Window News May 2023

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13 Framex Goes From Strength To Strength 136 Building Our Skills Applauds Kubu Apprentice

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Cover picture: New Brochures Showcase How Reynaers Classic Heritage Meets Modern Innovation Read more on page 126

Fenestration Bounces Back!

By Phil Slinger – CAB CEO

Despite the recent IMF report stating that the ‘UK is expected to be only major economy to shrink in 2023’, construction overall seems to be turning as CAB Members are reporting growth in demand for aluminium fenestration and facades.

On a quarterly basis the wider construction supply chain this month, on net balance, now report that just 7% of respondents claim that Historic Sales Volumes are lower than the past quarter, this compares to 20% of respondents claiming that historic sales volumes are lower in the previous Q4 report. CAB members continue to show Historic Sales Volumes on net balance increases for this quarter slightly higher at 38% compared to 35% in the last quarter.

Expected Sales Volumes are the most optimistic for CAB Members for the year with 77% on net balance expecting increases in sales volumes in the next quarter, this is up significantly from the previous quarter where CAB members reported that just 6% on net balance expected sales volumes to increases. Backing this huge shift in Expected Sales Volumes is the wider construction supply chain, where on net balance now 38% of respondents expect sales increases compared to a reduction in sales volumes in the previous quarters report of -31%.

Sales Volumes – Quarter-onQuarter for CAB Members shows prominent growth with 38% of the Membership reporting ‘Up by over 5%’ compared the previous quarter. The emphasis on growth

is even greater on Sales Volumes – Year-on-Year indicating the fenestration industry is emerging from a slight dip, but never the less remaining positive in the last 12 to 18 months.

Historic Unit Costs show a slight softening over the last 12 months on net balance of respondents with 54% on CAB Members stating increases on a quarterly basis, but this still remains at a high level. Expected Unit Costs show a slight slip, softening with 62% on net balance expecting further increases where CAB Members match that of the wider construction supply chain.

Reinforcing the slight softening in the Historic Unit Costs is shown in the Cost Factors reported by CAB Members. Whilst 46% of members now report raw materials on net balance as an influence on cost, this is down from circa 70% in the previous 12 months. Whilst energy costs have softened slightly the cost emphasis remains high on wages and salaries with 92% reporting to be the most influential cost factor this quarter which has remained high for the last 12 months.

Likely Constraints on Activity

Over the Next 12 Months remains squarely on the continued market demand. Capacity also raises it head as a constrain at 23% this quarter, not seen in the past Q3 and Q4 in 2022, suggesting some respondents are already working near to their capacity. Labour availability has softened over the year at now just 8% respondents reporting as a constraint compared to 15% 12 months ago

With 33% of CAB Members reporting an Expected Capacity Utilisation of 33% over the next quarter, which is little change over the last 12 months, suggests that the market has excess capacity for growth in the coming year. CAB Members continue to exceed the Expected Capacity Utilisation of the wider construction supply chain.

CAB Members have changed emphasis on its Labour Force over the last 12 months whilst this quarter sees 17% of net respondents on balance increasing their labour force in the last year, 67% state on net balance that they are seeking to increase their labour force. This is a reversal where 12 months ago 62% had increased their labour force in the previous 12 months. This suggests a

Fenestration Marketing Group Reaches 100 Employees

decrease in labour force over the last 12 months and an expectation of an increase in labour requirements in the next 12 month.

Labour costs remain a very high cost for both CAB Members and the wider construction supply chain. Over the last two quarters expected labour costs for the year ahead is greater than the past years increases suggesting further pressure on labour costs in the next 12 months across CAB Members and the wider construction industry.

Capital Investment and therefore confidence in the fenestration market across the membership remains high with 75% of respondents stating that they have and continue to, on net balance, invest in plant and machinery. This investment is closely followed by 50% investing in new product development.

Here at CAB we will be keeping our membership informed of market expectations. Why not consider joining the Association and be recognised as being involved in supporting your Industry and helping to shape its future.

More information on our website at c-a-b.org.uk

The Ascot Group, a marketing services group that serves the glazing industry, has attained a milestone reaching 100 employees.

The group includes Purplex Marketing, Insight Data and the Glazing Summit conference, and was founded by industry veteran Andrew Scott in 2004.

Andrew commented: “Only 0.3% of the 5.5 million businesses in the UK reach 100 employees so it’s a very special milestone, and it follows 20% year-on-year growth as we help even more customers achieve their goals.”

Andrew is a leading consultant to some of the industry’s biggest companies. His marketing company, Purplex, specialises in brand strategy and lead generation, while Insight Data provides almost 1000 users across the industry with in-depth market intelligence, research and marketing data.

Andrew added: “I’ll be bringing all of our combined knowledge and expertise together when we host the Glazing Summit conference later in the year, but in the meantime we’ll continue to invest in people and support our customers.”

www.ascotgroup.co.uk

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Marginal Value Growth In Year-On-Year Merchant Sales In February

The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report reveals that builders’ merchants’ value sales were up +0.8% in February compared to the same month in 2022. This growth was driven exclusively by price inflation (+14.9%) as volume sales fell -12.2%. There was no difference in trading days.

Nine of the twelve categories sold more in February 2023 compared to February 2022. Renewables & Water Saving (+58.9%) was again the strongest performing category, while Decorating (+15.0%), Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (+13.3%), Workwear & Safetywear (+10.1%) and Ironmongery (+8.5%) also increased. Timber & Joinery Products (-13.9%), Landscaping (-12.5%) and Services (-2.1%) all sold less.

Month-on-month, total merchant

sales were +8.2% higher in February 2023 than the previous month. Volume sales were +13.4% higher than January, while prices were down -4.6%. With one less trading day in February, like-for-like sales were up +13.6%. Month-onmonth the strongest category was Landscaping (+27.6%), followed by Heavy Building Materials (+10.9%). Workwear and Safetywear (-6.5%) was the weakest performing category.

Total merchant sales in the twelve months from March 2022 to February 2023 were +3.8% up on the same period a year ago. Price inflation reached +16.6% while volumes were down -11.0%. With two less trading days in the most recent period, like-for-like sales were +4.7% higher. Ten of the twelve categories sold more with Renewables & Water Saving (+35.0%) continuing to lead the

field. Kitchens & Bathrooms (+16.1%), Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (+14.6%), Workwear & Safetywear (+13.8%), Decorating (+11.5%) and Heavy Building Materials (+9.5%) all did better than merchants overall. Landscaping (-5.1%) and Timber & Joinery Products (-7.6%) both sold less.

Mike Rigby, CEO of MRA Research which produces this report, said: “Twenty twenty-three has so far evaded recession, but it’s teetering between still rapidly rising prices and falling volumes.

“It’s a strange time with the economy caught between a Government pleased to welcome growth and a central bank keen to discourage it in its battle against inflation. Global financial markets wobbled after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and the hurried bundling of Credit

Suisse into UBS. We can expect more bank failures, although few people are predicting a serious meltdown. GfK’s Consumer Confidence Index remains in strongly negative territory, but it has improved to -36 in March from the battering it took in September under the previous Prime Minister when it fell to -49. The Major Purchase Index, an important component of GfK’s overall Consumer Confidence Index improved +4 points to -33 in March but it’s still nine points

down from the same month last year. This index is based on asking consumers: ‘In view of the general economic situation, do you think now is the right time for people to make major purchases such as furniture or electrical goods?’

“Yet the improvement in private housing repair and maintenance surprised most commentators who were quick to write it off. It grew +5.0% in February according to the ONS,

Framex Goes From Strength To Strength

Establishing a business in the middle of a global pandemic might have proved challenging for some. For one Lancashirebased fabricator, however, opening its doors in 2020 was the perfect time to tap into a captive audience. Today, business continues to bloom for Framex, with huge demand for its aluminium windows and doors from nearby customers in the picturesque Rossendale Valley.

Framex was founded with the aim of supporting local builders, installers, and architects with

ready-to-install aluminium glazing solutions, backed up by exceptional customer service and expert technical advice, says the company.

Following significant investment into both machinery and people, Framex has since expanded into a 15,000sq ft manufacturing facility in the heart of the historic mill town of Waterfoot. Here, a 30-strong team fabricates its portfolio of Senior Architectural Systems aluminium windows and doors, as well as flat roof lights and lanterns and a range of commercial glazing solutions.

with the rebound attributed to various factors including an improvement in the weather, the return of the ‘improve, not move’ trend, and the ‘Haves’ carrying on regardless and continuing to spend on improving their homes. The Haves, generally older, mortgage-free homeowners account for the bulk of Britain’s savings and are better known as the Bank of Mum and Dad.”

www.bmbi.co.uk

Tim Mooney, managing director, Framex says: “Our dedicated team combines technical expertise with experience, delivering high-quality products for our customers every time, whether they are working on a new build or a commercial installation. From manufacture through to despatch and delivery, we pride ourselves on getting it right and adding value at every step, providing fully finished products ready for installation.”

While demand for the aesthetics, strength and slim sightlines of aluminium grows, so does Framex, which now produces hundreds of windows and doors per week.

Framex’s success has been recognised locally, with the company being named Best New Business finalists at the 2021 Red Rose Awards and recognised for its commitment to local investment at the 2021 Rossendale Business Awards.

Meanwhile, the firm has recently opened its showroom. Just up the road from its fabrication facility, it showcases Framex’s portfolio of casement, flush and tilt and turn windows, bi-fold and sliding doors, and roof lights and lanterns and is open to both trade and commercial customers and the general public. www.framexuk.com

Pilkington Invests In Sustainable Glassmaking In St Helens

Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, part of the NSG Group, is making a multi-million-pound investment in its Merseyside facilities as part of a government-backed project that will save 15,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year while securing the future of rolled glass manufacturing in the UK.

Under the project, Pilkington UK will move its Watson Street manufacturing operations to its Greengate site in the town.

The move represents a major investment in its Greengate glass furnace, which melts the raw materials into glass as part of the manufacturing process.

The Greengate furnace will be upgraded to accommodate its continued production of flat glass, while delivering the additional output required from the relocation of its Watson Street rolled glass manufacturing line.

The project was instigated as the manufacturer’s furnace at Watson

Street, where the business has operated since 1826, reaches its end of life. The site will be shutdown with all jobs from Watson Street being relocated to Greengate as part of the project.

Producing all glass out of the upgraded furnace, rather than running two, will save carbon emissions equivalent to taking 8,800 cars off the road each year*.

The work will begin in August 2023, with the line due to be up and running by August 2024. Watson Street will remain open until then, with no impact expected on the availability of glass while the work takes place.

The project will benefit from a £3.7m grant via the government’s Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IEFT), which helps cover the costs of industrial energy efficiency and decarbonisation projects in the UK.

Neil Syder, managing director of Pilkington UK, said: “This project

represents one of the single biggest investments we’ve made in our UK manufacturing facilities in decades, and will ultimately secure the future of rolled glass manufacturing in the UK.

“Working out of one furnace will enable us to make a permanent and significant saving in CO2 emissions. It’s a radical shift in the way we operate, but we know that if we are to achieve our netzero ambitions, we need to make change across all areas of our business.

“The Watson Street site has been operating since the 1800s and forms a key piece of our history. Throughout the years, the site has been instrumental in the development of different products, paving the way for a rich history of innovation in glass solutions.

“Yet this move marks a new chapter in our story that allows us to embrace more sustainable ways of making glass and continue to drive forward our vision for change, in partnership with the industry.”

Last year, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) certified the NSG Group’s aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030, compared to 2018 levels. This forms the basis of the business’ plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

The move also follows other work by Pilkington UK to reduce the emissions of its operations. Pilkington UK completed several world-first trials of low carbon biofuel and zero carbon hydrogen fuels to fire its glass furnace last year. The trials ran in collaboration HyNet, a decarbonisation project working to promote the use of low carbon and hydrogen energy across the North West and Wales.

*Based on a carbon saving of 15,000 tonnes of CO2 and the average CO2 emissions per car per year in the UK of 1.7 million grams (NimbleFins)

Teamwork Pivotal In Successful Transfer Of Safestyle UK To Liniar Profiles

Liniar says it has now successfully completed the transition to supplying Safestyle UK in a move first announced to shareholders of the retail window and door fabricator in October 2022.

Prior to the switch, Safestyle UK carried out a lengthy due diligence process with Liniar to ensure risk mitigation. This included site visits and audits, allowing both parties to be assured of a good cultural fit and partnership.

Liniar says thanks to its strong operational systems, capacity and forward planning, there

have been no compromises necessary to the product range or processes to enable the Safestyle volumes of over 4,000 frames per week to be serviced without any operational blips; since the start-up in January 2023, the whole Liniar customer base has continued to see On Time, In Fullservice levels above 99% every day, claims the company.

The Safestyle sales team has been trained on Liniar product familiarity, and the service team has received on-site training. The switch over was supported by the Liniar Technical team, who were on hand to address any challenges.

Liniar’s joined-up internal approach was key to the success of the switch, with production planning, product design, stock control, warehousing, transport, customer services, sales and marketing working together with the technical team on the ground to ensure nothing was missed and the Liniar operation continued as usual for all its other customers.

One of the main factors in the decision to switch to Liniar was the systems company’s continued investment in capacity through plant and machinery, explains Phil Taylor, Safestyle’s procurement director. “Safestyle has ambitious growth plans over the next few years, so we need partners that are able to support that growth. The relationship with Liniar has been developed over a long period of time and after such a smooth start-up we’re delighted with our decision.”

Andy Cadman, Safestyle’s group technical manager commented, “The communication and interaction we’ve had with the whole Liniar team has been first class from the start. Any change of this nature obviously posed a huge potential risk to our business, but we’ve been reassured at every stage – the two companies have worked seamlessly together to make it happen.

“The feedback from our production and quality teams has been overwhelmingly positive and the change has been managed well. We have noticed significant improvements in product quality and expect this will have a positive impact both in our manufacturing and field-based operations. This is particularly evident with the Liniar patented bubble gasket system which provides unrivalled performance and longevity.

Our fitters are also sending positive feedback and are

Martin Thurley

impressed with both the quality and the ease of installing Liniar products!”

Martin Thurley, group managing director at Liniar concluded: “I’m delighted the transition to Liniar has been such a positive experience for the Safestyle team. The relationships formed across both our teams have proved that we are synchronised in terms of successfully and seamlessly managing such a large-scale project. We look forward to a mutually beneficial long-term partnership.

www.liniar.co.uk

Quickslide Awarded CHAS Accreditation

Quickslide has been awarded its CHAS certificate of accreditation, a construction industry standard of health and safety accreditation in procurement.

