Window News Magazine June 2022

4

Window Widgets Acquires Profoil And Forms The Q19 Group

54

FIT Show 106 CAB’s Makes Triumphant Knowledge Sharing Initiative Return

TAKE A LOOK AT OUR

BLIND-INGLY FABULOUS RANGE OF COLOURS

We believe that love is blind(s). Add a splash of style with our Venetian blind colour range:

• •

Available in 10 stunning colour options Enjoy privacy whilst being in control of Light & Shade

• • • •

Available in a choice of 5 control systems Anthracite Grey available exclusively from Morley Glass & Glazing Ltd Manufactured in the UK with a 5 year guarantee Ideal for all window and door systems

morleyglass.co.uk 0113 277 8722

sales@morleyglass.co.uk

Morley Glass & Glazing Ltd, Unit 3, Leeds 27 Industrial Estate, Bruntcliffe Way, Leeds, LS27 0HH

W CONTENTS

W INDOWNEWS THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS

TRADE NEWS 4 VIEWPOINT 34 PEOPLE 46 CONSERVATORIES 50 FIT SHOW 54 PRODUCT NEWS 72 MACHINERY 88 ON SITE 90 MARKETING & INTERNET

100

EVENTS 106 CHARITY 108

You can now receive your industry news in a range of formats: Newscast, Website, Social Media, and a magazine. So whatever your preference is for catching up with the latest innovations and news in the industry, there is a Window News format to suit everyone.

We aim to keep readers up-to-date with the latest industry news, trends, technical innovations and suppliers. Our web format means that we can be in the right place at the right time – wherever that may be.

The contents of Window News are provided for general use only and do not constitute general advice and should not be relied upon.

Views/opinions, replies and specific advice expressed by external persons are not necessarily those of Window News and are not subscribed to by Window News.

To see the full terms and conditions please visit: http://www.windownews.co.uk/window-news-disclaimer/ Privacy Policy: http://www.windownews.co.uk/window-news-privacy-policy/

Publisher Gerald Batt Tel: 01255 850245 E-mail: gerald@windownews.co.uk Editorial E-mail: edit@windownews.co.uk Production E-mail: production@windownews.co.uk Copyright © 2022 PO Box 13225. Frinton-on-Sea, CO13 3BT

www.windownews.co.uk Cover picture: Goodluck Hope Project Success For AW Louvers, read more on page 90 WINDOW NEWS | MAY 2022 3

TRADE NEWS

Clayton Glass

Sign Deal To Purchase Two

Insulating Glass

Unit Facilities

Colin Deans, managing director of Profoil, with Sarah Hitchings, director of Q19 Group

Window Widgets

Ryan Green, Managing Director

Clayton Glass announce on the 1oth May the exchange of contracts in a deal to purchase the insulating glass unit manufacturing facilities at Motherwell and Canterbury from SaintGobain UK & Ireland.

With this move, both capacities and geographical coverage have been significantly improved, as we strengthen our ability to deliver to the whole of the UK, from the South coast of England to the North of Scotland.

These additional capabilities will now allow us to produce upwards of 65,000 units a week, in a mix of standard IGUs, specialist roof and door products.

With this latest investment, Clayton Glass consolidates its position as a unique, owner-managed six- site operation; the largest of its kind in UK, and widely recognised for its innovative approach to all aspects of IGU supply, claims the company. https://bit.ly/3GEwqdm 4 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

Acquires Profoil And Forms The Q19 Group The team who acquired Window Widgets in 2019 have announced the formation of the Q19 Group and the acquisition of Profoil Limited, the deal completed on the 13th May 2022.

Profoil, based in Kettering, provides foiling services to the fenestration and building materials markets in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

tion for over 25 years.

The Q19 Group says it will implement an investment programme to support further growth across all its businesses, with bold ambitions for the future direction of the group.

The Q19 Group, comprises market leading brands: Window Widgets, Residence Collection and now Profoil, with manufacturing facilities in Gloucester and Kettering.

The deal was put together by the Q19 director team with advice from Cattaneo Corporate Finance and Legal Clarity, with financial support from Shawbrook Bank.

The management of Profoil Limited were advised by Kingswood Business Sales, a division of Richmond Capital Partners.

Window Widgets began in 2000 and became the largest range of universal ancillaries for the fenestration market. In 2012, Window Widgets launched what was to become a defining window system in the form of Residence 9 and today it forms part of The Residence Collection of design led PVCu window and door systems. Now Profoil has been added to the group, which has been a specialist of foil lamina-

Sarah Hitchings, sales and marketing director of Q19 Group, commented: “I, along with the other directors of the business, are pleased to announce the strategic acquisition of Profoil, a key supplier to Window Widgets. We now have an opportunity to continue investing and realising the considerable potential of Profoil within our group.” q19group.co.uk

Sternfenster’s

Continued

Investment Plans

TRADE NEWS panies deciding to sit tight and see where the market is heading before committing to investment in infrastructure. Or they weren’t as profitable as they expected to be, and they are holding on to the cash. Either way, quality of product and service could suffer.”

The Schirmer cutting and machining centre is designed with efficiency in mind. A high-speed gripper transports the full-length profiles – or re-useable off-cuts – through the machine with vastly improved accuracy, and a six-axis tooling module performs all necessary routing in a single pass. A three-axis milling unit allows Sternfenster to end-mill the profile online – rather than as a separate process – again improving accuracy, speeding up production and reducing damage to profiles thanks to reduced handling.

“The Schirmer machine is a serious bit of kit, which helps us to realise our ambition to fabricate windows and doors quickly, accurately, and with as little handling as possible,” Mike said. “This way, human error is reduced, and we can concentrate on quality control and freeing up bottle-necks in our production.”

Sternfenster has committed to a £600K-plus investment for a new Schirmer cutting and machining centre for its PVC-U fabrication line, which will benefit customers with reduced lead times and improved product quality, claims the company.

This new machine, which will come online during the first quarter of 2023, is part of a wider capital expenditure by the Lincoln-based fabricator that will result in efficiencies across all aspects of the business, including IGU manufacture, window and door production, and delivery.

“What we learned during the pandemic is that companies that stood still were the first to fall as the demand on production exceeded expectations,” managing director Mike Parczuk explained. “We’ve seen other fabricators sweat their assets to the point of destruction as they’ve pushed their factories to the limit to keep on top of the increased demand experienced across the window and door industry. This has resulted in poor-quality products and unpredictable lead times.

“As that demand is now starting to drop away, we are seeing com-

Sternfenster is also looking to improve PVC-U production further with a new welder and corner cleaner, while the glass processing division will soon receive a new glass cutting table. Plans are also being drawn up to invest heavily in a new IGU line, which would realise significant benefits through the business, including improved production speeds, reduced errors, and sustainability gains.

Ongoing investment in the fabricator’s fleet will see a £200K outlay for two new trucks, which will replace two of the company’s older vehicles next year. This follows the £500K-plus outlay on four new 18-tonne lorries, alongside the refurbishment of older vehicles, Sternfenster made in March this year. www.sternfenster.com WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022 5

TRADE NEWS

Bumper Q1 Value Sales But Increase Driven More

By Price Inflation Than Volume Total value sales data from Britain’s Builders’ Merchants shows Q1 2022 was a bumper quarter thanks in part to a record-breaking March, which clocked up the highest ever total sales in the history of the BMBI. However this was driven once again more by price inflation (+16.0%) than volume growth (+1.5%).

Quarter 1 2022 total value sales were 17.7% higher than Q1 2021, with no difference in trading days. All bar one category sold more. Renewables & Water Saving (+29.3%) did best, followed by Kitchens & Bathrooms (+26.3%) which also recorded its best-ever quarterly sales. Timber & Joinery Products (+21.4%) and Heavy Building Materials (+17.4% in value) grew more slowly while its volume is up by 5.0%. Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (+16.4%) and Miscellaneous (+12.8%) both had their best-ever quarterly sales. Workwear & Safetywear (-0.1%) was flat.

6 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

Comparing Q1 2022 with Q1 2019, a pre-pandemic year, total value sales were 24.7% higher, with no difference in trading days. All categories sold more including Landscaping (+51.4%) and Timber & Joinery Products (+40.6%), which did particularly well. Heavy Building Materials (+18.9%), Kitchens & Bathrooms (+17.8%) and Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (+11.2%) all grew more slowly.

March was a bumper month, with total value sales 24.1% higher than February, boosted by three extra trading days in the most recent month. Seasonal category Landscaping (+47.2%) outperformed the other categories, while Heavy Building Materials grew by (+24.5%). Workwear & Safetywear (+9.7%) had the slowest growth. Like-for-like sales were 7.9% higher.

Quarter-on-quarter, sales were up 11.4% in Q1 2022 compared to Q4 2021, helped by three more trading days in the most recent period. All categories sold more including Renewables & Water Saving (+28.1%) and Landscaping (+26.2%). Tools (+13.3%), Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (+12.5%) and Heavy Building Materials (+11.9%) all grew faster than Merchants overall.

Compared to March 2021, when large parts of the country were again under Covid restrictions, total sales were 9.8% higher in March 2022 with no difference in trading days. This was driven entirely by price inflation (+18.5%) rather than volume (-7.3%). Eleven of the twelve categories sold more with Kitchens & Bathrooms (+25.2%), Plumbing, Heating and Electrical (+16.3%), Heavy Building Materials (+10.5%), Decorating (+7.8%), Ironmongery (+5.9%) and Tools (+2.8%)

Like-for-like sales were 6.1% higher than in Q4 2021.

TRADE NEWS all having their best-ever month since the BMBI started in July 2014. Only Landscaping (-1.1%) sold less.

Total value sales in March 2022 were 35.0% higher than the same month three years ago, helped by two more trading days this year. All categories sold more, with Landscaping (+64.1%) and Timber & Joinery Products (+50.7%) performing the best. Like-for-like sales were 23.3% up.

Mike Rigby, CEO of MRA Research who produce this report, said: “It’s been an uncertain start to 2022 with the outbreak of war in Ukraine further impacting energy costs and inflation.

But the quarterly figures suggest that – for now at least – the building sector is holding its resolve. With rising costs and another round of energy price increases looming, there may be clouds on the horizon but with geopolitical circumstances changeable, there is little way of knowing exactly what Q2 will bring.”

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 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 Q1 2022 BMBI report is available to download at www.bmbi.co.uk

Raising Fire Door Awareness Is Vital gaps between the door and the frame, care and maintenance issues, and issues over smoke sealing.

A greater understanding of fire doors and their components, including testing and certification, regulations and standards, inspection, and maintenance is needed.

It’s crucial that trained fire door installers are used, and reputable and trained fire door inspectors conduct fire door inspections.

Howard Trotter

Howard Trotter, business manager of Birmingham-based window and door manufacturer Shelforce, reacts to the news from the Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS), that three quarters of the fire doors inspected in the UK by its approved inspectors did not meet the required standard, and should be a warning for the building safety sector.

The last few years have brought a much-needed wakeup call on fire safety, not just for the fenestration industry, but for the construction industry and society more generally, but the FDIS’s data, based on more than 100,000 fire door inspections carried out by its approved inspectors in 2021, many on buildings with vulnerable residents such as healthcare, local authorities and housing associations, shows that more must be done.

FDIS revealed that the most common reasons for failure was due to improper installation, including excessive

Raising awareness and encouraging building owners and users to check the operation and condition of their fire doors and make sure they are regularly inspected and maintained, is vital.

At Shelforce, for example, we manufacture and supply our fully compliant 30-minute fire and smoke resistant Fireshel system and are planning to offer a comprehensive fire door package with it for local authorities, ranging from fabrication through to installation, maintenance, and repair.

Fire doors are not ordinary doors; they are carefully engineered fire safety devices and are critical to the fire safety of a building and preventing a loss of life, more understanding is needed to make sure a fire door performs as intended.

Product manufacture, quality, installation, and maintenance are all life critical. After all, everyone plays their part in ensuring a fire door performs as it should and saves lives. www.shelforce.com WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022 7

TRADE NEWS

Government Agrees

Kevin Jones, GGF technical officer

To Changes In Doc L

impossible to calculate a figure. I am delighted that the DLUHC have been very responsive to our proposals and have moved to make the amendments to the calculation formular as quickly as it was possible to do so.”

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), has agreed to changes proposed by the Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF) to Approved Document L of the new Building Regulations that come into force on 15th June.

This is to date the only major change that has been made to any of the Approved Documents published in December 2021 and this change will have a significant positive impact for GGF Members and the wider industry. The GGF says it once again exhibits the influence the GGF and its members have in representing a significant proportion of the industry.

Door Calculations

Following representations by a number of members, the GGF’s Technical Team, in consultation with members of the Systems House and Aluminium Groups, highlighted an issue to DLUHC regarding the way that U Value calculations were to be made for ‘non-standard’ doors, especially bi-folding and sliding glass doors.

Under the new Approved Document L, the GGF highlighted that it would be impossible for some larger multi-pane doors to comply with the uplifted regulations, due to conflicts in the proposals to calculate U values.

8 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

After discussions took place with DLUHC, the government department agreed to amend the basis for calculating U Values for non-standard doors, in particular larger bi-folding and sliding patio types. These include a further door size of 2000 x 2180 for multi leaf doors, together with a tolerance of 25% on the sizes that can be used. The amendments bring the calculations more in line with BS EN 14351.

Speaking for the GGF, Kevin Jones, technical officer for the GGF said: “It would have been impossible for some larger multi-pane doors to comply with the uplifted regulations if they had to calculate them at the smaller standard size, as the glass to frame ratio would have been far from what was actually installed, and thereby not accurately reflecting energy in use.

In some cases it would have been

Chris Beedel, head of government advocacy & stakeholder relations said: “This change to Building Regulations is a testament to the excellent work undertaken by the GGF Technical Department and the strong relations we have built with key government personnel. It is another example of the influence that the GGF and its members have in representing a significant proportion of the industry.” www.ggf.org.uk

bi-folding door GLAZED IN

15%

SECONDS

INTRODUCTORY *

DISCOUNT DISCOUNT CODE

FIT FASTER CLIP BEAD

WNK02

Patented clip bead delivering the fastest glazing time.

Trickle vents positioned in frame - no need for extenders! Full bearings and stainless steel hardware for the smoothest glide every time. All with a 10 year manufacturer’s warranty.

Delivering the best products, with the best service, at the best price Contact Made for Trade for a Kwikquote today *

madefortrade.co | sales@madefortrade.co | 01642 610799 Discount applies to all trade customers and applied to the first, single item purchase only of the Korniche Bifolding Door | *Korniche Bi-folding door price is based on 5-5-0 configuration 3750 x 2000 , stock colour, delivered. Unglazed. Price is correct at point of publishing. Delivery restrictions apply. Product specification and prices may be subject to change without prior notice.

TRADE NEWS

Senior’s Complete

View on Part L

There’s a sea change coming this summer as the new lower U-value targets set out in Part L of the Building Regulations come into effect. As the June deadline approaches, Senior Architectural Systems is inviting its specification and fabricator partners to get in touch for technical support and advice on how to keep projects compliant and cost-effective.

Senior, the privately owned fenestration systems manufacturer, has been at the forefront of the industry’s response to the new thermal-efficiency requirements with the development of its patented PURe aluminium window and doors system, claims the company.

First launched back in 2015, the innovative PURe system is fully compliant with the new lower U-value targets and also bene10 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

fits from a range of sustainability credentials, including cradle to cradle recyclability. Senior has also made a number of modifications across its full range of aluminium windows, doors and curtain wall systems to upgrade their thermal performance and provide customers with more choice when devising a fully Part L compliant fenestration package. Suitable for ‘future proofing’ projects across the sectors, including residential, education and healthcare, Senior’s product range is fully supported by an in-house technical team and an experienced network of regional architectural advisors and technical sales managers.

Commenting, Senior Architectural Systems’ sales director James Keeling-Heane said: “The construction industry is already facing numerous challenges,

from material shortages to price increases, and we don’t want our customers to have to worry about Part L compliance. That’s why we have been working hard to develop and refine our PURe system and a number of our most popular aluminium fenestration solutions to ensure that when the new targets come into effect, it’s business as usual.

Now is not the time to take risks, now is the time to lean on an established manufacturer like Senior and a proven system like PURe to ensure that projects are kept on track and on budget.

We’re looking forward to working closely with our customers to provide a seamless transition to achieve compliance with the new requirements of Part L and provide them with all the technical and practical support they need.” www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk

VISOGLIDE PLUS SLIDING DOORS

10%

FIRST ORDER INTRODUCTORY DISCOUNT QUOTE CODE WN-VG01

INDUSTRY LEADING CUSTOMER SERVICE Comprehensive install guide & support

THERMALLY BROKEN ALUMINIUM

TRIPLE TRACK AVAILABLE NOW!

Slim profile, Lipped outer frame, Sobinco locks

LARGE SASH WIDTHS

Up to 6.4m wide in 2 panes. 2-4 panes available

STOCK COLOUR CHOICE

White, Anthracite Grey & Black, Dual Colour

FROM

2 WEEK LEAD TIMES Reliable safe site delivery

www.madefortrade.co | Tel: 01642 610799 * Discount applies to new trade customers and first, single item purchase only of the Smart Visoglide Plus Sliding Doors | Image for representation only * Per leaf price is unglazed and may vary depending on size and specification of the door. Lead time is based on a standard colour. Postcode restrictions apply

TRADE NEWS

Conservatory Outlet

Launches £100,000 Training Academy To Help Its Network

Attract New Sales Talent A leading manufacturer of high-quality windows, doors, home extensions and conservatory products has invested over £100,000 into creating a new sales training academy.

Conservatory Outlet has responded to a shortage of new talent coming into the industry by pioneering a new programme that will look to equip individuals with all the skills they need to hit the ground running.

It has taken several months in the planning and supports part of a wider recruitment strategy to help the firm’s 27-strong network of retail customers attract a high calibre of sales professionals from outside the sector.

Bosses anticipate at least 50 sales12 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

people will go through the intensive training programme annually, which will be a combination of factory sessions at key suppliers to improve product knowledge and ongoing virtual workshops to boost understanding of purchasing trends.

Greg Kane, chief executive of Conservatory Outlet, commented: “Our model is all about adding value to our customers and this is another example where we have been listening to what they need and coming up with a solution that will hopefully make a big difference.

“The network adopts a consultative approach to sales, taking time to listen to our clients and understanding what they are looking to achieve with their home. It goes against the outdated ‘double glaz-

(l-r) Dean Andrews (sales rep at ERG Scotland) with Brendon Evans (trade & commercial manager at ERG Scotland)

ing sales’ model of pushy salespeople, but we believe it is the right approach to deliver the best possible product, the best possible service and the best possible experience.”

He continued: “This is why we have taken the decision to create a central Training Academy that our retail customers can tap into and put new recruits through, so they learn the basics, the knowledge of the products and the culture we try to live by.

“We believe it will take the stress out of recruitment for our members and will help attract new and exciting talent to our industry.”

The content covers the key features and benefits of all Conservatory Outlet products, as well as detailed technical information relevant to their position.

Sessions will be delivered onsite at appropriate factories, so individuals can see the manufacturing process from start to finish of windows, doors, conservatories,

TRADE NEWS roofs and glass, helping them understand different types of styles to suit differing consumer need.

All training will be delivered by technical experts and sales professionals from Conservatory Outlet and its core suppliers. This is then complemented by interactive digital courses to reinforce and expand product knowledge and to ensure staff are aware of crucial industry updates and legislation.

Part L Compliant Aluminium As Standard

With Sheerline

ERG Scotland, which is in Invergordon, will be the first member of the network to benefit from the new academy.

Ian Joy, managing director, added his support: “There is so much interest in home improvements currently that we need to increase our sales team and attract new talent into the industry.

“We’ve been chatting with Conservatory Outlet about this and are delighted Greg and his team have listened and come up with a way that we can tackle the shortage together. I’ve agreed that ERG Scotland will be one of the first companies to enrol new staff into the academy and we’ll also help to shape the delivery going forward.”

Conservatory Outlet’s Greg Kane concluded: “There is a widely publicised shortage of ‘new blood’ coming into the home improvement sector and firms are struggling to come to terms with an ageing sales workforce.

“We want to bring in talented people from outside our industry and one way we can hope to attract them is through this dedicated Training Academy, which will give them everything they need to be a success.

“It is estimated that we’ll need at least 50 new salespeople across the network in the next twelve months, in order to keep up with consumer demand.” www.conservatoryoutlet.co.uk

Tougher Part L requirements don’t need to be a cause of concern for suppliers of aluminium products. In fact, if you choose the correct system supplier – these tighter standards can help give you an edge in a market that’s set to become more competitive as the cost of living ‘crisis‘ begins to encompass more middle income households.

With an ever-expanding range of Part L compliant aluminium windows, doors, bi-folds and roof lanterns – Sheerline’s customers are reaping the benefits of choosing a modern aluminium system, says the company. Designed around Sheerline’s innovative Thermlock technology, which sits at the heart of every product, Thermlock multi-chambered thermal breaks are made from a material that is almost half as thermally conductive as Polyamide. This coupled with their increased size means that Sheerline

meets the new standards with standard double glazing – helping customers continue to sell the same spec of products, without adding cost. With Sheerline, an aluminium U-value of 1.4 comes as standard.

While other systems companies are busy trying to shoehorn a solution into their legacy systems, either adding cost via foam inserts or forcing customers to ‘upgrade’ to expensive triple glazing to meet these new standards, Sheerline customers are left with a competitive advantage and a clear easy to understand product offer, claims the company.

Sheerline customers can also be confident that when thermal requirements tighten even further in 2025 as part of the Future Homes and Buildings Standards – they’ll be ready once again to succeed in an ever-changing marketplace. www.sheerline.com/ready WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022 13

TRADE NEWS customers how they can generate the U-Value reports they need to show compliance from within the software Darren Burford, the training manager, also announced that there would be a new, free Building Regulations workshop available at the AluK Academy for customers to get fully up to speed, and new training video content that AluK fabricators can pass exclusively to their installers.

AluK Helps Customers With Its Response To Part L AluK’s latest initiative designed to cut through all the confusing industry noise around the upcoming changes to Part L was a highly successful Customer Forum held at Aston Villa’s Villa Park stadium.

AluK has based its response to the tougher U-Values required within Part L on the quality of its engineering and on enhancing its products so that customers have absolute reassurance that they will be able comply on both windows and doors using double rather than triple glazing.

At the Forum, the company’s managing director Michael Williams reaffirmed AluK’s commitment to offering not just the new 14 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

and improved products, but also clear and simple guidance on the rules, and expert advice on everything from glass options to likely policing and penalties.

The 60+ customers who attended were shown samples of the new 58BW HI window system and given updates on availability, lead times, pricing and LogiKal software updates for the entire range, which will ensure they are ready for the 15 June deadline.

David Evans, AluK’s head of technical services, demonstrated how the new profile references as well as the new foam and thermal breaks have been added into LogiKal and showed

AluK’s product design, product management and marketing teams were also all on hand to hear feedback and answer questions on topics such as compliance routes and existing stockholding; and the response from customers was really positive.

Michael Williams said: “Our primary role as a systems house is to help our customers succeed, while at the same time acknowledging the responsibility we have as a global business to be proactive in our carbon reduction efforts. We were determined from the outset not to fudge compliance on Part L as some seem to be doing, but to lead the way on the journey towards Future Homes in 2025.

