of orders turning up as agreed. On the very rare occasion there is an out-ofstock product, it’s sourced from one of their other depots

and delivered the following day.

“Our relationship with NBP gives us the confidence to grow sales of building plastics, knowing the service we get is best-in-class and enabling us to pass on the same service to our customers.”

Stephen Jones, sales director at Northern Building Plastics, adds: “Service is our biggest competitive advantage, and we want our customers to be able to reap the benefits of this. We’re happy with the strong relationship we’ve established with Stevenswood, and it’s great to see how our partnership has already benefitted their customers.” www.nbp.co.uk www.stevenswood.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 39

TRADE NEWS

Tradelink Direct

Becomes A Glazpartner

design that is simple and userfriendly for both opening and closing – the innovative closing action allows the closure plate to be positioned so that it reduces draughts by directing air away from occupants.

The Link Vent 4000 and 5000 closure plate is split to allow for partial (50%) opening and greater ease of opening of the ventilator.

The Link Vent also has rounded ends of the vent to allow for installation on timber windows and is available in either screw or clip in fixing types – the design eliminates the need for end caps whilst the clip fix design (Pawl’s) allows for a fast, easy vent installation.

With smart design, easy fitting, and functionality as well as a huge choice of 1000s of colours and decorative finishes, Tradelink decided to use the Link Vent for the range of PVC-U and aluminium windows and doors.

Glazpart has announced that Tradelink Direct is the latest company to join the Glazpartners initiative – the marketing partnership set up by Glazpart to develop closer collaboration with customers for mutual promotional benefit.

Tradelink Direct is a manufacturer with over 30 years of experience in supplying a wide range of high-quality windows, doors, sealed units and conservatories to installers throughout the UK. Glazpart says that as a shining example of manufacturing excellence, Tradelink continuously looks to improve the overall product quality and excellent customer service. When the building regulations (Approved Document F – ventilation) changed in June 2022, Tradelink made sure their team was ahead of the game by ordering what it considered the best solution for trickle ventilation, namely the Link Vent from Glazpart.

On becoming a Glazpartner, Kelly Buttriss, head of operational delivery at Tradelink commented: “We are pleased to be Glazpartners and also delighted we chose Glazpart’s Link Vent range, not only to comply with the regulations but also because of its smart design and wide range of colours and finishes. It’s also an easy product to install; it works for all our window and door profiles across our extensive range.”

The vents are designed to fully comply with building regulations, Approved document F1 (means of ventilation).

Dean Bradley, sales director at Glazpart added: “We are delighted that a high-quality manufacturer such as Tradelink are now Glazpartners and continue to use our Link Vent range. The awardwinning Link Vent is proving ever popular with manufacturers and fabricators across the UK. I look forward to further collaboration with Tradelink on product solutions and of course ensuring they get the full promotional benefits from being a Glazpartner.”

The Link Vent follows a clever

glazpart.com/

Kelly Buttriss, head of operational delivery at Tradelink

The ‘Link Vent’ range sizes include 5000, 4000 and 2500 EQA. Equivalent Area (EQA) is the measure of the vents’ airflow performance.

40 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

TRADE NEWS

65,000 And Counting:

Affordable Windows Reaches Timberlook Milestone Manufacturers of the Timberlook window and door range, Affordable Window Systems, has reached a uniquely significant milestone in its Blackpool factory by fabricating its 65,000th Timberlook window.

Launched by Affordable Windows just six years ago, Timberlook has quickly become one of the company’s flagship brands, demonstrating the enduring popularity of uPVC flush sash windows.

The range has been designed with painstaking attention to detail, replicating the aesthetics of heritage timber frames featured nationwide

in historic and rural areas.

Modern requirements are easily catered for with low U-values and Timberwelded joints. However, care has also been taken to retain the appearance of a traditional window by concealing trickle vents externally and having the slimmest astragal bar on the market, says the company.

Affordable Windows is also aware of the need to supply into the conservation market and has produced a specifiers guide showing all cross-sectional details of the window and its ancillary profiles such as cills, transom weather bar and astragal detail. Both this and the

new brochure are available on the new Timberlook website.

The popularity of Timberlook windows and doors is indicative of the continuing demand for heritage products that incorporate updated features.

As sales manager Ryan Fisher comments: “We have seen huge success with the Timberlook range, especially with installers willing to embrace the heritage market that homeowners are demanding.

“We are thrilled to be twothirds of the way to 100,000 frames in six short years. Our new purpose-built factory will continue to play a pivotal role in supporting the expansion of this crucial facet of the business.

The potential for installers to engage in this market is enormous and is growing yearly.

Installers can contact us directly to find out more.” www.timberlook.com WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 41

TRADE NEWS

Glazerite Expands Its Manufacturing Footprint Into Yorkshire The Glazerite UK Group has opened up operations at its North Division in Barnsley as part of the fabricator’s ambition to secure further growth for its installers.

The purpose-built 30,000 sq. ft facility will focus exclusively on the production of Deceuninck 2500 and 2800 profile systems.

It follows Glazerite’s announcement earlier this year that it had welcomed Deceuninck to its portfolio, with the firm fabricating the 2500 bevelled range of casement and tilt & turn windows, and residential and French doors.

Closely located to the M1 and M62, the Barnsley site, situated in Darton, has the capacity to produce more than 1,000 frames per week. Manufacturing begins in early 2024 and will be a welcome boost for the local area which has recently seen job losses from the Safestyle site closure in Wombwell.

Rob Brearley, Glazerite’s Group

managing director, says: “It’s long been our ambition to launch a manufacturing facility in Yorkshire, particularly given the number of installers and connections we work with around the region.

“Together with our North West Division in Bolton, which focuses on our Veka profile, we can offer the Deceuninck range and better support customers across the country with high-quality products.”

The new facility has also enabled Glazerite to add the Deceuninck 2800 sculptured profile to its product offering. Rob adds: “Deceuninck gives our installers access to another high-quality option alongside our Veka, Halo and Residence Collection portfolio that can help them win new customers and stand out in the market.

“We’re delighted to further cement our partnership with such a renowned system house that puts delivery, performance, innovation

42 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

Glazerite and Deceuninck team outside the new Glazerite North factory

and customer focus at the heart of everything it does.”

Rob McGlennon, managing director of Deceuninck, says: “We’re delighted to be growing our partnership with Glazerite.

Their commitment to having a bespoke Deceuninck factory producing both our 2500 and 2800 ranges is great news. It’s an exciting time for Glazerite and we are looking forward to seeing the site grow as it supports installers to realise success in their end markets.”

Glazerite has gone from strength to strength in recent years, with turnover growth of more than 25%. Today, it is one of the UK’s leading fabricators with a comprehensive product offering underpinned by added-value solutions for its customers.

Glazerite’s Rob concludes: “Our growing footprint and portfolio expansion is a fantastic opportunity for our installers, whatever their end market and end customer budget. It’s a great way to start 2024 and we’re excited to see what the future brings for us, our suppliers and our customers.” www.glazerite.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

Take A Listen: Mental Health & Wellbeing Podcast

Variety of places to download each series

Series From DGCOS & NHIC

The Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS) recently teamed up with the National Home Improvement Council (NHIC) along with medical experts, frontline charity workers and DGCOS representatives to share first hand insight and knowledge about the industry’s current mental health and wellbeing challenges.

Faisal Hussain, DGCOS chief executive, comments: “During this carefully researched and structured series, the six episodes cover the following topics: mental health support in the sector and its effects on productivity; what does a good work life balance look like; managing loneliness working away from home; the importance of a holistic approach to supporting your team; and Mental Health Support in the Home Improvement and Renewables sectors and for trades people. The last podcast, which is relevant to today’s current

economic challenges, tackles finances: Accessing debt support for better financial health. It’s been really interesting to see the engagement levels so far there have been hundreds of downloads.

“I’ve personally been encouraged to see how much mental health and wellbeing have become more comfortable topics of conversation in our sector and are on the agenda now for many businesses.”

Interesting panel of speakers Running during Autumn to coincide with Suicide Prevention Month in September and depression and mental health awareness month in October, we had a great panel of speakers who shared their personal experiences.

These included Hannah Vickers, chief of staff at Mace and head of productivity at the Construction Leadership Council’ Martin Lockham from Mates in Mind,

George Jones from Cahill Renewables, Tony Steel from Band of Builders, GP Dr Rachel Cooper MBBS MRCGP, and Greg Jenkinson from Step Change.

There are a variety of places where you can easily reach the podcast series, either directly from the PodBean platform, or from mainstream brands such as Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts or YouTube. The number of listens of each podcast is increasing, and it’s clear that there is value in these sensitive topics being discussed in such a transparent and heartfelt manner.

Faisal concludes: “It’s great to have such a positive response to the podcasts and know that they are having the positive impact we hoped for. This was confirmed by one listener emailing us to say that he realised he was experiencing burn out after listening to the podcast. He didn’t understand what he was feeling beforehand, but the podcast gave him some clarity and helped him move forward. If we help just one person with these podcasts, we’re happy, but we’d dearly like to see others in the industry gain benefit from the shared insights given on the podcast.

“The festive season often brings mixed emotions. For many of you it hopefully means a break and perhaps the perfect opportunity to have a listen. The podcasts are available on https://nhic.podbean. com/ or via Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts and YouTube “If you are reading this and struggling now, regardless of whether you’re a DGCOS member or not, we urge you to reach out for confidential 24/7 support by texting HARDHAT on 85258.” https://installers.dgcos.org.uk

WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 43

TRADE NEWS Introduced in 2008, Qualicoat also offer a ‘Seaside’ class of powder coating where the minimum removal of aluminium surface is increased to 2g/sm using a dip or spray process of either an acid or a combination acid/alkaline etch. This deeper etch removes more contaminants and therefore offers a more robust pretreatment for areas where atmospheres carry corrosive salts (chlorides) and other aggressive pollutants.

Qualicoat Seaside

Class Licence Granted

By Angus Mackie – Qualicoat Chair

not present.

Euro Quality Coatings are the latest powder coating applicator within the Qualicoat UK & Ireland Association to be awarded a ‘Seaside’ class licence. Almost half of all the members of the Association now offer this enhanced powder coating process, but what exactly is it?

The surface of the extruded aluminium also carries contaminants from the extrusion process which, if left on the surface of the aluminium, will reduce the performance of the ‘conversation coating’ so this needs to be removed. Removing the contaminants from the extrusion is part of the pretreatment process undertaken by either dipping or spraying an acid or alkaline solution which etches the surface removing a minimum of 1g/sm of aluminium. Without this surface etch potential, corrosion could form around the contaminants on the aluminium substrate, once coating has been completed.

Given that the pretreatment process is undertaken correctly, architectural powder coated products will offer an extensive life expectancy in most locations.

The pretreatment process is actively monitored by members of the Association and third party inspected by IFO, Qualicoat UK & Ireland’s independent test house.

The quality of any architectural powder coating relies on its ability to adhere to the aluminium substrate. If there is no ‘key’ to adhere to, the powder coating is prone to chipping or flaking off in use. As powder coating is porous at the molecular level, an untreated aluminium substrate, subject to weathering, will oxidise under the coating if it is not completely sealed. So, no matter the quality of the powder coating that is applied, it will not offer the anticipated life expectancy should the thin ‘conversion coating’, part of the pretreatment process which offers the seal and key to the surface of the aluminium, be poor, or indeed

44 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

Qualicoat licensed applicators who, to offer ‘Seaside’ class coatings, apply for an additional licence or accreditation to offer this specification. The applicator needs to demonstrate that they can remove the 2g/sm by process and monitoring, plus the applicator must offer a coated ‘Seaside’ sample for an additional filiform corrosion test carried out in the IFO laboratory.

Filiform corrosion, is a spider like corrosion that creeps under the powder coating and runs along the aluminium grain boundaries.

A deeper acid or alkaline etching removes more trace elements from these areas making the grain boundaries more resistant to corrosion. The pretreatment conversion coating can then be applied using any of the Qualicoat approved systems.

Statistically, with this greater etch of 2g/sm, filiform resistance is increased significantly.

On attaining the licence, Steve Rosher, executive director at Euro Quality Coatings commented, “Having secured the prestigious Qualicoat accreditation in August 2022, it was considered crucial for future business development, to underpin this further by applying for the coveted Seaside accreditation. This provides evidence to our client base that we are able to meet the most stringent of standards in the Architectural sector” qualicoatuki.org

TRADE NEWS

VinylPlus To Rigorously Assess ECHA’s Investigation Report On PVC And Its Additives

Brigitte Dero, managing director of VinylPlus

VinylPlus, the European PVC industry’s Commitment to Sustainable Development, takes note of the publication of the European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) Investigation Report on PVC and its Additives For over 20 years, through successive VinylPlus sustainability commitments, the PVC industry has worked to ensure that PVC does not pose a risk to health or the environment. The ECHA report reflects this progress, showing that risks linked to the production of PVC are adequately controlled, that many additives used in PVC do not present a risk, and that PVC is being recycled across the EU in greater volumes than ever before.

Responding to the report, Brigitte Dero, managing director of VinylPlus, said: “VinylPlus constructively worked with

ECHA in its task of performing a whole lifecycle assessment of PVC, its additives, and potential alternatives, highlighting their performance, costs, and lifecycle benefits alongside the impact on human health and our environment. VinylPlus, thanks to the collective efforts of its value chain partners, has provided extensive, up-to-date information, including volumes, uses, migration, hazards, exposure, and potential risks. I am proud of the role played collectively by the PVC value chain.” She added that “VinylPlus will carefully examine the report and its annexes. Given the evidence submitted by VinylPlus throughout the investigation process, we question the risks identified by ECHA for some ortho-phthalates and other plasticisers, organotin stabilisers and microparticles, and we are committed to working with regulators to provide information

as needed.”

Although the evidence submitted

by VinylPlus demonstrates the safety of PVC for human health and the environment, VinylPlus will respond to the data gaps and concerns raised by ECHA. The European Vinyl industry has a track record of proactively and successfully substituting hazardous additives such as Low Molecular Weight (LMW) phthalates and lead/cadmiumbased stabilisers and shows industry leadership in continuing to improve the sustainability of additives used in PVC. VinylPlus efforts have made PVC safer, more sustainable, and more circular, as currently, around a third of PVC waste produced annually in Europe is recycled, and the industry is investing in collection, sorting, extraction and dissolution technologies, as well as chemical recycling technologies in order to identify and manage PVC waste containing legacy additives.

By 2030, the industry aims to achieve 1 million tonnes per year of recycled PVC used in new products.

VinylPlussays it consistently advocates for a robust and science-based approach to ensure that materials such as PVC are regulated in a way that provides optimum protection of human health and the environment while giving our industry the necessary regulatory predictability to invest and innovate in sustainability performance to the benefit of society.

The European PVC value chain is fully committed to contributing to the success of the EU Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan through the beneficial use of PVC across products that are essential to modern life, including construction, transportation, and medical applications. https://bit.ly/3RODs57 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 45

VIEWPOINT

The Business Pilot Barometer offers a monthly analysis of the key trends defining window and door retail. It draws on real industry data collated by Business Pilot, the cloud-based business management tool.To find out more see www.businesspilot.co.uk/barometer

The Business Pilot Barometer Nothing left to chance

By Neil Cooper-Smith, Senior Analyst, Business Pilot 2023 was, most would agree, a tough year for trading, especially as we emerged from a significant boom following Covid, and straight into inflationary pressures brought about predominantly by global forces outside of our control.

It will be four years ago in March when much of the world closed down to limit the spread of the coronavirus, so I think we can discount any residual ripple effect from that period on our market going forward.

But global forces still have a disruptive effect on our economy. The wars in the Middle East and Ukraine continue to feed through to high prices on our shores, and there appears to be no end in sight in either conflict.

The latest development, which sees Yemenbased Houthi forces attack freighters in the Red Sea with a link to Israel, has already driven up the price of crude oil after Iran rejected calls to end support for the attacks.

This is on top of an expected increase in the price of goods after some cargo ships were diverted round the tip of Africa, rather than pass through the Suez Canal and face the extra dangers.

These are unwelcome additional pressures on household finances, especially after the energy price cap increased by 5% to take into account a rise in global gas market prices at the start of the year.

At home, house prices remain sluggish – as they did throughout 2023 – with the Nationwide reporting that they are about 1.8% lower than they were at the start of 2023.

46 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

VIEWPOINT loans for home improvement, then we should some of that activity return to the market this year.

In fact, it will build on the slow shift we saw towards improved confidence towards the end of 2023. It’s difficult to read too much into December’s data, because trading activity always drops away, but when compared with the same period as 2022, we can see that the average number of sales was up by almost 50% – 36.3 in December 2023, compared to 24.3 in December 2022.

This could have a positive impact on the window, door and glass industry, as homeowners unwilling to put their homes on the market choose to upgrade their existing properties instead. The fly in the ointment is that the number of first-time buyers dropped to its lowest level in a decade, according to the Yorkshire Building Society.

This is potentially storing up problems for the future as that with less new money entering the property market, there is less money available for refurbishment projects.

The shot in the arm in 2024 will probably come from the likely General Election. March 6 has been set for the last Budget before the country goes to the polls, and many experts believe that tax cuts will be announced in a bid to win over voters.

Similarly, despite a year characterised by fewer leads overall, companies recorded 62.6 average leads in December 2023, compared to 54.6 in December 2022. This is a 14.7% increase.

And there are significant marketing opportunities going into 2024. For example, energy efficiency and sustainability will continue to be big drivers, especially as conversations around climate change continue at a headline level.

But with Business Pilot, you don’t need to be looking ahead 12 months at a time. With our constantly developing CRM system, you have all the data right there at your fingertips, so you know which products are performing, and which aren’t. You can also keep track of quotes and orders so that every lead that comes in to your business is followed up, so nothing is left to chance.

How this will translate into better personal finances over the coming year is very difficult to predict, but if it does mean consumers ‘feel’ richer, then it could have a significant impact on the sales of windows and doors.

www.businesspilot.co.uk

If homeowners feel confident enough to take out WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 47

VIEWPOINT market aware of just how much we can do.

Alongside this, our recent launch of cut-length steels have helped further improve efficiency and reduce waste. These benefits can really add up for fabricators, so being able to help like this as a systems provider is something we’re very pleased to do.

We will continue to strengthen our offering as a whole systems provider into 2024 with the ongoing rollout of the new Rehau webshop.

It’s an exciting development for the company, and by simplifying the order process to a single source wherever possible, we’re confident we can continue to offer a marketleading service.

What has Rehau UK done over 2023 to improve the sustainability of its operations?

Martin Hitchin

Rehau Reflect

On 2023 And Look

Forward To 2024 Answers by Martin Hitchin, CEO at Rehau UK

ancillary products alongside polymer.

What have been the major successes of Rehau UK’s systems provider strategy in 2023?

Now, customers know that when they receive their profile deliveries from Rehau, they can also take delivery of other items such as hardware, steels and trickle vents.

Importantly, all our new product launches such as the Rio and Slinova door now come with their own, often tailor-made hardware solutions too. Being able to further emphasise our expanded service offering with each product launch will be crucial to keeping the

One of the successes I’ve been really proud of this year has been how hard we’ve worked to establish Rehau UK as a whole solutions provider. Being able to bolster and promote our offering beyond profile alone is key to what we’re trying to do – becoming a one-stop-shop that provides 48 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

Ever since the opening of our new polymer recycling plant PVCR back in 2019, we always wanted it to be a central cog in Rehau UK’s operations. The multi-millionpound investments made at PVCR are really bearing fruit now, which is very good to see.

For example, over 2023, there have been significant improvements in the plant’s ability to meet the quality and quantity demands of our extrusion plant in Blaenau Ffestiniog, North Wales. Under the leadership of plant director Gwyn Jones, the two facilities are working closer together than ever before, and Rehau has been able to increase the amount of finished goods made using recycled material to 50%. To my mind, it’s excellent to see how close collaboration has resulted in tangible benefits – in this case, the same high-quality profile we’re known for, but with more previously waste material reused.

Speaking of reuse and recovery, our ongoing partnership with Continued on page 50

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VIEWPOINT Continued from page 48

polymer recycling specialists CNC Recycling has also really impacted the sustainability of our operations over 2023. Used frame recovery is something we’ve previously spoken about within the business at length, and I view it as a key cornerstone of our efforts to close the loop in the windows supply chain.

Overall, the aim must be this – one old frame out, one new frame in, and our efforts this year and next will revolve around getting this closer to reality. This will become especially important in commercial and social housing projects where local authorities are increasingly emphasising the sustainable reuse of old windows.

How has the market received Rehau UK’s third-party partnerships in 2023?

The launch of Window.ID, our new digital identification tag for windows, doors and accessories, has been warmly received by the market. It is helping our customers meet the need for increased product traceability throughout their lifetimes. As well as this, it is helping these companies generate repeat business and better manage frame maintenance and replacement regimes. Frankly, the more information on the supply chain we can get, the better. I feel being able to easily access that data and view it in a presentable way could help transform best practice around windows.

These sorts of benefits are always appreciated by the market, and I for one think it’s great that Window.ID has received such positive feedback.

Close collaboration with both internal and third-party software specialists was required to turn Window.ID into a reality, and we see the product becoming particularly important to our commercial project business in 2024.

I’m pleased to say that our ongoing Yale- Rehau bespoke range of hardware and solutions has also been well-supported by the market in 2023. This partnership is a crucial part of our commitment as a whole system provider, and we have been pleased to see companies continue to respond to us on these terms. We will continue to work with Yale and others into 2024 on new product developments.

For example, I’m watching with great interest what our team is doing in the field of smart technology. The possibilities in this area are extremely intriguing, and I hope to be able to share more on this as 2024 progresses.

What are your thoughts on Slinova and Artevo’s entry into the windows market in 2023, and how do you think the systems will perform in 2024?

Our new patio door, Slinova has been met with great excitement by the market. It’s always good to see this sort of reaction – the first fabricators are now already producing the new sliding door and are benefitting from the multiple improvements it has over its predecessor, Agila.

This includes a more modern design, localised supply chain and continued sustainability improvements, all of which can be passed on to the customer and help them win new business.

We have high expectations for 2024 and feedback from fabricators tells us the door is much easier to fabricate and install leading to companies who have not previously bought patio doors from Rehau to express an interest. Hopefully we can keep making great strides in the door market, as the signs have been good so far.

Artevo is also appealing in a similar way across our customer base. Architects are appreciating

50 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

its modern design aesthetic and achievable large spans, which has traditionally only been possible with aluminium.

Fabricators are also enjoying the simplification of the program range and interchangeability of the components.

Finally, the new pre-inserted ‘low-e foil’ included in Artevo Max helps properties achieve the Passivhaus standard without the conventional foam thermal inserts traditionally required. Because of this, we are seeing great enthusiasm from installers looking to win new business, especially with sustainability having long moved from a preference to a priority on all projects.

How has the Rehau UK team grown in 2023, and what are the company’s workforce plans for 2024?

We have strengthened our sales force over 2023 by focusing our teams on specific market groups.

For example, particular emphasis has been placed on pre-sales to architects and specifiers, helping to pull through project requirements to our fabricator customers. Similarly, we now have a dedicated trade sales team who work with our installer and trade counter networks, again pulling demands into our core fabricator base.

I feel that one of Rehau’s great strengths is that we’re always keen to bring new talent into the industry as well as promote from within. We are really happy for Hannah Smith and Trisha Naik, two of our area sales managers, who both picked up industry awards for their work the last 12 months. As a CEO, seeing your teams grow and succeed is one of the nicest parts of the job, so to see Hannah and Trisha honoured for their efforts was a highlight of the year.

Looking forward to 2024, our teams are receiving modular

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internal training to remain updated on legislative requirements around key issues including sustainability and digitisation. With the recent launch of our accessories Webshop, online exhibition tour and Window.ID software, our teams are also becoming more and more involved in digital topics and further familiarising themselves with modern online sales techniques.

Being Ready

For Threats

Simply put, standing still isn’t an option – especially at the moment. However, I’m confident that these efforts will keep us on the front foot in 2024, and we can use that knowledge to help our customers at an interesting time for the windows market.

