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WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2015 3
TRADE NEWS
Rapid Growth Leads To New Factory
Acquisition For AluFoldDirect Aluminium door specialist AluFoldDirect has acquired new 35,000 sq. ft. factory premises in Blackburn, which will double the company’s capacity as it plans major additions to its product range.
“We have a manufacturing philosophy that ‘that’ll do’ won’t do, so it’s time to listen to our own advice by upgrading our facility.” The new factory is located in central Blackburn and offers excellent transport links to help fulfil AluFoldDirect’s commitment to rapid delivery of finished products.
The investment is the result of unprecedented demand, which has seen AluFoldDirect outstrip its sales targets to become a leading supplier of aluminium bi-folding, sliding and commercial doors. At the heart of AluFoldDirect is a commitment to delivering high-quality doors direct to site. Customers receive an aluminium bi-folding door within one week (unglazed) or two weeks (glazed), precisely measured for a ‘right first time’ installation. Proposed Plan Possible AlternatSince launching in November 2014, AluFoldDirect consistently produces over 1,000 frames per week. Following the recent launch of its new commercial door range, and with several other new products still to come in 2016, the company’s relocation became essential. 4 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
The new facility also includes a bespoke showroom in which AluFoldDirect can highlight the full range of aluminium door and window solutions available. Above: Craig Miller, Managing Director, AluFoldDirect. Top AluFoldDirect original factory
“Our success depends on us holding large stocks of aluminium to ensure a stable source of premium product,” explains Craig Miller, Managing Director of AluFoldDirect. “Of course, with the growth we’ve experienced, we’re rapidly running out of space if we’re to maintain the standards we’ve set and which our customers have come to expect.
“The launch of our SBD commercial door range is only the start of our plans for 2016. The new factory will enable us to produce aluminium solutions for a range of different markets and building types, all united by our ‘Direct’ approach to quality and service. “We can’t wait to show existing and prospective customers what we can do from our new home.” To find out more, visit www.alufolddirect.co.uk.
TRADE NEWS
Positivity Surrounds Industry Scramble To Amidst Consumer Spending Rise, But Register Ahead Of Skills Shortages Could Stifle Growth *Not all figures will add up to 100% because there was the option to answer n/a for some questions. Installers expect to win business, and are widely confident about the industry, in 2016 and expect consumer spending to continue to increase. However, issues such as skills shortages are holding some companies back and throttling investment and growth. These findings come from the much anticipated annual Consumer Protection Association installer barometer. The CPA commissioned Insight Data to carry out the survey, which asked over 12,000 installers a series of questions on their business performance and expectations for the industry. The barometer compares business performance between 2014 and 2015 and also asks installers whether they think sales and profits will increase or decrease in 2016. When polled about how business performance in 2015 compared to 2014, 48% said profit margins had increased, with 39% saying they had stayed the same and 10% saying they had decreased. This can be attributed to a rise in work within both the retail and commercial markets. 52% of respondents said retail jobs had increased for them over the past year, compared to 6% who said it had decreased. On the commercial side 39%
of installers said work had increased, and 32% said it had remained the same. Looking forwards, installers are upbeat about the industry for 2016. 74% expect growth across the industry, compared to just 3% who don’t, and 61% expect consumer spending on home improvements to increase this year, with 39% saying they expect it to stay the same. Businesses are already facing issues finding workers with the skillsets they need and it seems this trend is likely to continue, which could make growth difficult for those looking to invest. When asked about future employment opportunities, 35% said they expected this to improve, 45% said they would remain the same and 19% said it would worsen. The survey also asked businesses what they would like to see more of in the industry in 2016. 81% said premium products with unique selling opportunities, helping them satisfy demand for high-end products in the retail market. Jeremy Brett, director at the CPA, comments: “Positivity surrounds the industry, but problems such as the skills shortage and a need to have a product range that stands out in an increasingly competitive market are the concerns. As ever the results were fascinating and give us an insight into the industry and the challenges facing our members.”
Fit Show Spurred on by mounting ‘FIT Fever’ visitors have been registering in their droves to make sure they can skip the queues when The FIT Show opens its doors for the third outing of the popular window, door and conservatory industry trade show next week. The numbers speak for themselves: Despite a confident market during 2014, figures for pre-registered visitors this year are a whopping 85% ahead following a surge in online registra-tions and even compared with the impressive numbers of visitors registering ahead of the launch show in 2013 44% more visitors have taken the time to book ahead of visiting. “These figures are through the roof,” said and excited Matthew Glover, Chairman of FIT Events, which organises The FIT Show. “We have been very busy once again promoting the event but the exhibitors have once again got behind it with great success. Twitter is alive too – the enthusiasm is palpable!” With at least four new window systems being seen at The FIT Show for the first time togeth-er with a huge crop of new products from almost every exhibitor, indications are that FIT Show 2016 will be the biggest and most dynamic event for the industry for at least a decade. “With the industry continuing its confident outlook the industry is looking towards the event for inspiration and products that will land them sales in a competitive market,” offered Mat-thew. www.fitshow.co.uk/visit. WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016 5
TRADE NEWS
Slow start to the year
for construction continues as
February fails to gain momentum
The subdued start to the year continued for the construction sector throughout February, as the industry struggled to regain the successful form amassed in the third and fourth quarter of 2015.
billion, a slight increase of 4.2 per cent on January’s figures but still way down on the £7.9 billion recorded in November, resulting in a 29 per cent decrease (see figure 1.1).
According to the latest Economic & Construction Market Review from industry analysts Barbour ABI, total construction contract value for February totalled £5.6
On a more positive note though, renewable energy continues to thrive. The sector shows no sign of slowing down after the recent subsidy cuts, with the £1.8 billion
Burles Group Features In The 1000 Companies To Inspire Britain 2016 Report Burles Group, the company that is home to industry leading names such as leading VEKA fabricator Modplan and the UK’s largest independent trade counter networkNational Plastics, has just been named in the 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain 2016 report. David Burles, Chairman of Burles Group said, “We are delighted to be named in this prestigious list. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of every member of our team at every level and this is a great opportunity to thank them for their commitment to 6 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
East Anglia One offshore wind farm being given the go-ahead – which is easily the biggest construction project awarded in February. The value of this project is so great that it propelled the East of England to the top spot for the location of contract value in February, which is usually exclusively occupied by London. Commenting on the figures, Michael Dall, lead economist at Barbour ABI, said: “After another slow month in February, it’s clear that overall construction performance hinges heavily on the residential sector, in particular private housing. Even with residential increasing its total contract value compared to January, it is still well below the figures of the fourth quarter in 2015. However, steady improvement from the Infrastructure and Commercial & Retail sectors could significantly help remove the reliance the industry has on housebuilding contracts.” “Overall consensus is that construction activity remains on track to grow, with a solid pipeline building up over the spring and summer months. The industry is still growing at a steady enough pace, but as previously stated, more growth from the infrastructure and commercial & retail sectors would provide a substantial boost.”
making our businesses a success.” The 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain report, which is in its third year, is an annual celebration of some of the fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK. As well as identifying 1,000 companies, the annual report, which is compiled by London Stock Exchange Group plc, examines in detail the opportunities and challenges facing SMEs and looks at the sectors and trends that will shape the future of the UK economy. The success of the Burles Group’s businesses is built on the simple principle of giving customers excellent products and service at competitive prices. www.modplan.co.uk
SEE IT ON STAND 210 THE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE, TELFORD 12-14 APRIL 2016
TRADE NEWS
Emplas Has Product Protection Wrapped-Up Emplas has developed a new handling strategy, adding new corner protectors to all frames earlier in the manufacturing cycle, as part of a commitment to drive improved product quality.
As part of a rigorously controlled process, individual elements of each order are automatically checked as they are prepared in the loading bays. They are then re-scanned onto the lorry, eliminating the shipping of incomplete orders.
Having trialled a number of different solutions and options Emplas has now changed its production process to add corner protection to all four corners as soon as windows and doors come off the welder.
Each product is also inspected at the point at which it’s offloaded. On the rare occasion that any damage has occurred in transit, the product is scanned by the driver, the damaged part is photographed and its replacement is automatically generated in the factory production schedule.
It’s also added new lock and hinge protectors, alongside corner protection to deliver better defence against product damage in transit. Jody Vincent, National Sales Manager, said: “Fitting corner protectors to windows and doors as soon as they come off the welder is a comparatively small change but one which delivers a real benefit because they’re protected throughout the rest of the manufacturing process. “We also tested a number of different products, before selecting a corner protector which delivered a high level of protection but which also supported easy transit through the factory. It is unusual for a fabricator to apply protectors to all four corners but that is evident of our total commitment to quality. “We believe product quality can always be improved, however good it may be and this and the additional checks and controls we’re putting in as part of 8 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
dispatch and delivery, are supporting us in driving it further forward.” Emplas announced last month, that it had added rear facing cameras to its trucks to check the loading and unloading of product. This footage is then transmitted back to Emplas operational hub for review to make sure that windows and doors are being dispatched and handled correctly. It follows a wider investment by Emplas in its manufacturing and logistics operation. This has included the extension of its factory production bar-coding system to its dispatch and delivery operation.
Jody added: “We have always had a strong focus on product quality. It’s one of the reasons why we have always removed the system company tape at final QC, thoroughly check and clean every frame, then re-applied our customers’ own branded protective tape. “We’re looking at everything to see and understand where there is room for improvement, from how we pack products to how they’re then handled and loaded. Even the way that our trucks are driven is being looked at and monitored because that allows us to be better at what we do and deliver more quality to our customers.” For more information on Emplas visit www.emplas.co.uk , email info@emplas.co.uk or call 01933 674880.
TRADE NEWS The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) hailed the UK Pavilion at Fensterbau Frontale (16-19 March) a great success after the GGF and five other British companies co-exhibited at the world’s largest international fenestration exhibition. Following the show, James Lee, Head of GGF Group Marketing commented, “Fensterbau has seen a much stronger British presence than in previous years. Thanks to our five co-exhibitors, made up of high profile UK companies and GGF Members the whole event proved a great success.” Matthew Glover, Chairman of The FIT Show who exhibited on the UK Pavilion added, “It was a very productive few days for the FIT Show and we’ll certainly be keen to take part again in 2018.” The UK Pavilion consisted of six co-exhibitors including the GGF, The FIT Show, Glazpart, RITEC International, Clearview magazine and GQA Qualifications. Each company had their own individual exhibition stands within the UK Pavilion and use of a café/meeting area on the stand. Following the show, Dean Bradley of Glazpart commented, “We met with potential clients from over 20 countries and we were pleased to launch some new products in frame corner protection at the show. We have already saw a return on our investment and the UK Pavilion was ideal as it allowed the group of exhibitors to cost effectively work together, increasing our impact and presence at the show.” Derek Brown, RITEC International Business Development Manager, added, “This was our first Fensterbau and it was an unqualified success for us. The stand was always busy and we accumulated many high quality
GGF Hails Fensterbau
A Great British Success leads from all over the world. We would very much like to return in 2018.”
The UK Pavilion also staged the British Reception sponsored by Wintech Testing and Certification. Gailord Nepp, Managing Director of Wintech commented, “We really enjoyed Fensterbau and the British Reception which was well attended. We were pleased to sponsor this special event on the UK Pavilion and increase our brand awareness at this international event.” Fensterbau Frontale reconfirmed its leading position in the international construction exhibition market, with a record number of visitors in 2016: the event brought 110,581 representatives from the wood and window industries to Nuremberg, compared to 108,967 on the previous occasion in 2014. The second day of the event alone saw a record 38,568 visitors flow through the halls – a figure never previously achieved by the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg in a single day. The venue,
fully booked for the event, hosted a total of 1,296 exhibitors, about two-thirds of them from outside Germany, presenting new developments and innovations from the wood processing industry and the fields of window, door and façade construction. James Lee concluded, “I have been doing exhibitions for over 20 years and this one is up there with the best of them. The UK was well represented with a strong stand presence and the visiting audience was high in both quantity and quality. Overall the show went smoothly and working with the other UK companies made everything much easier. The GGF and all the co-exhibitors will be holding a review meeting in a few weeks when we hope to start planning for Fensterbau 2018.”
If any UK company is interested in being part of the UK Pavilion at Fensterbau 2018, then please contact James Lee on marketing@ggf.org.uk for further information. WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016 9
TRADE NEWS
Hurst
Livens Up Panels Package Sustained growth in door panels at Hurst Plastics has prompted the company to further strengthen its installer business package. The company, which is one of the largest manufacturers of panels in the UK, achieved a third consecutive year of growth in door panels and is forecasting further growth as it approaches its new financial year. Mark Atkinson, Hurst Plastics’ Sales and Marketing Director, explains: “The door panel may be a mature product, but Hurst continues to buck the trend and is maintaining a steady growth in this sector. Last year was good year for us in panels and we are projecting growth of around 3% next year, which surpasses industry-wide predictions for this product. In an era where many companies have abandoned the panels market, we are delighted to be investing and growing our brand to maintain our lead in the market. “Our installer package is one of the most comprehensive installer support packages, which equips Hurst customers with the tools they need to promote themselves and sell to the homeowner. The next stage in the development of this package has been to fully integrate door panels into our ‘Hurst Live’ trade package. Customers will be able to access technical data, track and trace orders and configure, order and price door panels.” The package already provides full marketing and sales support, including access to product photography, fully personalised product literature, point of sale material and lead generation via Hurst’s website. The integration of door panels within Hurst Live will further simplify the process of ordering door panels and enable installers to secure more sales. Manufacturing an average of 2,000 panels a week in 10 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
a dedicated panels factory at its 50,000 square foot site in Kingston-upon-Hull, the company credits its recent success to a rolling investment in the product and continued marketing support. Hurst consistently expands its panels range to satisfy market trends and, in recent years, has developed a collection of bespoke door styles and introduced contemporary new colours to enable customers to further differentiate themselves within the market. With demand for triple glazing looking set to significantly increase over the next few years, Hurst made the decision to invest in a collection of exclusive triple glazed designs, which now accounts for over 20% of glazed feature panels sales. Demand has also risen for door panel designs that mimic composite doors. Hurst has also upped production rates of its Modern Collection of contemporary, European-styled designs. With fresh, distinctive panels, every design is enhanced with stainless steel to cater for the more cosmopolitan end-user. As homeowner tastes evolve, Hurst is anticipating an increased demand for panels in rich, fashionable shades such as Anthracite Grey. Hurst’s comprehensive range of coloured door panels now includes five woodgrains, plus around 12 foiled finishes as standard. The company also offers a totally unique digital glass printing service which enables installers to design bespoke glazing for customers. Hurst’s collection of door panels features in its recently revamped 24-page brochure – The Definitive Collection. The brochure is available to download from Hurst Plastics’ new website – www.hurst-plastics.co.uk
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TRADE NEWS
GGF Welcomes Brouha Marketing
Into Membership Industry communications specialist Brouha Marketing is delighted to have been welcomed as the latest company to join the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF). Brouha MD Fiona Lund comments: “Operating almost exclusively within the door, window and glass industries, membership of our industry’s key trade body makes complete sense for the agency. Most of our customers are already active GGF Members, and we’ve worked in collaboration with them and the GGF on several projects over the years. Having recently
been invited to attend GGF Meetings as guests, we were impressed by the scope and scale of the work they carry out and can see value in being at the heart of industry decision making. We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship.” Brian Smith, GGF Director of Home Improvement adds: “The GGF Membershipis made up of hundreds of the best companies in the glass and glazing industry and we are always driving to increase awareness, engagement and membership. We’re delighted to welcome Brouha Marketing as our latest member. It is particularly pleasing to see specialist companies like Brouha join the Federation because of their level of expertise and industry knowledge. I am certain they will be a great asset to the GGF and I very much look forward to relationship of mutual benefit.” For more information, call us on 01672 514947 or visit www.brouhamarketing.com.
Installers Carry The Can
For Manufacturers If Doors Are Not Fit To Sell Most installers take their cues from manufacturers or other installers about what is legal to sell and install. If a door manufacturer, for example, says its door is fit for purpose, then it must be. If other installers sell and install it, it must be OK. But that’s a risky assumption. In consumer law, installers are responsible for what they sell and install, not the manufacturer. Other people’s assurances count for nothing in law. Planning and building regulations stipulate the standards and performance composite doors are required to achieve so they can legally be sold and installed. Building Regulations are quite specific about security and thermal efficiency, and doors need to demonstrate they achieve them. Solidor CEO Gareth Mobley says: “Composite door manufacturers, as with all manufacturers, need to be honest with trade customers. If their door doesn’t meet certain regulations or standards, they need to make that clear, or im12 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
prove their door so it does. Misselling puts customers at risk, and that’s wrong. “Our industry often ignores inconvenient regulations,” adds Gareth, “because we see others ignoring them and we don’t see people getting caught. Presumably VW thought it wouldn’t get caught cheating on emissions tests. But it was caught and it is proving to be very expensive. All composite doors should have a clearly visible CE mark. It isn’t a matter of choice; yet not all doors do. Does yours? Have you checked? It’s the law. In England and Wales, doors must achieve 1.8 U-value or lower. In Scotland it’s 1.6 U-value or lower. Yet some doors don’t.
Does yours? Have you checked? It’s the law. “All Solidor doors meet or exceed all the regulations and standards,” continues Gareth. “We’re the door experts so you don’t have to be. We’ve spent years investigating the thermal properties of different woods and different densities. So we know that solid plywood doors don’t achieve the U Value required by law to pass current building regulations. Using the wood they’re made of, it simply isn’t possible to achieve a low enough U value to pass. And there are no permitted loop holes or get out clauses. Solidor is constructed to pass all the tests. Its unique laminated-hardwood timber core is energy efficient, solid and secure. “If you’re not sure about your door, look for the CE mark. Check the label. A Declaration of Performance is required. Make sure if you buy a timber core composite door that the sticker is on the door. Better safe than sorry. It’s your reputation and business on the line.” Check out Solidor at www.solidor.co.uk call 01782 950 941, or follow @SolidorLtd.
TRADE NEWS
CenSolutions Helps Modern Glass Stay Ahead Of The Game
Ensuring your business complies with all of the necessary standards and latest legislation can prove quite a task, but not for Staffordshire based, Modern Glass. In 2010 the company appointed CENSolutions, the largest supplier of quality certification in the window, door and glass industries and has since found that a proactive approach to certification makes the whole process a lot easier. Jason Quinn, responsible for the quality checks for the accreditation at Modern Glass explains: “We partner with CENSolutions for BS EN 1279 accreditation on the manufacture of our sealed units. We get a much better service and better value for money from a team that are polite, knowledgeable and understanding of our needs. Above all else,
the best thing is that they keep us informed of any forthcoming changes in legislation that could possibly effect what we produce and how we produce it. This really gives us an advantage, as we can be proactive and implement any changes at our own convenience, ensuring our customers aren’t adversely effected in any way.” Modern Glass is a family run business, established in 1947. From its purpose built workshops in Staffordshire it provides single glass cut to size, double glazed units, mirrors and toughened glass. The company also specialises in bespoke decorative designs and lead light making, repair and restoration (including painting). Modern Glass is also able to provide a measuring and fitting service for uPVC doors,
frames and replacement double glazed units. Wayne Rogerson, Joint Managing Director of CENSolutions adds: “Modern Glass is a fantastic company to work with – it’s no surprise they have been in business for almost 70 years! They work hard to ensure they produce quality products that meet the current legislative requirements and appreciate the importance of compliance. They work closely with us to ensure the entire audit process is as quick and pain free as possible. The industry would be a better place with more proactive and committed companies like Modern Glass and CENSolutions is proud to support them with complete compliance.” Jason concludes: “With so much going on at the customer facing end of the business, it’s important for us to have suppliers we can rely on and trust. We have recently installed a new glass cutting table and glass washer with press, all whilst continuing to produce, on average, 200-300 sealed units every day. That’s why partnering with CENSolutions makes perfect sense for us. We know we can leave them to do their day job, which leaves us to be able to get on with ours.” For more information on CENSolutions, call us today on 01785 716625, visit www.censolutions.com
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TRADE NEWS
Direct Trade Makes The Most Of Halo’s Two-Tiered Support
Direct Trade (Yorkshire) Ltd – a supplier of high-spec PVC-U doors and windows from The VEKA UK Group – is fully embracing the systems company’s support offering as both an Approved Fabricator and a member of Network VEKA. The Doncaster-based business, established in 1998, has grown to become one of the UK’s leading trade suppliers, operating out of two 40,000 square feet facilities where – as part of a comprehensive range of products – it manufactures PVC-U windows and doors using The VEKA UK Group’s renowned Halo profile. “One of the main benefits of working with The VEKA UK Group has always been the renown they hold; both in the industry and with end customers – the home and building owners who use and live with their systems for years to come”, explains Direct Trade’s Managing Director, Steve Green. “It reflects well on our business to carry products of such high quality and diversity as we’re able to offer an ideal solution for every situation. “Being an Approved Fabricator and a Network VEKA member really helps us make the most of our relationship with The VEKA UK Group. A prerequisite of both initiatives is that their respective installers must source their systems from authorised fabricators.
Network VEKA refers to it as an ‘unbroken chain of quality’, and besides giving the assurance that our products will be fitted by a top notch installer, there are clear benefits for repeat business and building rapport with home improvement companies, nationwide.” The Approved Installer Scheme and Network VEKA represent two tiers of support available through The VEKA UK Group. ‘Approved’ status offers an introduction to various incentives, including an exclusive online marketing hub where companies can customise professionally designed marketing materials with their own logo, contact details and more. Network VEKA remains the pinnacle of home improvement installer support, with companies continually assessed to ensure they meet the high standards required for membership. Benefits include insurance-backed guarantees, legal advice, finance options, and the Network VEKA Academy – where businesses can enrol new or existing employees into industry-recognised traineeships or apprenticeships, helping to future proof the organisation’s outstanding performance. “We’re proud of the role that Direct Trade plays in installers accessing these two programmes”, Steve continues. “It’s only recently that Network VEKA announced Halo installers and fabricators could join the organisation, and we instantly saw the value for our customers. What better way to develop relationships with the best installers? We look forward to welcoming more trade through these two excellent channels.” For further information about Direct Trade call 01302 880066, email tradesales@directtradeltd.co.uk or visit www.directtradeltd.co.uk.
ERA Parent Company Tyman Plc Acquires Giesse Tyman Plc, the LSE quoted parent company of ERA has announced the acquisition of Italian based hardware specialist Giesse. With two manufacturing sites near Bologna, Italy, Giesse is well known for its range of high quality window and door hardware, particularly for the aluminium sector.Current major markets for the business are in Europe, but it also has growing businesses in South America, China, the Middle East and India. 14 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
Darren Waters, ERA Chief Executive Officer, commented: “Given the rapid growth that the aluminium sector is currently experiencing in the UK, I’m delighted that ERA will now be able to offer customers full access to the Giesse range. This makes us the ultimate one-stop-shop for door and window fabricators across UPVC, timber and aluminium. “Alongside ERA’s mechanical hardware and vertical sliding
window balances, the company’s complete product offer includes decorative hardware from Fab&Fix, sealing products from Schlegel and now dedicated hardware for aluminium systems from Giesse. “These are very exciting times to be part of Tyman Plc. We’re looking forward to introducing Giesse products to our customers.”
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TRADE NEWS
PVC-U Has Role To Play In Flood Resilience, Says
Eurocell’s Coxon
Flood resistance refers to buildings constructed so that water cannot get into it; while flood resilience means building houses so that while water may enter, the impact is reduced, structural strength is maintained and property recovery is easier and quicker. These are respectively referred to 16 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
“However, PVC-U products – including fittings such as plastic skirtings – have an unequivocal and obvious contribution to make to flood resilience: being resistant to twisting, swelling, shrinking, rotting or warping – unlike the many porous timber windows and doors undoubtedly wrecked in the recent deluges”. “Not only is this of benefit to the poor homeowner – who is saved the hassle of replacing ruined joinery items; and is able to maintain the security of the home in the face of looters, like we shockingly witnessed in York recently – but also to the insurance sector, reducing the cost of claims by thousands of pounds”.
“The extreme winter weather, having ruined Christmas for tens of thousands and likely to cost the country up to £1.5bn, serves to remind those concerned with sales and manufacture of PVC-U building products of the important role it can play in designing in flood resistant and resilience into threatened homes”, says Chris Coxon, Head of Marketing at Eurocell. Not only has the insurance industry estimated the cost of flood damage as being between £900m and as high as £1.5bn; it is also being said that it will also strip 0.2% from UK Gross Domestic Product this year.
water to a degree – and keeping low water thresholds at bay for even short periods may buy a little extra time for sandbagging, or a chance to move furniture, valuables and appliances out of the way”, continues Coxon.
