VIEWPOINT

GQA Interviews Non-Executive Director Justin Ratcliffe

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.

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.

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. 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 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.

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?

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 organisation’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

Energy Efficiency. Front And Centre.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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 Business 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.

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 homeowner. 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.

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Trinity College – DublinAluprof UK In Ireland

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

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.

‘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.

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. 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.

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. Commenting on her appointment, Katrina said: “I am proud to be part of Epwin Window Systems and 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.” Previously holding the post of head of sales, Katrina has been an integral part of the Epwin Window 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

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. 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.” 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