CHAS – the Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme – is the UK’s long-established third-party guarantee of a company’s high standards of health and safety competence. While not a legal requirement for a business, it is often a prerequisite of tender processes, particularly for commercial house-building and public sector projects.

Quickslide underwent a thorough CHAS assessment of its health and safety management systems before being awarded the standard and issued with certification and the CHAS logo to display. The certificate and logo demonstrate proof of compliance against the CHAS standards in line with the requirements of Safety Schemes

in Procurement (SSIP) and UK health and safety legislation, and it is valid for one year.

“CHAS accreditation is another way UK house builders know at a glance that they can have full confidence in our business,” said Quickslide’s managing director Ben Weber.

“CHAS has been around a long time and is well regarded in our industry. This accreditation recognises our commitment to high standards of health and safety, and gives assurance that we meet all the required standards and comply with current legislation.

“In addition, being a CHAS accredited supplier gives our customers a head start when it comes to tendering for work, helping avoid lengthy and timeconsuming paperwork that might otherwise be required during the pre-qualification process.” www.quickslide.co.uk

Andy Cadman

Phil Taylor

Premier DGU Achieves Part 2 Super Spacer Heritage Pass

One of the UK’s IGU manufacturers has achieved a pass in stringent BS EN 1279 Part 2 testing with Super Spacer Heritage.

Over 27 years, Edgetech customer Premier DGU has been offering products and services to fabricators around the SouthWest.

Dedicated to constant reinvestment, the firm has remained at the cutting edge of technology – which in turn has allowed it to maintain the highest quality standards, claims the company.

Premier DGU operates three unit lines, and has invested heavily in machinery, including more recently a glass toughening plant.

However, the company also has

extensive expertise in handfinishing units to virtually any requirement, and a long track record of manufacturing heritage units.

Premier DGU director Barry Clarke comments: “We’re delighted to have achieved a pass in Part 2. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, and our uncompromising commitment to quality. We’d like to thank our amazing team, our long-standing spacer supplier Edgetech, and Steve Monk at CENSolutions, who was an integral part of us achieving the pass.”

Steve Monk commented: “I am delighted for Barry and his team at Premier DGU on achieving this pass to BS EN 1279:2.

“Premier DGU have always been

committed to achieving the best possible outcome with regards to quality – including by working with CENSolutions’ third-party accreditation CMS Quality Mark Schemes for BS EN 1279 and BS EN 12150. They regularly score very highly when audited by both us and ER Certification for UKAS accreditation.”

“CENSolutions pride ourselves on our working relationships with clients and providing up to date industry advice, so I am very pleased I could assist Premier DGU in achieving their goals.”

Edgetech managing director

Chris Alderson comments: “We’re extremely pleased to see Premier DGU achieve Part 2 with Super Spacer Heritage. We’ve seen their dedication to quality firsthand, so it’s no surprise to see them passing stringent testing. We look forward to helping them produce exceptional IGUs for many years to come.”

www.edgetechig.co.uk

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Asbestos Warning From HSE

Glaziers across Great Britain are being warned about the hidden dangers associated with asbestos.

The warning comes as part of the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) Asbestos and You campaign targeting tradespeople about the personal risks from asbestos that still exist in properties across the country today.

Around five thousand people a year die from asbestos related illnesses and asbestos can still be found in buildings built or refurbished before the year 2000.

But HSE is warning despite the ban on its use, many buildings still contain asbestos, and it is still a serious risk to anyone exposed to it at any age.

Tim Beaumont, HSE’s acting head of construction policy sector, said: “Asbestos can be found in things like Artex, cement boards under eaves, garage roofs, old bath panels, boiler houses and fires and even mortar between bricks can contain asbestos.

“There is no known safe level of asbestos exposure but that’s not to say it can’t be managed safely.

“All tradespeople should make sure they know the basics about identifying asbestos. Before carrying out any construction work, there’s a legal requirement to identify whether asbestos is present and could be disturbed.

“Younger tradespeople need to know the dangers behind asbestos as it could affect them

in later life like it is affecting older tradespeople now.”

Asbestos is only dangerous if not maintained in a safe condition or if physically disturbed without the right measures in place to control exposure to fibres.

Craig Evans, UKATA (United Kingdom Asbestos Training Association) Chief Operating Officer, said: “I wholeheartedly support HSE’s campaign to raise asbestos awareness and the importance of training across industry.

“The dangers of asbestos are very real, with over 5,000 people in the UK dying each year from asbestos-related diseases.

“It is crucial that tradespeople are aware of the risks involved in disturbing or damaging asbestos-containing materials, as inhaling these fibres can lead to devastating diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

“UKATA members are committed to providing high-

quality asbestos training, delivered by highly experienced and competent professionals with extensive knowledge and expertise in their field, to help prevent unnecessary exposure and protect the health and wellbeing of all those working in the industry.”

From the 1950s until 1999, asbestos containing materials were used extensively in the construction and maintenance of buildings in Great Britain.

When materials that contain

asbestos are disturbed or damaged, fibres are released into the air. If these fibres are inhaled, they can cause serious diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestos related lung cancer, asbestosis, and pleural thickening. These diseases will not affect you immediately as they often take a long time to develop, but once diagnosed, it is often too late to do anything.

It can take 20 to 30 years before symptoms appear. Symptoms include shortness of breath, persistent cough, wheezing,

Caldwell Hardware Celebrates 50 years Of UK Manufacturing

Caldwell Hardware has been supplying window hardware for more than a century and 2023 marks 50 years since it expanded its manufacturing into the UK market. During this time, it introduced several industry firsts, such as the first moving coil constant force balance, the first co-located casement window operator and lock, and the first heavy-duty spiral balance, claims the company.

Caldwell recently joined with Yale, realising synergies and sharing best practices, creating a wider, comprehensive hardware range from one supplier. The move allows Caldwell to retain its strong brand identity and offers customers the opportunity

to benefit from the ease of now being able to deal with one single business unit.

Paul Atkinson, managing director at Yale, comments: “Caldwell’s integration with Yale is an exciting development for both brands. Much like Yale, Caldwell has a rich heritage, provenance, and market-leading position. This move allows Caldwell to benefit from the endorsement of our global organisation, without compromising its current brand positioning.

“2023 marks 50 years since Caldwell expanded its manufacturing into the UK and it has cemented its place as a world-leading window hardware

extreme tiredness, pain in your chest or shoulder and in more advanced cases, swollen fingertips.

If asbestos cannot be safely managed, it should be removed by a licensed asbestos contractor. Where present, asbestos should be closely managed by those responsible for the building.

Find out more about the Asbestos and You campaign, and visit HSE’s website for further guidance on asbestos.

specialist, with over 1 billion balances sold to date. It offers a great complimentary range to our existing portfolio. For example, our Vertex decorative furniture is a fresh, on-trend range that offers the ultimate solution for vertical sliding sash windows and is complimented perfectly by the unseen but essential Caldwell balances.”

Caldwell produces one of the widest ranges of spring balances currently available for sliding window systems. This expansive range caters for virtually all applications, allowing fabricators to select the best solution based on precise levels of durability, cost and ease of use.

Paul adds: “Caldwell is a fantastic fit alongside the Yale brand. Collaboration and integration between our teams will support the growth of both brands moving forward as one and enable us to offer best-inclass service to our customers.”

To mark the 50th celebration a new logo will be added to Caldwell Hardware’s website, literature, manuals and labels, with further developments to follow.

www.yaledws.co.uk www.caldwell.co.uk

Dispute Assist Offers Alternative Dispute Resolution To Solve Customer Issues

A dispute resolution company says fenestration businesses are increasingly turning to alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods like mediation, arbitration and expert determination to settle their disputes instead of going down the traditional court action route.

Dispute Assist has welcomed a flurry of new fenestration businesses, meaning 25% of its client base is now linked to the sector. From across the UK, Dispute Assist has welcomed Pembrokeshire-based energyefficient PVCu home improvements installation company, TruPlas Ltd, 5 Star Windows and Conservatories, which offers its services across the West Midlands, Birmingham and Worcestershire, and Thermal Home Improvements, which is based across Liverpool and Merseyside.

These new clients will now have access to a range of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods if

disputes arise, including mediation, conciliation, arbitration and expert determination. Dispute Assist says increasingly, fenestration businesses have been turning to dispute resolution services to resolve problems with customers over installations, suggesting a sector that has long been affected by reputational issues is turning a new leaf and looking to boost its customer service offering.

In 2022, fenestration equated to around 8% of all disputes resolved by Dispute Assist. Workmanship was a key issue, accounting for 76% of the disputes that arose in relation to windows and doors, and 66% in relation to conservatory and orangery cases.

According to Dispute Assist, by optimising ADR methods, businesses can achieve resolutions with customers that are cheaper, quicker and less stressful than going through the courts. Businesses are also required to

signpost ADR to customers to be compliant with legislation.

Tracy Dilworth, senior dispute resolution officer at Dispute Assist, said: “Glazing businesses work hard to build a good reputation, but disputes are commonplace throughout this industry. By utilising ADR services to their advantage, businesses can ensure they protect themselves and their customers if issues arise.

“Offering Dispute Assist as part of a service contract offers customers peace of mind that they will be listened to if issues arise further down the line, and it advertises to prospective clients that customer service is prioritised by a business. Having an ADR provider lined-up also means glazing professionals can access resolutions quickly and at no extra cost, enabling them to get on with their work.

“Glazing continues to be an important sector to us, and the data we are able to collect from resolving complaints, disputes and claims will allow us to provide invaluable industry insight that enables businesses to achieve higher levels of customer satisfaction.” www.dispute-assist.co.uk/

Thermoseal Invests To Meet Tomorrow’s Demands Today

Thermoseal has invested in a third twin-strand extruder for its Thermoflex line, in a bid to meet the continued demand for high performance flexible warm edge spacer bar in the UK and abroad.

The new twin-strand extruder will sit alongside two existing models, and can produce all thicknesses of Thermoflex, including 4.8mm, 6.3mm and 7.3mm, and air spaces up to 28mm, in twin strand. And because it is quicker than the company’s existing equipment, it can produce more than double the quantity of product per shift on certain product types.

“When we first started extruding Thermoflex, we decided we should be in control of the whole process,” Thermoseal’s sales director Mark Hickox explained. “So, we compound the rubber, extrude it, vulcanize it, bake it, laminate it, and then box it ready

to go to the customer. No other manufacturer in the UK has the same level of control over each step of the manufacturing process.

“And because we regularly test all our products on site, we can guarantee their quality when they are delivered to our customers.

than increase our manufacturing footprint – which would significantly increase our energy consumption – we’ve invested in a new extruder which can double our capacity without moving to a bigger site.”

While the new extruder increases the capacity for standard 20mm Thermoflex –the most popular spacer bar in UK double glazed units – the investment also prepares the component manufacturer for increased demand in other sizes, claims the company.

“Widespread triple glazing specification is on the horizon, thanks to the lower U-values expected of windows following the implementation of the Future Homes Standard in 2025,” Mark said. “This will require more units with different thicknesses of glass and spacer bar.

“There are still two years before the new Future Homes Standard comes into force, but we need to be prepared for the changes now,” Mark says. “Some of our customers are already making the necessary changes to their operations, because ordering new equipment and adapting existing procedures takes time, and it’s not the sort of thing you want to leave until the last minute.

“Our continued success has meant that we’ve had to continually upgrade our manufacturing facilities. Rather

“Those companies that prepare now will be the ones ready to take on the extra work when the new legislation comes into force. Our team of experienced area sales managers are happy to help you on that journey, and can advise you on equipment, production methods, and automated or manual production options – you’ll find that we are not biased to any specific type of insulated glass production because we manufacture or supply all types!”

The new extruder will also support Thermoseal’s growing

Mark Hickox

export market, which is expected to grow dramatically as more countries adopt stricter standards for energy efficient building materials.

“The global market for flexible warm edge spacer bar is currently about 600 million metres,” Mark said. “We have no problem investing it because

we know the market is going to be billions of metres in the future.

“We might be the market leader in the UK for spacer bars, but globally nothing’s happened yet. The market is truly going to be huge, and we intend to be at the forefront of technology.

Easter Tax Free Bonus From Force 8

“We want to continually develop higher performing products, reduce their cost, and then reduce the energy cost to produce those products, which in turn will help people invest in energy saving products for their home.”

www.thermosealgroup.com

have been with the company for over 20 years, and Dennis wanted to make sure the company was secure, and most of all the staff felt secure. The EOT was the perfect solution”.

One of the many benefits of a EOT (Employees Owned Trust) is that every employee can receive up to £3600 tax free within the tax year. And this was the case for everyone at Force 8 with a £500 tax free bonus for the Easter holidays, which followed a similar payout before Christmas. The workers are delighted that they can benefit from the success of the company and the time and effort that they have put in.

“The EOT has totally altered the company dynamics and created the perfect team spirit

within the workforce; everyone has become a quality control expert making sure every product is perfect and delivered on time”, comments operations director Lisa Mottershead.

Lisa continues, “Force 8 has always been a family business and extremely successful under the guidance of Dennis Sumner the managing director. After receiving many attractive offers to buy the company Dennis decided that the EOT was the best way forward for the company. Some of the staff from the shopfloor to the office

An Employee-Owned company is one where over 51% of the shares are held in a trust for the benefit of all employees, in the case of Force 8 its 100%. The trust which oversees the management of the company includes shop floor representatives and one non-working independent person. The trustee board must meet certain legal requirements and ensure that the company is always acting in the best interest of all the employees. Alongside this, a Forum is made up from staff and directors with the aim of improving the company and discussing new ideas. According to Force 8, companies with employee ownership often see greater productivity, reduced absenteeism, increased revenue, and higher profitability. And that these successes also tend to continue over time, as the motivation of employees continues to build.

In an industry where staff and skill shortages are starting to bite, Force 8 has found what it believes is a unique and longlasting solution to the problem. www.force8.co.uk

Kubu And Unique Launch ‘Smart As Standard’ Partnership

Unique Window Systems and Kubu Smart Security staged a launch event in March announcing a new partnership between the two businesses. This will see all Unique windows and doors supplied with ‘Works with Kubu’ capability as standard and with immediate effect.

During the event, which took place at the National Space Centre in Leicester, some 140 people representing a variety of companies from Unique’s UK-wide customer base, heard presentations from Kubu’s managing director, Ryan Bromley, head of projects and technical, Irun Sangha, and design engineer, Tom Jameson.