“While no-one wishes to profit from the misfortune from others, our sector’s products meets a very specific – and increasing – need for resilience in the face of severe weather conditions. It is beholden upon the industry to therefore ensure that our weatherproof credentials are properly communicated to homeowners, local authorities, developers and the insurance industry”. as ‘water exclusion’ and ‘water entry’ strategies by the Government in its guidance Improving the Flood Performance of New Buildings – Flood Resilient Construction. EP1601FR Eurocell Flood Resilience January 2016 #2“While it would be a significant overclaim to say that PVC-U windows and composite doors would play a major part in a ‘water exclusion strategy’, there is no denying that their inherent weather tightness would at least slow the ingress of
The Government implicitly agrees, with Improving the Flood Performance of New Buildings stating under General Advice for Resilient Design saying: “The main principle is to use durable fittings that are not significantly affected by water and can be easily cleaned (e.g. use of plastic materials; or stainless steel for kitchen units)”. It then goes on to use an illustration of PVC-U skirting – like Eurocell’s Roomline – as an example of resilient fittings. www.eurocell.co.uk
TRADE NEWS
National Plastics
Opens New Plymouth Depot
Harriett Baldwin MP visiting Aldermore’s Birmingham office
Gary Morton Meets With City Minister – Harriet Baldwin Gary Morton, CEO of the Boing Boing Group and Managing Director of Central RPL, manufacturer and supplier of PVCu windows, doors and conservatories, has recently held an informal session with Harriet Baldwin MP, Economic Secretary to the Treasury. The meeting was also supported by Aldermore Bank, a major funder to CentralRPL. “I was delighted to be invited to meet with the Minister” says Gary Morton. “We shared views on how Government is attempting to help SME’s across the Midlands and throughout the UK. The Minister’s visit coincides with the release of Bank of England data, highlighting the amount lent to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises under the government’s Funding for Lending Scheme and the aim of the meeting was to discuss crucial issues around the support offered to businesses in the Midlands. “Among the issues discussed
were access to finance, how innovation can improve services for businesses and the general skills shortages we suffer from. This lead to an in-depth discussion on skilled employment levels and how best we are able to increase training and recruitment policies in the area. It was thoroughly engaging and most enjoyable. Harriet also took a keen interest in our charity work and the industry in general.” Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Harriett Baldwin added: “I am determined to see a dynamic and competitive banking sector where challenger banks and other innovators can thrive. I will continue to champion innovation in financial services, ensuring the sector continues to meet the diverse needs of UK customers. “It was good to meet someone as enthusiastic as Gary when discussing such matters”
National Plastics, the UK’s largest independent trade counter network has just got even bigger, with the company opening a new store in Plymouth. The new depot continues an unprecedented period of growth for National Plastics. Managing Director, Geoff Foster says, “Our long-term plan is to grow to a network of over 50 depots by the end of 2017, ensuring there’s no UK area without convenient access to one of our trade counters. With the new Plymouth depot we’ve fortified our position in the South, further extending National Plastics’ values of superior quality products, great value and exemplary service throughout the area.” The National Plastics business model has proved very successful. It has grown substantially in the past few years, even in the face of the recession, adding £10 million to its turnover in the last five years alone. Geoff comments, “Our growth is something we are very proud of. Some of it is thanks to acquisitions and opening new sites, but it’s mainly because we have increased sales to our customers by offering an ever-wider range of products, holding huge amounts of stock and being able to deliver, in many cases for free.” www.nationalplastics.co.uk WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016 17
TRADE NEWS
Over Two Thirds Of Small Businesses
Have Been Victim To Cyber Crime – FSB Research Reveals TWO thirds of small businesses have been the victim to cyber crime in the past two years, while over a third of small businesses do not report crimes against their business, research conducted by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has revealed.
the current crime statistics and suggest low levels of trust in the ability of the police to deal with business crime among small businesses. It is essential that to increase confidence, that the PSNI demonstrate the need to specifically redress business crime.
Worryingly figures released today (Wednesday) further reveal that confidence in the police remains low amongst business owners throughout the UK with 38% of members not reporting crimes against their businesses as they do not think it would lead to a successful prosecution.
“Therefore, FSB reiterates our manifesto call that the PSNI record business crime figures separately from domestic figures to enable a more accurate picture to enable specific action, education and resources to be developed and deployed.
Nearly a quarter of smaller business owners (24%) do not report any crimes committed against their business. When asked why, most said they felt reporting it would not achieve anything positive (46%). Two thirds (66%) of those surveyed by FSB have been a victim of cyber crime in the last two years, just under half (48%) have been a victim of non-cyber crime, and 53% have been a victim of both. Cyber security is on the increase and is therefore an area of particular concern for small firms. As a result, it is being taken even more seriously, with 80 per cent of small firms protecting their IT systems with computer security software.
Mr Mitchell concluded by outlining how small businesses could better protect themselves against cyber crime through online engagement. “FSB have engaged in a number of initiatives to tackle business crime on behalf of our members in Northern Ireland, alongside the PSNI, PBNI and Department of Justice. This has included urging members to take measures in which to increase their online safety in particular, as cyber crime continues to evolve.
Wilfred Mitchell, FSB Policy Chair for Northern Ireland explained: “Business crime acts as a barrier to local small businesses and in the worst cases, puts entrepreneurs out of business.
“Accordingly, FSB urges our members to engage with the Cyber Information Sharing Platform (CISP), a monitored, reference based, safe and anonymous platform for businesses, authorities and Governments to detect, share information on and protect against cyber crime and threats, offering assistance, alerts and advice that could save many small businesses from facing ruin through financial and information theft.”
“The FSB findings call into question the accuracy of
www.fsb.org.uk
Mercury Glazing Are In The Pink Specialist frame manufacturer, Mercury Glazing Supplies, have enjoyed a strong start to 2016 with sales consistently outstripping targets. Due to their year on year growth, the company have invested in several new vehicles to keep pace with delivery demands. The new vehicles were developed to Mercury’s exacting specifications and have been liveried with the distinctive Mercury ‘hot pink’ branding which is synonymous 18 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
with the Gloucester-based company. Chris Reeks, Sales and Marketing Director at Mercury said, “We’re delighted that we’ve needed to make this investment, because it’s another indication of the growing demand for our products up and down the country.” One of the reasons for Mercury’s strong growth is their growing reputation as a leading niche
manufacturer of high quality architectural aluminium and specialist PVCu Products. The company works with leading industry names including Smart, Jacks Aluminium, Spectus and VEKA. Mercury is the UK’s largest manufacturer of the Spectus vertical slider and it has recently added the VEKA FlushSash to the range too. So with demand for the product range growing and the investment in new vehicles to keep pace with customer demand you could say the company is tickled pink! www.mercuryglazing.co.uk
TRADE NEWS
Are uPVC And Aluminium Installers Missing A Trick? Only install uPVC or aluminium? You could be missing a trick, says the MD of a one of the UK’s largest timber and uPVC fabrication businesses. Following news that the UK timber market grew 17.1% (according to the latest Palmer Market Report), Peter Dyer, managing director of Dempsey Dyer, thinks more installers should consider offering timber and capitalising on this booming sector.
Peter concludes: “For us, it’s no surprise that the industry and the public as a whole is coming back round to the benefits of timber. Timber is light, strong, naturally sustainable and brilliantly thermally efficient, and now, thanks to advances in wood treating methods, can be just as robust and weather efficient as uPVC. Properly looked after, a high-quality timber window can now be expected to last over 60 years.” For more information call 01977 649641 or visit www.dempseydyer.co.uk
Peter commented: “Not all that long ago it looked like timber had been decisively overtaken by uPVC and aluminium, but buoyed by uPVC fatigue among aspirational end users, timber is staging a comeback. According to the Palmer Report, 739,000 timber frames were installed in 2014, while the installed value grew 25.4% to £439m. What’s more, the Palmer Report to predict that timber will continue to outperform the window market as a whole between 2014 and 2019, expanding 10% to 811,000 frames in total. This represents a big opportunity, and I would encourage any installers that don’t currently offer timber to consider adding the material to their portfolio. The statistics are particular pertinent for installers that operate within the domestic sector, considering that 69% of all timber windows sold are going into this sector (according to the Wood Window Alliance).” As Peter explains, high margins are another benefit: “Wooden windows continue to demand a considerable premium over uPVC products. While in real terms, the average installed price for a uPVC window has remained flat for 14 years at £271 per unit, the figure for timber windows has doubled, now standing at £594.” WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016 19
TRADE NEWS
CMS Wins Brighton University Advanced
Engineering Centre Contract
Leading window, door and curtain walling designer, manufacturer and installer CMS Window Systems has secured a comprehensive building envelope contract for the University of Brighton’s new state of the art £14m Advanced Engineering Centre (AEC). CMS’s drive for continued and sustained growth is being aided by participating in projects south of the border alongside its long standing main contractor clients. Working here for main contractor GRAHAM, CMS will deliver high performance fenestration for the part two and part three storey building which is set to provide specialist science-led teaching and research facilities for advanced automotive engineering. The AEC building, designed by international design practice HASSELL, will provide new accommodation including laboratories, tutorial rooms, meeting rooms and exhibition spaces – all of which will offer capacity for 300 students, along with 35 academic staff and 35 research posts. Located on the University of Brighton’s Moulsecoomb campus, the AEC will support the expansion and enhancement of a partnership between the 20 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
university and global engineering, consultancy and specialist manufacturer Ricardo. This partnership aims to advance the design and development of novel low-carbon internal combustion systems, with the wider objectives of advancing technological knowledge and supporting the advanced training needs of the next generation of engineers. The thermally broken aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling manufactured and installed by CMS using Metal Technology systems are part of an innovative building design planned to minimise energy use. CMS will fabricate and install more than 380m2 of curtain walling to suit the client’s vibrant design. Windows with a typical U-value of 1.3 W/ m2K, plus doors created using Metal Technology’s System 5-20D Hi+ will complete CMS’s involvement in the project. Significant for the region, the AEC was described earlier this year by Councillor Julie Cattell, chair of Brighton & Council’s planning committee as “an exciting, state of the art, new development which will deliver advances in research and technology in automotive engineering and bring benefits for the local economy.” She also praised the design of the building, “especially the innovative use of materials.” The AEC’s development has been funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England and the University of Brighton, with a further generous contribution of £7m from the Government’s Local Growth Fund. Find out more about CMS Window Systems at www.cmswindows.com
TRADE NEWS
Heavers Of Bridport Celebrates 20th Anniversary With The VEKA UK Group
Malcolm Heaver collected the company’s 15th Network VEKA award from Steve Davis at last year’s AGM.
2016 marks an important anniversary for South West home improvement specialists, Heavers of Bridport as it celebrates 20 successful years, fabricating and installing industry-leading PVC-U window and door systems from The VEKA UK Group. The family-run company, established by master builder George Heaver, started life in 1960 as a general builders for Dorset, Devon and Somerset. Heavers soon developed its business, offering customers innovations such as sliding patio doors and double glazing, to separate itself from the competition. Today, the business mainly comprises the manufacture and installation of windows, doors and conservatories from The VEKA UK Group alongside a range of other home improvements. “We’ve always prided ourselves on being the best”, comments Managing Director, Malcolm Heaver – George’s son – “and that includes offering the best products. We started working with VEKA in 1996 and we’ve not
looked back since “What The VEKA UK Group offers that other systems providers fail to match is products that customers aspire to have in their homes, consistently high quality, and real support for fabricators and installers. We joined Network VEKA at the same time as becoming a VEKA customer and now, 20 years on, we’re still loyal to both organisations. Others talk a good game, but The VEKA UK Group delivers.” John Ogilvie, Managing Director of Network VEKA announces a special retirement presentation to Malcolm Heaver at the UK installer network’s recent AGM. Heavers has received Network VEKA’s annual regional award for best customer satisfaction ratings in the South West 15 successive times – an unprecedented achievement. It is a proud member of the Network’s 100% Club for member companies whose scores consistently average more than 99% throughout the course of the year.
“We wholeheartedly stand by the principles of Network VEKA”, Malcolm continues. “Our industry was so tarnished by the practices of fly-by-night companies in the 1980s; we swore never to give the ‘hard sell’ and to only provide products and services that customers could still rely on a decade after the installation. Through Network VEKA we are able to offer ten-year insurance-backed guarantees, and by offering VEKA products we are always at the forefront of technical advancement in the home improvement industry.” Dave Jones, Managing Director of The VEKA UK Group commented: “A systems manufacturer like ours couldn’t hope for a better ambassador than Heavers. The quality of their work has been thoroughly proven, year after year throughout our relationship with the company, and they are always raring to adopt the latest products and technologies. Like VEKA, Heavers is a family company, and those values shine through in the pride they take in their work. We thoroughly look forward to the next 20 years, working in partnership with them.” This year sees the start of a new chapter for Heavers as Malcolm passes the day-to-day running of the company to his sons. “Both Ross and Luke comprehensively understand all aspects of the business”, Malcolm explains, “and neither one is content to rest on his laurels. It’s time for the next generation of Heavers to direct the future of our business, but one thing’s for sure – VEKA will be there at our side. When you work with the best, you don’t look back!” WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016 21
TRADE NEWS
Dear
Gerald Rob McGlennon
This industry talks a lot of tosh about competitiveness and the competitive edge. What people really mean is, it’s cheaper. But whatever competitive is, a lower price isn’t competitive. Discounting or everyday low pricing is what you do when your products can’t compete.
If your products don’t have a real difference, with good reasons to choose them, people won’t pay what you ask. If your service and support are the same, then you don’t have much to say. You have to compete with price. Even low prices may not be enough. ASDA is discovering painfully that if you have an undifferentiated offer it can be hard to give it away. Sandwiched between higher-priced, differentiated grocers and real discounters like Lidl and Aldi, ASDA is bleeding badly.
Homeowners expect high performance, but they want pretty products, and increasingly they choose colour too. But if you can’t sell colour as you sell white, with the same lead time as white, you’ll never be as competitive as your rivals whose systems company keeps a huge range of colours in stock. So they’ll grow faster than you and your installer customers. We’ve spent the last three years investing to give Deceuninck fabricators and installers the sharpest edge, with a line-up of best-in-class products, colour from stock, tailored marketing tools, and service and support that make the difference. As you’d expect, this investment in competitive advantage translates directly into growth. For the last three years Deceuninck fabricators and installers have grown significantly faster than the market. Sincerely Rob McGlennon, Sales Director Deceuninck UK & Ireland
In contrast, Apple’s iPhone has had a powerful competitive edge over the last 5 years, despite eye-watering prices. People wanted it so much, they fell over themselves to buy it. They even queued overnight to be one of the first when a new one was launched. Their desire is the measure of Apple’s competitive edge. What is a competitive edge in our industry? The first thing a fabricator needs is not to be held back by suppliers who burden them with hidden costs. Products that need returning, arrive late or incomplete; or generate excessive waste in the factory for example. A fabricator wants to compete fairly, and doesn’t want its systems company competing with them. Fabricators need up to date systems. If you compete against best-in-class products with 20 year old systems, you have to cut your prices to persuade customers to buy. 22 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
If you want to get involved in the discussion, or would like to air your views on a particular industry subject, then Email me at gerald@windownews.co.uk We cannot guarantee that we will publish everything, but we will do our utmost to make sure that everyone’s voice is heard.
FENSA NEWS
Save Money Pass 1st Time At
FIT Show!
Warm Edge for Windows
On the 3rd day of the FIT Show 2016 (Thursday 14 April) FENSA will be using the Master Fitter Challenge stand to showcase Building Regulations compliance – and the common faults that can lead to an inspection failure. All FENSA Installers are very welcome to attend. It all starts with an accurate and comprehensive survey. Do that right – and everything else will fall into place. The subjects that will be covered are:· Structural Safety & Fire Safety (Documents A&B of the Buildings Regulations) · Access and Use of Buildings (Document M) · Conservation of Fuel & Power & FENSA Window Energy Ratings (Document L) · Ventilation, Condensation & Combustion (Documents F&J) · Glazing Safety & Protection from falling (Documents N & K) · Minimum Technical Competencies (MTC)
Add value to your installations with TruFit expanding foam edge tape: • Cleaner and quicker onsite application • Differentiate yourself from the competition
In addition, FENSA certified installers will be able to ask inspection experts questions on compliance issues at both survey and installation and the new FREE FENSA Window and Doorset Energy Ratings.
• Insulates the perimeter gap to maximise the performance of your windows
Every time an installation fails inspection it costs installers hundreds of pounds in time and materials to put right – money that could be saved if the work was done to the correct standard in the first place.
• Full marketing support
Come visit us – and if you Opt In to FREE FENSA Window Energy Ratings – you will be able to get hold of free copies of the vitally important FENSA Guide to Compliance, the full Building Regulations Approved Documents, the GGF’s Condensation leaflet Some Causes, Some Advice and the GGF’s Right Glazing In The Right Place leaflet (don’t miss this opportunity – limited stocks only). The Master Fitter Challenge stand is located in the entrance hall of the FIT Show – you can’t miss it. To register for your free FIT 2016 tickets go to www.fitshow.co.uk/fensa/reg WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016 23
• Expands to effectively seal all recesses – ensuring guaranteed consistent weather and airtightness
Don’t just fit it, TruFit it.
Call: 02476 998243 or visit: www.trufit-it.com
PEOPLE
Expansion
Within
Ultraframe SalesTeam
Goodbye SWISSPACER’s Paul Roberts has been appointed as Head of Sales for Quantal. With 28 years experience in the industry, Paul has worked with many businesses in the sector including Planet, Griffin, Speedframe, Schuco and Reynaers. Paul is a man of many talents – he’s also a qualified chef who loves wine, golf and Liverpool FC. “Working with the Quantal brand, I’m looking forward to being in the high-end sector again, providing bespoke roof systems for high-value conservatories, orangeries, home extensions and atriums. Quantal is a vital component of the Ultraframe business, perfect for the domestic and commercial markets and we’re investing in the brand and personally, I am determined to keep the Quantal status active in the market place and ensure the brand maintains its high standards.” Follow Paul on twitter @roberts_ robbo. 24 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
Vic De Costa SWISSPACER UK Sales Manager Vic De Costa is retiring in May. Vic is a well-liked, familiar face in the glass and glazing industry. He’s worked with SaintGobain for 29 years! His last five have been spent helping to grow SWISSPACER, the market leading, warm edge spacer bar brand. Helping SWISSPACER increase its lead as the No. 1 warm edge spacer bar is a fitting finale to a long and successful career.
Vic comments: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with Saint Gobain and can’t believe how time has flown. I’ve made some great friends in the industry and been fortunate to work in some fantastic roles. Over the last five years I’m proud to have contributed to SWISSPACER’s success as No.1 in the market and even helped extend its lead. In the last 12 months I’ve been passing over the reins to John
Cooper and Andrew Everett and I’m sure they will continue to take SWISSPACER forward and develop new opportunities for growth.” Managing Director Andreas Geith adds: “It’s been great fun working with Vic. Everyone who knows Vic, knows you can’t miss him when he’s around! His positive attitude and determination to succeed has helped secure SWISSPACER’s position in the UK today. We’ll miss him and wish him all the best in his retirement.” Vic will continue to work with SWISSPACER until the end of May and will be active on SWISSPACER’s stand at the FIT Show in April. Come and say hello on Stand 324. Tel: 0845 601 1265 Email: info@swisspacer.com
PEOPLE
VITA Hardware welcomes Jason Hill as Regional Sales Manager
VITA Hardware continues to strengthen its offering, as it welcomes Jason Hill to the growing team. Boasting an impressive 21 years’ experience in the door and window industry, Jason joins as Regional Sales Manager, responsible for the East of the UK. “VITA is a longstanding player in the hardware market, well known for offering relevant and value for money products,” explains Jason. “When the opportunity came up for me to join the team, it made total sense to make the move. Such a diverse product range makes my
job really interesting – it’s great to get in front of Fabricators and show they can get so much more from a hardware supplier. Covering the counties down the east side of the UK, I have plenty of scope to get out and meet people and I am excited about being part of such a great team.” Stewart Lamb, Managing Director of VITA UK adds: “VITA has plenty of great things going on at the moment; new products, new customer initiatives and new people to give us a fresh take on things. With such broad experience across the team, we are expertly placed to ensure fabricators get the very best we can offer as their hardware supplier and with Jason on board, this can only improve further.” For more information on VITA and its products, log on to www. vitahardware.co.uk.
Brisant Secure Expands Sales Team To Continue Fast Growth The market is rapidly switching to Ultion, the high security lock that locks. Since its launch in 2015 it has grown fast, and now Brisant Secure, the maker of Ultion has increased the size of its sales team to continue this fast growth. Ultion gives homeowners real-life security. It’s passed Sold Secure Diamond tests that most cylinders can’t pass.
Alex Dutton has joined the team as Business Development Manager. He will work with Warren Yates to follow up Brisant enquiries across all sectors. Both Alex and Warren will be supported by new Sales Liaison Kelly Kellam. Brisant CEO Steve Stewart says: “We’ve seen a huge uptake in Ultion from the window and door
Brisant has released timed break-in videos showing the most commonly used cylinder locks failing in as little as 9 seconds. Ultion keeps homes secure. Watch the videos at www.ultion-lock.co.uk.
Alex Dutton, Business Development Manager
industry since its launch last year. When people see the security Ultion offers compared with the locks they’ve been selling for years, the upgrade is a no-brainer.”
“The more we talk about it, the more people want to hear about Ultion,” adds Steve, “that’s why we’ve brought Alex and Kelly onto the team. We’re getting a lot of enquiries and the larger team means we’ll be able to make the most of the opportunities, and give each customer the service level they need.” Fabricators and installers wanting to sell real-life security should call 01924 455 444. WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016 25
PEOPLE
New Board Promotion
Signals Continued
Growth At Origin
More Investment In Technical Services At
Business
Micros
Just a month after the appointment of a new Programming Technician at its Dumfriesshire programming centre, Business Micros has also now appointed another Technical Services technician.
Stuart Morrison has joined the company’s Penpont office, helping customers with technical queries both online and on the telephone. He brings the number in Business Micros Technical Resource team to 12, with four now based in Penpont and eight in Newton-Le-Willows. Prior to joining Business Micros, 24 year old Stuart worked as a network engineer with BT and before that at retail giant Morrisons so brings with him the ideal combination of technical and customer service expertise. Managing Director Graeme Bailey said: “We’re expanding all the time to respond to demand from both new and existing customers. Stuart is the fourth addition to the Technical Resource team in just over a year as we have shown our determination to maintain service levels to all of our customers no matter how quickly we grow.” 26 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
Oliver Ginger has been appointed to the Origin Board of Directors in the latest demonstration of growth for the rapidly expanding company. The promotion to the Board follows a transformative 10 years in the business, during which time Oliver has seen Origin undergo a paradigm shift from being a small door manufacturer into a 200+ strong global aluminium systems company. Currently in the role of Supply Chain Director, Oliver has worked in almost every area of the Origin business during his tenure. This broad knowledge base and hands on experience will be a valuable addition to the board. Speaking of his appointment, Oliver said: “Origin is a unique business and I am so proud to be part of it and the journey we are all on. It means a great deal to have been part of such a great British success story and to be in a position to provide positive influence. I am excited about what the future holds.” During his time at Origin, Oliver
has helped successfully implement the company’s unique and industry leading ‘Your Lead Time, Not Ours’ promise which required a complete restructure of the business model. Under Oliver’s guidance, Origin has achieved an unrivalled customer service record with a 100% delivery success rate. Additionally, the business has expanded its product range to include a world class window, – the only window in the UK that offers Aerogel as an optional upgrade for ‘out of this world’ thermal efficiency – and a complementing electric blinds system. Such is the success of the business model that Origin is enjoying the fruits of its expansion into the Dubai and US markets, and continues to have ambitious growth and innovation targets. Andrew Halsall, Managing Director, Origin, comments: “We are delighted to welcome Oliver to the board. He has demonstrated his ability to communicate effectively at all levels with charm and warmth. He has an unrivalled knowledge of every aspect of the business and how it all fits together. In order for Origin to continue to flourish and meet its aspirations and objectives, it is important we welcome fresh ideas from knowledgeable and committed sources within the business. “This appointment reflects Oliver’s unswerving commitment to the business over his long service here. I have no doubt that Oliver will bring a lot to the board from all areas of the business and create an improved connection between the board and his colleagues across the business.”
FEATURE ARTICLE
Made For Trade announce innovative new lantern current extension and conservatory market is changing. We are seeing a shift towards brick built extensions with large glazed bi-folding or patio doors coupled with a slim-line aluminium roof lantern overhead.