“Senior members of the AluK sit on committees at the GGF, CAB and CWCT so we are right at the heart of the discussion on how the Building Regs are changing. We promised to keep our customers informed every step of the way and this was our fourth Customer Forum since March. We’ve also created lots of online content for customers to access via dedicated pages on our learning platform and our sales teams will be having lots of face-to-face discussions with customers in the coming weeks.”

AluK’s online guide to Part L is at www.alukgb.com/learning/fhs

roof lantern

10%

glazed in seconds

NEW TRADE CUSTOMER DISCOUNT QUOTE CODE:

faster to fit

WNK01

Supply & install the multi-award-winning aluminium Korniche Roof Lantern.

Fitted in minutes, glazed in seconds. The strongest lantern in class, available up to 3x2.5m in four glass panels and a maximum size of 6x4m

Delivering the best products, with the best service, at the best price Contact Made for Trade for a Kwikquote today madefortrade.co | sales@madefortrade.co | 01642 610799 *Discount applies to all trade customers and applied to the first, single item purchase only of the Korniche Roof Lantern

TRADE NEWS

Quickslide’s Digital Investments Get Results Quickslide’s continued investment in the digital aspects of its business has seen it further increase efficiencies while providing even more consistently high-quality products and services, says the company.

“The system has been developed using the latest EvoNET management tool from fenestration industry software specialist Business Micros, that we use across the business to give us greater visibility and control,” said Ben.

This commitment to on-going digital improvement has driven up the quality of both production and customer service, as Managing Director Ben Weber explained:

“James has along with our inhouse team of developers produced a system that syncs with the core BM system for use on the VS production line, to drive lean manufacturing. As a result, we’ve seen a dramatic drop in post-delivery remedials.

“Everything we do at Quickslide is focused on how we can improve our products and services so that, ultimately, our trade partners can improve theirs. From large overhauls to smaller continuous tweaks and improvements, we’re always looking for ways to increase efficiencies, quality, and sales.”

Systems development manager, James McArthur, completely redesigned Quickslide’s VS production line, with a fully optimised system tailored specifically to suit the business’s unique requirements.

16 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

“We have always been proud of our quality and our emphasis on ‘right first time’, but we never rest on our laurels and will always strive for perfection. Because fewer site visits also mean our service engineers’ time is freed up to focus on actively helping grow our business and that of our trade partners instead.”

The digital investment and improvements in production run

alongside Quickslide’s web developments. The new website, which focused on completely reworking the back-end without compromising the familiar front-end, has been a huge step forward in driving organic growth.

Ben explained: “With our new website our trade partners will soon be able to gain access to a dashboard system where leads can be effectively managed – in effect, it’ll function as a complimentary CRM system for our partners.

Meanwhile, investments in clever lead generation tools will enable us to grow with our partners, while we continue to invest in SEO to drive the right kind of customers with the right kind of requirements to our site.

“At Quickslide we pride ourselves on focusing on all aspects of our business to continually bring improvements to our products, services and ultimately to the trade our partners do. It’s great to see this latest investment in our digital capabilities for both our products and services making such a difference to our business and that of our partners.” www.quickslide.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

Tweet Your Latest Rehau Installation To Win

A Trip To Germany

Installers and fabricators are being given the chance to win a trip to Rehau’s new World of Windows event in Erlangen, Germany.

Those who tweet a picture of their latest Rehau window installation between 7 and 14 June, tagging @REHAUWindows in the post, will automatically be entered into the competition.

World of Windows is a unique 600 m2 experience in Erlangen created to showcase Rehau’s latest innovations and sustainable developents. Professionals from all over the world will be visiting up until the event closes on Friday 15 July.

Attendees will get an exclusive insight into innovations such as the designer window system Artevo, which is a development of Rehau’s popular Geneo system, as well as the new Slinova sliding solution.

Rehau’s range of smart window technology and the digital Window ID will also be on show.

ALUMINIUM PRODUCTS IN A

5 DAY LEAD TIME!

Rehau will cover flights and accommodation for the winner and a companion of their choice and the prize must be taken between 20 June and 10 July.

To enter, head over to Rehau’s Twitter page and tag them in your latest Rehau installation tweets to be in with a chance to win. Terms and Conditions apply*.

For more information visit: https://bit.ly/3Q0ctBY

Start Selling Sternfenster Today To Benefit From Industry-Leading Aluminium, With Fast 5 Day Lead Times On Standard Colours!

Any RAL from a 10 Day Lead Time Dual Colours Available Simple Installation Secureplus Guarantee Secured by Design

TRADE NEWS

Giving Fabricators

A Way To Vent

In response to impending changes to Part F of the Building Regulations increasing requirements for ventilation, Rehau has partnered with plastic injection moulder Glazpart to expand its frame accessory selection to include trickle vents.

Featuring an innovative ‘link’ suitable for Rehau profiles that allows the closure plate to be positioned to reduce draughts while directing air away from occupants, the new trickle vent was developed to future-proof new frames. Specifically, trickle vents will need to be installed on all new and replacement 18 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

windows from 15th June 2022 in accordance with ventilation requirements laid out in Approved Document F (ADF).

These regulatory changes have been adopted in order to improve occupant health and ensure good air quality by providing adequate means of ventilation. As Malcolm Taylor, commercial product manager at Rehau Windows, explains, these updates have been made to address a longstanding concern in the fenestration sector.

“Ventilation was previously addressed in earlier guidance

documents, but both naturally ventilated homes and those with continuous mechanical extracts fell short of provisions laid out in ADF. Yet with Covid highlighting and exacerbating the need for good air quality, the spotlight has fallen on the aerodynamic performance of windows.

“These new regulations have therefore greatly increased equivalent area requirements, which in turn has grown demand for both Link Vent 5000, and 2500 equivalent air area (EQA) trickle vents. As such, in collaboration with the experts at Glazpart, we wanted to develop solutions in both sizes that would help futureproof frames against changing regulations.”

Rehau and Glazpart’s new trickle vent is available as a fit-and-forget zero maintenance solution with a combined screw

TRADE NEWS or clip-in fixing, and enjoys excellent UV colour stability. It is available in a wide range of colours to match Rehau profiles, and the Link-vent 5000 closure plate is split to allow for 50% opening and further ease the operation of the ventilator.

“The transformational impact of these new regulations cannot be understated, and this can be seen with fabricators. By selecting the 5000 EQA vent, this allows standardisation to meet requirements for dwellings and single-storey dwellings, including but not limited to bungalows,” says Dean Bradley, sales and marketing manager at Glazpart Ltd. “For example, once the updates to Approved Document

F come into force, fabricator usage of vents in the replacement and trade markets alone will increase from an average of 30% to over 95%.

“Consequently, it is vital that organisations such as Glazpart and Rehau come together to help fenestration professionals better navigate this new regulatory landscape. This new trickle vent is a great example of this approach in action, allowing fabricators and installers to pass on the energy efficiency benefits of polymer frames while protecting the health of building occupants.”

Malcolm Taylor

Genius PVC Trade Frames sees the benefits of working

with Total Hardware

When industry stalwarts Peter Dyson and David Eagle founded Trade fabricator Genius PVC Trade Frames in 2019, their first choice for a hardware partner was Total Hardware. Peter commented: “Genius was set up to provide high-quality products to our customers, so our choice of hardware partner was crucial.

We’d worked with Total Hardware in previous businesses so

For more information, https://bit.ly/3NAjUhy ments: “It’s an offer that is able to support a proactive and ambitious trade business like ours, and it’s proving invaluable as we target growth.”

Genius, a national supplier of windows and doors, has adopted an ambitious growth strategy and plans to reach 2,500 frames per week in just a matter of years. Its key points of differentiation are quality, product design and excellent customer service.

The company has recently taken occupancy of a third 9,000 sq ft manufacturing facility at its headquarters in Norwich to help it keep pace with demand.

we knew from experience what they had to offer. We had no hesitation partnering with them when we set up Genius.”

Peter comments: “Total Hardware has invested heavily in its business to strengthen its offer, even in the face of supply chain uncertainty. It’s a proactive approach that echoes our own and it’s resulted in a solid partnership.”

Genius purchases Yale doorlocks and shootbolts from Total Hardware as well as the company’s Quantum range of premium hardware. Total’s stock levels and next day delivery service also offer benefits. Peter com-

He concludes: “We have a great relationship with all the Total Hardware team and we work very much in partnership with them. They certainly add value to our business.” www.totalhardwareltd.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022 19

TRADE NEWS

Epwin Window Systems

Becomes A Member Of The GGF Epwin Window Systems has announced its membership of the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF).

On joining the GGF, Martin Althorpe, Epwin Window Systems’ technical director, said: “We take our responsibilities towards the sector we work in very seriously and it is important that we align our brand with all major industry federations. As the industry leading authority, the GGF promotes best practice and we are delighted to have joined this influential community that’s committed to driving standards and professionalism across our sector.”

The GGF is recognised by government and plays a large part in influencing new standards and regulations, such as the Building Regulations, the rules that govern and control the way buildings are constructed in the UK. 20 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

Martin said: “With the regulatory changes across our sector, it makes sense to become members of the GGF and have access to the latest information on Building Regulations and wider industry standards to support our customers and ensure we remain ahead of the curve. We will be aiming to fully participate in relevant industry and technical meetings and share and gain knowledge in addition to networking with other member companies.”

As well as the GGF, Epwin Window Systems holds several other industry memberships and is proactive across many associations. These include a longstanding relationship with the British Plastics Federation Windows Group (BPFWG) since its formation in 1981. Martin Althorpe served as President of the British Plastics Federation (BPF) from 2019 to 2021.

The company became members of the Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB) in 2019 following the launch of the multi-award-winning Stellar aluminium system. It continues to build on this relationship with Paul Booth, Design Director [aluminium] at Epwin Windows Systems, appointed Chair of the CAB Technical Committee in 2021.

The systems house is also a member of ALFED Aluminium Federation, which represents businesses across the aluminium sector. It is also proactively involved in FENSA, the government-authorised scheme that monitors building regulation compliance for replacement windows and doors. Martin Althorpe is a Board Member of FENSA, representing the BPF. As a leading systems house, Epwin Windows Systems says it takes its responsibility to the sector very seriously and that its membership of the GGF is just the latest example of this commitment. epwinwindowsystems.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

BMBI Introduces New

Executive Summary Report For Busy Industry Professionals (L-R) Wendy Rushton, Dirk Charnock, Julie Greenhalgh and Lyndsey Smyth from UAP

UAP’S ‘ Maintenance Man’ Back On His Feet

Post-Collapse UAP, the specialist in locks and hardware for doors and windows welcomes Dirk Charnock back to its head office in Whitefield after suffering a cardiac arrest last month.

When Dirk collapsed at work, operations director Wendy Rushton and her fellow colleagues rushed to help him by executing their first aid training. On hand to support Wendy, first aiders Julie Greenhalgh and Lyndsey Smyth called emergency services, placed Dirk in the recovery position and deployed the defibrillator. The swift actions of the team around him ensured that Dirk survived his attack and was swiftly taken to North Manchester General Hospital.

Now, just a month on, Dirk has undertaken a speedy recovery and has greeted the women that saved him at UAP’s head office.

Dirk said: “I will be eternally grateful to Wendy, Julie and Lyndsey for being proactive and calm as I went into cardiac arrest. They saved my life and I cannot thank them enough”.

22 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

The award-winning Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report is now available in a new Executive Summary format, providing busy industry professionals with a snapshot of the month’s key data and analysis in a short, easy-to-read format.

Ideal for builders’ merchants and other construction executives who want to stay informed about the latest trends in Repair, Maintenance & Improvement (RMI) building activity, the Executive Summary is available for all monthly reports. The Summary includes 10-pages of analysis and data including the latest monthly sales highlights, an overview of the month’s biggest category winners and losers, and easy-to-follow graphs which chart performance of the 12 product categories compared to previous years, quarters and months.

The full, in-depth report remains available too with over 60 pages of detailed analysis, data and charts on building industry trends. Every quarter, the reports include insights and comments from a panel of leading industry brand experts

that explain trends, issues and opportunities in their markets.

Mike Rigby, CEO MRA Research who produce the reports comments: “We work in a fast-paced industry and there’s not always enough hours in the day to catch up on essential reading. With this in mind, we created a compact Executive Summary of each month’s main report to give time-pressed professionals the key facts and trends they need to know at a glance. It’s just another way we’re making the BMBI’s industry insights accessible to all.”

BMBI, a brand of the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF), uses data from GfK’s Builders Merchants Panel, which analyses sales-out data from over 80% of generalist builders’ merchants’ sales throughout Great Britain. The trend series, first published in 2015, is a free-to-use resource which can be downloaded from the BMBI website or sent directly to subscribers every month.

The Quarter 1 Executive Summary report, published in May, is available at www.bmbi.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

Milestone Year For Patiomaster South East This year, Patiomaster South East is celebrating 20 years as a Patiomaster dealer with Epwin Window Systems. Simon Spiers, director of Patiomaster South East, said: “We are extremely proud of what Patiomaster South East has achieved in the past 20 years. During this time, we have seen various industry and economic peaks and troughs, but our business has always remained steadfast and adapted well to market conditions. Back in 2002, we could see the market-leading credentials of the Patiomaster door and two decades later, the product remains as popular as ever.”

Patiomaster South East’s success is a perfect example of a business with a laser-focussed determination to deliver one of the best in sliding patio door supply. Simon said: “We have become the specialist patio experts in our field which is something our customers appreciate. The quality of our doors, the ease of fitting and years of trouble-free use are second to

none. Plus, our customers appreciate our level of service and the hands-on knowledge our specialist team provides.”

While the Patiomaster product has stood the test of time, Simon is keen to highlight the trends in the industry during his tenure. He said: “When we first started it was all about white sliding patio doors but colour is now an increasingly important theme for customers. Grey is a particular favourite with colour now accounting for 30-40% of our business.”

Another notable trend is the requirement for wider aperture openings, reflected in a strong upturn in sales of Patiomaster’s Triple-track system. Simon comments: “The Triple-track system is a great alternative to a bi-folding door, offering wide openings with fewer panels to interrupt the view. Homeowners also benefit from an opening that’s up to 25% bigger than a conventional patio door and we have seen

from left to right – Paul Hinds, Epwin Window Systems – Simon Spiers, Patiomaster SE – Suzanne Spiers, Patiomaster SE – Katrina Earl, Epwin Window Systems.

a steady upturn in demand for the product.”

He continues: “Patiomaster doors give homeowners the aesthetics they want. They deliver for installers too because the system is straightforward to install thanks to features such as edge-located rollers that mean they are easy to adjust.”

To mark the anniversary, Katrina Earl, sales director at Epwin Window Systems and Paul Hinds, head of sales at Safeware, presented Patiomaster South East with a commemorative plaque.

Katrina commented: “We have worked closely with the Patiomaster South East team for two decades and have seen the business flourish. It’s a strong relationship that continues to thrive and we are delighted to celebrate this milestone anniversary with them. Many congratulations to the Patiomaster South East team.” www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022 23

TRADE NEWS sively expanded warehouse they have set up in Poland to ensure continuity of supply to our customers in the UK. “We knew that fabricators would support us and, while we have made it clear to them that we have contingency plans in place to offer alternative tilt and turn hardware if supply is disrupted in the long term, all our customers buying Axor products have welcomed our approach.”

Melton Mowbray-based PVC-U fabricator TruFrame is one of the biggest users of Axor tilt and turn hardware in the UK and its project director Patrick Firmager added: “We’re really pleased that Mila has made it possible for us to continue buying from Axor. We give our wholehearted support to the incredible team in Ukraine who are working tirelessly to continue operating, in spite of the incomprehensibly difficult situation their country is facing.

Mila Maintains Supply

From Ukraine

Mila has made clear its ongoing support for Axor, its tilt and turn hardware partner based in Ukraine. Axor is located in the eastern city of Dnipro, which was the target of Russian attacks early on in the conflict.

However, with the Ukrainian government urging businesses there to stay open as much as possible to help support the ravaged economy, Axor has largely been able to maintain production at its extensive purpose-built factory.

24 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

Richard Gyde, Mila’s managing director, said: “I’ve visited the team in Dnipro several times since we added their hardware to our range in 2018, and I’ve only ever been impressed by the whole business set up and by the warmth and welcome they’ve shown to everyone at Mila.

“We offered our unconditional support to them from the outset.

In line with that, we have been continuing to place orders and have facilitated new shipping and delivery routes via a mas-

“We’re very impressed with how Mila has managed the supply chain, which has not only ensured a continuous flow of product but has also mitigated risk further by safeguarding back-up stocks in case of future interruption to supply. There’s very little risk that our customers will notice any drop in service levels which, given the circumstances, is a tremendous accomplishment.”

AXOR’s cost-effective tilt and turn hardware range is suitable for windows from 400mm to 1520mm wide and 370mm to 2390mm high and includes heavy duty hinges with a weight capacity of 130kg as standard.

Fully quality tested and performance and security accredited, it is ideal for the price sensitive social housing sector and comes with a 10-year mechanical operation guarantee. www.mila.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

MD Joinery

Celebrates Thirty-Year

Rehau Partnership MD Joinery marked its 30th anniversary with systems company Rehau in 2021.

Based in Southport, the family-run business prides itself in being one of the first UK companies to fabricate windows and doors using Rehau’s Total70 window system, which was formerly known as the S706 window.

Husband-and-wife team Mike and Diane Durkin first partnered with Rehau in 1991 when searching for a window system that would 26 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

replace their existing solutions likefor-like.

“Back when we first established MD Joinery, we were exploring options for an adaptable profile that could seamlessly retrofit an existing window solution,” Mike explains. “It was fortunate timing really – Rehau had just launched its S706 system which is offered in a multitude of colour options, and we were already familiar with the Rehau name due to its longstanding reputation in the window trade.

Our partnership started there, and

the fact we were one of the first UK companies to adopt this profile has helped us successfully establish ourselves as a leading manufacturer for our local community and beyond.”

The increased business demand from working with Rehau meant the company relocated to a larger site ten years ago. This growth has continued, with the expansion of the new premises’ showroom and production capacity. Currently operating with 17 employees, including Mike and Diane’s two sons and grandson, MD Joinery regularly engages with Rehau’s technical division in training staff to a high standard.

“Even in our early days, Rehau have been there to support us with high-quality training sessions that have contributed to the premium-grade window solutions that leave our factory,” Mike continues.

“This is important, as unlike other fabricators, the majority of our work is still carried out by hand, meaning

TRADE NEWS

a higher attention to detail is required when manufacturing frames compared to mass production. The versatility of Rehau’s uPVC also means we can develop windows and doors for both the trade and retail sectors. This combination of high-end product and fabricator expertise has contributed to our many years of success.”

“We’re expecting business demand to continue and we’re confident that our factory has the capacity to address this,” Mike concludes “With that in mind, we’re looking forward to the release of Rehau’s Rio Flush Fit French Door system. Indeed, its high energy efficiency rating and the fact it is made from recycled materials means we can pass on its sustainability benefits to the community we have served for the last three decades.

Edgetech Celebrates 15 Years

Of UK Manufacturing

“Thanks to our ongoing, accomplished partnership with Rehau, we’ve been proud to see the MD Joinery name become synonymous with quality window solutions in the Southport area. We’re excited to see what the future holds, and what else we can accomplish with their support.”

Edgetech MD, Chris Alderson

Trisha Naik, area sales manager for Rehau, said: “It’s been a pleasure to work with MD Joinery during my time at Rehau and knowing that over the last thirty years the company has gone from success to success. We’ve been thrilled to support them in developing a prestigious reputation in the window trade, which is reflected in its well-presented showroom and factory.

Warm-edge spacer specialist Edgetech is marking the 15th anniversary of the opening of its first manufacturing facility in the UK.

friends from right around the industry to an event to celebrate,” comments Edgetech head of marketing and CX Charlotte Hawkes.

In 2007, the company invested £2.5m to create the Coventry site that still serves as Edgetech’s main UK headquarters today – which at the time was Britain’s first ever dedicated warm-edge manufacturing facility.

“Honestly, that feels just like yesterday – but in the 5 years since, we’ve come such a long way. We’ve continued to develop even more innovative and efficient spacer solutions, transformed the way we deal with our customers with new initiatives like e-commerce, and taken strides to make the business more community focused, and committed to sustainability, ethical conduct and supporting worthy causes.

“It has also been fantastic to see MD Joinery’s traditional manufacturing approach succeed, with the polymer we supply being masterfully put to use in high-end windows and doors. We’re eager to see what excellent products the company produces over the coming years as the partnership continues.” https://bit.ly/38SdZ8F

By 2011, Edgetech’s impressive growth had caught the eye of global building products giant Quanex, who acquired the firm, and together the two businesses have gone from strength to strength in the decade since.

“Five years ago, marking our tenth anniversary of manufacturing in the UK, we invited long-standing customers and

“Later this year, we’re hoping to do something to mark this latest key milestone – so keep an eye out for more information in the weeks ahead!” www.edgetechig.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022 27

TRADE NEWS L-R) Directors Jay Patel, Jayesh Hirani, Yogesh Gopal, Reena Gjoci & Bhavik Dabasia

The Road to 2030 Everglade Trade Customer Conference was a hit with customers who joined the award-winning manufacturer at their HQ in London. After two years of cancelled events, the conference pulled in record numbers for a day of informative presentations, practical workshops and legendary hospitality.

Installers Begin Their ‘Road To 2030’ With Everglade Windows

READY

TO OPEN UP

Stellar Lift & Slide Aluminium Door System

28 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

Jay Patel, director at Everglade Windows, said: “We are thrilled that so many customers chose to take time out of their busy schedules to join us for this event. After the last couple of years, it was great to finally get so many customers back together and discuss the latest business support that’s available from Everglade Windows and our

Offering the widest choice of slimline sliding and bifolding door systems in a choice of PVC-U and aluminium to open up more opportunities for you and your customers. Part L 2022 Ready!

Ready to talk?

Stellar Bifold Aluminium Door System

TRADE NEWS partners.”

After an introduction from Yogesh Gopal and the premiere of the new Everglade Windows film, Jay Patel delivered a presentation on The Road to 2030, talking about new opportunities, how installers can boost their pricing power by channeling the principles of the experience economy, and discussed new product launches that were demonstrated on the day during the Expert Marketplace.

This was followed by a presentation on the changes to Building Regulations which are coming in June and an explanation of how the Everglade Windows range already meets the new criteria.

David-Villa Clarke from DVC Wealth Management completed the presentation agenda, talking to delegates about how they can realise the value of their busi-

and Everglade Windows’ local charity St. Luke’s Hospice, who received more than £1,400 in donations from generous guests on the day.

Delegates enjoyed interactive workshops with the Everglade Windows team and supplier partners

ness and prepare for sale or exit. ow Designer and TECHtalk interactive workshops were delivered in between presentations, as well as special guest appearances from Business Pilot and Tommy Trinder to discuss how their software packages can transform the way installation companies run their businesses.

The workshops ran alongside the Expert Marketplace which hosted Window Ware, VBH GB,

The conference ended with Everglade Windows’ legendary hospitality and the cutting of a cake to mark the 40th anniversary of the company.

Jay added: “Every time we hold a conference, we get fantastic feedback from our guests, but this year it has been phenomenal. It was so great to welcome everyone back to Everglade Windows – the party continued into the early hours, with our team and guests making the most of being back together for a conference for the first time since 2019.” www.evergladetrade.co.uk

Patiomaster PVC-U Inline Sliding Door System

The true British systems company info@epwinwindowsystems.co.uk

0845 340 3968

WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022 29

TRADE NEWS ‘very stressed’ over the last two years, with a more than one in three feeling ‘very anxious’.