Collectively, they covered topics such as the highly reliable, highly secure nature of the technology employed by Kubu smart sensors, the ease with which they can be incorporated into new windows and doors, and the rich functionality and benefits they offer the homeowner.

This includes the ability to remotely check whether their home’s windows and doors are open, closed, locked, unlocked or on a vent setting as well as to receive alerts if someone enters or attempts to enter their property.

The Kubu team also highlighted the commercial opportunities available to installers through their

‘3-Levels to Smart as Standard’ sales strategy and Kubu Pro Installer Scheme, which actively encourages installers to take full advantage of current market trends and become smart installers as soon as possible, fully backed with Kubu’s marketing support.

Commenting, Sunil Patel, joint managing director of Unique Window Systems, who opened the event said: “Unique’s success as one of the UK’s leading fabricators of windows and doors owes much to our progressive, forward-thinking approach and our ability to adapt to changing market conditions and trends.

“The decision to offer our range with ‘Works with Kubu’ as standard is a natural extension of that and fully reflects our desire to create the most inspiring, innovative, and high-performance architectural fenestration products available.”

Ryan Bromley co-founder of Kubu Smart Security added: “Our partnership with Unique creates some truly exciting opportunities for their installers to embrace smart tech and to use it as means to upsell or to create differentiation from their competitors.

“Best of all, they can tap into the rapidly expanding and already £multi-billion smart home market with impressive ease and efficiency. Installing Kubu smart sensors has been designed to be simple and intuitive. It can be performed without specialist tools or training. Plus, we’re also offering comprehensive marketing and tech support to help them enjoy maximum returns with minimum effort.”

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CAB’s Fire Safety Consultation Work

By Phil Slinger – CAB CEO

Since the Grenfell disaster in 2017 CAB have actively been working across the Construction Industry to communicate and support best practice on behalf of its membership. Whilst it is well known that aluminium itself is not flammable, materials that it can be used with could be flammable and this is sadly the case regarding the ACM that was used on the Grenfell Tower.

The most significant legislative response to Grenfell was the Building (Amendment) Regulations which initially came into effect in December 2018, banning the use of combustible materials in the external walls of refurbished and converted

residential buildings with a habitable floor above 18 metres from the ground, (now reduced to 11m). Thousands of leaseholders still face huge bills in getting combustible cladding replaced, although there are now funds being collected from Industry to replace dangerous cladding. The new Fire Safety Bill continues to hold building owners responsible for managing and actively reducing fire risk in multioccupied residential buildings.

A 2019 government Advice Note on Balconies used on Residential Buildings had an even wider impact, with guidance that applies to all existing residential buildings, stating that building owners “should assess the associated risk of external fire

spread and take appropriate action to manage this risk and to ensure compliance with the principle set out in Requirement B4 of the Building Regulations.” This followed some well documented timber decking fires that have propagated across residential building facades.

With work now underway in resolving these issues in existing buildings we should now be constructing new building with a particular emphasis on eliminating the potential external surface spread of fire. Current Building Regulations require new projects must use building envelope materials that are A2s1, d0 rated or Class A1 under the European classification system in BS EN 13501-1, also known as Euroclass. Currently some elements of the building envelope are currently exempt from this legal requirement, this includes door frames, doors, windows, curtain walls, seals, gaskets, fixings, sealants and thermal breaks. Cladding,

spandrel panels and column casings and rainwater goods will fall under the regulations, as anodised aluminium meets Class A1, what about applied coatings on aluminium?

Ultimately, polyester powder coating does not promote combustibility or fire spread when tested to BS EN 135011. This is further supported by the testing required for London Underground approval, often lauded as a barometer of fire safety. This requires compliance to EN 45545, where spread of flame is measured objectively (ISO 5658-2) unlike BS EN 13501-1

which involves visual assessment only. Furthermore, PPC smoke production is extremely low or non-existent (s1) with no flaming droplets (d0). On the chart of combustibility, ‘A2-s1,d0’ sits just under the ‘A1’ classification. It is important to assess the cladding system holistically and not just the performance of the constituent parts under BS EN 13501-1.

The predominant fire test for the whole external cladding system is BS 8414. The test itself involves a 9m high wall with a complete cladding installation, including the fixing of panels and insulation. It is therefore a through-the-wall test. When tested to these stringent fire safety standards, polyester

powder coated aluminium performs as well as anodised and pre-coated aluminium sheet material.

Currently the facade industry is turning its attention to glazed facades and in particular curtain walling. As with solid cladding there is a possibility that compartmentalisation can be compromised through a non-fire rated curtain wall system, ‘leap frogging’ from floor to floor. At CAB’s last members meeting held in Bristol, Siderise were one of the main speakers during the conference and explained the current thinking behind face safety and where the Industry is headed.

CAB’s own Fire Safety Working Group meet regularly to discuss emerging legislation and comments from experts and businesses across the Industry. Feedback from these meetings and the work of CAB is communicated through to members in the Association’s excellent monthly technical bulletin, known as ‘Insight’. The document keeps members aware of what is happening in the Industry and any member can attend meetings and join in the discussion.

It took a tragedy on the scale of Grenfell to bring about an industry-wide reset of design and specification practices. With CAB’s input, buildings are now being constructed to a much higher standard of fire safety and the UK’s regulations now set a benchmark which other countries are now following. Here at CAB we will be keeping our membership informed of developments and further pending changes in legislation. Why not consider joining the Association and be recognised as being involved in supporting your Industry and helping to shape its future.

More information on our website at c-a-b.org.uk

Example of a facade fire

Window Maker Doubles Growth With The Help Of Made Smarter

A window manufacturer has doubled its growth and created 15 new jobs after investing £50,000 in technology, with the help of Made Smarter.

Door and Window Systems (DAWS), based in Knowsley, Liverpool City Region, makes aluminium products for trade suppliers.

Launched four years ago, the business has grown rapidly, but needed to improve infrastructure and introduce automation to achieve its scale-up ambitions.

With the support of the Made Smarter North West adoption programme, a governmentfunded initiative to help SME manufacturers digitalise, decarbonise and grow through technology, DAWS has created create a digital roadmap and invested in a software solution to manage customer interactions and sales, and secondary software to integrate with production and dispatch.

The project had an instant impact, increasing back-office productivity by 50% and freeing up staff to focus on more high-value tasks and sales opportunities.

As a result, the company is on track to double its turnover, contribute an extra £1M to the region’s GVA over the next three years and create 15 new jobs, claims the company.

Julian Wetherall, director of DAWS, hailed the partnership with Made Smarter as “transformational”.

“We’ve had an amazing first four years, but now we are focussed on scaling the business and becoming a go-to supplier for our customers. This means hitting delivery targets and delivering an even more exceptional level of service.

“Our move to new premises in Knowsley has overcome our storage and supply chain

challenges, as well as giving us the space to grow and so now we have all the ingredients in place to go to the next level.

“Our experience of Made Smarter has been incredible. The team has guided us through a complex process to invest in technologies which are having a huge impact on our business.

“The software we have chosen fits us like a glove and we have experienced an immediate improvement. The digital road mapping exercise and grant funding has really accelerated and de-risked our investment. It has enabled us to see the reaching benefits of further technology investment.

“By removing the headaches and challenges of moving information around the business, we can start to look ahead at creating a modern, smart factory which embraces automation.”

Donna Edwards

Donna Edwards, director of Made Smarter’s North West Adoption programme, said: “We are delighted to be supporting DAWS to accelerate its digital transformation.

“It is a fantastic example of a small business investing in technologies as a route to growth and new highly skilled jobs.

“DAWS is among hundreds of manufacturers in the region grasping the opportunities offered by Made Smarter which include expert, impartial technology advice, digital transformation workshops to help take that first step to transform a business, support with technology investment, and leadership and skills training. I would encourage other SME manufacturers to do the same.”

www.madesmarter.uk

DAWS leadership team (L to R) – Dave Harrison, Robbie Rogers, Phil Cresswell and Julian Wetherall

How A Hinge Fastener Focus

Could Help Avoid Common Door Problems

Andy Holland, technical & marketing manager at Rapierstar explains why fastener choices for door hinges will determine finished doorset quality, longevity and the level customer satisfaction.

The innovation and creativity we are seeing from door manufacturers is a stand-out feature in our current market. As with every door and window, however, attention to detail and competence at all stages of the manufacture, assembly and installation is crucial to the success of these new products –and to make sure customers are truly satisfied with their purchase.

Any door is only as good as the fasteners used to assemble and install it. That’s why many premium door manufacturers engage with Rapierstar early in their new product development processes to ensure the correct screws are used throughout the doorset, including for attaching the hinges to the outerframe.

There are six major factors that impact on how well a screw will do its job as part of a doorset – the size, diameter, head design, threadform, point style and the type of metal used to manufacture it. But why do these matter?

Support for door design and testing

If you are a door manufacturer developing a new door product, Rapierstar can help you optimise the fasteners. That could mean using fewer, but more robust screws in key areas of the assembly, which in turn would rationalise fastener use and reduce manufacturing time – all without compromising performance. But it is the fasteners for the hinges where our support can be particularly beneficial.

Performance testing is often the point at which door – and window – manufacturers discover their choice of fasteners is the underlying cause of problems. A failed PAS 24 test, for example, can be due to the screws failing to retain hardware securely to the frame and reinforcement. Even with the most advanced high security locking systems, cylinders and handles, if the fasteners cannot

hold the door sash or slab to the outerframe, the doorset will never successfully pass the test!

So if you are experiencing testing difficulties, talk to Rapierstar. We may be able to recommend a different type of fastener for the hinges or an alternative approach, which could be a relatively inexpensive change to make with potentially far-reaching benefits.

We have recently expanded our technical centre which is now equipped with an unrivalled range of testing equipment. This allows us to work collaboratively with door manufacturers to assess different fastener approaches, virtually and then using digitally printed prototypes, before demonstrating their performance capabilities.

Support during manufacturing

We all know how important it is to have the right tools for the job. But it is also crucial that we know how to use them properly to deliver the

best quality finished doors.

Training and support provided by Rapierstar can help door manufacturing businesses improve quality and safety, and maximise workflow. We do this through best practice training to help ensure screws are inserted correctly, explaining which fasteners to use in respective locations – and why.

Clear labelling, fastener bins and signage can also be provided, making locating the correct screws as and when needed easy on workstations and across the factory.

Support for installers

Once the door has been signed off by quality control and approved for dispatch, fastener choices and installation techniques will continue to play a part in endcustomer satisfaction.

The choice of frame fixings can impact on the overall standard

Andy Holland

of installation, so it is important to choose the one that’s most appropriate for the surrounding structure. Again, this is an area where Rapierstar can help, including through our StarFix range of plug-free fixings.

Accessing Rapierstar’s technical support

As fasteners are integral to the construction of every window or door, the Rapierstar team’s knowledge and experience can assist throughout the design, manufacture and installation process. This is because we have the know-how to advise on fastener choices that impact positively on everything from thermal performance, security and corrosion resistance, to speed of assembly and how easily the product can be installed.

www.rapierstar.com

UAP Optimises Flexibility With New Multi-Point Lock

UAP continues to expand its product range with the launch of Flexi Lock.

Thanks to a revolutionary design, the multi-point lock can be paired with a vast range of rose handles, offering fabricators, installers, and consumers more choice and flexibility.

“The popularity of rose handles is growing rapidly, especially in the new build market,” explained David Jennings, CEO of UAP. “From our own research, we know that more customers want to use these handles on front doors to match interiors and provide a more contemporary appearance throughout a property.

“In response, we wanted to develop a multi-point lock with more design freedom. The Flexi Lock is compatible with lever handles on rose as well as traditional handles on a backplate, providing a highly flexible solution which also maximises security and reliability.”

Keeping it simple

Launched under UAP’s Fullex brand, the Flexi Lock is suitable for timber, composite and aluminium doors with a 45mm lock backset.

Ideal with 1* or 3* cylinder, it has a non-handed easily reversible latch. Quick and easy to install, the Flexi Lock is prepared in the same way as the Fullex XL Crimebeater lock.

UAP’s high security escutcheon is also available with the Flexi Lock. Designed to colour match the door handle, this further enhances aesthetics. Security features include a bevelled edge, making it a lot more difficult to grip the escutcheon with pliers to pull it off, and high tensile strength fixing bolts, which secure the escutcheon to the door.

Creating options

In line with the latest design trends, UAP has bolstered its range of door handles with several new additions, which can all be paired with the Flexi Lock.

Introduced by UAP’s Intelligent Hardware brand, the new products include the ‘Calla’, ‘Fern’ and ‘Lyra’ lever handles on round rose as well as the ‘Ava’ lever handles on square rose.

Designed in-house and following customer feedback on shapes and styles, the range is targeted at the high-end residential sector. Each handle features a contemporary

design and is available in a variety of finishes, including a new matt black option plus polished chrome, satin chrome, and gun metal grey.

Uniquely, the handles have been developed to operate with the lift and lock function, which is has been made possible thanks to a mechanism created by UAP’s design team.

Other handles in the range offering the lift and lock function, and which can be used with the Flexi Lock, include the Enterprise, Jade, Ruby, Falcon, and Truro plus the Ventura, a range targeted at the developer market plus the Nevis stainless steel range

.

Each handle can be purchased with matching accessories and comes with a five-year guarantee.

One for all

“Innovation is at the heart of UAP enabling us to keep evolving our range and meet the changing needs of our customers,” added David. “The Flexi Lock is the latest example of this proactive approach. Cost effective and affordable, it provides one multipoint lock to secure every type of door and eliminates any design constraints.

“Combined with our recently expanded range of lever on rose door handles, the Flexi Lock means fabricators can offer their customers a high quality, versatile design which improves the security of a front door and meets different lifestyles.

“When choosing our products, customers can also be assured of high stock levels, fast deliveries, and technical support and guidance.”

The Flexi Lock comes with a 10year mechanical warranty and a free registration scheme. For further details or to download the Flexi Lock information pack, visit: www.uapcorporate.com

Is Your Supplier Ready For Future Demands?

Aluplast’s director of sales and marketing Ian Cocken explains how suppliers should be investing for tomorrow’s demands, not today’s.

If the pandemic revealed one thing, it was that a good relationship between supplier and customer relied on keeping your promises, an up-todate product range, and the

Ian Cocken

willingness to invest.

And no-where have I seen this more apparent than with our new Flush Door, launched last year.

This has been an interesting development for us, because the flush door isn’t typically a product that homeowners buy on its own. But we know from speaking to our fabricator customers that window orders will often include an outward opening French door because homeowners are increasingly planning whole-house refurbishments.