Contemporary, unique, and affordable – the innovative new Korniche roof lantern/skylight by Made For Trade offers a system that can be fitted quickly using only one tool and without the need for silicone*. Transforming rooms into bright and airy spaces, the Korniche lantern offers a modern and easy-tomaintain alternative to skylights, 28 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
making it the perfect choice for builders, installers, architects, and homeowners alike. Bradley Gaunt, Made For Trade’s Managing Director, saw a gap in the market for lantern roofs that combined ease of installation, had great thermal properties and were aesthetically pleasing. He explains: “I think that the
“After looking round the market, there didn’t seem to be anything that was both easy and quick to install with great thermal properties and aesthetics. With this in mind we set out to develop and design an attractive, slim line, thermally efficient roof lantern that is incredibly simple and quick to fit.” ONE TOOL, QUICK INSTALLATION Quick and easy to install, the lantern can be fitted using only a simple hex key – saving you time
FEATURE ARTICLE and money and allowing you to move onto another job swiftly. Bradley comments: “All roofs tend to be fiddly. You have silicone and bits of plastic that you have to click on - the installer would usually take an hour and a half or two hours to install. The Korniche can be assembled in half the time with a single hex key, which will be supplied in each roof kit.” Supplied as components, the system will be put together on site, allowing for flexibility in delivery. The flat-pack arrangement gives the option of easy delivery to hard-to-reach locations.
Bradley explains: “By designing the Korniche from the ground up, we have been able to produce a fully thermally isolated roof lantern. Cleverly designed injection moulded seals as well as industry leading Qlon gaskets should give us fantastic thermal properties. “When compared to other systems utilising similar glazing I firmly believe we are looking at possibly the most thermally efficient roof lantern currently on the market.”
that have not been used on other systems previously.
Glass retainer
step, easy-to-follow installation guide.”
After 14 months of design, Bradley believes he has hit the mark aesthetically. He says: “All the fixings are hidden and coupled with a cleverly designed boss providing unbroken sight lines flowing from the ridge down through the hips. It’s all locked in together and is a very neat finish. “All parcels will be colour coded and referred to in the step-by
SILICON FREE* & THERMALLY EFFICIENT
BESPOKE DESIGN Thermal break
Other than on the interface between the eaves beam and the existing roof*, there is no need to use silicone sealant anywhere just one bead of sealant is required between the underside of the eaves beam and the existing structure. The Korniche is thermally broken throughout and the glazing retainer will act as a glass lock, ensuring maximum weather-tightness and excellent thermal properties. Factory fitted cleats will provide additional structural strength to the aluminium profile, giving you a robust and reliable roof, all year round.
The Korniche lantern roof will be completely bespoke to each client’s needs, with Made For Trade’s experienced roof team on hand to advise on designs and installation. The cutting for each part will be completed to the customer’s specifications during the manufacturing stage, allowing the roof to be ready for assembly on delivery. Professionally designed by a highly skilled design team, the Korniche system is exclusively manufactured by Made For Trade, a company with over 35 years of conservatory roof fabrication experience. Parts of the system are patent pending, with all components designed especially for the Korniche, giving you unique parts
Bradley adds: “From the word go, the experience of taking delivery of the Korniche will be all about quality, style and ease of fitting for the installer. I and am looking forward to showing it at the upcoming FIT Show in April.” About Made For Trade: Made For Trade are a leading fabricator and supplier of the Global conservatory roof system and SMART Visofold aluminium bi-folding doors. The company has seen rapid growth in recent years, including an increase of 98% in the demand for bi-folding doors in 2015. For more information, visit www.madefortrade.co Visit Made For Trade at The Fit Show on stand number 260. WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016 29
PRODUCT NEWS
Endurance Extend Their Hardware Warranties
Endurance® Doors has extended the warranties on their range of solid and secure composite doors with all handles, letterplates, knockers and spy holes covered by a comprehensive 10 year warranty for all finishes. The hardware industry has in the past been plagued with pitting handles and in longevity in general, so this move by Endurance® Doors and their hardware supplier Fab & Fix, is a major confidence boost for installers and consumers. The full length handles from UAP are also backed with a 10 year warranty, along with the Kerto LVL door slab, the proven CoolSkin® door skin and the REHAU white and foiled frames. Long warranties are a fundamental part of the Endurance Doors offering and since 2002 the company has been developing its solid timber core based offering to offer a greater life expectancy. Recent developments include tape foiling to the glazing apertures and the innovative RocFoam technology to the base of the slab, which have been introduced to extend the life span of their doors far beyond others in the sector. Stephen Nadin, managing director of Endurance® Doors commented: ‘The very fact that we offer a 10 year warranty on the vast majority of our hardware, shows our commitment to long-term product performance. Our incredibly loyal customers know that our solid timber core doors are designed to last longer than other composite doors and they are also some of the most secure in the industry as our hammer test has shown.’ www.endurancedoors.co.uk 30 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
Bohle cuts door installation time by half Bohle has launched its new swing-door Self-closing Corner Fitting, which in eliminating the recess required to house traditional floor springs, trims installation time by half. The highly innovative solution replaces the conventional floor springs used in traditional internal swing-door self-closing systems with a cutting-edge hydraulic system. BO_5214350_Anw4_standardA new addition to Bohle’s Patch Swinging Door System, the new Self-closing Corner Fitting doesn’t need to be recessed and can be fitted in as little as 45-minutes, using just four screws to achieve a fixing to the floor, as part of a simple twostage process. This delivers a significant on-site time saving compared to traditional installation techniques, including time lost for cement to cure. Also featuring simple and easy zero positioning of cover plates, the double action ‘push/pull’ sys-
tem opens to 90° and features fully adjustable closing speeds. Dave Broxton, Managing Director, Bohle Ltd, said: “In traditional installations a huge amount of time can be lost in channelling out recesses to accommodate floor spring housing and then waiting for cement to cure. “Our new Self-closing Corner Fitting cuts installation time by half, to around just 45 minutes from start to finish. On multiple installations, the time saving can be staggering, cutting time on site and delivering more margin on each and every job.” Suitable for use in buildings with a mid-range footfall and underfloor heating, the system is fully tested to 500,000 opening and closing cycles in line with EN 1154. For more visit the Bohle website www.bohle-group.com email info@bohle.ltd.uk or call the customer services team free on 0800 616151 for more information.
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PRODUCT NEWS some for a homeowner as it leaves no evidence the lock has been attacked, making insurers reluctant to pay out.
Don’t get Trapped by Trap Pins UAP Cylinders keep thieves out without keeping you in! Looking for the key to lock-bumping prevention? Many lock manufacturers claim using trap pins is the solution to beat bumping, but UAP have come up with a way of keeping burglars out without keeping an occupant locked in! Trapped by Trap Pins David Jennings, UAP Managing Director expressed his concern with this common anti-bump feature, “The problem with using trap pins is an occupant can get locked inside the property. Until a locksmith can change a lock that has been attacked, it will be impossible to open from the inside. This is common in many anti-bump cylinders. It is the phenomenon of cylinder entrapment and what happens is once the lock is bumped the trap pins completely lock up the cylinder. So even though it does defend against lock bumping, it’s not massively convenient to the occupier and could potentially be a fire hazard.”
A ‘bump’ key is hit into a lock which causes the pins in the cylinder to bounce up and down, eventually tricking the cylinder into opening. On the bump key, each ridge is cut to maximum depth; it is inserted into the cylinder and gently bumped forcing the pins in the lock to the sheer line. The only way to be protected from this form of lock breaking technique is to upgrade to anti-bump cylinders.” Beat Bumping the Right Way UAP’s patented timing pin system gives you all the protection from bumping, minus the hassle of using trap pins. The anti-bump system in the UAP cylinder not only makes turning the key extra smooth but the patented timing pins are used to stop cylinder entrapment. David explained, “We wanted to develop a system based on the pins in the cylinder and find a way to pin cylinders cheaply. We looked at how bumping works and studied bump keys. We came up with the zero lift advance system which uses a revolutionary timing pin system that controls the physical timing when a cylinder has been bumped. We knew with the expertise of renowned locksmith Chris Belcher we could come up with an even better solution to lock bumping then the zero lift solution we already had, and we came up with timing pin system which was designed to interrupt the timing of the pins once they’d been bumped. The timing pins also have built in anti-picks and mushroom driver pins – making them very effective against picking as well!”
Trap pins work by resting against a cylinder when it is locked. They are triggered when the cylinder is rotated however if the key is in the lock they stay in place as the key pins pass underneath. If the cylinder is turned without the correct key then the trap pins will force themselves into the empty chamber and relock the cylinder.
David went on to say, “Trap pins are very expensive to install into a lock and so by using the timing pin system instead, the cylinders can be made much less expensively. This means we can provide a much cheaper product – making having an anti-bump solution not only more practical but much more affordable.”
What is Lock Bumping?
For more information or to get your hands on an anti-bump solution that won’t leave your customers stuck, call the UAP sales team 0161 796 7268, or check out: http://uapcorporate.com/catalog/door-locks/
David explained, “Bumping locks has become one of the most common methods of forced entry, and it can also be one of the most trouble32 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
PRODUCT NEWS
Yale Smart Living The Smarter Way To Secure Sales Yale Door and Window Solutions has launched its Smart Living range of connected home security devices, providing a convenient, tailored solution for homeowners who want to control their home security anywhere, at anytime. In recent years, the idea of a ‘smart home’ has been much more prevalent. According to research commissioned by Yale*, consumer awareness of the smart home is high, with a good level of understanding of the primary features and benefits smart home technologies can bring. The survey, which reviewed 2,000 men and women in the UK, revealed that smart security is one of the most popular drivers for the smart home, with it showing as the second most important of five key drivers for the connected home, after smart energy. Paul Atkinson, Sales Director for Yale Door and Window Solutions, said: “Yale is in a strong position when it comes to the smart home market as research indicates that homeowners want to invest in brands they trust, rather than the latest technology. This was clearly revealed when the survey respondents were asked to name the leading brands in Smart Home Security, where Yale (18%) ranked much higher than Apple (11%), Google (8%) or Samsung (8%). “Yale is the name that people trust for home security and we are working with a number of key home automation partners, such as Samsung SmartThings, to provide the very best security protection for smart home customers. This is helping to increase demand for our partners in the door and
window installation market, as well as providing them with a new lucrative revenue stream.” Yale is the expert in home security and its Smart Living range is the smart choice for trade installers looking to secure an increase in sales. It offers standalone security products including smart locks, alarms and CCTV, as well as a complete home security system, built around an intelligent smart security hub, which integrates with a wide range of modular accessories. The range can also integrate with leading smart technology providers, such as o2’s Digital Life platform and Samsung’s SmartThings, which makes it easy for homeowners if they already have a system in place or want to add devices at a later date.
The survey also showed 62% of consumers expect remote locking of windows and doors to be a key feature of a smart home, with 51% expressing a strong interest in smart locks. What’s more, when it comes to fitting smart products, 40% of Brits surveyed said they would prefer professional installation, with 27% preferring “a mix of professional and DIY depending on how much technology is involved”, thus providing proactive trade installers with an opportunity to promote their services and increase sales by capitalising on this emerging market.
Paul added: “We are already seeing considerable interest in the range, including the Keyfree Connected Smart Lock which gives homeowners the freedom to secure their home without the need for a key. “Like all Yale products, the Keyfree Connected has undergone rigorous security testing to meet current security standards. We have invested in late configuration in the UK, allowing for local testing so that our fabricator and installer partners can feel confident in the new technology, along with a flexible stock offering.” The Yale Keyfree Connected Smart Lock has a tamper alarm and incorrect PIN code feature, as well as being Secured by Design approved. It allows homeowners to access their home remotely, with the option to use a PIN code, remote fob, or even a smartphone when connected to a smart home system. Compatible with either a Z-Wave wireless module or a Yale wireless module, the Keyfree Connected forms part of a total smart home solution. The Yale module allows users to connect the lock to the Yale Smart Home Alarm and CCTV systems, which can then be controlled via the free Yale app, while the Z-Wave module allows for connectivity with compatible smart home systems, such as Samsung SmartThings. The complete Yale Smart Living range includes, Keyfree and Keyless Connected smart locks, Easyfit and Smart Home Alarms, the Smart HD CCTV systems, and the Digital Door Viewers. www.yaledws.co.uk WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016 33
PRODUCT NEWS
Hollodeen® Fills The Gap
To Provide A Highly Innovative, Weather-Proof, Bi-Fold Threshold
Available in a range of colours – all designed to reflect stone finishes such as granite or marble – the resin used to create the new thresholds offer thermal advantages, the low heat conductivity prevents thermal bridges, reducing the linear heat losses that are unavoidable with other threshold options. It is sold in lengths from 2000mm to 6000mm in 250mm increments. Recesses for shootbolts can be easily made on site where required, once installed the threshold is maintenance-free and never needs painting.
Coastal Group, the external timber door and window hardware specialist, has enhanced its product portfolio, introducing a highly innovative, unbreakable and life-long Bi-fold threshold into its range, enabling the trade to say goodbye to the problems of rotting timber cills. Manufactured in Germany from a high quality resin that is designed to look just like stone, the new Hollodeen® Bi-fold threshold provides a lifetime of durability, removing the need to buy, machine, finish timber and fit track. Created from 90% recycled material, the Hollodeen® thresholds can be quickly and easily fitted by a single person, providing significantly increased lifespan and more efficient operation of bi-fold door sets.
“We are absolutely delighted to add Hollodeen® to our product range, providing joinery manufacturers across the UK with a highly innovative threshold solution which overcomes all the traditional issues associated with bi-fold cills,” said Coastal Group Director Anthony Jenner. “Such is the durability of the resin, that the threshold lifespan is essentially unlimited as when it is exposed to moisture there is simply no risk of any rot. It’s also unbreakable, has a fire resistance of 30 minutes when used in conjunction with fire resistant doors and has exceptional thermal qualities,” added Anthony. Coastal Group plans to make the Hollodeen® solutions available for standard door thresholds and sliding door systems. For more information about the Hollodeen®solution contact Coastal Group on 01726 871726, email sales@coastal-group.com or visit https://www.coastal-group.com
Two New Colours For Mila’s Prostyle Handles Mila is adding two new colour options to its popular ProStyle range of door handles just in time for FIT. Heritage Black and Pewter will both be on display on Mila’s stand at the show (Stand 210). The new colours have been developed in response to demand for finishes which enhance the look of traditional doors and, to illustrate this, Mila is showing the Pewter finish on a cottage style composite door – albeit one finished with a pink twist. Always quick to offer new hardware innovations to its customers, Synseal is set to be one of the first companies to start buying handles 34 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
ent interchangeable lever designs – swept, oval and round.
in the Heritage Black and Pewter, and will also have samples on its stand at the show (Stand 348). ProStyle is one of Mila’s most popular ranges because it allows customers to offer a wide choice of handle options with only minimal stockholding. This is because there are two standard sizes of handle backplates and three differ-
Currently, Mila is holding more than 20 weeks’ worth of stock so that it can maintain the impressive 99.1% OTIF (On Time in Full) product availability score for ProStyle handles, which it has achieved over the past 12 months. The ProStyle range also includes letterboxes and door knockers which are also now available in the new Heritage Black and Pewter finishes, alongside the existing ProStyle colours – polished chrome, polished gold, smokey chrome, satin silver, black and white. www.mila.co.uk
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PRODUCT NEWS for keyless biometric access control. Commenting on the significance of the new brand launch, Carl F Groupco Managing Director, John Crittenden said: “SmartSecure offers a real opportunity for companies to be at the forefront of the new era of home automation. With in-situ displays and practical, hands on demonstrations at the FIT Show, we encourage visitors to our stand to learn more about smart locking technology. Take the chance to talk to our technical specialists who are au fait with the challenges, constraints and practical considerations of hardware installations.” Other advancements
Carl F Groupco’s Sales Office Manager demonstrates the company’s SmartSecure system.
Carl F Groupco Set To Capture Smart Lock Sector The launch of SmartSecure The FIT Show 2016 is the launch platform for SmartSecure, an exciting new brand from leading UK hardware distributor, Carl F Groupco. Featuring the high quality, German manufactured FUHR 881 multitronic fully motorised multipoint locking mechanism, the technology supports the major trend towards smart home advancements. As a long-standing supplier to the hardware industry with strong technical capability, Carl F Groupco is spearheading the smart brand to provide a comprehensive solution with a range 36 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
of advanced automation options that combine simplicity with sophistication. . Optional access control systems include SmartConnect easy for convenient door opening using a smartphone. Reported as a significant USP, this intelligent WLAN-based access control system provides keyless operation and monitoring. The SmartTouch comfort access system enables easy entry by a simple touch of a sensor and, in addition to radio keys supplied as standard, radio-based access control systems are available including a radio keypad, transponder and fingerprint scanner
With an impressive 80 sq metre stand, Carl F Groupco is presenting a number of other breakthrough hardware ranges and advancements at the FIT Show, including Document Q and TS 007 hardware; accessible windows with remote control display; new flush casement window by Rehau featuring bespoke PN hardware; the MACO flood door with fully accredited door hardware that engages flood defence on standard locking; the FUHR 833 automatic multi-point lock and Duplex, the door lock with five hook locking points. Visit Carl F Groupco on stand 226 in Hall 2 to view latest hardware lines and speak to onstand specialists. Carl F Groupco Limited Tel: 01733 393330 www.carlfgroupco.co.uk www.cfgsmartsecure.co.uk Follow Carl F Groupco on Twitter using the handles @Carl_F_ Groupco and @_SmartSecure
PRODUCT NEWS
Nico Launches
New Telescopic Shootbolt
tion and attractive silver finish, the Nico Telescopic Shootbolt is plated with Supercoat 500, which provides over 480 hours salt spray resistance (BS EN1670 Class 5).
Nico Manufacturing, leading UK manufacturer of window products, has expanded its range of high security locking systems with the launch of the Nico Telescopic Shootbolt.
Fully approved
Designed, manufactured and assembled at Nico’s UK production facility, the Nico Telescopic Shootbolt offers fabricators and installers an alternative to shootbolt extensions that require cropping to fit.
PART OF THE NICO RANGE
Providing the same strength and security as Nico’s traditional Shootbolts, the telescopic version features a unique patented design that reduces stockholding and fitting time.
The Nico Telescopic Shootbolt is Secured by Design approved and meets the requirements of PAS 024 as a critical component.
The telescopic bar is simply adjusted and clamped to fit the window profile, with a choice of four sizes covering a range of lengths from 500mm to 1400mm. The steel shootbolts lock into robust profile specific keeps, with mushroom cams providing additional strength and weatherseal compression adjustment. For maximum corrosion protec-
The Nico Telescopic Shootbolt is part of Nico’s comprehensive range of window and door hardware, which also includes a selection of different Locking Systems, Friction Hinges and Door Hinges. For more information about the new Nico Telescopic Shootbolt, Tel: (01255) 422333, Fax: (01255) 432909, E-mail: sales@nico.co.uk Website: www.nico.co.uk
The Right Sliding Door Hardware Can Improve Performance And Aesthetics
The lift & slide door is one of the most popular innovations in home improvements over the past few years. For architects, it’s the ideal combination of aesthetics and function – yet achieving the smooth movement, slimline appearance and reliable performance requires a precisely engineered system, according to experienced Italian hardware manufacturer AGB. The company is the manufacturer of the Imago Lift & Slide system. Lift and slide mechanisms offer huge potential to complement the best in modern architecture, and Imago has proved popular in the UK since its launch in 2014. With its slimline profile, an Imago door
is relatively easy to manufacture but the finished product commands a premium price tag.
wise, the frame of the sliding sash has been concealed to 74 mm thanks to a reduced backset lock.
A key challenge is to ensure that the door system can carry the weight of all of that glass, to enable movement of the door in a safe and controlled manner.
Elsewhere, a thin aluminium profile creates the glass seat so that the lower transom of the fixed sash can be removed.
That’s where the Imago hardware makes such a difference. At the heart of the Imago Lift & Slide system is AGB Hardware’s Uni-V central locking profile. This is engineered to remove any contact between the sash and the frame, for seamless openings and closings. It is crucial to the appearance of Imago that the hardware is essentially invisible. For instance, the sliding top guide is inserted into the frame to hide every functional element from the outside. Like-
Imago can be specified with the Climatech threshold, which offers minimal visual impact but guarantees incredible thermal performances, thanks to the innovative fibreglass reinforced material. The final consideration is security for that essential peace of mind. Imago incorporates AGB’s Poseidon advanced lock, while uses two opposite facing hooks and a central bolt, as well as a concealed security striker that is installed flush to the frame to complement the slimline design of Imago. www.chooseimago.co.uk WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016 37
PRODUCT NEWS
Strategic Partnership Sees Hardware Sales Up 50% In One Year National supplier for the trade, Total Hardware, has seen sales jump an impressive 50% in just 12 months as a result of its long-running collaboration with leading manufacturer, Walsall-based Trojan. Focusing on the actual needs of the window and door industry, the two companies have created a unique proposition for UK fabricators and installers that has seen the development of many innovative products, available to customers through a fast and reliable service. Much emphasis has been placed on the “fit and forget” concept by designing, manufacturing and supplying premium-quality stainless steel hardware that helps fabricators stand out in today’s tight market, and hugely benefits installers and end-consumers down the line. The “fit and forget” range allows installers to protect their margins by eliminating the issue of expensive callouts due
to hardware pitting and tarnishing when exposed to the elements. Working together for the past 12 years, the two hardware companies have developed many innovative products, with a recent example being Trojan’s Patriot Plus Hinge, which saw Total Hardware’s flag hinge sales increase 20% in the first six months after it was released. The slim pre-assembled hinge offers enhanced robustness with its patented anti-lift feature and additional pins to reduce twist, and comes in an extensive selection of finishes. “We’ve worked with Trojan right from the beginning and have
developed a fantastic relationship. There’s a huge amount of synergy between our two businesses,” said Total Hardware director, Andy Cunningham. “Such close collaboration with our supplier means that we can offer the sort of quality, reliability and product innovation that our fabricator customers value – and the results speak for themselves. 50% sales growth in only 12 months is a strong outcome, and after last year’s deal that saw us become the UK’s sole supplier of Trojan’s Elite Range, I’m confident we’ll be seeing similar success in the year to come.” Trojan MD, Tony Chadwick, commented: “Total Hardware’s excellent logistical support and next day delivery service has helped us position our products as a high quality, accessible hardware solution benefitting from a flawless distribution service. I look forward to many more years of fruitful collaboration in creating and supplying the industry with much needed cutting-edge hardware solutions,” added Tony. For more information call Total Hardware on 01132 432255, or visit www.totalhardwareltd.co.uk
Infographic Helps Ultion Installers Sell on security the industry has seen. It combines recent national polls of homeowners and independent locksmiths with the latest national Crime Survey figures from the Office for National Statistics.
Brisant Secure’s new infographic combines facts from its recently released Domestic Door Security Report with information about cylinder lock standards to create a useful sales tool for installers. The 2016 Domestic Door Report is the most comprehensive research 38 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
Infographic helps Ultion installers sell 2Brisant CEO Steve Stewart says: “The infographic has really useful crime facts. Learning that by itself a 1 star lock protects you from only 1 in 10 forced lock break-ins is pretty compelling, particularly when you can choose Ultion which resists all known break-in methods.”Ultion is a high security cylinder door lock that has achieved Sold Secure Diamond (SSD), a real-life security test most
cylinders can’t pass. SSD tests have no rules. MLA locksmiths try to break the cylinder in any way they know using a vast choice of tools, taking as long as they want.
“The infographic will be distributed as a flyer with new doors,” adds Steve. “It explains why installers need to sell security, and is a useful tool for them to sell their next door with. It explains that Ultion provides the security homeowners want. Why Ultion? Because the only tool that opens Ultion is its key.” To find out more about Ultion visit www.ultion-lock.co.uk or follow @ UltionLock
www.titonarea24.co.uk
PRODUCT NEWS
TruShield – Durable Glass Protection
That Doesn’t React With Silicone Homeowners are looking for clean and clear glass all year round, regardless of where it sits on their property. This is particularly important for conservatory roofs, roof lanterns and sky pods. Roof glass needs to have the most light transmission and clarity possible, whilst being low-maintenance for homeowners, who don’t want the hassle of cleaning glass in hard-to-reach places. That’s why easy-clean glass and glass protection systems have become so popular. But there are certain glass protection coatings which react with the silicone used to seal some roof glazing components during installation. This reaction can cause the silicone to fail, which in turn can lead to drips and leaks from newly-installed glazed roof systems. TruShield® the versatile glass protection system from Edgetech
product to the harshest conditions. The long-term tests have proven that TruShield is exceptionally resistant to heat, UV rays and even chemical erosion.
UK, doesn’t react with silicone so there’s no chance of seals perishing as a direct result of contact with TruShield. TruShield is a top choice for installers, who can be comfortable in the knowledge that the glass coating will not have a damaging effect on their installations. Plus, it means that installation companies can offer extra peace of mind to homeowners. TruShield is durable glass protection that can be relied on. It has been tested at TÜV Rheinland Germany where a 10-year service life was simulated, subjecting the
Mel Jones, Territory Sales Manager for Window Products at Edgetech UK, says: “TruShield works effectively in any environmental conditions, on both organic and inorganic dirt, unlike other easyclean systems. “Its development has been tailored to the problems facing installers and homeowners with roof glazing – clarity and cleanliness.” Edgetech is creating a national network of TruShield Approved Applicators. If you are an IGU Manufacturer, Fabricator or Installer interested in adding value to your offering with TruShield contact Mel at Edgetech today on: 02476 639931 or visit: www.trushield-glass.com
Tuffx Glass Adds An Understated Finishing Touch in with the rest of the brick façade rather than To A Home In Cheshire blend being a focal point. The installers turned to TuffX for help with the glass. The TuffX team recommended 10mm Ultra Grey tinted toughened balcony glass because that would provide the sleek finish the homeowner’s wanted as well as meet all the safety requirements.