In what sectors and markets do you anticipate Rehau UK will see growth in 2024?

The retrofit and social housing sectors are becoming increasingly important for us as councils look for energy saving solutions capable of meeting current and future building regulations.

By launching some new ontrend colours in the spring including ‘pebble grey’, ‘sage’ and ‘alux’ gunmetal, we also hope to give fabricators focused on refurbishment residential properties more options to differentiate themselves. Changes and portfolio expansions such as these will be vital to companies looking to thrive in an increasingly challenging market.

Everything adds up, and it’s always struck me on how large decisions can hinge on even the smallest thing.

Alongside remaining up-todate on products, simply being able to offer more colour choice in a portfolio could be a difference-maker for fenestration professionals. If Rehau can help with that – well, I think that’s fantastic. https://www.rehau.com/uk-en

Dear Gerald As I write this about the ageold battle against break-ins, and the need to develop 3 star locks and the security standards that underpin them so they remain effective, past and present Prime Ministers are being grilled by the Covid inquiry over lockdown delay and the government’s slow and arguably inadequate response to the pandemic.

It’s more than dramatic courtroom theatre because there will be another pandemic, a new more deadly virus at some point. Perhaps it’s on its way now. What is in doubt is how well we prepare for it. People forget the lessons of pandemics quickly and the point of the Inquiry is to make sure we learn from it.

After security pandemics too, people slip back to installing doors with cheap locks, and locks designed for theoretical security threats rather than the actual attack methods intruders use. It didn’t matter how secure against picking

or bumping a lock was when burglars learned how to snap them in 9 seconds. Once a means of breaking in quickly and quietly has been found, word spreads rapidly online, and millions of homes are at risk. Over the last 20 years, we’ve lived through the potential threats of picking, bumping, snapping, drilling and most recently torching locks, exploiting the risks of newly found weaknesses.

Burglars will never stop trying to find new ways to attack locks, there will always be a next time. It’s a constant tussle between attackers and defenders, a see-saw when one side achieves a temporary advantage over the other.

With Ultion we aim to stay ahead and build in protection for attack methods that may never materialise or go viral in a pandemic. But if a threat emerges that we didn’t see coming we act swiftly to defeat it. We see that as our job.

We can’t prevent new security threats, but we can be ready and respond rapidly to combat them. It’s always been an integral part of Ultion’s policy to have the answers to new security threats, not just stock solutions to yesterdays’ threats.

Nick Dutton Brisant Secure WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 51

VIEWPOINT the start of 2024 are squeezing retail prices.

“The marketplace is becoming increasingly challenging”, says Mark Atkinson, sales director at specialist door manufacturer Hurst.

“Historically as trading conditions have hardened, we’ve seen a race to the bottom to win business, but it’s folly to do so.

In the long term it simply erodes margin and proves unsustainable.

Mark continues: “When the market is more challenging you have a choice: to lower prices or stand by your business with full confidence in your offering and promote the benefits and added value in using your products and services.

Will Composite

Door Prices

Hold Up? Composite doors continue to sell in growing volume but in a toughening market will margin be eroded? Mark Atkinson, sales director at Hurst Doors, discusses.

Market Research), composite entrance doors have taken the biggest single share of entrance door material for more than a decade, delivering solid margins to installers.

If a single product has upheld the fortunes of the window industry, the composite door is it. Just 19 per cent of the total market as recently as 2007 (Palmer

Could that, however, be about to change?

52 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

Toughening trading conditions at the end of 2023 and going into

“We really need to get back to the fundamentals of selling. Identifying customers requirements matching those needs and wants, and providing a quality solution that is delivered on time.”

While Hurst may have built its reputation on PVC-U panel supply, it manufacturers and ships 500 composite doors each week alongside 3,500 door panels, and has big ambitions for the future.

Mark continues: “Marketing also assumes pivotal importance against this context. We need to be able to support our customers sales process and give them an added armoury of marketing tools to help convert sales.”

People are prepared to pay for quality and choice Hurst has invested significantly in its glass offer, as a key part of its strategy to support retail sales, with more than 40 different glass options available across its ranges, some of which are Continued on page 54

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manufactured in-house by its team of glass-artists.

It’s also developed a carefully selected hardware range including its new premium black powder coated bar handle range.

Finished in a matt black, the range has been developed as a sleek and minimalist pairing to its Designer Collection.

Developed to emulate the appearance of aluminium it’s been carefully curated by Hurst to support its customers in tapping into the demand for the aluminium aesthetic, but at a more accessible price point.

It features four different styles, including solid and glazed options, which in addition to a dedicated hardware offer Hurst has paired with a contemporary and carefully selected colour palette, maximising design reach, with a choice of flat colour finishes in greys and black.

Hurst Doors sales director, Mark Atkinson

“It’s not only the ranges, hardware, colour and glass options that we have developed”, continues Mark. “It’s how we have approached the sales process.

“We’ve been working to not only give our customers the products – but also the sales support – to help them to win business.”

Differentiation in how its sold This approach is evident in Hurst’s composite door sales customer support strategy. This includes the launch of the new Hurst Composite Door Collection, which integrates ‘traditional’ printed literature with video – and ultimately new digital tools, opening up a completely new level of dialogue with the enduser.

In addition to the Designer Collection, it includes the Hurst 54 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

Classic Collection, the mainstay of its offer, featuring Hursts most popular styles including the Composite Four, which features two top lights and two panelled details.

The Hurst Cottage Collection is designed to replicate traditional timber installations with a more rustic tongue-and-groove appearance. In addition to the Designer Collection homeowners looking for a more modern finish can also choose from the

Contemporary Collection.

“Not everyone we work with has a sales team on the road, and even if they do, having the tools to generate the lead and help convert the sale is still important”, Mark continues.

“The new Hurst Composite Door Collection and the ‘You’re Home With Hurst’ brochure, delivers a step change in the sales process.

“We’ve created a stunning

VIEWPOINT brochure, which is packed full of aspirational lifestyle imagery designed to inspire and guide the end-user.

“We’ve also developed a supporting video campaign.

The brochure features a QR code which they can scan on their phone and access a professionally presented video, which guides them through colour options, door performance, through to security and hardware. It’s genuinely like having an additional person in your sales team.”

Augmented reality Hurst has also gone one step further, creating a new augmented reality tool, which allows homeowners to visualise their new door in an AR environment on their property.

The next generation platform builds on Hurst’s market leading support offer, mobilising cuttingedge technology to support customer retail sales.

Opened in their browser, homeowners can choose from 12 popular composite door styles, viewing them as either a fully rotatable and zoomable 360° CGI; or superimpose their selection against their property on the screen of their device.

“We’re working to do everything that we can to support our customers so that they can sell on performance and aesthetics, rather than price”, Mark continues.

“The new marketing initiatives and marketing support that we’ve recently introduced, gives our customers additional resource.

“Making use of new technologies pushes the envelope in terms of how we can best support our customer, sell or assist with their sale.” www.hurstdoors.co.uk

The Importance Of Consumer Protection member brings, including a consumer advice line, deposit and stage-payment protection insurance, an insurance backed guarantee, alternative dispute resolution and access to an Ombudsman, should the installer meet all of DGCOS’s required conditions.

As we have seen over recent months, difficult economic conditions, high interest rates and an increase in the cost of living have resulted in some unscrupulous traders potentially taking advantage of consumers.

In addition, difficult trading conditions have put pressure on installation companies who have seen their fixed costs rise and some, including big names, have ceased to trade. This has created a perfect storm of circumstances under which consumers are more vulnerable and more likely to experience difficulties in their door, window and conservatory installations, potentially leaving them out of pocket and/or with incomplete jobs.

At times like this, the team at DGCOS is at the forefront of the consumer experience, which gives our team a real insight into the importance of consumer protection for them, installers and for the wider industry and economy.

The benefits to homeowners of consumer protection schemes like DGCOS are clear. Using an accredited supplier for home improvements gives them comfort that the installer has been vetted by an independent organisation. They can be safe in the knowledge that they are being treated in a fair and responsible way with all the protection that using a DGCOS

A DGCOS member also gains from being part of the scheme. DGCOS membership will help enhance a good reputation which leads to more recommendations, new leads and an increase in profitability. They also benefit from a range of support services from DGCOS which helps them to run their businesses efficiently. These services help installers at every stage of their journey from getting started, marketing and digital, selling, installing, customer service and satisfaction, and an annual review. Each stage is made up of multiple benefits that DGCOS offer to their members.

If we can maintain high standards of product and service through schemes like DGCOS, it creates a dynamic, competitive market, leads to innovation and quality of product, fair pricing and high levels of customer service.

If we want a healthy and sustainable industry with a choice of products at competitive prices and high delivery of service to homeowners to ensure profitability, we need to recognise the importance of consumer protection.

Faisal Hussain Chief Executive, DGCOS www.dgcos.org.uk WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 55

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The Key To Sustainability Never has it more important to choose your suppliers with care, believes Dave Broxton, MD at Bohle. We report.

Consolidation was a key theme for 2023, as changing trends and reduced cash flow caused some companies – both big and small – to cease trading.

Every year companies go to the wall, Bohle’s managing director Dave Broxton argues, but little is said about customers who are often left high and dry.

At other times that relationship can help define your own identity. And I would argue that the glass and glazing industry is more about the latter rather than the former.”

Bohle turned 100 in 2023, and Dave explains that part of its longevity is down to understanding the importance of relationships, and developing sustainable partnerships with customers.

“Choosing suppliers is not a clear-cut process,” Dave says.

“No matter how much you want to keep them at arm’s length, you end up working very closely with those companies that ultimately underpin your own offering.

“At every step of its journey since it was established in 1923, Bohle has constantly re-evaluated its offering to ensure it remains relevant to customers’ needs,” he says. “Those companies that fall by the wayside will most likely have cut prices, leaving less capital for investment, thus painting themselves into a corner with regards to product offering.”

“Yes, sometimes that relationship will simply be about finding a company that will supply what will become a SKU on your database.

Bohle’s approach to staying one step ahead of demand is part of its strategy to be self-sufficient and sustainable, Dave says.

56 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

Dave Broxton

“Today, we are not just a distributor of glass hardware,” Dave says.

“We are now a manufacturer of glass hardware with our own brands, our own R&D, and our own designs.

“That means as a supply partner we have stability running through the Bohle brand, which allows our customers to benefit from our core values.”

Sustainability is one area where Bohle invested heavily.

For example, from 2024, the company’s manufacturing site in Haan in Germany will generate the majority of its energy via solar power, thanks to a substantial photovoltaic installation. The company has also improved the efficiency of its operations and upgraded its insulation so there is less overall pressure on energy usage.

“Combine this with the high quality of the products we produce, which means products or components need replacing less often, and the embodied energy in what we supply is incredibly low,” Dave says.

“And the fact that we produce Continued on page 58

with the prospects are in your hands.

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So if you need more fabricator, installer or trade counter customers, we’re the only database supplier that’s 100% dedicated to the window, door, conservatory and curtain walling industry.

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VIEWPOINT Continued from page 56

much more of what we supply in-house, means we have greater control over who we employ and the standards they are trained to.

This helps us to guarantee the quality of our products, such as our prestigious shower hardware.”

Developed and designed by Bohle, the Juna shower door hinge combines aesthetics and functionality with quality. Minimum shut lines and concealed screws emphasize the supreme aesthetics of this swinging shower door hinge. In terms of performance, this premium hinge is made of brass and stainless steel. Juna also guarantees a long service life with 100,000 test cycles to DIN EN 14428 and a load capacity up to 50 kg.

Tools For

Mark Hickox

In May 2023, Bohle attended the FIT Show, where it targeted home improvement companies with a range of easy-to-install products, including: its new Juliet Balcony System, Lyon; the FrameTec 2.0 internal glass partitioning system; and the MasterTrack FT high-end sliding door system.

“We can still give you expert advice on things like UV bonding, suction lifters, glass cutting,” Dave says.

“Customers trust Bohle because we always give them the best advice. They can call, speak to anyone and know that the answer that they will get to any question will be accurate and in that way they can progress their business, too.

“But Bohle continues to adapt and change to market requirements, because this is part of what it means to be sustainable. And when our customers put their trust in the Bohle brand, they can use it to underpin their own offering.

The Trade

Partnering with one reliable British supplier for all IGU components can prevent a host of supply chain problems, argues Thermoseal Group sales director Mark Hickox.

We report.

Slimming down your supply chain presents many opportunities for manufacturers that want a single point of contact and fewer deliveries, but the benefits actually go far beyond this, according to Thermoseal Group’s sales director Mark Hickox.

“Ever since we started manufacturing, we’ve been on “It’s a strategy that has worked well a mission to supply the highest for the last 100 years, and I’m sure quality products possible,” he says. “We could just have a it’ll keep us thriving for the next warehouse with a testing facility, 100,” Dave concludes. but we still wouldn’t be able www.bohle.com 58 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

to react quickly if there was a problem, or if we wanted to react quickly to market demands.”

With four distribution warehouses around the UK, alongside two manufacturing sites, Thermoseal Group has complete control over the whole supply chain, ensuring that customers’ deadlines are met.

As well as Thermobar and Thermoflex spacer bars for IGUs, Thermoseal Group also supplies a range of other products required for the manufacture of sealed units, including corner keys, Georgian bar, desiccant, primary and secondary sealant, and cloth tape. All components are tested at the company’s laboratory before distribution, guaranteeing that they all work together effectively

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for a long-lasting sealed unit.

“Significantly, we can respond quickly to new demands, or where we see that there is a gap in the market,” Mark says. “For example, we have just invested in new injection moulding machines for our new Georgian Bar Anchor and Thermobar Straight Connector, both of which promise to increase efficiencies, reduce waste, and improve product quality for IGU manufacturers.”

“The straight connectors and Georgian Bar Anchors are designed and engineered by Thermoseal Group to meet exacting tolerances so there is no threat to the integrity of the final unit. They are also regularly tested at the component supplier’s onsite laboratory, giving customers complete confidence in their ability to perform for the life of the unit.”

“The importance of the fact that we both manufacture our own products and test them inhouse cannot be understated”, Thermoseal Group’s sales director Mark Hickox says. “In our R&D phase, we have full control over the testing of our new products, to ensure that they not only perform well, but that they also

work in perfect tandem with other products in a complete unit.

“Once they have met our testing criteria, we are then able to manufacture them to our own rigorous quality standards – guaranteeing high-performance products for our customers.”

Thermoseal Group’s new straight connector secures two lengths of Thermobar rigid spacer bar to make one continuous length, allowing customers to maximise the use of offcuts, reducing waste. This, according to Mark, will actively put money back in customers’ pockets through a higher utilisation of the product and reduced skip costs.

The new Georgian Bar Anchor comes in two designs: a stepped version for manual application, and a ridged version for securing frames into flexible spacer systems using auto-applicators.

This allows Georgian bars to be connected to flexible and rigid warm edge spacer bars without using staples (thus leaving the gas barrier intact), giving a cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing finish than alternative methods.

“Units with Georgian bars slow down automated processes,

especially on fully automated flexible lines. With our new Georgian Bar Anchors, we can accurately match the presets of the unit line, so there is no need to stop and start. This reduces your lead times and increases your profit in the process,” Mark says.

Finally, the component supplier ships all deliveries on its own fleet of lorries, in a bid to remove any chance of product damage.

“I’ve lost count of the number of times someone has shown me the poor state other products are delivered in,” he says. “It really is shocking that all that hard work in designing and manufacturing highly technical products can be undone because a third-party carrier doesn’t care. So delivering our own products is the important final piece of the jigsaw.

“While customers may immediately see the benefit of having all goods delivered in one shipment, the main incentive for us to manage all stages of the manufacturing and supply of IGU components is quality. Yes, you can rely on us to deliver on time and in full, but you’ll also have fewer reasons to worry about failing units.” www.thermosealgroup.com WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 59

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Innovating

Through Uncertainty

By Pierre Mifsud, Managing Director, Comp Door In a time of huge uncertainty and some shocking developments in the industry, it is easy to look at the new year with apprehension.

While I agree that it is always sensible to take a measured approach in business, we as directors should be careful not to cause stagnation with caution. To continue evolving and improving our industry, we must take the brave steps of constantly improving our product ranges and quickly responding to market demands.

Closing out 2023 with a multitude of successes, the team and I at Comp Door are going into the new year with the momentum of our achievements combined with reflective planning for continued growth in 2024. In the last twelve months, our company has reached significant milestones: securing our Made in Britain 60 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

accreditation, becoming the first composite door manufacturer to achieve PAS 24:2022, garnering nominations in two prestigious awards, and successfully launching a new product range.

None of these achievements occurred quickly or easily, however, they are the result of a determined focus on innovation influenced by researching industry trends, and consistently listening to customer feedback.

Now, as we enter the new year, the Comp Door team must remain conscious of the innovations that led to our 2023 successes and emulate these in our 2024 strategy to ensure we remain competitive.

Listening to our customers and suppliers and implementing their feedback in our product offering has been one of the main contributing factors to Comp Door’s success since we launched in 2021, and we remain consistent in these efforts

to this day. In the last year, it became increasingly clear that our valued partners wanted a wider choice of grey colour options in our product range to reflect the demands of the market. After thorough research and close collaborations with our customers, we expanded our colour range to 18 unique shades that included a versatile Pebble Grey and a contemporary Slate Grey. Without taking an active interest in talking with our customers and nurturing consistent, quality contact with them, we would have been unaware of what they wanted from us and how we could continue improving our product range.

While that might be the easy route to take in the short term, this approach simply opens the doors to competitors to swoop in and take your place in an industry that necessitates evolution for survival.

Closely monitoring industry trends and taking on feedback has also led the Comp Door team to predict an increased demand for smart hardware. As society is edging closer and closer to almost total digital reliance, the door and window industry must deliver to these requirements. In keeping with our commitment to providing value with our proactive solutions, Comp Door are currently working on a smart project that will be launched early next year.

While it can be tempting to remain in the comfort of the tried-andtested lane, eventually you will run out of road while your competitors storm ahead and achieve what you refused to even attempt. These times are undoubtedly intimidating and while there is cause for careful consideration, those who will succeed are not the ones who bury their heads in the sand and wait for things to go back to how they were. Instead, the companies with the courage to continue innovating and communicating with their customers will thrive and secure the longevity of this industry. https://www.compdoor.co.uk/

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Putting Solar Gain

In The Shade Cornwall Glass Manufacturing’s commercial and technical director Angus Herdman believes solar control is crucial in the new era of energy efficient buildings. We report.

“When it comes to the glazing, we could see 0.8W/m2K specified in some cases, with a minimum of 1.2W/m2K in those cases where the overall building fabric is exceptionally thermally efficient.”

The Future Homes Standard (FHS) is expected to come into force in 2025, and it will mark a significant change in the way the thermal performance of building components is calculated for newbuild properties in England and Wales.

Angus points out that while the figures themselves are unknown at this stage, we can be certain about the direction of travel.

Until now, compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations can be demonstrated by either meeting the required U-values, or by Window Energy Ratings (WERs). FHS will likely require new buildings to meet an overall thermal performance, with limiting values for individual components.

“As we talk today, the government has yet to publish the final FHS consultation document,” Cornwall Glass Manufacturing’s commercial and technical director Angus Herdman says. “But we have a reasonable idea of what to expect.

“For example, we’ll only be measuring in U-values, not WERs, and we know that the overall ambition is to reduce the carbon footprint of new buildings. This means better insulation, energy generation (such as solar panels) and heat source air pumps.

“If windows have to achieve U-values lower than 1.2W/m2K, then we will see an increase in the demand for triple glazing,” Angus says. “And we will also likely see an increase in the need for solar control glass.

“When you used WERs to measure the thermal performance of windows, you could use solar gain to your advantage. With U-values, solar gain has no bearing at all.

“Also, if you are looking to improve the overall carbon footprint of your building, then solar gain is not your friend, especially as we continue to see large glass windows and doors gain in popularity.

“Without the right type of glass limiting the amount of solar gain, the building has to work harder to keep cool, putting pressure on air conditioning units, which increases its carbon footprint. In fact, it costs you four times more to cool your building than it does to heat it.”

Cornwall Glass Manufacturing, part of the Cornwall Group, operates from sites in St Austell, Highbridge and Plymouth. The latter provides the foundation for the manufacture of supersized units in a wide range of solar control, acoustic and low-e monolithic and laminated glass options. The company also has heat soaking and jumbo cutting facilities, and has invested in enhanced CNC and waterjet capabilities.

“We work very closely with our partner Saint Gobain, but can offer a vast array of options from many recognised manufacturers,” Angus says. “We often find ourselves in consultation with building designers who want to maximise the use of glass, without suffering any potential drawbacks. This will only increase as the Building Regulations become tighter.”

Saint Gobain’s SKN 176 and 183 were first developed for commercial applications to provide cooler conditions for office workers. SKN 176 can produce a g-value of 0.37 and a U-value of 1.0W/m2K on a 16mm cavity, while achieving a light transmittance of 70%. SKN 183 offers the same but with a g-value of 0.4 and a light transmittance of 74%.

Available in a 4mm outer leaf, SKN176 can also be used to manufacture a very lightweight unit and can be combined with Saint Gobain’s SGG STADIP product range for improved solar or acoustic control.

“FHS will change the way we view buildings and how the different components work together,” Angus concludes. “At Cornwall Glass Manufacturing, we have invested significantly to meet the demands for oversized glass units, while limiting the effects of solar gain. We are confident we have the right solutions in a carbon-friendly world.” www.cornwallglass.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 61

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Stay Flexible And Adapt To Change aluplast’s director of sales and marketing Ian Cocken says we shouldn’t limit our opportunities. We talk to him to find out more.

The last four years were characterised by a constantly changing landscape, aluplast’s director of sales and marketing Ian Cocken points out, and for many retailers, the ability to react quickly was the key to winning sales.

This is a slightly different stance than many suppliers took. In both the immediate aftermath of the pandemic lockdowns, and the period following the disastrous mini budget of September 2022, demand for high value products increased, which prompted many to shift their focus away from the usual popular product lines.

“We definitely saw that shift,” Cocken says. “For many, it coincided with supply chain issues. So, when demand for colour increased, for example, fabricators found their usual supply of foiled product diminish.

“We talked to many people during this time because our supply of foiled profile to the UK was largely unaffected, so our fabricator customers continued to fulfil their orders without delay.”

Cocken says that combined with the fall in volume 62 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

during 2023, the window and door industry saw a marked shift away from suppliers selected largely on price, to a situation where partnerships were forged.

“Even as some are predicting a return to a ‘race to the bottom’ scenario, as companies fight to hold on to market share, we are entering discussions with customers where supply is about so much more than price,” he says. “For example, if window fabricators are determined to shape their reputation by an unwavering commitment to service, including on-time-in-full delivery promises, then they need to partner with a supplier that can help them achieve that.”

This, Cocken says, moves the conversation away from a binary choice between high volume and high margin.

“It’s actually about flexibility, and about how agile a supplier can be in meeting demands,” he says. “Not about whether you are focused on volume products or niche.”

Cocken says this is central to conversations aluplast is having with new customers and existing customers.

“A healthy bottom line is about efficiency as much as it is about keeping cost ultra-low,” he says. “Why win work on price, only to fail to deliver?”

Security of supply underpins aluplast’s strength in the UK, demonstrated by a recent significant investment in its new extrusion and distribution facility in Poland.

Built at a cost of more than 50 million euros, the plant sits on a 15-hectare site. Fifty high-speed twin

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Ian Cocken

extrusion lines are currently being installed, alongside a mixing plant, R&D facilities and foiling lines.

This decision to invest in infrastructure was made before the pandemic by the family-run business, and not by investors, for the long-term health of the business and for the benefit of customers.