And suited products are preferred. Why spend more on flush casement windows, only to have them installed alongside a storm casement French Door?

So, the flush element has been a big hit, but so have the

other attributes. Again, when homeowners are buying a house full of windows and doors, they aren’t differentiating between the different products. If they have heritage windows, they’ll be combining both the Flush Sash Casement window and the Flush Door with our Ideal 70 system.

And, like the Flush Casement Window, the Flush Door is fully secure and weather-tight, having successfully passed the rigorous PAS24:2016 and BS63752:2009 testing procedures.

It also comfortably meets the new Part L requirements for newbuild and refurbishment projects because it five-chamber design can achieve U-values as low as 1.2W/m2K. And, like the Flush Casement Window, the Flush Door is manufactured using ecotech, which uses recycled content in a profile’s design, enhancing performance.

We could see the way the market was moving, which is why we invested in the Flush Door, so we are not surprised by just how popular it has been.

What has surprised us is how other systems companies are restricting their flush products to a small section of their fabricator base. We can only assume that they haven’t got the capacity to meet the current demand.

Thanks to our new £26 million state-of-the-art extrusion facility on a 15-hectare site in Poland, we are building in capacity to develop new products that create new opportunities for our customers.

Don’t forget that today we are talking about flush windows and doors, but tomorrow we will be talking about Passivhaus standards of thermal efficiency as we meet the requirements of the Future Homes Standard in

2025. And that requires an agile supplier willing to invest in the opportunities of the future.

This kind of headline investment also allows us to be genuinely responsive to the needs of our customers.

For example, coloured profile is driving purchasing decisions for many customers. As a result, fabricators need two requirements from their suppliers: the infrastructure to supply a wide range of coloured profile; and the flexibility to deliver on time.

We have a range of 40 different finishes, including the next generation woodec and aludec foils, which we can deliver in quantities and in time slots that suit our customers. We understand that while keeping a healthy stock of product is important to manage the peaks and troughs of demand, each colour order takes up valuable space in your warehouse. Not only does this tie up your cash in stock sitting on shelves, but it also takes up space that could be used for other purposes, like a new production line.

Crucially, though, we don’t charge extra for special requests. If you want a heritage green on the outside, and grey on the inside, we won’t charge our customers extra for that. We know that this is the way the industry is moving, and we have invested in high-end, high-tech CNC machines that allow us to do short runs of foiled profile very easily. It is in our interest to meet your requirements rather than erect barriers to sales.

Flush and colour are driving sales at the moment, but we expect to see new drivers further down the line, and we are investing now to meet those demands.

www.aluplast.co.uk

Famine To Feast?

Surplus glass is increasing pressure on the supply chain, warns Cornwall Group’s Chairman Mark Mitchell. We report.

The UK glazing industry is facing a perfect storm of surplus glass and continued inflation, warns Cornwall Group’s chairman Mark Mitchell, which could put a strain on cash flow.

“Price rises from all quarters are adding pressure to companies’ finances,” Mark says. “Much of which we’ve talked about previously, but we are starting to see inflation on top of inflation which, in some cases, isn’t being passed through the supply chain via price increases. This is putting pressure on cash flow.

“Everything is still going up: businesses are paying 20% more for water; they are paying 20% more for business rates; they are paying two to three times more for energy; payroll costs are up; borrowing costs have doubled in the last quarter; and corporation tax is going up. Each of these factors is eating into the precious margin we put on our products.”

For some businesses, one way of controlling input costs is to capitalise on the influx of glass entering the UK from abroad, particularly China and Turkey. Mark explains that reduced global shipping costs and redundant European float lines are making Europe an attractive market for Chinese and Turkish glass manufacturers.

While the immediate benefit is lower raw material costs, overall it is a double-edged sword, warns Mark.

“We are definitely seeing a change in the landscape when it comes to glass,” Mark says. “The last five years have been characterised by

short supply and high demand, which have pushed up prices, but since Christmas we have seen a lot of product arrive from overseas. This is offsetting attempts to keep margins up – and we need healthy margins, because they feed back into new machinery, training new employees, and product innovation.”

Combined with rising inflation, the glass industry is facing something of a perfect storm, Mark warns, because glass processing companies are running out of room to manages those pressures.

Plymouth. The group’s second heat soak oven, it was supplied and installed by Peter Lambert, and can handle large units up to 4.2m x 2.7m.

With the trend for larger sealed units, spontaneous breakage caused by nickel sulphide inclusion can cause can cost thousands of pounds to remedy. Heat soaking the glass before transport to site puts Cornwall Glass Manufacturing in an advantageous position as a supplier because there is less risk of spontaneous breakage of installed products.

“We can also now quote for jobs where heat soaking products is a pre-requisite,” Mark says.

Cornwall Glass Manufacturing has also invested in a £1.5 million Bystronic Sealed Unit Line at its St Austell site, which replaces a similar line that was installed 20 years ago. The new line, which is designed to manufacture triple glazed units, incorporates online silicone and polysulphide application, alongside gas filling, speeding up the process and maintaining high quality standards.

“Many companies are joining the race to the bottom on price, and that is regrettable,” Mark says. “Unfortunately, this is being fuelled to some extent by companies backed by private investors, who are looking for healthy growth over a short period.

“We take a different view. We have a strategic ten-year outlook, which encourages us to invest regardless of the immediate pressures the business is under. This, ultimately, means we can maintain product quality, lead times are reduced, and our product portfolio is bang up to date.”

Cornwall Glass Manufacturing recently installed a new heat soak oven at the company’s site in

“We have a policy of ploughing our profits back into the business, which maintains our position as a stable supplier of glass products,” Mark says. “Unfortunately, not all companies have that stability, and the combination of rising inflation and cheap glass from abroad is putting many glass companies under pressure.

“It is important that we all don’t race to the bottom on price, so that the industry can continue to invest in the products that we will rely on in the future. Our own strategy of continuous investment means our product range is unrivalled in the UK – we have more than 300 product types that we can offer our customers, which put them in an advantageous position when they bid for new work.”

www.cornwallglass.co.uk

Mark Mitchell

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Why Your Staff Are Key To Product Quality

Being awarded Investors in People Gold has empowered Sternfenster’s employees to pursue a perfection in all aspects of the business, according to continuous improvement manager Rob McGin. We report.

When Sternfenster was awarded the Investors in People (IIP)

Gold in November 2022, it was in recognition of its programme of continuous investment in its staff, with the explicit aim of improved products and services for its customers.

One department that has seen the positive effects of this strategy more than most is the Continuous Improvement

department, led by Rob McGin, who proactively looks at ways new efficiencies can be found, waste can be reduced, and the customer journey improved.

“We tend to look at three things really,” Rob says. “The effectiveness of the process, repeatability of the process, and efficiency.

“When we look at proactive improvements, waste is one of the first things we consider because this can have a big impact on so many areas of window and door production. So, while we look to reduce the cost of the process, we also look at it from a sustainability point of view, and how we can use raw materials more efficiently.”

Rob explains that since

Sternfenster started the IIP process, continuous improvement moved from being the responsibility of one department to being spread across the business with everyone getting involved in proactive quality control.

“It’s about all departments creating their standard operating procedures to make sure they’ve documented their best practice, to audit those procedures, and make sure we’re following them and really keep refining those things if we find something’s gone a little bit awry,” Rob says.

Rob points out that engaging all employees on the continuous improvement journey allows the trade fabricator to meet the needs of its customers more effectively, while delivering on promises.

For example, Sternfenster manufactures and supplies the Visofold 1000 Smarts Bi-fold to the trade, which is undergoing a design upgrade to include timesaving knock-in beads and coextruded gaskets. The company also promises delivery to site in just five days – complete with the glazing, and other products, such as casement windows.

“Being awarded IIP Gold has had a real impact on our glass shop in particular,” Rob says. “We produce over 3,500 sealed units a week, which requires the latest machinery in top condition.

“By implementing a total preventative maintenance package, this helps us to improve and maintain product quality.”

Rob concludes that Sternfenster’s strength, following the IIP Gold award, is the positive

engagement with all employees, with everyone focused on targets that benefit products and services, and ultimately the customer.

“Of course, colleagues are recognised and rewarded for their positive contribution, which underpins their motivation, their self-worth and job satisfaction,” Rob says.

“Setting clear standards and targets for all employees – not just operators on the shop floor, but right through to the managers – really helps people focus on what they should be doing on a daily basis, and that has been the biggest change that I’ve seen since we achieved Gold IIP.” www.sternfenster.com

Rob McGin (right)

A Significant Shift To Thermally Efficient Bi-Fold Doors

Jeremy Phillips, CDW Systems’ group chairman, discusses the rise in thermally efficient bi-fold doors.

The popularity of bi-fold doors has increased over the many years of their existence. Now, with the rise of aluminium as a strong and stylish alternative to PVCu, they are even more in the spotlight.

There is another reason for an increased uptake in bi-fold interest – thermal efficiency. Once upon a time, such doors were notorious for leaking heat from underperforming double glazing and the various joints used in their construction. Not now. Today’s bi-folds have very low U-values, offering superlative heat retention while keeping out draughts.

There’s no doubt that the market

is very much leaning towards ever-increasing ways of saving energy In part, this is driven by the Government’s [efforts] to cut fuel inefficiency by 2025, but also because of increasing inflation and the costs of heating the average home.

It means all of us in the sector are having to think much smarter and more quickly too, which is a good thing because it drives innovation. At CDW Systems we have introduced a new bi-fold door – the AluK Luminia F82 – to our range due to increasing consumer and trade demand for a high-end product with excellent thermal efficiency.

Over the years we’ve had enormous success with the versatile BSF70 bi-fold from Aluk

but we want to make sure we can offer customers an upgrade if they want a more high-end aluminium bi-fold door. It won’t take over from the BSF70HI, but there will certainly be a demand for it due to its better sightlines and its thermal properties, which is its biggest USP.

As fabricators, it’s also never been a more important time for all of us to listen to our customers, especially when they need guidance on areas such as thermal efficiency. They need to know about compliance, and thanks to our industry experience and knowledge we understand the high standards set by industry in terms of product, specification, and compliance.

www.cdwsystems.co.uk

Jeremy Phillips

Window Energy Ratings Or U-values?

By Wojciech Brożyna – MD of Aluprof UK

Back in 2005, the Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF) took over the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) and then gained Government acceptance of the then new, Window Energy Rating scheme (WER’s). At the time these ratings became a means of compliance with Building Regulations. As all WERs are based on the same standard sized window, and enable direct comparisons across various manufacturers’ products, this helps customers in product selection. By combining a window’s solar gain benefits,

its air permeability and thermal efficiency in a simple calculation offers an easily understood ‘banding’ of performance, the result of which is something that the wider public already understands from the sale of domestic electrical goods. As we now move to higher performance windows and the need to thermally enhance our complete building fabric, are WER’s still the best measure?

With the next announced change in Building Regulations just two years away, when the Industry will be expected to offer window U-values of below 1.0 will this mean that the current

WER banding becomes mostly obsolete? When first launched, the WER scheme offered ratings across a band of A to E, more recently the band is running with two further ‘A’ bands of ‘A+’ and ‘A++” which recognise higher performance windows. Will bandings need to be realigned if we decide to continue to use them in the future?

In reality, the choice of window performance on WER’s alone is flawed. When the energy performance label was introduced for electrical goods back in 1995 products bought and used across the UK would perform very much the same in any home, the same cannot be said for WER’s. Windows chosen on a WER will be made to measure, in various configurations, installed in various constructions, located in different geographic locations and in various orientations. Windows facing South will realise a high solar gain, whilst those facing North will experience very little so, the ‘best’ WER performance window chosen may not be the best performing in use and therefore not the most cost effective choice.

It is well understood today that a holistic optimisation of the complete building fabric is more beneficial in terms of energy and environmental savings than a component-by-component approach. The provision of a calculated window U-value for a given configuration can then be used in the formulation of a building’s thermal performance, a WER cannot.

Homes in the future will have to be built to and refurbished to a very high thermal standard which then require very little energy to heat, indeed, some high performance buildings could actually generate more energy than they need, producing excess ‘green energy’ which can then be used elsewhere.

There are various schemes and specifications that enable architects to construct or renovate buildings to meet very high thermal standards whilst maintaining a healthy internal environment. Passivhaus is a well known specification which is rapidly becoming the specification of choice for architects. Based on a ‘fabric first’ approach, the complete building fabric must be carefully designed with high insulation materials taking great care to eliminate cold bridging either inside a building element or where various building elements interface. One of the challenges of good fabric design within Passivhaus, is the window frame interface to the structural reveal of a building, particularly in an existing building.

Whilst not all our future buildings

will be built to the Passivhaus specification, the basis of this specification is logical and there will be alternate specifications agreed upon. Scotland has already agreed that in a couple of years all new homes will be built to their version of a Passivhaus standard.

So, whilst there has been a swing in the past to use WERs as a simple tool of energy performance, the industry will swing back to using the U-value as this measure will be needed to design good thermally efficient spaces within buildings. In future, it is not going to be acceptable to simply place a high performance window into a thermally inefficient reveal. Not only will this window not perform as expected, but it’s also simply not cost effective.

Whilst WERs are basically a tool

for the public to be aware of energy performance of various products, we can see that in the future window replacement will be coupled together with building structure thermal improvements, this will likely be seen in new building regulations that will stop the simple replacement of windows in an existing structure. Far from restricting sales of windows and doors for home improvement companies, there is huge potential for these companies to rise to the needs of the country to help improve all our building stock to meet our commitment to being carbon neutral by 2050.

Further information about systems and specification support is available through the company’s website at www.aluprof.co.uk or direct from their UK head office in Altrincham.

Distribution of isotherms (temperature contours) on MB-104 SI – Aluprof’s High Thermal Performance Window System Aluprof’s High Thermal Performance Window System

The Key Role Of Indicative Testing

When it comes to British Standards testing there are a whole host of factors that can affect the result. There are a large number of window and door profile systems, a broad range of hardware suppliers and product ranges, and of course glass combinations. All of this, combined with different fabrication techniques, can have a major impact on the outcome of the test. Therefore, indicative testing is key.

Gareth Phillips, technical services

manager for Yale, comments: “In the current financial climate, value for money is particularly important for fabricators and installers. We appreciate that product testing and certification are both timeconsuming and a big investment, not only due to the cost of the test itself but also for the sample door and/or window and of course, the time spent away from the office. Through indicative testing, we aim to help our customers avoid inappropriate product selection and potential test failures, creating

confidence when it comes to the final British Standards testing.”