Specialist toughened safety glass manufacturer TuffX often grabs the headlines for supplying the glass on high profile commercial projects, but its expertise is equally often called on for domestic projects. This expertise was perfectly demonstrated in a recent project for a home in Chester. The home’s owners needed glass for a balustrade and a juliet balcony. Ultra Grey tinted glass was specified to give an understated, sophisticated finish that would 40 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
TuffX supplied approx. 5m2 for the installer to fit and the result has given the residence the elegant, streamlined look the homeowners wanted while also making sure the occupants will be safe. TuffX’s balcony glass range has been developed alongside world-leading glass manufacturers and its solutions are perfect for design-led, high specification projects in both the commercial and domestic sectors. Glass up to 19mm thick is manufactured to the BS EN 12150 standard using state-of-the-art engineering technology at the company’s Merseyside base. www.tuffxglass.co.uk
PRODUCT NEWS
Guardian Clarity™ Anti-Reflective Glass: Providing A Facade
Experience With A Different Perspective
Europe, a leading manufacturer of high performance glass and a key supplier to the building industry, has introduced Guardian Clarity anti-reflective glass. Created by using the most advanced coating technology, Guardian Clarity is ideal for glazing applications in which excessive glare and reflection create an obstruction and outstanding transparency is desired. Guardian Clarity anti-reflective glass helps facades achieve more light and less reflection, delivering eye-popping optical properties for premium facade experiences, or any application in which a stunning view is an advantage.
Traditionally, glass is used to create a barrier to protect its encased environment. However, selecting the wrong glass can affect the overall visual performance by resulting in unwanted glare and reflection, while at the same time reducing light transmission and overall aesthetics. Guardian ClarityTM is the right glass that can make the difference. Standard glazing units reflect light at a level that may interfere with our ability to see through the glass easily and clearly. For
some applications, any interference is too much interference. Examples are shop windows which lose impact due to distracting reflections, viewing platforms which lose visual accuracy due to distracting glare, and restaurants with breathtaking views that become completely hidden as soon as the sun goes down, to name but a few. Transparency & Performance – above the limits Now there is a solution. Guardian Industries’ Glass Group in
Used in combination with other Guardian® glass products, it can help in meeting local regulations in terms of energy performances through thermal insulation and/or solar control. This can be achieved by combining Guardian Clarity with recommended Guardian SunGuard® and Guardian ClimaGuard® products that can provide solar control and thermal insulation. And that is not all. Clarity is offered as standard on Guardian UltraClearTM low- iron glass, leaving a crystal-clear and lightweight appearance. Visit: www.guardian.com
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PRODUCT NEWS coating of Planitherm Total+ optimises the balance between maximum light transmission and a comfortable internal temperature. In addition to being highly durable, this glass product is also superb in terms of its neutrality and clarity.
GLASSOLUTIONS And Aztec Windows Pair Up To
Deliver Superior Casement Windows UK glass manufacturer, GLASSOLUTIONS, has provided sealed unit solutions for a Coventry glazing firm’s flagship product range, helping it to deliver windows which combine a traditional appearance with cutting-edge functionality. Coventry-based Aztec Windows approached GLASSOLUTIONS to manufacture sealed units to be used in their new Prestige Collection. This range of flush casement windows creates a fusion of the past and the present, combining the aesthetics of traditional timber casements with the security and energy efficiency of modern uPVC windows. Being mechanically jointed, rather than welded, this window range forms the basis of Aztec Windows’ premium prod42 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
uct offering for domestic glazing and heritage projects. As a unique product at the apex of its market, Aztec Windows saw no room for compromise on quality in developing the Prestige Collection with supply chain partners Veka and GLASSOLUTIONS. The company was keen to source a sealed unit manufacturer who could guarantee a superior quality product with excellent thermal efficiency, as well as a ten-year warranty. With its Planitherm Total+ range of sealed units, GLASSOLUTIONS was able to fulfil Aztec Windows’ brief. As the energy-efficient glazing solutions of choice for window makers across the UK thanks to its U-value of 1.4 W/m2K, the low-E
Michael Hagan, Aztec Windows’ Director, said: “We’re very pleased with our decision to have GLASSOLUTIONS as one of our supply partners. Maintaining a building’s aesthetic while ensuring it conforms to the highest thermal performance standards can be a tricky part of any glazing project – but discerning homeowners have come to expect high standards on both fronts. The use of Planitherm Total+ in the Prestige Collection is the ideal solution. “Overall we have a powerful differentiator here – installers love Prestige because it is glazed on-site in the usual way, unlike other solutions which are glass bonded in the factory and can cause big problems on-site should breakages or damage occur.” Designed by Aztec Windows themselves in collaboration with Veka, and featuring GLASSOLUTIONS’ market-leading Planitherm glass, the Prestige Collection provides a solution to consumer demand for a casement window which better replicates traditional timber frames, but brings modern standards of energy efficiency, security, and thermal performance. With a fully mechanically-jointed framework for strength and a flawless finish, available in foiled woodgrain finishes in a selection of shades, Prestige flush casement windows are ideal for both architecturally sensitive domestic refurbishments and the conservation market. For further information visit www.glassolutions.co.uk
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PRODUCT NEWS “Scotia demonstrated to the council the rigorous levels of quality and detailing that go into our windows, including – of course – world-class PVC-U profile from The VEKA UK Group’s Halo brand. The Councillors were clearly convinced by Scotia’s pitch, and we’d like to think that the previous windows we’d supplied to Royal Troon contributed something to their argument too!
Masterframe
Returns To Troon For A Great View Of The 17th
“The homeowners are delighted by both the standard of the installation provided by Scotia and the quality of the windows manufactured by Masterframe – a vast improvement on the previous models, in terms of thermal performance, weatherproofing, security, noise reduction and most importantly appearance. We were able to accurately match the colour scheme of the outgoing traditional windows, calling on The VEKA UK Group’s Variations range to find the closest matching foils for both the interior and exterior finishes. What’s more, due to our Vintage design, authentic detailing such as astragal bars, cam catches, and internal ovolo beading ensure a truly authentic look.”
Following the precedent set by Royal Troon Golf Club’s beautiful return to glory, Mokoia House – a distinctively styled and architecturally important residence overlooking the course’s 17th hole – has received a fresh installation of PVC-U sash windows produced by Halo fabricator, Masterframe. The Essex-based company is nationally renowned for specialising in only sash windows, and fabricated an extensive package of windows for the refurbishment of the historic Royal Troon clubhouse in summer 2015. “It was touch-and-go as to whether South Ayrshire would approve the installation of 16 PVC-U windows on the third floor flat in this particular property as, alongside numerous other councils, they favour the use of traditional materials in significant buildings”, explains Sales and Operations Director for Masterframe, Carol Slade. The new windows had to blend with existing windows to preserve the architectural integrity of a registered building. Mokoia House 2“It was on the strength of our work at the neighbouring golf course that Scotia – the installer on this project – pursued a meeting with the Council to investigate the possibility of fitting Masterframe Vintage Collection sash windows to Mokoia House. 44 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
Dave Jones, Managing Director of The VEKA UK Group added: “It’s great to see how Masterframe’s sash window expertise has translated into not just one but now two prominent installations in Troon. Both buildings needed to retain their period styling to satisfy the local Council’s requirements and this has been achieved thanks, in no small part, to Masterframe’s exclusive frame and sash designs extruded by VEKA under the Halo Brand, complete with all the benefits of a modern PVC-U system.” www.masterframe.co.uk
PRODUCT NEWS
Astraseal Launch
‘Game Changing’ New Window Astraseal, the Wellingborough based uPVC and aluminium trade fabricator, have announced they can now manufacture windows and doors with Modus, Eurocell’s ‘game changing’ new profile system. The result of a £3m investment by Eurocell, the various Modus options boast the look and performance of aluminium and timber but without the weightier price tags, giving installers and homeowners the best of both worlds. Astraseal marketing manager Zac Nedimovic comments: “With its seven or eight chambers and various aesthetic options, Modus is a truly innovative system that will help our customers differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive market. Modus can achieve U-values as low as 0.7, which exceeds even Passivhaus
standards, and is made with 50% post-consumer recycled PVC-u, so has the green credentials that modern consumers are looking for.” “One of the major benefits of the Modus system is its versatility,” Zac continued. “Modus has three sash options – standard, slim and flush – and can be finished in over thirty colours, including the sought-after shades such as Quartz Platinum, Asphalt, Crown Platin and Agate Grey. We can also colour coat Modus frames in any RAL colour, courtesy of our in-
house spray booth.” Following the opening of a new factory in Hampshire, Modus is the latest Eurocell system Astraseal have recently added to their portfolio. The company recently launched Eurologik 70mm windows and doors, Charisma vertical sliding sash windows, Aspect bi-folding doors and the new Skypod skylight system. These products join an already comprehensive range, consisting of REHAU and Smart System windows and doors, and complete conservatory and orangery packages based on the Synseal Global roof. The firm also offers specialist products such as fire rated windows and doors and curtain walling. All products are manufactured from Astraseal’s 110,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Wellingborough, which has capacity to produce 4,000 frames per week. For more information call Astraseal on 01933 227233 or visit www.astraseal.co.uk
Siena Seals The Deal For Prestige And Glazerite It’s too easy in this business for installers and fabricators to fall into a rut and offer pretty much the same old styles and colours as everyone else. However, the rewards are there for anyone taking the trouble to offer something different as the award-winning Glazerite installer Prestige Glazing Services can gladly testify. “A customer came in looking for something different to replace his cream coloured windows,” said Peter Fossey, domestic sales manager at Bedford-based Prestige, “We showed him the VEKA Variations colour range and he fell for the ‘Siena’ foil immediately.” Siena is not a common colour in the UK, despite being very much in demand around Europe and beyond. But that was no problem for Prestige as the dark, smoky grain not only features in the VEKA Variations portfolio but has been available from Glazerite Windows Ltd since the range was launched. Glazerite was also there to support Prestige in closing the sale, as Peter explained: “We had never done any-
thing in this colour before so had nothing to show him but the swatch card but Glazerite came across with some bigger sample material to show the customer.” Glazerite Director Jason Thompson added: “Prestige is a multiple Network VEKA award winner for customer service so we wanted to do our best to help it to live up to that reputation. “We have not only offered the entire Variations range from day one, we also offer it on every one of our PVC-U products including Vertical Sliders, patio, French and. bi-fold doors, to ensure all our installers can make the very most of the growing demand for foils and colours. “The Siena job for Prestige is an ideal example of what can be achieved by offering a broad choice or products and we are happy that we were able to support Prestige in this way.” www.glazeritewindows.co.uk WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016 45
PRODUCT NEWS
“We Spent Lots Of Time Agonising
Over Which Door To Choose And Then aïr Bubbled To The Surface.”
cut out with this particular project, but 25 years of experience in the glazing industry enabled them to install the aïr 500LS lift and slide door without any hiccups. After completing the outer frame at ground level, an innovative spider crane supplemented Herts Bifold Doors’ skills, to lift the frames and sashes into position so that the fitting team could complete the impressive project. Herts Bifold Doors’ Director Neil Green said: “We spent a lot of time agonising over which door would be best for this project and then aïr bubbled to the surface!
A London loft conversion recently benefitted from an exceptional aïr lift and slide door. aïr Accredited Retailer Herts Bifold Doors, leading supplier of bi-fold doors in Hertfordshire, was given the complicated job of getting the 2M square, 300KG doors up two storeys to be fitted. The aïr door has given this stunning room an uninterrupted view of the skyline, which is exactly what the homeowner wanted. The fitting team at Herts Bifold Doors had their work
“It’s a really flexible product that’s great for customers. We like aïr’s slim central locking sightline and it’s got a really smooth glide. “It’s a great maintenance-free door and there’s a good range of hardware available too. “Everglade is a great partner to work with – and ordering aïr products from them is really easy and completely hassle-free.” To find out more about becoming an aïr Accredited Retailer, visit www.discoverair.co.uk For more on Herts Bifold Doors, visit www.hertsbifolddoors.co.uk
Stunning Modo Installation For Wilson Windows Loughborough-based Wilson Windows completed an impressive Modo door installation recently for a homeowner in Queniborough, Leicester. Modo, from Apeer, is a design-led collection of composite doors, designed and manufactured at Apeer’s state-of-the-art production facility in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. Dale Wilson, Director of family-run Wilson Windows explains: “This was the first Modo door we have installed and while the installation wasn’t the easiest we’ve ever done, the result is stunning. The arched frame required a little more precision than a standard frame, but we are more than happy how the installation went, and our homeowner is also thrilled; his new door is receiving a lot of admiring glances now! “The quality of the Modo door shines out, and although it’s at the top end of many peoples’ budget, 46 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
once you see and appreciate the features and benefits it can offer, you want that level of design, insulation and security for your home. We sell Apeer as a premium product, and have been installing their range of doors for about five years now.” From their 1200 square foot showroom in Loughborough, Wilson Windows has a Modo door, Lumi window and traditional 70ml door on display for customers to see, says Dale: “Nowadays people want to look around and view the product in the flesh before they buy them, so our showroom is designed to showcase the products perfectly.” With more than 30 years history behind them, Wilson Windows are members of Which? and Network VEKA. For more information on the Modo door collection, visit www.apeer.co.uk and to contact Wilson Windows, call 01509 211 660 or visit www.wilsonwindowsloughborough.co.uk.
PRODUCT NEWS
TWR Bifolds Launches New Premium Product Bi-fold door specialist TWR Bifolds is delighted to announce that it has added an innovative new aluminium system to its product range.
The company will now be manufacturing Synseal’s WarmCore system. WarmCore is an innovative aluminium folding sliding door system, which incorporates a radically different product design approach to deliver a new high performance glazing solution. Managing Director Terry Richardson says the decision to expand its range further will allow TWR to continue offering its installers the latest, cutting edge products. He comments: “We are always
WarmCore features a 70mm front to back frame with a multi-chambered PVCu core, clad in aluminium. It also boasts a thermal core which significantly out-performs the polyamide thermal breaks commonly used to reduce the threat of a cold bridging on aluminium windows and doors. The deal struck with Synseal to start supplying Warmcore coincides with the announcement by TWR bi-folds that it will be opening a new factory.
looking to add products to our portfolio that are truly innovative and high-performance, so installers have the very best windows and doors to take to market. WarmCore ticks both these boxes and is a high-quality aluminium solution that offers peerless thermal performance.”
Charlotte ad WindNews 185x130:Layout 1 06/04/2016 10:30 Page 1
MEET CHARLOTTE
TWR will be exclusively manufacturing bi-fold doors at its new factory in Peterlee, County Durham and it is set to be one of the biggest dedicated bi-folding door manufacturing plants when it opens in the summer. For more information please call 0191 565 2200 or visit www.twrbifolds.co.uk
Charlotte is part of the Glassolutions customer care team. Because your glass is our world, she's on your team too. Like everyone at Glassolutions, Charlotte is 100% committed to improving how we do things. Taking your calls, resolving your queries quickly and effectively, Charlotte helps you deliver a better service to your customers.
Working together we make your world better. Call us now to find out more.
SHE’S ON YOUR TEAM
T. 0800 145 6788 www.glassolutions.co.uk/contact
WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016 47
PRODUCT NEWS
Totally-Tailored Entrance Composite Doors For Online Windows & Doors Online Windows & Doors based in the West Midlands, has switched to Entrance®, AMK Hardware’s new composite door brand. Online Windows & Doors has been an AMK Hardware customer for more than five years, and has always been impressed with its service and quality. So when they heard about Entrance, it seemed a logical step to take.
Entrance supplies everything except the frame; all the components needed to make a door so fabricators can sell matching composite doors and windows using their own profile. The package is totally tailored, so their composite door is unique to their business.
Adrian Bhella, Managing Director of Online Windows and Doors, sees the advantage. “We’ve
worked with AMK Hardware for a long time – and always used their hardware – so it was a natural progression to buy from Entrance. It’s more convenient to buy the slab and hardware from one supplier, a supplier we trust to provide high quality products and service. And we know from experience that AMK Hardware offers great customer service. Making the change from our previous supplier was simple and cost effective. It means we can offer customers our own label doors, using the same profile we offer for windows. Customers can see the huge choice available on the Entrance Door website, and online ordering is simple. Entrance Doors is now our sole supplier.” To see how Entrance makes it easy and cost effective for you to sell totally tailored composite doors that match your windows call 02838 323 693 or visit www.entranceway.co.uk.
Pioneer Sales Heat Up With Masterdor Fire Door After recently announcing that it now supplies doors made by Masterdor, now firmly established as one of the UK’s largest manufacturers of bespoke timber-bladed external door-sets, Chelmsford-based Pioneer Trading has extended the partnership by rolling out the Masterdor Fire Door. Ideal for use in projects where Building Regulations require a fully approved fire door-set such as flats, shared entrances and multiple entrance dwellings, the Masterdor Fire Door uses the latest technologies with both 30 and 60-minute options available. Security, safety and flexibility are a primary focus with all Pioneer doors: The Masterdor Fire Door 48 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
comes equipped with a multi-point locking system fitted as standard and each door-set is made to measure to make sure it meets the customer’s exact specification requirements. It is simple to fit and is virtually maintenance free. Secure and durable, it is resistant to knocks and scratches and comes with a 10-year guarantee. The Masterdor Fire Door is also Document L compliant (part J in Scotland) and meets the requirements of PAS23/24. Company owner Danny Williams said: “The Masterdor Fire Door is a high performance door that is just one of a wide range of door types we supply from the Mas-
terdor range. Besides supplying it at a great price we also offer a great selection of hardware options, including an SBD upgrade that comes with a £1000 break-in insurance with a 10 year hardware guarantee.”
PRODUCT NEWS
Let The Direct Trade Low Threshold French Outside In Door Achieves Pas24 Direct Trade, a Halo Approved Fabricator and one of the UK’s leading trade fabricators of windows doors and conservatories, has achieved PAS 24 testing with a French door incorporating PVC-U profile from The VEKA UK Group, Yale Locking System and a Stormguard Low Aluminium Threshold.
“This satisfies the requirements of Document Q (security) and Part M (disabled access),” explains Steve Green, Direct Trade’s Managing Director. “We are now able to add this product to the company’s official Secured by Design range, and we are delighted with this achievement. The doorsets underwent rigorous testing at ASSA ABLOY’s UKAS Accredited Test Lab in compliance with the coveted PAS 24:12 – the standard to which requirements must be met to comply with amends to Approved Document Q of the Building Regulations. “The amended Document sets enhanced security performance requirements in the UK on all external doorsets and windows intended to offer a level of security suitable for dwellings and other buildings exposed to comparable risk. “Adding yet another product to our ‘Secured by Design’ range clearly demonstrates our dedication towards the Police initiative aimed at ‘designing out crime’. We can remain confident that our products and key components comply with current legislation and this is incredibly important to our customers.”
Dave Jones, Managing Director of The VEKA UK Group was impressed with Direct Trade’s efforts: “Direct Trade is a long-standing Halo customer, and one that we’re proud to see representing our products. Achieving PAS 24 certification is an achievement in itself, but to combine this security accreditation with a clear commitment to accessibility by using a low threshold is something which should be celebrated. It’s great to see our profile play a part in a worthy project like this, and all the team here congratulate Direct Trade on the accomplishment.” Steve Green added, “The Low Threshold French Door is a great addition to our product range and can be delivered to any location within the UK”. For further details please contact a member of our team on 01302 880066 or at tradesales@directtradeltd.co.uk.
Distinction Doors has always firmly believed in supporting its local community and this has been perfectly demonstrated in the company’s recent link up with Barnsley College, the sixth form college just down the road from the company’s Tankersley headquarters. The partnership saw Barnsley College UAL Level 3 Diploma Art and Design students design contemporary doors, including the glass panels, for Distinction Doors’ contemporary range. The project was planned over several months with the Course Leader, Claire Harrison, and developed as a unit titled ‘Distinction Doors Live Brief’. The brief addressed 2D problem solving skills within Art and Design as well as building students’ employability skills. The theme ‘Let the Outside in’ was chosen with specific instruction on designing for a target audience and has become a course module that has been approved by the college’s exam awarding body, the University of the Arts London. Chantel Roach, Marketing Director at Distinction Doors, said, “We were delighted to be able to support local students’ education and give them the opportunity to work in a commercial environment. We were even more delighted with the quality of the designs we saw which suggests that there are several incredibly talented artists set to take the design world by storm in years to come.” As a result of the project success, Distinction Doors are working with the College to offer the students work placements later in the year. www.distinctiondoors.co.uk WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016 49
PRODUCT NEWS light on the market thanks to its bespoke structural PVC-u internal core and sleek aluminium internal and external capping. Fitted flush to the internal plaster, the rooflight appears frameless from below to create the illusion of an open roof space. Gareth Thomas, Sales and Marketing Director at Atlas Glazed Roof Solutions, said: “We are really excited to launch this sensational product, which has been designed to open up the roof space and cast the maximum amount of light into a room for a dramatic effect. Aesthetic functional and price competitive, it delivers superior thermal properties and slim internal and external sightlines which are unmatched. And just like the rest of the Atlas range, it has been carefully developed to be extremely fitter-friendly so it is very easy to transform a mundane flat roof into a breathtaking light pool. It is the ultimate flat rooflight, which delivers on all fronts.”
Atlas Raises The Roof With
New Flat Rooflight A new generation in flat rooflight design has been unveiled by Atlas Glazed Roof Solutions. The Flat Rooflight, which brings ultimate performance and maximum light in a sleek, minimalistic design, complements the industry-leading range of aluminium conservatory and lantern roofs from Atlas.
Created to deliver ‘ALL SKY AND NO ROOF’, this ultimate performing fixed Flat Rooflight features a 27% slimmer overall frame height than its rivals to achieve a flush glazed look with minimal internal and external sightlines. It delivers an outstanding complete roof (glass and frame) U-value of 1.3 W/m2k, without the need for triple glazing. The New Flat Rooflight is the best looking and the highest thermally performing double glazed flat roof50 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
The Flat Rooflight has been designed to be fitted with ease. The frame can be simply screwed from the side with hidden direct fixings or from the underside with a strap fixing. Unlike many alternatives where the plasterboard visibly buts up to the glass, this system features a clever internal plasterboard pocket for easy bordering and plastering. The clip-in aluminium external weather bar and internal cover trim provide a crisp, subtle finish to the rooflight. Insulated kerb upstands are also available if required. Self-cleaning glass and a 10-year seal and easyclean coating warranty ensure that the rooflight will require minimal maintenance through its service life. The rooflight does not compromise on weather performance either and its five degree pitched kerb allows water to drain off the glazing unit on to the existing flat roof. The Atlas Flat Rooflight comes factory-glazed with toughened Pilkington Active Neutral Solar glass. The Low-E double glazing achieves a U-value of 1.0 W/ m2k. It is available as standard in grey, black, white, grey on white and black on white and in six stock sizes (1x1m, 1×1.5m, 1x2m, 1.2×1.8, 1.2×2.5 and 1.4x2m), plus bespoke sizes to order. Atlas Glazed Roof Solutions is part of the £35 million turnover Customade Group. The group, which employs 300 people, also includes PVC-u and aluminium window and door fabricator Customade and Fineline Aluminium, which supplies designer architectural aluminium products with very slim sight lines, and Hourglass Seal, which manufactures glass and sealed units. For further information, please contact Atlas on marketing@atlasroofsolutions.co.uk or phone 02838 327741.
PRODUCT NEWS
Roof Glazing, The Hottest Home Improvement Product Of 2016 With new-build homes failing to deliver the space British families need, 2016 will see even more homeowners expanding their current properties, rather than move. Garden extensions, garage, loft, and even cellar conversions will keep the local builders and contractors busy, with some home improvement products such as roof windows, skylights and roof lanterns being at the top of the “renovation wish list”. “Local builders will thoroughly benefit from this trend, and we’ve also experienced a significant increase in demand for our products, in the first two months of 2016,” said Adrian Cooper, sales director at LB Supplies, a leading national distributor of roof glazing solutions.