“We are also improving our facilities here in the UK,” Cocken says. “Again, this isn’t to meet current demand, but future requirements, especially as we welcome new customers and extend our product ranges.” aluplast’s product ranges in the UK reflect this attitude to flexibility. Ideal 70 is its energy efficient fully sculptured 70mm window system, which achieves a WER of A+, while the 70mm Ideal 4000 has a classic but a contemporary SquareLine finish, and achieves U-values as low as 1.2W/m2K. “When we launched our flush sash, we ensured it suites perfectly with both the Ideal 70 and Ideal 4000 systems,” Cocken says. “Crucially, this allowed fabricators to offer both heritage and contemporary flush products with a single product, which minimises stock holding and reduces overheads.

“These are available in a choice of more than 40 different foils, including our next generation offer, woodec and aludec.

“Factor in our flush outward-opening door, which also suites with both Ideal 70 and Ideal 4000 systems and boasts excellent thermal, security and weathertightness performance levels, and you have broad market appeal without significant investment.

“If you want to remain competitive in a changing marketplace, it’s not only what you deliver, but if you can deliver.”

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www.aluplast.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 63

WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 63

VIEWPOINT

Tapping Into Trends It can be easy for fabricators to stick to the ‘bread and butter’ offering of traditional white when it comes to sales of PVC-U. But what about the non-traditional market of homeowners who are looking for their windows and doors to be a colourful statement, rather than an understated subtlety?

The average age of a first-time home buyer in the UK outside of London is 33.4 years old – this increases slightly to 33.8 years old inside the capital (gov.uk). Of these first-time buyers, 63% were in the top two income quantiles in the UK (uswitch.com).

64 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

Deceuninck MD Rob McGlennon This presents a very clear opportunity for fabricators and installers to target a younger and upwardly economically mobile market, according to Deceuninck managing director, Rob McGlennon.

“We have to rethink our concept of the ‘traditional’ endconsumer,” says Rob. “We are seeing a growing market of young professionals who are undertaking large-scale home improvement renovations, who are wanting their windows and doors to reflect the décor of their homes.”

Deceuninck MD Rob McGlennon

“This can often result in the homeowner opting for a coloured profile that encompasses the character of their home. This is a win-win situation for Deceuninck fabricators and installers, as you have your windows and doors in a really eye-catching setting that are likely to generate further interest, coupled with the fact that coloured profiles tend to be highmargin products.”

A window of opportunity Indeed, it appears that the prospect for growth in this market of young homeowners is only showing increased promise.

VIEWPOINT The PWC Customer Sentiment Index conducted in June 2023, showed that of all age groups, under-35s had the most positive attitude towards spending and the economy, with 25–34-year-olds showing a +19 index score (an 0 index score reflects true neutrality).

Conversely, 55–64-year-olds were the most pessimistic consumers, with an index score of -33, alongside 45-54 year olds with a score of -24.

Equally, in a buck from the established trend, the 25-34 year old age group presented the most optimistic view of their finances alongside 45-54 year olds in 2023, with 26% stating that their finances were ‘healthy’ (PWC, 2023).

So what does this mean for the industry?

“Well, it would of course be incorrect to generalise and say that all young homeowners want coloured profiles,” says Rob. “However, the demand is there from a market of people who are showing strong economic strength, and therefore it’s vital that fabricators and installers have the options available if, and when, the request for coloured systems presents itself”.

This is where Deceuninck thrives.

With a state-of-the-art foiling system, they offer more than 30 stocked colourways, with an additional 20 colours available for delivery in just 15 working days.

And what’s more, Deceuninck says their colour and woodgrain foil options are perfectly primed to tap into the latest interior design trends that are storming the UK market.

For example, the luxury paint retailer Lick recently released their Colour Palette of 2024. Featuring soft pastels and warm off-whites, they state that “natural, earthy tones will continue to form the anchor of interior colour palettes in

2024…paired with brighter, zestier, more uplifting colours, reflecting a new-found energy, optimism and desire to have fun with our interiors.”

This trend can clearly be seen in the likes of the sage green and claystone white premium colour foils Deceuninck has to offer, as well as the Chartwell green and classic cream options available in stock for ranges such as the Heritage 2800 and the Flush collection.

And to ensure the statement look is complete, Deceuninck also stock all matching cills, trims, end caps and ancillaries. With the huge range of colourways available, you are guaranteed that a stocked coloured system will have the exact same lead time as a standard white, says Deceuninck.

Casement as well as colour But colour is not the only consideration when it comes to exploiting consumer demand to maximise sales.

Additional consumer research commissioned by Deceuninck and conducted by YouGov found that 69% of 35-44 year-olds preferred flush casements to storm casements, highlighting another statement trend in this key demographic of younger homeowners.

Deceuninck’s Heritage Flush Sash window combines subtle balanced aesthetics, replicating traditional timber windows, with advanced thermal performance achieving WER of as high as A++ and U-values as low as 0.90W/ m2K. Airtightness is Class 4, Water tightness Class E900, Wind Resistance AE2400.

And with trending colour and foil options in stock and available to suit the Heritage Flush range, creating a window that is primed to maximise style and margin has never been easier with Deceuninck, says the company.

Evolve and adapt “In an ever-changing world, we as an industry need to adapt with it,” says Rob. “Part of that is being savvy with our product offering to ensure that we are meeting the tastes of all homeowners – not just a select group.”

“We want to challenge homeowners’ expectations of what they think PVC-U windows and doors should look like. They shouldn’t have to compromise on their style because we can’t offer what they want; it’s about getting it out there that we can service the entire market”. www.deceuninck.co.uk heritagewindowcollection.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 65

VIEWPOINT robust supply chain. That’s why we have increased our supply chain team in China and India, and further strengthened our relationships with all suppliers.

The massive stock holding capability at our new site enables us to store extra stock in the UK too.

Putting my neck on the line, my predictions are largely positive for 2024. I think the Government will introduce core policies to help stimulate the economy and curry favour with the electorate.

These will help build short and midterm confidence in the markets. Inflation should stabilise and currency will stay around the midpoint rate. Shipping and metal costs will remain stable, so I don’t see any need for significant price rises this year.

Reflections On 2023 And The Year Ahead

By David Jennings, CEO at UAP Rising inflation coupled with home improvement spikes during Covid have affected retail demand making trading conditions challenging.

But our industry is a broad church. Although there are issues in some parts, there are opportunities for growth as well as upswings such as ecommerce, which remained strong throughout 2023.

In a challenging economic climate, we continued to diversify the UAP group last year to derisk any one core market. This strategy enabled us to grow our overall business by more than 50 percent. Strategic acquisitions supercharged our expansion with Maher London and Security Hardware joining the UAP family.

Our diversification also saw 66 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

us invest in a new business offering us two new income streams in 2024. Armadillo Metal Coatings is developing a range of anti-bacterial hardware and will incorporate a specialist chemicals division. The launch of Fire Door Maintenance (FDM) adds another string to our bow offering fire door inspection and maintenance services as well as best-in-class training for the industry.

To improve efficiency and connectivity, we moved from a multiple warehouse operation to a new headquarters in Bury. This 120,000 sq ft building brings all our departments under one roof, helping us to increase capacity while streamlining our processes.

It will also become home to FDM’s new training facility.

The last few years have underlined the importance of a

I think the UK retail window market will increase slightly.

As buyers’ confidence grows, so should the demand for new build, aiding its recovery. Across the public sector, I believe there will be a renewed focus on capital projects, helping to boost the fire door market.

At UAP, we will continue to seek new markets for our products while de-risking and building our teams across every department.

Innovation will run through the heart of our activities ensuring our products meet market needs.

The soft launch of the IONIC electronic lock resulted in a wish list of extra features which have now been developed thanks to our intuitive haptic technology.

In 2024, we will also reveal our IONIC replacement handle.

If our industry was football’s Premier League, we want to make it to the top and secure a place in the UEFA Champions League. As we start the new year, this ambition will be front of mind as we keep scaling up and strengthening our business. https://uapcorporate.com/

VIEWPOINT

Cut Waste, Not Prices In an open letter, First Degree Systems’ sales manager Greg Beachim asks if there are more efficient ways of maintaining profit than simply competing on price.

Don’t get caught up in the race to the bottom.

I’ve been in this industry for around 30 years, and that warning has been repeated constantly during all that time. Do people take notice?

I’ll let you answer that one.

It’s very easy to say that you are 68 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

not going to compete on price when the market is booming and everything is going well, but when things change – the number of leads starts to ease, your customers look to reduce their input costs, and your overheads increase – the temptation is to take a different view.

So starts a race to the bottom, and is not surprising when companies struggle to balance the books and have to call in the administrators.

The fenestration hall of fame is littered by once dominant names

Greg Beachim

who didn’t adapt in time, and tried to cut prices to win customers.

Regardless of where we are in the economic cycle, keeping overheads down while producing a quality, well-priced product is essential for any fabricator. Take away any one of those three things and you risk undermining your offering: a race to the bottom on price does not work; swapping out quality components for cheaper alternatives doesn’t work (buy cheap buy twice?); and not controlling your overheads will leave you with a beast that is too expensive to feed, while not offering your customers quality service.

As someone who works with many window fabricators, I can confidently say that companies with good reputation and a loyal customer base should be able

VIEWPOINT leave their products untouched, and prices unchanged.

Where manufacturing operations have a blind spot is the processes that keep them moving – and not updating them as required. So, as orders, customers and product ranges grow, then new machines, more people and more stock are added.

Explore market hotspots

with Regal Aluminium

Meanwhile, the brain that keeps control of the whole operation may not have evolved beyond a series of spread sheets and a basic software package that sends the designs to the shop floor.

If you were to subscribe to a Window Designer package, it will pay for itself almost immediately.

Talk to one of our technical team, and they’ll give your business a health check, but ultimately, Window Designer – along with various add-on modules – will be able to improve your product quality, greatly reduce errors, reduce stock holding, and give your customer relations a boost. All while boosting your bottom line.

The Cloud Retailer module, for example, allows fabricators to offer Window Designer to their retail customers, which allows them to submit window designs straight into the manufacturing process.

This also allows retailers to produce quotes on demand 24/7.

This means the orders only need reviewing before being added to the system – you don’t need someone re-processing them, so you are not risking processing errors and delays. And your customer will appreciate having that element of control!

If you think the only way to keep the bottom line healthy is by cutting prices to sell more product, then think again. Finding efficiencies within your operation may be a far better win. www.firstdegreesystems.com

When it comes to building a thriving business, Jason Bamford, managing director of Regal Aluminium, knows what he’s talking about. “In my 34 years in the industry, I’ve learned the vital importance of flexing your business to support the market. Here at Regal Aluminium that’s exactly what we’re helping our customers to do.”

To help its customers tap into the market hotspots, Regal Aluminium offers a large range of heritage and general aluminium products. Jason comments: “The opportunities right now are in high-end solutions, and our portfolio more than fits the bill.”

Regal Aluminium’s Heritage Collection offers solutions that are perfect for listed building renovations and large-scale refurbishment projects that have conservation requirements or planning constraints.

Jason comments: “Our Heritage Collection has been a strong seller for us this year because it taps into what the

market needs. Plus, the highvalue status of the products supports our customers’ businesses by helping them to boost profit margins.”

Alongside the Heritage Collection, Regal Aluminium offers a range of aluminium and PVC-U window and door solutions that are ideal for any installer wanting to offer premium value solutions.

Jason says: “Our aluminium and PVC-U products offer the best mix of performance and aesthetics for today’s discerning homeowners, opening up opportunities for our customers.”

The other factor that sets Regal apart is the tailored marketing support and business development input on offer. Jason says: “I’m here to use my experience to support ambitious businesses in moving to the next level. I’ve developed several businesses over the years and I’m keen to use my insights to help others do the same.” regalaluminium.uk WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 69

VIEWPOINT

Reuse or Recycle?

By Phil Slinger – CAB CEO

Aluminium has been well known for its ease of recycling ever since its first commercialisation in 1880, but do we always need to recycle by melting and reforming? Some architects are now looking forward and looking at ways that materials can be removed from a building refurbished if necessary and reinstalled into the same building or installed into a new one.

Recycling aluminium has meant

the collection of scrap from various sources with a rough sorting into extrusion, sheet and castings and then melting down into ingot form for further manufacturing. The problem with this form of recycling is that it does not take into consideration the many various grades of alloy that are used today for various applications.

Today CAB’s closed loop recycling scheme goes further by recycling the scrap within recognised aluminium grades. By using an

70 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

The Forge, London

XRF analyser (X-ray fluorescence) which is a powerful, nondestructive technique for measuring elemental composition from magnesium (Mg) to uranium (U), these handheld XRF analysers are portable devices that offer immediate composition of an alloy revealing its grade.

Incorporating modern techniques that remove unwanted items such as screws and thermal breaks, the resultant, chipped aluminium is ready to be remelted for new

VIEWPOINT buildings, possibly several times.

A good example of whole building refurbishment is the Roundhouse in London, built originally as an engine shed in 1847, then converted to a warehouse in 1871. After falling into disrepair, it was refurbished and opened in 1964 as a concert venue, it then fell into disrepair again and was sympathetically restored, opening again in 2006 as one of London finest small-to-medium sized venues. Today we see existing buildings having their external skins replaced, often with aluminium facades, with these buildings taking on a dramatic change in use with reduced carbon emissions.

Looking specifically at aluminium fenestration, there are some excellent examples of a ‘reuse’ option, perhaps the most cost efficient option, rather than removal, is to refurbish in place.

product whilst maintaining its original grade.

Whilst recycling can take, what can be deemed as ’scrap’, easily melt it and recycle it within a closed loop, which is possible many times, what if we could reuse the material without melting?

According to the BRE all buildings today should be ‘Designed for Deconstruction’ (DfD). The BRE have developed an outline methodology to assess building designs so that they can be reviewed to show their carbon impact on the environment by achieving higher levels of resource efficiency and, at the same time, embedding circular economy thinking. Key here is the choice of material as some materials are composites that could be difficult to separate on deconstruction.

With today’s technology we can repurpose some, if not all

Aluminium windows were installed in the ‘New University Library’ at Oxford University over 80 years ago, which highlights aluminium’s extraordinarily long service life. The building, designed by Giles Gilbert Scott and built between 1937 and 1939, was a much needed addition at the time to the Bodleian Library whose collections are used by scholars from around the world.

In 2008 when the building was undergoing refurbishment, Toby Kirtley, estates projects officer for the Oxford University Library Services at the time, commented, “We were amazed at the quality of the original windows which have been in the building for almost 70 years. We believe these windows were installed with no anodising or powder coating, which left the surface to naturally oxidise to form a protective finish.”

The Estates Department undertook cleaning twice a year and only serviced any of the windows if a piece of glass broke and needed replacing. The hardware was all original and had been designed

with brass bushes for a good life expectancy. The aluminium casement windows and window furniture were supplied in 1938

by James Gibbons Limited of Wolverhampton.

After a detailed inspection the windows were found to have been anodised to between 5 and 10 microns in thickness and it was decided that the original windows would be left in place and chemically cleaned to preserve them for many further decades of use.

The New University Library has an interesting history, it was commandeered by Navy Intelligence shortly after completion and much of the D-Day photography was processed and reviewed in the building. The building also became a repository for all of the work being carried out at the time in WW2 codebreaking. In 1946 the building was eventually handed back to the University and was opened by H.M. King George VI, on October 24th.

Giles Gilbert Scott, the architect, is also remembered for his design of the recently refurbished Battersea Power Station and the famous British red K2 telephone box, amongst many other British landmarks.

In 2009 the Empire State Building in New York completed a building wide refurbishment programme of its 6,514 windows. Rather than replace the windows with new, estimated to cost $2,500 each, each window was to be removed and refurbished at a cost of $700.

Not only was the aluminium refurbished, but the glass was reused forming triple glazed units.

The refurbishment took place within a dedicated centre within the building and was conducted overnight over seven months with any disturbance to tenants.

Up to date and completed in 2023, The Forge in London aspires to Continued on page 72 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 71

VIEWPOINT Continued from page 71

The Forge, London

be the first commercial building constructed and operated in line with the UKGBC’s net zero definition and energy reduction targets. It comprises two new office buildings and a public courtyard. Located in Sumner Street, The Forge is a Landsec office development located just behind Tate Modern in London and is one of the most innovative construction sites in London, pioneering several new construction methods fit for the decades ahead.

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Breaking new ground, the project is the world’s first large-scale office scheme to be built using a standardised “kit of parts”, in an approach known as ‘platform design for manufacture and assembly’ (P-DfMA), which applies the advances made in the manufacturing industry to construction. Finished in a bronze anodised finish the external facade consists of unitised modules which can be removed and reused in the future.

To keep up to date with technology in facades and the use of aluminium used in construction, please contact CAB directly, or why not consider joining the Association and be recognised as being involved in supporting your Industry and helping to shape its future. More information on our website at c-a-b.org.uk

Jay Patel, director at Deceuninck fabricator Everglade Windows – recently crowned Fabricator of the Year and winner of the Customer Care Initiative award at the G23 Awards – explains how competing

72 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

on price was always a flawed tactic, but today even more so.

We report.

Deceuninck fabricator Everglade Windows operates out of Perivale,

rise in costs,” Jay says. “Rather unusually, people were seemingly very accepting of these rising prices.

“I think many in our industry took that as a sign that people were willing to pay a premium for our products, and deservedly so. The unfortunate thing is that there are too many people reverting back to what they might see as the simpler answer when struggling for market share, which is to do it cheaper and quicker.

“But all you do is cheapen the product and reduce the level of quality or service.”

Jay argues that Everglade Windows’ focus is on investing in the product and differentiating themselves from their competitors in other ways, which includes choosing Deceuninck as a systems partner.

Jay Patel

West London, and deliberately services customers within a given geographical area.

“That area is quite large, covering the majority of Southern and Eastern England,” Jay Patel, director at Everglade Windows says. “But we don’t aim to cover the whole country. We deliberately set out a few years ago to focus on areas we could easily service, to look after our customers better.”

Everglade Windows supplies both trade customers, including small builders, and larger B2B customers, including large developers and main contractors.

But whoever receives their windows, Everglade’s priority remains the same: not to compete solely on price.

“We saw prices increase after the pandemic, driven by the

“If everyone’s doing the same thing, then the only thing left to compete on is something like price,” he says. “Whereas, when you offer products that are better, and rarer than others, it gives you an advantage.

“You still have to be competitive, but you don’t have to get caught in the race to the bottom.

“What you need to fight for is specification. Make sure your product is the best it can be, that it’s innovative, that it gives the best security, and it is the most energy efficient. Then the right types of customers will buy those products because they can see value in them.”

Jay points to Deceuninck’s 30+ colourways from stock and Heritage Flush Sash as two key product developments that would help Everglade Windows.

“When we set out a few years ago looking for improvements to our PVC-U product range, the main things we considered were:

access to colour and access to flush, because we could see that these were things that people would demand more, and that’s exactly what has happened,” Jay says.

“Today, flush casements are almost becoming a market in itself. And if you haven’t got a wide colour option, then you’re cutting yourself out of a lot of the potential market.”

This focus on premium products is reflected in the company’s attitude to investment.

“We don’t milk the business,” Jay says. “We like to reinvest in the business, to help us get to the next stage.”

Within the last five years, Everglade Windows has invested in a new Schirmer and a new quad welder, both of which the company says were the firsts of their kind in the UK. “The welder does two jobs at the same time,” Jay says. “It’s a quad welder in the normal sense of the word, but it also does timber-look joints, which was something else we launched a few years ago.”

Everglade Windows has a second similar welder on order, and has just taken delivery of a Graf seamless cill welder.

Such investment in products and machinery would not, in Jay’s opinion, be possible if the company’s only point of differentiation was its price point.

“If you’re selling the same products as everyone else, then the only thing they can measure your product on is the price,” he concludes. “And that’s when you will naturally get caught in the race to the bottom.” www.deceuninck.co.uk www.evergladetrade.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 73

PEOPLE

Comp Door Announces Pierre Mifsud’s Promotion to Managing Director Composite door manufacturer Comp Door has announced the promotion of Pierre Mifsud to the position of managing director.

As a co-founder of the company, Pierre’s journey with Comp Door began in 2021, and he has played a pivotal role in its growth and success, claims the company.

With over three decades of experience in the door and window industry, Pierre Mifsud has been a driving force behind Comp Door’s development and expansion.

Starting as the technical director, Pierre’s dedication and expertise have been instrumental in leading the company through significant milestones, including substantial growth, new product launches, multiple award nominations, and

the achievement of six industry accreditations.

Under Pierre’s leadership, Comp Door has evolved from producing its first door to becoming a powerhouse within the sector, manufacturing over 500 doors per week and employing a dedicated, growing team of approximately 60 staff. His innovative approach to design has positioned Comp Door as an industry leader, earning recognition for its commitment to excellence.

Pierre’s promotion to managing director marks a significant moment in Comp Door’s journey, highlighting a period of continuous development and expansion. His strong leadership has not only

74 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

helped to propel the company to new heights but also earned it the distinction of being the first composite door manufacturer to achieve PAS 24:2022, an incredibly important industry standard, claims the company.

Pierre commented on his new title, explaining, “I’ve been with this company since the very beginning, so to see where it is now and how much we as a team have achieved is something really special and I couldn’t be more proud. This role change means a new challenge for me as Comp Door continues to innovate, develop, and achieve more successes, and that’s really exciting. There is so much more for us to do, and as managing director I feel better placed to continue taking Comp Door to new heights and raise industry standards.”

As Comp Door continues to expand, Pierre’s experience and technical knowledge will play an important role in keeping the company on its track of growth and innovation. https://www.compdoor.co.uk

GGF Welcomes

PEOPLE

Aluminium Expertise Direct Trade

Windows Stephen Turner

In a further extension of its technical knowledge and industry support, the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has welcomed Steve Turner to its already comprehensive technical team.

Dave Borland, head of GGF technical, explains what the appointment means for members: “The GGF is changing for the better by being more proactive, offering a wider portfolio of services to members, and developing a clear, inclusive membership organisation.

To continue to do this we need a strong representation of all sectors of the market, both domestic and commercial, which is why we are thrilled to welcome Steve (aka Bruce!) to the team.

“Steve brings with him 30 years of experience in all aspects of the aluminium window and door industry, from fabrication through to sales and specification.”

“I’m genuinely excited to be entering the next phase of my career with the GGF on its technical team,” says Steve, “having worked in a variety of roles in the aluminium sector specifically.

My very first job in the industry was with Sternfenster, a PVC-U

and aluminium window and door fabricator, and I worked on both the fabrication and installation sides of the business, as well as in managerial roles.

“Following my time at Sternfenster I went on to work in both the commercial and residential markets with a few different aluminium fabricators and systems companies including AluK and Comar. Across these positions I was involved with some very large commercial projects and helped to support fabricators with classroom style training and the development of training seminars. I was also involved in product development and witnessed some of the testing procedures as part of the development process, first hand.

Later in my career I became more involved in sales and helped to set up a new aluminium fabrication business.

Steve concludes: “My career path to date has led me through all aspects of aluminium fabrication and installation so I have a good broad knowledge of products and businesses in the sector.

I am genuinely excited to be able to use this experience to work with the GGF and support aluminium companies through all the opportunities and challenges facing the market today.”

Appoints New CAD Engineer

In recognition of a growing demand for accurate and fastpaced service, aluminium trade supplier Direct Trade Windows has strengthened its team with a new CAD Engineer.

With a Bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering and a Master’s degree in advanced product design, Martin Ezzy has already set to work designing, developing and engineering highquality product models using 2D and 3D CAD tools.

In the past year, the company has made strategic investments into cutting-edge software solutions, enabling them to provide exceptional levels of service by ensuring transparency, streamlining communication, and enhancing the overall customer experience, claims the company.

These include a unique quoting app that can also be used to provide installers with sales support and infrastructure, and a separate programme that allows clear visuals of ongoing factory processes at any given time, enabling the company to provide exact and guaranteed delivery times to customers. directtradewindows.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 75

PEOPLE

Alunet Systems’s

Sales Team Surges In Productivity

Glazpart Confirms

systems supplier New Company Aluminium Alunet Systems has announced

Accountant Glazpart is pleased to confirm the appointment of Tamás Bareith as company accountant taking responsibility for the financial management of the Glazpart Group.