There was a variety of reasons behind the mental health struggles with the top three being ‘too much work’, ‘staff shortages’ and ‘consumer complaints’.

Interestingly, COVID-19 ranked in the fourth place. What is even more concerning however, is that despite the widespread scale of the problems, half of all respondents reported that they have never confided in friends or work colleagues.

Startling And Emotional’ Statistics Delivered By Results Of DGCOS’ Glass and Glazing Industry Mental Health Survey 2022 The results of The Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme’s (DGCOS) Fenestration Industry Mental Health survey are in. They are startling, disturbing and emotional, casting light on an issue that has been proven to be starker than anyone could have anticipated. The survey shows the price we’re paying in terms of mental health as a sector: 89.5% of respondents have seen an increase in their workload since the Pandemic; 76.3% are experiencing burnout from their workload; 86.8% believe there isn’t enough awareness about mental health and sadly, 60.5% believe there is a mental health crisis in the glazing industry.

Chief executive of DGCOS, Faisal Hussain, explains more: “When we first set about conducting this survey, we were driven by a subjective and anecdotal belief that people were struggling with mental health, but just not really talking about it. We wanted to understand 30 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

the thoughts and experiences of those working in the sector.

However, the scale of what we’ve uncovered during the confidential survey, are objective proof of how just serious and widespread the challenges are.

“The sample of respondents was representative of age, gender and job functions, with a common theme reported by the majority: almost half of those questioned say they have felt

“There were some positives to come out of the survey, in that just under one in two respondents said their employer was very supportive. So where does this leave us for the future? There were lots of suggestions for how we can create more mental health support in the workplace: including more understanding from customers, more staff, more focus on wellbeing including company mental health days and training. Interestingly, pay rises trailed well behind in terms of importance. Obviously not all of these changes can be made overnight, but they do give us a goal to head for.

“We hope the results provide valuable insights which will help the industry collectively to put together some form of collaborative support mechanisms, and I’d be interested in hearing from anyone who would like to progress this with me. We’ve said it many times before, but DGCOS is never afraid to talk about the issues that others steer clear of and this survey is proof of just that. We’re proud to have started the dialogue by drawing attention to very real mental health challenges in the glass and glazing sector: now it is time for action.”

Download the full report here www.dgcos.org.uk

TRADE NEWS

Sekura Commercial Ltd Signs A New Three-Year Exclusive Supply

Agreement With Epwin Window Systems

A Steep Rise

In Registrations

For Q-Secure

Guarantee Specialist social housing and new build fabricator Sekura Commercial Ltd has signed an exclusive new three-year supply agreement with Epwin Window Systems.

Sekura Commercial has been partnering with the systems house since 2004 and fabricates the popular Optima PVC-U window and door system. The newly signed agreement extends the longstanding partnership. Charles Hill, managing director of Sekura Commercial, said: “The quality of the Optima system is exceptional and there is no doubt that the strength of our relationship with Epwin Window Systems adds value to our business at every level.”

Katrina Earl, head of sales of Epwin Window Systems, said: “We are delighted to have agreed this exclusive supply agreement extension. The strength of our partnership is reflected in the length of time Sekura Commercial has been an Epwin Window Systems fabricator. We’re looking forward to supporting the team as they continue their impressive

growth.”

Sekura Commercial Ltd has gone from strength to strength over the years. It recently opened a new 50,000 sq ft manufacturing centre in Houghton Le Spring, Tyne & Wear, from where it manufactures around 1,000 frames per week. Based in the North East, it is a leading specialist manufacturer, supplier and installer of PVC-U windows, doors and GRP composite doors for social housing and new build contracts. Its clients range from local authorities, ALMOs, property developers and registered social landlords to specialist contractors.

Epwin Window Systems says the award-winning Optima from is an efficient to fabricate and easy-to-fit system designed and made in Britain for the British market. It is used on projects of all sizes and across all sectors, and its qualities help give Sekura Commercial a clear competitive advantage in the demanding social housing and new build sectors in which it operates. epwinwindowsystems.co.uk

VBH, the company behind the popular greenteQ range of hardware and furniture, has reported a steep rise in registrations for its Q-secure consumer security guarantee.

Q-secure guarantees the security of windows, doors and patio doors up to a potential £8000 payout, which is paid direct to the end user in the event of a break in through a registered product.

Installations must have been carried out by an approved Q-secure installer and registered direct with VBH. VBH advise that registrations in the first quarter of 2022 are 87% up on those in the final 3 months of 2021.

Marketing manager Gary Gleeson says, “A near doubling of registrations is really encouraging and shows that our guarantee is proving a hit with our customers, who find it to be a real help in closing deals. Q-secure Network members have a valuable, but free, extra carrot to dangle now that sales people once again have to work hard to achieve new business.”

VBH help by generating free leads for the Network with advertising and other activities direct to the general public. www.qsecure.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022 31

TRADE NEWS wrong place, pushing up the cost in the process – 500% in some cases.

In response, many companies turned to Europe for glass hardware and glass cutting consumables, but barriers were erected at the border as the effects of Brexit kicked in – processes that could drive up costs and lead times.

“This situation can be overcome if you work with companies that already have robust procedures in place to manage the flow of product from continental Europe to the UK,” Dave said.

A Multi-Tiered

Service

With delays mounting at the UK’s ports, as bureaucratic hurdles have emerged since Brexit, it has never been more important to partner with the right companies to manage the smooth flow of product from the continent, according to glass consumables business Bohle.

“The issue for companies importing products from Europe is that there’s a lot of associated carriage costs, paperwork, management time and, in some cases, customs duties,” Bohle’s managing director Dave Broxton said. “For companies that don’t have a dedicated import department, that can be time-consuming, frustrating, and 32 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

expensive.”

Until recently, companies could benefit from international trade without negative impacts on production timescales and lead times.

That model was put under increased stress in the last couple of years, thanks to a perfect storm of the coronavirus pandemic and Brexit.

International shipping was significantly impacted during the pandemic as the effect of restrictions were felt around the world, and the movement of shipping containers fell out of sync with demand, which meant they ended up in the

“For example, Bohle moves huge volumes of goods from our large warehouses in Germany on a weekly basis; we send vehicles over to collect those goods and bring them into the UK. We handle all the paperwork, we handle all the customs duties, and we hold strategic stocks in the UK, which we can then distribute to our customers without any of the associated paperwork.”

More importantly, Dave argues, Bohle fulfils the functions of manufacturer, importer and distributor, which removes headaches for companies relying on imports, as well as offering improved lead times to customers.

“When we get demand for products, we can adjust our manufacturing output and inventory to meet that demand,” Dave said.

“We’re not in a situation where anyone would ever have to wait weeks and weeks for a product if it was manufactured in China or the far east.

“We are very resilient when it comes to the supply chain, and we can pass that reassurance to our customers, some of whom have bought from Europe and found difficulties with carriage, with customs, and things getting stuck at the port.” www.bohle.com

TRADE NEWS

ABS ‘Works With’ Kubu In Strategic Partnership systems, there was only ever one manufacturer in our consideration, Avocet and their ABS cylinder platform.’

Kubu and ABS launch their innovative new true-retro smart product, live at FIT. With decades of shared experiences in their respective fields, this new alliance will bring fresh ideas and surprises to the world of smart home technology, as Mark Bromley, CEO of Kubu points out. He said: ‘When we were looking to partner with a cylinder manufacturer to complement our Kubu Smart Security

He continued: ‘It was imperative that we had the best mechanical cylinder on the market. Being PAS24 compliant straight out of the box, and not having to rely on a handle or cylinder guard to be 100% secure makes the ABS cylinder the perfect partner for our market leading smart security technology.’

Rythm Jain, CEO of Avocet Hardware Group echoed these sentiments and added: ‘When we were approached by Mark and his team, we were excited by their plans and their innovation in a very competitive arena. They wanted to continue setting the

John Mitchell Technical Manager Carl F Groupco

Experts in Hardware

pace and challenging the smart tech space and we were particularly impressed by their vision for utilising the best features of our respective products to create a market-beating Smart Security System.’

Kubu have been developing their Smart Security systems for a number of years now with excellent penetration and adoption in the end-user space, thanks to their work with key fabricators over the years. Over the same period Avocet’s ABS division has been producing award winning three-star high security locks for a decade now and are instantly recognisable as the pioneers of the three star cylinder, claims the company. kubu-home.com

Get in touch and speak to one of our experts today: t. Peterborough: 01733 393330 t. Cumbernauld: 01236 721557

“ Carl F Groupco’s

hardware support throughout PAS 24 testing has been invaluable…”

Amanda Hale Roundbrand

e. sales@carlfgroupco.co.uk w. www.carlfgroupco.co.uk

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 developed by installers for installers.To find out more see www.businesspilot.co.uk/barometer

The Business Pilot Barometer Market cooling?

Leads are similarly down by around 11% in May on April and 29% over the three-month period. Yearon-year, the drop is 24%.

By Neil Cooper-Smith, Senior Analyst, Business Pilot

We believe that we’re now seeing a very clear synergy between the cost-of-living crisis and lower levels of consumer confidence, something compounded by war in Ukraine and increased competition for consumer spending as the economy opens-up.

This month’s figures evidence a continuing slowdown in the home improvement market with sales down 9% in May on April, which recorded a drop of 13% on March. This means that over the threemonth period average sales fell by 46%.

Compared year-for-year, May 2021 to May 2022, the drop is 25%, which seems to sit about right for what we’re hearing from retail customers.

34 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

There was always a predictability to this last point.

UK summer holiday bookings are up a fifth on pre-pandemic bookings according to TUI. The opportunity to get away after two-years of COVID, was inevitably going to redirect consumer spend from home improvements to travel, eating out and a broader spend.

Energy price increases have tipped the balance further. While it may feel that the increases have

VIEWPOINT come out thin air, they were in fact long predicted – it’s just not many of us listened. Nonetheless, they culminate in another hit to consumer confidence and tightening of belts.

too early to say if we’re seeing a readjustment or the start of a downturn.

Either way, it appears things are going to be tougher, certainly than they were, and tightening up on your sales and operational processes, to convert more and get more from your teams by automating repetitive tasks and working in a far more connected way is sensible.

We have customers who have saved upwards of £40,000 a year by understanding and tracking operations more effectively. That could be £40,000 back on your bottom line, without having to sell more or work any harder. www.businesspilot.co.uk

It isn’t, however, all doom and gloom. House prices increased by a better-than-expected 11.2 per cent in the year to last month, although down from April’s 12.1 per cent and a high of 14.3 per cent in March, according to the Nationwide house price index.

This is something that should help to sure-up the nerves of those consumers with greater capital behind them that investment in their properties, will, in the longer term pay dividends.

Energy price increases, as we have stated before, should give additional impetus to those who have the cash, to make energy efficient home improvements.

This is also reflected in the increase in average order values for windows and doors seen last month of 11%. Year-on-year this figure jumps by 55%.

This appears to evidence a shift away from the more ‘casual’ spending on home improvements that we saw during lockdown, for example single product purchases, particularly doors and bi-folds, to a more discerning and strategic spend on wholehouse improvements.

Where the market bottoms out, is still unclear. It’s WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022 35

VIEWPOINT In 2017 we pioneered the development of a non-glass-bonded 90° jointed R9 window inside and out using Timberweld. We now offer the complete Residence Collection in a 90° joint on both sides of a welded sash, adding the new 70mm Kömmerling Flush casement to our range this year.

None of that is easy to do, but we’ve done it because [it] puts us in a place which we believe reflects the direction of travel in the market.

It’s not only product but the model.

We took a decision to stop volume manufacture at the start of this year and focus on our specialist PVC-U flush and aluminium offers.

We supply installers but also other fabricators.

It’s about moving forwards in what we offer as an industry and how we do it – and that’s what we need to do now, if, as we expect, the market becomes less forgiving.

Product And Service An open letter by Mark Haley, Managing Director, HWL Windows

The window and door industry never fails to surprise me. I see stuff and have conversations with suppliers and customers every day that you wouldn’t think would happen – but they do.

So, with that in mind, I find myself half expecting to be surprised again this year by what comes next.

As unlikely as it seemed at its start, we saw a global pandemic drive exponential growth in consumer demand for two-years. So, what war, inflation and an energy crisis will do to window and door sales now is not a foregone conclusion – some sort of a slowdown, is, however likely.

So where does that leave fabricators and installers? For me, in 36 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

the midst of a lot of market complexity and challenge – and I don’t think I’m over-simplifying things – it comes back to product and service.

For the last two years, suppliers have been able to get away with a less than exemplary level of service (and at the odd moment, I’m big enough to admit, that that’s included us), because demand has been so high, it really hasn’t mattered.

The same goes for product. There has been a distinct lack of innovation, particularly at systems level for the past two-years. That’s understandable given the context of Covid, and it’s been ok because demand has been there – but now both these things do matter again.

Service and product – in my humble opinion as Yorkshireman, those things still count and consumers, (at least the ones you want to deal with), are still prepared to pay for them.

People will pay more for a flush window with a 90° joint on both sides, because it looks so much better on their home. They’ll pay more for a door that matches it, and they’ll pay more for a colour-matched aluminium bi-fold.

That those products need to be energy efficient is a given because it’s what homeowners want, and in the current climate, with average household energy bills at the £2,000 mark, it’s not only more important to them, but also offers faster pay back.

Actually, they never stopped mattering.

It’s about product, service and particularly in retail, how we communicate that. In short, how we sell.

The smart installers get that. Those who don’t are going to find the next few months a wake-up call.

We’ve always been an innovator.

www.hwlwindows.co.uk

GET

PART L

PART L

2022 3 Compliant

There’s no need to worry about this year’s new Part L standards.

Sheerline has you covered.

Make sure you’re ready with Sheerline’s innovative range of aluminium windows, doors, bi-folds and lanterns, which meet these new thermal requirements, using standard double glazing*

s h e e r l i n e . c o m / R E A DY | 0 1 3 3 2 9 7 8 0 0 0 *Subject to specification and project requirements that will vary for New Build projects.

Visit our site for more information.

SCAN FOR MORE INFO

VIEWPOINT

GQA Interviews Non-Executive Director

Justin Ratcliffe

This year GQA Qualifications celebrates twenty years of trading. As part of the activities to mark the event is a series of interviews with the directors of the organisation.

Here we talk to Justin Ratcliffe.

How important do you feel qualifications and training are?

Vital! Qualifications are a standard against which everyone can be benchmarked equally. A key industry phrase is ‘increasing competency’, and I’ve never believed this would only happen through courses based purely on attendance. There needs to be a test of understanding and knowledge gains.

What does being a Director of GQA mean to you?

It’s a huge honour to serve the organisation, and I’ve been doing so for the last eighteen years. To be part of GQA’s exciting journey from its initial offering of seven qualifications to its current range of over 120 is simply brilliant. It’s very gratifying to see these qualifications now being delivered by over 100 GQA centres. Down the years I’ve been fortunate enough to have been part of some very strong boards that have worked with great synergy to support the excellent CEO and his team.

What do you think are the strengths of GQA? Without a doubt the main strength of GQA is its outstanding team and its passion to raise standards and competency. GQA only involves itself with industries that its staff have significant experience of, which I feel is key to its success. From speaking to GQA’s centres at annual conferences and events, it’s clear the incredible support they receive. It’s been fascinating and rewarding to see how GQA has developed relationships with these centres, and its agility in quickly developing new sector-specific required qualifications.

Another key strength is GQA’s ability to create bespoke qualifi38 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

excellent CEO a high degree of flexibility in driving the organisation forward. Over the years we have seen Mick Clayton expertly carry GQA through a period of continuous growth. Having worked on developing a number of new qualifications on behalf of two trade associations has given me fantastic insight into how the organisation works and what makes it tick.

cations aimed at employers who wish to be able to offer their staff and customers undertaking very specific roles the opportunity to work towards a qualification where one doesn’t already exist.

What does your experience bring to the table?

I’ve worked across a range of blue chip companies before heading up the Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB) for 19 years. I’m passionate about GQA getting its strong messaging out into the marketplace, and like a typical marketeer I’m often pushing for an increase in marketing spend!

What changes have you seen in GQA over the past twenty years you’d like to highlight?

I believe it’s essential for the board to give strong, strategic direction, but equally important to allow our

Government is using powers within the Building Safety Bill to make regulations regarding competence.

These regulations will impose requirements on anyone carrying out any design or building work to be competent for their roles.be a stark reminder to employers that not only qualifications but also ongoing training are not simply optional but are business critical.

As a board member I try to practise what I preach, and my new trade body, The Balustrade and Balcony Suppliers and Installers Association (BABSI) is starting to develop three one-day essential knowledge courses leading to a GQA/BABSI skills card in addition to a new NVQ Level 2 in Balustrading and Railings. This is a great example of GQA’s ability to create bespoke qualifications.

Previously, I worked with the CAB training committee to develop a curtain walling installers leading to the award of a CAB curtain wall installers CSCS card.

Where do you see GQA heading in the future?

VIEWPOINT GQA will continue to work closely with the sectors in which it operates, and together with its expanding network of centres will develop further qualifications to address industry needs not only for the immediate future but for many years ahead.

GQA has developed some exciting initiatives over the last twenty years, none more so than that of Building Our Skills, which has garnered far-reaching support across our sector. With its growing network of training centres across the UK, I predict that Building Our Skills will be one of the organisa-

Energy Efficiency.

Front And Centre. but they couldn’t always be so easy.

And the key driver of inflation – the raising of the energy price cap in April – generates opportunity. Forecast to rise by a further 47% in October, average fuel bills could hit £2,900 a year.

An open letter by Rob McGlennon, Managing Director, Deceuninck So, according to Business Pilot, retail saw a slowdown in April, with fewer sales and fewer leads.

This was attributed to economic uncertainty and the cost-of-living crisis, something driven by hikes seen in energy prices in April.

That analysis is pretty much on the money. The bubble was going to burst at some point, and things were going to slowdown.

Inflation – forecast to hit 10% by the end of this year – plus rising interest rates was always going to take some of the heat out of what was an over-heated market.

Things are going to be tougher,

Analysts at investment bank Goldman Sachs predicted in the press last weekend [15/5/22], that rising energy prices were delivering a shift in consumer behaviour, doing more to drive the UK’s journey to Net Zero than anything agreed at last November’s Cop26 climate conference.

This is borne out in new figures from the National Audit Office, which reported that 40% of homeowners had noticed higher costs and were turning down thermostats and driving their cars less.

This puts energy efficiency front and centre of the social – and political agendas.

Rising energy prices make energy efficient home improvements a priority for homeowners. The question is can they afford them?

And clearly many won’t be able to. The ‘care-free furlough-fuelled’ spending on home improvements that we saw in 2020 and 2021, is behind us.

tion’s most enduring legacies. With an ageing workforce we all have a duty to get behind the initiative, and each give our time to talk to schools and colleges about the exciting opportunities our great industry offers. www.gqaqualifications.com

The future is about home energy efficiency. Something that in the immediate term will be driven less by regulatory change despite Part L, but more by consumer pressure.

The cost-of-living crisis will narrow our market, but core markets will still make purchases – the impetus for them to do so is greater than ever. (It’s worth noting that higher energy prices also make payback on energy efficient home improvements faster).

And because, homes account for around 14% of UK greenhouse gas emissions; and because failure to address the cost-of-living crisis will cost the Government votes; energy efficiency is also front and centre of the political agenda.

Emissions from UK homes need to fall by at least 24% by 2030 from 1990 levels. Still way off track and with no meaningful successor to the Green Deal, in place, Government will also have to deliver longer term initiatives to support homeowners and landlords in improving the energy efficiency of existing stock.

The cost-of-living crisis is real, and society must make sure that vulnerable households don’t slip through the net and into fuel poverty.

For others, those that have a choice to invest in new windows and doors, the argument for doing so, becomes more compelling. We simply have to connect the dots in the homeowner’s mind.

WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022 39

VIEWPOINT

Part F – Cowboys And Customer Complaints An open letter by Mike Parczuk, Sternfenster Window Systems

We’ve seen a lot of discussion about Part F. How it appears to contradict Part L and reinforce the perception that government and those writing the building regulations are completely disjointed and disconnected from reality.

And it’s reality that I want to pick up on for a moment because this is how it’s going go: ‘Reputable Business A’ sits down with the homeowner and says ‘you now need trickle vents on your windows’.

The homeowner says, ‘but I don’t like them and I don’t want them’.

The salesman for ‘Reputable Busi40 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

ness A’ says, ‘we understand but we need to make sure that what we fit is compliant with building regulations, so we’ve got to fit them’.

‘Disreputable Business B’ follows in behind. They have the same conversation, but they tell the homeowner ‘don’t worry about it, you don’t need them – and I tell you what, because you don’t need them we’re £100 cheaper’.

You don’t need me to spell out what the homeowner is going to do.

We know that not everyone in our industry plays by the same rules and we have customers who are genuinely concerned that they will

lose business. Everyone knows those companies just down the road who don’t care about building regulations, the ones who will say that Part F doesn’t apply or get the homeowner to sign a waiver – something we know isn’t worth the paper that it’s written on. It’s going to happen. You know it. I know it.

And this is my issue. It’s not the contradiction between Part L and Part F. Ventilation is important, and until someone invents a cost-effective form of mechanical ventilation, I guess trickle vents are here to stay.

What frustrates me is the issue of enforcement. Because how can Part F be enforced? We’ve been asked if we will do unrouted, ‘stick on trickle vents’. Presumably because the intention is that they can be removed after inspection?

People will bend the rules.

How will competent persons

VIEWPOINT schemes, Fensa, Certass, really know? Even if they fail an installation, it’s then down to the building control inspectorate to pursue that company and, even if the Government is successful in recruiting a further 1,000 inspectors, that line remains pretty thin.

No – the reality is that if you are a decent business, that plays by the rules, you will lose business in the next 12-months to companies that don’t.

So, what can you do? You can, and you should, report those companies that don’t install to the regulations. We’re grown-ups, it’s business. It’s not about about telling tales, it’s about driving up standards throughout our industry, something we should be doing.

And we can educate the home-

owner. We can communicate the benefits and emphasise the importance of effective ventilation – even if it is a little bit ugly and increases your costs!

Things aren’t going to change, Part F is here. The only thing we can get now is a commitment from our competent persons schemes, Certass, Fensa (and others) to call out those companies who exist within their memberships, who don’t think the rules apply to them.

Cowboy traders who sit outside those schemes are going to be more difficult to deal with. We can do little but put our faith in those new building control inspectors, and the hope that consumers are more switched on and know that buying from companies outside those schemes comes with risks not worth taking.

Subscribe To

Our Newscast The Newscasts are mailed out on an email broadcast on a Tuesday and Thursday, each one contains the latest news as it happens in the industry. When you register, please add info@windownews.co.uk to your address book or contact list as this will help your mail system recognise the Newscast.