“We specialise in the supply of roof windows, skylights, flat roof windows and roof lanterns, as well as all of the adjacent products and accessories, and have noticed our customers are using increasing volumes of glazing within their projects, in line with the contemporary trends in architecture and the modern consumers’ tastes.” As demand for housing continues to grow at a very fast pace, building land becomes increasingly expensive, leading to Britain delivering the smallest new homes in Europe, according to the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE). “This is why homeowners now prefer to stay put and explore the full potential of their property. But this can be difficult and, especially
in prime locations, such as city centres, sometimes the only way to create more living space is by expanding underground, or in the loft of an existing property. This type of project requires specialist glazing solutions to draw in as much natural light as possible,” said Adrian. He added: “Our customers use walk on rooflights and internal/external walk-on skylights to bring daylight to an otherwise dingy cellar, and they install roof windows into attic conversions, leading to the creation of a high-quality, desirable environment in an otherwise neglected part of the house.” www.lbroofwindows.co.uk
Kestrel Roofline Installer Reflects Milestone Year One of Kestrel’s long serving installers is set for a landmark 21year anniversary this spring. Home Installations, based in Kingsmead, Cheshire, has been installing roofline products since 1995, and using Kestrel products for the majority of that time. Owner Peter Bennett, a former roofline installation trainer, explained that he had seen changing trends in those years. “I set up Home Installations in June 1995, it was a natural progression having worked as a sales person and a roofline trainer,” he said. “For most of that time we’ve been using Kestrel products. I am a big fan of the products themselves, but also the support that comes with it.
“Today, we use a lot of the K22 bullnose and K16 square fascia boards in black, as opposed to the white, as it is a very practical colour that looks smart and suits most properties.” Working across Cheshire, Home Installations has grown through Peter’s customer-centred approach to sales and marketing, along with word of mouth recommendations. “I enjoy the sales process because I know that we have a very good product,” he said. “We carry out a thorough survey, so there are no surprises once the job starts and use the Kestrel range, which has all of the relevant BBA certifications.” Peter added that reliability was the most important aspect of Kestrel products.
“I honestly believe it’s easier to do something right than it is to do something wrong,” he said. “With the right products, preparation and skills, I know that when I see a customer again years later, they will still be happy with the job we did.” Steve Malkin, Kestrel business development manager for the North West congratulated Peter on the up-coming business milestone. “Home Installations is a great business that demonstrates that putting quality first can really help a company grow,” Steve said. “Beginning in roofline, the company has built a reputation for reliability that has helped it expand into many other areas of home improvements. We look forward to working with Peter and his team over the next 21 years!” WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016 51
PRODUCT NEWS
Senior Architectural Systems
And ALFED Team Up To Voice Industy Issues Leading aluminium glazing systems manufacturer Senior Architectural Systems has joined forces with trade body the Aluminium Federation (ALFED) to help raise the profile of the industry and its importance to the UK’s job market by meeting with Caroline Flint MP. Ms Flint, who is the MP for Don Valley in South Yorkshire, was invited to take a tour of Senior’s manufacturing facility in Denaby. The visit provided the ideal opportunity to highlight the various issues facing the aluminium sector in terms of energy efficiency targets, competition from overseas and skill shortages. As the UK’s largest privately owned supplier of complete glazing solutions to the construction industry, Senior’s state of the art factory also proved to be the perfect environment for Ms Flint to discover more about the innovations and investments that are helping to breathe new life, and bring new jobs, into the UK’s aluminium and manufacturing industries. 52 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
As a major employer in the South Yorkshire area, Senior was also joined by Peter McNestry MBE, chairman of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, to highlight the importance of supporting local companies to help bring back industry and employment opportunities to former mining communities such as Denaby. Commenting, Senior Architectural Systems’ managing director Mark Wadsworth said: “Although we operate on a national level, we are extremely proud of our South Yorkshire roots. This is an area that has a rich heritage of manufacturing and we are always delighted to fly the flag for the local business community and the wider industry. Attracting, nurturing and retaining a local labour force is a key strategy to our future growth, as is our commitment to developing new products and manufacturing processes that are truly sustainable. It was a pleasure to meet with Ms Flint and I hope that the visit provided her with a greater understanding of the challenges
that our industry is facing and the important role that UK manufacturers play in both fuelling the national economy and supporting the local communities in which they operate.” The visit included a tour of the Denaby facility to see first-hand the many energy saving initiatives that have been introduced throughout the company, including the installation of a state-ofthe art waste reducing powder coating line and new biomass boiler which generates enough energy to provide free heating throughout the factory. There was also opportunity to find out more about Senior’s latest product developments, such as the new PURe® range of aluminium windows that feature an innovative polyurethane thermal barrier that gives ultra-low U values to significantly improve a project’s carbon footprint. For more information about Senior, visit www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk
PRODUCT NEWS
Qualicoat Member Almetron Develops New
Chrome Free Pretreatment Systems Qualicoat UK & Ireland member Almetron has recently launched a new chrome free pretreatment system, ‘Tetramet 1000 Plus’ has Qualicoat product approval and uses some of the most up to date technology to offer aluminium pre-treatment.
During the pretreatment process of aluminium, prior to the application of powder coating, metal surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and chemically etched. The pre-treatment ‘chemical conversion coating’ is then applied that offers both corrosion protection and a substantial ‘key’ for the final finish. For many
The company has also recently updated and gained Qualicoat approval for a further non-chrome pretreatment system known as Almetron CF20.
years ‘chromates’ have been used, but with doubts over continued use of chromate, coaters are reviewing their choice of pre-treatment system. Almetron are one of the UK’s leading suppliers of pre-treatment systems for conversion coating in the architectural coatings sector.
What Does The Future Of Aluminium Windows
And Doors Look Like In The UK?
To get a feel for what the future of windows and doors looks like in the UK, it is never a bad idea to attend Fensterbau every other year in Germany.
what the future might hold for the UK domestic market.
It is the biggest glazing trade show in Europe and as well as the good beer it showcases the next generation of products, some of which will be hitting the UK market sooner rather than later.
Jerry comments: “Despite its growth aluminium accounts for a tiny fraction of the UK domestic market – with PVC-u way ahead and timber and composite doors not far behind. But the signs are encouraging for aluminium, as more and more homeowners are choosing the material.
CDW Systems’ Jerry Webb says that, as expected, aluminium was heavily featured at this year’s event with an eye-watering number of entrance doors and high-end windows on show.
“Advances in technology mean that aluminium can now achieve energy ratings on a par with PVC-u, so it is winning this battle – and when it comes to the aesthetics battle there is no competition.”
The domestic aluminium market is growing in the UK, with recent statistics from the Palmer Report showing the market has grown from 5% to 9% in the last year; and in Germany there were a number of aluminium and hybrid doors that gave an insight into
He continues: “What Fensterbau shows is that aluminium is gaining real traction and whilst not all of the products on show will make it to the UK, some will – and it’s now up to companies like us to showcase them and create demand. It was also interesting to see how
Copies of the Qualicoat standard, now in its fourteenth edition, are available through the UK association website, www.qualicoatuki. org together with an up to date list of manufacturers and applicators. Printed literature and telephone support is available from Qualicoat UK & Ireland’s Head Office in Birmingham on 0121 601 6746. You can also follow the association on Twitter @Qualicoat. automation and motorised products are now part of the mix – certainly something to look out for.” CDW celebrated a record year in 2015, with demand for its aluminium windows and doors from homeowners helping to spark a significant increase in sales. Jerry has been a long-time advocate of using aluminium in the domestic market and hopes trade shows like Fensterbau will put this material further in the spotlight; and promote its benefits as a viable alternative to PVCu. He comments: “The future of the domestic market needs future proof products. Safety, security and quality of windows and doors were a key theme at Fensterbau and aluminium ticks all these boxes and more. “Fensterbau has given us a glimpse into what the future of the UK market will look like. Increased domestic projects and profitable, high-end products will only serve to encourage others to get involved, which may see aluminium finally have its day in the domestic market.” WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016 53
PRODUCT NEWS dated technical literature down loadable at http://www.glazpart.com/products/trickle-ventilation/ pages 6 and 7) or read online as a “flip file”.
Glazpart
LABC Certified Range
Of Trickle Vents Banbury-based Glazpart, is a specialist injection moulding company with extensive experience in the fenestration industry, employing 80 staff at its ISO 9001:2008 certified site, producing millions of mouldings each month. Glazpart Limited is pleased to confirm that its extensive range of trickle vents for the provision of back ground ventilation in buildings and to meet the requirements for approved document F1 are currently the only range to be third party certified by the LABC. The certification covers three main trickle vent product ranges in all colour options – The slim line (clip fix), Standard (screw fix) and the innovative Link Vent trickle vent product ranges. link vent grey assortmentMany design specifications for the 54 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
Local authority building control (LABC) Registered Details is a certification process proving compliance with building regulations and standards across England, Wales and Scotland and increases industry confidence in our products. It is the only scheme of its kind supported by all local authorities, Registered Details help ensure acceptance by all local authorities across England and Wales. This increases industry confidence in the performance and suitability of our vents meeting the requirements of Part F1 Background ventilation whilst making the building control process faster, easier and cheaper with LABC approval. (For more information: http://www.labc.co.uk ) Our new trickle ventilation catalogue also provides details of the extensive range of over 3,500 colour options, whether a moulded colour, vacuum foiled, printed wood grain or paint sprayed tricklevent. Also, covered are our extensive packaging options such as colour combinations E.g. White internal vents with a colour matched external canopy. According to Dean Bradley – Sales and Marketing Manager
supply of windows fitted with trickle vents requires a third party certification such as one from the LABC who are one the most widely recognised bodies with Local Authority Building Control departments and officers the UK construction market. More information can be gained from our easily down loaded online at resource in the up-
“Glazpart is now unique in the UK market as the only manufacturer of trickle ventilators holding a third party certification, adding the LABC approval to its BBA approval. This is a reflection of Glazpart’s on-going commitment to delivering quality products in compliance to the Part F building regulations for building ventilation”.
PRODUCT NEWS
Morley Glass & Glazing Offers An Exclusive Shade Of Grey
The recent growth in apartment living and new build development in general featuring grey windows and doors has inspired growing demand for an exclusive shade of grey slats inside Uni-Blinds® integral blinds from Morley Glass & Glazing. The Uni-Blind® sealed units with ScreenLine® integral blinds inside are available in a choice of ten
colours including S159 anthracite grey, which is equivalent to RAL 7016, which is only available in the UK from Morley Glass & Glazing. Ian Short, managing director of Morley Glass & Glazing said: “Grey RAL 7016 seems to have established itself as the most popular grey of all the major colours for powder coated aluminium and particularly bi-folding doors. We
spotted the opportunity and agreed exclusive UK rights to the ScreenLine® Venetian integral blinds in anthracite grey S159. In the last 12 months alone demand for this colour has increased by 18% demonstrating that it is a practical, stylish and neutral looking alternative to white and many other colour options.” Being permanently sealed within the cavity of the doubled glazed units makes Uni-Blinds® the only viable option for privacy and light/shade control in bi-folding and sliding doors. Available with manual, cordless, sliding, solar powered and motorised controls, Uni-Blinds® are manufactured from high quality materials and high performance glass for delivery in 10 days. The system is ideally suited to prestigious properties, especially the exclusive contemporary domestic market including new build, extensions and conservatories. For more information visit www. morleyglass.co.uk or call 0113 277 8722.
Wider Colour Range For The Built In Blind A leading supplier of added value building products for the home, ODL Europe can now reveal an even wider range of colours for the Built in Blind, with the addition of four brand new shades – Silver, Anthracite Grey, Bronze and Dark Coffee.
Launched officially in October 2015, the Built in Blind is a UK manufactured cordless integral blind system, which can be fitted at point of fabrication or installation. Glass units containing the blind meet EN 1279 Parts 2/3/6 standards and are available gas filled and with low-E glass for maximum thermal efficiency. Mark Towers, Managing Director at ODL Europe comments: “At ODL Europe we are here to help our customers add value, and choice is a crucial part of that. The blind can be custom-sized to fit even those larger applications such as orangeries and bi-folds, and it is compatible with all profile systems, so fabricators and installers of PVC-U, aluminium or timber can benefit. New colours 2“With colour only increasing in popularity, it made sense for us to offer even wider choice here
too, and the four stunning new shades provide our customers with another useful tool to help them sell. Alongside the colour range, other point of sale benefits to the consumer include protection from damage and dust, fingertip control and UV-stable slats. The blinds are also completely cord free by design, as recommended by child safety requirements of EN13120:2009+A1:2014. We welcome anyone who would like to find out more to Stand AT2 at the FIT Show.” www.odleurope.com for more information. WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016 55
FIT SHOW
The FIT Show Visiting the fit show couldn’t be easier... with Free Entry, Free Parking, Free WIFI!
Everything has been done to make your visit to the FIT Show an enjoyable and rewarding experience. We know that your time is valuable and we want to get you into the Halls to meet the exhibitors and network as quickly, painlessly and inexpensively as possible. MORE NEW PRODUCTS THAN EVER! With almost two years since the last FIT Show there will be more to see and try than ever before as suppliers time their product development cycles to the FIT Show calendar. Hundreds of new products and services will be on show for the first time anywhere! FREE SEMINARS The FIT Show Seminar programme is developed by industry experts and focuses on key issues of the day that affect window, door and conservatory businesses in the real world. The objective of every seminar is that delegates will leave armed with knowledge and infor56 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
mation that they can put to work the minute they leave the theatre.
The seminars are Free to attend but MASSIVE value for every delegate. Regulations, finance, market conditions, business advice, sales tips, installation advice – a huge range of subjects will be covered once again, presented by carefully chosen experts in their own field. NEW FOR 2016 – PUBLIC SECTOR GLAZING A programme covering fenestration home improvements in the public sector will be created for the 2016 FIT Show, the first for more than 10 years. The programme will address key issues facing the specification and maintenance of windows and doors addressing the specific issues facing all public sector landlords. MASTER FITTER CHALLENGE IN ASSOCIATION WITH FENSA For 2016, just six installers will compete in the live finals at the fit show, when they will actually install glazing products as thousands of visitors to the event mill around the show. With the incen-
tive of huge cash prizes totalling £10,000 and more importantly, their pride and reputations at stake, the finalists will be distilled from an entry list following an exhaustive filtering process carried out by glass qualifications authority and associated industry expert judges. The process includes a site visit for those reaching the second stage so entrants have to be at their best, in real world conditions.
For 2016 the skill sets include sash windows with products supplied by Liniar, residential doors supplied by Truedoor and for the first time in the FIT Show Master Fitter Challenge in association with FENSA, a solid roof with products supplied by Supalite. The resi-door fault finding exercise will also be included once again and could be the difference between winning and losing! The first, second, and third places are rewarded with cash prizes of £5,000, £3,000 and £2,000 respectively and a huge boost to their reputations, with the names kept a strict secret until their announcement during the fit show gala dinner.
FIT SHOW
The Judging Panel Unveiled
FIT Show Awards 2016
Following the announcement of the Fit Show Awards, new for 2016, there was a surge of entries for the six categories that will seek out the very best FIT exhibitors. With the entries now closed, the FIT Show organisers have named the judges. With an independent panel of industry experts making the final decisions, the bar will be set high when the judges review the entries for the Fit Show Awards 2016, as Matthew Glover explains: “We are really excited about the FIT Show Awards and the response from exhibitors has been great. There’s a lot of buzz about who the judges will be, and we’re pleased to have such inspiring individuals on the panel. “From the Southwater Event Group we have Chief Executive Tom Gray, who directs The International Centre, Telford, the Group’s three hotels and Stagecraft UK, its events production arm. As an inspiring champion
of customer service, Tom will no doubt be stringent with his judging criteria. Joining Tom is Sales and Marketing Director for The International Centre, Telford, Alison Griffin. With a wealth of knowledge, Alison thrives on successfully achieving client retention and new event business, and is key to the venue’s success. “As Editor of the Exhibition News, Annie Byrne played a significant part in the recent re-launch of the publication, as well as the development of the EN Under 30 Club. And finally we have Jenni Jacques, Marketing Director for AEO (Association of Event Organisers) and FaceTime. With experience spanning the construction, security, exhibitions and events sectors to name a few, Jenni brings almost 20 years’ experience to the panel. “More than 170 companies will be exhibiting at the FIT Show in April and the bar will be set even higher this year for exhibitors, not only for their stands at the show, but also
for their marketing and promotional campaigns in the run up to the event.” The Award categories are: Most Effective use of Social and Digital Media, Most Successful Visitor Campaign in terms of Visitors Delivered, Best Creative FIT 2016 Marketing Campaign, Best Stand Designed under 80m2/ Sapphire Opal Crystal, Best Stand Designed over 80m2/Diamond Diamond Plus and Most Creative Shell Scheme Stand. The judges will be shortlisting entries and informing those companies by Thursday 23rd March 2016, with the winners to be announced at a Gala Dinner ceremony on the second day of the FIT Show, 13th April 2016. The Fabricator Installer Trade (FIT) Show takes place at The International Centre Telford on 12th, 13th, 14th April 2016. General information on The FIT Show can be found at www.fitshow.co.uk WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016 57
FIT SHOW
The Window News
HALL 2
Interactive map
272
FIRE E
Haffner 261 264
268
Just click on the pages to be taken through to the fully interactive map on our website. Any highlighted in green have further details about the company - just click on them to reveal the details at the side of the page.
IG Doors
FIRE EXIT 4
262
Technibond
Caldwell Hardware (UK) Ltd
UAP
259 Kestrel BCE
263
260
Glazpart
267
Aanco/Made for Trade
Dual Aspect Glass
HALL 3 FIRE EXIT 4
254
252 249 AluWood Windows
Trojan Hardware
256 258
VBH
Reddiplex
Jones Tool Company
240
248
FIRE EXIT 5
Vello Nordic
378
380
Dempsey Dyer
Iso-Chemie
Windowbase
384
374
370
BSI Group
368
Supalite Tiled Roof Systems
Deceuninck
FIRE EXIT 3
361
Decstone
344
363
UK Fasteners
Entrance Composite Door Chase Taylor Recruitment Solutions
346 Windowlink
348
Rehau
Synseal
350
342
340
232/233
338 336
Liniar
228 231 Duffells
230 UK Industrial Tapes
Between Glass Blinds
AquaSurTec
314
324
Renolit
Swiss Spacer
Polyframe
322
312 Conservatory Cast Systems
Whiteline
310 300
Rapier Star
302
239
Carl F Groupco
TruFrame
306
Bison Trade Frames
216
218
GGF Group
308 WPR TAKA
Clear Amber
AT1 Regalead / ODL
Aralco
212
ODL Europe
225
AS Spilka
210
208
206
214 Sealco
213
Lancashire Trade Frames
Apeer
Mila
Whizzle
205 Ritec
200 L J Pratley
201
Kombimatic
202
Secured By Design
204
RW Simon
ENTRANCE
disabled wc
AT14 Brisan -Secure
AT18 AT32
AT30 AT5
Camden Group
AT29Quotatis
AT21
Surface Restore
New Wave
FIT
My Trade TV
Costa Coffee
AT38 Registration
Cloakroom
58 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
FIR EXI
FIT Coffee Bar
AT2
Milwood Group
John Fredericks Plastics
Business 220 Micros Certass
Regalead
AT6
222
219
ENTRANCE AT10
Duration Windows
96
Combilift
321
Titon
224
215
Roseview Windows
Granada Glazing
Avantek Machinery
Quickslide
Windows Active
226
MASCO UK 316
The Aluminium Door Company
223
Jackloc
334
326
Window Industry Consumables
Truemans 238
DecraLed / Creative Resins
Edgetech
330
237
Tim-ing Centar
Ingenious Locks
332
Stuga
DoorCo
236
Origin Global
364
Traditional Windows
356
FIRE EXIT 2
242
Winkhaus
Distinction Doors
235 362
Tradeframe Conservatories
352
244
Konig
Residence 9
358
Flair Windows
246
366
MB Frames
354
247
Colonnade Panels
U K Window Systems
Extrudaseal
376
382
381
Ma
FIT SHOW
HALL 1
168 Elumatec 166
178
National Plastics
164
176
First Degree Systems
172
Profile Developments
Glazerite
150
Masterframe
Selecta Systems
VEKA UK Group
Oakland Glass
146
144
142
Promac Group
Promac CR Laurence Group
147 GGP Mag
139
136 133
Prefix Systems
Maco
Dyer Environmental
132
GT Window Products
FIRE EXIT 3
HAL
126
Glass News
RPS
131
158
CEN Solutions
140
96
148
FIRE EXIT 4
157 Spitfire Doors
156
149 Modplan
160
Climatec
First Floor FIT Restuarant
174
170 Barrier Components Ltd
162 Exova BM Trada
Glass Times
Euroseal
Elumatec
130
125
128
FIRE EXIT 4
Epwin
Ultraframe
Epwin
378
380
Dempsey Dyer
Iso-Chemie
376
116
120
117
ENTRANCE
121
Consumer Credit Solutions
IKON Aluminium 118
Dutemann Insight Data
Universal Arches
113
123
110
108
Atlas Glazed Roof Solutions
Clearview
111
Solidor
J Banks
RE IT 1
100 HomePro
106 104
The Saw Centre
Clayton Glass
Remote Asset Mgmt
FIT Seminar Theatre
AT35
T Registration
Organisers Office
Brisant -Secure
AT50
International Fire Consultants
A40
A24
AT49
AT56
Plastics Window Federation
Guardian Warm Roof Systems
Packexe
Force 8
GM Fundraising
aster Fitter Competition
MFC Offices
Lounge
Lounge
Bassra
A70
A143 Unilam
Eurocell
DigiSTOP.IT
AT42
Window Widgets
A132
Rapier Star
Extralight
AT1 Regalead / ODL
ERA
Metrotile
A135 A136 A137 Rochling
Planet Roofing
Titon
302
322
Bison Trade Frames
ENTRANCE
A138
Soudal
324
Swis
Avantek Machinery
The Aluminium Door Company
Lounge
A100
A134
326
300
GQA Qualifications Ltd
Weinor
332
Soudal
Window Ware VIP Pre Reg
334
Lounge
Lounge
A124
Liniar
FIRE EXIT 2
330
FIT Show 2017 Sales stand
A90
Synseal
Granada Glazing
A110
Lounge
348
350
Lounge
FIT BAR
Resid
Ingenious Locks
A140
A21 MBN Int'l
Windowlink
A142
Thermoseal
Lounge
Avocet
A22
Vita Cellular Foams
VIP Business and Speakers Lounge
Kaban Makina San.ve Tic.Ltd.Sti. A60
A80 AT55
352
A32
Solaris Solar
Deceuninck
356
Machinery
A20
TIC Reception
Zehnder Group
A50
AT54
ENTRANCE
Composite Wood Company
A31
A30
AT51
370
Tradeframe Conservatories
354
101 102 Wintech 360 Innovations Engineering
UKW
358
Flair Windows
Emmegi
Windowbase
374
FIRE EXIT 3
Innovation Zone
Bohle
Smart Builder
112
382
381
MB Frames
disabled wc
AT10
Regalead
AT2 ODL Europe
114 Alpro Architectural
e
180
184
Glassparts.co.uk
EXIT 5
AT6
Milwood Group
AT14 Brisan -Secure
AT18
AT44
Nice Doors AT5
New Wave
Camden WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016 59 Group
Wh
FIT SHOW
360 Innovations STAND 101
Business Micros STAND 218
Conservatory Cast Systems STAND 312
Aanco Made For Trade HALL 2, STAND 260
Business Micros Aluminium STAND 218
Consumer Credit Solutions STAND 117
Advance 70 STAND 156
C R LAURENCE OF EUROPE LIMITED STAND 146
Creative Resins + DecraLed STAND 232
Alpro Architectural Hardware STAND 114 Aluwood Windows STAND 249 Apeer STAND 208 AquaSurTech OEM STAND 215 Aralco Natural Ventilation Systems STAND 219 AS Spilka Industri STAND 225 Atlas Glazed Roof Solutions STAND 108 Avantek Machinery Limited STAND 330 Avocet Hardware UK Ltd STAND A40 Barrier Components Ltd STAND 170 Bassra Machine Tools Ltd STAND A142 Between Glass Blinds STAND 338 Bison Frames (UK) Ltd STAND 302 Bohle Ltd STAND 123 Brisant-Secure STAND AT14 AND AT51 BSI Group STAND 247 60 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
Caldwell Hardware (UK) Ltd STAND 262 Camden Group STAND AT5
Deceuninck STAND 374 DecraLed STAND 233
Carl F Groupco STAND 226
DecSTONE Window Cills and Skirting STAND 364
CENSolutions STAND 158
Dempsey Dyer STAND 378
Centurion Door STAND 332
DigiSTOP.IT STAND A140
Centurion Doors STAND 332
Distinction Doors STAND 246
Certass STAND 220
DOORCO Limited STAND 242
Chase Taylor Recruitment Ltd STAND 363
Dual Aspect Glass STAND 267
Clayton Glass STAND A30
Duffells STAND 231
Clear Amber STAND 310
Duration Windows STAND 239
ClearShield STAND 205
Dutemann UK Ltd STAND 120
Clearview STAND 112
Dyer Environmental Controls STAND 133
Climatec Windows Ltd STAND 162
eclectic systems Eclectic Systems STAND 370
Colonnade Panels STAND 384 Combilift STAND 316 Composite Wood Company STAND AT35
edgetech Edgetech (UK) Ltd STAND 336 Elumatec STAND 168 AND 184.