Tamás has 10 years’ experience in the food production equipment and transport sectors, where he has applied his financial management expertise for SME companies.

On confirmation of his appointment, Tamás commented “It’s an exciting time of growth for Glazpart and I am delighted to be part of the management team.”

Dean Bradley, Glazpart sales director added, “With Tamás experience, knowledge and skills, I have no doubt he will be a great asset to the Glazpart Group.” www.glazpart.com 76 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

significant developments in its sales team with a surge in productivity and the expansion of the team to support the company’s growth and new product launches.

Alunet Systems says the sales team has recently experienced a remarkable increase in productivity with the return of North West/North East account manager Chloe Day from maternity leave. Chloe’s expertise and dedication is said to have been instrumental in driving the Alunet’s Systems’ success and contributing to the overall positive momentum within the company, Alunet Systems has also welcomed the newest member of the sales team, Martin Reynolds, who has joined as business development manager for the South and Scotland. Martin brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the team. In addition to Martin’s arrival, Rob Shaw has also been appointed as ‘account support’ for the South and Scotland. With

Chloe Day

his extensive industry experience, Alunet Systems believes Rob will play a pivotal role in steering the company through its current phase of growth and development.

According to Alunet Systems, these strategic appointments align with its ongoing commitment to providing innovative solutions to its customers. The company is currently undergoing significant developments, including the launch of new products that have expanded its product range.

Steve Kendrick, managing director of Alunet Systems, said: “It’s fantastic to have Chloe back after her maternity leave. The team has really missed her vital contributions and to have her return during such an exciting, busy time for the company is ideal timing. The sales team is continuing to grow as the company expands, and we’re really glad to be welcoming so many new members to the team to support the development.” www.alunetsystems.co.uk/

PEOPLE

Made For Trade Celebrate The End Of 2023 With Staff

Long Service Awards Made for Trade, a thriving business in its 40th year, has recognised the dedication of its long-standing staff. Over the past decade, the company has experienced remarkable growth and expansion, now operating across three major factory sites, including the Korniche bi-fold door fabrication facility at Wynyard. With the increase in staff numbers, Made for Trade has become a significant employer in the region.

Amidst their numerous reasons for celebration, Made for Trade says it takes great pride in the loyalty and commitment of its employees, many of whom have been with the company for several years. These individuals have reached impressive milestones, with some surpassing

30 years of service with the North East manufacturing business. In fact, a remarkable group of five employees collectively boasts an astounding 140 years of service with the award-winning company.

Amy Pout, Richie Bezance, Brenda Webster, Frank Donaghy, and Kevin Southall are the famous five, whose dedication and achievements have made a significant impact on Made for Trade. Amy has devoted an impressive 21 years to the company, while Richie has reached the remarkable milestone of 20 years. Frank’s dedication spans an incredible 35 years, followed closely by Brenda’s 33 years of service.

Last but certainly not least, Kevin Southall is celebrating an astonishing 37 years with Made

From left to right: Brenda Webster, Richard Gaunt, Kevin Southall, Bradley Gaunt, Frank Donaghy, Amy Pout and Richie Bezance

for Trade.

In recognition of their remarkable service, Made for Trade’s founder, Richard Gaunt, and his son, managing director Bradley Gaunt, recently hosted an event to honour these longstanding staff members. Each employee was presented with well-deserved awards and certificates, acknowledging their unwavering commitment and outstanding contributions to the company.

Made for Trade’s Long Service Awards exemplify the professional and dedicated culture that has propelled this company’s success over the past four decades. As this business continues to grow and prosper, it remains committed to recognising and celebrating the invaluable contributions of its staff members.

WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 77

PEOPLE newly launched Jack Aluminium Systems Welcomes System’s workshop. The workshop,

supports the rapidly New Technical Support Engineer which growing range of commercial

and domestic products, will be dedicated to product research, development and sample supply to customers.

Jack Aluminium Systems has welcomed David Alexander as its new technical support engineer, helping the aluminium specialist provide even better products and services to its customers.

With a career in the technical field spanning over two decades, David brings a wealth of experience to the technical department, providing extensive knowledge and support to help provide customers with hands-on training, while dealing with any queries.

Plus, with extensive experience using Logical and CAD, David will also work within Jack Aluminium

“I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in with the team at Jack Aluminium Systems,” David says of his new role. “I know it’s been an exciting time for the team over the past year, with product launches and the move to a bigger factory space, and I’m looking forward to being a part of developing new products that will help achieve ambitious growth targets.”

FDM Appoints Managing Director fire safety rules.

Speaking about her appointment, Nicola said: “I’m really looking forward to leading FDM and making a positive difference to the fire door industry. Changes to regulation mean housing providers must put more resources in place to inspect and maintain fire doors. My aim is to work directly with these organisations as well as door manufacturers, to help meet this need.

Fire Door Maintenance (FDM) has announced the appointment of a managing director.

Nicola John will lead the business, which offers fire door inspection and maintenance services and is owned by UAP. Throughout her successful career, Nicola has spent 19 years working with door manufacturers in various management and director roles. A former business consultant, Nicola also ran her own company, using her knowledge to advise a range of organisations on strategic growth and development. For the past

four years, she has been working with UAP to provide specialist leadership, management and training guidance.

Launched in early 2023, FDM offers fire door inspection and maintenance services primarily aimed at housing associations and local authorities. Clients can access a 400-strong pool of highly-trained operatives with the skills needed to deliver inspections which meet the latest fire safety regulation, says the company. FDM also provides specialist fire door training for organisations and individuals that want to upskill in line with new

78 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

“The Hackitt report underlined the importance of the ‘golden thread’, and this is at the centre of our approach. This sees us prioritise the use of primary test evidence to deliver inspections and maintenance, ensuring the correct components have been installed on each door and have not been substituted or changed.

“Whether a client chooses to access our specialist training or to use FDM’s operatives to put more boots on the ground, or focus is on raising standards, ensuring compliance and delivering the highest level of safety.” uapcorporate.com

PEOPLE

Silka Welcomes Seasoned

Silka MD Asa McGillian (left) with Luke Richardson

Sales Manager To Take Its SILKAselect showroom areas, and I’m very

Luke is on board as a Trade Partnership To New Heights happy core contact for trade partners.

Following the successful launch of its exclusive SILKAselect Trade Partnership, Silka has welcomed Luke Richardson as national sales manager for England and Wales, who is working to springboard the programme and closely support the handpicked installers within it.

With a career spanning two decades, across the glazing and aluminium fabrication industries, Luke brings a proven sales skillset, passion for product innovation and demonstrable brand building skills to Silka. He has also helped a number of trade partners to grow their businesses to multimillion pound turnovers, which is an integral part of the growth plan for SILKAselect.

“It’s an exciting time to be joining the Silka team,” Luke says. “I have

watched Silka’s super-insulated aluminium glazing range impress the market, and the SILKAselect trade partnership is a concept I’ve never seen before. It’s a simple, supportive and effective solution for high-quality installers, who are invested in futureproofing their businesses, as Silka is.

“The feedback so far is that SILKAselect offers a level of support and collaboration installers have been seeking, and collectively we will further establish Silka as the go-to fabricator for Aluminium Windows and Doors.”

Asa McGillian, Silka’s managing director, says of Luke’s addition to the team: “SILKAselect is spreading across the UK as installers lock in their exclusive

We’ve already built a community of installers who are committed to getting the most out of the unique SILKAselect offering as possible, and Luke is an integral part in making that happen.”

Silka says installers focused on growing sales and futureproofing their business with superior quality, energy efficient aluminium products are encouraged to enquire about their eligibility for the SILKAselect trade partnership. Silka adds that as a trade partner, installers have a truly exclusive showroom area, free qualified sales leads, ‘standout’ marketing support, access to the SILKAselect partner portal, and many more benefits. https://bit.ly/3TWaFOK

WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 79

PVCU WINDOW SYSTEMS

The Residence

Collection: Delivering On Substance And Style Premium window and door designer The Residence Collection offers a quality product made in the UK, with a network of dedicated fabricators and installers nationwide.

80 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

The Residence Collection launched the original PVC-U flush sash, Residence 9, back in 2011 — designed to authentically replicate 19th Century timber designs. The Residence 7 and Residence2

The R2 window

collections completed the full suite offering.

The company says not only do Residence Collection windows deliver on style, but they also meet current building regulations. The Residence Collection ‘easily’ achieves the Document L regulation that came into effect last year, with all systems achieving 1.2W/m²K as standard with double glazing.

Since June 2022, building regulation Part F relates to

PVCU WINDOW SYSTEMS

new requirements for trickle vents on new and replacement windows. These regulations may differ for historic and traditional buildings, such as listed buildings or those in conservation areas however, The Residence Collection window systems can be fabricated with trickle vents, and also offer trickle vent covers.

All three systems can be manufactured with a number of jointing methods such as mechanically jointed, mitre welded, Timberweld or graf weld, giving customers more

choice to create the perfect look for their home.

TThe Residence Collection’s R7 window

Residence 9

in period homes, listed, or conservation area properties, so the aesthetics and characteristics of the property remain unchanged. Because of this, the R9 collection has been approved for use in many conservation areas and listed buildings across the UK.

The original timber alternative window, the R9 collection embraces modern manufacturing and celebrates the techniques of traditional British craftsmanship for a classic aesthetic. The system has a sophisticated design, a maintenance-free finish, and technological innovation.

The range is designed to perfectly replicate the flush timber window designs found

The collection is available in 21 colourways and is made bespoke to adapt to different property needs.

The R9’s energy rating of A++, WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 81

PVCU WINDOW SYSTEMS

The R9 window

options of double or triple glazing, helps to create highly efficient glazed units that offer outstanding thermal and acoustic performance. The system offers u-values as low as 0.74 W/m²K with triple glazing and 1.2 W/m²K for double glazing.

Residence 7 The R7 collection is designed with modern living in mind and embraces an array of manufacturing techniques with a sophisticated seven-chamber design that boasts a flush, maintenance-free finish inside and out.

The Residence Collection says the R7 system is an ideal choice for contemporary homes due

to its flush internal and external aesthetic, creating a modern and versatile finish with clean, elegant lines.

The collection is available in 24 colourways, with A++ energy ratings, double or triple glazing as options, and u-values as low as 0.79 w/m²K with triple glazing, delivering on both style and performance.

Residence² The final system that completes The Residence Collection window collection, R², is bold and contemporary, with clean lines, superb performance, and a deep square edge internally.

Described by the company as ‘a true alternative to aluminium’, R² is the architectural highlight of the collection.

82 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

An elegantly flush sash exterior and a unique square interior give R² its bold and modern appearance. All glass sightlines are perfectly equal, providing symmetry and complementing the internal stylish square detail.

And like with all Residence window systems, the performance isn’t impacted, with superb thermal and acoustic properties, a maintenance-free finish, and an impressive nine-chamber design.

The Residence Collection says it offers premium systems for the premium customer, all in a maintenance-free material designed for modern lives. Find out more on the website. residencecollectiontrade.co.uk/

PVCU WINDOW SYSTEMS

Epwin Window Systems

Launches New Ultra-Slim

Vertical Sliding Sash Meeting Rail Epwin Window Systems has launched the latest enhancement to its best-selling PVC-U Vertical Sliding Sash Window System. The new ultra-slim Vertical Sliding Sash meeting rail is just 37mm deep, faithfully replicating the appearance of traditional sash windows and adding even more heritage authenticity to the well-regarded system.

Phil Parry, technical director at Epwin Window Systems, said: “The PVC-U Vertical Sliding Sash Window System has always been the window of choice for conservation areas, listed buildings and period properties. The new ultra-slim meeting rail enhances these credentials even further.”

Epwin Window Systems has a long track record of continuous

investment in its systems to ensure it continues to meet the longterm needs of its customers. This ultra-slim meeting rail is the latest example of this.

Phil commented: “Our sash window fabricators are some of the country’s most respected and long-standing vertical sliding manufacturers. Our internal design and technical teams drew on their expertise to develop an ultra-slim meeting rail that factored in all the credentials to exceed customers’ expectations.”

The new slimmer meeting rail delivers clean sightlines to maximise light source whilst still preserving the natural character of the window which is vitally important especially on heritagesensitive projects.

The new meeting rail joins a wealth of features that help to deliver heritage excellence for every project. They include a choice of welded or mechanical joint options, run-through horns, a deep bottom rail and dedicated ancillaries and end caps.

The system is available in a choice of colour options including popular heritage hues such as Chartwell green and cream. And for a premium aesthetic appeal, a choice of five complementary base colours are available to achieve a seamless appearance, especially when the window is open.

The company says the system is a practical option for installers – the 128mm outer frame matches box sash dimensions and there’s the option of a 150mm or 210mm cill. It’s Kitemarked to BS EN 12608, PAS 24 accredited and is designed to achieve Secured by Design status so is Document Q compliant. www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 83

PRODUCT NEWS fins on the inside edge of the sash part and bring the magnets together to secure it firmly in place. There is no drilling or screwing required and no need for a jig. There’s even no need to fit end caps because the lid has a clever all-in-one design, negating the need for separate hinge caps or covers.

Mila says it is a quicker, simpler and more efficient option for fabricators, with full accreditation to PAS24: 2022 and SBD and no compromises on security.

In terms of aesthetics, the new Evolution hinge for composite doors has a slim design and overlaps the frame profile by just 5mm to allow for maximum plaster line clearance. For replacement installations, that reduces the need for frame extensions, and, for new build, it allows for a smaller frame profile to be fitted which can be useful in complying with the larger clear opening requirements of Approved Doc M. For Approved Doc L compliance, it also leaves room for thicker plasterboard to be fitted around door reveals to increase energy efficiency.

Mila Launches

New Evolution Door Hinge With Quick-Fit Magnetic Techology Mila’s popular Evolution high security hinge has ‘evolved’ for composite doors, with a new version featuring gamechanging, magnetic, quick-fit technology for the first time.

84 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

The new Evolution hinge for composite doors incorporates high strength magnets in the sash part and the lid which means the fabricator simply has to locate the hinge lid over guide

The new hinge comes with all the high performance specifications that customers have come to expect from Mila, including a steel hinge pin for added strength and bespoke options for both Eurocell and Liniar profiles alongside the universal option.

There are 10 colour options to choose from, including white, black, brown and anthracite grey, as well as polished chrome, smooth satin and polished gold PVD. All come with a 10 year guarantee on mechanical operation and five or ten year guarantees on finishes.

More details are at: www.mila.co.uk

PRODUCT NEWS

UAP Adds Universal Door Hinge To Portfolio in seven different colours, including white, chrome, black, gold, brown, oak and anthracite grey.

Gareth Davies, area sales manager for UAP, said: “The Universal Flip Axis hinge has already been tested by several fabricators. Following its success and the positive feedback we’ve received, we’ve built up our stock levels and are now formally launching the product to the wider market.

UAP has launched a new hinge compatible with both right and left doors.

Manufactured in-house by Security Hardware, which was acquired by UAP last year, the Universal Flip Axis hinge has a patented lift on and off design. This means it can be easily fitted to right or left doors without swapping the pin. Compression, height and lateral adjustment can be achieved with door closed, preventing any unsightly gaps.

Available in rebate sizes ranging from 17mm to 25mm, the hinge has a contemporary appearance and comes

“We believe the hinge’s unique design is one of the most advanced available. A universal jig enables door manufacturers to install the product very quickly making it ideal for high volume assembly where speed is essential. To further ease fabrication, all the components are preassembled in a box.

“With a wide range of sizes and colours available, the hinge can also meet any design requirement.”

As with all products manufactured by UAP companies, the Universal Flip Axis Hinge has undergone rigorous testing to ensure quality and performance. It meets the BS EN 1670 Grade 4, and BS EN 1191 standards, and is also PAS 24:2016 compatible as part of a door assembly. uapcorporate.com installations, the Satin Silver finish is a perfect match.

The Ultion Window Handle caters to various window styles, from in-line to cranked, tilt turn, and fully reversible options.

No matter the project, there’s a design that fits like a glove.

And for those scenarios where locking isn’t necessary, the Ultion Window Handle offers non-locking variants.

Introducing The Ultion Window Handle In the rapidly evolving realm of home security and hardware solutions, professionals in the door and glazing industry seek products that not only bolster security but also elevate style.

Introducing the Ultion Window Handle, the latest addition to the Ultion Sweet range.

The Ultion Window Handle has a full range of colour options.

Whether you’re working on a project that calls for a classic White finish, a bold Black, a timeless Gold, or the contemporary appeal of Satin Nickel, this handle has you covered. For aluminium

Its subtle crank design follows the design ethos of Ultion’s door handles, allowing you to create a consistent and stylish look for your customers.

The company asserts that customers can experience peace of mind with a 10-year guarantee, ensuring confidence in the durability of this longlasting product. https://bit.ly/48mrrer WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 85

PRODUCT NEWS

Epwin Window Systems Boosts PatioMaster’s Security Epwin Window Systems has further enhanced the security credentials of its PatioMaster Sliding Door System with the introduction of a new and exclusive Yale 10-Point Locking System, says the company.

PatioMaster Sliding Door System has exceeded the stringent requirements of PAS24:2022 enhanced security accreditation, underscoring the company’s commitment to security excellence, claims the company.

Designed in collaboration with Yale, the new Yale 10-Point Locking System redefines door security by delivering the equivalent of a standard lock plus additional shoot bolts at the top and bottom of the sash.

By incorporating a 10-point locking mechanism in addition to the Yale 3* cylinder, the

Commenting on the upgrade, Phil Parry, technical director at Epwin Window Systems, said: “The introduction of the new PAS24 Yale 10-Point Locking System further demonstrates our commitment to adopting and meeting the latest industry standards. The high-security locking system ensures the

86 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

operational forces are within the allowable limits and delivers a step-change in door hardware security for our customers”.

Every component of the PatioMaster System has been intelligently designed to elevate its technical performance. A new sash profile increases glazing options, offering outstanding thermal performance with U-values as low as 1.0 W/m2K with triple glazing. According to the company it also has leading weather performance and has achieved a wind loading of 1600Pa which means PatioMaster is the ideal sliding door solution for coastal or highrise properties.

In comparison to mass-market

PRODUCT NEWS

Carl F Groupco

Gains Preferred Partner

Recognition With Cotswold

Architectural Products

alternatives, the PatioMaster doors boast a 33% increase in strength by design. PatioMaster also claims a new interlock prevents intruders from prising the panes open to gain entry.

The door system delivers enhanced performance with superior aesthetics, while selflevelling rollers ensure an easyglide operation, making it a pleasure to use.

Phil concluded: “PatioMaster has always brought the reassurance of a tried and tested brand with an exceptional market pedigree.

With the new Yale 10-Point High Security Locking System and PAS24:2022 accreditation, the high-security benefits build on an already powerful proposition.” epwinwindowsystems.co.uk

Independent hardware distributor Carl F Groupco has announced it has gained Preferred Partner status for the Cotswold Friction Stay range from Cotswold Architectural Products.

Stay, Restricted Friction Stay and the heavy duty Extreme variants.

Together, the impressive hardware collection offers the full range of options for standard casement opening requirements.

John King, sales director at Carl F Groupco, said: “The Cotswold brand is renowned in the industry as a leading friction stay manufacturer and we know our customers value the quality and reliability of the products.

We are delighted to have Preferred Partner status which demonstrates the strength of this longstanding relationship.”

As John notes, Cotswold Architectural Products is a company synonymous with the friction stay market. It was the first company in the UK to manufacture friction stays and it has grown into a world leader in the field.

Tim Ferkin, managing director of Cotswold Architectural Products, said: “We’ve partnered with Carl F Groupco for many years and are delighted to be extending our relationship with them. We look forward to further supporting the team and continuing to deliver product excellence to its customers.”

The Cotswold Friction Stay range from Carl F Groupco includes the Cotswold Sinidex Friction Stay, as well as the Egress Friction Stay, Egress Easy Clean Friction

Carl F Groupco provides an extensive range of premium quality window and door hardware components. It has distribution centres in Peterborough and Cumbernauld, which allows it to service the entire UK, including the Scottish Highlands and offshore islands.

The recent establishment of the Preferred Partner recognition marks a significant milestone for both businesses, underscoring the commitment to shared success and continuous advancement in product innovation. www.carlfgroupco.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 87

PRODUCT NEWS in the SupaSecure have enabled it to go one better.

Part of the extreme strength comes from the fact that the SupaSecure is produced using the same investment casting process used to produce aerospace components.

It has been independently tested to BSEN1906 Grade 4 for extreme durability and corrosion resistance. The clever design features developed

by Mila’s own in-house team include chamfered backplate shoulders which provide antigrip protection for better mole grip resistance and an integrated cylinder guard visibly raised within the backplate which protects against snapping.

There is also a slotted, rotating disc which shields the cylinder completely.

Mila’s Stainless Steel

Supasecure Handle Achieves First And Only

Silver Sold Secure Grading Mila’s popular SupaSecure TS007 two star door handle has just become the highest rated security handle in the UK, according to the company, scoring an unprecedented Silver grading from Sold Secure.

Mila says the stainless steel SupaSecure is the first and only handle to have been awarded the coveted Silver grading alongside its PAS24 and SBD accreditation, and 88 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

gives Mila customers “absolute reassurance that they are fitting and promoting the most secure option available” – in combination with either a 1-star or a 3-star cylinder.

Previously, the highest grading achieved by a two star handle in the Sold Secure attack test administered by the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) was Bronze, but the inherent strength and design innovation

Richard Gyde, Mila’s managing director explains: “If you’re fitting either a 1-star or a 3-star cylinder, the addition of a security handle eliminates any risk of cylinder manipulation.

And, if you are adding a handle, why wouldn’t you opt for a proven solution from Mila which has just received such a ringing independent endorsement in our latest round of testing?”

As well as its security credentials, the popular SupaSecure handle is crafted in Mila’s Supa stainless steel for enhanced durability. It has been independently performance tested for corrosion resistance to BSEN1670 Grade 5 and has ‘sailed through’ more than 1000 hours in a salt spray test. As a result, the handle comes with a 25-year guarantee on the surface finish as well as on mechanical operation.

It is available now in a choice of polished or brushed stainless and polished or brushed PVD gold finishes. https://bit.ly/48ntO0E

PRODUCT NEWS

Perfect Package Deals offer multiple choices of locking system, friction stay, handle, security and safety devices, and vents.

“The same window needs all these products, so it makes sense to place just one order, with all the components delivered and invoiced together. It saves so much work for the customer’s buyer, stores people and the accounts team.”

Hardware manufacturer, VBH, is making things easy for its customers by offering related products as bundled packages, giving customers the benefits of buying from one specialist source.

VBH advise that buying hardware packages does not mean a restriction of choice, citing the fact that they have multiple choices of friction stay brand in stock, including greenteQ, Yale and Securistyle, and no less than eleven casement locking systems from espags through to shootbolts that link to smart home networks.

Bi-fold door lock components have long been supplied in this way and the company is now turning its attention to aluminium and PVCu outward opening casement window hardware packages.

The addition of the greenteQ Securitas Offset security espagnolette to the locking system range has opened up the package deals to fabricators using slim aluminium profiles that have no Eurogroove.

VBH encourages customers to use ‘package deals’ as they can provide better value for money and save the ‘hassle’ of sourcing hardware for the same window from two or more suppliers.

Dan concludes, “What could be easier than having all your preferred casement window hardware on a Favourites List on our VBH24 online customer portal, where, with just a few clicks, everything you need for the following week’s window production arrives the next day? It’s hassle-free.” www.vbhgb.com

Dan Powell, head of brand at VBH says, “Our product range has evolved to such an extent that we can

Stop Crime At The Door With

XtremeDoor, Says Vista According to recent data from the Office for National Statistics, there is an average of 525 home burglaries taking place per day across the UK.

With a house being burgled every 165 seconds, it’s no surprise that homeowners across the country are looking for ways to protect their properties, and it’s therefore vital that fabricators and installers are equipped to meet this growing demand.

deadbolts. Additionally, these doors feature an anti-snap, bump and drill cylinder designed specifically to withstand common methods used during burglaries, claims the company.