Just click here to subscribe: https://bit.ly/381DG6d

Luminia Select Partner

Award Winning Windows & Doors to the Trade

Luminia Select Partner

LEAD TIMES FROM 15-DAYS THE F82 LUMINIA ALUMINIUM BI-FOLD FROM EMPLAS • Standard colours including Anthracite; White; Black; Anthracite on White; and Black on White in as little as 15-days • U-Values of 1.4W/m²K (double-glazed) and 0.9W/m²K (triple) • Ultra-slim and symmetrical sightlines

t. 01933 674880

e. info@emplas.co.uk

• Contemporary hardware including patented flush ‘T’ handle • Fully tested to PAS24 and Part Q • Clip-on cill option

www.emplas.co.uk

VIEWPOINT

Aluprof

UK In Ireland 42 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

Trinity College – Dublin

By Wojciech Brożyna – MD of Aluprof UK Since Aluprof’s emergence onto the UK & Ireland market fifteen years ago offering a well established European portfolio of architectural aluminium systems, meeting and often exceeding the needs of specifiers, Ireland has welcomed

VIEWPOINT Aluprof as a major systems supplier. But it’s not just about well designed fenestration systems, the complete supply chain needs to back-up specifiers’ expectations.

Aluprof’s logistics provides weekly deliveries to Ireland from an extensive stock of aluminium systems and hardware located at their head office in Poland. Powder coating and thermal break facilities are all housed under the same roof allowing products to be finished to meet any specification. Aluprof also offers a fabrication service to support its network of fabricator installers across the region when required to meet programme expectations.

Coupled with a physical ‘on the ground’ presence from Aluprof UK & Ireland’s team of support technicians, this has quickly placed the company in the region as a major systems supplier. Glazing fabricators and installers nationwide quickly appreciated the benefits of well designed, robust Aluprof systems and dedicated technical and customer backup. This cooperation grew into many strong, long-term relationships, carried out through difficult times during the 2008 economical downturn.

Over the following years, Aluprof has been and continues to be present on sites of national schemes like government decentralisation schemes or Department of Education school programmes, where a number of market or project based bespoke solutions are developed, for example, as used in the New headquarters for the Office of Public Works’ in Trim, or the ongoing specification of Aluprof’s thermally efficient window in new schools.

These well established and respected working relationships lead back to challenging specifications for UK projects such as developments within the London 2012 Olympic Village, where there was a need to develop some game-changing bespoke designs.

Among the many latest projects

‘Other Stories’ – Dublin

that have been completed in the Republic of Ireland, the headquarters of Microsoft, Twitter and Google, all play special roles as large scale office buildings that demand high-quality specifications in building components. Aluprof UK also boasts of being a provider of the aluminium windows and doors of the highest tower in Ireland, the Block D at Capital Docks development in Dublin.

Trinity College, another spectacular case study project, uses Aluprof MB-SR50N in an extensive roof complex which links two parts of the original college together forming an extensive atrium and open space. Right in the heart of the shopping district, a further project at Grafton Street sees a new store developed using Aluprof MB-SR50N finished in gold anodising with bespoke corner panels, all completed to a very high level of detail.

As large US multinational companies have made their home in Dublin, a location which is ideally

located to springboard into the European market, one social media giant has recently moved into 1 Cumberland Place. Using an existing building, the structure has been fully refurbished with Aluprof’s MBSR50N OW facade system with large integrated parallel windows also provided by Aluprof.

Having a strong presence in the Irish construction scene, this year, for the first time, Aluprof UK decided to sponsor the Irish Construction Excellence Awards 2022.

Located at the Convention Centre, Dublin, the 14th of May event, organised by the Irish Building Magazine, is always a construction highlight of the year for the Green Isle. As Gold Sponsor at the Gala Event, Aluprof offered awards in the best ‘Commercial Under €15m’ project and best ’Industrial Under €15m’ project categories.

Currently with overseas growth further extending across Europe, into the Middle East and with firm roots already in the East of the USA, Aluprof continues to grow into a global player in facade supply. aluprof.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022 43

VIEWPOINT

Long-Term Performance

Still Hampers Composites,

Says Endurance With summer just around the corner, the performance of composite doors will again come under the spotlight says Endurance Doors.

Rising temperatures will lead to a notable rise in heat on the surface of composite doors, with the risk of delamination, cracking and splitting when inferior door skins are utilised.

It’s the time of year when remedials start to increase for some installers, hampering new sales and also forcing the postponement of installation dates for new jobs.

There’s also the increased risk of slabs bowing, causing problems with locking mechanisms and cylinders, something that Endurance has seen first-hand in the market with failed doorsets from others.

44 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

Endurance have reported several bowed, delaminated, cracked and even blackened doors that have been replaced by their Installer Partners and investigations show that material specification and not installation are to blame, says the company.

Stephen Nadin, managing director of Endurance Doors explains the issues further and commented: ‘Heat can affect composite door performance over the long-term and that’s why we specify CoolSkin door skins and a proven construction grade Kerto LVL solid timber core. We believe we’re also the only company in the sector to implement a 3-step wet glazing process too, while our Moisture Barrier System is a proven addition to the Endurance proposition’.

Stephen Nadin

He continued: ‘Sun and water can have an effect on overall composite door performance over the years as our tests have shown.

But our Installer Partners specify Endurance for a promise of worry-free long-term performance and a 3mm bowing guarantee further backs this up. The trade demand better and we’ve also got a duty to consumers to offer a product fit for the long-term.’

Endurance are now in the process of implementing a new, streamlined credit return process reducing the evidence required from installers for any product or warranty queries, though numbers are remarkably low, increasing the speed that each replacement will take and therefore improving end user satisfaction. Endurance’s team of experienced service engineers also fit any replacement parts or doors, so the installer can concentrate on their own business requirements. endurancedoors.co.uk

CREATING BRIGHT FUTURES

The Aluminium Systems House with it all in-house From dedicated design teams and rigorous testing facilities, to never-ending stock-holding and an invaluable training academy to name just a few. Discover why, when it comes to looking for the right aluminium systems house, we’re the only one with it all in-house.

To find out more simply call our house on 01291 639 739, visit alukgb.com/ourhouse or get in touch to arrange a tour of our showroom and facilities at our HQ in Chepstow, South Wales.

ALUKGB.COM/OURHOUSE

PEOPLE

Epwin Window Systems’

Katrina Earl Promoted To Sales Director

Katrina Earl has been appointed sales director of Epwin Window Systems after seven years with the business. In her appointment, Katrina will report to managing director Clare Bailey [formerly O’Hara] and will be responsible for sales development across the PVC-U, Aluminium, Hardware and Commercial business divisions.

delighted to lead the sales function for the business. The quality and innovation of our award-winning window and door systems is second to none and is matched by the quality and commitment of our talented staff. I’m looking forward to working with our sales teams and customers to maximise the market opportunities.”

Commenting on her appointment, Katrina said: “I am proud to be part of Epwin Window Systems and

Previously holding the post of head of sales, Katrina has been an integral part of the Epwin Window

46 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

Systems team. More recently, she has demonstrated her leadership qualities throughout the challenges bought on by the pandemic.

Managing director, Clare Bailey commented: “Katrina’s appointment reflects the strength of her leadership abilities and her commitment to the success of Epwin Window Systems. As we continue to strengthen our service and support offering, Katrina will be instrumental in helping drive business growth through existing and new business opportunities. Her commitment and strong customer focus will help us achieve our ambitions and targeted sales goals while also delivering a consistent customer experience to offer the best level of support in the industry.” www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk

PEOPLE

AluK Appoints Retail

Specialist In New

Sales Director Role CNC Recycling

Strengthens

Sales Team UPVC Window Recycling specialist CNC Recycling have further enhanced their sales team by appointing another highly experienced business development manager to assist with the continued drive to strengthen operations and demand for the recycling of old windows.

AluK has appointed retail sales specialist Wayne Heath as sales director for the trade and residential side of its operation. This is a new position and reflects AluK’s commitment to putting its fabrication and installation partners right at the heart of its business.

Wayne has a long and successful track record with the likes of Everest and Anglian, including board level experience, and spent three years with the automotive giant We Buy Any Car, helping the business transform the way that consumers buy and sell in the second-hand car market.

He will therefore be bringing broad knowledge of the changing retail landscape to AluK and helping customers understand how they can best respond to that through new sales and differentiation strategies and digital first offerings.

Wayne said of his appointment: “It’s great to be back in the

window and door market, especially with such a strong brand as AluK. AluK can already add a huge amount to our customers’ businesses through value added services such as training, technical support, and testing, but we’re taking that up a level now with the launch of a new package of direct retail support under our AluK Home banner.

“I’ll be out and about a good deal over the next few months meeting customers, introducing them to AluK Home and listening and understanding what more they want from us as their aluminium partner.

“We all know the cost-of-living crisis is already starting to impact the economy, so my focus will be on making sure AluK responds quickly and intelligently to any tightening in the window and door market and that we stand side by side with our customers giving them all the support they need.” uk.aluk.com

Nicole Lythgoe joins the North East based firm to both build and support the ever growing network as more companies join the CNC Recycling scheme.

Nicole has previously worked for Eurocell Recycle for almost four years as national raw materials buyer of UPVC windows.

Managing Director Melanie Reid, said “Nicole is a well-respected person within our industry and brings a wealth of experience, she is a fantastic addition to the team to deliver new business into our operation and she is someone who also truly understands window recycling Our strategy for further growth in 2022 has already seen us open two new recycling sites in the UK with more in the pipeline. Furthermore, we have also seen strong demand in the tonnages which are up 40% in the first quarter (Q1) on the same period in 2021”. www.upvc-recycling.com WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022 47

PEOPLE

Cornwall Manufacturing

Board Strengthened With Two Appointments Cornwall Glass Manufacturing has promoted two members of its team to board level: Steve Bunney becomes production director; and Steven Marques is the new sales director.

Cornwall group chairman Mark Mitchell explained that the promotions not only recognises the impact both colleagues have had on the business, but they reflect the faith in their potential to help drive the company forward as Cornwall Glass Manufacturing expands and adapts to the current economic climate.

“We have some extremely ambitious developments in the pipeline, and it is important that we have a board of directors that has the experience and vision to make them a success,” Mark said. “Both Steve and Steven have decades of experience under their belts, and they have demonstrated that not only can they work extremely well under pressure, but they are great ambassadors for the Cornwall Group in general.”

working his way up to general manager across multiples sites: St Austell, Plymouth and Highbridge.

“Steve is a popular manager because is able to bring a sense of synergy and harmony across the different locations,” Mark said. “As we look to expand our operations further north and east, having those skills at board level will become increasingly useful, especially if we acquire other businesses.”

New sales director Steven Marques joined Cornwall Glass Manufacturing in 2018 having joined from Saint-Gobain Glass.

Employed originally as a sales representative, Steven progressed to manager level and proved invaluable as the industry returned to face-to-face meetings following the lockdown period.

“Steven shows a real aptitude for forming, developing and nurturing relationships,” Mark said. “Coupled with his 20 years of glass experience, we decided that he would be a perfect addition to the New production director Steve board, and is only the third sales Bunney joined Cornwall Glass 20 director we’ve had at Cornwall years ago, originally in a production Glass in 25 years, with the previrole at the St Austell factory before ous two still on the board!”

Yale Appoints Sales Manager Yale has appointed Paul Balfe in a role that will see him drive sales across the northwest of England.

Paul, who has 36 years of experience in the door and window industry, has been appointed as sales manager northwest.

In his new role he will be responsible for developing relationships 48 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

Steve Bunney

Steven Marques

Steve and Steven join technical director Angus Herdman, and joint managing directors Mark Knight and Mark Norcliffe on the board of Cornwall Glass Manufacturing which, with Mackenzie Glass and Cornwall Glass & Glazing, forms the Cornwall Group. www.cornwallglass.co.uk with the company’s fabricator partners, as well as its strategic distribution partners.

Discussing his appointment, Paul commented: “I’m very excited to be joining the Yale business. The brand has such a strong heritage and reputation for quality. I can’t wait to get out in the field to meet with customers and will ensure that we deliver the best possible service.” www.yaledws.co.uk

PEOPLE

Leadership Success Sets

Hurst Up For Future

(L-R) Kevin Wheatman, Sarah Van Der Eykyn, Sarah West, Bob Halls, Lee Gray, Aide Page, Steve Pullen and Mark Atkinson.

Hurst Doors commitment to investing in its workforce has been demonstrated with five of its factory and office team achieving Highfield Level 2 certificates in Team Leadership.

Sarah West, Steve Pullen, Bob Halls, Aide Page and Lee Gray have been equipped with the

skills they need to lead a team successfully. This included learning motivation techniques to get the best from people and methods for resolving disputes, giving them the confidence to tackle difficult issues and the tools to develop as a leader.

Training for the qualification was

carried out by Sarah Van Der Eykyn, managing director at Ideal Training Solutions & Leadership based in Hull.

Mark Atkinson, Hurst’s sales director, said: “The team put in a great effort and several of them are now progressing onto the diploma level. All are being encouraged to implement what they’ve learnt into practice in the work-place.

“Sarah was extremely supportive and adapted the training for those that didn’t work on PCs, using workbooks and running question and answer sessions where needed instead. We’d like to thank her for all her help.”

The company’s investment in upskilling its employees is not stopping there, with several members of its customer services team working towards their Highfield’s Level 2 Diploma in Customer Service. www.hurstdoors.co.uk

New Contracts Manager At The Window Company (Contracts)

David Toal is the new Contracts Manager at commercial installation specialists The Window Company (Contracts). He is already working on several large-scale social housing projects, including one funded by the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund which is using replacement PVC-U windows alongside external wall and loft insulation, air source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels to transform the energy efficiency of hundreds of Fenland properties.

David has spent his entire career in the window and door industry, completing an apprenticeship in timber joinery and progressing into installation and then contracts management with some of the industry’s biggest names in PVC-U.

IOSH certified, he brings with him a commitment to the highest health and safety standards on site and a ‘right first time’ approach which fits perfectly within the culture of the award-winning Chelmsford based installer.

joined the team at the glass and glazing industry’s Installer of the Year. At its heart it remains a family business, but with levels of efficiency and service which go beyond anything I have seen from the national, household brands.”

He says: “I’m delighted to have

www.thewinco.co.uk

C O N S E RVATO R I E S

Augmented Reality

– The future is already here with

RoofWright

RPS Software has incorporated the future of design for those selling conservatories, orangeries and garden rooms into its RoofWright programme.

Cath Wright 50 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

The team used the FIT Show as the perfect launch platform for the new developments and spent most of the time demonstrating the incredible design capability to

interested parties.

Commenting on the launch Director of Operations Cath Wright said, “we have been working over an extended period of time to bring Augmented Reality to market, and now it is here even we are amazed at its quality and its potential.”

“For those selling conservatories,

C O N S E RVATO R I E S

orangeries and garden rooms Augmented Reality will be completely game changing. Put yourself in the shoes of a consumer and imagine how spectacular it will be to see your dream room come to life – quite literally - in front of your eyes.

Imagine being able to make changes to the design there and then and imagine being able to project the design on to the back of your home and see it in its true scale”.

“We already know from trialling with customers that conversion rates are going up, and it is absolutely clear that by involving homeowners directly in the design process the opportunity to convert an enquiry into a sale increases significantly.”

“There are many other home

improvement industries promoting the same technology and it is great to see our industry right there with them at the forefront of offering these cutting edge design tools. Here at RPS we have engaged some of the brightest young developers around to bring the same graphics and technology you expect in the gaming industry to our programmes. We have been working in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University for a number of years, and this has delivered us some of the most talented designers there are.”

“I would encourage anybody who is selling conservatories and orangeries, and other outdoor space to take a look at our Augmented Reality programmes. We have the future of design here right now; it is

a truly exciting time to be involved in this sector of the marketplace, and homeowners themselves are already waking up to the potential of this kind of software as a part of their individual customer journey.”

For those interested in learning more about RPS Software’s RoofWright programme, simply email the team at support@rpssoftware.com and ask for a demonstration. As with all RoofWright products, Augmented Reality is dongle free, and users simply sign up to a rolling monthly contract rather than a fixed term agreement. A 14 day free trial is also available as the perfect starting point for those wanting to try this incredible software for themselves. www.roofwright.com WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022 51

C O N S E RVATO R I E S

A True Yorkshire

Warm Roof Mr & Mrs Dickinson live in a beautiful riverside detached home in Yorkshire and had an existing conservatory with a polycarbonate roof that was in need of updating.

The footprint of the conservatory was large but with only one radiator and outdated roof and glazing technology, the space was underused as it was cold for much of the year. The conservatory had been opened up to the house and the poor insulation qualities meant that the adjoining rooms were also cold for much of the year.

After consulting with their local installer, Yorkshire Warm Roofs, 52 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

Mr & Mrs Dickinson chose a complete rebuild to transform their conservatory into a modern, energy efficient extension. As the shape and size of the conservatory provided a fantastic sociable space, the footprint was kept virtually the same, just changing the Victorian style facets of the conservatory to angled corners on the new extension.

Explaining more about the aims of the project, Mr Dickinson said: “Our old conservatory was a great size but was in need of updating to make it more usable year-round in terms of temperature, as for

much of the year it was just too cold to use. The polycarbonate had also begun to look dated, and we wanted to make the space feel more like a proper room. The insulation qualities of the Ultraroof tiled roof really appealed to us.

Yorkshire Warm Roofs talked us through the options available to us and ultimately, we had to choose between replacing the roof or a complete rebuild – we chose the latter.”

Where the old conservatory had full length glazing on all elevations, Yorkshire Warm Roof’s new design features a mix of bi-fold doors and windows, which allow the new extension to be opened up to the garden, brings in lots of light, but also creates a more room-like feel. The old polycarbonate roof was replaced with a stunning L-shaped Ultraroof with grey tiles and two full length glazed panels to draw in huge amounts of natural light to the

C O N S E RVATO R I E S runs alongside the garden. The plastered Ultraroof interior means that the space now feels like a continuation of the home and its outstanding energy efficiency credentials means that the room is usable all year round.

Before

room below.

The resulting new living space is a fantastic example of how a conservatory transformation can change a tired space into a modern, energy efficient extension. The large light-filled room is

open plan to the dining room and kitchen (via a hatch/bar area) and is filled with lots of comfortable seating. The glazed panels in the roof draw in lots of natural light so the space always feels bright and welcoming and is the perfect spot to enjoy views of the river that

Commenting about their beautiful new extension, Mr Dickinson said: “Our new extension is brilliant – I come into it and it’s now warm and the house is no longer cold, which is the main benefit for us. We have bi-folding doors which we hope to use many times in summer to open the space up to the garden. The customer service from Yorkshire Warm Roofs was excellent and we would absolutely recommend Ultraframe roofs having seen how our old conservatory has been completely transformed.” www.standoutwithultraroof.com

Green.

The primary colour. aluplast ecotech. More sustainable.

No compromise on performance.

Recycled PVC-U content from known sources. No cadmium.

No lead!

Recycled material isolated from structural elements and surface to guarantee a perfect finish.

Available across all aluplast PVC-U systems in A+ and A++ BFRC performance ratings.

aluplast PVC-U window and door systems Call 01684 273401 or email info@aluplast.co.uk to find out more.

www.aluplast.co.uk

FIT SHOW

FIT Show Makes Triumphant Return FIT Show, the UK’s only dedicated trade show for the window, door, glass, hardware and components industry, has made a triumphant return with its delayed 2021 event taking place last week (Birmingham NEC, May 10 – 12, 2022).

Organisers reported record visitor pre-registration numbers, with over ten percent of these being made on the day before the show opened. The atmosphere within the halls at the NEC reflected the appetite that the industry had to get back to face-to-face business, and to support its trade show.

FIT Show was due to take place in 2021 but was delayed three times due to the impact of the global pandemic. Reopening this May without restrictions, the event delivered over 170 brands as part of its exhibitor line-up and more than 30 hours of CPD approved learning 54 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

content.

FIT Show event director, Nickie West comments: “I’m still absolutely buzzing after returning from a very successful three days of FIT Show. We were anticipating strong visitor numbers based on our pre registration data, but I don’t think anything could quite prepare us for the atmosphere, goodwill and camaraderie in the halls throughout the show.

“Our exhibitors were consistently busy, our seminars reached capacity on more than one occasion and our late night parties saw people quite literally dancing in the aisles.

It was everything the team and I hoped that it would be, and more.”

A number of brands used FIT Show as a launchpad to market, with debuts from the likes of Compdoor, Solar-Calibre, DAKO,

Rockdoor, UK Doors Online, Checkatrade and Google Nest.

The event also saw the return of a number of legacy FIT Show brands including Haffner, SmartReady Veka, Ultraframe, Selecta Systems, Brisant-Secure, Business Pilot and Made for Trade. xhibitors went to great lengths to deliver a first class event for visitors, with ambitious and innovative stand builds supported by strong marketing campaigns.

Morley Glass, FIT Show first timer Strongdor, and Britmet Lightweight Roofing won awards for driving and converting the most visitors with their campaigns.

Hot on the heels of its May 2022 event, FIT Show organisers have confirmed the dates of the next show, which will return to the NEC Birmingham from 23 – 25 May,

FIT SHOW 2023. FIT Show will continue to follow a biennial frequency, placing the show in Fensterbau Frontale’s ‘off year’. The May 2023 edition will be followed by FIT Show 2025 and return every other year thereafter.

ODL Europe Is One Of The First To Sign Up For FIT 2023

It is an exciting time for FIT Show with 2023 marking the ten year anniversary since its launch, and its seventh outing. Organisers are already receiving a strong amount of support for its return next year.

Nickie continues: “We have already had strong support for our 2023 event with 45 brands, including the likes of Haffner, ODL, Morley Glass, Selecta Systems, DAKO, Bel’M and Comar – amongst others – rebooking for next year. We’re also having positive conversations with a number of brand leaders who weren’t quite ready to exhibit in 2022 but who are planning to return in 2023.

“It’s going to be a very special event as we commemorate ten years of innovation, growth and success for the whole industry and we hope they’ll join us to celebrate this special FIT Show landmark.”

FIT Show brings every link in the fenestration supply chain together under one roof across three days.

Exhibitors include fabricators, systems houses and suppliers of the leading products and services across windows, doors, flat glass, hardware and components. www.fitshow.co.uk

Following an exceptional FIT 2022, ODL Europe has become one of the first companies to sign up to exhibit at the show next year. FIT 2022 was the first for the company’s new managing director, Bryan Bultema, who said: “This was a great show for ODL Europe, with a high-quality footfall and a large pipeline of new business opportunities. It was a great opportunity to meet customers and potential customers, as well as network with industry peers. It was the first time the industry had got back together for a face-to-face exhibition, so there was a great atmosphere – it was a fantastic business event.”

ODL Europe says its stand showcased the company’s strength as a business that adds value to building products. And that the depth of its door offering was particularly notable, in particular the quality and reliability of the Capstone composite door slab. Also attracting a great deal of attention was the Guardsman Fire Door, which won Best New Product of the Year at the G21 Awards.

The company was happy to sign up for FIT 2023 at the end of the first day. Bryan explained: “The FIT

Show is the UK’s leading trade exhibition for the industry, so it made good business sense to sign up at the earliest opportunity. We had a great first day and it was clear the show was going to be a success so we had no hesitation in signing up for next year.”

Nickie West, FIT Show’s event director, commented: “ODL Europe put on a brilliant display for our visitors this May and I am delighted that they will be joining the exhibitor line-up for 2023. Our visitors flocked to the ODL Europe stand with high expectations for both the breadth and quality of products on display and they were not disappointed. I’m excited to see how ODL Europe builds on its 2022 success at FIT Show next May.” Bryan concluded: “The professionalism of the show was amazing.

I’d like to thank all the organisers for working on such an impressive event. A huge thank you must also go to the ODL Europe team and our marketing support partner for an exceptional stand that showcased our range of doors so well.