FIT SHOW
Emmegi UK STAND 106
Glazerite Windows STAND 164
John Fredericks Plastics Ltd STAND 222
Entrance Composite Door Solutions STAND 361
Glazpart Limited STAND 263
Jones Tool Co STAND 258
Epwin Window Systems STAND 125 AND 128 ERA STAND A132 Eurocell STAND AT13 AND A70 Euroseal STAND 174 Exova BM TRADA STAND 166 Extralight UK Ltd STAND A138 Extrudaseal STAND 342 First Degree Systems STAND 178 FIT Show 2017 STAND A80 Flair Windows STAND 354 FlexSecure Technology STAND 210 Force 8 STAND A24 GGF Group HALL 3, STAND 306 Glass & Glazing Products STAND 147 Glass News STAND 126 Glass Times STAND 176 GlassParts.co.uk STAND 140
GM Fundraising STAND A22 GQA Qualifications Ltd STAND RYTON SUITE Granada Secondary Glazing STAND 334
Greenwood Airvac a division of Zehnder Group UK Ltd STAND A31 GT Window Products STAND 131 Guardian Warm Roof STAND AT55 Haffner Murat STAND 272 HomePro STAND 100 IFC Certification (IFC Group) STAND AT50 IG Doors STAND 268 Ikon Aluminium Systems STAND 116 Ingenious Locks and Hardware STAND 352 Insight Data STAND 121 ISO-Chemie GmbH STAND 380 J Banks & Co STAND 111 Jackloc Company Ltd STAND 224
Kaban Machines STAND A32 Kestrel BCE STAND 259 Kombimatec Machines Ltd STAND 201 Konig UK STAND 366 Lancashire Trade Frames STAND 212 Liniar STAND 350 M B Frames PVCU STAND 376 MACO STAND 136 MASCO UK Window Group STAND 216 Master Fitter Competition STAND AT38 Masterframe Windows Limited STAND 160 MBN International Systems Ltd STAND A21 Metrotile STAND A134 Mila Hardware STAND 210 Milwood Group STAND AT6 Modplan STAND 149 MyTradeTV STAND AT30 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016 61
FIT SHOW National Plastics STAND 180
R W Simon STAND 204
Solidor STAND 110
New Wave Doors Ltd STAND AT18
RAM Tracking STAND AT54
Soudal (UK) Ltd STAND A100 AND A110
Nice Doors STAND AT44 Oakland Glass STAND 148
Rapierstar STAND 300 Reddiplex Limited STAND 254
Spectus STAND 125 AND 128 Spitfire Doors Ltd STAND 157
ODL Europe Limited STAND AT2
Reddiseals Ltd STAND 254
Stuga Machinery Limited STAND 240
Origin Global STAND 235
Regalead Ltd STAND AT10
Supalite Tiled Roof Systems Ltd STAND 368
Packexe Ltd STAND AT56
Regalead/ODL STAND AT1
Surface Restore Ltd STAND AT21
Palladio Door Collection STAND 172
REHAU Ltd. STAND 346
Swish STAND 125 AND 128
PatioMaster STAND 125 & 128
Renolit Cramlington Ltd STAND 314
SWISSPACER Saint-Gobain STAND 324
Planet GDZ AG STAND AT20
Residence9 / R9 STAND 370
Synseal STAND 334 AND 348
Planet Roofing STAND A137
Ritec International Ltd STAND 205
Technibond STAND 261
Plastics Window Federation STAND AT49
Rochling Engineering Plastics SE & Co KG STAND A136
The Saw Centre Group / TMS STAND 104
Polyframe STAND 321 Pratley and Partners Ltd STAND 200 Prefix Systems STAND 139 Profile 22 STAND 125 AND 128 Promac Group STAND 142 AND 144 Pyroplex Limited STAND 254 Quickslide Limited STAND 238 Quotatis STAND AT29 62 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
Roseview Windows STAND 213 RPS Roofwright STAND 132 Sealco STAND 214 Secured by Design STAND 202 Selecta Logo Selecta Systems STAND 156 Smart-Builder STAND 113 Solaris Solar + West Yorkshire Architectural Services STAND A50
The VEKA UK Group STAND 150 Thermoseal Group Limited STAND A60 TIM ING CENTAR STAND 340 Titon STAND 326 Total Door Hardware STAND AT4 Total Machinery Solutions Ltd STAND 104 Tradeframe Conservatories Ltd STAND 358 Traditional Windows & Doors STAND 362
FIT SHOW Trojan Hardware & Design Ltd STAND 252
Universal Arches Ltd STAND 118
Window Ware STAND A90
Truemans STAND 236
VBH (GB) Ltd STAND 256
Window Widgets STAND AT42
TruFrame STAND 228
Vector STAND 356
Windowbase STAND 381
UAP Limited STAND 264
Vello Nordic AS STAND 248
Windowlink STAND 356
UK Fasteners STAND 344
Vita Cellular Foams UK STAND A20
Windows Active STAND 223
UK Industrial Tapes Ltd STAND 230
Weinor STAND A124
Winkhaus UK STAND 244
UK Window Systems STAND 382
Whiteline STAND 322
Wintech Engineering STAND 102
Ultraframe Ltd STAND 130
Whizzle Ltd STAND 206
WPR TAKA STAND 308
Unilam Machinery Ltd STAND A143
Window Industry Consumables STAND 237
Showroom Incentives And A FIT Show Competition For Smartglass Dynamic® a practical and affordable framework. Clayton Glass is pioneering this technology within the domestic arena, initially within a range of modular sized roof lanterns.
With the FIT Show now just a matter of days away, Clayton Glass have announced that they will be giving away a free SMARTGLASS® Dynamic, powered by SageGlass® lantern, along with offering key incentives for orders placed at the show. SMARTGLASS® Dynamic represents the absolute pinnacle of glass technology. This week’s launch at the FIT SHOW is the first time it has been on sale domestically in the UK and is the culmination of over a year of work to bring the product to market, in
Visitors to the stand will be able to see and interact with this electrochromic switchable glass technology first hand, with two examples with zoned technology as well as a full size roof lantern, all set up to be controlled from a simple mobile device. Jason McCabe, commercial director of Clayton Glass commented: ‘This project is all about scale and momentum, so we want to encouraging as many companies as possible to make a modest investment in a fully working SMARTGLASS® Dynamic show product of their own. As we feel this product is so unique, it’s
fundamental for it to be seen and connected with first-hand, by as many end users as possible. For this reason as well as giving one away entirely free, thanks to the support of Prefix Systems, we have chosen to price the finished product as competitively as we can and believe people will be genuinely surprised at how within reach it could be. He continues: ‘Whilst it’s not necessarily mass market, at the recommenced RRP it certainly doesn’t need to be considered as niche either. We believe for the high end installer, owning and having access to this technology will pay huge dividends – not only in sales of the Dynamic product itself, but the pull through on their more standard offerings. Ongoing the supply operation is set to widen in scope and offer good margins for forward thinking installation companies eager to embrace the very latest glass technologies.’ www.smart-glass.co.uk WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016 63
FIT SHOW
IG Doors to Launch
New Partner Programme at FIT Show
Visit Bison Frames… You Know It Makes
Sense….
Our products speak for themselves, but to make sure you don’t miss us, we’ll be having some fun with our stand this year so make sure you come along to see us. Not only will you be able to pick up information on the Genesis Vertical Slider, our genuine alternative to timber which is widely accepted in conservation areas, but you can see the New Genesis Flush Sash, a stunning solution to recreate 19th century windows. Our New Warmcore Aluminium products will also be on display introducing the exciting concept of warm aluminium. We’ll also have more information on the Genesis Installer Network, which brings together high calibre installer partners to make the most of the opportunities the Genesis range offers and launch our new website. So if you want to make the most of your time at the show and see some fabulous products, pay a visit to stand 302 where Bison will definitely bring a big smile to your face. sales@bisonframes.com 64 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
Composite door manufacturer IG Doors will announce their tailor-made Truedor Partner Programme at the FIT Show next month. Truedor will be exhibiting at the FIT Show, taking place on 12-14 April at the International Centre in Telford. They will make the announcement of their new Partner Programme at the event. TV personality George Clarke will be on the Truedor stand on the first day to help promote the brand. The new partner programme is designed to help companies sell more composite doors. Richard Kirman, Truedor Sales and Marketing Manager, explains: “As with our doors, everything is made to measure – one size absolutely does not fit all and we are keen to work the same way with each and every one of our customers, treating them all as individual businesses. “The Truedor Partner Programme is designed to enable every single one of our installer partners to access a full range of marketing
support and collateral that is tailored to meet their specific requirements. What we can offer a customer with a large showroom wouldn’t be beneficial to a smaller, one-person business, and vice versa. That’s why we have taken the route we have in terms of our offering for the Partner Programme, as it enables us to meet the needs of all our customers, large or small. “We have a really exciting stand for this year; visitors will be able to see exactly what we can offer them in terms of support and it gives us a great opportunity to work with customer groups at all levels of the industry. Come and see us at stand 268 in hall 2 to find out more, or visit www. truedor.co.uk.” Truedor welcomes visitors to their stand 268 at the FIT Show for coffee and cake.. and a chance to win money off your next order. For more than 30 years, IG Doors, the company behind Truedor, has been hand-crafting the finest quality composite doors using tried and trusted techniques that are passed on by experienced, skilled professionals.
FIT SHOW
AGILA The New Specialist Door
Range From REHAU The FIT Show marks the official launch of AGILA – the exciting new brand from REHAU for its range of specialist door systems which give fabricators and installers a solution for every possible door application.
There are initially five products in the AGILA range and these will all be on display on stand 346. Alongside a composite door, there will be a Passivhaus door for applications where energy performance is the key criteria, a fire door for areas where high level of protection is required and both multi-fold and sliding doors to give a wider choice to consumers who want to open up their home to the garden. All of the AGILA doors come with the REHAU guarantees of quality, finish and performance and, for REHAU customers, they fill in potential gaps in their ranges which mean they can now offer a complete installation in REHAU. Probably the most talked about product on the stand will be the new AGILA sliding door which offers contemporary slim sight lines to let more light in, and competes head on with aluminium with larger maxi-
mum sizes and multi-pane configurations. Like all of the AGILA range, the sliding door is designed to meet the requirements of fabricators, installers and consumers. It is fast and easy to manufacture and install with clever innovations such as a clip-in, universal straight cut infill strip, pre-routed hardware options and pre-inserted gasket and brush pile. It also comes in a choice of eight standard foil options including grey, black/brown and cream to appeal to homeowners and provide a perfect match with REHAU’s window range. Before its official launch in the summer, final stages of development for the door will include a designated PAS24 compliant hardware solution with 12 locking points and a Part M compliant low threshold and handle option. Along with its affordability, these, REHAU says, will make it a great tool for selling into the new build sector. For customers who want a multi-fold option as well, the AGILA Multi-Fold will also be on display for the first time with a brand new aluminium clad option to open up a whole range of new design opportunities for customers. REHAU’s Marketing and Technical Director Gareth Jones said: “The AGILA range encompasses all of those specialist door systems which can be made in addition to standard PVC-U window profiles. We have invested in a range which allows fabricators to target exciting new market opportunities. In fact, we have already got manufacturers in place for all five of the doors we are showing at FIT.” WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016 65
FIT SHOW
New unit increases
capacity for R9 Launched at the FIT Show 2013, Residence 9 (R9) has been selling like hot cakes as homeowners, installers, planners and private developers have become enthusiastic ambassadors of its high end windows – ‘windows the way they’re meant to be’. The Super-Premium composite systems company has outgrown
its facilities, and has significantly increased its warehousing capacity through the acquisition of a neighbouring unit at its base in Gloucester, increasing total capacity to 76,000ft2. The company has invested in new extrusion lines, more people to service demand and new vehicles as it prepares for continuing rapid growth.
Managing Director Dan Gill says: “R9 has grown spectacularly fast since launch because installers and developers find that homeowners are happy to pay significantly more for modern high-performance beautiful windows that restore or add character to their home. We expect that the launch of new systems at the FIT Show to join R9 in The Residence Collection will change the way the industry sells windows. The Residence Collection along with Window Widgets is the Windows Division of DW3 Products Group. DW3, which includes Solidor the leading premium quality composite door, is investing heavily to meet demand for innovative premium quality products.” To find out more about R9 visit www.residence9.co.uk and follow @residence9. To find out more about The Residence Collection visit stand 370, the FIT Show at The International Centre in Telford on the 12th-14th April.
C To Believe With Regalead At FIT RegaLead will be making it three for three in April as the company returns once again to the FIT Show in Telford.
Visitors will be able to benefit from the market leader in decorative products for the glass, doors and processing industries’ extensive range of solutions to add value, with a number of brand new additions, aimed squarely at the composite door fabricator. Guy Hubble, Joint Managing Director at RegaLead explains: “As you might expect from RegaLead we have a host of brand new innovations to showcase on our stand – AT10 – at the FIT Show, focusing primarily on the three ‘C’s – contemporary, cassettes and colour. “Fabricators of composite doors 66 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
have traditionally recognised us as a supplier of door glass, and we will show some great new additions to add value in this area. However, we will also unveil a range of contemporary glazing solutions, including our new aluminium frame, which can be manufactured to any size required and finished with any DoorColour or Renolit foil. We have also expanded the styles available within our European influenced, contemporary cassette solution, Inox Glazing – which made its debut at Fit Show 2013 – and added two new contemporary styles with the ODL Spotlight range and our own aluminium faced, flush fit Urban Frame system. “Colour will be a key feature of our stand, and we are particularly
excited about our latest development in this area, which launches officially at the show. Without wishing to disclose too much detail at this stage, we’re confident that fabricators will be impressed with the new colour matched door profile service, ColorLine, which allows us to provide a matching or complementary colour solution regardless of which door is used or who has painted it. Of course, you can only ‘C’ it for yourself by coming to Stand AT10.”
Register for your free ticket here: www.fitshow.co.uk/regalead/reg and see the latest developments from RegaLead on Stand AT10 at the FIT Show. Alternatively, visit: www.regalead.co.uk or call 0161 946 1164 for more information.
Spitfire Aims High At The FIT Show
FIT SHOW Spitfire Doors, a sister company of KAT, will be launching their range of premium European aluminium composite entrance doors on stand 157 at the FIT Show, to include Comet 70, Galaxy 90 and the Inotherm ranges of doorsets. The Spitfire team believes that aluminium composite doors are the next big thing for the UK entrance door market, as consumers look for enhanced levels of security and reliable product performance. An increasing number of consumers are now looking towards aluminium as their preferred choice for windows and certainly bi-folding doors, with a near limitless range of colours and the benefits of slimmer sightlines. The Spitfire range of doorsets have been carefully sourced from select partners in Europe with frame depths of 70mm for the Comet range, 90mm for Galaxy and 105mm for the European market leader Inotherm, whose doors are made using exclusive Schüco profiles. With bank-vault like locking systems and premium hardware, these doors have been designed with the aspirational homeowner in mind and there will be nine different doorsets on display at the FIT Show. David Richards, chairman of Spitfire Doors commented: ‘Aluminium composite entrance doors will be the next big thing for the home improvement market in the UK. Consumers are increasingly turning to aluminium and with u values of 0.7, premium hardware and incredible attention to design and production detail, we believe we have something quite exceptional as we look for more Design Partners in the UK.’ Look out for stand 157 at the FIT Show or for further information visit www.spitfiredoors.co.uk, e-mail sales@spitfiredoors.co.uk or call the sales office on 01625 412570. You can also follow them on Twitter @SpitfireDoors. WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016 67
FIT SHOW
Trade counter chain Truemans Windows
makes FIT Show debut
our comprehensive services to a wider audience, reaching installers in areas we aim to cover with new outlets over the next few years. “We want to show as many people as possible just how competitive our business model can be, and how that in turn can benefit you, your business, and your customers,” added Joe. Originally an installer-fabricator, Truemans has flourished since taking the bold decision to cease manufacturing and concentrate purely on supplying the trade with high-quality products at competitive prices, while developing a true customer-focused culture. Using its retail experience, the company has designed a series of effective tools to help small and medium-sized installers become more successful, whereas thanks to its manufacturing background, Truemans has the necessary technical expertise to assist trade customers with complex projects.
Truemans is gearing up for its upcoming debut at the Telford FIT show. Not only will this year mark the company’s first appearance, but also the first time any window and door trade counter business with no manufacturing or fitting operations has exhibited at the popular industry event, now into its fourth edition. Unlike other exhibitors, Truemans is not showcasing any products from their very extensive portfolio. Instead, the company’s stand will be dedicated to promoting its trademark value added services and exceptional customer support, which have fuelled its success and popularity with small and medium-sized installers across the North of England. “We’re not approaching the FIT Show as an opportunity to get a huge amount more business,” said Truemans MD, Joe Trueman. “For us, this is a chance to raise awareness of our brand and promote
The company is putting considerable effort into making an excellent first impression at the FIT Show. Due to be manned by seven staff, the Truemans stand is full of surprises ready to be discovered by show-goers. Two large screens will show promotional videos on the company’s marketing support and product range, while a number of iPads will be used to demonstrate its user-friendly online ordering system and quick retail quotation service. “To say the Truemans team is excited about our FIT Show presence this year would be an understatement – it’s quite an honour to be the first window and door outlet that’s independent from any manufacturing or installation business to exhibit in the FIT Show history – and we aim to make it a memorable debut,” concluded Joe. For more information visit www.truemanswindows.co.uk
A&B Group Making Debut At FIT Show
The A&B Group team will be making a debut appearance at the FIT Show with all the latest Group developments. Duncan Girling, recently promoted to the position of Sales Director, is looking forward to his first FIT Show with the Group: “The A&B Group is a fast-moving business and at the FIT Show I’m keen to showcase the many new advances made even in the short time I’ve been with the company. We’ve got a range and service level that in my opinion other fabricators can’t 68 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
compete with and we’ll be able to demonstrate that at the show.”
Having joined the company in October, Duncan Girling has made a great success of his new role and in recognition has been promoted to the position of Sales Director. “I felt drawn to the A&B Group by the speed of innovation and by the motivated sales team and so far it’s been a great move for me,” he said. “I’ve particularly enjoyed the benefits of working with a strong retailer network – deliver-
ing against consumer needs is high on the agenda for the A&B Group and our Certified Installer Network allows us to feel much closer to that end customer. We’re frequently getting feedback from retailers and talking to homeowners about what they want and why they’re choosing our products – over the coming months and years I’ll be feeding those insights into the business and contributing to the Group’s ongoing innovation pipeline.”
FIT SHOW
Thermoseal Group
At The Fit Show 2016 Innovation Zone The Fit Show 2016 will see Thermoseal Group showcase its highest performance spacer systems – Thermobar and Thermoflex Warm Edge Spacers. See the Group on Stand A60 in the Innovation Zone. Thermoseal Group is one of the leading UK manufacturer of warm edge spacer systems and supplier of over 1,500 insulated glass (IG) components. With over 35 years of experience supplying to IG manufacturers and a large private investment into manufacturing and development of its own IG component manufacturing site with a dedicated product innovation centre, Thermoseal Group has a continual flow of new IG products. Its dedicated injection moulding division also ensures that new products are introduced with colour-matched bespoke fittings where applicable. Thermobar and Thermoflex warm edge spacers have achieved Bundesverband Flachglas thermal ratings of 0.14W/mK and 0.135W/mK respectively. In addition, these spacer bars have achieved Passive House ratings of phA+ certifying them for use in Arctic climates. All products supplied by Thermoseal Group are tested by the Group’s innovation centre which houses a wide range of equipment dedicated to testing the tolerance and overall performance of its products. The Group also has its own EN1279 test centre to make and test its own IG units to European standards and beyond. This ensures an understanding of how each component performs within the lifetime of the unit. Marketing Manager, Samantha Hill explains: “Thermoseal Group has spent millions of pounds in
Apeer
To Unveil Exclusive New
Locking System For Award-Winning Lumi
Not content with just bringing its G-Award winning Lumi window and doors to this year’s FIT Show, Apeer has announced that it will also be unveiling its new easyPilot Nordic window locking system; another innovative industry first that has been developed in association with leading hardware specialist, Winkhaus. Marketing Manager Samantha Hill
recent years on the development of new products and in enhancing our innovation centre. We now have a wide variety of equipment and the expertise we have in the IG industry and IG products puts our offering beyond any others. “At the Fit Show, we would like to show installers how our product quality and the back-up service we offer is one of the best in the industry. We’d also like to show our Thermobar Interbar and Duplex Systems to simulate multi-pane windows using a warm edge solution. Thermobar systems offer a much lower heat transfer than alternative aluminium systems. Contact our marketing department now on 0121 331 3950 or marketing@thermosealgroup.com for free VIP tickets to the show.” To find out about Thermoseal Group and its comprehensive range of insulated glass components (including highest performance Thermobar and Thermoflex Warm Edge Spacers) and machinery for glazing manufacture, call +44(0)121 331 3950 or visit www.thermosealgroup.com.
Unlike a standard restrictor, which only opens to one position, the easyPilot Nordic system allows the window to be locked into any opening position, simply by using the window’s handle. The system is exclusive to Apeer’s Lumi windows in the UK and will feature on all the company’s Lumi window products to be displayed on stand 208 at The FIT Show. Asa McGillian, Apeer’s Managing Director and inventor of the Lumi window, said: “We have been working with Winkhaus for years and we know from experience that they supply reliable, high quality products. I like to think we re-invented the window with the ‘edge to edge’ glazing that Lumi offers, but now we’ve developed it one stage further with the addition of the easyPilot Nordic locking system. It’s a neat and functional design that offers far greater flexibility than a standard restrictor – you can now open the window to any position and then securely lock it in place with just a turn of the handle.” The easyPilot Nordic window locking system is a 22mm backset, torsion bar brake lock that has been developed and rigorously tested by Apeer and Winkhaus, and is exclusive to Apeer’s Lumi range of windows in the UK. WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016 69
FIT SHOW
Aralco Brings The Latest
In Acoustic Control Ventilation To FIT Show Ventilation systems specialist Aralco is using FIT Show to demonstrate the advantages of PyrAcoust, a new acoustic control vent for timber, PVCu and aluminium windows that achieves superior performance from a slim, modular design.
second PyrAcoust module maximises noise reduction, making it ideal for noisy environments such as homes on flight paths or near main roads, or to add value to city living developments. PyrAcoust is suitable for both internal and external installation. Its canopy offers excellent weather protection and incorporates a stainless steel fly screen.
Made from aluminium, the PyrAcoust is the smallest acoustic window vent providing 2,500 mm2 or 5,000 mm2 Equivalent Area, in line with Part F requirements for ventilation. Aralco promises sound dampening up to 45 dB in the open position for the vent.
The new acoustic control system, on display at Stand 219, is based on the proven design and performance of Aralco’s best-selling Pyramid vent, reinforcing the Belgian manufacturer’s expertise as it exhibits at FIT Show for the second time.
“PyrAcoust is exactly what fabricators need – an acoustic control vent that not only delivers unrivalled noise reduction for its size but is also easy to install, long-lasting and looks good,” explains Bart Depoortere, Marketing Manager at Aralco.
PyrAcoust and Pyramid combine in a modular construction for flexible noise control that meets the desired acoustic requirements of the window. Using one acoustic module alongside a Pyramid vent delivers noise reduction with discreet internal aesthetics. Adding a
Like all Aralco ventilations systems, PyrAcoust has been developed with the end user in mind. Upward air deflection reduces the risk of draughts, and the vent is easy to open and control by the homeowner. PyrAcoust Vent is available in anodised silver or in any RAL colour, with black or white end caps. Aralco will also be displaying several other natural ventilations systems from its range, including vents and mechanical extraction solutions. Visit Aralco at FIT Show on Stand 219. www.aralco.be
Meet The Manufacturers At FIT
Fast growing composite door manufacturer, DOORCO is pleased to return to the FIT Show as an exhibitor, where the company will be showcasing, on Stand 242, a taster of some of its high quality, innovative designs and offering visitors the chance to meet the manufacturers behind what is fast becoming one of the UK’s fabricators’ favourite doors. Visitors to the stand can see for themselves the new Smart Door, which is pre-apertured during manufacture, therefore removing this layer from the fabricator’s processes, to save valuable CNC time, labour costs and wastage costs. Alongside this will be the popular Combi, with its unique midrail and woodgrain pattern running through from top to bottom, enabling the creation of seven styles from just one slab. Completing the trio of designs for 2016 is the Farmhouse, an upgrade on the Cottage, with the addition of a moulded design and reinforced skin for greater integrity over the original machine grooved flush door. But that’s not all visitors can expect on Stand 242, as Managing Director Dan Sullivan explains: “We’re 70 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
looking forward to showcasing this latest suite of designs at the FIT Show, alongside just some of the other innovations from our range. But developing products such as these can only be achieved thanks to our status as manufacturers. We have a fantastic partnership with CEO Tony Cha and the team at the DOORCO Korea, in which we are shareholders. This means that workable ideas and suggestions can be processed quickly, with samples available almost immediately. “We are delighted, therefore that Tony will be joining us on the stand so visitors can speak to him, or any member of our expert team about the manufacturing process, the benefits it provides both to us as a business, and ultimately, to our customers. In line with this, there will be the opportunity throughout the show to give us feedback on our very latest innovation, the Hybrid, which is currently in the research and development stage. Without giving too much away prior to the show, we think it will make some big waves when it comes to launch. But you’ll have to come to Stand 242 to find out more.” www.door-co.com.