The company states, the robust security details incorporated into these composite doors are also designed with Secured

by Design accreditation in mind. This certification ensures that products adhere to strict standards set forth by police authorities across the country.

Vista’s XtremeDoor composite doors utilise a five-point locking Ian Smith, Vista’s sales and system with two hooks and three marketing manager comments:

“The recent data from the Office for National Statistics is a stark reminder of the need for increased security measures in homes across the UK. www.vistapanels.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 89

PRODUCT NEWS

Endurance Doors

Launches New Locking System

keeps.

An engineered alloy sprung latch and a further nickel-plated steel deadbolt also ensure maximum strength in the door’s centre, whilst an advanced sprung gearbox enables the lowest possible operating forces and helps to prevent handle ‘droop’.

In addition, the new locking system makes fitting doors easier for Endurance’s installer partners. It offers greater tolerances when throwing the deadbolts as well as superior frame compression.

Not only does this latter feature provide the homeowner with a better experience when opening and closing the door, but it also allows installers more movement and flexibility during the fitting process.

According to Endurance Doors, the new Guardian5 system is non-handed and has been tested to 100,000 cycles to ensure it can deliver the high and consistent levels of performance that have become synonymous with the Endurance Doors brand.

Scott Foster, sales and marketing director at Endurance Doors, comments: “At Endurance Doors, we have a highly active programme of product research and development, and we are continually looking for ways to enhance our products both for the benefit of the homeowner and our installer partners

In line with its commitment to continuous product research and development, Endurance Doors has developed a new PAS 24 certified, multi-point locking system for use across its range.

Called the Guardian5, the next generation saystem has been designed from the ground up to offer multiple benefits – including 90 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

exceptional levels of security, impressive reliability and a more fitter friendly design, says Endurance Doors.

Specifically, the Guardian5 employs five, strategically located, twin deadbolts. These deadbolts, which are nickel-plated, have a 20mm throw which fully inserts into heavy-duty, high-grade steel

“This ongoing commitment manifests itself in many ways and in the last few months alone, we have launched new door colours, new hardware, and new glazing options. The introduction of the Guardian5 system adds to that.

Plus, we have further exciting developments to unveil in the notso-distant future as our already impressive offer continues to grow and evolve.” www.endurancedoors.co.uk

PRODUCT NEWS support offer.

“We want our customer to have all the tools they need to support them in providing their customers with the ultimate retail experience and guidance when choosing the perfect door for their property.

“This comprises of a suite of marketing tools, which already include a new composite door brochure, which fully integrates with professionally created sales videos, and now our new augmented reality sales tool.

“Homeowners can select one of 12 popular composite door styles.

Once selected, they will see a three dimensional and rotatable 3D door model which they then click on to view in their physical space, in real time.

“They can even scale the door and zoom in on the fine detail of hardware, glass and finish. They can then view their chosen door in location on their home and take a photograph.”

Hurst Launches

Augmented Reality Composite Door Sales Tool Hurst Doors has launched a new augmented reality sales tool, which allows homeowners to superimpose a selection of Hurst’s most popular composite door styles against their property using their mobile phone or tablet. The next generation platform builds on Hurst’s support offer, mobilising cutting-edge technology to support customer retail sales.

Opened in their browser, homeowners can choose from the 12 popular composite door

styles, which are featured in lifestyle images throughout the new brochure, viewing them as a fully rotatable and zoomable 360° 3D rendered image which they can then superimpose against their property on the screen of their device.

“We’re trying to support retail sales teams and owner-installers, who may not have sales teams or showrooms, by giving them access to tools that they can give the homeowner and which allows them to explore door options and performance in the comfort of their own home, in their own time”, continued Hayley.

“It’s creating an armchair showroom experience and having that additional dedicated Hurst doors sales person in your team.”

“End-users are moving towards a more experiential and immersive retail experience, that helps them make informed choices. Our customer retail sales support package helps you as a Hurst Hayley Barker, head of marketing, customer to give them that, Hurst Doors, said: “Hurst is regardless of how big or small a doors specialist. We pride your sales team is”, Hayley ourselves on delivering high quality concluded. products and an excellent service.

That extends to our marketing www.hurstdoors.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 91

PRODUCT NEWS

Comp Door Expands Colour Range With Addition Of Two New Colours

expansion and development for Comp Door, with the company striving to improve standards across the industry and continue to implement customer feedback.

The decision to introduce these new colours reflects Comp Door’s commitment to meeting customer requirements and staying at the forefront of industry trends.

Through careful consideration of customer feedback and a thorough analysis of market demands, Comp Door identified the growing need for more stylish and contemporary grey options in their product range.

Comp Door’s team collaborates closely with industry partners who highlighted a rising demand for more grey colour options.

In response to increasing market demand, Staffordshire composite door manufacturer Comp Door has announced the addition of 92 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

two new colours to their extensive range. The new pebble grey and slate grey options have been added during a phase of significant

The introduction of these two new colours brings Comp Door’s available colour palette to a total of 18 options. Homeowners can

PRODUCT NEWS

Gripcore 2.0

Is Ready For Market

now choose from a wide range of colours to match their personal style, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of their homes.

Richard Diliberto, sales director of Comp Door, said of the expansion of the colour range: “As a team, we at Comp Door want our customers to feel appreciated and that we value their opinions.

By adding the new colours to our range, we are demonstrating our dedication to listening to customer feedback and providing homeowners with total design freedom. The expansion of the colour offering is just another example of the efforts Comp Door are making to not only become industry leaders, but to raise standards across the industry as a whole.”

The new colours will be available in January 2024. www.compdoor.co.uk/

DoorCo announced recently that version 2 of their premium composite door slab, Gripcore is being released in January. The product has a new core that has evolved into a revolutionary hybrid timber-foam core, according to the company, and is now ready for sale supported by a new suite of marketing materials, including a brand-new printed and digital brochure.

Ian Glenister, DoorCo’s technical and sales manager, tells us more about the new Gripcore door: “Moving away from a timber only core to achieve greater results in rigidity, security and energy efficiency, Gripcore’s core is now a hybrid of layered HDF plywood timber and PIR foam, compressed between two sheets of aluminium, an additional sheet of exterior grade plywood and finished with our signature 5mm GRP outer skins. The combination of foam and wood provides enhanced thermal capabilities and impressive strength, whilst the aluminium acts as a vital layer for protecting against moisture infiltration and extra stability. The result of bringing all these elements together is a one-of-a-kind, premium slab that delivers a low centre pane U-value of just 0.8.

“The futureproof engineering of Gripcore’s hybrid timber-foam core

means it is stronger, more secure and more thermally efficient than solid timber core counterparts.”

DoorCo’s marketing manager, Ellie Pool, tells us more about the launch: “Gripcore 2.0’s high-quality and unique composition delivers all the USPs that you want from a door – stability, weather resistance, strength and style. Our network of fabricators is excited about being able to offer such a high-quality product in their composite door portfolios and so far, the feedback has been extremely positive.

“We’re ready to support our customers to bring this industryfirst composite door to market with an updated collection of marketing tools. Central to this is a brandnew dedicated Gripcore brochure that has been designed to really bring this impressive door to life.

There is key information about the product and its exclusive core, new AR models hosted on a brand-new Gripcore website, and some fresh new colour choices to help inspire the end user.

“The new brochure is already available digitally, with printed versions arriving for distribution in January. As with all of our brochures, there is the option to customise the design and the marketing team are on hand to help with this. https://bit.ly/3TYVm7U WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 93

PRODUCT NEWS

Secure Opportunities

With fds From

Distinction Doors

fds is a fully compliant FD30 internal and external composite fire door system from Distinction Doors, which is already well established, with products installed in homes right across the UK and Ireland, says the company.

“The time is right to open fds up to a wider audience,” comments Distinction Doors’ commercial manager fds, Elliott Dawson.

“There’s a wealth of opportunity in the fire door market and we’re 94 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

here to help fabricators and installers make the most of this.

“We’ve been active in the market for more than three years now, building awareness and providing a robust and consistent composite fire door solution. It is wellreceived, and all stakeholders are reassured by the peace of mind it affords, claims the company. “fds is available to all, those who may be interested in becoming an approved fds manufacturing

partner or others who are simply looking to buy-in the fabricated doorset. Either way, we have the expertise and knowledge to support customers in conquering the fire door market.”

Distinction Doors say the fds FD30 fire door system is independently tested to EN1634-1: 2014. It has achieved an average of 45 minutes integrity performance over 44 individual test specimens subject to 22 bi-direction fire tests. Every fire test was filmed. To address variables in test laboratories and prove consistent performance, the system experienced the same test methods across three countries and was installed in both rigid and flexible supporting wall construction. All submitted doorsets featured the same letterplates, viewers, and autothrow lock to underpin the need for consistency in testing. A variety of overhead door closers were also tested.

The fds system also delivers on ambient smoke control (EN16343:2004), security (PAS24:2016), weather (BS 6375), sound insulation (Approved Document E) and thermal performance (Approved Document L). It is Secured by Design accredited and triple Q-marked for fire resistance, smoke control, and enhanced security under the BM Trada Q-Mark Fire Door Manufacturer certification scheme. Most recently, the fds GRP composite FD30 fire doorset gained UKCA mark status and is fully compliant for external use, claims the company.

Installers and contractors can access fds through an official fds doorset manufacturing partner. After stringent testing and audits, each one is awarded the respected Q-Mark against BM Trada STD 170 scheme which is over and above Building Regulations mandatory requirements. firedoorsystems.co.uk

PRODUCT NEWS

Everglade Windows Adds Premium Aluminium Sliding Door To Its Range With aïr 180XLS Everglade Windows has launched the aïr 180XLS lift & slide door, a glazing solution with ‘extremely low U-values’ that will help installers meet the future demands of the home.

Alongside its impressive energy efficiency credentials, the 180XLS also benefits from 50mm interlocking sightlines, 2000 Pa wind resistance, sash sizes up to 3m x 3.6m, 400kg weight limit per panel, and PAS 24 certification as standard – leaving no element compromised, says the company.

Jay Patel, director at Everglade Windows, discusses the product launch, saying: “We all want to be a part of encouraging change for the better, so with the government’s ambitions of achieving Net Zero by 2050, we wanted Everglade Windows to be at the forefront of delivering a solution. The whole team have put a lot of effort and time into making sure we supply our customers with a superior product that not only delivers ontrend aesthetics, but performs to the highest level too.

“Coupled with an innovative design and superb technical performance, the aïr 180XLS benefits from our 43 years’ experience of not only manufacturing windows and doors, but working closely with installers. This means we know exactly what they need to not only exceed regulations, but elevate their offering to their customers.”

With energy performance levels equivalent to the Passivhaus Standard, the new aïr 180XLS lift & slide door not only boasts highlyengineered frames and polyamide thermal breaks, but the specially manufactured doorset achieves U-values of 0.8 W/m2k and helps installers exceed current building regulations, all while being sleek and stylish in its design. www.evergladetrade.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 95

PRODUCT NEWS

Regalead

Reports Successes With Urban Bar For Bifold Doors Urban Bar from RegaLead has been incorporated by a significant number of aluminium fabricators across multiple window and door systems, aiming to achieve the industrial heritage aesthetic.

The trend for industrial heritage continues to grow, with more companies introducing an astragal bar system to transform standard bifold doors. However, as with the 96 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

PVC versions, aluminium astragal bars have not been without issues, mainly “popping off” due to expansion. The new Urban Bar solution from RegaLead has been designed to resolve this common issue by use of a multi-patented clip system, says the company.

The clip is integral to the success of RegaLead’s Urban Bar system.

It uses a tried and tested strung

steel clip, patented across the world to ensure that once fitted, they stay in place, says the company. The universal clip works with both width of bar, 25mm and 40mm, to create both heritage and modern aesthetics.

While the authentic look of separate transoms and mullions is completed quickly and efficiently in the factory with SDLs and astragal bars. In addition, the deep profile running gasket is a key part of the system to create a perfect finish.

Urban Bar is available in 10 industry standard colours plus a selection of Renolit foil finishes.

Urban Bar is also available as a mill finish for customers looking to powder coat themselves or in a painted finish to match any RAL colour.

A Warm Welcome To 0.8: AluFoldDirect Unveils A-BiFold

Award-winning trade and commercial fabricator AluFoldDirect is redefining energy efficiency standards with the launch of A-BiFold, as the first product in its Solution series. Set to give installers a warm welcome to the future of aluminium, A-BiFold offers an 0.8 W/m²K U-value, coupled with AluFoldDirect’s guaranteed twoweek delivery time – glazed, and direct-to-site.

Guy Hubble, Joint MD at RegaLead says: “The success of Urban Bar has exceeded our expectations. It’s been impressive to see how installers have found new ways to create both traditional and contemporary designs.

“One application we weren’t expecting was the use of Urban bar on PVCu flush sash windows.

It works because the slim Urban Bar is a perfect fit with the lowprofile sashes. What’s more, the result is stunning, transforming standard flush sash windows into the industrial heritage steel-look.

“The popularity of Urban Bar continues to grow and the number of enquiries we’ve received for shows a real desire for the industrial look for glazing in homes.” www.regalead.com

A-BiFold is developed from the company’s continued improvement programme and forms part of its new suite of toplevel energy efficient aluminium windows and doors. A-BiFold also comes in a new build Solution at 1.2 W/m²K U-value, and Building Regulation compliant Solution at 1.4 W/m²K U-value. The Solution series means AluFoldDirect has a ready-to-fit solution delivered fast, whatever your project’s thermal requirement, says the company.

at AluFoldDirect says: “The market for more thermally efficient glazing is already ahead of Building Regulations. This was highlighted in this year’s Rated People Home Improvement Trends Report, where half of homeowners surveyed were looking for ways to make their homes more energy efficient. As we move closer to the Future Homes Standard 2025, it’s crucial to offer installers easy solutions for high thermal performance glazing from a supplier they can trust.

“A-BiFold and our Solution series does just this, as well as offering other practical benefits, including super-slim sightlines and clip-in pre-gasketed beads, to make glazing aluminium as easy as PVCu”.

AluFoldDirect’s Warm Welcome to 0.8 directive comes in response to specifier and homeowner needs and brings low U-value aluminium glazing in reach of installers looking to adjust and benefit from the ever-growing market for highly insulated, sustainable products.

A-BiFold is designed with the installer in mind, with multiple configurations up to 14 sashes, high security multipoint locking and Secured by Design as standard. Rhodri adds: “Our unique automated facility manufactures products to the tightest tolerances in the industry, so our customers can be confident A-BiFold is built and delivered right first time, every time. Welcome to Aluminium 0.8.”

Rhodri John, commercial director

www.alufolddirect.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 97

PRODUCT NEWS

Vivalda Launches

New Fire-Rated Architectural

validation of the panels’ A2 rating, we’re confident that developers, architects and door manufacturers alike will be assured of the product’s quality and performance.”

Infill Panel For The Glazing Industry According to the company, Vivalda, a leading supplier of architectural façades and aluminium composite panels, has launched a new product, designed to meet the growing demand for fire-rated products in the UK refurbishment market. The new A2 rated panels are available in thicknesses from 28mm to 150mm and can be rebated to make them suitable for all glazing systems and curtain walling. All Vivalda’s infill panels are tested to British Standard EN 13501-1: 2018.

Comprising a Lamella mineral wool core and a 1.5mm thick aluminium sheet to both faces, each panel is polyester powder coated to achieve a wide range of colour and finish options.

Following the Grenfell fire, there has been a heightened awareness of the importance of fire safety in building materials, particularly in architectural glazing panels.

Since entering the door panel market in 2021, Vivalda has seen demand increase for fire-rated products, typically to replace potentially flammable panels in existing buildings with the safe new A2 rated alternative. The new product is designed to meet this demand and provide a safe and reliable solution for building refurbishments.

Vivalda’s ownership of the total product supply chain – including manufacturing, fabrication and powder coating, which is all undertaken within the group – ensures consistent product quality and availability, says the company.

Alix Agius, composites manager from Vivalda, said: “This is a product that we have actually been manufacturing for a while, but without certification of the complete panel, only each individual component. Now that we have independent, external

98 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

the introduction of Vivalda’s new glazing panel has been widely welcomed by its existing customers who require documentation for panels, which it says is the perfect solution for architects, councils, and installers who are pricing new projects and have a requirement for A2 rated panels. Claiming to have a quick turnaround, excellent customer service, technical knowledge, and on-site assistance, Vivalda says it aims to be the first choice for customers seeking reliable firerated panel solutions.

“We are seeing a huge demand for fire-rated products as many buildings now require replacement panels with a fire rating. Having our panel now tested and confirmed as achieving A2-s1,d0, we are confident that we will see this demand continuing for the next few years,” added Alix Agius. www.vivalda.co.uk

PRODUCT NEWS

Sheerline Launches

Reverse Butt Joint for the Aluminium Market Sheerline has announced the launch of its latest product, a Reverse Butt Joint for the Prestige window system.

Based on Sheerline’s tried and tested corner cleat, a new patented, precision-machined, aluminium T cleat will enable Sheerline customers to offer fully internally beaded aluminium windows, that feature both opening vents and fixed panes.

It will streamline the fabrication and installation process, enabling fabricators to manufacture the reverse butt joint using Sheerline’s newly introduced Prestige Z transom. This solution eliminates the need for external glazing, reverse adaptors, and dummy sashes, therefore saving time and money. The reduction in materials, manufacturing, and labour costs also adds to the appeal of the product and opens a realm of

opportunity in the specification sector, claims the company.

Large-scale commercial projects and tenders, where efficiency is key, will benefit from the streamlined approach offered by the Z transom. For instance, it’s the ideal option for projects that require fully internally glazed windows and reduces the need for scaffolding as glazing and remedial work can be carried out from within a building. In addition, the reverse butt joint uses less material when

compared to windows that use a dummy sash, which reduces waste and saves time. Saving 20% on material and labour costs when compared to a window featuring a dummy sash rather than a fixed light, says the company.

Dave Watts, Sheerline’s technical sales director said: “Anyone who operates within the PVC -U market is aware of the advantages of reverse butt joints, but within the aluminium industry, they’re relatively unheard of as legacy aluminium systems can’t accommodate them. With our new reverse butt joint, we want to show fabricators, installers, and consumers that there are options for aluminium too!”

“Tried and tested is great, but innovative solutions backed up by real-world experience and extensive R&D can offer unexpected opportunities, benefits, and advantages. There are many outstanding features to highlight about our newest product – the fact it streamlines the fabrication and installation processes, but also the fact it gives our customers greater choice, and that’s something we pride ourselves on,” he added. www.sheerline.com

New Ancillaries From Thermoseal Group Drive New Efficiencies For IGU Manufacturers Thermoseal Group has launched a new Georgian Bar Anchor and a new Thermobar Straight Connector, both of which promise to increase efficiencies, reduce waste, and improve product quality for IGU manufacturers.

“Our mission is to create energy efficient products in the most energy efficient way possible,” Thermoseal Group’s sales director Mark Hickox said. “And this extends to supporting our customers as they manufacture their products in the most efficient way possible, which helps reduce overheads and improve their

bottom line.”

Thermoseal Group’s new straight connector secures two lengths of Thermobar rigid spacer bar to make one continuous length.

“We deliver Thermobar in 5m lengths to our customers, and where possible we deliver in stillages so we reduce packaging waste,” Mark said. “But no matter how carefully you optimise your unit production, there will always be offcuts that are too short to be useful.

“Thanks to our new straight

connectors, which we manufacture in all sizes to fit our range of Thermobar, sealed unit manufacturers can reduce their waste to almost nothing. This is clearly good for the environment, but reduces skip costs, and you are getting more useable product out of each length of Thermobar – putting more money into your pocket.” thermosealgroup.com WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 99

PRODUCT NEWS

2024 – The Year For

Warm Roof Design With increasing issues including condensation, for solid roofs that are a ‘cold roof’ design, Prefix Systems believe that 2024 will be the year in which diligent installation companies will move over to solid roof solutions that are 100% ‘warm’ by design.

With increasing regularity, Prefix Systems have been on site to inspect timber cold roofs in

2023 that have failed due to condensation. Subsequently, they went on to replace these roofs with their award-winning WARMroof as the ultimate permanent solution.

On site these cold roofs had failed despite best efforts with limited ventilation, and with dew points affecting the UK 9 months a year on average, the risk of condensation is a real issue for these roof types, says Prefix.

100 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

According to Prefix Systems, with conservatory roofs being replaced with surprising regularity, some companies are opting for a roof solution which doesn’t provide a long-term solution. A ‘warm roof’ by definition is one where the insulation sits above the rafters and not just in between (which is a cold roof by definition). So the message is clear, says Chris Cooke, director of Prefix Systems, “Ask your current solid roof supplier if their insulation sits above the rafters, if it’s a no, then it is NOT a warmroof – it’s a cold roof. Furthermore, you’re at risk by installing such products in terms of remedials and importantly the risk in losing out on

PRODUCT NEWS

Sales Of Leka Xi Up 20% In 2023

Leka Systems has just announced that sales of its innovative modular conservatory system, the Leka Xi, are up 20% in 2023.

Rhys Hoddinott, managing director of Leka Systems, commented: “As this sales increase shows, the Leka Xi brings huge added value to homeowners – and to fabricators’ and installers’ portfolios.” future referral sales.”

Chris continued: “Warm roof design is the preferred method for roof composition across the construction sector and with good reason. It ensures roofs perform not just in terms of years, but for decades and it’s the same philosophy for Prefix. Our awardwinnning WARMroof solution is part of a permanent solution to the home, much in the same way that a Building Inspector would prefer to see a warm roof constructed extension and it’s a must that we should as an industry think in the same way.” www.prefixsystems.co.uk

is the innovative, intelligent way to give homeowners what they’re looking for without any of the hassle or disruption of a traditional building project. When combined with a Leka Warm Roof or a Leka Orangery Roof, it’s a complete home transformation solution.”

It consists of highly engineered, pre-fabricated modular sections that are typically installed on concrete pads or ground screws in a matter of days, offering significant time savings and minimising disruption. The modular sections also make the product ideal for homeowners with limited or no rear property access because it can be carried through in individual pieces.

The Leka Xi proves to be a valuable product for installers, serving as the preferred home extension solution sought by homeowners, according to the company. However, its advantages extend beyond this primary function. Not only is it compliant with building control regulations, streamlining paperwork, but Leka installers also benefit from comprehensive marketing and technical training support. This support ensures the maximisation of sales and guarantees a hassle-free installation process every time, claims the company. Additionally, Leka installers enjoy an exclusive discount on Checkatrade membership.

Rhys continued: “The Leka Xi

www.lekasystems.co.uk

The Leka Xi is a quick to install, thermally efficient alternative to a traditional block or brick-built conservatory base or wall, says the company.

WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 101

SOFTWARE

The Beauty Of

Automation

Paul Hines, managing director of Hinckley-based Progress Windows, Roofline and Conservatories, explains how Business Pilot made his efficient business run even more efficiently.

Before we used Business Pilot, we were very manually driven. I’d say we were working hard rather than working smart.

We have great people working here at Progress, but people can forget and have bad days. The challenge for any double glazing company is its communication, and for the most part this would consist of phone calls: What stage is this job at?; When will the survey be?; What time is the rep coming around?; Who is the rep?; etc.

Managing that process using a manual system was almost unmanageable, because of the time and resources it took. And,

of course, there was the impact on the customer experience.

They didn’t want to spend their time chasing window installation companies. And people’s expectations are higher these days – customers expect to be looked after and kept informed.

We’ve never not cared for our clients, but that’s hard to get that across with a manually driven system. Occasionally something would slip though the net, and a customer would not be completely satisfied, which is not where we wanted to be.

Before we took on Business Pilot, we all had access to a central spreadsheet, and some of us kept records on paper. It all worked to a point because all the information was there, and I’d say we were better organised than many companies in the industry.

But even with what we were

102 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

doing, we just couldn’t keep up with the expectations of all our clients.

What we needed was automation.

Our system only did what we told it to, and we needed to take the next step forward.