We’re already looking forward to next year!” www.odleurope.com WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022 55

FIT SHOW

Haffner Celebrates FIT 2022 Success – And Signs Up For FIT 2023 Haffner is celebrating an outstanding FIT 2022 and has already signed up for FIT 2023. Speaking after the show, Haffner CEO Dave Thomas said: “FIT 2022 was an amazing success. The quality of the footfall was tremendous, with numerous six-figure machinery packages sold directly from the stand from day one. We broke our own record for the amount of new business we secured and we have a large pipeline of potential new business too.”

Haffner’s stand stood out for several reasons. The first was its size – it was the largest stand in the show’s history and was memorably described on FIT TV as ‘less stand, more zone’. It also attracted attention as the home of the world’s first fully seamless window fabrication demonstration thanks 56 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

to Graf Synergy technology. Dave commented: “Graf seamless welding technology is a gamechanger for the industry and this is reflected in the number of patents its machinery has. We were delighted to host Dekko Window Systems who recently signed a multi-million-pound machinery deal with Haffner to invest in Graf Synergy’s fully seamless window fabrication set up. Live demonstrations ran every two hours throughout the show which attracted much attention.”

There was a general buzz throughout the three-day show, which was the first since 2019. Dave commented: “It’s clear the industry has missed being able to get together face-to-face and especially the ability to see a vast range of machinery for themselves.

Fabricators of all sizes in both aluminium and PVC-U were able to discuss the packages that were right for their business. Our stand was busy throughout the three days and even though we had the largest stand in the FIT Show history, the return on investment was evident right from the start.

We had no hesitation in signing up for next year.”

Nickie West, FIT Show event director, commented: ”We are absolutely thrilled that Haffner has become one of our first exhibitor signings for FIT Show 2023. Their presence at FIT Show this May was a huge success and we are excited to see what they have planned for next year. Being able to showcase running machinery on the scale that Haffner did at FIT Show 22 was a big draw for visitors. We’re excited to build on this, alongside Haffner, for FIT Show 2023.”

Dave concluded: “Congratulations to everyone involved in the superb organisation of the FIT Show this year. We’ll look forward to May 2023 and to another great year!’ www.haffnerltd.com

AVA I L A B L E E X C L U S I V E LY T H R O U G H

E XPERIENCE T RUE INS TA L L ER ENL IGH T ENMEN T C ON T EMP OR A R Y A RCHI T EC T UR A L A PPE A R A NCE

FA S T F I T C OV ER C A P S

ULT R A SL IM SIGH T-L INE S W I T H 3 8MM F R A ME

SECURE GL A S S S UPP OR T FOR S A F ER INS TA L L AT ION 25° L OW F I X ED PI T CH

PA R T L C OMPL I A N T T HERM A L LY BROK EN A L UMINIUM S Y S T EM

S T OCK SIZE S A ND C OL OUR S FOR FA S T L E A D -T IME S

Not only is the new XENLITE ® ultra strong, ultra slim, and ultra stylish, but it’s also packed with clever design and engineering features which make it easier, quicker, and safer to install, requiring only one person to fit*. All this at a competitive price, too.

So illuminate your customers’ homes, and your business.

See the light at XENLITE.co.uk or call 01706 614796. *Installation based on 2mx1m XENLITE Lantern

FIT SHOW

FIT Showed ‘Our Industry At Its Best’ Quickslide’s chairman, Adrian Barraclough, hailed this year’s FIT Show as one for the people, and said the industry coming together face-to-face again was the highlight of the event.

“One of the things I love most about our industry is the charisma, character and camaraderie of the people,” said Adrian, “and this year the FIT Show reminded us all just how important and impressive that is.

“Quickslide took a last-minute large space at the show so, as well as showing off our flagship Legacy Vertical Slider, we were lucky to benefit from a generous casual seating area, encouraging many new and familiar faces to come and sit down for a chat with the Quickslide team.

“It was great just to be togeth-

it came at the end of a recent whistlestop tour of several Quickslide customers, which he documented in video posts on social media.

er again and talk. Plus, we have various new and exciting products and solutions launching, so seeing visitors on-stand was a great opportunity to discuss how these can help Quickslide and its trade partners grow together going forward.”

For Adrian, everything about the FIT Show was right this year; the exhibitors, the audience, the location, not to mention the timing, as

“It has been so uplifting getting back out to see customers again.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it and the FIT Show was the icing on the cake,” he said. “There was so much energy and positivity on display, along with plenty of innovation.”

This year’s show, Adrian concluded, was: “the perfect opportunity for the fenestration industry to put the past two years behind us and get back to what we’ve been missing: the way we bounce off each other for the benefit of us all.

“It really did show the best of our industry.” https://www.quickslide.co.uk

opportunity for customers to see the new gasket in person and they were impressed with what they saw, claims the company.

Chris, who had a fantastic FIT Show with the Extrudaseal team, added: “Many of the people who visited our stand explained they were having issues with their existing seals shrinking or stretching. With Premaseal we are able to provide them with the perfect solution – and it went down a treat.

Premaseal Proves

Popular At FIT Show

“We always knew about the issue of stretching gaskets, but the FIT Show made us realise it is even more widespread than we thought,” says Chris Byers, managing director at Extrudaseal. “It was a major topic of conversation which meant that Premaseal was the most popular product with visitors to the show.”

After developing Premaseal in 2020 using anti-stretch technology, the industry show provided the first 58 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

“Featuring anti-stretch technology which helps the seal stay in place, it offers fabricators a solution they can fit and forget without worrying about shrinking.

This results in reduced site call backs to re-fit the gasket which not only makes windows and doors last longer, but it also significantly reduces waste.

“Customers in the past have explained how they’ve had to cut gaskets longer to account for shrinkage, but with Premaseal you don’t have to do that, saving fabricators around 14 metres of gasket per 100 sashes, which is a phenomenal reduction.

“Our Se-Lon foam seals and corner gaskets also attracted attention, but overall, it was just great to see everyone again, especially at PiGs on the Wednesday night which we are always very happy to sponsor.” www.extrudaseal.com

FIT SHOW

Ultraframe Gets A

‘Thumbs-Hup!’ At The FIT Show

The Ultraframe team has proclaimed how fantastic it was for the industry to finally meet up again at the FIT Show, where the company launched its revolutionary new hup! building system to huge accolade.

Ultraframe says the hup! system, which was seen for the first time at the show, offers a better way to build home extensions and conservatories, with a fast to build, highly energy efficient wall solution that can be used with any Ultraframe roof. This flexibility means that installers or builders can create every possible style of home extension, orangery, or conservatory, quickly and easily. In fact, hup! extensions can be built five times faster than ones using traditional build methods, reports Ultraframe.

Commenting about the success of

FIT Show 2022, Ultraframe Marketing Director, Alex Hewitt, said: “It really was fantastic to get back face-to-face with the industry at this year’s FIT Show after a long absence due to the lockdowns of the last few years. We were extremely excited not only to meet again with our peers, but also to show our new hup! building system for the very first time. The response we received was amazing, with many installers saying why would they ever build with bricks and mortar again!”

According to Ultraframe, hup! uses building regulation compliant materials and fewer trades are needed; no brickies, just one conservatory fitting team. The system can be manufactured off site, with no cutting needed on site, reducing waste and time. It incorporates de-

sign flexibility – choose your own claddings and windows & doors, and design, specify and price each project in easy-to-use software.

Ultraframe says that despite rising material costs, the specified hup! price won’t fluctuate. The system is Engineered by Ultraframe using BBA approved technology and manufactured in a BBA approved factory, and its comprehensive training means that fitting teams are confident and competent.

Along with the revolutionary hup! building system, visitors to the Ultraframe stand were also able to see the new Vista and Flat Roofs along with learning more about the company’s marketing support and existing systems such as Glass Roof, Ultraroof, and Livinroof.

Concluding, Alex said: “The hup! system is truly unlike anything else on the market and it was wonderful to receive such a positive reaction to it at the FIT Show. We’re really looking forward to seeing pictures of hup! builds over the coming months and hearing that it has made life so much easier for our customers.” www.ultraframetrade.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022 59

FIT SHOW for Flip also spiked interest. Having them on display was very powerful as people could really appreciate the true textures and finishes, which are hard to represent in a lifestyle brochure.

“However, DoorCo is more than just our innovative composite door products. We are a business underpinned by two important factors: People and technology. Both were well represented at the show.

Perfect FIT Show For

DoorCo DoorCo has confirmed that FIT Show 2022 was a resounding success for the leading composite door manufacturer, providing the perfect platform to reconnect with the market, do some serious business and have some fun along the way.

Dan Sullivan, MD, DoorCo Ltd comments: “One of DoorCo’s main objectives for the exhibition was to connect and FIT Show certainly delivered the perfect platform. Although the scale of the event was smaller than previous years, the quality of the visitors meant there was some serious business to be done. Our stand was constantly busy throughout the show, and particularly at lunch time where people were literally queuing around the block for our Korean tapas or on Wednesday evening – the Kubu X DoorCo party was definitely the place to be!

“Our other objective for FIT was to demonstrate to the market what DoorCo 2022 really looks like.

60 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

Bringing together our house of brands, new innovations and technology certainly gave visitors insight into the world of DoorCo and cemented our position as the UK’s leading composite door manufacturer. Gripcore and Flip generated a lot of interest, as well as the latest trends in design, ‘Paint’ colour and ‘Glazing’. Our Bright Magma door was a real standout, not just because of the shade but also thanks to the striking contrast of the black Inox cassette and matching hardware. For those preferring something more subtle, the Anthracite Grey hardware and Flip Twintone cassette designs, which will be launched in Anthracite Grey Flat Stipple shortly, also attracted much attention.

“There was also a great interest in the different textures DoorCo offers, like our designer Patina finish which is designed solely for the iconic Monza II door to highlight its unique texture. The new Matte Black door colour, and new metallic finishes which we’re developing

“The revolving door design wall – a particular feature that many appreciated – allowed us to showcase the wide range of door designs DoorCo has to offer without cramming the stand full of physical product.

“The team were there in force too.

Representatives from our overseas partner DoorCo KR, directors, senior management, customer services, sales, marketing, IT and manufacturing were all present. This mix demonstrated that DoorCo truly is a family run, independently owned business; we’re agile, flexible and able to make decisions that benefit all stakeholders, quickly. This versatility was apparent and appreciated during many conversations throughout the exhibition.

“In addition, for some of the team it was the first time out of the DoorCo offices. Being part of FIT provided them an excellent opportunity to see the wider innovations in place at the show first-hand, meet lots of new people in the same industry, understand the potential the window/door industry has to offer, and understand where DoorCo sits within it – as trend setters, not followers. I strongly believe this exposure will strengthen relationships and our business as a whole going forward.

“All in all, for DoorCo, the FIT Show was a resounding success!

Thank you to all involved – from our visitors, to the teams that made it all happen.” www.door-co.com

SlotVents.

Slim, adjustable ventilation.

to comply with the new building regulations Choose from 10 colours and 3 sizes, with standard, noise reducing and fly screen options.

Ventilation requirements to maintain indoor air quality.

See the Yale SlotVent range at mila.co.uk/slotvents

mila.co.uk

FIT SHOW man brand is the resurrection of the former Masterdor, that was so popular in the market several years ago.

And, with a growing demand for high performing, energy efficient products, the focus was on the new Portium range, which Solar Calibre showcased to the industry at FIT. Similarly, the new Passivhaus solution was a head-turner.

Solar Calibre

Doors Fitter

Than Ever After FIT Show 2022 “A great job, well done by all” was the verdict from Solar Calibre Doors managing director, Gareth Jones, on FIT Show 2022. This is the first time the recently formed business attended FIT Show, a decision that the company says has reaped dividends.

“Our appearance has helped boost recognition of our emerging Solar Calibre brand, as well as showcasing our extensive range of door solutions. It was really good to be able to meet face to face with many of the customers whom we’ve welcomed on board since our new business launched in May 2020,” said Gareth.

“We all enjoyed being back at a live 62 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

event on this scale and meeting up with people again, some for the first time in over two years and were delighted, but not surprised, by the high visitor numbers. The industry was obviously very ready for a live event and a lot of people were keen to exchange experiences and expectations, after the challenges of the last few years, and undoubtedly looking ahead, with more to come.”

With the industry generally expecting a downturn in the market, Solar Calibre received a lot of interest in its higher end products that offer significant margin potential, notably the Craftsman timber door.

Many visitors were pleasantly surprised to see that the Crafts-

“We were keen to hear what visitors to FIT had to say about our new Portium range including our Passivhaus door,” said Gareth.

“This was something of a test bed for us, and the response endorsed our own confidence in these specialist products which we will now look to roll out in the coming months.”

An important feature of the company’s specialist door solutions is its fire door range. Thanks to its partnership with sister company Fire Doors by Solar, Solar Calibre Doors is able to offer both GRP and timber fire rated doors, either supply only or supply and fit, acknowledging the specialist installation required. “This was well-received by visitors to the stand and we are confident we will pick up significant new business on the back of the FIT Show, in what should prove a growing market for years to come.

We also found that a number of visitors came to FIT Show with a purpose, many looking for an alternative composite supplier, mentioning issues they’d had with supply, quality and delivery.

“Overall, we were really pleased with the visitor numbers to our stand, which was good not just for our business, but is great to support the Ukrainian Humanitarian Aid Fund, as we are donating to this based on stand visits. We were also delighted to announce the winner of the golf day at Celtic Manor Resort, which we ran both for visitors to our website and to our FIT Show stand” concluded Gareth Jones.

FIT SHOW

FIT Show Visitors Hungry For Information Says GGF & Fensa

The Glass & Glazing Federation and Fensa have announced a successful FIT Show for both organisations who offered industry peers a bank of information on areas such as recruiting new talent, upskilling, winning new business, and changes to building regulations.

Anda Gregory, chief development officer at the GGF explains: “Visitors to the FIT Show were evidently hungry for more information on many issues. It was clear to see from the number of visitors coming to see us during the show that companies want to apply best practice and do the right thing but are struggling to find all the answers they need.

It was great to share our expertise and knowledge on both of

our stands, but also at the series of talks we gave throughout the show. The seminars were packed out and were well received by all who attended.

“The GGF’s Skilled Pathways Scheme and training offering also went down a storm at the show because companies could see that it has everything they need to attract new talent and offer full training programmes to employees. Similarly, the Fensa stand was inundated with people keen to learn more about the changes to Building Regulations. We had a mixture of visitors to both stands too – a vast number of members looking for more advice and guidance, as well as many more new faces looking to become members.

Anda continues: “Despite the many challenges we have ahead, as we all anticipated, the show brought with it an immense sense of positivity, which was great to see. Meeting with industry peers, both members and non-members, face to face again was a wonderful reminder of how well we can all work together. Both the GGF and Fensa enjoyed catching up with colleagues in person to provide the trusted expertise that the industry was clearly so hungry for, but we are also looking forward to working with all aspects of the industry to offer our support on an ongoing basis.” www.ggf.org.uk www.fensa.org.uk

est addition to the company’s range, the Concept Patio 130 slide and lift-slide system from Reynaers.

Chris commented: “The Reynaers CP 130 system attracted the attention we knew it would. It’s an incredibly versatile door system that offers a multitude of ways to deliver the large glazed expanses today’s homeowners are looking for.”

Fentrade Sees FIT Show Success

Specialist aluminium fabricator Fentrade’s first time exhibiting at the FIT Show has seen it secure a strong pipeline of potential new work. Chris Reeks, Fentrade’s director, said: “We were delighted to have a presence at FIT this year and to have secured so many new enquiries. It was great to see customers face-to-face and to meet many potential new customers too.”

The trade fabricator’s stand showcased the new-

Also drawing visitors to Fentrade’s stand was the prize draw to win an overnight stay for two people at Celtic Manor Resort in Newport with a round of golf as well. Chris said: “Fentrade is a proudly Welsh business based in Newport and near to the Celtic Manor, which is one of Europe’s finest golfing destinations. It was a championship prize and it attracted the level of attention I knew it would!

The prize was won by Kevin Stallard of Saje Upvc Limited” Fentrade is a young company but its team has a wealth of industry experience and it has a rapidly growing reputation as a customer-focused business.

The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of products from industry brands such as AluK, Reynaers and Kestrel Aluminium, all manufactured at its state-of-the-art facilities in Newport. Fentrade says it backs this up with exceptional customer service based on proactive communication and attention to detail. fentradealuminium.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022 63

FIT SHOW

‘Incredible Response’

To Latest Uni-Blinds Systems At 2022 FIT Show The 2022 FIT Show proved to be a tremendous success for Uni-Blinds integral blind systems manufacturer Morley Glass, with an incredible response from the industry to its range and, in particular, its newly launched systems, according to managing director Ian Short.

Over three busy days, hundreds of visitors to the stand explored the established solutions from UniBlinds, including its best-selling SV cordless sliding Venetian system and MB System, the smart home compatible fully automated system.

The company’s largest ever FIT Show stand gave visitors ample space and opportunity to touch, feel and try-out its market-leading range of integrated blinds. There was a special free prize draw too, which was won by James O’Brien of TWR Group – he wins a UniBlinds integral blinds package worth £1000!

However, it was the new UniBlinds systems that were the stars of the show. Its new SV+, which is a symmetrical version of the SV sliding Venetian blind, attracted strong interest from installers who wanted to see the potential for Uni-Blinds to provide a perfectly balanced view through windows and doors.

64 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

The new Uni-Blinds pleated blackout integral blind was also a big attraction, thanks to its ability to provide complete “darkness on-demand” in rooms such as nurseries and cinema rooms, as well as bedrooms affected by light pollution from streetlights and car headlights.

Ian Short, MD of Morley Glass said: “We had an incredible response from the industry at the FIT Show so thank you to everyone who came to see us. It was fantastic to get back to meeting people face-to-face and seeing so many familiar faces, as well as having an opportunity to introduce Uni-Blinds to a new audience.

“We were so impressed with the number of visitors, the buzz and the new connections we made at the show that we have already signed up for FIT Show 2023. We can’t wait to get back out there in May next year!” www.morleyglass.co.uk

www.roofwright.com (+44) 161 426 1120 support@rpssoftware.com RPS provides industry leading design software for those selling conservatories, orangeries and garden rooms.

Why not get in touch to arrange a demonstration of our latest RoofWright AR (Augmented Reality) game changing software.

@RPSSoftwareUK @RPSSoftwareUK @rps-software

FIT SHOW

A FIT-Ting Way To Celebrate 125 Years

Kömmerling celebrated the 125year anniversary of the brand in style at this year’s FIT Show with a stunning stand bursting with product innovation, large scale AV 66 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

production and featuring a large central bar made from the company’s KomaCel sheet.

Inspired by their Fensterbau

stands from recent years, this year’s stand was a showcase of the power of the Kömmerling brand, backed by a product range that included their latest 70mm flush sash window which achieves a U-value of 1.2 (W/m2K) with a standard double-glazed unit.

Elsewhere on the stand were other windows from the Kömmerling 70 and System 76 platforms, along with a feature packed PremiLine Pro patio door and the lift and slide PremiDoor.

A Legend brand window including cut through section with head vent and cavity closer featured as did the new Kömmerling VS which were both very well received. There were also WarmCore bi-folding and patio doors on show, along with several product cross sections from the system, all of which provide significantly better energy efficiency credentials than typical aluminium systems, says Kömmerling.

Dr Peter Mrosik, owner and CEO of profine Group, was also at the

FIT SHOW

SupaLite Celebrate Decade In The Industry At FIT Show

show for most of the three days as he did in 2017 and 2019 and reiterated the group’s commitment to a £multi-million investment programme in Huthwaite to make it a world class facility worthy of the Kömmerling name. Goodies were passed out to visitors, along with a premium hard-backed celebratory brand book, copies of which were also signed by Dr Mrosik.

Kevin Warner, sales and marketing director for profine UK and Kömmerling was rightly enthusiastic and commented: “Right from the show opening our stand was busy with existing customers and prospects, but despite the challenges that the industry has faced recently, there was a great deal of positivity throughout the show. We have a great and expanded product range and a commitment from the group and ultimately the owner to build this great brand further in the years to come and the FIT Show has certainly laid the foundations for us to do so.” www.profine-uk.com www.kommerling.co.uk

Preston-based tiled roof specialists, SupaLite, are celebrating a successful three-days exhibiting at this year’s FIT Show.

The SupaLite stand displayed the company’s latest products and developments, including a demonstration of the brand-new trade pricing app.

Cassie Watters, sales and marketing manager at SupaLite, said: “Exhibitions like this have certainly been missed in our industry so it was great to be back catching up with our existing and prospective customers face-toface.”

SupaLite certainly made the most of attending the UK’s largest event for the conservatory, window, door and glazing industry by using it as an opportunity to launch its latest innovative flat roof orangery system, ILite, to the wider market.

“We had a fantastic three days and, as a company that is driven

to design and develop first-class products for our customers, we are delighted by the incredible response we received to both our existing range and the latest additions to our portfolio,” adds Cassie.

“We’ve been a long-standing supporter of the FIT Show for many years and once again it proved to be a great platform to showcase what we do. This year in particular was a special one for us because it also marked ten years since SupaLite was launched into the retrofit and new conservatory market.

“Celebrating a decade in the industry is a great achievement we’re incredibly proud of and being able to do this at the FIT Show is something we’ll never forget. Even though it was a busy few days, we’re already looking forward to next year’s show.” https://www.supaliteroof.co.uk/ WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022 67

FIT SHOW

Installer Hub Is

A Hit At FIT

The Certass Installer Support Hub was a hit with installers looking for accurate and up-to-date information on the new Building Regulations at FIT Show.

The Hub, which brought Certass’ award-winning Facebook forum to life, also attracted installation companies who were looking for more support and membership benefits from their Competent Person Scheme (CPS) provider.

A hive of activity for the three-day show, Certass also hosted stand partners QANW (Quality Assured National Warranties) who were on hand to help installers with Insurance Backed Guarantees (IBGs) and Deposit Protection Insurance (DPI). Plus, The Installer Support Hub hosted the launch of Certified Roofer, the new Competent Person 68 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

Scheme for conservatory roofs, powered by Certass and NAPIT.

Chair of Certass, Jon Vanstone said: “We are so pleased with the fantastic response we had to the Installer Support Hub at FIT Show.

It was great to be back chatting to members face-to-face and understanding what else they need from us to help support their business.

“It also gave the Certass team a good opportunity to chat to potential new members about what our CPS, Trade Association and consumer-focussed leads site certifiedcompetent.co.uk offers to help make their lives easier, reduce their costs and build their business.”

Jon Vanstone featured three times on the FIT Show Seminar Theatre schedule too. He was part of the

opening panel debate hosted by Paul Godwin and presented two specialist seminars on Wednesday 11 May – ‘An Introduction to the Building Safety Regulator and The Future of Competence for our Industry’ and ‘Tackling Mental Health & The Suicide Rate with Lighthouse Club’.

Certass also played host to one of the biggest parties of Late Night Wednesday – the ever popular PiGs (People in Glazing Society) networking event, which saw covers band ‘Ellie Jones and the Giants’ rock the halls of the NEC whilst exhibitors and late-night visitors enjoyed a few drinks.

Jon added: “Certass works for our members, and our focus for the show was to reconnect face-toface with them to celebrate their success over the past few years, get genuine feedback on our services and talk to them about what’s coming next.

“The Installer Support Hub was a real hit with visitors and we’re already looking forward to being back in 2023!” www.certass.co.uk

FIT SHOW

The Smartest Showing From Kubu Kubu Smart made an impression at this year’s FIT Show, providing the industry with a complete smart home solution, regardless of handle or cylinder preference.