FIT SHOW
The Deceuninck
Experience
Deceuninck has one of the biggest stands at the FIT Show in Hall 3, and every bit of it will be needed for its new products, pretty windows, colour-fromstock and MyBrand marketing support.
Sales Director Rob McGlennon previews what visitors can expect when they visit Stand 374: “First there’s Slider24, a ground-breaking sliding patio door. It’s a star in an uninspiring sliding patio door commodity sector. Bestin-class for security, energy and weather performance and colour, it looks stunning and suiting with Deceuninck’s pretty windows. It’s available from stock in all of Deceuninck’s 26 colourways, including matching trims and ancillaries, on the same short delivery lead times as casement
windows. That’s an industry first!
“Our other star attraction is the Fully Reversible Window (FRW). It’s a leader in weather, energy and security and it looks classy. We designed it to blow other FRWs out of the water and it does! It achieves PAS24 and top weather performance so it doesn’t whistle in the wind or leak in stormy weather. It also achieves 1.3 U-value double glazed, and an outstanding 1.0 U-value triple glazed using Deceuninck’s patented BlueForce steel-wire foam technology. “On display will also be our famous pretty windows in our leading colour range. Deceuninck is No.1 in colour with 26 colourways delivered from stock for windows and doors, including matching
cills, trims and ancillaries. Our fabricators and installers love colour-from-stock because they can sell colour as easily as white in a wide range of windows and doors and make more sales.” Visitors can also learn more about Deceuninck’s rapidly expanding MyBrand marketing suite: “These are professionally tailored-toyou brochures, rollfolds, POS, direct mail and selling aids that help fabricators and their installer customers generate leads and build their brand. We will have many examples on our stand,” concludes Rob. There will also be regular product demonstrations, and some other exciting product revelations! Visit Stand 374 in Hall 3. WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016 71
FIT SHOW
Truedors Are The Perfect FIT
For UAP Door Hardware
black powder coating. The range includes a door chain, a selection of letter plates, a black iron front door handle as well as the new black, lion head door knocker.” tru1“We wanted a high quality door to display our Nanocoast, stainless steel door hardware and the likes of our top quality hybrid handles and maximum security, 3* cylinder – the Kinetica. The Mondrian door in jet black, from their contemporary collection was a fantastic fit as it has an extremely modern finish.”
UAP will be using IG Door’s Truedor to display their fantastic ranges of door hardware at this year’s FIT Show
“Likewise the Cezanne door in classic white, from the traditional collection will be used to showcase all of our door hardware ideal for the social housing sector. From high security handles to Secured by Design letter plates; we will be displaying our hidden fix letter plate shroud and easy to fit, self-adhesive numerals amongst other products.”
‘So much more than a great looking door!’ is the tag line for IG Doors Truedor, and it would seem those at UAP agree, as they’ve decided to use the Truedor on their stand – 264! The innovative door hardware suppliers will be showcasing a variety of their products from transcendent door and window security, including high security handles and cylinders; to door knockers, viewers and letter plates, at this year’s FIT show. UAP pride themselves on providing solutions for every door hardware requirement, and with the help of Truedor, they are sure to exhibit an impressive display at the show. UAP Trust Truedors “We wanted the best quality doors possible to use on our stand at FIT, and that’s what we are getting with Truedors.” says UAP MD, David Jennings. truThe stand will feature 4 Truedors from their cottage, contemporary, traditional and composite fire door ranges. UAP will be 72 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
showcasing a range of hardware including items from their revolutionary Nanocoast collection; products from their ultra-safe Firecheck range and some of their most secure hardware solutions, including Secured by Design approved products.
UAP has recently been awarded Certifire certification for all of their aluminium and stainless steel letter plates, and these 30 minute fire rated products will be displayed on one of Truedors composite fire doors, along with other fire resistant hardware.
David went on to say, “Each door has been chosen according to which will best represent the style and purpose of the door hardware being displayed.”
“Truedors, part of IG supply an array of composite doors in many styles and designs, much like ourselves, with our pioneering door furniture. Like us they offer a bespoke product made to suit all needs, and that’s why we had to use them on our display!”
“We have a new black iron hardware range which would go perfectly on rustic and more traditional properties, so we wanted a door that would suit this style. The Turner door from the cottage collection is the perfect doorset to showcase the products, which are solid cast iron and finished with a
Don’t forget to come along and see this fantastic exhibit for yourself at stand 264! Or to check out some of UAP’s fantastic door hardware solutions before FIT, go to, http://uapcorporate.com/
FIT SHOW
Trickle vents…
Glazpart are talking “balls”! Glazpart’s “Balls” to show how you too could learn to love the right trickle vents…ask us why on stand 263 at the FIT Show 2016.
Celebrity Architect
George Clarke
As many in the window industry are keen to point out. Trickle vents are not hardware or furniture they fall into their own grey area and are seemingly not the most popular product in the market. But why is this? Feedback from end users ranges from; “we don’t have trickle vents and have massive condensation problems” through to “I hate trickle vents”,” draught coming through these silly vents, but the vents are shut tight” to “a howling gale blows through the ventilators even when fully closed”. So how has this negative perception been arrived at? Well the reason has actually been hidden in clear sight! Glazpart can answer the problem if you visit us at the FIT Show. You will find out demonstrated by the ”balls” and be able to see clearly why negative feedback is received from end users, window installers, fabricators and system houses and how to address this perception. Glazpart will demonstrate how and why a solution is readily at hand in the form of the innovative and patented trickle vent the Link-Vent from Glazpart. So, come along and the team will talk “balls” to you, but before you
To Open The FIT Show’s
Master Fitter Challenge
visitsee if you can work out the importance of the difference between >2m3/hr and <0.35 m3/hr! We will explain how and why trickle vents can be perceived as draughty, cold and even whistle………or not! In addition, we will show our range of high quality trickle vents in over 30 colour matched finishes from Anthracite grey to Wine Red and Irish Oak to Mahogany wood grain finishes. In addition all Glazpart trickle vents are now independently certified to meet the building regulations with the range being the only manufacturer to hold BBA and now LABC registered detail approvals (certified approval for 236 Local Authority Building Control departments in England and Wales) Glazpart’s “Balls” show how even you can grow to love trickle vents. www.glazpart.com
TV celebrity architect George Clarke, Truedor Product Ambassador for FIT Show exhibitor IG Doors, will officially open this years Live Finals for the Master Fitter Challenge at The FIT Show. George, who has worked for the past two years to promote Truedor, will open the competition as this year’s show gets underway at 10.00am on the first day, Tuesday 12th April. An architect and Creative Director of practice George Clarke & Partners, George presents popular TV series such as Channel 4’s Restoration Man, The Great British Property Scandal and George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces. Visitors to The FIT Show can meet George following his duties on the Master Fitter Challenge Pavilion, on the IG/Truedor stand 268 during the rest of the day. The Fabricator Installer Trade (FIT) Show takes place at The International Centre Telford on 12th, 13th, 14th April 2016. General information on The FIT Show can be found at www.fitshow.co.uk. Further information on Truedor and George Clarke can be found at www.truedor.co.uk. WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016 73
FIT SHOW
Finalists Revealed For This Year’s FIT Show Master Fitter Challenge The judges of the 2016 FIT show Master Fitter Challenge in association with FENSA, have announced the names of the individuals and companies that will compete in the Live finals of the event, which take place at The FIT Show at The International Centre, Telford (FIT Show 12th-14th April 2016). The finalists are: David Keates of DK Windows; Arron Clegg, Masterfitter Windows; Craig Hanson, Pennine Retail Windows; Duane James, Job Worth Doing Ltd; David Shaw, Shaw Home Improvements; and Terry Jones, The Window Company (Contracts) Ltd. Following a challenging elimination process carried out by GQA Qualifications, detailed interviews with the entrants were followed by site visits during which competitors were observed operating in normal site conditions. From 74 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
these, the six finalists were chosen to compete under arguably some of the toughest conditions they will ever have to face: fitting windows, a door and a porch roof, against the clock and five other finalists to strict criteria and under the gaze of GQA’s exacting assessors, for big cash prizes and, tougher still, under the critical eye of thousands of other fitters attending The FIT Show. And, whilst payday might be a cheque for up to £5,000, failure to get into the top three means going home empty handed. Competing throughout the first two days of The FIT Show, the winner will be announced live at The FIT Show Gala Dinner with the result a closely guarded secret until the moment the announcement is made. Mick Clayton, Chief Executive of GQA Qualifications, said the standards are as high as he and his assessors have seen: “The standards the finalists set during
every aspect of the competition are benchmarks for professionalism and skill in this industry and should be aspirational for all window, door and conservatory fitters working in the industry. The final will be very exciting indeed!” Chris Mayne, Managing Director of main sponsors FENSA, believes that the Master Fitter Challenge is important to boost standards in the industry: “Installing windows, doors and conservatories is the point at which most failures occur and everything must be done to encourage and reward excellence at this level. It is fair to say that much of our industry’s reputation is in the hands of people like these and that is why we support the event so keenly.” Products used in the Master Fitter Challenge Final are completely standard and may be viewed elsewhere at The FIT Show. Windows are provided by Liniar, residential doors by IG/Truedor and roofs by Supalite. Whizzle and Chase Taylor are sponsors. The Fabricator Installer Trade (FIT) Show takes place at The International Centre Telford on 12th, 13th, 14th April 2016. Advance registration is available at http://www.fitshow.co.uk/visit
Approved And Ready For FIT The Solaris Roof, the brand new conservatory roof concept launching at the FIT show this year has been awarded full building regulations approval.
“We are delighted to have achieved the final part of our research and development phase ahead of the FIT Show” comments Andrew Glover, industry figure-head and Managing Director at Solaris Solar Ltd. “Being seen for the first time at the FIT show this year, we believe Solaris is the only conservatory on the market that can pay for itself. Combining a leading solid
roof – which is fully insulated and highly efficient in itself – with solar PV panels, has resulted in a unique product that can meet up to 75% of a typical home’s electricity requirements. The product is stylish
FIT SHOW with a contemporary design, and the approval from building regulations means there is no extra work involved for installers who can cascade the information down from us. “For the installer, although it is an easy install, flat pack product, you will be fully trained and supported by Solaris. Available as lean-to or gable-front, in a range of sizes – how great is it for a salesperson to be able to offer this huge point of differentiation with the genuine promise of home owners being able to generate their own electricity?” “Come and talk to us on stand A50 in the innovation zone where the Solaris team will be able to demonstrate/talk to you about the future of conservatories.” You can also visit our website www.solarisroof.co.uk, follow us on twitter @solarisroof or like us on Facebook /solarisroof.
SageGlass Tintable Glass Provides Perfect Backdrop To The FIT Show 12th-14th April, will allow UK buy- The glass is automatically coners and specifiers experience the comfort and well-being offered by SageGlass®
Following the company’s plan to provide the ultimate exhibition experience by retrofitting a large curtain wall with its product, the replacement of 132 conventional glass units with SageGlass® Lightzone™ electronically tintable panels has been completed at the International Centre, Telford. The installation, which was completed in time for The Fabricator Installer Trade (FIT) Show, the B2B event for the glass and glazing industry that takes place from the
It will also provide the FIT Show visitors with a large scale demo of the product launched for UK conservatories and domestic applications by the Minnesota-based company, a member of the SaintGobain Group, and its partner Clayton Glass. A total area of 314 metres2 has been glazed with SageGlass® Lightzone™, which allows for the creation of up to three variable tint zones within a single pane of glass. In early testing the company’s technicians demonstrated the versatility of the glass by spelling the company’s name ‘SageGlass’ in the wall.
trolled by four external light sensors which detect predetermined light levels at which the SageGlass® Lightzone™ will tint from the clear state of 60% light transmission, in four stages down to only 1% light transmission. Simultaneously, the solar factor will decrease down to 5%, thus providing a very efficient sun protection that will keep the building cool while leaving the glazed façade perfectly transparent and maintaining an unobstructed view to the outside. All cable and controls are integrated in to the system and are easily installed in the existing curtain walling. Tinting and therefore light levels may be also controlled through the SageGlass® mobile app. WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016 75
MARKETING
Residence 9
Takes Lead Machine To Next Level Residence 9’s (R9) retail marketing campaign is generating leads for installers as more and more homeowners insist on R9 windows for their homes. R9’s ‘windows the way they’re meant to be’ are designed for British homes. Advertising and PR in homeowner magazines, and active social media on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest is taking the R9 message to homeowners. Massively growing numbers of homeowners are using the R9 website to find their local R9 installer. There has been a 25% increase in searches month on month from November to January. R9 Managing Director Dan Gill says: “Marketing your products well is a hefty investment, and 76 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
cost can limit activity. And it’s even more difficult if you don’t know where to start. We want our installers to sell more R9, and we want to help them do that. So we’re investing in telling homeowners why they should think of R9 first and how R9 can transform their homes. And it’s working.” R9’s postcode search shows homeowners the five installers nearest their home and new icons indicate the experience they offer. Homeowners can clearly see who has a showroom, who has completed over 20 R9 installations and who has installed R9 in a conservation area or listed buildings. “The icons on the postcode search results mean that homeowners can choose the installer
with the R9 experience they want, with more information than just location,” says Dan. “Homeowners often know what they want, they just need to know where they can get it. If you live in a conservation area or a listed building you’ll want an installer who has worked on that type of property. “So the leads R9 installers get from our marketing and postcode searches are really high quality,” Dan adds. “R9’s an easy sell. Now we’re making it easier and easier for R9 installers to sell more R9. “We’re launching The Residence Collection at the FIT Show. It will change the way the industry sells windows. We’re really excited about the opportunities for new business. We think it will change your business forever.” Visit stand 370 at the FIT Show to experience The Residence Collection. Or to find out more about R9 visit www.residence9.co.uk
MARKETING
New Online
Presence For HWL Leeds-based Kömmerling manufacturer, HWL Trade Frames, has just launched a new, content rich website at www.hwlwindows. co.uk that includes product downloads and a dedicated and secure Trade Login area among other key features.
TruFrame Delivers A Double Glazing Network TruFrame have now formally launched their Double Glazing Network, after a hugely successful first 12 month ‘soft launch’, with customers reporting a significant and large increase in leads generated via the website. The Double Glazing Network is very much about lead generation and TruFrame appointed SEM experts ICAAL 18 months ago, with a vision for the future of lead generation. After an initial trial period with 6 customers, the Network is being rolled out across a number of customers with 23 now signed up and several more in the pipeline. The fully responsive Double Glazing Network website includes a postcode search facility for consumers, and for members there is a fully branded sub-site with the facility for customer testimonials, social media links and much more. There’s also an online quoting engine package that provides a range of prices for over 80 window designs, along with composite, French, patio and bi-folding doors and even complete conservatories.
Network members also benefit from a fully branded e-brochure that can also be printed, along with images and video content for additional marketing activities. Thames Valley based Abbey Windows for example, have experienced a 238% increase in leads in just 5 months, with similar performance gains reported by Jewel Windows and Art On Glass. Patrick Firmager, marketing director of TruFrame commented: ‘Double Glazing Network is not just another industry badge, but a tangible and proven lead generation model. Our customers have enjoyed incredible returns and with 23 now signed up, it bodes well for the future of the Network as we look to expand into new geographical areas. For further information, call the sales department on 01664 410 140 or email the marketing team directly on marketing@truframe.co.uk. You can also add to their growing following on Twitter @TruFrame.
This new and fully responsive website is designed with both existing and new customers in mind and has been developed to be a complete information portal for everything about the company, from their product range to the key people within the business. The latest social media links including Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest and Twitter are also included as the company looks to broaden its reach, as will the new YouTube channel. The website will be very much a living entity with additional content adding on a monthly basis, most recently a comprehensive list of certifications for all products. Improving communications further, the Trade Login section includes the ability to order brochures, download order forms and there’s even a live chat facility. In time this dedicated area for customers will be developed to incorporate a marketing hub with a complete image library. Danika O’Connor, group marketing manager of HWL Windows Group commented: ‘The new website is full of useful information for the trade and will be added to on a monthly basis as we look to offer first class levels of business communications to our customers and the industry at large. We’re a major player with an impressive product range from the likes of Kömmerling and so this is an important investment for us.’ www.hwlwindows.co.uk WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016 77
MARKETING
Manufacturer is on the
cutting Edge of Tech on how they can benefit from the new award-winning scheme
Charlotte added: “We’re always in regular contact with The Consultancy as they carry out online maintenance for us on a regular basis. We spoke to them about our plans and took it from there, even the initial designs for the website fitted perfectly with our brand and we were really pleased with them. “They really are a brilliant company to work with and I would definitely recommend them, they’re responsive, carry out each job to our specification and quick to act with any issues we may have. EDGETECH UK has made exciting new developments to its online offering thanks to digital specialist The Consultancy. The manufacturer that produces Super Spacer and is the leading voice for energy efficiency in the industry, has joined forces once again with The Consultancy, to create a new mobile responsive website. The project comes after a long-standing partnership between the two companies that spans over eight years. Edgetech UK’s corporate website is accessible on mobile, tablet and desktop and now contains a fresh user-friendly interface showcasing all of its new and existing products. Charlotte Davies, Marketing Manager at Edgetech UK, said: “We’ve been aware that we needed to modernise our online offering and after refreshing our brand a few years ago, we wanted to take it a step further forward whilst also introducing our new product ranges. “The new site is corporate and aimed at our business customers, allowing them to log in to our customer portal and access training resources, marketing material, scheme documents and more.” The website also contains a full catalogue of products and a Dealership+ area providing information 78 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
“The fenestration industry can get so technical at times, so working with a company which has a strong foundation and grasp of the glazing industry whilst being able to deliver exactly what we’ve asked for is a massive bonus.” With the first phase of the development complete, Edgetech UK is already looking forward to introducing the homeowner side to the website. Charlotte said: “We’ve already started the process of building on the new site with The Consultancy, to introduce homeowner features including an online map allowing homeowners to locate their nearest TruFit window installer.” The on-going partnership comes much to the delight of Director Richie Thornton. He said: “The new website allows Edgetech to provide instant information to its customers. With a sleek modern interface the site is easy to navigate on any device. “We’re already in the process of designing the homeowner end of the site and cannot wait to introduce it later in the year as Phase 2 of the relaunch.” To contact The Consultancy visit: http://www.theconsultancy.co.uk or call 01429 239 689. For more information on Edgetech’s expanding product range and to view the new site visit: www.edgetechig.co.uk
MARKETING
New Online Presence
Marks 10th Anniversary For CMS Window Systems CMS Window Systems is celebrating the relaunch of its company website with a new, on-brand responsive design, coinciding with the business’s tenth anniversary. The leading designer, manufacturer and installer of PVCu, aluminium and timber composite windows, doors and curtain walling has replaced its site with a highly visual tiled design that’s easy to navigate on any device. The new site encapsulates the full range of products and services that CMS now offers as a leader in the building envelope market, along with its sustainability ethos, all reflecting the business’s growth and progress in just 10 years. The new format also acknowledges the crucial roles played by CMS’s partners in the supply chain, as well as showcasing the extensive
portfolio of projects the company has completed since it was established in 2006. The new design launched at the beginning of March, and was created by Glasgow-based strategic design and branding agency D8, whose portfolio includes contracts with Greenpeace, Glasgow School of Art, and the BBC. In addition to its attractive, eye-catching layout, the new design is fully responsive – meaning that the CMS website will look and work just as it should whatever device it is viewed on. In addition to its cutting-edge functionality, the new website features an extensive portfolio of case studies, which can be filtered by project type and the products used for simple, intuitive navigation. The site also
contains a wealth of information about CMS’s flagship Innovation Hub, a state-of-the-art exhibition and events centre where leading construction industry manufacturers and suppliers can showcase their latest energy-saving building solutions. As well as viewing upcoming events at the Hub, site visitors can book the venue’s conference space, and even take a virtual tour of the building. CMS’s Managing Director, Andy Kerr, welcomed what the new website design brings to the company: “We’re very happy with the design and functionality of the new site: CMS is a cohesive company with a strong focus on effective communication and constant improvement, and we feel that this update to our brand really reflects that. “From humble beginnings in 2006, we’ve grown to become a leading manufacturing business: our annual turnover has risen to £35m, we’ve expanded out of Scotland with our recently opened office in North-East England, and we were recently named as one of 2016’s top 1000 companies to inspire Britain. We’re incredibly proud of how far CMS has come in the last ten years, and there’s no better way to communicate what we’re capable of than by creating a new website which really reflects what the business has achieved.” www.cmswindows.com.
Holmes Media Launches Website For Quotes Holmes Media have launched a brand new website www.windowsguide.co.uk/ devoted to providing homeowners with trusted Window, Door & Conservatory Quotes. WindowsGuide.co.uk aims to put homeowners in touch with local accredited tradespeople in their area quickly & effectively – saving customers’ time, hassle and also money. Tradespeople will benefit from high quality leads and benefits of being able to get their business listed for free. Other benefits include:
Job alerts delivered to straight to your inbox - High quality relevant job leads qualified by our telesales team - Free signup with no contract or membership fees - Free installer listing pages
If you’re an installer and could benefit from high quality sales leads please visit https://www.windowsguide.co.uk/trade-signup to signup. It’s free to join with no contract, no membership fees and no hidden charges. WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016 79
MARKETING don’t intend to rest on our laurels!” The PVC-U side of West End Windows’ business has thrived over the years, now operating from a state-of-the-art, 30,000 square feet factory, equipped with the very latest automated CNC machinery.
Brand New Website Opens New Era For West End Windows After celebrating 40 successful years in the home improvement industry in 2015, West End Windows – a Bristol-based fabricator of industry leading PVC-U systems from The VEKA UK Group – has started the next episode in its considerable company history with a fresh new website.
The family-run company – started by Bill Carr in 1975 – dealt solely in aluminium windows until 1979, when the ever-increasing popularity of PVC-U systems lead it to diversify. Bill’s son, Garry took over the business in 1989 alongside his wife Pauline, and now their daughters Karen and Laura also play leading roles in the business. Sales and Marketing Manager, Karen Carr explains: “Besides showcasing the huge range and 80 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
(L-R): Karen Carr, Ian Smith, Garry Carr, Laura Young
quality of home improvements available from West End Windows, our new website truly marks a milestone for the company, and we’ve made sure it does justice to our story so far. Even in the short time it’s been ‘live’, we’ve had so much to share with our customers – both through the ‘news’ section, and our social media accounts – demonstrating that while we may be four decades old, we certainly
“We pride ourselves on fabricating VEKA products of the very highest quality”, Karen continues. “That, alongside our diverse range, is what has attracted and maintained business over the years. The benefit of a modern website is being able to show customers what is available, how it looks when installed, the technical specifications, and more. It’s so easy to browse and navigate that people are discovering products and services that they didn’t even realise we offered before! “The majority of our business comes directly from the trade, so it’s crucial to our success that we offer products that satisfy both installers and their homeowner customers. VEKA’s is probably the most recognised name in the business – the biggest manufacturer of PVC-U profile here, and around the world – and we benefit from the trust and esteem that comes with it; particularly as an Approved Installer and Fabricator. We only regret that we didn’t join The VEKA UK Group when we first started offering PVC-U systems!” Dave Jones, Managing Director of The VEKA UK Group commented: “We’re very proud of our enduring relationship with West End Windows – a company whose hard work over the years has seen them go from strength to strength. Their new website is a great way to start the next phase in their history, and clearly demonstrates the company’s professionalism and scope.”
MARKETING
New builder’s
database helps suppliers
generate millions Demand For in new business Insight Data’s
Small builders are the backbone of the building industry, working on tens of thousands of light commercial, new-build and residential projects and spending millions every year on building and home improvement products. Yet most local builders don’t actively advertise themselves, preferring to operate on wordof-mouth recommendations, with some having no more than a mobile phone number and email address. Operating under the radar, these builders are notoriously difficult for suppliers to track down. Not anymore. Insight Data has painstakingly developed the Local Builders database, creating the most comprehensive and detailed marketing data of its kind. Promoting your products and services to small builders and contractors is now easier than ever. The database contains over 23,000 building contractors and firms across the UK (with 17,800 verified email addresses) who provide a range of services in the building and construction industry, ranging from extensions and home improvements to light commercial and newbuild projects. Jade Greenhow, Operations Manager, comments: “The Local Builders Database is a powerful marketing tool, which can help
you to drastically increase sales. With the ability to instantly create mailing, email or telesales lists, or a follow-up list for your sales team through our online system Salestracker, it really can make a huge difference to help increase sales and marketing output exponentially.” The database contains details of companies with a turnover of up to £5m, making it ideal for building product suppliers, builders merchants, timber or plumbing merchants, window or door suppliers, or service suppliers relevant to the building and construction industry. Simply log on to Salestracker, Insight Data’s online database software, and select the builders you want to target by location and sectors, with data verified and updated in real-time. Salestracker is the world’s first fully integrated sales and marketing platform created specifically for the building and fenestration industry. It combines real-time prospect data with a powerful online portal with full CRM, map integration and credit profiling. For more information on how you can utilise the Local Builders Database and Salestracker software contact Insight Data on 01934 808293 or email hello@insightdata.co.uk.