Since moving to Business Pilot to manage our internal processes and our relationship with customers, we’ve ultimately been able to take on more work, because it is a lot more automated, more predictable, more systematic, and more processed. That technology simply allows you to spread your net further, and we have taken on more clients because we now have a system to deal with them.

The biggest potential problem I saw when we invested in Business Pilot, was the lack of willingness by some employees to use the technology, or even to use computers – especially the fitters. But it is so user friendly that anyone can use it – and everyone is! In fact, I asked my staff to research the market, and they chose Business Pilot.

‘Automation’ is one of those words people use that others struggle to understand. For us, it

SOFTWARE has some real benefits, especially when it comes to communicating with the customer. And there are contact points at every stage along the quoting, buying and installation journey.

Generate Leads Today

With New Software Tool From PST

For example, once a potential customer is entered into the system, they will get an automatic email to say ‘thank you’ and to give details of the next step, which is to set up a meeting with the representative. Already they’ve got an email, already they’ve got a sense of belonging to this business. And that happens at every step.

customers will then be required to create an account and input their contact information, which is verified by us. From that point forward, the lead generation tool will track every time customers interact with a model in the vsHome AR app, capturing data such as which model was viewed and their approximate location.

I remember getting a call from a customer on the second day we had Business Pilot, asking which rep would be seeing them, and when. Normally, we would have taken their details, and I would have rung round everyone to find out who it was.

“This new lead generation tool allows conservatory and orangery installers to not only generate new leads, but to also gain valuable insights into customer preferences. By analysing this data through our internal database, companies can make informed decisions about product development and marketing strategies.”

I would have then told that person to ring the customer (and hoping that they did), otherwise we would have been in the dark.

Instead, on this second day, the customer rings through, and within three clicks we were able to say: “Yes, it’s Keith coming to see you at one o’clock tomorrow. He’ll see you then.”

There’s a time saving, but actually it’s the customer experience that’s the most important. They left having had their question answered immediately, feeling empowered as a result.

Business Pilot has changed my business, and our customer feedback proves it. If you want to improve your business with the use of a CRM system, then go for it. You won’t regret it.

Visit https://bit.ly/3O4B4Gp to see an interview between Paul Hines and Business Pilot’s MD Elton Boocock. www.businesspilot.co.uk

Production Software Technology (PST), a provider of software solutions for the glazing industry, has launched a new lead generation tool to help conservatory installers gain valuable insights into customer engagement and trending products.

The new tool works in conjunction with vsHome AR, PST’s software solution that allows installers to share product designs with customers to view in augmented reality as either a life size representation on the side of their home or as a tabletop view through their smartphone or tablet.

Managing director Neil Travers explains: “When homeowners search online for conservatories or orangeries, their first port of call will be to visit installer websites to explore their available options. With our new lead generation tool, installers can place various product models on their website along with QR codes – once they find a model they like, potential customers can scan the corresponding QR code using the vsHome AR app.

“To access the model and view it in augmented reality,

In addition to providing valuable data insights with their new lead generation tool, PST offers an additional service where they can provide a bespoke version of their app with companies’ branding included, helping installers differentiate themselves from competitors by offering a personalised experience to potential customers.

Neil concludes: “We are thrilled to introduce our new lead generation tool for conservatory installers. By combining our vsHome AR app with the lead capture feature, installers can not only generate new leads, but also provide a personalised experience for potential customers. We believe that this tool will truly revolutionise how installers connect with their target audience and ultimately drive business growth.” www.pstonline.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 103

SOFTWARE

BM Aluminium Launches Simply

Tag USP For Fabricators

amount of information about a window, door, screen or curtain walling installation in a sustainable digital format: “It’s all about reducing paperwork and giving fabricators a nice USP to offer to their customers. They can add as much information as they like, including product datasheets, warranties and cleaning tips, as well as all the standard documentation.

“A simple scan of the QR codes provides direct access to the documentation required for any customer query – from maintenance and cleaning all the way to reporting a service call request if any product failure has taken place. The end user can scan the QR code, take an image on their mobile, attach that to the service report and type a message which is sent direct to the installer.

That automatically locates the contract within LogiKal and brings up all the data held about it. Not only does it potentially reduce the need for an engineer to make an initial site visit, but it eradicates any risk of wrong or confusing information being sent, and gives installers absolute confidence in the accuracy of what they receive.

Simply Tag is a brand new module available in the latest version of BM Aluminium’s LogiKal software which allows fabricators to provide full traceability of their products and eliminate the need for cumbersome printouts and paper documentation.

The software automatically generates a QR code from the fabrication assembly list, which is paired with a self-adhesive tag ready to be applied to the inside of the frame once it is complete.

When this code is scanned, the trade customer or end user can instantly access all the information

they need about that product – from the CE/UKCA mark and the U-Value certificate to the size and specification, including the glass, finish and hardware.

It enables fabricators to meet their obligations in terms of showing compliance with standards and helps installers and end users with any questions they might have about maintenance, repair or replacement at any point in that frame’s lifecycle.

Simon Crilley, BM Aluminium’s product manager says Simply Tag is a smart way to embed any

104 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

“QR codes have come surging back since the pandemic and are now regularly used on everything from reality TV voting to restaurant menus and ordering. They’ve become a routine part of everyday life, so it makes perfect sense to make them a routine part of aluminium fabrication and supply.”

The Simply Tag option is available in the new v12 of the LogiKal aluminium design and processing software.

The team at BM Aluminium can provide all the help and support customers need to install the new module and start setting the agenda when it comes to providing digital support in aluminium. www.bmaluminium.co.uk

MACHINERY line. My point is: when a better alternative is available locally, why not take a look?”

Buy Punch Tools

Without Customs Hassle,

Cost And Delays, Says Jade With the rapid resurgence of the UK aluminium window and door industry, especially in the home improvement sector, a supply chain has emerged that sees machine tools and especially punch tools frequently imported from Europe and further afield, following established links with many overseas-based systems companies.

It is a process, says Adam Jones, director of Coventrybased Jade Engineering, that has become cumbersome, slow and expensive. And perhaps unsurprisingly, he believes that his company, which has been supplying such products for more than 15 years, can bring significant benefits to aluminium fabricators: “Many aluminium systems companies operating in the UK are divisions of overseas operations and have traditionally bought their machine tools and especially punch tools, from

manufacturers in mainland Europe and even further afield,” observed Adam. “We have been told by a number of their fabricator customers, that due to increasingly complex, post-Brexit, customs legislation, the supply and repair of such products, is slow and problematic. This not necessarily in terms of import, but the export of old tools for refurbishment especially comes with delays and other issues that, for such a crucial but relatively low-cost product, is cumbersome, expensive and subject to considerable disruption.

Jade Engineering has the proud boast that it supplies every fabricator of PVC-U window and door frames in the UK, with ongoing supply agreements with every PVC-U systems house.

The firm has a similar and growing number of relationships with the burgeoning number of aluminium frame makers and many of their systems suppliers, though some remain locked in to what Adam calls ‘a habit’ of buying tools from overseas: “The punch tools and other products that we supply are as good as anything manufactured anywhere in the world and actually, better than most.

We supply punch tools from stock when we have supply agreements with systems companies, able to call them off and deliver literally within hours.

“I hesitate to use the ‘British is Best’ tag but in this case it makes sense,” added Adam.

“Punch tool refurbishment is managed in hours rather than weeks or even months and there is no threat to the supply chain due to wars, hurricanes and the odd barge caught in the Suez canal.”

In addition, custom solutions such as those provided for some of the UK’s most successful aluminium systems companies, can be developed and delivered in weeks, advised Adam: “At Jade Engineering we especially enjoy the challenge of being given an ‘impossible’ task and solving it quickly, efficiently and cost effectively. And “Suppliers further afield do because we are usually within not have the EU red tape to an hour or two of the customer, contend with, but the sheer we can visit and examine the logistical challenge for products problem first hand, far quicker that are routinely renewed and than engineers travelling from refurbished, can bring its issues, oversees. Often, we have solved especially when international the problem even before an events and weather, for engineer could fly in.” example, disrupt the supply jade-eng.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 105

MACHINERY an SVK-2 CNC Corner & Transom Cleaning Machine, a DV 404 Reinforcement Profile Screwing Machine, a TC 294/20 Glazing Bead Saw and an MS 300 Measuring & Stop System.

Gary commented: “We appreciate the speed, accuracy and quality of the Haffner machines in helping us deliver on our commitment to excellence at every level.”

(from left to right) Chris Curran, technical sales manager at Haffner with Gary Malone, Fairco’s general manager

Fairco also has an ongoing maintenance contract with Haffner to ensure its machines are always working at their optimum. Gary said: “The hands-on approach of the Haffner team is invaluable.

We work closely with Chris Curran, technical sales manager at Haffner, and we’re further supported by service engineer David Carruthers. Together, they ensure we are making the most of our investment.”

For Business Growth

Fairco Trade Frames has gone from strength to strength since 2021 and has recently been nominated in the Northern Irish Enterprise Awards 2023. The company works across the retail and trade markets and its products include its Hampton Flush Glaze Windows range, Imagine Patio Doors and Matrix Fully Sculptured Windows and Doors.

Fairco operates from a 15,000 sq ft facility in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland, where its Haffner equipment includes an SBA-2 PVC-U Profile Machining Centre, an SMR 5 Five Head Welding Machine, a KB 515 Single Head Welding Machine,

The company has ambitious plans for the future too, including further extending its trade market share. Gary concluded: “We have the capacity to expand our operations and our footprint at Kilroot Business Park. As we scale up our operation, we will be increasing our output with additional machinery from Haffner. We know their machines and their service support adds value to our business and we are looking forward to continuing the partnership.” www.haffnerltd.com

Fairco Trade Frames

Chooses Haffner Northern Ireland’s Fairco Trade Frames was established in 2021 to help meet the needs of the Irish trade community. When setting up its manufacturing facilities, the team made a strategic decision to collaborate with award-winning machinery specialists, Haffner. This decision has proven to be one they unequivocally stand by, reflecting the success and satisfaction derived from the partnership.

Fairco’s general manager Gary Malone explains: “Based on our direct experience with the quality and innovation of

Haffner’s machines in a prior business, the decision to collaborate with Haffner in our new venture was immediate.

From the initial machinery audit, their guidance, support and rapid turnaround ensured a prompt and efficient start, allowing us to be operational very quickly.”

106 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

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WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 107

ON SITE

Whitesales Rooflights Installed In Grade II* Listed Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery Whitesales has replaced the original timber rooflights in the Grade II* listed Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery with new bespoke aluminium rooflights, ready for the reopening of museum during 2024.

Built in 1885, the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery has long housed treasures from the likes of Edward Burne-Jones, William Morris and Dante Gabriel Rossetti and has an unrivalled 2,000

piece Pre-Raphaelite collection.

However, it closed in November 2022 for essential maintenance which has included electrical work, upgrading of the heating, lift replacement and roof repairs.

The new rooflights were a key element in the roof repairs, so the challenge for Whitesales was to supply and install high performance, energy efficient replacements for the timber originals which satisfied the

108 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

constraints of the Grade II* listing and met the requirements of the City Council’s conservation office.

The solution they developed included one bespoke Whitesales Monopitch 2610mm x 1260mm rooflight with vertical front face and sides set at 350mm and two bespoke lantern rooflights with sides set at 440mm and 450mm, all finished in an anthracite grey on the exterior and white on the interior and all CWCT TN92 Class 2 non-fragile to ensure the safety of anyone walking on the roof.

Whitesales worked closely with contractors ISG throughout the design and specification process.

They visited the site for a survey, attended design meetings and delivered a sample to the site so that everyone on the client team was happy with what was

ON SITE

being supplied in terms of both performance and aesthetics.

They also ensured that the rooflights were all fabricated and safely delivered to site in manageable-sized elements to take into account the fact that access in and around the city centre site was difficult.

Whitesales has a long standing relationship with ISG, based on the quality of the work carried out on previous projects. For ISG’s trainee construction manager Ryan Linnecor, Whitesales impressed with their knowledge and experience on heritage schemes. He commented: “Whitesales had a clear understanding of the Grade II* listed scheme and the constraints that presented.

They impressed us once

again with their approach on how to undertake the work sympathetically and the finished installation is of a very high quality.”

The clients at the Museum have already commented on how the new rooflights are bringing new natural light into previously dull

areas of the building, something which will be appreciated by visitors when the Museum and Gallery starts to reopen this year.

More details at: https://bit.ly/3tKIvf9 And a video at: https://bit.ly/47tlo6n WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 109

ON SITE

Rehau

begins Dan Kocev, project manager at Epsom and St. Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust.

“However, vital energy efficiency upgrades were necessary to bring the site into the 21st century and ensure that it is able to continue providing the best possible environment for care.”

Is The Cure For Epsom Hospital Natanael Florut, project When Epsom Hospital was in need of energy efficiency upgrades, the NHS Trust looked to specify Rehau’s curtain walling and Total70C windows. However, with the install set to take place in an active emergency department environment during the peak of a global pandemic, seamless collaboration across the NHS, Rehau, Hanevo, JM Aluminium, and LH&E Cost Consultancy would be necessary to ensure there was no disruption to the emergency department and operating theatres.

Epsom Hospital is a healthcare facility like any other, providing

services spanning accident and emergency, diagnoses and more to the people of its namesake borough in Surrey. As a critical piece of infrastructure, its continued operation is vital to the health and wellbeing of the local community, with this being proven truer than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, like any long-serving site, upgrades to the building’s fabric would eventually be necessary in order for it to remain operational.

“Getting projects across the line in a live hospital environment is a challenge at the best of times, let alone during a global pandemic”,

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commissioning manager at Epsom and St. Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, added: “We had some old timber screens and windows that simply weren’t up to scratch in terms of energy efficiency. I’d previously worked with Rehau products from my time in Romania and know their quality, as Rehau has an outstanding reputation at European level. While choosing something like Rehau’s curtain walling was quite straightforward, I knew that the matter of the installation would be something else entirely, especially as our database did not have too many technical records from when the hospital was initially built. Here, Kevin O’Neill’s expertise during

ON SITE action. “This was one of the most ambitious projects we’ve ever taken on, but the comprehensive planning and collaboration across the team gave us the confidence that we could get the job done”, added David Morant, director at JM Aluminium Ltd. “The new curtain walling was to be installed over a live ambulance bay and main pedestrian thoroughfare, meaning some pretty comprehensive health and safety assessments were necessary.

From here, it was clear that we’d need a specialist system to get the profiles up safely.

“We were able to work closely with London Network Scaffolding to design a bespoke hydraulic and mechanical system, adapting the top of the scaffolding and fitting an electric hoist to raise the panels up through the middle. This proved to be an ingenious solution, allowing everything to go to plan and exactly according to timescale.” the design process proved to be absolutely crucial.”

With this, Rehau was soon approached by the NHS Trust and designated as the appointed supplier for the job. Owing to the complex nature of the project, critical infrastructure specialist Hanevo was brought on board to facilitate the design and build. JM Aluminium Ltd was then awarded the contract for the installation based on a list of recommended commercial installers and fabricators provided by Rehau, while LH&E Cost Consultancy provided cost consultancy and contract administration services.

Noel Hanley, executive chairman at Hanevo, said: “Working in critical infrastructure means that we’re no stranger to complex projects, but we knew that this installation would be difficult even by our own standards. However, through close collaboration with Rehau and the other project partners we were able to come up with a design that we were confident would work.

“Jennifer Marshall at LH&E was amazing in helping the entire project team, by financially reviewing the different design options to ensure the design selected met the client’s budgetary expectations. Annie Thomas then successfully managed the project post-contract as contract administrator and kept on top of all commercial aspects in her role as quantity surveyor.

Alongside the complex curtain walling installation, the project also saw the installation of 20 Total70 windows in a foil wood grain finish.

All in all, the project would take sixteen weeks, beginning in spring 2022 and concluding in the winter.

“Kevin O’Neill at Rehau helped out with the drawings and window specification, and ensured that the whole project was compliant with building regulations. The section we were replacing backed onto critical operating theatres and quiet rooms that would remain in use during the installation, so the plan was to complete the removal screen-by-screen. This would also help keep the site protected from the elements as we worked through the winter.”

Kevin O’Neill, commercial manager at Rehau concluded: “Collaboration can often be a buzzword across the industry, but I don’t think I’ve worked on a project that epitomises it more than this. The outcome simply wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and adaptability of all of our stakeholders, from design through to installation. Minimising disruption was our main priority over the course of the project, and the NHS has told us that it was enamoured with the lack of complaints they received, so we hope to lend our expertise to similar projects in future.”

With the stage set for the installation, it fell upon JM Aluminium to put the plan into

For more information on Rehau’s products and services, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/48PPdzq WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 111

ON SITE

Elevating Home Security and Style with Comp Door

and Target Windows

taste, Charlotte and Loek wanted a front door that was unlike what they had seen from other competitors. The couple go on to say: “We wanted to go with something completely different to other designs and colours we’d been browsing. We found the product range from Comp Door amazing – almost too amazing!

We could have easily picked 5 or 6 doors, but eventually we settled on the Harlington, which is absolutely perfect for our style of home.”

When Charlotte and Loek, a young couple and first-time buyers from Staffordshire, started their quest to find the perfect front door for their new home, their criteria were clear – they wanted a door that provided security, durability, and reliability while aligning with their eclectic personal taste. Design freedom was a top priority, as they endeavoured to enhance their home’s kerb appeal with a door that not only complemented the house’s character but also boasted a unique design that suited their aesthetic.

quality, security, and durability on offer. Impressed by the aesthetic freedom provided, the couple decided to use the company for their dream door, ensuring a seamless process by collaborating with Target Windows for the ordering and installation process.

In their search for their ideal door, Charlotte and Loek discovered Comp Door, a leading composite door manufacturer based in Newcastle-under-Lyme. Comp Door caught their attention with the extensive range of design options and the guarantee of

Commenting on the process, Charlotte said: “Our experience with getting our new front door has been incredible. Placing our order was seamless, and we knew we were always in good hands!”

Richard Diliberto, sales director of Comp Door says of the collaboration: “Charlotte and Loek have such unique taste and very specific requirements, which align perfectly with what Comp Door has to offer. We’re so happy with their reaction to how their stunning door has turned out. It fits their house perfectly, and we wish them many happy years there. Additionally, bringing Target Windows in for the ordering and installation processes made for a smooth and reliable customer experience, and we’re really happy with the service they provided.”

In keeping with their varied design

www.compdoor.co.uk

The service provided by Target Windows was effective, efficient, and communicative, with the installation process unfolding smoothly, reflecting the commitment of Target Windows to delivering a thorough service for their customers.

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ON SITE

ISO Chemie’s Winframer

Specified For MK Residential

Window Upgrade

cost savings, claims the company.

The Potton Windows Milton Keynes project comes as a wider Government strategy continues to push to reduce carbon levels in housing that has single skin, cavity or non-cavity walls – these buildings have a reputation for losing considerable amounts of energy, heat and sound.

Tom Ray, contracts manager at Potton Windows, which manufactured and installed the original windows back in the late 1980s and is now replacing them supported by ISO Chemie’s sealing technology, said: “As window system designers and developers, we are always looking at smarter ways to deliver low carbon units. ISO Chemie’s fit and forget products offer solutions for effective window sealing, delivering measurable airtight, acoustic and thermal sealing benefits in the process.”

Andy Swift, country director at ISO-Chemie, said: “As new building regulations continue to bite, property owners and window contractors require smarter ways to deliver refurb projects through sustainable technologies.

By working in partnership with ourselves, we are helping Potton create high-performance windows with a highly efficient installation.”

ISO Chemie’s Winframer thermal insulating and load bearing bracket support system has been specified for a housing refurbishment programme in Milton Keynes.

ISO Chemie’s thermal insulating and load bearing bracket support system has been specified for a major South East housing refurbishment programme.

The move sees dozens of Winframer units being retrofitted

by Sandy-based Potton Windows on pre-fabricated residential properties on a Milton Keynes housing estate over the next two years as part of a window upgrade investment project.

The use of Winframer will help to provide improved standards of thermal insulation, eventually bringing the properties up to zero carbon ready standards and

delivering energy efficiencies for home owners together with longterm cost savings.

Passivhaus certified and fire rated to up to 30 minutes, Winframer is a prefabricated installation frame, manufactured to accommodate cavities up to 250mm that allows windows to be supported independently from the face of the wall regardless of any external cladding being in place. Quick and easy to install, the product’s application alongside the new window units is already reaping benefits for some homeowners, who are seeing a reduction in their heating usage with ‘huge’ energy

The composite Winframer brackets can bear heavy windows loads, including bi-fold doors, to provide a reliable, strong and high-performance support frame.

Installation is quick with windows attached directly and secured mechanically using either standard fixing screws or fixing lugs in the usual manner. A hinged insulation core combines with the composite wood structural bracket to become an integral part of the overall wall structure, providing compliance with window energy saving regulations (EnEV) and the RAL quality assurance association, says the company. iso-chemie.eu/en-GB/home/

WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 113

ON SITE

Key Project

Partner Deceuninck fabricator Dempsey Dyer played a significant role in the completion of The Pastures, a £168m student accommodation project in Colchester.

with client Bouygues, the fabricator was invited in at the design stage to offer meaningful advice on the project’s product specification and installation.

Thanks to Dempsey Dyer’s ongoing close working relationship

“We contributed positively to the windows’ design – switching from

114 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

aluminium to PVC-U – adopted new ways of interfacing with the buildings’ structure, switched to new installation methods as work on site began, and provided onsite management to ensure the project ran smoothly,” Dempsey Dyer’s managing director Peter Dyer said.

“We believe The Pastures is the culmination of many years of close working with Bouygues, winning a Supply Chain Award from the main contractor in the project’s closing stages.”

Split across five new buildings, The Pastures brings an additional 1,262 student bedrooms to the Colchester campus. Dempsey Dyer designed, manufactured and fitted 2015 frames, which is the equivalent of 4,300m2 of window area.

Very early on the project, construction shifted from a modular build to a reinforced concrete (RC) design, with

ON SITE stronger relationship between main contractor and sub contractor because responsibility is shared, according to Peter.

“All product designs and structural calculations to evidence our compliance were presented early to the client, along with samples,” he said. “Despite the fact we were outside of any contractual agreement at this point, we were committed to the partnership ethos of design and build. And because this was still an exclusive relationship, we could go back to our supply partners to develop the best product for the job.”

The tilt and turn windows were made using Deceuninck 2500 profile in RAL 7016 anthracite grey.

This was a critical component, since it closely replicated aluminium for planning purposes.

windows installed within an SFS (Steel Frame System) frame.

“Our positive relationship with all stakeholders allowed a smooth transition to this very different construction method without any delays to site,” Peter said.

“Windows for this type of project are typically aluminium, but we successfully proposed a PVC-U alternative. This involved overcoming an issue of fitting external aluminium louvres to the PVC-U frames, which is unusual because this is typically aluminium to aluminium. We also had to demonstrate that these windows would also interface seamlessly with facade by using a breathable membrane applied by us to the perimeter of the window creating an airtight line back to the facade.”

Dempsey Dyer worked closely with its systems supplier Deceuninck to calculate wind loads and U-values.

This is a vital requirement for commercial projects like The Pastures, and it helps create a

The units were made by Euroview.

They were double glazed using SKN175 Cool-Lite from SaintGobain Glass, which has a g-value of 35 to help prevent overheating.

The internal pane included an 8.8mm acoustic interlayer to help achieve a sound reduction of Rw40. U-value required was 1.4W/ m2K. Tilt and turn hardware from Maco was used, marine grade stainless steel fixings were specified, and illbruck sealing tape was used as part of the interface between window and structure.

“Since we offered a full turnkey window solution, we were able to offer a design, production and installation schedule that suited the client, without having to involve extra parties, which could introduce extra points of potential error not least around responsibility for goods during the construction phase,” Peter said.

“As the site operated a strict justin-time product delivery policy, with very limited storage space (there were 20 subcontractors involved in the project’s

construction), we worked to a 75 frames per week schedule.