A complete range of window and door smart sensors were presented, backed with a unique, smart security guarantee, alongside new Avantis multi-point locks that ‘Work with Kubu’.

Kubu has been developed for any cylinder and any handle, but the company has aligned itself with Avocet and ABS as their cylinder partner. Other partnerships with Locket for home insurance, Dekko, DoorCo, Garnalex/Sheerline, Haffner, Kömmerling, and Listers were

represented across the FIT Show, while meetings were held with other global smart-tech ‘giants’ across the three days.

The emergence of smart tech for the industry cannot be underestimated, explained an enthusiastic Ryan Bromley, co-founder of Kubu Smart. He said: “FIT Show 2022 was a game changer for us, with the industry’s first smart solutions for windows, doors and the retro-fit market all ready for launch.

Endless possibilities.

We’re fully tooled and actively in production, with stocks of sensors and Avantis hardware available just a matter of weeks after the show.

Feedback from visitors was nothing short of exceptional.

He continued: “The partnerships we have in place are a testament to the confidence people have in Kubu, with many more in the pipeline too. As a global business, we’ve got over 12 years’ experience in smart-sensor design, development, and manufacturing. With over 120 million active sensors, for some of the world’s best-known brands, in consumer’s homes worldwide, you can trust in our experience and reliability. Kubu Smart Security technology is ready now, with some consumers already enjoying a connected smart-home with sensors on all of their windows and doors.” kubu-home.com/trade

FL AT GR A INED CASSET TE

STA NDA R D CASSET TE

FL AT ST IP P L E CAS S ET TE

Our doors are a canvas that comes in all shapes and sizes FLiP ® is the new door glazing cassette system developed

by DoorCo with a revolutionary Foam in Place technology ® that delivers a superior seal and aesthetic freedom never seen before. It’s time to FLiP ®.

Find out more →

FLiPUK.com Email. info@door-co.com | Call. 01625 428955 DOORCO, M6 Motorway House, Charter Way, Macclesfield, SK10 2NY

WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022 69

FIT SHOW

AdminBase Celebrates

Multiple Successful Launches At FIT AdminBase, the installer management system, is celebrating the successful launch of multiple new features to its integrated solution at the FIT Show.

Rhonda Ridge, author of AdminBase, says: “In addition to showing prospects the breadth of the existing AdminBase system with its award-winning customer portal, MyAdminBase Diary App, and customisable home screen, to name just a few features, visitors to our stand were also excited to see our newly released additions. We launched three new elements at the show including a barcode facility, an e-signature service, and a sales app upgrade in partnership with Pricepoint Sales.

“AdminBase was established 25 years ago, and we have remained the installer management system of choice because we are constantly reviewing 70 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

and upgrading our solution as installers’ needs change. Collecting signatures electronically is a trend that has gathered momentum in recent months, so we have been busy developing a facility to allow our customers to do just that. We have also added a barcode scanning facility, so installation businesses can scan products into the factory or warehouse, further reducing the need to input data and improving efficiencies.”

Perhaps the most significant launch at the show was an upgrade to the system’s sales app in partnership with Pricepoint Sales, a tool that helps sell windows and doors without the need for an internet connection. Rhonda tells us more: “We’re really excited about this new partnership because the flexibility and features of Pricepoint, along with its simplicity and intuitive interface, makes it a great fit for AdminBase.

Rhonda Ridge

“We were expecting a busy show, but we are thrilled with the interest we received in AdminBase from new and existing customers alike. We’ve got a busy few months ahead of us while we follow up new leads and embed our upgrades, but we’re looking forward to making life easier for even more installation businesses across the UK.” www.abinitiosoftware.co.uk

FIT SHOW

FIT Show Success Shows

Installer Need For Leads Glazing Summit

Cocktail Party

At FIT Wets

Appetites For (L-R) Hanna Riley, Andy Royle, Rob Brown, Stacey Moore

Leads 2 Trade’s successful visit to this year’s FIT Show demonstrates that installers are having to work harder for their leads.

That’s the view of Andy Royle, co-founder and managing director of Leads 2 Trade, the provider of double-qualified sales leads to installers in the home improvement sector.

The UK’s largest door and window trade exhibition was back after a three-year hiatus and the Leads 2 Trade stand proved a popular destination for visitors to the event, which took place at the NEC, Birmingham.

Andy and the team, including national sales manager Rob Brown, area sales manager Hanna Riley and office manager Stacey Moore were on-hand to discuss the service the company can offer to installers – and introduce the company’s new 25% cashback offer for consumers, which installers can offer to prospects to give them a unique USP over the competition – and ‘double their conversion rates’.

Andy said: “As this was the first FIT Show in three years we thought it would be the best time to exhibit and launch our new cashback offer. It was a very positive three days, and it was great to

see some of our installer members face to face.

“We had lots of interest from installers in our premium lead, no pitch no fee confirmed appointment service, which reinforces what we are hearing in terms of installers seeing a definite shift to receiving fewer enquiries from their self-generated efforts.

October Event Excitement is building for this year’s Glazing Summit after its launch event at the FIT Show.

To celebrate the launch of this year’s event, which takes place on Tuesday, October 18, at Edgbaston Stadium and Conference Centre, Glazing Summit organisers Insight Data and Purplex Marketing hosted an exclusive cocktail party at their joint stand.

“This also meant a lot of intrigue about our new cashback offer, which we think will be a game-changer for the way installers pitch and convert leads.”

Visitors, including industry VIPs, Glazing Summit speakers, sponsors and guests enjoyed a selection of special cocktails produced fresh by a team of mixologists, a DJ and an evening of networking.

According to the company, Leads 2 Trade’s confirmed sales appointment leads, with an 85% appointment confirmation rate, have proved hugely popular with members for window, door, conservatory and replacement conservatory roof leads. And that the new cashback offer will make them even better.

Andrew Scott, Glazing Summit founder, said: “Our cocktail party was the perfect appetiser to Glazing Summit 2022 and it was brilliant to welcome everyone who attended and dropped in. There was a real buzz at the event and excitement is really building to October now.”

Andy added: “It was brilliant to welcome so many people to our stand and introduce them to our no pitch no fee premium leads to visitors and then our new, totally unique, ultimate sales closing tool. Installers will have to work harder for their leads and we’re offering them an even easier way to win more business and make them the cheapest local installer every time.” https://bit.ly/3Q0q0JV

One of the biggest events in the industry calendar, the Glazing Summit brings together glass and glazing’s most influential decision makers for a packed day of insight, debate and discussion on the biggest industry issues with expert panellists and keynote speakers, concluding in the evening with the exclusive Glazing Summit Dinner in the Edgbaston Banqueting Suite. www.glazingsummit.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022 71

PRODUCT NEWS

Letterplates Shouldn’t Be An Afterthought Letterplates are a vital piece of door furniture but they are often its weakest link thanks to security and fire safety risks, claims the company. It’s something that John Crittenden, managing director of independent hardware distributor Carl F Groupco, is keen to highlight. “It’s very easy to focus on the aesthetics of a letterplate. They’re important, of course, but it’s vital to remember safety and security too. We have a range of letterplates that tick all the boxes.”

The security risks of letterplates came into focus with the introduction of the Door and Hardware Federation’s TS008: 2015 security standard. All Carl F Groupco’s stocked letterplates meet the requirements of TS008 as a minimum.

72 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

The range includes the Yale Postmaster Professional TS008 letterplate, which will fit on any PAS 24 accredited door to meet the requirements of TS008 without the need to retest. It features a telescopic sleeve to suit a variety of composite and PVC-U door thicknesses, ranging from 40mm – 75mm.

There’s also a fire rated variant with intumescent material available. When tested as part of a doorset, Yale’s Postmaster Professional TS008 letterplate not only exceeded the FD60 time test by an additional 25%, but also successfully passed the smoke leakage test, says the company.

Elsewhere in Carl F Groupco’s range, there’s the Soterian Slim TS008 Letterplate, which boasts

features that set it apart from other TS008 letterplates on the market – and take it beyond TS008 for the ultimate in security, claims the company. It features serrated stays, which are foldable to achieve compactness for transit and storage, biased to stay open to aid fitting and serrated to frustrate thumbturn or handle manipulation by strap/cord. Designed for 44mm – 70mm composite, timber and PVC-U doors, installation involves simply eight screws and a hinge rod.

Carl F Groupco’s range of letterplates offers everything you’d expect from a company that is approaching 70 years in business. As John concludes: “The devil is always in the detail. We work hard to pay attention to that detail so our customers can have peace of mind that we offer a range of letterplates that meet and exceed high security and fire safety standards.” www.carlfgroupco.co.uk www.smartsecure.co.uk www.carlfdirect.co.uk

PRODUCT NEWS

UAP Launches Its K4 Aluminium Box With Kinetica+ K4 Horizontal And Vertical Cylinder

UAP, specialists in locks and hardware for doors and windows, has launched its K4 Aluminium box containing two Kinetica+ K4 thumb turn euro cylinders, one vertical and one horizontal. Accredited through ‘Secured by Design’ and with a guaranteed one-hour fire rating, claims the company, the K4 Aluminium box comes with a £4000 anti-burglary guarantee.

Due to the success of the Kinetica K4+ vertical cylinder, UAP launched its horizontal counterpart to improve installation time and reduce security risks for the end-user.

Both cylinders are an advanced locking solution that puts safety, hygiene, and easy-fit functional-

ity at the forefront to ensure our nations homes are kept safe. Kinetica K4+ vertical and horizontal cylinders have a thumb-turn warm touch bio cap, but also includes three bio keys as standard. UAP’s keys include an additive containing anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties and have been tested to ISO 22196:2011 standards.

The vertical design features six dimple pins and offers over 200,000 various key combinations.

The newly launched horizontal cylinder, however, boasts six dimple pins and five laser track side pins to improve security. In doing so, the keyway is much smaller, enabling only one orientation of key insertion and therefore making it much harder for opportunists to

attack the cylinder.

Kamila Kasperowicz, marketing director at UAP Ltd, said: “Our Kinetica K4+ horizontal and vertical cylinders are suitable for both domestic and commercial properties.

Following heavy investment and our commitment to quality, we’ve designed solutions with the installer and end-user in mind; providing ease of installation, maximum security and improved performance.” uapcorporate.com

PRODUCT NEWS

Yale SlotVents Now

In Stock At Mila Ahead of the deadline for the new Building Regs on 15 June, Mila has added the new Yale SlotVent contemporary styled trickle vents to its range, making it easy for customers to comply with the ventilation requirements in Approved Document F. Alongside the product launch, Mila has created a dedicated new section on its website at www.mila.co.uk/slotvents to give customers all the information they need on when trickle vents are required and how best to communicate the benefits to homeowners.

All three sizes in the SlotVent range – 2500EA, 4000EA and 5000EA – are now in stock at Mila. They can be used on their own or in combination to reach the 4000mm2, 8000mm2, or 1000mm2 targets required for bathrooms, kitchens and habitable rooms in either multi-storey or single-storey dwellings.

All of the sizes are available in 10 colours, including anthracite grey, Irish oak, cream and 74 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

Chartwell green to match with the most popular frame choices, and all have the option of a white internal half to suit most decor.

The new Approved Document F requires that trickle vents must be controllable by the occupant and the SlotVent range is particularly flexible with 30°, 60° and 90° tilt modes to adjust the airflow. Externally, they feature a curved hood for optimum weather sealing, and they can be ordered with a fly screen add-on if required.

In high noise areas, or where customers are particularly concerned about draughts, there is a noise reduction version available, which comes with a foam gasket on the internal section.

In terms of fitting, Mila is supplying fabricators with all the routing details they need to set up the machines in their factories for the different SlotVent variants, and the vents themselves come with universal pre-fitted clips designed to make fabrica-

tion as quick and easy as possible.

Richard Gyde, Mila’s managing director, commented: “We know that trickle vents aren’t universally popular with either fabricators or homeowners, but they are set to become a statutory requirement for the vast majority of windows from June to prevent excess condensation build up and ensure adequate air flow in our increasingly airtight homes.

“By adding the SlotVent range to our product line-up, Mila is giving customers a quality solution, which requires minimal disruption in fabrication and is stylish and unobtrusive enough to convince even the most cynical homeowner that they will benefit from better indoor air quality as a result.

“The big benefit of buying from us of course is that trickle vents can simply be added to a customer’s hardware order, and they will also come with all the value-added elements of the Mila service including next day delivery from stock, sales and marketing support, expert technical advice, and independent testing services.”

More info, including a downloadable brochure is at: www.mila.co.uk/slotvents

PRODUCT NEWS

New Opportunities With Sculptured Sash Option

sash option opens up a significant market opportunity as homeowners choose home improvements that call for high value, high margin products.

“The popularity of our Heritage Window Collection in particular has increased incredibly in recent years, driven by a shift in demand to high value products,” Rob said. “People turn to Deceuninck because we have 30+ colourways from stock, which means that not only can we achieve the required aesthetics, but we can meet the timescales too.

“By providing the Slider24+ with a sculptured sash option gives greater access to this market with a familiar and popular product.”

The Slider24+ also has leading security credentials, is exceptionally energy efficient, and can boast market leading weather performance, all of which provides an attractive modern upgrade. Something, Rob says, not all systems companies can claim.

Deceuninck has launched a new sculptured sash option for its popular Slider24+ sliding patio door following customer feedback, which promises to openup significant opportunities for fabricators and installers.

“Homeowners love sliding patio doors, but only if they meet their high expectations,” Rob said. “Our Slider24+ patio is now certified to PAS24:2016 enhanced security for two, three and four panes, and it comes with a 12-point locking mechanism and an ERA total security guarantee.

The sculptured sash means that the Slider24+ now suites perfectly with Deceuninck’s Heritage Window Collection and the 2800 system, which will allow installation companies to upsell across product ranges, as well as maximise opportunities provided by the systems company’s colour offering.

“Our fabricators tell us that sliders remain popular with installation companies and homeowners, so we have continually upgraded the Slider24+ to keep it fresh and up to date,” Deceuninck’s MD Rob McGlennon said.

“Bi-folding doors re-ignited the interest in ‘bringing the outside in’ but we’ve never seen sales of our Slider24+ drop. In

“Thanks to its high-quality hardware, it can be manufactured to a maximum width of 5.9m while maintaining its good looks and market-leading performance.” fact, we have had customers start fabricating the Slider24+ because demand has been so high.”

While the Slider24+ is now seen as a staple product offering, Rob believes the sculptured

The Slider24+ is also Part Q security and Part M mobility compliant, and can achieve a Window Energy Rating of A+ double glazed, nipping any concerns about compliance in the bud. www.deceuninck.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022 75

PRODUCT NEWS uct, be it PVC, aluminium, or timber, allowing you to centralise all processing and benefit from its wider functionality.

“If we look at meeting the general high-volume domestic needs of the market, what you’ve got is a product that goes into an aperture,” he said. “It’s normally a domestic product, and not a commercial application. It’s not going into a skyrise block; it’s going into a normal household application.

“So, it’s been pre-configured to a business’s needs: you select the product, you select the style, you select the size, and it will give you a price. If that meets your needs, you can then send it straight to manufacture.

Window Designer

Could Make You

Five Times Quicker

Using Window Designer to design and fabricate your aluminium windows and doors could make you up to five times more efficient, First Degree Systems has announced.

“The profitability of aluminium has grown tremendously,” Greg Beachim, sales manager at First Degree Systems, said. “But what hasn’t really come along the same way is the software capabilities of some of the aluminium systems.

“The potentially cumbersome or time-consuming software products that are given away free of charge don’t cut the additional processes that are needed for 76 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

this expanding market.

“Fabricators are also more likely to be running more than one aluminium system through the factory, so it makes no sense to be running multiple pieces of software alongside each other.”

Greg said that even those third-party software platforms, which incorporate the technical data from multiple systems, tend to be architectural, and are thus slow when processing products and require a high degree of technical understanding.

Window Designer, on the other hand, is a configurator, which can work with any profile prod-

“The permutations, such as bead or colour options, are simple: just click and go. Whereas, traditional aluminium processing can be much more cumbersome: swapping out parts can be long winded. The actual processing might take you much longer. So, Window Designer gives direct wins as far as the speed of the actual processing is concerned.

In fact, it is up to five times quicker than software specially designed for aluminium fabrication.”

Another key saving for window fabricators is that they only need one piece of software across all production lines.

“If you can get that centralised team to work on product using the same software, then it’s a win-win situation,” Greg said.

“You are reducing overheads, you are reducing the number of people processing products, and you’re moving into a situation where you’re much more flexible, and able to meet the mounting demands of the market while adding value to your bottom line.” www.firstdegreesystems.com

with your prospects are looking good.

Our data allows you to target your prospects directly, helping you win more sales, more effectively.

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.

And with the recent legislation changes, we can help you with GDPR compliancy too.

For your FREE trial go to: windowbase.info/free-trial e: info@windowbase.info t: 01453 845717

@WindowbaseLtd

PRODUCT NEWS

AluFold Direct

Launches New Aluminum Roof Lantern AluFold Direct has launched a brand-new contemporary aluminium roof lantern – Xenlite.

According to AluFold Direct, Xenlite gives installers everything they need in terms of sales appeal for homeowners and developers and incorporates lots of clever design and engineering features which make it ‘safer, simpler, and quicker to install, with no worries about call 78 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

backs’.

The company says Xenlite is amongst the slimmest lanterns on the market with a 38mm frame, but stresses there are no compromises being made on strength or performance. With thermally broken hip beams, it meets the requirements of the new Part L which comes into force in June, and it has been designed with high performance

PRODUCT NEWS stream home extension and orangery market and gives customers already fitting aluminium bifolds, sliders or windows an opportunity to upsell.

Xenlite is the first brand new product to be launched by AluFold Direct since managing director Russell Yates joined the team from AluK. Russell led the design team responsible for all of AluK’s most familiar products, including the iconic BSF70 bifold, and he is said to have ensured that the new lantern is just as fitter and fabricator friendly.

Russell commented: “Xenlite is made the way that we believe roof lanterns should be and addresses all the things that installers told us they don’t like about the competition. Everything, from the four-sided glass retention to the profile-shaped cover caps, has been designed to suit the needs of the installer. It’s not just about making the product easy to fit, it’s about protecting installer margins by minimising time on site and eliminating costly call backs.”

seals to ensure optimum air and weather performance.

It has been designed so that the glazing clicks into the flange on one side of the ring beam as soon as it placed into position, with no danger of the glass slipping while the other three sides are secured.

A pressure plate with integrated cover caps then makes it easy for one person to clip in the glazing all the way round so there is no need to reach across or around the roof to screw in the fixings, says AluFold Direct. Neat, fast-fit end caps are simply screwed on to complete the installation.

The lantern comes with a fixed 25° pitch regardless of size so there is never any obstruction to the outlook from the floor above. This ensures that it fits into the main-

Xenlite is supplied in kit form, with standard stock sizes available on a fast 5-day lead time and bespoke sizes available to order in around 2 weeks. It is being manufactured on a dedicated assembly line at AluFold Direct’s state of the art, highly automated factory in Blackburn using brand new machinery to ensure a consistent, precision output every single time.

Russell Yates added: “Xenlite is the first opportunity we’ve had to really show our customers the benefits of our investments in industrialised fabrication and in-house design.

Essentially, we’ve been able to develop a truly innovative product manufactured to precision quality standards but with a competitive price tag – and that is all down to the scale and efficiency of our factory.” https://www.xenlite.co.uk/ WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022 79

PRODUCT NEWS

Schüco Launches New And Improved AS FD Bi-Fold Door System Schüco has launched its new AS FD bi-fold door system. It delivers the largest maximum leaf size on the market, slim profiles and simplified fabrication and installation, claims the company. The AS FD 75 will launch in May 2022 and the AS FD 90.HI will be available from September.

The doors provide the company’s 80 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

slimmest bi-fold sightlines yet at 90mm. A maximum leaf width of 1500m and height of 3500mm offer customers greater views with minimal obstruction, while the option of a new 3-point handle operated lock provides more familiar operation.

Installation is made easier with an 8mm +/- adjustment profile and

integrated rebate profiles reduce the production time compared to previous models. Integrated profiles and a reinforced outer frame profile reduce assembly and replacement time.

The new AS FD range features improved performance qualities compared to previous Schüco bi-fold doors. Increased airtightness enables the AS FD 75/90.HI to achieve U-values as low as 1.0, ensuring compliance with the new Part L building regulations. New locking options and four drainage levels in two gasket profiles make the doors more watertight. They also run quietly thanks to a new roller carriage and solid tracks.

Moreover, the AS FD 75/90.HI

PRODUCT NEWS

The Best Things Come In Small Packages

are adaptable, stable and reliable thanks to adjustment profiles, a guide carrier with greater tolerance and strengthened outer frame profiles.

All the necessary software for CNC machining is in place and the system is already available on SchüCal and LogiKal for Schüco partners.

In September 2022, Schüco will be rolling out the new AS FD bifold doors in more opening configurations with additional barrier-free threshold options, giving customers the ability to customise the door opening to meet their needs. www.schueco.uk/asfd

Wendland has announced that its popular PVC and aluminium rectangular lanterns are now available in a new smaller width of 500mm. The new sizes offer even more flexibility when choosing the Wendland Lantern for a project, says the company.

Commenting about the latest update to the Wendland Lantern, Wendland brand manager, Chloe McGrath, said: “Our Lantern is one of our most popular systems and we already have many options available, such as a choice of PVC or aluminium, a wide range of sizes and colours, and the choice of square or rectangular shapes. We had been asked quite a few times recently for narrower lanterns to allow for use on smaller projects and so have added a 500mm width option to our range.”

Wendland Lanterns are all thermally broken and packed with many thermal features to avoid condensation build-up. From the

thermal rider rail to the thermal clips, these features ensure excellent performance, which is very important in moist rooms such as kitchens where heat levels can change quickly, claims the company. Many Lanterns are used as part of a kitchen extension and so these thermal features are a great selling point for installers when quoting for this type of project.

Available in the most requested colours on the market – grey, black, or white as standard, or any RAL on request, the Wendland Lantern includes many fitter-friendly features such as: • Unique pre-assembled RidgeLOCK system • Clip-on ridge end covers • Pre-fitted thermal clips • Easy-fit clip-on capping www.wendland.uk.com WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022 81

PRODUCT NEWS

Smart Architectural Aluminium Adds New Alitherm 400 System To Portfolio Smart Architectural Aluminium has launched Alitherm 400, the latest addition to its Alitherm portfolio of window and door systems.

The new Alitherm 400 system offers a range of stylish casement windows and single and double doors and has been designed to fully comply with the updated thermal requirements of Part L of the Building Regulations, which are to be introduced in England 82 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

in June 2022.

Developed to suit a wide variety of projects, including both new build and refurbishment, residential and light commercial applications, Alitherm 400 features Smart’s innovative Quick-Glaze Beads with integrated gasket.

With the profiles and beads being supplied with the glazing gasket pre-extruded into the profile, the Quick-Glaze Bead significantly reduces fabrication

and installation time, says the company.

The Alitherm 400 window system is available in fixed, side-hung, top-hung and flush casement options, and has been developed with efficient fabrication and fast and straightforward installation in mind. It also features both flush and chamfered window profiles, with the flush, flat face option suitable for offset, face-mounted espagnolette

PRODUCT NEWS locks and the chamfered design, which features a eurogroove, enables in-line espagnolette locking mechanisms to be used.