Telemarketing Service Grows
Insight Data, the specialist data provider for the window industry, has expanded its call centre to handle an increased demand for its telemarketing service. The company provides specialist outbound telemarketing services for lead generation, product and service promotion, market research and customer surveys. Jade Greenhow, operations manager at Insight Data commented; “We’ve seen a significant increase in demand for telemarketing. With everyone busier than ever before and bombarded with marketing messages, it is increasingly difficult to stimulate a response to traditional and digital marketing methods – but a telephone call cuts through all the ‘white noise’ and demands attention.” Telemarketing is best used following up a direct mail or email campaign, which creates some awareness and leaves recipients more responsive to taking a call. Insight Data has a dedicated call centre equipped with state-of-theart telecoms and software systems. Telemarketing personnel are fulltime employees who are handpicked and professionally trained in call-handling. They also undertake a monthly window industry training programme so they understand the supply chain and products. www.insightdata.co.uk WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016 81
MARKETING
Spectus Unveils New Marketing
Portal ‘Go Design Online’ Spectus fabricators can access a vast resource of new marketing materials, all available online 24/7, on the PVC-U system supplier’s newly launched Go Design Online Marketing Portal.
From brochures, newsletters, showroom POS and clothing to specification guides, product renders and merchandising products, the new Marketing Portal puts its customers in control of their marketing, whether they are promoting to trade, commercial or direct to the homeowner. A comprehensive range of marketing materials is available on the portal now, with advanced bespoke branding and email marketing functions to be added soon. The online resource will not only be comprehensive, versatile and accessible but the entire package is backed by the company’s in-house marketing team, as Brand Manager Carmen Velilla explained: “Spectus customers know they have the support of our in-house marketing professionals – the Marketing Portal means they can access all of our support materials quickly easily and at any time but of course they know they can still talk to our experts if they need one-to-one advice.” She continued: “Professionally designed, quality materials are vital in presenting the right impression to customers at all levels and the power of online and email marketing is massive. The Go Design Online Marketing Portal brings all of this within reach of every Spectus fabricator and installer, however large or small their business, and at a fraction of the cost of conventional methods.”
Available 24/7, the PrintBase section of the portal offers dozens of brochures, technical documents and other literature, tailored separately at trade, commercial and retail customers, as well as showroom posters and banners, branded merchandising, clothing and merchandising. Soon to follow, CreativeBase will enable customers to create their own bespoke versions of many of the existing items of Spectus literature. After that, CampaignBase will let customers quickly and easily set up email marketing campaigns, to generate sales leads cost-effectively from a very wide market. One of the first to set up with the Portal was Shrewsbury trade fabricator Universal Trade Frames Ltd. Sales and Marketing Manager Kevin Jennings says it has brought immediate benefits. “It’s absolutely fantastic, so much better, quicker and easier than email ordering for all my marketing materials. I can see everything that’s available, how much it costs and everything I need to know about it, then just order it there and then; it really is that simple. “Anyone who hasn’t tried it yet really should take a look.” Carmen Velilla concluded: “The Spectus Go Design Online Marketing Portal gives all our fabricators a real edge over the competition, not only with such an extensive array of materials but also delivered in a more flexible and accessible way and all at a prices that would not be possible by any other means.” http://www.spectus.co.uk/trade/go-design-online/
Importance of online marketing Distinction Doors’ The growing importance of the web in marketing is illustrated by figures recently released by Distinction Doors, with traffic to their company’s website up by 90% year on year. Simon Butterworth, Distinction’s Marketing Manager, commented, “These days, the internet is the first place people go when researching home improvement ideas and therefore it’s vital for us to have a website that clearly showcases the benefits of 82 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
a Distinction composite door.”
design a door.”
The biggest highlight of the site – and one of the most visited areas – is the Door Designer tool. It’s a clever tool that allows homeowners to design their own door, from the style and colour to the glazing panel and hardware. Simon said, “We know from the number of hits this tool gets how popular it is with homeowners, with over 40% of all visitors to the site going on to
Alongside the value-packed consumer section of the website is a trade section that gives fabricators and installers more information about Distinction Doors and an extensive asset library for customers, containing all the technical documentation and marketing materials required to support their growth. www.distinctiondoors.co.uk
ON-SITE
Jack Aluminium Proves The ‘Boss’ For Commercial Doors And Shopfronts Design flexibility, high-end quality and speed of service were key factors in the decision to use Jack Aluminium for the commercial doors and shopfronts for two branches of fashion brand Hugo Boss. The installations – at the fashion retailer’s Liverpool and Brighton stores – were commissioned to Nottinghamshire-based TAG Architectural. The company recognised that the Jack Aluminium system would create not only an eye-catching effect but also meet the specific requirements at each branch. “The two locations were very different, so we needed a systems supplier responsive enough to adapt to requirements,” confirms Terry Taggart, Director of TAG Architectural. “Planning conditions were strict in Brighton, while the
Liverpool One shopping centre had its own demands.
get that turnaround from anybody else.”
“One of the biggest challenges was the size of the doors, which are considerably taller than the norm. We needed to work with a systems supplier who could anticipate, redesign and resolve the issues. We knew from past experience that Jack Aluminium is more than capable of that level of detail.”
Of particular note was how the versatility of the Jack Aluminium system allowed TAG to provide the client with a four-day turnaround of the internal smoke baffle, which ensured that the client could achieve its opening day.
Other requirements included the incorporation of a chrome nickel effect on the aluminium for the Brighton shopfront. TAG Architectural was impressed at the speed with which Jack Aluminium met this unusual request. “The material was painted and supplied in under 10 days from design approval to installation, to help achieve the client’s tight timescale. You wouldn’t
The shopfronts were fitted during Summer/Autumn 2015 and now provide an appropriately aspirational pull for shoppers in Liverpool and Brighton. “This type of high-end retail work requires exceptional quality and Jack Aluminium’s shop front system consistently delivers in terms of product and service.” www.jackaluminium.co.uk WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016 83
ON-SITE
CMS Delivers For Engineering Giant’s
New Scottish Facility CMS Window Systems has played a key role in the manufacture and installation of thermally-efficient curtain walling, windows and doors for Emerson Process Management’s new facility at the new D2 business park, Aberdeen. Emerson is one of the world’s foremost names in engineering services across a wide range of industrial and commercial markets, and 84 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
places high value on the efficiency and integrity of its staff, operations and facilities. Efficiency, therefore, was a high priority when Emerson Process Management – a branch of the company which focuses on developing problem-solving technologies and services for industrial businesses – acquired a site at the D2 business park in Dyce, Aberdeen to support its work with the North Sea oil and gas industry.
CMS was appointed by main contractor Bowmer & Kirkland to design, manufacture and install curtain walling, windows and doors for the facility. The £20 million development, built to replace Emerson’s existing Aberdeen headquarters in nearby Kirkhill, comprises 2,600 m2 of office space, as well as a 3,065m2 service centre with meeting facilities and a customer collaboration
ON-SITE
suite, and can accommodate up to 200 Emerson personnel. Reflecting this code of efficiency, the facility adheres to exacting thermal performance standards and complying with the latest requirements of current building regulations. With site development overseen by Miller and construction completed by Bowmer & Kirkland, work on Emerson’s new Aberdeen premises began in June 2014, with CMS joining the project in February 2015. The solutions delivered by CMS were chosen to enhance the efficiency of the building’s envelope, reducing heat transfer while allowing the entry of natural light. Aluminium curtain walling created using Metal Technology’s System
17 ensures the building adheres to exacting thermal performance standards. With a continuous thermal isolator providing a thermal break throughout the system, as well as 6mm toughened Planitherm Ultra N glass used in conjunction with 16mm Swisspacer V warm edge spacer, the system is compliant with the latest thermal requirements of current building regulations. Since planning consent was granted in 2012, D2 has become one of the biggest mixed use developments in Scotland for many years, aiming to support industry in the area with its versatile premises and convenient transport links. Emerson’s cutting-edge new site on the park forms part of this;
Stuart Brown, General Manager of Emerson Process Management UK and Ireland, said: “[c] onsolidating three existing facilities in the Dyce area into a single leading-edge building close to the Aberdeen airport demonstrates Emerson’s commitment to support our Scotland and North Sea customers.” The D2 development has also achieved wider recognition at the tail end of 2015 as it has been named as a finalist for the Architectural Excellence Award (Commercial Buildings) in the 2016 Scottish Property Awards. For further information, visit www.cmswindows.com. WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016 85
ON-SITE
The use of Senior Architectural Systems’ new SF52 curtain walling system has helped to provide the perfect retail experience at the ambitious new Flemingate shopping centre complex in Beverley, Yorkshire. Installed by leading fabricator Dortech Ltd for main contractor Wilmott Dixon, over 2500m2 of Senior’s SF52 curtain wall has been specified to create the large retail displays of the shopping centre’s numerous new outlets. Maximising the flexibility of SF52, Dortech has created the shop frontages by installing both capped and capless systems. The exceptionally slim 52mm sightlines of the SF52 system helped to achieve an attractive uniform appearance and made it the ideal choice for use on the development which has been sympathetically designed to complement and reflect the style of Beverley’s historic town centre. 86 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
SF52 Goes On Display
At New Flemingate
Shopping Centre Developed by the Wykeland Group, the scheme is the biggest regeneration project of its type in the East Riding of Yorkshire and in addition to its retail spaces, includes a hotel and cinema complex. Covering an area of 11-acres, Flemingate site itself boasts a rich heritage from its previous uses as a tannery, chemical works and museum. Designed by architects Harris Partnership, street frontages have been broken down, with each bay boasting double-height glazed facades created by Senior’s SF52 curtain walling. As well as meeting the aesthetic requirements, Senior’s latest
product innovation also boasts an enhanced thermal performance to help provide a cost-effective and comfortable environment for customers. Now firmly established as Senior’s most popular curtain wall solution, the SF52 system is available as a mullion drained system which removes the need for visible drainage slots and can also be specified as capped, silicone sealed or as a combination of the two for even greater design flexibility. For more information about Senior, visit www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk
ON-SITE
Total Glass
Gets The Colours Right For Pine Mews
Glass Powerframe high-security aluminium communal entrance door in Traffic Red RAL 3020 was specified for the main entrance and fitted within a green doorset to match the windows. Around the courtyard, a total of 14 flats and 13 houses were also similarly upgraded with red GRP composite doors and green outer-frames complementing the windows. Total Glass liaised closely with Pine Court and One Vision Housing, also part of the Sovini Group, on the project, which used translators to inform tenants at all stages and facilitate their participation during the works. “Pre-contract consultations with tenants and surveys were carried out, along with pilot installations to ensure that the colour specifications and designs were all correct,” explained Total Glass Commercial Contracts Manager Mark Formby. “This was one of our client’s flagship schemes, so attention to detail throughout the project was vital. Completed on time and to budget, it was a success and the clients are delighted.”
In one of their more unusual – and colourful – projects, Liverpool-based Total Glass supplied red and green replacement windows and entrance doors for a major social housing refurbishment project in the city’s Chinatown district. The PVC-U window and door fabricator was engaged by Pine Court Housing Association as part of a £250,000 investment programme in properties at Pine Mews. The installation work, which included Chung Hok House sheltered accommodation scheme, was
carried out by the HA’s Group partners Sovini Property Services. Red and green are considered auspicious colours in Chinese culture, so a key aspect of the specification was to match the buildings’ existing colour scheme. Total Glass supplied ‘A’-rated energy-efficient PVC-U windows finished in Pine Green RAL 6000 to replace the original timber ones. New final exit doors, which replaced old wooden ones at Chung Hok House, were also supplied in the same shade of green. The Total
David Brown, Pine Court’s Director of Operations, said: “We’re really pleased with the work that’s been undertaken. Disruption for customers has been kept to a minimum and the new installations look very professional.” Formed in 1986, Pine Court Housing was originally established to provide quality homes and housing services for those in need, with a specific focus on the Chinese and South East Asian communities. For more information, contact Total Glass on 0151 549 2339 or visit the website at www.totalglass.com. WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016 87
ON-SITE both for design and practical reasons. He said: “We are experiencing increased demand for black grain fascia boards and soffits, which are a popular choice for modern developments like this one in Walsall. “Along with giving a modern look to the new build homes, the material and colour is very practical as it means low maintenance and upkeep, which is a key consideration for many developments.” The K16 fascia boards, which were supplied by SIG in Birmingham, are also available in brilliant or standard white, mahogany, Sherwood, rosewood, cream grain, Irish oak and foiled, anthracite grey. The soffits also come in a wide range of finishes and colours to coordinate with the fascia range. Keith added that the range of colours and finishes had evolved in response to customer demand.
Social Housing Project
Gets Modern Look
With Kestrel A housing project in the Midlands has been given a modern look with black grain fascia boards and soffits from Kestrel.
The social housing development in Walsall, by Accord Group, comprised 40 new homes in phase one with another 48 now being built as part of phase two. 88 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
The Kestrel K16 fascia board range and the black grain soffits were specified for the build, to complete the strikingly modern design of the homes. Keith Hart, Kestrel business development manager for the south coast explained that black grain was becoming a popular choice
“At Kestrel we are constantly developing our product range and launching innovative new products to meet the changing needs of our customers,” he said. “Many of our products have been developed to help customers match roofline and fascia products to the changing styles of the fenestration industry and building design generally.” Kestrel’s range includes more than 800 PVC-UE building products. Its range comes with guarantees from 10 years on grain products through to an extended 35-year non-diminishing guarantee on white profiles when fitted by a Kestrel registered installer. Kestrel holds certification to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and BES 6001.
ON-SITE Leading window and door designer, manufacturer and installer CMS Window Systems has completed a project with Fife Council to deliver high quality new homes for elderly residents in a pioneering ‘care village’ concept. The development on Ostler’s Way, Kirkcaldy, forms part of an extensive initiative by Fife Council to create a supportive community for older people in the local area. In addition to a 60-bed care home, its residential facilities include a cluster of purpose-built bungalows for independent supported living. The 26 brand new bungalow residences are arranged around the main care village, giving occupants easy access to the site’s café and dementia garden. Each can house up to two residents, helping couples and individuals to retain their independence and sense of community while still receiving regular visits from carers and support staff. With ten years’ extensive experience providing building envelope solutions for the local authority and social housing sectors, CMS’s market-leading reputation for product quality, environmental sustainability and long-term performance saw them awarded a £164,000 contract by Fife Council to provide glazing and composite doors for the new bungalows at the site. CMS’s brief for the project was exacting. The primary focus of the development was on creating comfortable, welcoming living conditions for elderly residents keen to maintain their independence and continue living with their loved ones, while providing more support for vulnerable tenants than traditional sheltered housing. To meet the brief, CMS installed low-maintenance PVCu casement windows with a sophisticated grey and white finish. Attractive Masterdor composite doors were also installed, featuring patterned glass panels and an appealing
CMS Creates Fresh Outlook For Residents At New Kirkcaldy Care Village textured finish. With all hardware and glazing already in place, the doors arrived onsite pre-finished and ready to fit. Additionally, it was important for CMS to meet Fife Council’s rigorous performance standards to create energy-efficient, cost-effective social housing. With industry-leading U-values and an enviable air tightness rating, CMS’s PVCu units are rated ‘A’ for energy efficiency, giving Fife Council assurance that the windows and doors will provide the Ostler’s Way care village with reliable long-term performance.
CMS’s Contracts Director, Billy Semple, praised Fife Council’s work on the Ostler’s Way project: “The development of the care village really demonstrates how important it is for local authorities to provide high quality supported housing for elderly and vulnerable residents. CMS is proud to have been involved in a project that will help Kirkcaldy’s senior citizens to live on their own terms while still receiving a superior quality of care.” For more information about CMS Window Systems, please visit www.cmswindows.com. WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016 89
MACHINERY sides of the workpiece without the need to reposition. It is designed for machining aluminium profiles with up to eight automatically changed tool positions. It features a pneumatic stop at the left side of the machine with four clamps positioned by the slider on the X axis, and it comes with the option of a second stop on the right side to almost double the work capacity if required.
Emmegi Machines Delivers Triple Whammy
Of Benefits For Elite A new Emmegi Phantomatic M3 machining centre is helping specialist fabricator Elite Conservatories deliver an impressive triple whammy of benefits to its trade customers. Lower prices, better quality and shorter lead times are all now part of the package from the Tamworth based company. Elite Conservatories has been successfully making bi-fold doors in Smart’s Visifold 2000 profile for the last seven years and had previously relied largely on a hand router for most of the machining tasks. Now though, with its investment in a new Phantomatic M3 machine, it has transformed its production and is achieving consistently improved quality and higher volumes. Lead times on the bi-fold doors have been reduced from 15 working days to just 10 and, as a result of the efficiency improvements it is seeing, it has been able to pass on price 90 WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016
savings to its customers. Director Phil Warner said: “We’re always looking to improve the quality and service we deliver to customers and this new machine is a key part of that. It is making us quicker and more efficient and, by automating so many of the machining processes, it’s also giving us the potential to expand to keep pace with demand without having to invest in recruiting and training more staff.” The Emmegi Phantomatic M3 is a 3+1 controlled axes machine which allows processing on three
A moveable work plane makes loading and unloading of the profiles easy and also extends the length of section which can be machined. Elite Conservatories reviewed several machine options before selecting the Phantomatic M3 but chose the Emmegi machine because they were impressed with the specification and quality. Phil Warner added: “Emmegi enjoys an excellent reputation for quality and service and the team there were really helpful in advising us that the Phantomatic M3 had all the functionality we required. We were particularly impressed with the fact that the machine effectively future proofs our operation, giving us the opportunity to increase volumes still further as we expand.” Elite Conservatories produces aluminium bi-folds for the trade market – for stand-alone installations and for installations in its range of conservatory designs. The company, which was established in 1999, enjoys an outstanding reputation for quality, design and affordability across its product range. It supplies to trade customers nationwide and further details are available at: www.eliteconservatories.com. Information on the full range of Emmegi machines is at: www.emmegi.com
MACHINERY
Manufacturer Saves £60,000 A
Year With Energy Saving Solution Manchester based System 3 Ltd, a leading manufacturer of high specification double glazed units for commercial and domestic applications, is benefitting from savings of around £60,000 per year, following the installation of Powerstar HV MAX. System 3 Ltd, which was founded in 1984, was looking to upgrade the High Voltage (HV) infrastructure at their manufacturing facility in Denton, to improve electrical efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Powerstar recommended the installation of Powerstar HV MAX, a super low loss amorphous core distribution transformer, with integrated electronic-dynamic voltage optimisation, to replace the two current transformers on site. Powerstar HV MAX transformers exceed the latest Eco Design 2021 recommended energy efficiency specifications, resulting in a solution that offers users greater returns on investment over the transformers lifespan, in comparison to conventional transformers. Powerstar HV MAX provided Sys-
tem 3 Ltd with a combined solution to two common problems. Firstly, it allowed the company to upgrade their HV infrastructure, as the super low loss amorphous core model significantly reduced transformer losses (both iron and copper losses), resulting in a more efficient HV infrastructure. Secondly, the integrated electronic-dynamic voltage optimisation technology ensured additional electricity consumption savings were achieved through optimising, cleaning and conditioning the incoming power supply. In addition to financial benefits, the installation of Powerstar HV MAX delivered reductions in electricity consumption of over 640,000kWh and carbon emis-
sions of 317 tonnes per annum. System 3 Ltd, are a company with a reputation for excellence at all levels, from manufacture through to delivery, so it was essential that any technologies implemented on site could be integrated without negatively impacting on business operations. The Powerstar team provided a concept to completion, turnkey solution ensuring the most cost-effective solution was implemented with no disruption, and post installation provided a savings and verification service to establish the savings made. Powerstar regional business development manager Russ Pemberton, who worked with System 3 Ltd on the project commented: “It is very rewarding to see how much clients save on their energy costs following the installation on Powerstar HV MAX”. Russ added: “We offer a fully supportive approach to all our clients to ensure we only install the best engineered solution for their site. As a manufacturing company we know that our customers, especially those in the manufacturing industry, appreciate this tailored approach.” www.powerstar.com
Benefitting From First Class Customer Service With over 50 years in business as a fabricator and installer of shop fronts, sliding doors and bespoke security systems, Crystal Architectural Aluminium recognises the value of providing first class professional services to customers in gaining repeat business. In looking for new machinery for their own plant it therefore made sense for Director, Andrew Taylor, to follow the same principle and contact elumatec. “We have always enjoyed excellent service from elumatec,” said
Andrew, “The sales team pays close attention to our overall business objectives. This means that they are able to suggest the most appropriate machinery for longterm benefit.”
Based in Greater-Manchester, Crystal Architectural Aluminium manufactures a wide range of profiles producing bespoke systems for business customers from shops to schools. New equipment to deal with the increase in work was called for. Crystal Architectural Aluminium spent £77,000
on Elumatec’s SBZ122 profile machining centre. The machining centre performs five-sided machining of long profiles up to 7.05m in length. It has a power torque spindle and automatic clamp positioning which saves time when profile lengths have to be changed often. Importantly for Crystal Architectural Aluminium, the machine connects with LogiKal, the project control software used by the company. elumatec’s range of premium sales@elumatec.co.uk
WINDOW NEWS APRIL 2016 91
CHARITY
Neonatal Charity To Benefit From Liniar’s ‘Mud Pack’ Just three days before this year’s FIT Show, a group of dedicated Liniar staff will be a world away from the shiny stands at Telford and up to their necks in mud, sweat and tears as they tackle the Spring Wolf Run – but the fantastic amount of sponsorship raised so far is keeping them motivated. Liniar’s Design & Development and Marketing teams joined forces to enter the “extreme” off-road running event to raise money for the Royal Derby Hospital’s Neonatal unit in memory of Winter Wolfe Gaskin, grandson of D&D Director Adrian ‘Reg’ Redshaw, who sadly passed away just one day after his birth in October last year. “It’s been fantastic how everyone in both departments has thrown
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themselves into this,” said Adrian. “They’ve all been training hard and raising sponsorship. The generosity of our customers and trade press has also been astounding, with some incredible donations. “The total is over £4,000 now but with under a month left to go we’d love to reach £5,000, or even more.” The Wolf Run is a unique mix of running trails using man-made obstacles, with the 10km run course also featuring a huge number of natural hurdles – from lake swims to mud pits, fallen trees, boggy ground, ditches, hills and dense foliage. The photographs from previous events serve to illustrate the challenge that lies ahead for even the fittest members of the team – most of edit@windownews.co.uk We consider all press items sent to us. However, all stories are subject to the editor’s discretion so we cannot guarantee that your news item will be published. Our weekly Newscasts are broad-
whom are not runners. “There’s a good chance that our staff will be battered and bruised while working at this year’s FIT Show, but it will all be worth it for the great amount of money that we will have raised for a cause that’s very close to my heart,” said Adrian. You can read more about the team and the story behind their efforts at: http://bit.ly/liniarwolves and here http://bit.ly/DTwinterwolfe If you would like to sponsor the Liniar team for the Wolf Run, go to the Virgin Giving page at: http://bit.ly/liniarwolfrun – and to see videos of what they are letting themselves in for, visit http://bit.ly/WolfRun10k.
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2016 Calendar of Events
The Biggest Year Yet
1st
NOV
29th
OCT
20th to 24th
14th
10th to 22nd
TBC
12th to 14th
SEPT JULY JUNE MAY APRIL
GM Fundraising will be hosting another full calendar of events in 2016. Please add these dates to your diaries to ensure you don’t miss out:
Fit Show
Visit us at Stand A22 and see if you can beat the cycling pros at a one minute sprint. Location: Telford International Exhibition Centre
Football 5’s
Back by popular demand! Date to be confirmed, but likely to be early May. Location: St Andrews – Home of Birmingham City FC
Border2Border Cycling Challenge
With proud sponsors Deceuninck – The ‘Toughest Yet’ covering 2,016 miles, climbing over 92,000ft, with temperatures excess of 40 degrees for our team 18 strong team of cyclists and support crew. Location: Vancouver, Canada to Tijuana, Mexico.
Golf Day
This year our signature event has a new venue offering a fun and challenging day. Location: Mottram Hall, Mottram, Cheshire
The Inaugural GMF Cup
A Ryder Cup style competition set to test the most competent golfers amongst us. Location: The Belfry
Gala Dinner
Our most popular event has a Halloween theme this year – fancy dress if you dare… Location: Holiday Inn, Stratford-upon-Avon
Christmas Cards
Designed by the children at Hope House will be on sale from now.
www.gmfundraising.co.uk
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