“Originally, each of the five blocks were scheduled to have their windows fitted in turn on a floorby-floor basis, and we set up the manufacturing schedule to match this. It was important that the windows were delivered exactly where they were needed on site.”

The programme then changed from a floor-by-floor schedule to a vertical flow. This was because mast climbers were introduced to replace scaffolding. Not only did this complicate deliveries to site, but it meant closer contact with other trades and even less margin for error.

“One knock-on effect was that we decided to fit more products in our factory, such as end caps, couplers, and trickle vents, to speed up installation and create further efficiencies on site,” Peter said.

“On site, we also had to work from gridlines and datums, which involved running lasers on each opening. This was to ensure that sightlines on the exterior were consistent and met the design brief.”

Dempsey Dyer also supplied two full-time employed senior site supervisors to site, primarily to support its installers, and help meet commitments, but it also provided the overall site with two experienced individuals who ensured quality standards were maintained.

Dempsey Dyer is frequently approached by Bouygues to become their fenestration partner, often invited in at the design stage. The Pastures is a perfect example of how the commercial fabricator provides a full turnkey windows package, including design, manufacture, delivery and installation. www.deceuninck.co.uk

WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 115

ON SITE

skylight at Kinderspital Zurich Research Centre At New Children’s Hospital In Eyrise ©Kinderspital Zurich

Eyrise Zurich Debuts Round Solar Glazing Roof From

A research centre being built to complement the new Children’s Hospital in Zurich has installed a dynamic solar glazing roof from Eyrise.

Eyrise, the liquid crystal glazing technology company, provided 182 m2 of switchable solar glass to create a round skylight which has a diameter of 15 metres and sits on top of the white, cylindrical building.

The research centre will house laboratories for medical research and teaching. A total diameter of 54 metres, the building comprises nine floors, of which two are underground. Rooms and open workspaces are organised around an atrium which aims to promote collaboration and knowledge sharing between researchers, students and professors.

Dynamic solar shading was

116 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

required to flood the central area with maximum natural daylight, while preventing glare and excessive heating. Those using the space will be able to adjust the amount of solar glare and heat to create the optimum environment.

“The advantage of our solar control glass lies in its very short switching times, which means that light and heat transmission can remain neutral as weather conditions change,” said Dr Michael Grund, CEO of Eyrise. “We are also able to manufacture the glass and modules in customised sizes and different geometries, so the round shape of the skylight could be produced to enhance the striking design of this futuristic-looking building.”

The skylight is supported by a bespoke metal structure designed

ON SITE

The Residence Collection Completes Modern Shropshire

Home With 20 Residence 7 Windows

Kindeerspital Zurich building © Kinderspital Zurich

by Zurich-based WEMA Glas- und Metallbau. 46 Eyrise s350 liquid crystal solar control glass modules, manufactured as double insulating glass units with liquid crystal mixture E for tinting, are embedded within the structure. From the outside the solar shading is visible, but from the inside, the glass is clear.

Swiss architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron designed the hospital and research centre with the intention of creating a single location for medical departments that are currently spread across the city. The research centre project was supported from the planning phase by Eyrise’s engineering team.

Children’s Hospital Zurich is the largest hospital treating children and adolescents in Switzerland, providing over 200 beds. It offers specialised care combined with research, teaching, and the academic promotion of young talent in the field of paediatrics.

The new hospital will replace the current building and increase capacity. Both the hospital and research centre are due to open at the end of 2024. www.eyrise.com

Premium window and door designer, The Residence Collection, finishes a contemporary Shropshire home with 20 Residence 7 windows in the new Noir colourway.

Collaborating with installer, RS Burgess & Sons and fabricator, Stedek Windows and Doors, this architect designed specified Noir Residence 7 windows. With a flush external and internal profile, Noir was preferred over black aluminium because of its smooth texture. This choice ensures a contemporary look that compliments the equal sightlines with the architecture designed by ARH Architectural Design. The contrast of the white render and timber cladding against the black windows creates a visual impact.

Using the timberweld joint manufacturing method to mimic a traditional timber butt joint, a combination of side and top hung opening casements with some fixed casements were added to

complete the property.

According to The Residence Collection, as well as the desired design features of this range, not only do the windows outperform visually but it is also a great choice for energy efficiency with has A++ energy ratings and reaching a u-value of 1.2Wm2k as standard.

This collection is available in 21 different colourways.

David Burgess, director at RS Burgess & Sons explained: “The Residence 7 windows perfectly encapsulated the modern style of this property. These windows not only elevate the aesthetics but also bring exceptional durability and energy efficiency.

“Our team took great pride in joining this project to seamlessly integrate each window to perfection. We’re thrilled to have been part of this project with The Residence Collection windows with installer Stedek Windows and Doors”. https://bit.ly/46zAxnk WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 117

ON SITE

Fentrade’s

Aluminium Windows And Doors Delivers Contemporary Appeal

Fentrade’s aluminum windows and doors were used in a home renovation project in Torquay. The domestic project was carried out by retail and commercial installer Southern Design Windows and marked their initial collaboration with Fentrade since selecting them as their fabrication partner for this venture.

The project involved a complete

home renovation, including two 5-part bay windows and six inline sliding doors, all in a marine-grade paint finish to accommodate the coastal location.

Chris Reeks, managing director at Fentrade, said: “Southern Design Windows were looking for a fabricator that could provide an all-round service package, which is exactly what

118 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

we provide.”

“Every customer supply agreement is different, so we worked closely with Southern from the initial quotation to the final delivery on this first order.

We took the time to run through our procedures and paperwork to ensure their team was completely comfortable in what they were signing off at every stage.”

Chris highlighted one example of how Fentrade supported Southern: “When it came to the delivery, two direct-tosite drops were organised to work in harmony with their fitting schedules and allow for installation time without too many frames being stored on site, thereby minimising any

ON SITE

Eurocell’s Logik Window System Used At New Build Development In Kent

where the judges complimented how the development has been moulded to create a strong sense of character and is confident in its design.

A&B Glass has long standing experience supplying the new build market and an understanding of the balance that needs to be achieved between appearance and product effectiveness. Having manufactured and installed Logik across a wide number of new build developments throughout the UK, it is clear the system is answering the needs of the new build sector from both perspectives.

One of Eurocell’s most energyefficient window solutions has been used as part of an awardwinning large-scale residential development in Rainham, Kent.

security risks.”

Aaron Hern, owner of Southern Design Windows, said: “We’ve built our business on the quality of our offer, and our choice of fabrication partner is critical in helping us maintain our standards. Fentrade more than lived up to our expectations.

They were a pleasure to deal with, service interaction and product quality were excellent.

The finished results speak for themselves and the homeowners are delighted.”

Aaron continued: “Fentrade fabricates the high-end products that our customers love. We look forward to working with Chris and his team again in future.” fentradealuminium.co.uk

Martin Benn, head of new build at Eurocell, comments: “Our partnership with A&B Glass on this prestigious new build development in Rainham sees the project, and future homeowners and residents, benefit from what Logik has to offer. This includes its unrivalled range of colour options, which support design ambitions, cost-effective, longterm performance, and strong sustainability credentials offered by all our profiles.”

Long-term fabrication and installation partner A&B Glass, included the Logik PVC-U window system as an alternative to aluminium frames, to meet developer and homeowner demand at the Beaulieu Park housing scheme.

Eurocell worked with A&B Glass, based in Sudbury, to manage the specification and supply of Logik for 90 plots covering a combination of new build residential homes and private apartments.

According to Eurocell, each stunning new home at Beaulieu Park benefits from the attractive finish Logik offers, in addition to its outstanding technical performance which includes low U-values and A++ rated energy efficiency.

Work at Beaulieu Park took 18 months to complete. The development has since won the ‘Residential Super Major’ category at the Medway Housing Awards,

David Miller, new build sales manager for A&B Glass, commented: “After reviewing the specification required for the window solution for this project, Eurocell’s Logik system was the ideal answer. The developer, McCullough Homes, alongside its architects, were seeking a modern and contemporary window aesthetic to complement the overall development design. So, the specification of more than 90 Logik frames in a highly appealing grey finish provides superb visual appeal across the whole project.” www.eurocell.co.uk www.abglass.co.uk

WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 119

ON SITE

Epwin Window Systems’ Flush Casement

Windows Deliver Timeless Appeal Epwin Window Systems’ Flush Casement windows have proven their timeless appeal in a recent Yorkshire home remodelling project. The comprehensive front property elevation was carried out by local builder and property owner, Ralph Schorah-Croft who fitted the Flush Casement windows in a sympathetic extension of his detached

bungalow in Pickering, North Yorkshire.

The windows for the comprehensive front elevation including the construction of an additional front bay window, were manufactured by longstanding Epwin Window Systems’ fabricator, Kingfisher Windows. Deborah Beeley,

120 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

sales and marketing manager at Kingfisher Windows explains.

“The customer wanted to extend their 1970’s built bungalow which included the construction of a full front extension and porch area. The Flush Casement windows were chosen for their timeless aesthetic appeal and were manufactured in sage smooth on white to sympathetically complement the property’s light stone façade. The new extension is impressive and has delivered the transformation this family home required.”

Having been a customer of Kingfisher Windows for some

ON SITE

time, Ralph Schorah-Croft new first-hand the quality and appeal of the products. He said: “Having used Kingfisher Windows before, we knew we were in safe hands with our own home refurbishment project. The windows look superb and have been a real talking point with many neighbours and passersby enquiring about the windows.

It’s nice to hear such positive comments and have certainly added additional kerb appeal to our property.”

Epwin Window Systems’ Flush Casement system delivers the hallmark of a traditional timber window but with all the

modern PVC-U performance.

Suitable for both new build and refurbishment projects, the windows are designed to maximise thermal efficiency.

Epwin Window Systems says the PVC-U system meets and exceeds all regulatory requirements and achieves a window U-value of 1.2W/m2K with 24mm double glazing.

Kingfisher Windows, who are strategically located just 400 yards from Junction 27 on the M62/M621 and 5 miles south of Leeds City Centre, have been manufacturing and supplying a comprehensive range of windows and doors for over

thirty years across the north and north-west of England. The long-established family-based business has an excellent reputation thanks to its commitment to offering quality products and a reliable service.

Deborah concluded: “We are thrilled to hear the positive responses generated by the installation of our Flush Casement windows. This project exemplifies the timeless elegance that Flush Casement windows can bring to any property and the positive feedback further underscores the excellence and design of our products.”

WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 121

MARKETING & INTERNET and window hardware with end users,” explains Coastal Group’s managing director, Loren Jenner.

The range of marketing materials that’s been developed includes brochures, posters, display cases and boards that can showcase any combination of hardware, branded with a client’s logo.

“The versatility of our hardware means display boards can be customised to showcase products of the customer’s choice,” continued Loren. “Over the year we’ve worked with door and window manufacturers to create boards for their show rooms which can be tailored to include any combination of door furniture, window handles and hinges. The feedback has been fantastic.”

“Coastal’s display boards are superb quality and look great in our showroom,” said one manufacturer. “They help our clients visualise the quality of their finished doors and have helped us get the go ahead on multiple projects.”

Marketing Support That Makes

An Impression In 2024, Says

Coastal Group As we enter a new year it’s only natural to look ahead to what’s in store for your business over the next 12 months. Maybe you’re looking to grow, employ more people, or branch into new markets.

Whatever your business strategy,

Coastal Group has developed a set of marketing tools that could help.

“Following discussions with customers we’ve put together a package of marketing support that makes it easy to share the Coastal range of external door

122 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

In addition to these larger product display boards, Coastal Group also supplies high end product display cases, delivering a luxury feel and helping create a memorable brand experience for the end user. The cases can be designed to show off any of the suited ranges of hardware available, complimenting composite, uPVC and aluminium doors and windows.

“Door and window manufacturers tell us the hardware display cases are invaluable for customer visits,” added head of marketing, Neil Jones. “They help differentiate the offering and can boost profit margin. Our products are built to last, comprising 316 marine grade stainless steel, making them heavy and very tactile so when the homeowner or architect handles the hardware they are blown away by the look and feel.” www.coastal-group.com

MARKETING & INTERNET

Rehau Launches New Window Hardware and Accessories Webshop

Rehau is set to launch a new Webshop to provide fenestration professionals with requested window accessory products.

Developed to help facilitate access to system accessories and other in-demand items such as trickle vents and trims upon request, the Webshop is set to go live in Q1 2024. Its launch is a key part of Rehau’s efforts to streamline the existing order processes for components, granting potential buyers easier access to requested accessories and hardware.

“We want to provide a leading level of service to fabricators, installers

and consumers, and know that there are multiple accessories that are always needed,” explains Martin Hitchin, CEO at Rehau UK. “We currently have an extensive range of hardware available through the Webshop and will be adding further ranges to ensure requested items can be found, bought, and delivered to meet

customer needs.”

Following the conclusion of a successful trial period, the Webshop will be rolled out for Authorised Partner Installers.

Its launch is part of Rehau’s ongoing efforts to offer a Total Window Solution for fenestration professionals and consumers, providing components beyond profiles alone.

“By providing a total solution for all aspects of a window system, including profiles, hardware, accessories and beyond, we can ensure projects will be completed to deadline,” Martin concludes.

“We have high hopes for the Webshop and are confident the added accessibility and swiftness of supply it allows will prove a big hit with new and existing Rehau customers.” : https://bit.ly/48P8sZB

Shepley Offers All Round Support To Customers opportunities. This includes stocking 25 off-the-shelf colour options for our Rehau PVCu window and door range, as well as the 60 unique variations of Visage Composite doors within our three styles of Contemporary, Modernist and Traditional. The complete collection is shown in the new Visage Composite Door brochure to make it easy for homeowners to choose their perfect door. We’ve also added the new Sweet range of door handles and furniture from Brisant Secure, adding an extra touch of luxury.

Shepley, the UKs largest sole Rehau window fabricator, has strengthened its support for customers and today offers one of the most comprehensive packages in the industry for installation companies, claims the company.

“In the current, more demanding

economic climate, we have included the very latest trending products and support to help customers win more business,” says managing director at Shepley, Ian Griffiths.

“We’ve focused on offering more choice and new products to help installers maximise sales

“Everything in our product range has a brochure to make it easy for our installation customers to show the options. In fact, we have four new Visage consumer brochures for download direct from our website. The latest version of Visage Composite Door Designer can also be used as both a sales and ordering tool to save time for installers and trade counters.

WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 123

MARKETING & INTERNET Media City

City towers have Reynaers’ ConceptWall 65-EF (CW 65) curtain walling – which were bespoke project profiles – and ConceptSystem 77 HI (CS 77) window systems fitted to create a stand-out visual impact for the Salford Quays landmark buildings, while the company also provided aluminium systems for the city’s Middlewood Locks development, Two New Bailey Square and the New Wakefield Street Tower.

Darren Peel, Reynaers’ consult project manager for the North West, West Midlands and Scotland works with architects, contractors, consultants, developers, project managers and design teams to address project challenges and provide solutions.

Reynaers Sponsors Manchester Society Of Architects high profile buildings within the city, the company has linked up with the society to raise awareness among developers and architects of its aluminium systems and the bespoke services that it offers – as well as providing guidance on the latest building regulations.

Darren Peel

Reynaers Aluminium UK has underlined its commitment to supporting architectural excellence in the North West by sponsoring the Manchester Society of Architects.

With Reynaers’ aluminium curtain walling systems already in use on

Projects on the Manchester skyline that feature Reynaers’ curtain walling systems include the Great Marlborough Street development – a 37-storey building that is part of the ‘Student Castle’ initiative, which uses Reynaers’ ConceptWall 50 (CW 50) and Concept Wall 60 (CW 60) curtain wall systems, including bespoke capping details.

The X1, X2 and X3 Media

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He said: “As a company that strives to support architects and construction professionals in achieving the most innovative and sustainable facades possible, Reynaers Aluminium UK is delighted to be a key sponsor of Manchester Society of Architects.”

Vice chairman of the Manchester Society of Architects Paul Iddon added: “Reynaers is a great partner to have on board given the huge level of experience, learning and support that they can bring.

Reynaers covers everything from a large residential complex to a hospital, or office development, and this depth and range of expertise supports everything from CPDs to interpreting and fully understanding regulations.

“This expertise and advice is invaluable for our members from a regulatory point of view, such as the Building Safety Act, in helping to choose the right product for the job.

“Partnerships such as this allow the Society to support architects in the region, covering everything from lectures to CPDs, meetings and events.”

MARKETING & INTERNET

Much More Than Just Fenestration

The Consultancy may have made its name as a digital specialist in the fenestration market, but it is now firmly established in the wider home improvement and interiors market – as demonstrated by the brand-new website it has just created for VIDA Living, one of the UK’s leading trade-only suppliers of high quality, stylish furniture for retailers and contractors.

The marketing team at VIDA Living made the initial enquiry to The Consultancy after seeing another website they had created in the home improvement sector, which combined all the design flair and functionality they were looking for. They were impressed by the knowledge and technical expertise of The Consultancy’s designers

Consultancy because they clearly understood the online journey of our trade customers and pitched several design ideas which all fitted the brief.

“The Team at The Consultancy, particularly Pete Lancaster and Bill Wilson who managed our build, went above and beyond to make the design and build as seamless as possible and were able to give us invaluable advice and guidance, including linking the new website with our ERP system.

and had no hesitation in choosing to partner with them on their new website project.

VIDA’s marketing manager Niamh Campbell explained: “A new website had been on our mind and priority list for quite some time and as a business, we decided that 2023 would be the year for a new look website as we celebrate our 40–year anniversary. We were delighted to come across The

“We’re delighted with the finished result – it includes enhanced search functionality, detailed product pages and a fresh, new look for VIDA in line with our brand. We launched the website in October 2023 and we’re getting great feedback from customers, as well as seeing a rise in enquiries.”

More details at: www.vidaliving.com www.theconsultancy.co.uk

“2023 has been a Ecofit Turns Dens Park Orange explains: fantastic year for us. We’ve seen

And Black As Sales Soar

Garry Myles (left) and Paul Reid (right) alongside the newly unveiled Ecofit sponsorship board at Dens Park, the home of SPL side Dundee FC.

The Tayside company has recently signed a sponsorship agreement with Scottish Premier League side Dundee FC that will see Ecofit’s distinctive orange and black branding pitch side at Dens Park.

The decision to do so comes on the back of a sustained period of growth for the company, which is benefitting from its decision to join the Conservatory Outlet

Network. Since linking up with the manufacturer, Ecofit has gone from strength to strength and has increased its sales by 55% in the past two years. They’ve also benefited from a state-of-theart website being designed and developed for them, and wider marketing and business support.

It is an exciting time for Ecofit, as company director Paul Reid

terrific growth in the face of some adverse trading conditions. Taking further steps to solidify our brand and market share in the local area is all part of our plan to continue to grow the business.

“Working with Dundee FC and Dens Park was an obvious choice for us. We’re thrilled with the reaction and interest that the campaign has received so far; the extra eyes on the Ecofit brand name will only be a positive as we continue to expand the business over the next couple of years.”

Greg Kane, Conservatory Outlet’s CEO, praised Ecofit by saying: “It’s been fantastic to see Ecofit’s growth and the success that Paul, Garry, and the rest of the Ecofit team has achieved. They are also keen to be involved with the Network and have benefitted from our consultative and collaborative approach”.

WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 125

MARKETING & INTERNET

Epwin Window Systems

Publishes Guide To Future

Homes Consultation Epwin Window Systems has published a guide to the Future Homes Consultation document to help customers navigate the detail of the proposal. Phil Parry, technical director at Epwin Window Systems, commented: “Our guide explains the proposal and the relevant factors of the report so our customers can fully understand the detail and implications.”

The eagerly awaited release of the consultation on the Future Homes Standard has delivered some unexpected developments for the industry including the decision to retain the current notional values, keeping them at 1.2 W/ (m²K) for windows and 1.0 W/ (m²K) for doors. Phil said: “Whilst the proposal to retain the current thermal efficiency requirements has attracted the headlines, now is not the time to be complacent.

These proposals are in the

consultation period and everyone in the industry needs to continue to make their voices heard. It’s also important to remember that this is only the consultation document so there could still be changes made depending on feedback.”

Phil continued: “One important change that the consultation proposes is to remove the standard window configuration from new building dwellings. This means that each window’s U value will have to be calculated on their actual size. In other words, even the smallest toilet window will have to comply with the requirements, which is significant.”

The new guide is available to download from the company’s Connect digital portal. The awardwinning platform also has a live forum where customers can submit their own questions to

126 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

Epwin Window Systems’ technical experts.

Phil said: “Given the intricacy of the consultation it is our responsibility to guide our customers through the complexities. This new guide, coupled with the online support via Connect, will deliver the clarity needed for our customers and give them the information they require to respond to the consultation document.”

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, which is responsible for the Future Homes Standard consultation, gathered information from the industry about the future direction of Document L for this consultation. This included the Glass and Glazing Federation Document L Working Group, of which Epwin Window Systems is a part.

Phil said: “The consultation period is open now and ends at 11:59pm on 6 March 2024. Responses can be submitted via https://bit. ly/4aK0KSF We would strongly encourage everyone in the industry to continue to make their voices heard.“ www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk

MARKETING & INTERNET

Leads 2 Trade launches “The Lead Vault” A Flexible Way To Buy

Leads For A Wider Installer Audience

“We get a lot of enquiries a month from installers who want to join our network, but they don’t necessarily fit the profile of a premium customer, they might be new start-ups, or are not in a position to cover whole postcodes and can’t commit to a certain minimum number of leads per week.

Leads 2 Trade has updated its Lead Vault to provide its existing and any new installer members with another avenue to buy leads – whatever their size and budget.

The supplier of double qualified home improvement sales leads has continuously refined its lead offerings for installers since launching over 17 years ago, including the introduction of its premium appointed, no pitch no fee leads, and the Lead Vault is set to be another winner, says the company.

It will feature a range of lead types, from qualified with notes, exclusive to non-exclusive sold to you and a maximum of one other, and web qualified forms from its comparison websites, all priced accordingly.

Andy Royle, co-founder, and director of Leads 2 Trade explained: “We launched the lead vault originally in 2019 and during Covid we used it to advertise leads for the percentage of installers who still wanted to buy leads whilst we were closed.

“Our premium appointed no pitch no fee leads have proven very popular, but we realised that they are not suitable for all installers who may for example want to book their own appointments.

“We know it’s not one size fits all, and the Lead Vault will appeal to that different type of lead buyer as well as our existing members who want to top their lead volumes up who may want different lead types with pricing to reflect that. There are no minimum orders or weekly commitments, installers can pick and choose the leads they want, when they want.”

Windows Sponsors

Brighton Youth

Football Club Aluminium trade supplier Direct Trade Windows has signed up to sponsor a local Brightonbased youth football club in their upcoming season, further strengthening the company’s commitment to supporting local communities.

Leads will only stay in the Lead Vault for a maximum of three days so they don’t go stale, with a timer counting down from 72 hours, and members will be able to choose multiple leads and add them to their cart to checkout like an e-commerce website. The price of the leads will be from as little as £15 making them more affordable to a wider lead buyer audience.

Any new Installers will still need to meet certain criteria to register for the Lead Vault, including being registered with their industry body, trading for a minimum period and have an existing web presence with reviews.

Direct Trade

Withdean Youth FC is an FA 3-star accredited grassroots football club that provides training for both boys and girls aged eight to 18. The club focuses on nurturing young talent and providing them with opportunities to develop their skills in a supportive environment.

By sponsoring Withdean Youth FC, Direct Trade Windows aims to contribute towards the growth and development of these aspiring athletes.

“We now have a package to cater for all, with premium appointed leads, double qualified leads, and now the lead vault pay as you go leads,” added Andy. “And our existing premium members will also have access to the Lead Vault to top up their leads when needed.”