The technical services team at Yale is on hand to provide technical expertise from the start of the design, build, and fabrication

Gareth Phillips

The Business Pilot Barometer

Slowdown or blip?

By Neil Cooper-Smith, Senior Analyst, Business Pilot

biting. Average window and sales in April 2023 were down 7%, while leads were down 9%.

Things slowed last month but what is clear from figures for 2022, it doesn’t signal the arrival of a downturn.

Most window and door companies would have been happy with their bottom lines come the close of the financial year. There is no reason – so far –to indicate that they won’t be again. A lot of the economic conditions remain the same, if not slightly improved.

In fact, despite the fall seen March to April on sales, year-on-year, they’re up 17% April 2023 compared to 2022. Leads are also up year-on-year by a more modest 3%, despite a month-on-month fall March to April 2023 of 9%.

The 9% drop in leads March to April is the figure to track going forward.

March delivered another shock to the UK e‘We are seeing a slowdown. Average window and door sales in April [2022] dropped 13% on March, while leads dropped by 20%’ (Business Pilot Barometer, May 2022).

There is a sense that lower sales last month are an indication that the cost-of-living crisis is finally

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

Conversion rates have remained at around the 38% mark for the last three months. This would suggest a drop in sales this month [May] by about the same. This would in theory lead to smaller fabricator order books from late May into June.

Average order values were down 20% March to April this year and 24% year-on-year. Monthly fluctuations of this kind, are, however not uncommon month-on-month, and so again should not be interpreted in isolation as a signal of a slowdown.

Stubbornly high inflation (still at 10.1%) and the cost-of-living crisis, is probably having an impact. That said the closely watched GfK Consumer Confidence Index at the end of last month, found that consumer confidence increased, rising by six points to -30.

Consumers also felt more confident about their personal finances with an eight-point increase to -13, while they were also prepared to spend on big ticket items with the big purchase index at its highest level in a year at -28.

While it isn’t guaranteed that renewed consumer confidence will convert into home improvement spend, it is a prerequisite to it, which is why projected figures for May based on current leads in April, have the potential to exceed expectations.

It is also worth reflecting on the fact that the over 65s are sitting comfortably on a record £2.2 trillion in mortgage-free housing wealth. Close behind them, according to last month’s research by Savills, are owner-occupiers aged 50-64 who hold £1.53 trillion.

These groups may not be immune from inflation, but they are not feeling the same dent in their finances, while still high energy bills and the end of Government subsidies next month [June], give them a very real reason to invest.

There is more of an affordability gap for other socioeconomic groups but the incentive to improve the

energy efficiency of their home remains, which is why we believe finance is increasingly important in driving conversions, for those not lucky enough to have seen their housing wealth double in a decade!

With a sophisticated lead tracking capability, lead heat mapping and sales pipeline management tool, Business Pilot helps you maximise leads, and support their conversion through strategic data management and analysis.

It also helps you maximise your profitability on every job, through drag and drop installation scheduling and real time financials.

Anna Scothern to drive forward the organisation representing the entire repair, maintenance, and home improvement sector in the UK.

Jon is a leading voice on competence, a key focus of the new Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and one of the NHIC’s key focal points in its 2023/24 manifesto. He has unique insight, thanks to his various positions at Government level and within the repair, maintenance, and home improvement sector, which will support the strategic direction and action plan of the National Home Improvement Council (NHIC).

Jon said: “It’s a privilege to be voted in to lead the NHIC during this period of transformation for the retrofit and construction sectors. The introduction of the BSR brings massive change to how buildings are maintained and managed, putting new pressure on ensuring best practice and proving competency, not just of those on the tools but also the companies they work for.

“The NHIC’s 5Cs of repair, maintenance and home improvement: Carbon, Consumer, Compliance, Competency and Connection sets out a strong pathway to supporting members to have a better understanding of the changes that are coming, and I am proud to be supporting them.”

Jon Vanstone Named NHIC

Chair-Elect

Officially taking up the position of Chair in July 2023, Jon will work closely with chief executive

Anna Scothern, CEO at NHIC, said: “Jon’s appointment as Chair-Elect comes at a vital point for the NHIC and the sector as a whole. His expertise and experience around competency, compliance, and quality deliver unique benefits to NHIC members and those who serve, support, and supply domestic RMI professionals.”

www.certass.co.uk

Jon Vanstone has been named Chair-Elect of the National Home Improvement Council UK (NHIC).

New Dekko Sales Manager To Spearhead Aluminium Range

company with over 16 years of industry experience, having previously worked as a commercial sales manager in the window, door, and conservatory markets.

In his new role at Dekko, Paul will be focusing on Räum, the company’s aluminium range of windows and doors, and will be responsible for promoting new products and supporting customers with their buying journey.

Dekko Window Systems has appointed a new sales manager in order to help streamline processes and spearhead

growth within the company’s aluminium division.

Paul Schofield joins the

Paul comments: “Over the past few months, Dekko has invested in its Räum range, adding new premium products, such as the Decalu 88 bi-fold and entrance door, in order to better equip its customers to get ahead in a very competitive market.

www.dekkowindows.com

Donaldson Group Appoints Director Of Donaldson Door Systems

Scotland based joinery manufacturer of door sets, Donaldson Door Systems (DDS), has appointed Billy Cameron as Director of the business, and he will join the board.

Billy brings 26 years’ experience in the industry and has had multiple positions with the business in that time. He first joined as a forklift driver in 1997, and then managed both the timber yard and the transportation before later moving into account sales. After that, Billy took a role at head office, managing the fledgling joinery side of the business.

Billy’s appointment will see him continue to take involvement in the day-to-day running of DDS’ site in Plains, North Lanarkshire, along with developing the strategic long-term plan for the

company. As director, Billy will continue to support the team’s growth.

DDS specialises in manufacturing, merchanting and supplying internal and external door sets, as well as staircases. DDS holds Secured By Design accreditation and is the only company in Scotland to be both Q Mark and Certifire certified.

Commenting on the appointment, Luke Roberts, managing director of Donaldson Door Systems, said: “I am delighted for Billy and I am very pleased about his new role at DDS. He has a wealth of experience and is a real asset to our company and our customers; his outstanding product knowledge is unrivalled, and he has dedicated his whole career to enabling us to be the largest door set manufacturer in

Scotland. With Billy’s leadership and understanding, we know that the future is bright for DDS and we’re looking forward to seeing the direction that takes us in.”

Billy added: “I am excited to take on my new role as director for Donaldson Door Systems. I am grateful for the last 26 years of my career and for all the opportunities that have come my way, and I take huge pride in our full range of highly customised joinery services.

“During my time in the business, the workforce has grown from under 20 staff to now over 80, and in this time, there’s also been investment, improvement in the factory, and financial growth. I’m lucky to be on this journey now with the Donaldson Group as one of Scotland’s leading joinery manufacturers of door sets and staircases. I am committed to developing the people within DDS to ensure we continue to meet the high-quality service that our customers have come to know and trust from us, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with my brilliant team to develop the site in North Lanarkshire.”

The news comes following Donaldson Door Systems’ rebrand in 2022 from Rowan Manufacturing Ltd after its acquisition by the Donaldson Group in 2020. The company was established in 1979.

Currently led by the sixth generation of Donaldson, the 163-year-old Donaldson Group comprises a total of 17 specialist timber and building product businesses and brands, operating throughout the UK from 46 locations employing over 1,700 people. The businesses that make up the Group trade and operate independently, sharing best practice, innovation, purchasing synergies, and market analysis.

Endurance Doors Appoints National Sales Manager

To help drive its further success and growth, Endurance Doors has strengthened its sales function with a strategic appointment.

Nicola Clark joins the composite door company in the position of National Sales Manager.

In her new role, Nicola’s main focus will be to maximise the volume of Endurance Doors’ products sold through both existing and new installer and retailer partners.

As part of her remit, Nicola will manage and coordinate a nationwide team of fieldbased business development managers, supporting them with the management of key accounts and with the development of new sales initiatives and promotions.

Nicola joins Endurance Doors with a wealth of relevant skills and

experience, having developed a career in the fenestration and construction industry spanning almost two decades.

Before taking on her role at Endurance Doors, Nicola was an area development manager at global manufacturer of polymer products, Rehau. Prior to that she held positions at both Veka plc and GAP (General All-Purpose Plastics Ltd).

Speaking of her appointment, Nicola said: “I am delighted to have joined Endurance Doors. The business offers a range of exceptionally high quality products and has a dynamic and progressive approach. It is the ideal place for me to further my career and to build on my achievements to date.”

Stephen Nadin, managing director

Strengthening The Team At The Window Company (Contracts)

Specialist commercial installer The Window Company (Contracts) continues to invest in its team with the appointment of Katie Balmford as an accounts assistant

Katie has more than 20 years’ experience working in admin and accounts and an NVQ2 in Business Administration, so is a valuable new addition to the team. She is processing invoices, preparing month end reports and providing support to Rachel Petre, the company’s director of finance.

The Window Company (Contracts) has grown significantly in recent years,

at Endurance Doors, added: “On behalf of the entire team, I would like to welcome Nicola to Endurance Doors. Her unique mix of skills and experience makes her a strong addition to the business. I am sure she will play an instrumental role in fulfilling our ambitious plans for the future.”

www.endurancedoors.co.uk

buoyed by ongoing window and door replacement contracts with some of London and the south east’s largest social housing providers and substantial new contract wins in the new build housing sector.

It is also set to become a major player in the housing decarbonisation sector, holding the PAS2030 accreditation which is required to work on any government funded retrofit energy efficiency schemes.

Rachel Petre said: “The finance team needs to grow to keep pace with our new business and ensure we can maintain the levels of efficiency which have always been our trademark, so we’re delighted to welcome Katie on board.”

thewinco.co.uk

Purplex Celebrates Appointment Of Client Services Director

Purplex Marketing has expanded its executive leadership team with the promotion of a longstanding team member, who also marks a decade with the business this year.

Vicky Francis has recently been appointed as client services director and will now join fellow directors Sam Cross, Andrew Scott and Helen Scott at the head of the agency.

Since joining the company in 2013, Vicky Francis has worked across the key areas of the business including email marketing, creative design, web and video production. With a broad range of knowledge and understanding about how each department in Purplex operates,

Vicky was then placed as the lead of the client services team in 2018.

Today, Vicky is responsible for managing and maintaining Purplex’s client relationships, and with her insight on both the industry and marketing, she will also focus on more strategic business planning and supporting the wider team.

Commenting on her promotion and decade of service, Vicky said: “In the last 10 years Purplex has grown enormously and it’s been fantastic to be part of this journey. Not only are we well known across the industry, but we also have a fantastic team of marketing experts in social media, web, design, PR,

Gemma Joins

AliMet Fabrications

A new appointment to AliMet Fabrications will see its first husband and wife team at the company. Gemma Morris has taken up the role of sales co-ordinator –joining spouse Anthony who is general manager for pressed metals.

Gemma’s job involves status managing all live projects to ensure that orders are sent to production

search engine optimisation and so much more.

“Being promoted to client services director after 10 years of working with the business is a fantastic achievement that I’m extremely proud of. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store, and if the last 10 years is anything to go by it’s going to be great.” purplexmarketing.com

and dispatched within timeframes, alongside managing relationships with new and potential customers.

Although she is new to the industry, she has many transferrable skills having being worked in production and customer service roles, along with being a carer.

Gemma said: “Anthony is really passionate about his work with AliMet Fabrications so I have heard a lot about the company over the past couple of years. As a relatively young company, it has a lot of potential and that’s what really attracted me to the role as well as working with a good group of people including my husband.”

She said that she was really looking forward to “growing” her job which is a new role within the company, creating a great customer service experience and helping co-ordinate sales and operational activity.

Steve Marshall, managing director of AliMet Fabrications, commented: “It is wonderful to have Gemma on board. She will no doubt become the ‘glue’ that the company needs right now as it continues to grow and develop key commercial partnerships.” www.alimet.co.uk

Gemma and Anthony

Door Brands To Make An Entrance At FIT Show 2023

FIT Show organisers have announced that doors remain the number one product of interest amongst pre registered visitors for its May 23 - 25, 2023 (Birmingham NEC) event.

A stellar lineup of door-focused brands will exhibit at the event and help meet demand from

the industry. Amongst the lineup of over 200 brands from 20 countries will be exhibitors showcasing the latest entrance solutions, from composite, steel and fire doors through to rolling garage and bifolding for internal and external application.

Just a few of the door brands

visitors you can look forward to seeing at the show include; Glazerite, Mennie Canada, Comp Door, UK Doors Online, Alunet Systems, Hormann, Gerda Doors by Pioneer Trading, Selecta Systems, Listers, Fortis Aluminium, Made for Trade, Matador, Quickslide, Strongdor, ODL, AB Staliu, Bel’M, Eko-Okna, Dako, JDUK, Invisifold, Ventrolla and Star Doors.

Two of the window and door industry’s most respected brands have come together to launch a specification-leading residential door range, to be revealed for the first time at FIT Show. The Residence Door Collection by Apeer

delivers a range of 20 door styles that have been curated to complement Residence Collection windows in terms of aesthetics, quality and performance, and built around a specification developed by leading composite door manufacturer Apeer, that is designed to future-proof the range.

Doors in general feature prominently within the FIT Show visitor ‘wish list’, with composite doors, internal doors, garage doors and fire doors all voted within the top ten. Other products that featured amongst the top include aluminium windows, aluminium systems, door

hardware and furniture, tools, lanterns, adhesives and sealants.

FIT Show event director, Nickie West comments: “FIT Show has evolved significantly over the last decade. When we launched in 2013, UPVC windows were a mainstay of the visitor wishlist and this was reflected by the products presented by exhibitors. Over the years, the rosta of products at FIT Show has evolved to reflect the changing needs of the

market. We now represent every material, from UPVC through to aluminium and timber, across the full product range, from rooflights and lanterns through to bifolds.

“It’s our responsibility as event organisers to enhance the show’s proposition to meet the needs of the market. We launched our new outdoor living feature to reflect increased consumer demand for decking, awnings and garden rooms. FIT Show 2023 will see an increased

focus on rooflight and lanterns, another key area of growth for us.

“It’s interesting to see that doors have held steady at the top of the visitor shopping list for FIT Show and I’m delighted that we’re able to meet this demand with such a strong lineup of quality door providers across the full range of installer requirements - domestic and commercial, interior and exterior.”

