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 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!’

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

“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

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.” 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.

“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

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. 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 design 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

Howells’ Tracey Jackson

Inspires At FIT Show Seminar

Attendees to this year’s FIT Show were treated to a comprehensive schedule of insightful and thought-provoking seminars during the three-day event. Tracey Jackson, business development manager at Howells Patent Glazing was fortunate to take a seat on the ‘Facing up to the skills shortage’ panel.

Alongside representatives from the Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF), Solar Group and Building our Skills, Tracey discussed the significant skills shortage the industry faces, what’s been done to address that over the past three years (since the previous FIT show), and what has/hasn’t been done to re-skill colleagues and attract new talent.

Tracey’s contribution was informative and inspirational. As a shareholder of Howells Patent Glazing, a small-medium enterprise (SME) in the Black Country, Tracey is well-aware of the challenges her business and the wider industry faces.

Unlike many businesses of this size, or indeed larger organisations, Howells has been proactive in redressing the balance. It has, and continues to upskill staff across all levels of the business, offering adult NVQ’s to all. It has nurtured staff through NVQs and courses ranging from level two through to five and seven!

Howells opens its doors regularly for work experience-related opportunities, including factory tours. It offers apprenticeships in different disciplines, and has two level three engineering apprentices, currently – both of whom were encouraged to attend the FIT show!

On a personal level, Tracey has been an enterprise advisor for two local centres and was selected to be a Mayor’s Mentor. Alongside her sister and fellow shareholder of Howells, Debbie Willetts, Tracey has worked incredibly hard to achieve relevant and valuable qualifications for both personal development and for the benefit of the business. These include PG certificate in Coaching and Mentoring Level 7; TQUK Level 3 Award in Education and Training (RQF) and NCFE Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement Level 3.

Given her impressive CV and passion for future-proofing the industry, Tracey is regularly approached for public speaking. One new and exciting opportunity is a presenting slot, alongside Debbie, on a local radio station to discuss all things mental health and well-being.

So, if you’re looking for a change of career or wish to embark on your work journey, then we encourage you to consider the fenestration industry. Businesses like Howells have ample opportunity for growth, job satisfaction and personal development.

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.

“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.”Solar Calibre Doors Fitter Than Ever After FIT Show 2022 “A great job, well done by all” event on this scale and meeting was the verdict from Solar Calibre up with people again, some for Doors managing director, Gareth the first time in over two years and Jones, on FIT Show 2022. This is were delighted, but not surprised, the first time the recently formed by the high visitor numbers. The business attended FIT Show, a de- industry was obviously very ready cision that the company says has for a live event and a lot of people reaped dividends. were keen to exchange experiences and expectations, after the “Our appearance has helped boost challenges of the last few years, recognition of our emerging Solar and undoubtedly looking ahead, Calibre brand, as well as show- with more to come.” casing our extensive range of door solutions. It was really good to With the industry generally expectbe able to meet face to face with ing a downturn in the market, Solar many of the customers whom Calibre received a lot of interest in we’ve welcomed on board since its higher end products that offer our new business launched in May significant margin potential, no2020,” said Gareth. tably the Craftsman timber door. Many visitors were pleasantly “We all enjoyed being back at a live surprised to see that the CraftsAn 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 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.”

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 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.” 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

‘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.

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! 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.

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. 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

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

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

SupaLite Celebrate Decade In The Industry At FIT Show

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. 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.”

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 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!”

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. 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

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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 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.”

FIT Show Success Shows Installer Need For Leads

Glazing Summit Cocktail Party At FIT Wets

Appetites For October Event

(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.

“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.”

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.

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 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.

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.

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.”

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

Letterplates Shouldn’t Be An Afterthought Letterplates are a vital piece of The range includes the Yale door furniture but they are often Postmaster Professional TS008 its weakest link thanks to secu- letterplate, which will fit on any rity and fire safety risks, claims PAS 24 accredited door to meet the company. It’s something that the requirements of TS008 withJohn Crittenden, managing di- out the need to retest. It features rector of independent hardware a telescopic sleeve to suit a distributor Carl F Groupco, is variety of composite and PVC-U keen to highlight. “It’s very easy door thicknesses, ranging from to focus on the aesthetics of a 40mm – 75mm. letterplate. They’re important, of course, but it’s vital to remember There’s also a fire rated varisafety and security too. We have ant with intumescent material a range of letterplates that tick available. When tested as part all the boxes.” of a doorset, Yale’s Postmaster Professional TS008 letterplate The security risks of letterplates not only exceeded the FD60 came into focus with the intro- time test by an additional 25%, duction of the Door and Hard- but also successfully passed the ware Federation’s TS008: 2015 smoke leakage test, says the security standard. All Carl F company. Groupco’s stocked letterplates meet the requirements of TS008 Elsewhere in Carl F Groupco’s as a minimum. 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

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 functionality 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

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 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 fabrication 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

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. 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.

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.

“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.” “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.

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

“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.

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 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“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.”

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 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

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 mainstream 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.”

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.”

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. 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. 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.

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.

The Best Things Come In Small Packages

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