Director AJ Hassanali comments: “We are thrilled to be sponsoring Withdean Youth FC for their upcoming season. As a company deeply rooted in our community values, we believe it is essential to support local initiatives that promote youth development through sports. With a state-ofthe-art show home in Brighton, it’s a part of the country that means a lot to us, and we hope that our contribution will help provide these talented young individuals with more opportunities for growth.

https://bit.ly/3ShbuRh

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AWARDS

Star Award Winners Announced At Rising Ben Hartshorn, Sheerline

The G23 Awards The winners of the G23 Awards were announced on Friday night, 24 November, at a black-tie gala evening at the London Hilton on Park Lane. Hosted by actor and comedian Omid Djalili, the awards recognised and celebrated the very best of the UK glass & glazing industry.

With fourteen categories that were fiercely contested, the huge audience of over 700 saw the following winners pick up the coveted trophies with Everglade Windows and Kubu Smart both celebrating a double award win.

Winners List at G23 Awards Training & Development Initiative of the Year Sternfenster Promotional Campaign of the Year Deceuninck Unsung Hero Award Peter Eatough, Veka Customer Care Initiative of the Year Everglade Windows Component Supplier of the Year Kubu Smart 128 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

Commercial Project of the Year The Residence Collection and HWL, Old Beech Farm Development Sustainability Initiative of the Year Saint-Gobain Glass and Morley Glass Machinery Supplier Award Haffner New Product of the Year Kubu Floating Window Sensor, Kubu Smart Best Business Initiative of the Year Epwin Window Systems Installer of the Year Clearview Home Improvements Glass Company of the Year ESG Group Fabricator of the Year Everglade Windows Tony Higgin, the event organiser said: “What a night! Many congratulations to this year’s winners of the G23 Awards. The quality and quantity of entries was truly outstanding, and this year’s winners fully deserve this recognition for the innovation and professionalism they have shown in

AWARDS the industry.”

The London Hilton on Park Lane was full to the rafters and industry colleagues and guests enjoyed a champagne reception sponsored by Emplas and Thermoseal Group. Category Sponsors for the event included: AluK GB, BM Group, Deceuninck, Doorco, Epwin Window Systems, Fensa, GGF, Saint-Gobain, Sheerline, UAP and Veka.

Sternfenster Wins Training Development

Initiative Of The Year

Sternfenster won the Training Development Initiative of the Year award at the G23 Awards on Friday November 24, for the second time in two years.

Sternfenster won the award thanks to its ongoing investment into the professional development of all employees at the Lincoln-based trade fabricator.

G23 host Omid Djalili

Thanks must go to Pilkington for sponsoring the table centres, Carl F Groupco as the trophy sponsor, Listers for the table plan, Eurocell for sponsoring the winners’ interviews and Forel for sponsoring the 360° photobooth. The guests enjoyed a fun casino sponsored by VBH (UK) and after show entertainment until the early hours.

The organisers were keen to thank all the judges who make the event possible including: Andy Cassie, Brian Shillibeer – editor of The Installer, Brian Smith – Director of BAJ Smith Consulting, Charissa King – editor of Glass & Glazing Products, Chris Beedel – head of government advocacy & stakeholder relations at the Glass & Glazing Federation, Dave Borland – head of technical department at the Glass & Glazing Federation, David Mechem – head of operations at RISA, Douglas Masterson – technical manager of the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers, Jon Vanstone – chairman of Certass, Kevin Jones – senior technical officer at the Glass & Glazing Federation, LukeWood – editor of Glass Times, Mick Clayton – CEO of GQA Qualifications, Phil Heavy, Rod Appleyard – principal of Verification Associates and Steve May-Russell – CEO of Smallfry. www.g-awards.com

“This award is a significant win for everyone within the company,” Managing director Mike Parczuk said. “As a business, we invest in product development, machinery, IT and distribution, and all of those are key for the development of our business. But nothing is more important than the genuine investment in the people who actually run the business, without whom there would be no Sternfenster.

“So, as cliched as this sounds, this award is genuinely thanks to everyone who works at Sternfenster, and I would like to congratulate each and every one of them.”

In October 2022, shortly after winning the same award the G22 Awards, Sternfenster achieved IIP Gold, something only 23% of assessed businesses globally can claim. The company has now embarked on its ‘Pursuit for Platinum’, which – if achieved – will put it in the top 3% of all IIPassessed companies.

“Making tomorrow better than today is a fundamental value at Sternfenster, and one that underpins training and development within the company,” Mike said. “It helped us achieve IIP Gold, and will support us on the IIP Platinum journey, which is our next milestone in 2025.” www.sternfenster.com WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 129

AWARDS

Deceuninck Win Promotional

Campaign At The G23 Awards

the next decade. We are working hard to lower our carbon footprint and to lessen the impact of our business, while also investing in the creation of tools, which support Deceuninck fabricators in doing the same.

“This includes giving fabricators and installers the marketing and lead generation tools to convert a track record on sustainability into a commercial advantage.”

Deceuninck won the Promotional Campaign of the Year award at this year’s G-Awards, thanks to its ongoing programme of sustainability marketing support for fabricators and installers.

the considerable investment we have made in promoting the importance of sustainability in our industry,” Deceuninck’s managing director Rob McGlennon said.

“We are thrilled to have won this award because it recognises

“Sustainability and the journey to Net Zero will define our sector for

Deceuninck claimed the highly contended Sustainability Initiative of the Year at G22 in recognition of the commitments it has made to lower its operational impact on the environment through the corporate carbon reduction scheme, Science Based Targets.

Since then, it has successfully lowered the carbon footprint of its operations by 21% compared to its 2021 baseline, claims the company. www.deceuninck.co.uk

Back To Back Wins For Haffner Haffner Ltd has been named Machinery Supplier of the Year for the second year at the prestigious G23 Awards.

Commenting on their back to back win, Matt Thomas, Haffner’s managing director, said: “Becoming the first company to win the Machinery Supplier of the Year in 2022 was special, but to win it for a second year running is incredible and is testament to the hard work and commitment of the talented Haffner team. We are absolutely thrilled.”

The company says, Haffner secured the title due to their ability to deliver bespoke machinery solutions that go above and beyond supplying off-the-shelf machines. This ethos was perfectly demonstrated in a recent

project with CWG Choices and Timberweld. The Haffner team developed a bespoke machinery solution which meant CWG Choices could manufacture 350 Residence Collection windows with Timberweld joints every week with just four people, further increasing the efficiency and productivity of the company.

The judges commented: ”Haffner

130 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

has clearly demonstrated their enthusiasm and willingness to work with customers in developing manufacturing solutions that provide efficiency, quality and accuracy whilst reducing manpower. The CWG Choices project is innovative and exciting, reflecting the passion and standards on which the company was founded in 1990.” www.haffnerltd.com

Morley Glass Recycling Initiative Crowned

Winner In G23 Awards

AWARDS says the company. This is because the use of cullet in place of virgin raw materials means less energy is needed to operate the furnace.

The initiative also helps installers to save thousands of pounds every year on waste disposal costs, and benefits the wider community through the GreenVision fund, says the company. All revenue raised through the production of cullet is made available to eligible charities, groups and individuals who are working on initiatives to deliver environmental or social improvements in their communities.

Ian Short, managing director of Morley Glass said, “We’re absolutely over the moon to win the G23 Award for sustainability.

There really is no bigger honour to receive in the UK fenestration industry so it is fantastic for our hard work and commitment to be rewarded in this way.

The post-consumer glass recycling scheme developed by integral blinds manufacturer Morley Glass in conjunction with Saint-Gobain Glass has been named the winner of the G23 Award for ‘sustainability initiative of the year’.

Winning the award is recognition for the scheme which, in the space of two years, has saved a vast amount of resources, energy and CO2 emissions, as well as providing thousands of pounds in financial support for numerous good causes, says the company.

The Morley Glass and SaintGobain Glass collaboration has shown that old, end-of-life double glazed units removed during window and door replacement work can be successfully diverted away from landfill into the remanufacture of higher performing

new glass.

Under the scheme, Morley Glass collects post-consumer IGUs using its fleet of delivery vans.

Drivers pick up the old sealed units from installers free of charge when they deliver new orders of Uni-Blinds, and these are transported back to the Morley Glass HQ near Leeds where they are crushed into cullet. This high quality raw material is then supplied to Saint-Gobain Glass who have invested in the facilities and processes to use it in place of virgin raw materials for the production of new float glass.

So far, Morley Glass has generated nearly 2,500 bags of cullet, which has saved the need for more than 1,850 tonnes of sand and reduced CO2 emissions in the glass manufacturing process by over 1,000 tonnes,

“The scheme could not have succeeded, however, without the positive mindset and buyin from our partners at SaintGobain Glass, everyone in the Morley Glass team and, most importantly, our installer customers. We’re delighted that so many of our customers have already accepted our offer to collect their waste glass, and it is really encouraging to see more installers coming on board every month.

“The icing on the cake for everyone involved is the fact that so many community improvement initiatives benefit too. In 2023, the scheme has been able to provide funding for everything from dance scholarships to an organisation which manufactures blankets for homeless people using waste crisp packets, and we look forward to supporting many more initiatives in 2024.” www.morleyglass.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 131

AWARDS role in the development of several other Sheerline innovations, most recently Prestige’s reverse butt joint solution which is just being launched.

Alongside Ben’s product development work, he has become increasingly involved in ensuring Sheerline’s fabrication tooling and support is market leading, building on his past experience in this area.

G23 Rising Star, Ben Hartshorn of Sheerline (centre)

Sheerline’s Ben Hartshorn Named Rising Star

Of The Year At G23 Awards

Sheerline’s Ben Hartshorn was named the fenestration industry’s newest Rising Star after winning the coveted award at the G23 Awards at the end of November. It was one of the most competitive award categories, with Ben up against seven other entrants for the accolade.

He was put forward by the team due to the exceptional and busy year Ben’s had, and how he has risen to the challenges and opportunities this has given him.

In a relatively short space of time, Ben has progressed from assisting in designing and testing prototypes in the early stages of the product cycle, to leading product development from the ground up, as well as managing one of Sheerline’s key customer facing departments.

Although Ben was new to the

fenestration industry when he joined Sheerline in 2019, he took the skills he gained during his apprenticeship and his previous experience as a tool maker and applied them to live projects.

Not only did this help him hit the ground running, but it was also beneficial to the R&D team and business as a whole.

Products Ben has worked on include the recently launched Classic Heritage Door, which was previewed at the FIT Show 2023 in May. It is expected to become one of Sheerline’s most popular products with both installers and fabricators.

It offers authentic heritage features with its lockbox design, making it ideal for period renovations and modern properties that can benefit from classically styled doors. Ben also played a pivotal

132 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

Sheerline prides itself on recognising when team members go above and beyond, which is reflected in the fact that Ben was recently promoted to Technical Support Manager. This role requires him to oversee a team of national technical sales engineers committed to providing unrivalled support.

When speaking to Ben’s colleagues, two attributes that they particularly appreciate are the fresh perspective he offers, alongside a willingness to see the bigger picture, ensuring projects are delivered in a pragmatic way, that work for Sheerline customers.

Ben said of his award win: “Winning this accolade at the start of my career within the fenestration industry reflects Sheerline’s commitment to training and the apprenticeship process. Over the past four years, Sheerline has given me an opportunity to gain a vast amount of knowledge and build contacts within the industry.”

“From a technical and design perspective, it’s great to be part of such an innovative team as this has enabled me to get involved with a variety of interesting projects. I’d like to thank the team at Sheerline for putting me forward for this award and the opportunities they’ve given me so far. I look forward to the future,” he added.

To find out more about the Sheerline team, visit the website here: www.sheerline.com/about-us

AWARDS

Connect From Epwin Window Systems Takes Best Business Initiative Of The Year At The G23 Awards site continues to deliver added value benefits to fabricators and installers.

The judging panel commented: “Connect is a hugely comprehensive and industry leading system. Epwin Window Systems is supporting at an impressively high level.”

Epwin Window Systems has won Best Business Initiative of the Year at the prestigious G23 Awards for its Connect digital resource platform.

2023 was the first year the category of Best Business Initiative was included in the G Awards.

Gerald Allen, head of marketing at Epwin Window Systems, said: “Winning an award is always noteworthy but to be the first winner in a new category is even more special. Our Connect digital platform embodies our commitment to elevating customer support across all business touchpoints and it’s fantastic

Now in its nineteenth year, the G23 Awards celebrates innovation and excellence in the fenestration industry. The lavish Gala Dinner and Award Ceremony was hosted to see the efforts of the Epwin by actor and comedian Omid Window Systems team recognised Djalili at the London Hilton on in this award. We are thrilled.”

Park Lane. This year there were a record number of entries for the Connect empowers users to awards reflecting the exceptional conveniently access and download achievements across the industry. multiple resources from various devices including desktops, Gerald concluded: “The G Awards mobiles, iPads and tablets. are always a very special event Through continued investment, and an opportunity to celebrate the the intelligently designed platform industry’s best. We are delighted to has continued to evolve into have become the first company to what the company says is the win the Best Business Initiative of industry’s most comprehensive the Year with Connect, which will customer resource hub. With further cement its reputation as the over 1,000 registered users, customer support hub that has set over 2000 direct downloads per a new benchmark for the industry.” month and an extensive library of 1,700 downloadable assets, the www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk

Dekko Crowned A Winner In Scale-Up Awards The team at trade fabricator Dekko Window Systems is celebrating a big win at the prestigious ScaleUp Awards, having been crowned the winner in the ‘Manufacturing Excellence’ category.

Organised by Business Leader, a media company for entrepreneurs, CEOs and investors, the ScaleUp Awards celebrate highgrowth companies, with this year’s applicants judged by an independent panel that includes Dragon’s Den investor Touker

Suleyman, investor and author Alpesh Patel OBE, By Caprice founder Caprice Bourret, and many other business figures.

Sales director Kurt Greatrex comments: “It’s an honour to have been named a winner in the esteemed Scale-Up Awards – the prestigious recognition is a testament to the relentless dedication and innovative spirit of our entire team”. www.dekkowindows.com

WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 133

AWARDS safety is viewed and actioned across the business.”

Winners Of British Woodworking Federation

Awards 2023 Revealed

The 5-Star hotel was the perfect setting for an evening of celebration and fine dining to recognise the people, projects and processes that have made a significant impact on the woodworking and joinery manufacturing sector over the past year.

The 15th anniversary of the

BWF Heritage Project of the Year Award – (Sponsored

by Remmers) – Corbel Conservation Ltd for its complex repair and consolidation project at Toneworks, an industrial textile mill in Wellington, Somerset. The judges praised the “high quality and complex restoration project carried out under challenging conditions.”

BWF Innovation Award – (Sponsored by Anker Stuy) – Handrail Creations for its innovative Timber Handrail System that allows for the manufacture of timber handrails without the need for unwieldy metal core rails. The judges celebrated the way the system “overcomes all challenging aspects of design and installation, whilst maintaining a beautiful flowing single timber line.”

BWF chief executive Helen Hewitt

The winners of the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) Awards 2023 have been revealed at an evening of celebration held at The Langham in London.

BWF Apprentice of the Year Award – (Sponsored by CITB) – Harrison Blackham – a young apprentice who has been working at Houghtons of York alongside his studies. According to Harrison’s employer, he is “an outstanding, committed, hardworking member of our team who possesses a natural talent for his chosen craft”.

annual Awards saw a record number of entries and an exceptionally high calibre of finalists in each category. The seven categories and winners were: BWF Health and Safety Award – (In memory of Jon Gibson) – Midland Mouldings Ltd for its collective efforts to overhaul and transform Health and Safety throughout the business. The judges commended Midland Mouldings for making “an ambitious commitment to adopt a cultural shift in how health and

134 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

BWF Process and Resource Efficiency Award – (Sponsored

by Materials and Finishes Show 2024) – Central Joinery Group for the implementation of an extraction system that not only improved the reduction of wood dust but demonstrates significant environmental and sustainability benefits by reducing energy consumption and CO2. The judges commended the project as “an initiative with clear goals and objectives to improve health and safety within the workshop and to reduce the amount of CO2 emission.”

AWARDS BWF Rising Star Award – (Sponsored by ASSA ABLOY) – Richard Kowalski, technical manager for doors at Stairways Midlands Ltd. According to his employer, “Richard is well respected and liked by all. Wherever he sees a need, he will address it, whether that is through product innovation, creating training tools, streamlining processes or supporting colleagues – his passion for the industry is infectious.”

BWF Woodworking Project of the Year – (Sponsored

by Impra Wood Protection Limited) – NBJ London Ltd for the complex design, refurbishment and redevelopment of the Inner Temple’s new library and educational facilities. The judges praised the project’s “many facets and wide range of skills to effectively manage the refurbishment of the original elements.”

Commenting on this year’s winners and the Awards ceremony, Helen Hewitt, chief executive of the BWF, said: “The number of entries and extremely high standard this year made it even more difficult than usual to choose our winners, and I want to applaud all the finalists at this year’s Awards.

“The BWF Awards allow us to come together and take pride in all that has been achieved over the past year. With our sector having overcome a great deal this year, such as supply chain disruptions as a result of increased costs and a continued skills shortage, it’s been incredible to see all the impressive work and individuals who have made an impact on the industry. The Awards are a welcome opportunity to celebrate the hard-earned achievements of the past year and showcase the skill and technical expertise in the sector.”

Reynaers Aluminium Wins At Construction

Marketing Awards Reynaers Aluminium UK has been named as the winner of the ‘Best Use of Press and Public Relations’ at the Construction Marketing Awards 2023.

With the support of marketing and PR agency, Lesniak Swann, Reynaers was honoured for a strategic press and PR campaign that was designed to establish and reinforce Reynaers Aluminium UK as a leading voice on sustainability within the window industry.

The campaign saw Reynaers share of voice in relevant trade press grow to more than 40 per cent with more than 300 articles placed in key publications, reaching an audience of more than five million readers across the year.

The three-part campaign initially focused on raising awareness of changes to Part L of the Building Regulations that saw

new thermal efficiency ratings introduced for window and door systems, followed by the use of PR to raise awareness of the need for sustainability in the fenestration and construction industries, and finally the launch of the company’s sustainability strategy Reynaers Act. Reynaers Aluminium UK head of marketing, Samantha Hill, said: “We are extremely proud to have accepted this award, both as recognition for the hard work and dedication of the team at Lesniak Swann, as well as for the Reynaers UK and Group marketing teams for their dedication to communicating our sustainability strategy, Reynaers Act “This strategy clearly outlines Reynaers commitment to achieving science-based targets (SBTi’s) set out to significantly reduce Reynaers’ direct and indirect carbon emissions in line with targets to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.”

WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 135

EXHIBITIONS A reputation for saving time and money without sacrificing quality within the trade community has always been paramount for the success of Made for Trade products, and in particular, the Korniche brand. A strong reception for the new Flat Glass at the FIT Show in May set things off to a good start for this latest innovative product from the MfT team.

Mark Millar on the Made for Trade stand

Homebuilding And Renovating Shows A Valuable Part Of The Success Of Made

For Trade And Korniche, Says The Company When it comes to researching and purchasing a significant product for a homeowners’ extension, self-build, extension project or refurbishment, internet gloss and social media content can only extend so far into the psyche of the customer. As a result, nothing really comes close to getting hands-on with the product in question and speaking to the team behind the design, which is why the company says the chance to showcase products at the Homebuilding and Renovating Shows has proved such a valuable part of Made for Trade’s success in recent years.

Whilst the unveiling of the first Korniche product – the Lantern Roof – at the FIT show in 2016, followed by the revealing of the Korniche Flat Glass system at the same show in May of this year, built loyalty to the brand

with trade customers, the Homebuilding and Renovating Shows have provided an opportunity to showcase products direct to consumers, leading them to request Korniche by name alone to their trade installers.

In 2023, the exhibition journey began at the NEC, Birmingham in March for the National Homebuilding and Renovating Show where, despite concerns over the economy and inflation, Made for Trade’s season opener proved to be a hit. That event saw almost 10% more visitors than last time around, putting the Korniche products and brand in front of nearly 26,000 homeowners, developers, and self-builders, keen to find out more about how Korniche’s precision-engineered USPs would benefit their home projects.

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The showcase was supported by new Made for Trade brand ambassador, TV presenter and recognised tradesman, Mark Millar. Having had first-hand experience of Korniche products, Mark advocates for the timesaving measures, and high-quality engineering, clever design and ease of use of each item. For the consumers and fitters alike, Mark’s excitement and knowledge of the quality of these products, imbues them with confidence in the Korniche brand.

The Homebuilding and Renovating Shows aim to provide attendees with practical tips, inspiring advice, and the latest products to support them in self-builds and renovations alike.

With thousands or products showcased at these nationwide events, Made for Trade’s says its uniquely-engineered designs, award-winning products, friendly staff team, and new enthusiastic ambassador, Mark Millar, means they stand apart from the competition.

After the success of the May event, the team prepared for Homebuilding and Renovating Shows in London and Harrogate, where they adjusted the stand to better showcase the new Flat Glass product to large and eager audiences. The London show brought about a new audience who were also met by the design quality of the Korniche product range, once again demonstrated not only by the Made for Trade team but also Mark Millar in attendance.

EXHIBITIONS the Harrogate show was just as busy in North Yorkshire as its sister event in the capital, proving that even in times of economic unrest, people are still willing to invest in their home renovations and extension builds.

Only weeks later, Made for Trade continued to impress Homebuilding and Renovating Show audiences in Harrogate, where the Korniche brand

According to Made for Trade, the continued demand for all high-quality aluminium Korniche products, including roof lanterns, bi-folding doors, and flat glass roof lights, at these shows demonstrates their enduring aesthetic appeal and desirability to the aspirational homeowner, twinned with the time-saving attributes and ease of installation for the trade partner, ultimately saving time and money for all involved.

continued to be a main sponsor for this regional event, providing a strongly branded platform for their products. Despite being towards the end of the season,

Debar Shines Bright At Global

Construction Industry Event

Tim Shaw, international sales manager at Debar, said: “Attending incredible events like this is so important to us at Debar. There’s nothing better than talking to prospective customers as well as other professionals working within the bi-fold market.

“Big 5 Global is a fantastic event and we’re incredibly proud that we’ve had the opportunity to attend something of this immense scale. We had an amazing time during the course of the event networking, forging new customer relations and gathering insight and new ideas.”

Tim Shaw and Andrew Fawthrop at Big 5 Global

Bi-fold hardware manufacturer, Debar, attended one of the largest and most influential global events in the construction industry calendar – Big 5 Global.

The event which was held in Dubai ran from Monday 4 December to Thursday 7 December and created a fantastic opportunity for the management team to meet fabricators and agents with a keen interest in bi-folding

systems.

The team of experts proudly displayed a range of bi-fold hardware samples to spark conversation with visitors passionate to find out more.

Manufactured from high-quality materials and designed to deliver outstanding performance, the products were front and centre of the Debar stand and were well received by everyone who stopped by.

“At Debar we’re committed to providing innovative solutions and an excellent service to our customers not just in the UK but further afield,” adds Tim. “We’re conscious many overseas companies are still hesitant to invest in bi-fold door systems but as part of our international plans, we want to help them unlock the potential of bi-fold doors so they achieve growth and success in this market.” www.debarhardware.com/

WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024 137

CHARITY

Christmas In The

Community The local foodbanks in Chelmsford have received donations from The Window Company (Contracts) to help give a much happier Christmas to all those in the community for whom life is a struggle.

The Chelmsford Food Bank issued a ‘reverse advent calendar’ with a list of the items they would most like donated, and the generous team at The Window Company (Contracts) ticked off the entire list and donated several boxes packed with essentials, as well as treats.

Duarte Dias, the yard manager, delivered the boxes to the foodbank ready to be distributed

in time for the Christmas holidays.

He said: “It was really nice to be able to donate even more boxes than we’d planned because, as well as our company donations, lots of members of staff got involved as well, ticking off all the things on the calendar.”

As well as the reverse advent, The Window Company (Contracts) also made donations to the foodbank run by The Chelmsford Muslim Society, which is located opposite their HQ, and to the Christmas appeals being run by customers Moat Housing and main contractors Wates and Morgan Sindall. https://thewinco.co.uk

138 WINDOW NEWS | JANUARY 2024

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