Mennie Canada, one of the largest door producers in the world, is the leading supplier of glass reinforced plastic (GRP) doors in Canada.

Mennie Canada will be making their FIT Show debut. Mark Williams comments: “We’re exhibiting at FIT Show so that we can present our Canadian designed composite door, which has proven itself in extreme weather. We want to give UK manufacturers an extra option to meet their needs.

“The UK market is very important for our global strategy. FIT Show is the main platform that we have selected to introduce our product and

open the market in the UK. We’re excited to exhibit here for the first time.”

Jennifer Tucker, marketing manager for Metador said: “As UK-based door manufacturers our vast range of bespoke security and fire-rated steel doors is ideal for those visiting FIT show and we are looking forward to meeting existing customers and potential new ones.

“We will be showcasing a number of our products including our Defender Thermaguard Technology, which is independently accredited to achieve a 1.5 U-Value, our Defender Xtreme – an LPS1175 accredited doorset, PASguard, our PAS24 rated doorset, plus our Defender Duopar – a 2-part frame door system with no visible fixings in a wood grain effect finish, amongst others.”

Returning exhibitor, Strongdor will be looking to build on their 2022 debut which results in £1m worth of quotations. Strongdor will be showcasing their new and improved fire-rated steel doors at FIT Show, alongside its market leading range of steel

door solutions. Speaking about its FIT Show return, Strongdor marketing director, Sarah Cooper said: “We are seriously excited to get back to FIT Show and build on the success of our 2022 debut.

“We’ve worked extremely hard on our new product development over the last twelve months and have worked closely with our stand contractors to develop a concept that will showcase our range of products, engage visitors and drill home our product benefits.

“Those who dare to take on the ‘Panic or Escape’ room are in for a real treat. As well as learning more about Strongdor, meeting the team and our special guest Theodor, they could take home the top prize of a Milwaukee Cordless Combi Drill & Impact Driver!”

FIT Show is the UK’s leading trade show for the window, doors, glass, hardware and components industry. FIT Show returns to the NEC Birmingham from 23 - 25 May, 2023 for its tenth year anniversary edition. Visitors can register to attend for free at www.fitshow.co.uk

Floorplan

Click the page to download larger PDF

HALL 10

HALL 09

List Of Exhibtors

EXHIBITOR LIST

*Correct at time of press and subject to change

Diary Of Events

Wednesday 24 MAY

10:20 10:50

Future Homes Standard: A Window of Opportunity

- Seminar Theatre - Chris Beedel, Head of Government Advocacy & Stakeholder RelationsGGF

11:00 12:10

Unpacking the Future Homes Standard - Seminar Theatre - Kevin Jones, Senior Technical Officer - GGF

12:20 12:50

Tuesday

11:00 11:30

23 MAY

Facing the Future: 2023 State of the NationSeminar Theatre - Ben Wallace, Group Head of Membership and Customer Relations - GGF

11:40 12:10

8 Secrets to Building a £bn Home Improvements Business - Seminar Theatre - Richard Harpin, Founder & Chairman - HomeServe

12:20 12:50

Inspiring a Different Conversation About Glass - Seminar Theatre - Kirsty Pamment, Marketing Manager - Saint Gobain

13:00 13:30

Has the Tap Been Turned Off? - Seminar Theatre

Elton Boocock, Director - Business Pilot

13:40 14:10

Lunchbreak with Lannen and Nickie West & Paul Godwin - Seminar Theatre - Richard Lannen, Founder and Host - Glazing Insider - Paul Godwin, Founder - FIT Show - Nickie West, Managing Director - FIT Show

14:20 14:50

Where are we now and what next? Building Regulations 2023 & Beyond - Seminar Theatre

Click session title for full synopsis and session information - Kevin Jones, Senior Technical OfficerGGF

15:00 15:30

Get Social Media FIT; Five Easy Ways to Find & Secure Sales Using Social Media - Seminar Theatre

Katherine George, Director - Oh So Social

15:40 16:10

The Power of a Great Story & How to Use Storytelling to Increase Sales - Seminar Theatre

- Karen Fewell, Consumer Psychologist and Marketing Consultant - Digital Blonde

What Does & Doesn’t Matter in Marketing Windows & Doors to Consumers? - Seminar Theatre - Mark Tinnion, Brand Director - DIGITALKOG

13:00 13:30

Lunchbreak with Lannen and Guests - Seminar Theatre - Richard Lannen, Founder and HostGlazing Insider - Sioned Roberts, Marketing DirectorWhitesales - Gareth Jones, Managing Director - Solar Calibre

13:40 14:10

Fire Doorset Legislation Changes: A Panel Discussion

- Seminar Theatre - Andrew Wilkins, Business Strategy Manager - Winkhaus UK Ltd

- Mark Alton, Fire Product Manager - Winkhaus UK Ltd - Howard Trotter, Business Manager - ShelforceAlfie Hosker, Technical Manager - Secured by Design

14:20 14:50

Regulation Changes in Rooflights and Lanterns

- Seminar Theatre - Rob Hamblen, Commercial Director - Whitesales incorporating Lareine Engineering

15:00 15:30

Sustainable Glazing - The Future of Recycled Glass: A panel debate - Seminar Theatre - Paul Pearcy - Ian Ward, Sales & Purchasing Director - CNC RecyclingPhil Brown

15:40 16:10

Mental Health Deserves a Conversation

- Seminar Theatre - Sarah Ball, Joint MD - Balls 2 Marketing - John Hewitt, Co-Founder - We Mind and Kelly Matters - Sherry Adams, CEO - We Mind and Kelly Matters - Roy Frost, Director - Listers

16:20 17:00

Driving Consumer Confidence Through Competency: A Panel Debate - Seminar Theatre

Gareth Jones, Managing Director - Solar CalibreJon Vanstone, Executive Chairman - Certass Trade Association = Dan Brown, Strategic Relationship Manager - GQA Qualifications

Late Night Wednesday

Checkatrade - P22

Join Checkatrade for a beer on their stand after 5pm at Late Night Wednesday!

Whitesales - Stand E31

It’s late night Wednesday as well of course, so Whitesales will be getting into the ‘swing’ of things with a sax and singing jazz duo performing on the stand from 4pm. Everyone’s invited for a relaxed and sophisticated evening of networking and chat.

PIGs Party at FIT

PIGs will be bringing their party to FIT Show once again! Networking and connect with your industry colleagues at the industry party for people in glazing! Expect PiGs house band Ellie Jones and the Giants, refreshments and live entertainment from 5pm - 8pm on the FIT Show floor!

We will once again feature a late-night opening giving visitors the opportunity to visit after their usual business day. For 2023 our late night will take place on Wednesday. Late Night Wednesday will have a relaxed ‘after hours’ atmosphere with many exhibitors hosting drinks and music on their stands with a definite party-feel. Start planning your party fun and invite your customers along!

Supalite Tiled Roof Systems - Stand N31

Join Supalite on their stand for the late night Wednesday when they will be hosting on their stand with the very own brewed Supalite beer!

Winkhaus - Stand E31

Winkhaus will be hosting on their stand for late night Wednesday. Visitors can expect food and refreshments while you network with your industry colleagues.

ODL Europe Ltd. - Stand F31

ODL are bringing a party to FIT Show for our late night Wednesday with their very own cocktail bar!

Make sure to visit their stand when we stay open till 8pm!

Gerda by Pioneer - Stand P31

Gerda l Pioneer will be serving refreshments on their stand between 5pm and 8pm, inviting fellow exhibitors, organisers and anyone staying behind for the late night, to rock out with their live band Dirty Wafer! Have a few beers with Pioneer and let your hair down!

Business Pilot - Stand S41

Visitors to FIT Show can join Business Pilot and Everglade Windows for a mojito, espresso martini or aïr signature cocktail on Stand S41

Celebrating 10 years of FIT Show. Take a trip down memory lane with us as we bring together the entire fenestration industry under one roof, celebrating 10 years of FIT Show.

Thursday 25 May

10:20 10:50

Building Our Skills Advisory Council - Seminar Theatre - Dan Brown, Strategic Relationship Manager - GQA Qualifications

11:00 11:30

Inspiring a Different Conversation About Glass - Seminar Theatre - Kirsty Pamment, Marketing Manager - Saint Gobain

11:40 12:10

Resolving Installer Painpoints - A Panel DebateSeminar Theatre

12:20 12:50

Pulse Testing - An Alternative to Trickle Vents? - Seminar Theatre - Dave Mechem, Director of Inspection & Assessment - RISA

13:00 13:30

Lunchbreak with Lannen & Guests - Seminar Theatre - Richard Lannen, Founder and Host - Glazing Insider

13:40 14:10

Sustainabiity - Seminar Theatre More session information to follow

15:00 15:30

The Building Safety Bill - What do you need to know? - Seminar Theatre - Chris Beedel, Head of Government Advocacy & Stakeholder RelationsGGF

truhouse franchising Wins A Stand with FIT Show & Window News

we’re certainly not a brand new company, our franchise model is still in its infancy and we are looking to bolster our network by exhibiting at FIT Show 2023.

Show 2023, an extra special edition of the trade show which is celebrating a decade of innovation since its 2013 launch.

FIT Show event director, Nickie West added: “Huge congratulations to Chris and the team at truhouse franchising, winners of the very first ‘win a stand’ competition with Window News.

“This competition specifically designed to encourage brands who may have thought about exhibiting before but might not be sure if they’re quite ready, those who might believe that the cost of exhibiting is too prohibitive, or those who have never considered exhibiting before and wanted to take their first step on the FIT Show ladder.

Window News & FIT Show are delighted to announce truhouse franchising as the winner of its inaugural ‘Win a Stand’ competition, with the window and door replacement company set to exhibit for the first time at FIT Show 2023 this May (Birmingham NEC, 23 - 25.)

truhouse, which has been trading since 1982, has evolved from a local installation business and is looking to build on the launch of its national franchise network at FIT Show. The brand will utilise its prize of a stand at FIT Show to help its growth ambitions, with a direct route to window and door installers at the show.

Speaking about the win, truhouse MD, Chris Dummer said: “I was genuinely shocked when I got the call from FIT Show to say that we had won the ‘win a stand’ competition. Whilst

“The truhouse franchising network is born out of our 40 plus years of experience growing a highly efficient and successful installation business, and all of the pain points that come with this. From receiving payment from customers, harnessing buying power with suppliers and implementing processes through to identifying and dedicating time to grow - we’ve created a hugely efficient model. We’ve launched our franchise network to help other installers who have ambitions to fast-track their own businesses and enjoy the same exponential growth. We’re excited to launch the network at FIT Show 2023 and speak directly to fitters about how they can benefit from joining us.”

The competition launched in November last year and offered one lucky brand the chance to win an exhibitor space at FIT

“We were impressed with the entry from truhouse franchising and it demonstrated a genuine ambition to diversify their own business proposition at the same time as helping others to learn and benefit from their success. We believed that a stand at FIT Show would be a natural springboard to help them achieve this.”

Window News editor Gerald Batt commented: “This has been a really exciting competition for us to run with FIT Show. The campaign drew a lot of attention, with several thousand views of the main campaign page on the Window News website. Congratulations to truhouse franchising on becoming our first ‘win a stand’ winners. I look forward to seeing Chris and the team at the show this May.”

FIT Show is the UK’s leading trade show for the window, doors, glass, hardware and components industry. FIT Show returns to the NEC Birmingham from 23 - 25 May, 2023 for its tenth year anniversary edition. Visitors can register to attend for free at www.fitshow.co.uk.

Korniche - ‘Fit For Purpose’

As a multi-award-winning company at the disruptive forefront of glazing innovation for resellers and installers, Made for Trade are looking forward to meeting customers old and new at FIT Show 2023 and here the company outlines some of the reason to pay them a visit.

“Made For Trade’s Korniche brand was founded with the idea to bring inspirational products to market via the use of innovative design and precision engineering.

Created as completely bespoke systems from a clean sheet, the MFT engineering team design

products founded on the three core principles of Precision, Simplicity and Beauty to offer class-leading glazing. The combination of new technology and engineering experience means slim, industry-leading sightlines for the consumer thanks to low-profile extrusions, along with with robust longlasting functionality and security.

Since 2016, the Korniche Roof Lantern was not only catapulted to the top of the desirability stakes, but its game-changing engineering - backed up by experience derived from the motorsport and automotive sectors – means that this

Korniche product still remains a forerunner in terms of construction.

The award-winning bi-folding door followed, underlined by the same principles. Made for Trade maintain that whilst other products may appear to offer some similar benefits, it is also the beauty of the design you can’t see that identifies Korniche and Made For Trade’s unique approach.

Korniche lanterns, for example, use a selection of aluminium components such as end caps and ridge bosses that have been uniquely die cast to suit,

enabling greater accuracy and tighter tolerances to be achieved to the benefit of the structure. Meticulously engineered, the lantern supports industry-leading maximum glass sizes without the need for additional rafters, and the smart design details mean that glazing the structure is free of tapes and messy sealants, whilst Korniche Bi-Folding doors feature a similar raft of benefits.

The security aspect remains at the forefront of any Made For Trade product. The doors and their durable frames come rigorously tested to keep homes protected – they are certified to the advanced PAS24:2016

standard, whilst the patented clip-in internal glazing bead is the standard by which all other systems are judged.

Of course, any benefits are soon lost if quality and consistency are not ensured for every item, from order through to installation. This quality includes the fit, finish and longevity of the product, and this is secured through the principles and practice of quality assurance and control for both the product and service.

Made For Trade recently gained ISO9001 certification - based on continually improving and optimising all stages of how the company operates; allowing the company to remain at the forefront of manufacturing and efficiency in the fenestration industry. These are just some of the reasons that Made for Trade was voted by industry peers as the NFA’s Aluminium Fabricator of the Year.

Impeccable Service

Having satisfied customers around the UK and expanding - becoming one of Ward Hadaways ‘Fastest 50’ companies in the North East in 2021 - Made for Trade prides itself on the phone and email support and service provided to its customers.

At the FIT Show you’ll also have the chance to explore MFT’s website featuring CGI imagery alongside more traditional routes of product demonstration, allowing trade customers keen to get up close and personal with the award-winning products before committing to orders, or looking to expand their product or supplier portfolio.

Whilst visitors to the popular NEC exhibition will be able to get hands on with the Korniche product line, customers also have access to a contemporary

showroom area at the firm’s Wynyard base where bifolding doors are on display, and the area is complete with a Demonstration Build using a standard sized lantern. Prospective installers are invited to see for themselves just how quick and easy lantern construction and glazing is with the Korniche system using only basic tools.