Available in open-in or openout and single or double door options, the Alitherm 400 doors perfectly complement the window range, featuring the same stylish lines and the ease of fabrication and installation.

They can also be combined with Smart’s Designer Door Panels and the company’s range of standard door furniture (including colour matched lever handles, and the Quantum range of stainless steel hardware), to create elegant and contemporary entrance doors.

Smart’s managing director, Eddie Robinson said: “Our Alitherm systems have proved to be exceptionally popular in projects across the UK and we’re delighted to now be adding Alitherm 400 as yet another option. Fully compliant with the new Part L requirements, the system is fast and easy to fabricate and install, which together with its elegant lines and outstanding performance provides a solution for architects, developers, fabricators and installers. Along with our new Visofold 1000 Slim bi-fold door, we’re also delighted to be launching more great new products that have been designed, developed and manufactured in Britain.”

According to Smart Architectural Aluminium, both window and door systems provide excellent weather and thermal performance, as well as the security assurance provided by PAS 24:2016 accreditation. The systems are also available with a wide range of 316 marine grade stainless steel hardware options, which can be painted to order, with the systems and hardware all available in Smart’s extensive range of standard colours. www.smartsystems.co.uk

Opening The Door To The Complete Aluminium Look

Sheerline has released the latest addition to the company’s aluminium window and door range: the Prestige Composite Door Frame.

Designed to allow installers and fabricators to offer ‘whole-house’ aluminium solutions, where all frames are perfectly matched across a project. With consistent styling, colours, performance and guarantees across the house, right down to the frames around the composite doors.

A choice of two aluminium outer frames that fit both 44 and 48/49mm door blanks are all ready to help doorsets meet the new requirements of Part L coming into force on June 15th this year, with Sheerline’s unique Thermlock thermal breaks delivering ‘outstanding’ thermal efficiency.

Sheerline says with an outer frame that is 16x more rigid than reinforced PVC-u, installers can now offer a truly premium feeling door ‘experience’ that matches homeowners’ expectations of aluminium. The ultra-sturdy frame combines strength and durability and virtually eliminates door ‘bounce’.

According to the company, choosing Sheerline ensures every window, bi-fold and entrance door across a project is supplied to the same high-quality standards, ready to wow discerning homeowners.

Created with installers in mind, features such as threshold cover

strips that conceal fixings and universal sealable end caps, mean that delivering quality installations using the Prestige Composite Door Frame couldn’t be easier, claims Sheerline.

The systems two low threshold options, tested to the requirements of Part M, can be run continuously under sidelights if required for improved aesthetics. With both thresholds able to accommodate a mechanically jointed ‘T’ transom/ mullion, providing slimmer sightlines when doors are configured with sidelights. All designed to match seamlessly with the rest of Sheerline’s Prestige and Classic range.

Sheerline believes that homeowners should not have to compromise between style, function or keeping heating bills under control on any fenestration product. From ultra-slim 59mm sightline windows to bi-folds and roof lanterns everything is cohesive, sharing many common components to not only deliver perfectly matched looks, but also to help streamline the manufacturing process. Delivered on the same agile lead-times and available in bespoke and dual colour options, Sheerline says the newest addition to itsr Prestige range, underlines the company’s commitment to offering installers and fabricators the very best ‘whole house’ aluminium solution. www.sheerline.com WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022 83

PRODUCT NEWS

Distinction Doors Unveils Latest Addition To Nxt-Gen Range Distinction Doors has introduced the latest addition to its nxt-gen range, the nxt-gen Craftsman, which the company says is a one-of-a-kind door style is exclusive to Distinction Doors.

Evocative of 1930s, inter-war door designs, the nxt-gen Craftsman launches in two size – 838mm and 914mm. The glazing area can be enhanced with five decorative glass designs – Aspen, Edwardian, Kara Brass, 84 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

Monza and Palma.

The new door style is available in White, Distinction Anthracite Grey and colours from the Distinction Doors bespoke colour palette, including six new colours.

The nxt-gen Craftsman is available to order through the company’s customer online ordering platform. It has been added to the popular sales tool – the

door-designer.co.uk, and features in the new product brochure.

With this new addition, the Distinction Doors nxt-gen range now includes seven door styles all with the company’s exclusive flush-fitted beaded system and moulding. Said to be hugely beneficial to Distinction fabrication customers, this range has the competitive edge requiring significantly less glazing time and consumables, says Distinction Doors.

Distinction Doors associate sales director, Andy Grogan, says: “We have seen continuous growth in nxt-gen door sales since launching the range four years ago.

This tallies with rising consumer demand for flush products. With the launch of the nxt-gen Crafts-

PRODUCT NEWS man we hope to capitalise on this further still.

“In strengthening the offering for our fabrication customers, we are giving home improvement and installation companies the advantage – they can offer con-

sumers more of what they want.

I am pleased to say that initial feedback from our customers is already extremely positive.”

The launch of the nxt-gen Craftsman follows several major announcements in recent

Hurst Launches

New High-Performance

fds Fire Door System

months, including the introduction of a new brand identity, a new product brochure designed to enhance the consumer experience, and the inclusion of six new colours into the company’s bespoke paint palette. www.distinctiondoors.co.uk been successfully completed on glazed side panels, with plans to introduce these imminently.

Hurst doors sales director Mark Atkinson comments: “Recent years have seen Britain address its attitudes to fire safety following the Grenfell tragedy.

“Today, the industry demands a GRP Composite fire door system that can consistently demonstrate compliance and dependable performance, and this can only be achieved through bi-directional testing and third-party certification.

“In addition, it is also crucial to have that transparency of the supply chain, in order to provide full traceability of the product.

“That’s exactly what the fds fire door system has been designed to provide, and we’re delighted with the results.”

A high-performance GRP fire door system is the latest offering from Hurst, one of Britain’s leaders in the field.

The result of significant investment and months of rigorous testing and expert consultation, the fds FD30 fire doorset system has been subjected to meticulous independent auditing, as have Hurst Doors’ own manufacturing capabilities.

All stages of the fds supply chain, up to and including the doorset manufacturer, are third-party certified to the BM Trada Q-Mark certification scheme.

The fds GRP composite fire door

Dave Walker, technical director of Distinction Doors, and the brainchild of the fds fire door system, commented “We’re delighted Hurst Doors are part of our trusted and accredited network to manufacture the fds system.

system has undergone in excess of 30 bi-directional tests featuring 60 individual door sets, undertaken in 3 independent accredited European countries’ test Laboratories and achieving an average of 45 minutes integrity (equating to 50% over run “We will be supporting them in of the 30 minute pass criteria). educating the market about the benefits of the fds GRP ComposTested to the more demanding ite fire door system and working EN1634-1:2014 European standclosely with them to introduce the ard it satisfies our UK National product to local authorities, housTest standard method and delivers ing associations, house builders compliance to UK building Regula- and developers.” tions for fire door safety.

Hurst manufacture fds fire doors in Testing has been completed on 10 doors styles, with or without an both solid and glazed door opoverhead fanlight, and in a variety tions, with or without overhead of colours. fanlights. Testing has also recently www.hurstdoors.co.uk

WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022 85

PRODUCT NEWS

Sound Expansion To Further Support

Carl F Groupco’s Customers

Carl F Groupco has further expanded its window vent inventory with the addition of the new Simon Acoustic ventilator range from RW Simon Ltd. The new acoustic vents are designed to assist fabricators and installers in creating aesthetic solutions for all acoustic requirements, while still meeting the latest updates to Part F [ventilation] and Part E [resistance to sound] of the Building Regulations in England for both new build and refurbishment projects.

Speaking on the introduction of the high-quality acoustic vent range, John Crittenden, managing director at Carl F Groupco, said: “Fabricators and installers can now offer customers increased confidence of the acoustic performance of their products and Building Regulation compliance by fitting the RW Simon acoustic vent range. The intelligently designed acoustic vents can be installed to any window system and are available with a PVC-U or aluminium external canopy which can be dual colour matched for improved product aesthetics.”

86 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

The vents offer a sound reduction of up to 42dB and have been independently tested in accordance with BE EN ISO 717-1:1997 [airborne sound insulation] and BS EN 2014010:1992. They have also met the World Health Organisation [WHO] recommended reduction of 33dB, and all models in the range have a minimum equivalent area of 2500mm².

With five internal options available, the acoustic ventilator range can meet most requirements for new build projects.

There is an option to upgrade to an inbuilt humidity control operation with a hygromatic sensor to open and close the vent dependent on the quality of the moisture in the room. An additional acoustic sleeve is also available to further increase the acoustic properties.

John, said: “Windows can play a vital part in reducing the level of noise entering the property particularly for homes in high-traffic city areas or properties impacted by air traffic noise or railways. The recent changes

to Part F [ventilation] requires additional ventilation to circulate air in living spaces but in some high-traffic situations, that can increase the chances of introducing outside noise. By fitting the RW Simon acoustic vents, you are compliant with both Part F and Part E requirements.”

Carl F Groupco says its extensive range of acoustic and Part F-compliant trickle vents means the company can always provide its customers with the right ventilation solutions to meet market standards.

John concluded: “The ultimate responsibility falls with the installer to guarantee their installations comply with regulations but we see it as our job to ensure we supply compliant-ready products to assist with these exacting requirements. Our ever-evolving product range, in-house technical support and strong partner relationships ensure our customers can rely on us to carry the compliant product inventory they need.” www.carlfgroupco.co.uk

PRODUCT NEWS

Release Up To £150K In Your Business

Greg Beachim

Problems with cash flow could be solved with the right stock control system, according to a leading software provider, which could turn round the fortunes of ailing businesses, and create new opportunities for others.

In some cases, up to £150,000 could be released.

“Many fabricators don’t order according to their production schedules,” First Degree Systems’ sales manager Greg Beachim said. “As a result, they sit on way more stock than they actually require.

“Reducing those stock levels will result in immediate benefits to the bottom line.”

Greg says that by using the right software, real efficiencies can be found, which can free-up cash and valuable space.

“By setting your stock demand by the production date then, you know what you want, and when you want it, you don’t need to buy profile on spec,” Greg said.

“And, as homeowners have more product choice, it is more important than ever to keep stock levels down, otherwise you could find yourself bursting at the seams.”

First Degree Systems’ Stock Assistant programme integrates fully with Window Designer, and gives fabricators full oversight of their stock holding. It can offer just-in-time stock ordering, pre-allocate requirements, and even reconcile invoices. It also works with the Barcode Tracking system, which makes drawing down the stock much simpler.

extra space to put stock in, and you can free up additional floor space, which can be used profitably.

“This means that you can reduce your general stock overhead, and you’re buying in at demand,” Greg said. “And if you’re working effectively with your stock lead times, you will reduce your stock levels, which will release cash into your business.”

Stock Assistant forms part of the Window Designer 8 suite of window design software from First Degree Systems. Other programmes include: the Fengo2 mobile app; quote generator Cloud Retailer; productivity planning programme Production Manager; and CRM tool Zandi.

A significant knock-on effect of this is that you don’t have to find

Greg has seen, even from medium-sized businesses, around £150,000-worth of released capital thanks to effective stock control, which can be critical for any business.

www.firstdegreesystems.com WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022 87

MACHINERY

Dekko Window Systems Signs Multi-Million-Pound Machinery Deal With Haffner Dekko Window Systems has signed a multi-million-pound machinery deal with Haffner to invest in Graf Synergy’s world first fully seamless window fabrication set up.

Dekko sales director Kurt Greatrex said: “Following the success of our Infinity range of PVC-U windows, we’ve improved our offering to manufacture a window with a fully seamless weld.

It’s a world first from Dekko, and we would not have been able to make it happen without the Graf Synergy machines from Haffner.

The innovative smooth corner weld design of this new window is stylish and attractive, perfectly replicating authentic timber 88 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

frames, and the perfect choice for adding charm and character to any property.”

He added: “Dekko is the first company in the UK to offer this unique window, and we were delighted to showcase what it has to offer with Haffner at this year’s FIT Show.”

Matt Thomas, managing director of Haffner, said: “Graf Synergy seamless welding technology is a gamechanger for the industry.

The patented technology delivers a transformational difference in product quality and we are delighted that Dekko Window Systems have invested in this latest technology.”

According to Haffner Ltd., Graf Synergy’s range offers solutions for fabricators of all sizes. The patented machines are suitable for fabricators manufacturing feature-rich products and they are equally appropriate for high volume casement output because they deliver high levels of automation throughout the entire fabrication process.

Matt concluded: “The Graf Synergy patented technology delivers a serious competitive advantage for fabricators of all sizes. However, I also think that as the seamless technology becomes more widespread, it will become standard in the industry.

Dekko Window Systems has really seized the initiative with their investment and I’d advise fabricators not to miss the opportunity to investigate the options for themselves.” www.haffnerltd.com

DELIVERING

THE BEST

IN SEAMLESS WELDING TECHNOLOGY

• Superior transom welding quality

• No imperfections, even on curved profiles

• Utilising patented V-Perfect® transom welding

• Suitable for both V Joints and Butt Joints

• Precision accuracy – delivering a perfect weld every time

• Faster fabrication

• Weld seam elimination

• Fully automated processes

DISCOVER MORE on the range of Graf Synergy machines EXCLUSIVELY from Haffner

Tel 01785 222421 www.haffnerltd.com The Accolade Building, Common Road, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 3EQ

WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022 89

ON-SITE

Goodluck Hope Project Success For AW Louvers Louvers supplied by AW Louvers were recently installed on the 29th floor of the new Goodluck Hope mixed-use development on the banks of the River Thames in London.

Goodluck Hope is a new riverside neighbourhood comprising 841 homes on the historic Leamouth Peninsula. Surrounded by water on three sides, and situated adjacent to London City Island, developer Ballymore has helped transform the area’s industrial past into a modern, 90 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

welcoming district.

The 2.7ha-site also includes 2,300 square metres of commercial space, 250 square metres of education floorspace, and a restored Grade II-listed Orchard Dry Dock.

Eire Façade Systems UK were chosen to manage the building envelope contract having built a reputation for co-ordinating demanding inner-city developments. To meet the plant and machinery ventilation require-

ments, the contractor specified and installed 45 number MR34ZGL glazed-in louvers with aluminium backing panels fitted to the rear. These Z shaped blades provide a 34mmblade pitch, and 35% physical free area.

The very large louvers supplied

by AW Louvers ranged from the largest being 2,133mm x 2,723mm high to the smallest being 1,804mm x 2,413mm, and special measures were put in place to meet the demands of the site, which included restricted access and a tight delivery schedule.

“The MR34ZGL glazed-in louvers were finished in 9006 Matt Metallic at 60 microns, which

ON-SITE

matches the industrial aesthetic of the project perfectly, while meeting the demands of the Qualicoat standard,” AW Louvers’ director Wayne Irvine said.

“We then delivered the louvers to site on A-frames on time, where they were promptly crane-lifted into position.”

AW Louvers also provided 200 MR50ZGL glazed-in louvers to MWP Installations, which were installed on some of the lower levels. These were powder-coated to a marine guaranteed standard.

Having transformed Leamouth North with the creation of London City Island, which is one of London’s leading arts and

cultural destinations, Goodluck Hope in Leamouth South completes the landscape at Leamouth Peninsula, making the whole island area a landmark in riverside living.

the outline of a great vessel with elevated seating, making it an open, accessible place in which to meet and socialise with stunning views of the River Thames.

At the heart of the development, with dramatic views both east and west along the Thames, the Orchard Dry Dock is a nod to the area’s maritime history.

Stood at the southern edge of Goodluck Hope, Ballymore will restore the entire structure to

For commuters, there will be a new Thames Clippers service at Goodluck Hope making Canary Wharf accessible in 17 minutes and London Bridge in 31 minutes. awlouvers.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022 91

ON-SITE

Senior

Brings Light To Lampwick Quay Senior Architectural Systems has completed its fourth project for client Manchester Life after supplying the full aluminium fenestration package for the developer’s new Lampwick Quay apartment scheme.

Located in Manchester’s thriving new community in Ancoats, the new development comprises 213 apartments across three blocks of five, six and ten-storeys, with ground floor retail units and communal facilities including a gym 92 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

and residents club room. A mix of Senior’s aluminium windows, commercial doors and curtain wall solutions have been used extensively throughout the development and installed by supply chain partner Aire Valley Architectural Aluminium for main contractor John Sisk & Son Ltd. To help reduce heat loss and energy costs, Senior’s low U value and Part L compliant PURe aluminium casement windows have been installed to each of the apartments

to create a comfortable living space. The stylish window system also provides the perfect frame for the development’s views of Manchester’s New Islington Marina.

Energy-efficiency has also been addressed in the communal, retail and ground floor areas through the use of Senior’s thermally-enhanced SF52 aluminium curtain wall system which maximises the controlled use of use of natural light.

To meet the scheme’s stringent safety and security requirements, Senior’s robust SPW501 aluminium commercial doors were installed to the main entrance and exit points. The SPW501 commercial door system is ideally suited to high pedestrian use and meets the requirements of Secured By Design. Key elements of the fenestration package have also been designed to work as part of

ON-SITE

Leka Warm Roof Transforms Plymouth Care Home Conservatory

the scheme’s overall passive fire protection strategy, with the use of Senior’s SPW600 automatic opening ventilation (AOV) aluminium windows in the communal areas and stairwells. Although visually similar to Senior’s popular SPW600 system, these AOV windows are fitted with a smart actuator which allows for quick and automatic ventilation in the event of a fire, helping to remove smoke from the air, says the company.

The development’s low pitch sawtooth roof design pays homage the area’s industrial heritage, with the slim aluminium frames of the fenestration package further complementing the main façade of zinc cladding, brick and coloured panels. Initially designed by CallisonRTKL, the Lampwick Quay development was delivered by jmarchitects. www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk

Leka Systems fabricator Boringdon Plastics has recently completed the fabrication of an impressive 16.5m by 4.2m Leka Warm Roof for a conservatory refurbishment project at Torr Home, a premier care home in Plymouth, Devon.

Torr Home is set in a substantial 19th century country mansion in the highest part of the city of Plymouth. The building has extensive grounds and enjoys panoramic views over the city of Plymouth, as well as Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor. One of the best places to enjoy the views is in the home’s large conservatory. However, like many ageing conservatories, it was too cold in winter and too hot in summer. It was also reaching the end of its useable life and had started to leak, which meant it couldn’t be used by the home’s residents.

A Leka Warm Roof provided the perfect solution. The large scale roof was 16.5m wide with a 4.2m projection which backed into the existing recess. It was manufactured by Leka approved fabricator Boringdon Plastics and fitted by a local builder.

Tom Henwood of Boringdon Plastics said: “The size and scale of the replacement roof was exacting and we worked closely with the builder to ensure everything ran smoothly.

The new Leka roof has transformed Torr Home’s conservatory.

It is now a year-round habitable room where residents can enjoy the impressive views at a constant, ambient temperature.”

Tom says the roofing system’s qualities are second to none. “Leka roofs are suitable for both domestic projects and commercial projects like Torr Home. The flexibility of the roof’s design and its highend properties mean it can support all retrofit and new build applications, even large scale projects as this one.”

As well as bringing clear benefits to the end user, Leka products also bring benefits to installers. They offer a lightweight and modular system that is fast to fit, saving time on site. The products are approved by jhai, and MFA Building Control to speed up compliance administration and come with a 40year warranty. www.lekasystems.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022 93

ON-SITE

Super Spacer SG Brings Stunning MOL Campus To Life 94 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

ON-SITE

Oil and gas suppliers MOL are setting their sights on a net zero future, and preparing for the huge transition that will entail.

driven by the curved insulating glass façade, which would have been almost impossible to realize with rigid spacers.

As part of that process, they envisioned a cutting-edge new headquarters designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent and LEED Platinum certification.

“In addition, small tolerance deviations can occur at the edges of the curved glass during the manufacturing process. The structural foam compensates for this with its ability to deform and adapt to the space between the panes.

The resulting landmark is a 29-storey, 86,000 square-metre tower able to house 2,500 workers.

It’s been designed to maximise natural light, rain is collected to water plants and flush toilets, and heating and cooling is provided using renewable energy.

Its elegantly sweeping glass façade seamlessly blends a five-storey section housing restaurants and conference halls with the main tower.

Edgetech spacer technology has played a vital part in completing a striking and highly sustainable new building project.

The MOL Campus in Budapest is the work of façade expert Agnes Koltay and architects Foster and Partners.

Around 14,000 square metres of insulating glass, and over 500 cylindrically curved panes went into bringing the ambitious design to life.

A mixture of 16mm and 18mm Super Spacer SG warm-edge spacers were used to provide stability, flexibility and performance.

Agnes Koltay comments: “The decision to use Super Spacer was

Super Spacer is an extensively tried and tested system. “The Opus” by Zaha Hadid and the spectacular Killa-designed “Museum of the Future” in Dubai are just two of the most prestigious freeform facades designed by Koltay Façades and that have benefitted from its exceptional performance.

Edgetech managing director Chris Alderson comments: “Freeform, organic facades are one of the most important architectural trends of recent years.

“Without world-class flexible components like the Super Spacer, they would be extremely complex, slow and expensive to implement.

“We’re delighted that Super Spacer continues to allow some of the world’s best architects and designers to explore creativity without limits.” www.edgetechig.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022 95

ON-SITE

Glazing Some Of

The UK’s Most

Prestigious Shopfronts

street-facing façade has been retained, along with its 17 glazed shopfronts. The glazing for each of the frontages is held in place by decorative oak frames that have been carefully re-created according to the original design.

To ensure that the units look their best, the designer selected Pilkington OptiView Protect OW anti-reflective glass for the street-level glazing.

Coatings on the outer faces of the laminated glass reduce its reflectivity to around 2%, compared with around 8% for standard, un-coated glass. The result is that views into the shopfronts are almost entirely un-interrupted by reflections, even on bright days, ensuring that retailers’ window displays are shown off to the best effect.

In the world of retail, a Knightsbridge address is about as desirable as it gets, which is why so many brands choose to locate their flagship stores on the famed central-London street.

entire block of the street, providing the best possible shopfronts for the retailers that will occupy the scheme’s ground floor was a top priority. So, choosing the right glazing was paramount.

For the designers of Knightsbridge Gate, a landmark mixed-use development that occupies an

While most of the building has been newly constructed, the 120-metre-long Edwardian

96 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

To give further clarity, the glass is Pilkington Optiwhite low-iron glass that is almost entirely free from colouration.

Rachel Scannell at APML Estate said: “The aim with the retail units at Knightsbridge Gate was to create spaces that the most prestigious brands in the world would be happy to choose in order to

ON-SITE display their offerings. The glazing is, of course, a key part of this.

“The anti-reflective glass from Pilkington UK is often used by galleries and museums to display priceless artworks and artifacts without compromising on detail, so the retailers that call Knightsbridge Gate home will enjoy the same benefits.”

Senior Proves Just The Ticket For New Rail Station Development

Adding to the aesthetic appeal of the glazing is the complex shape of the panes that make it up, including a large, curved edge at the top of the central pane in each shopfront. Pilkington UK engineers worked closely with the carpenters to precision cut each pane of glass to ensure a perfect fit.

The shop front windows are as tough as they are beautiful as they consist of two panes of glass laminated together with a strong polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer.

This ensures the glazing can stand up to all the forces that may be thrown at it, from wind-loading, to any attempts to smash the glass.

Due to the anti-reflective coating being applied at a high temperature when the glass was being made, it is highly scratch-resistant, ensuring its clean and clear appearance will last for many years to come, claims the company.