Value and Extras

Each year, Made for Trade has continued to invest heavily in their customers and trade partners; offering all the resources needed to allow them to maximise sales and profit. The MFT team take care of nationwide promotion and ensure all the possible tools are to hand, meaning that customers can get on with the next step of project supply or fit.

The company’s ‘Brand Toolkit’ offers a one-stop resource for customers to find everything quickly in an online directory that adds value and helps develop sales. To assist with the creation of websites or social media use, promotional video content is available alongside trade brochures, literature and professional images showcasing Made For Trade’s highly regarded engineering-led approach to fenestration design.

The Brand Toolkit is supplemented by the GeoTool feature on the Korniche website, which actively points consumers towards a registered MFT partner to complete the transaction. Homeowners and project managers can find their nearest suppliers and installers with just a couple of clicks - a feature that is free for registered trade customers.

New for 2023, customers can specify a stylish modern UniBlind system in their Korniche Bi-Folding Doors; offering an

integrated and energy-efficient light control solution that requires no installation or setup.

This finishing touch is rapidly gaining in popularity thanks to being maintenance-free and energy-efficient. The Screenlinebased blinds use an SL20SV Sliding Control and are now available as an option on MFT’s online quotation request forms. These venetian systems are installed ready to use, whilst new and improved gaskets alongside the Korniche ‘SpeedBead’ ensure the blinds are truly a ‘FIT, Glaze and GO’ system.

Installer Benefits

Ultimately the aim is to ensure installation is as straightforward as possible, saving the fitter time and therefore saving money for the consumer, and maximising profit for the trade partner.

The Korniche lantern stands by its impressive ability to be ‘fitted in minutes and glazed in seconds’. There are no visible fixings on show and all joints are seamless. This means perfect aesthetics as it meets the eye and hints at the ‘clean sheet’ method of construction behind. Installation of a Korniche Roof Lantern involves a system that bolts together as a unitary

structure rather than box sections and plates that flex or distort to the detriment of security, structural integrity and weatherproofing.

Improving efficiency still further for the installer is the ‘One-Drop Delivery’ service now offered by Made for Trade. Having invested in excess of £400,000 over the last 18 months in its fleet of delivery vehicles, MFT now not only offer crane offloading for maximum ease and safety on site, but offers a one-drop service that includes both the door system and glazing together on the same truck.

This significant investment allows MFT to offer a Document L-compliant glazed product at a much-reduced cost and increased convenience compared to having the glass delivered by a third party. What’s more, the One-Drop delivery saves downtime on site dealing with deliveries and glass that could typically arrive a day or two either side of the door system.

Meet the team at FIT 2023 where you can discover Made for Trade’s market-leading products and service for yourself.”

www.madefortrade.co

We know how a speedy quote can help you to deliver great customer service, so we will always respond within one hour.

All our sealed units are Argon filled and feature a double seal which helps guarantee the quality and energy performance of your windows and doors, long term.

We have our own fleet of vehicles to ensure the safe and secure delivery of your integral blinds.

We only manufacture sealed units with integral blinds inside, supplying other sealed unit manufacturers, fabricators and installers with our high-quality Uni-Blinds® in an industry-leading 10-12 days.

You can rely on us to provide high performance integral blinds, quickly and efficiently.

We advise, train and provide back-up for all Uni-Blinds® installers providing total peace of mind and confidence in the quality of the completed installation.

UNI-BLINDS THE COMPLETE PACKAGE

Morley Glass Showcases New Switchable Smart Glass At FIT

Morley Glass will launch a further new addition to its product portfolio at the 2023 FIT Show with a debut for its new switchable smart glass on its

stand (L41).

Complementing its current range of Uni-Blinds shading and privacy systems which take the form of

integral blinds – Venetian and pleated blinds encapsulated within double or triple glazed units – switchable smart glass gives installers an additional solution for high-end residential and commercial projects.

Switchable smart glass provides instant privacy using electricity. The laminated glass incorporates a thin film which changes from its opaque state when the power is off, to transparent when the electricity supply is switched on.

It is straightforward to install and growing in its appeal amongst property owners. This is particularly the case for those who are seeking to incorporate shading into their windows and doors with the ultimate minimalist

look, given that there is no control system visible other than a switch or remote control.

Its introduction means Morley Glass customers can source the full range of interior and exterior shading and privacy solutions from one supplier – all with assured quality and unrivalled design, installation and aftersales support, says the company. As with its integral blinds brand, Uni-Blinds, Morley Glass is partnering with a highly respected manufacturer to ensure the new switchable smart glass meets the highest performance and quality standards.

Switchable smart glass is one of several new Morley Glass products debuting at the 2023

FIT Show. The company will also be showcasing its new integral blind for flat glass rooflights plus a number of new colour options for its integral blinds, including the recently launched black (B160) Venetian blind, plus a dual coloured slat.

In addition to the product displays, the Morley Glass stand will also feature a video wall showing a fly-through video following the manufacturing process for its integral blinds. And visitors to its stand will also have an opportunity to join in the company’s 25th anniversary celebrations, which will include the chance to win one of 25 prizes simply by unwrapping one of its specially produced chocolate bars.

Ian Short, MD of Morley Glass said: “We’re delighted to be adding switchable smart glass to our portfolio as awareness of this premium product grows and our installer customers are

increasingly being asked about it.

“Over the last two decades we’ve seen through the growth in our sales of Uni-Blinds® integral blinds that there is a strong appetite amongst homeowners for products that offer innovative, high quality upgrades to windows and doors, so we see excellent potential for switchable glass to be more than just a niche product.”

Morley Glass has a limited number of free VIP Passes available to give anyone planning to attend the FIT Show. In addition to fast-track entry, the VIP Pass provides free earlybird breakfast, use of the VIP business and networking lounge and free refreshments throughout the day in the VIP lounge, plus other benefits.

Register now for your 2023 FIT Show VIP Pass at the Morley Glass website: www.morleyglass.co.uk

AdminBase Offers More New Features At FIT

AdminBase from Ab Initio, is returning to the FIT Show this year with free demos of recently launched and well-established aspects, as well as the launch of an entirely new feature, all with the aim of helping installation businesses achieve better productivity and profitability.

“The recently launched AdminBase Taskboard feature will be one of the newer aspects available to see at the show and is likely to prove popular in itself,” says Rhonda Ridge of Ab Initio. “With this feature, installation businesses can see how they can effortlessly keep track of entire projects, and better manage how work is distributed among teams.

“At last year’s show we launched our partnership with

PricepointTM which has also proved immensely popular. The PricepointTM team will be attending the show on the AdminBase stand to answer any questions on the sales app specifcally, but our own friendly team will also be on hand to talk visitors through our award-winning Customer Portal, the facility to collect digital signatures, and the ease and flexibility of AdminBase as a CRM for installation businesses overall.

“AdminBase is an installer management system created by people with experience in the field, which is why it proves so popular with installation businesses of all shapes and sizes. We know from experience this means our team will be busy giving demos throughout the

show, so we are recommending that visitors book a time beforehand to secure their slot and avoid disappointment. Our 1 to 1 demos will include a personal walk-through of AdminBase which for existing customers might be a demonstration of a new feature, or for new customers we can demo the whole system.

“All visitors will be able to see the entirety of the CRM in action via videos that will be running constantly on the stand.

“In addition to running through the existing system, including our recent additions, there will be another new launch happening live at the FIT Show. We’re not revealing anything about it beforehand, but what we can say is that it’s an extension of one of the AdminBase apps that will make a big difference to window installation businesses and companies further afield.”

Purplex Is On The Fast Track To FIT Show 2023

Marketing agency for the glass and glazing industry, Purplex, has announced it will be attending this year’s FIT Show.

Visitors to the Purplex stand will be able to enjoy the thrills of ‘driving’ an F1 race-car simulator, competing with others to reach the top of the leader board as they hurtle round a lap of the famous Silverstone track.

Purplex will be exhibiting across all three days of the event, which runs from 23-25 May. And Purplex marketers will be onhand throughout the exhibition explaining how the power of consistent and innovative marketing can help companies to move into pole position.

Purplex says that in uncertain economic times like these, the companies leading the pack are the ones who understand that clear, targeted marketing messages will help them overcome the various bends and chicanes that the industry faces in 2023.

Andrew Scott, CEO and founder of Purplex, said: “The FIT Show is a brilliant opportunity to connect with people from all corners of our industry so we can showcase exactly what we’re all about. Every year we always look forward to this event, catching up with existing clients and talking to potential new ones who want the right kind of strategy handling for their business.

“Having an F1 simulator as the centrepiece of our stand is a brilliant way of getting people along to meet us. Good marketing is all about getting ahead of your competitors, so this will be a great chance to pit yourself and your company against other visitors while learning much more about Purplex and how we can support you to race to the top of your game.” https://bit.ly/441uBCw

The Purplex stand FIT Show 2022

Quickslide’s Exclusive Reveal At FIT

Quickslide are preparing to take this year’s FIT Show by storm with a stand at R31 that’s themed ‘Engineering Future Innovations’, says the company. It will showcase the brand’s latest products, including new aluminium doors and windows, exclusive dual foils and smart hardware. Plus, in a FIT Show exclusive, a new feature for Quickslide’s Legacy vertical sliders will be revealed.

With an extra large stand there will be plenty of room to mingle with colleagues. Visitors will be able to see Quickslide’s new Heritage doors, the versatile aluminium slide-and-stack door

system Indi-fold and AluSpace’s new super slim aluminium interior screen and hinged door system, which creates a contemporary room divider in any space.

Quickslide will be showing off its heritage inside and out, with exclusive new dual foils for Legacy vertical sliders. Also being shown on-stand are new secure smart hardware products from Avia. Thanks to a partnership with Avia’s creator Mighton Products, Quickslide now offers trade partners this smart hardware which can be easily fitted to sliding sash and casement windows, both PVCu

and aluminium.

Quickslide managing director Ben Weber said: “It has been almost 20 years since we introduced the nation to authentically styled traditional sash windows coupled with all the benefits of modern performance. And we’ll be at FIT to show how we’ve not stopped progressing and innovating since. We’ll have our very latest products and features on show – as well as showcasing something new for our Legacy vertical sliders that we are looking forward to revealing.”

www.quickslide.co.uk

More Reasons To Visit Emmegi (UK) At FIT

milling machine, as Emmegi (UK) demonstrates that its range now includes dedicated machines for PVC-U as well as aluminium and steel.

Ian Latimer, Emmegi’s managing director explained: “We’ve selected products for the 2023 stand which we know will appeal to anyone who is shopping for machinery at the show. The focus will be on some of our most accessible and costeffective options and will include Someco because PVC-U is such a significant part of FIT. Of course, we’ll also have our Acca XL benches on display –after 10 years, the Emmegi stand at FIT wouldn’t be complete without them!”

When it comes to show-only deals, Emmegi (UK) will be promoting its range of spares and consumables with a 10% off promotion for orders placed from day one of FIT up to 30 June 2023. Visitors to the stand will be able to pick up a copy of the 2023 catalogue which will include a special voucher. There will also be show-only discounts available on the range of hand tools and ancillaries that Emmegi (UK) supplies.

Someco CM1H milling machine will be on display on the Emmegi stand at FIT

Having exhibited at every FIT Show since the start, Emmegi (UK) knows that most visitors to the show want to see something new, they want to track down show-only deals and they want to spend time catching up with friends and colleagues.

Unsurprisingly then, the Emmegi (UK) stand will offer them all three.

In terms of something new, FIT 2023 will be the first chance for visitors to see the new Precision C2 entry-level twin head saw; and it will also be the first time Emmegi (UK) has included Someco products on its stand, following the acquisition of Someco by Emmegi’s parent company Voilap last year.

The electronic Emmegi Precision C2 will in time replace Emmegi’s much loved Classic Magic twin head saw and will come in two versions for 4000 and 5000mm cutting lengths, complete with brushless motors and blade adjustment from 90° to 22°30’. It will be on the stand alongside two popular machining centres – the Phantomatic M4L and Comet X4.

The Someco products on display will include the SM3TVH 3-head welder and accompanying CM1H

Wayne Hunter, Emmegi (UK)’s operations manager, explained: “We always recommend that customers use good quality authentic spares and quality tools and consumables to get the most from the performance of their machines so we’re incentivising them to do just that.

“We’re also hoping the special offers will encourage as many of our existing customers just to come and visit us on the stand and have a chat with our team. For us FIT, has always been as much about saying thank you to our existing loyal customers as it has been about selling new machines.

“As usual, we’ll have our trademark Italian style hospitality on offer for customers and plenty of space to relax, catch up and enjoy a drink and a snack with us.”

Wayne will be on the Emmegi (UK) stand for all three days of FIT and is also inviting customers to stop by the stand if they just want any help or advice on their machine. He added: “I’ll be answering questions on everything from cleaning and maintenance routines to software options and training recommendations.

“Essentially, our stand at FIT is all about giving as much value to visitors as we can – whether they’re browsing for new machines, or they bought from us 10 years ago. We can’t wait to see everyone again.”

Mighton To Show Smart Hardware At FIT

The one of the leading suppliers of sash weights, balances and hardware, Mighton, has announced that it will be taking a stand at the FIT Show to give visitors the opportunity to see first-hand its range of really smart smart hardware. The company will be hosting a full display of its unique AviaSmart retrofittable smart door and window locks and sensors, and related accessories.

Visitors to Mighton’s stand will be able to see all the AviaSmart products in situ on various windows and doors and receive live demos of how they work. They will also be able to see how the products can easily be fitted and retrofitted by anyone with a screwdriver, to any normal PVC-U and aluminium doors and windows. There is no requirement to pre-install electronics in frames during manufacture, or to sign up to a subscription. This means fabricators and installers can choose from a range of highly secure, Apple HomeKit-branded and endorsed smart products

according to sales made. Minimal change and outlay are required to begin offering AviaSmart window and door security products in a showroom to demonstrate to homeowners the latest smart security.

The entire AviaSmart range is Apple HomeKit approved, following in the successful footsteps of the AviaSmart multi point doorlock that was introduced at the legendary Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in 2019. The handles, motion sensors, and sash window fasteners, all connect to the AviaSmart app to alert homeowners to windows and doors that have been left unsecured or send a notification when they are opened.

Installers and homeowners alike are also given peace of mind from the fact all AviaSmart products have undergone the rigorous testing standards of Apple HomeKit and are BSI Kitemarked and Secured by Design where relevant.