Peter Maj, business development manager at Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, part of the NSG Group, said: “By selecting Pilkington OptiView for this project, the designers have demonstrated that it is the product of choice for retail applications where the glazing will be under the utmost scrutiny and needs to look its best.”

Along with the shop-fronts, Pilkington UK also supplied 300 m2 of Pilkington Optiphon OW acoustic glass, which has been used throughout the offices and apartments on the upper five floors of the building to provide noise-reducing secondary glazing. www.nsg.com

Senior Architectural Systems, one of the UK’s largest privately owned aluminium fenestration systems houses, has played a key role in the transformation of Coventry’s rail station to create a welcoming entrance to the city.

The £82 million redevelopment of Coventry’s rail station has seen the creation of a new entrance building and multi-storey car park, with Senior’s slimline SF52 aluminium curtain wall system helping to flood the concourse with natural light. Senior’s robust SD automatic commercial sliding doors were also installed to provide secure, safe and accessible access to the thousands of passengers who use the station every day.

Senior worked closely with supply chain partners Elite Aluminium Systems and Buckingham Group Contracting Ltd to deliver AHR Architects’ masterplan for the West Midlands station, which is one of the busiest outside of London. The new-look station also features a footbridge to allow easier access to the platforms and bus interchange.

Senior’s slim profile SF52 aluminium curtain wall system provided the ideal balance of aesthetics and performance by allowing copious amounts of light to enter the building and offering enhanced thermal efficiency. The aluminium frames were powder coated to boost durability and also complement the station’s feature grey and red cladding. Senior’s SPW501 aluminium commercial swing doors were also specified throughout to provide a safe and secure solution to such a high traffic environment.

The extensive use of glazing on the building also pays homage to the original station building which is located nearby but owing to its Grade II status, could not be extended or developed to meet the increased demand on Coventry’s rail network. Ahead of the wider refurbishment of the original building, the large glazed panels have been used to frame various artwork from local artists and create another focal point for visitors to the city.

For more information please visit www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk.

WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022 97

ON-SITE

Premier Inn Chooses Granada’s Secondary Glazing For New Llandudno Hotel Secondary glazing manufactured and installed by Granada Glazing was specified to provide modern levels of comfort for guests at a new Premier Inn built on a Grade II listed former hotel site in Llandudno town centre.

The £12m redevelopment of the former Tudno Castle Hotel site comprises a 90-bedroom hotel, one restaurant and three retail/ restaurant units and a gym/business unit. It opened in Spring 2022 following a protracted planning process and delays.

The Tudno Castle is a Grade II listed building built in the 1870s.

98 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

It had been derelict since 2008 and six years later, planning permission was granted for the demolition of the building behind a retained façade and the erection of a new hotel and extension.

Work started in 2017 but had to be put on hold when partial demolition work of the structure revealed that the Grade II listed façade of the building was unstable. This meant that the developers Tudno Developments Ltd had to come up with revised plans which would allow the demolition of the Victorian façade followed by its reconstruction on a like-for-like basis.

Faithfully recreating the historic façade meant installing timber single-glazed sash windows which were treated with Granada Glazing’s latest high-specification secondary glazing range to reduce outside noise intrusion and improve the thermal efficiency.

A total of 46 units were installed – a combination of traditional-looking Balanced Vertical Sliders and Hinged Units – all with 6.4mm laminate Low E glass that reflects heat back into the rooms. Both products deliver 21st century standards of thermal and acoustic efficiency for single glazed primary original, or

ON-SITE

in this case, replica windows.

“Where double glazing cannot be installed due to planning regulations, secondary glazing is often the preferred solution.

It offers a cost-effective and efficient solution in reducing external noise by up to 80% and improving thermal insulation by up to 65%,” says Robert Cottam, Granada Glazing commercial sales manager.

Premier Inn’s initial plan was for a 63-bedroom hotel but after considering the best format for its guests, decided to add a further 27 bedrooms by occupying the vacant retail space in the development. Construction contractor Medlock FRB Ltd was appointed to add the new rooms and their site manager Martin Blundell has noticed the difference that secondary glazing has made.

“In establishments such as hotels, creating a warmer and quieter environment is essential for guests’ comfort and this is where secondary glazing scores very highly.”

“It has definitely made the rooms a lot quieter, and you can’t hear the traffic outside,” he observes. “The system looks very neat, and the Granada team did a really good installa-

tion job. The transoms on the window match the transoms of the secondary glazing so it doesn’t interrupt the look at all.”

Suitable for all property types, Granada’s slimline aluminium secondary glazing frames can be powder coated in over 200 RAL colours. Virtually invisible, they blend in with any interior décor. The Granada Glazing product range encompasses hinged, sliding, vertical sliders, including tilt back, and lift-out options. www.gsecg.com WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022 99

MARKETING & INTERNET

Fasciawise Benefit From Stockist And

Manufacturer Working Together

mitted to working and supporting our independent stockist and installer network. It’s something we are passionate about! This latest film is a great example of how we work together with our stockists and installers on a daily basis to sustain and grow their businesses.

The strength of these relationships is demonstrated by the fact Fasciawise have been using Freefoam Products since they started trading 17 years ago.”

Stuart Columbine

Ricky Gill

Freefoam has launched another new video to highlight the strong connections and the practical support they provide to roofline installers around the UK.

view with owners Stuart Columbine and Ricky Gill, showcases a long-standing successful business specialising in all aspects of roofline replacement, including fascia, soffit and gutter installations.

Working with Nottingham based Freefoam registered installer company Fasciawise, the inter100 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

Commercial director Colin St John explained: “We are strongly com-

Fasciawise have been trading since 2005 and cover a large area from Doncaster to Leicester, including Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Over that time they have established and grown their business, doubling the number of their installation teams. First set up to focus on roofline replacement, the business has gradually diversified to now include external cladding.

Stuart explained: “Homeowners like the fact that we are consistent in what we do, specializing in fascia and soffit, so we get a lot of work from referral. We also fit Freefoam cladding and have seen

MARKETING & INTERNET a big increase in Fortex cladding as people wanting to use it on ‘man caves’ and outside bars, with the colour options being especially attractive, and greys being the top favourite.”

Freefoam says that a ‘consistent and on-time supply of materials is essential for the success of any

installation business. A committed, knowledgeable stockist is a vital part of this relationship, and a dependable, experienced manufacturer is also an integral element. Fasciawise are seeing the advantages of a powerful supply chain that works together, from the reliability of Jayplas Building Supplies to the stability and

Avantal Door Now In Print With high levels of enquiries from consumers and for showroom doors from Installer Partners, Endurance Doors have now published a luxurious 40-page brochure for their new ultra-premium Avantal door range.

Following an 18-month development programme of testing and evaluation, Avantal has been received to great acclaim as a next generation door, using the finest components and materials, claims the company, Based on the Endurance solid timber chassis, Avantal features ultra-premium foils, which provide the smooth aesthetic offered by aluminium doors and a satin white internal face and edgeband. There are five initial designs that also showcase the very best hard-

consistency of Freefoam Building Products’.

Stuart commented: “We have a very good working relationship with Jaime at Jayplas and have become good friends. We have always used Freefoam products and will continue to do so.” www.freefoam.com

ware and a 3-Star ABS cylinder as standard.

Claire Heywood, owner of The Door Company Stafford has been enthusiastic about Avantal right from day one and commented: ‘This is a true next generation door and something that little bit special to inspire consumers who want a luxurious product with a point of differentiation.

It’s a door that looks and feels a premium proposition and we even sold one from our storeroom prior to unveiling it in the showroom and so this brochure will ignite further interest no doubt.’

Scott Foster, head of group sales and marketing for Endurance Doors added: ‘This new brochure has a distinct premium feel about it and for good reason, Avantal is a game changer for the sector given the fact that we’ve spent 18 months developing, testing and refining the end product.

We’re super excited about the potential for this door and in time we’ll be adding new designs, finishes and other exclusive options.’ https://endurancedoors.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022 101

MARKETING & INTERNET

Step-By-Step – The New Xenlite Lantern Video Demo

luFold Direct says it has designed its new Xenlite aluminium roof lantern to be safe, simple, and quick to fit by a single installer, and has just released a video showing exactly how easy the process is.

The new two-minute video on the https://www.xenlite.co.uk/installer website takes an installer through the assembly and fixing of the lantern step-by-step and, on the way, demonstrates many of its safety features and fast fit technologies.

According to Alufold Direct, ‘the video shows just how light and manoeuvrable Xenlite is and how that removes the risks that come with handling more cumbersome lanterns when working at height.

102 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

And how easily the ring beam can be put together using pre-inserted cleats, how quick it is to fix the ridge and rafters within that ring beam, and how simply the thermal break is clipped into the rafters and the top caps just snap fit on top’.

said: “We know that Xenlite will appeal to homeowners with its ultra- slim 38mm sightlines and contemporary aesthetic, but one of the key drivers in the design process was to make it the lantern of choice for installers as well.

The company says a key aspect of the video demo is the Xenlite lantern’s brand-new glass retention system, which means that the beads on the DGUs lock smoothly and securely onto the ring beam all the way round with a reassuring click every time and there is no danger of the glass falling through at any point.

“We’ve addressed all the worries that installers have about other lanterns on the market and made sure Xenlite is much more fitter-friendly. That extends beyond just the safety aspects and into business profitability because they can fit Xenlite single-handedly and in a super fast time.”

Russell Yates, AluFold Direct’s managing director, and the person leading the design team,

All the details on Xenlite, including colours, sizes and lead times are at: https://www.xenlite.co.uk/

MARKETING & INTERNET

TuffX’s Infinity Marketing Drive Hits The Road

When you’re next on the open road, keep an eye out for TuffX, as the safety glass specialist has recently invested in new graphics for its entire vehicle fleet.

As part of a year’s planned programme of investment to promote and grow production of its Infinity rooflight range, TuffX has updated all 44 vehicles in its fleet with the new graphics.

TuffX’s Infinity brand includes rooflights, roof lanterns, walk-on and fire-rated walk-on glass units, available as either double or triple glazed and in a choice of clear, solar and privacy glass. What’s more, Infinity’s unique ‘drop-in-and-seal’ design makes them super easy and fast to fit straight out of the box, as they require no additional assembly on site.

“Our Infinity range of rooflights and walk-on glass units, which includes our all-glass frameless-look rooflight, continues to be more popular than ever, and we intend to ensure we remain first choice,” said Paul Higgins, TuffX’s commercial director.

“We deliver direct to site, in as

little as three to four days for our standard sizes, and whether it’s a commercial delivery heading out from our Merseyside base in our 13-tonne truck, or our 7.5-tonne truck making a rural delivery to a homeowner with restricted access, you won’t be able to miss us now with our new graphics. www.tuffxglass.co.uk

Time To Get Trainedhup!

Ultraframe has announced the launch of a comprehensive webinar programme to educate fabricators and installers about its new hup! building system. Launched at the FIT Show, Ultraframe says hup! is the better way to build home extensions and conservatories and consists of a fast to build and highly energy efficient wall solution that can be used in conjunction with any Ultraframe roof – allowing installers and builders to create every possible style of home extension, orangery, or conservatory, quickly and easily.

The webinar programme consists of seven webinars on various hup!-related topics as detailed below: • Webinar 1, 24th May – What is hup!

• Webinar 2, 31st May – Flat roof • Webinar 3, 7th June – Designing and Building hup! conservatories

• Webinar 4, 14th June – Transforming old conservatories with hup!

• Webinar 5, 21st June – Designing and Building hup! extensions • Webinar 6, 28th June – hup!

Specifying and surveying training • Webinar 7, 5th July – hup! Fitter Installer Training Commenting about the hup! webinar programme, Ultraframe’s marketing director, Alex Hewitt, said: “We received some fantastic feedback to our new hup! building system at the FIT Show and everyone we spoke to was keen to find out more. The webinar programme covers everything from the basics of what the system is, through to designing and building with hup!, along with various training sessions, and begins on 24th May until 5th July, with one webinar per week. hup! really is a

revolution in terms of building extensions and conservatories and we would urge people to sign up to the webinars to find out more.”

According to Ultraframe, hup! uses building regulation compliant materials and fewer trades are needed; no brickies, just one conservatory fitting team. The system can be manufactured off site, with no cutting needed on site, reducing waste and time. It incorporates design flexibility – choose your own claddings and windows & doors, and design, specify and price each project in easy-to-use software.

To sign up for the free hup! webinar programme visit outreach. ultraframe.co.uk/hup-webinars WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022 103

MARKETING & INTERNET

Sternfenster Launches Virtual Showroom

declined as we’ve moved back to a sense of normality. It is vital we keep up with changing habits, and even pioneer new ways of doing business, which is why we developed the Sternfenster Virtual Showroom.”

Just launched, Sternfenster’s virtual showroom is the result of 18 months of research and development.

Potential buyers are given a choice of products, where they can click-through to product landing pages to learn about the features and benefits. Here, various sub-sections are clearly labelled and sign-posted.

Sternfenster has launched a new virtual showroom to help customers sell higher value products to homeowners.

104 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

“People moved online during the pandemic to research and buy home improvement products,” Sternfenster’s sales director Nathan Court said. “And this hasn’t

An overview provides a clear summary of each product, while the ‘Explore Features’ section provides much greater detail: technical specs, colour options, hardware options, and locks are presented in a series of drop-down menus. These sit

MARKETING & INTERNET alongside a picture of the product with ‘hotspots’ highlighted, which give contextual detail for those benefits. From this page, the homeowner can also watch a short sales presentation, which shows each product as part of a completed project, and take a virtual 360º product tour.

Epwin Window Systems Publishes Guide To The

Changes To Part F

Sternfenster has produced a series of CGI (computer-generated imagery) videos for the virtual showroom, which gives the viewer one-minute tours of products. Set to an upbeat soundtrack, each professionally crafted video provides a closeup flythrough of products’ key features.

Take the Alitherm 300 window, for example, the viewer is shown a close-up of the slimline frame, before highlighting the Yale high-security multi-point locking system, and Yale handles, which come in a variety of colours.

Other features highlighted include the high security internal beads, the energy efficient frames and glass, and unlimited choice of colours.

The key driver for this ground-breaking tool, Nathan said, was the changing buying behaviour of homeowners, and the growing interest in high-value products.

“Yes, the current squeeze on living standards will lead to some of the volume taken out of the market. But there is no suggestion that the market for highend products will be as equally affected. These consumers will inevitably spend more, and they will want to work with more professional companies.

“Selling tools like the Sternfenster Virtual Showroom will help our customers raise their game, and put them in contention for this high-value, high margin work.” www.sternfenster.com

Epwin Window Systems has published a guide to the changes to Part F of Building Regulations, which come into effect on 15 June 2022. Gerald Allen, head of marketing at Epwin Window Systems, commented: “15 June will mark the biggest update to Building Regulations in England for a number of years. Rest assured, we’re here to help our customers get to grips with the new regulations so they can be confident in their compliance.”

Part F of Building Regulations sets the standards for the ventilation of new and existing buildings. It has been updated to ensure that sufficient levels of ventilation are still provided in light of changes to Part L, which covers conservation of fuel and power.

As the manufacturer and supplier of award-winning PVC-U and aluminium window and door systems, Epwin Window Systems has a range of compli-

ant trickle vents available via its Safeware hardware brand.

The new guide follows closely on from the guidance the systems company produced on the changes to Part L on the conservation of fuel and power.

Both guides are available on to all its customers on the company’s Connect digital portal.

To further support customers, Epwin Window Systems’ Connect digital portal has a forum where fabricators and installers can find answers to frequently asked questions. They can also submit their own questions to Epwin Window Systems’ technical experts. Gerald commented: “These are big changes and we know our customers will want to get everything right. They can check their understanding and ask for more detail from our in-house experts, who will be happy to help give clarity.” epwinwindowsystems.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022 105

EVENTS

CAB’s Knowledge

Sharing Initiative

By Phil Slinger – CAB Chief Executive CAB have always ensured that during any Member meetings the time is always allocated for Members to network together in an interesting venue. Rather than an opportunity for Members to ‘sell’ to each other, the experience is one of relation-building which may lead to future business. During the pandemic CAB held regular webinars on various topics when meetings were not possible. Now that meetings are back on the agenda and following our successful Members Spring Forum, is there more CAB can do?

In response to requests from Members for greater opportunity to network, CAB is organising an in-person Members Knowledge Sharing Exchange in September this year. The aim of each Exchange is to facilitate learning and knowledge transfer that our members specialise in, to provide a platform for discussion and debate 106 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

Phil Slinger

using a strictly non-specific product sales approach between member companies. Each presentation will be pre-screened to ensure all presentations are objective, educational with non-commercial content, generic and neutral.

Sharing knowledge within organisations and across industry sectors is considered a pillar of success and prosperity. It assists in creating more awareness of

and improves understanding of solutions products and services, contributes to continuous improvement, increases co-operation and acceptance to new ideas.

Member companies in attendance will appoint a speaker to offer the pre-screened presentation to communicate, educate, share information, and network to the mutual benefit of their company and other CAB members and potentially the wider sector.

Initially, CAB are considering a oneday Members Knowledge Sharing Exchange, with the opportunity to film each presentation, by agreement, to build a library of knowledge on the CAB website. Our intention is to secure CPD points per webinar, which in turn should gain interest from architects, engineers and other representatives from the Construction Industry, who require CPD points each year.

We have an initial positive response from the Membership and if the first event delivers, CAB are considering holding this exchange every six months, thereby establishing a rota of members to ensure updates can be catered for. The first event is planned to take place at the impressive Staffordshire Arboretum on the 8th September.

EVENTS

Caribbean Blinds Returns To

Sponsor Glazing Summit

Caribbean Blinds MD Stuart Dantzic has hailed the Glazing Summit as ‘vital’ after coming on board to sponsor this year’s event, which takes place on Tuesday, October 18th at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham.

“I think the last two years has seen the industry realise it’s more than just windows and

doors,” said Stuart.

“Last year’s Glazing Summit was hugely beneficial as it was important to find out what the industry was thinking and what challenges installers were facing so we could see how to help as a supplier and to make sure our products and solutions are relevant.

“The calibre of people in attendance also meant that we picked up some important information that has helped us moving forward.

“It’s a really forward-thinking event that brings together every sector of the industry and we knew it was vital to get back on board.”

The award-winning Caribbean Blinds has been involved in the manufacture of luxury external shading systems for more than 30 years and Stuart is looking forward hearing the industry’s views on the new building regs and Approved Document O. “As a shading company it will be interesting finding out what the industry is thinking about Part O, and we are also keen to hear how installers have got on with supply this year after last year’s challenges.” www.glazingsummit.co.uk

PiGs Is Heading Sow’th West For Bristol Debut interest from our regulars, as well as people looking to attend for the first time, so it promises to be a great night.

After hogging some of the limelight at FIT Show’s Late Night Wednesday in May, PiGs is heading Sow’th West to make its Bristol debut on 23 June.

“We always listen to feedback from the PiGs people,” says Sarah Ball of Balls2 Marketing.

“There’s been lots of requests for us to host one of our get togethers in the South West so we felt the time was right to bring PiGs to Bristol.

“There’s already been lots of

“Taking place at Revolución de Cuba at Bordeaux Quay BS1 5EP and kicking off at 5pm, anyone who works in the supply chain of the glazing industry is welcome to attend. It’s completely FREE and there are no speeches or presentations.

“However, we would ask everyone to register before turning up so we can keep people informed of any changes and updates.”

As ever, a massive thanks to our sponsors – who, at the time of writing, are: APS Aluminium, Arkay Windows, Bison Frames, Brownhills Glass Company, Business Pilot, Crystal Clear Bristol,

Edgetech, Emplas, Extrudaseal, FIT Show, Georgian Bar Company, Glazerite, Glazpart, QANW, Quickslide, RegaLead, Selecta Systems, Sol Roofs, Supalite, Thermoseal Group, Unique Window Systems, Window Ware and Yale Door & Window Solutions.

If you’d like to join this exclusive list, you can contact Sarah at sarah@balls2marketing.co.uk or 07540 049655, or email PiGs at sty@peopleinglazing.co.uk. To sign up for the Bristol event, go to https://bit.ly/3xx5c5y There are two more 2022 PiGs events taking place after Bristol. We will be back in Birmingham on 29 September and then PiGs is going international with a special event in Las Vegas on 19 October, in conjunction with GlassBuild America.

WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022 107

CHARITY

One Final Pedal For Retina UK Martin Nettleton, managing director at Euroglaze, Rehau’s longest standing trade fabricator, is taking on yet another challenge in aid of sight loss charity Retina UK. At the end of May, he is taking part in Ride London – a 100-mile cycle through the heart of London, out into the Essex countryside and back again to finish at Tower Bridge, with his tandem partner Dr Andrew Oates acting as pilot.

Martin and his brother Simon both have the inherited eye disorder Retinitis Pigmentosa, so Retina UK, which helps to fund research into treatments for lots of different eye conditions, is very close to his heart.

The charity was chosen as Euroglaze’s charity partner for its

event.

He said: “There are so many exciting new treatments being developed at the moment that have the potential to preserve and potentially even restore sight so funding the research has probably never been more urgent.

40th anniversary celebrations in 2019/20 and Martin had a fundraising place in Ride London for 2020. After the ride was cancelled, the Euroglaze team organised their own ‘virtual’ sponsored ride at the Barnsley factory which helped the company reach its £10,000 target, but Martin couldn’t resist one final pedal when Retina UK invited him to take part in the rearranged 2022

“Retina UK have gifted me this place, so I’ve started things off by making a donation equivalent to the normal entry fee. I really appreciate all that friends, colleagues, suppliers and customers have already done to support Retina UK, but if they could dig deep one final time, I would be especially grateful.”

Martin’s fundraising page is at: https://bit.ly/3xpisZS an exciting final between Leeds and Hinckley, with an 8-8 draw decided by a penalty shootout. It was Leeds that took the trophy with a final tally of 7–6. Although runners up, the Hinckley team saw their player Lewis Shaw pick up the Golden Boot award with an impressive 15 goals during the tournament.

NBP Depots Play Hard To Raise Money For Macmillan

Four 5-a-side football teams came together on Saturday 7 May at Powerleague Bolton for the inaugural Northern Building Plastics charity football tournament.

The charity chosen for the event was Macmillan Cancer Support and on the day £312 was collected, which NBP matched, to make

108 WINDOW NEWS | JUNE 2022

the total donation £624.

The teams were made up from men and women working from each of the Northern Building Plastics Depots plus one fielded from Leeds HQ. Kick off was at 1pm and during the afternoon’s mini-league, a series of 4 matches were played, culminating in

It remains to be seen whether Leeds will successfully defend their title in 2023, especially as there will be more teams involved due to the depot expansion programme. However, the trophy is theirs for 2022!

Steve Jones, director at Northern Building Plastics, says: “The inaugural tournament was a great success and the organisation of the event by the Bolton Depot was superb. It was a good opportunity to get all the depots together outside of work – and raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support made it even more worthwhile.” www.nbp.co.uk

GET

PART L

PART L

2022 3 Compliant

There’s no need to worry about this year’s new Part L standards.

Sheerline has you covered.

Make sure you’re ready with Sheerline’s innovative range of aluminium windows, doors, bi-folds and lanterns, which meet these new thermal requirements, using standard double glazing*

s h e e r l i n e . c o m / R E A DY | 0 1 3 3 2 9 7 8 0 0 0 *Subject to specification and project requirements that will vary for New Build projects.

Visit our site for more information.

SCAN FOR MORE INFO