With a long history of innovative design in hardware that is both aesthetically pleasing and practical, Mighton is pleased to show fabricators and installers a truly uncomplicated route to really smart smart hardware for new and existing windows and doors.

See and try AviaSmart home security products on stand R44.

www.aviasmart.com

Gowercroft Extends Its Partnerships Scheme At The FIT Show

Award winning timber window and door manufacturer Gowercroft Joinery is rolling out phase II of its successful dealer partnership scheme at this year’s FIT Show, May 23 – 25.

Since launching the scheme in 2022 Gowercroft has signed up ten new partners across its rapidly

expanding dealer network and is now looking to appoint a further ten companies that are ready for the next stage of their growth.

“This package is a fantastic opportunity for new startups as well as established manufacturers and installation companies wanting to upscale

and differentiate themselves from their local competitors through our innovative and award-winning range,” said Peter Buckley, Gowercroft’s partnerships manager.

“We are looking to offer one partner per geographic region the exclusive rights to supply our full range of timber window and doors, backed by the benefits of our CRM, quoting systems, product training plus extensive technical resources and support.

“So far, the programme has delivered amazing results with some of our new partners adding as much as £500k to their turnover. Our quoting software

Peter Buckley, Gowercroft Partnerships Manager (left) with Rick Wallis (from Southfield Windows)

allows distributors to price customer projects remotely and guarantees a specific product margin to suit their business.”

Recent success stories include Southfield Windows, a wellestablished family run supplier of high-quality PVC-u and aluminium windows, which is now Gowercroft partner for the Southwest of England.

Rick Wallis from Southfield Windows said: “Linking up with Gowercroft has been an excellent business decision that has enabled us to extend our product range and reach new customers. The addition of high-end timber windows and doors to our carefully hand-picked portfolio of products has added significant value to our business and opens up new margin opportunities.”

Gowercroft’s core timber products include: the Classic range which is ideal for general residential and renovation projects; the award-winning Heritage range, which was developed for the listed property and building conservation market, and the Frontier range, which offers ultrahigh-performance homes for the future build market.

The company, which has just celebrated 25 years of uninterrupted trading, has won industry acclaim including: the 2022 British Woodworking Federation’s (BWF) “Heritage Project of the Year” Award and 2019 ‘Woodworking Project of the Year’ award, plus the ‘Best Windows’ category of the 2017 Build It Awards and the ‘Family Business of the Year’ category of the 2021 Midlands Business Awards.

Appointments with the partnership team will be available on stand J68, where examples of the Gowercroft range will be on display.

www.gowercroft.co.uk

Make An Entrance With Gerda Doors At P31

Following a fantastic UK launch and FIT Show debut last year, Gerda residential front doors will be returning to Birmingham this year at stand P31.

Gerda doors are distributed exclusively in the UK by Pioneer Trading. On show at FIT will be a range of contemporary steel- and aluminium-faced doors that have been specially selected to appeal to UK homeowners.

Partnering with Pioneer Trading, a UK doors and windows fabricator with over 30 years’ experience, has allowed the premium household Polish brand to tailor its residential door range exclusively to suit British tastes in colours and designs as well as meeting demanding new standards in anticipation of the tougher performance levels expected with the introduction of the Future Homes Standard.

Since its UK launch last year, Gerda has developed the Hawkstone classic four panel, glazed door style for the UK market, in addition to the contemporary designs popular with buyers.

The Gerda Tedee smart lock will also be shown at FIT. Gerda doors can be equipped to allow the beautifully-styled Tedee smartlock to automatically unlock and open the entrance door as the user approaches, with the door closing behind and re-locking itself once they have entered. It is believed to be the only door and smartlock combination in the market that can offer this function, claims the company

Stop by stand P31 to find out more and discover the Gerda door range for yourself.

www.gerdadoors.co.uk

The Residence Door Collection By Apeer: New Partnership Door Range To Be Revealed At Fit Show

Two respected industry’s brands have come together to launch what is described as a specification-leading residential door range, to be revealed for the first time at the forthcoming FIT Show.

The Residence Door Collection by Apeer delivers a range of 20 door styles that have been curated to complement Residence Collection windows in terms of aesthetics, quality and performance, and built around a specification developed by composite door manufacturer Apeer, that is designed to future-proof the range. Whilst designed primarily to complement the widely acclaimed Residence Collection flush sash windows, the range will be widely available on the open market.

A total of twenty designs have been chosen, including a highly distinctive concept door that is designed to include everything that the Residence Door Collection by Apeer embodies, including the key elements of design and performance. Each door will be presented as a ‘ground-breaking’ 120mm front-to-back format,

including traditional, contemporary and stable door designs, with 78mm quadruple sealed glass units as standard. Construction will be of GPR skins around a high density PU core, reinforced with aluminium anti-cut through security mesh embedded within the core of each door. Every door, including skins and glass units, will be manufactured by Apeer at its 120,000 feet2 Ballymena factory.

Specification from the outset will be comprehensive to include nine standard colours at launch (seven grained and two smooth), with the availability of full sidelights and top lights from launch, with half lights and others to follow. Standard specification also includes weather deflectors, and Stormguard or full frame thresholds. High quality hardware and furniture will be used throughout, whilst extra touches such as Ultion KeyTag-equipped, trackable keys will also form a comprehensive standard specification.

According to Apeer, all doors will be PAS24 compliant, and thermal performance testing, which is being undertaken in advance of the FIT Show launch, will improve upon the 0.8 W/m2K anticipated to be published in the Future Homes standard by which new homes will be built from 2025.

The partnership between Residence Collection and Apeer is unusual and possibly unique in terms of two independent and previously unconnected brands coming together for such a collaboration, and Sarah Hitchings, Residence Collection’s sales and marketing director explained how it came about: “Residence Collection has always been defined by our commitment to high quality, high performance, and innovation. We have been looking at developing a range of engineered doors that extends beyond our current collection, that anticipates what we believe will be required for home improvements with the influence of Future Homes. We met Asa from Apeer and everything that he told us, and showed us, was at least what we were looking for. And then he improved it.”

Asa McGillian responded: “Apeer has always strived to design and produce products that are unique, or innovative or the highest performers in their sector, or all of those things – just as Residence Collection has with flush sash windows. And after I had the opportunity to show Sarah and her team our ideas for a premium, advanced specification door they told us that it was what they had been looking for… to be able to design and manufacture this collection under the Residence Collection name is very satisfying; we are delighted to partner and co-brand this range of doors with them.” www.apeer.co.uk

WE GO ABOVE

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From flat to lantern, walk-on to fully bespoke, we can work with you to help your customers let more daylight into their lives. And, with our highly dedicated and knowledgeable customer service team, online configuration and ordering, fast delivery and great value, here at Whitesales, we always go above.

To discover more and unwind on our exclusive stand at this year’s FitShow simply scan the QR Code below or visit whitesales.co.uk/fitshow

A Sneak Peek

The FIT Show provides the perfect platform to discover new tools on how to build a stronger business. We talk to Ron Crowl, general manager for the Window, Door & Glass vertical at Cyncly, to find out why.

Cyncly is the new international powerhouse behind a portfolio of software products developed for the window, door and glass industry in the UK.

Cyncly’s brands include First Degree Systems, SoftTech, FeneTech, and Contract ERP. On Stand Q15 at the FIT Show, they will be talking to customers and the wider industry about how they can help them achieve their goals.

“Our new brand, Cyncly, unites us and encompasses our passion to drive innovation to enable our customers to be more successful,” Cyncly’s general manager of Windows, Doors & Glass Ron Crowl says.

“We are transforming the way our customers do business enabling them to simplify complexity, grow sales, increase efficiency, and drive innovation.

“Bringing together best-inindustry solutions from all our brands, Cyncly helps everyone in the value chain make their work and the outcomes for their customers amazing.”

For many window fabricators, the Window Designer product range from Cyncly company First Degree Systems is the engine that drives their operations. Users typically purchase the software via a subscription model, and add modules as their business grows.

“For example, a small start-up may just have a chop saw and maybe three or four people on the shop floor,” Ron explains. “They will want to start with a simple configurator, but as

they grow, we have a product suite we can customise that will allow them to work smarter. This could include improved stock management, increased workflow, and better customer management.”

Ron explains that by drawing on the expertise in the rest of the group, Window Designer users will have access to a broad new product offering that will complement their existing fenestration software.

“And that’s what we can’t wait to talk about at the FIT Show,” Ron says. “Product development and innovation is happening right now, which will help simplify processes, improve efficiencies, and maximise margin.

“Since launching Cyncly, we’ve been talking to our existing Window Designer customers to discover what new innovations would improve their businesses. Since we now have more than 250 technical experts working across different product groups, we can develop new solutions that will help make our customers more efficient and

profitable.”

Ron explains that the demands on modern businesses are changing rapidly, and without the right systems in place to support growth, companies could lose out to competitors that have simply invested in the right software.

“Increasingly customers are focused on making the jump to online first and towards bigger suppliers while also dealing with rising raw materials and labour costs,” Ron explains. “The combination of Cyncly’s solutions gives our customers a head start in dealing with these challenges. Automation, machinery investment, increased workflow, efficient stockholding – this is the language of modern window, door and glass manufacture,

and it is helping to drive innovation in the UK today. Complementary software investment maximises the hardware investments by increasing workflow, optimising

inventory, and reducing error.

“Cyncly is investing in the software that underpins that innovation. Fundamentally, we want to transform the way our customers do business and enable them to simplify complexity, increase efficiency, and grow sales.

“We have developed a range of brands that offer customers at every level the opportunity to develop systemised processes to improve what they do, and win new business on the back of it.

“Come and visit us on stand Q15 at the FIT Show – close to the entrance of Hall 11 – where we will discuss how we can help you achieve your goals and overcome your challenges.”

www.firstdegreesystems.com

Ron Crowl

GGF Demonstrates Industry Support At FIT

In a bid to be more open, transparent and accessible, the GGF and its associate bodies, Fensa, BFRC (Window and Door Energy Ratings), Installsure (specialist insurance) and RISA (inspections), are inviting FIT Show visitors to stand T41 to find out more about the enormous number of initiatives and support services now on offer.

The GGF alone has launched a number of new initiatives in recent months including the Skilled Pathways Training scheme, Window of Opportunity research and the glass recycling scheme as Tom Butler, head of sales & marketing explains: “The GGF Group continually researches, develops and launches initiatives designed to provide members and non-

members with valuable and tangible support. The GGF and its sister organisations have also been responsible for launching Pulse Testing to assess trickle vent requirements on a property, which has been a huge help to installation businesses previously worried about the change in Building Regulations. The new glass recycling scheme is also a welcome addition to the already successful recycling programmes for PVC-U and aluminium frames.

“We invite visitors to the FIT Show to come and find out what we are about! We welcome the opportunity to actually meet the people we serve who are at the coalface every day. Meeting people face-to-face allows both parties to understand each other better so we want visitors to

‘come and press the flesh’ to find out more about each of the organisations in the group, and how they work.”

In addition to the number of new initiatives launched by the GGF in recent months, GGF officers believe that FIT Show presents a rare opportunity for visitors to learn more about the organisations that represent the UK glass and glazing industry and thousands of member companies. The FIT Show also provides an ideal forum at which visitors may discuss and book new and other services.

“The GGF Group will have staff on hand throughout the FIT Show to discuss all of the initiatives and support services that it provides for every level of the glass and glazing industry,” concludes Tom, “so we hope the industry takes advantage of what will probably be the best opportunity we will have for a couple of years to meet and find out more about each other.”

Everglade Windows & Business Pilot Mixing Things Up At FIT Show

Everglade Windows and Business Pilot are mixing things up at FIT Show 2023 with another cocktail party for Late Night Wednesday.

Jay Patel, director at Everglade Windows says: “FIT Show 2022 marked the inaugural joint Business Pilot & Everglade Windows cocktail party, which went down a storm with visitors to the show. It gave us a great opportunity to chat with customers, many of whom are regular users of the Business Pilot CRM system, and enjoy a few on-brand cocktails with them.

“This year, our signature aïr cocktail will be served alongside espresso martinis as well as

Business Pilot Blue Mojitos and a new concoction from our expert on-stand mixologists.”

Elton Boocock, managing director at Business Pilot said: “The guys at Everglade Windows are so well-known for their hospitality, it just makes sense

Gain clarity with digital transformation

to team up with them for a fun evening of networking. We’re inviting all FIT Show visitors and our industry friends to join us for a cocktail or two on Wednesday – it’s a great chance to winddown after two busy days at the show.”

Jay adds: “We have a longstanding partnership with the Business Pilot team and shortly after FIT Show, they will be joining us for ‘Evolve 23’ – our 2023 trade customer conference which is being held at our HQ in London on 8 June.”

Visitors to FIT Show can join Business Pilot and Everglade Windows for a mojito, espresso martini or aïr signature cocktail on Stand S41 in Hall 9 from 5pm on Wednesday 24 May.

www.evergladetrade.co.uk

Celebrate In Style With SupaLite At 2023 FIT Show

To celebrate its tenth consecutive FIT Show in style, tiled roof specialists SupaLite has designed its very own limited edition beer for all visitors to enjoy.

The team, which has attended every FIT Show since the exhibition first launched in 2013, has gone over and above for this year’s event which runs from 23 –25 May by creating two uniquely designed drinks to hand out to guests at the SupaLite bar.

Specially brewed at the Chain House Brewery in Preston by several members of the SupaLite team, Supa-Lite is a pale ale, while Supa-Strong is – as its name suggests – a stronger beer for those brave enough to give it a try. The free beer will be available for just a short time so visitors should

make the trip to the SupaLite bar before it runs out.

This planned celebration coincides with the unveiling of a brand-new SupaLite product which the team will be officially announcing at the exhibition in just a few weeks.

Although the Preston-based company is remaining tightlipped for now about exactly what this new product is, the team is confident the innovative solution won’t disappoint, as it’s guaranteed to give installers more choice so that they can widen their own offering.

Cassie Watters, marketing manager at SupaLite, said: “We’re launching something very exciting at the FIT Show so what better

way to celebrate than with our very own SupaLite beer?

“We always enjoy attending the exhibition, and the fact we’re now marking our tenth year is a testament to this. We wanted to do something very special for visitors this year because we always find it so valuable to meet with both existing and new customers face-to-face.

“There are just a few weeks to go, and we can’t wait to catch up with everyone over a nice refreshing beer.”

Visit stand N31 between 23 – 25 May to see the launch of the latest SupaLite product and enjoy a pint with the team. www.supaliteroof.co.uk

Pull Handles For An Exceptional Entrance

Door manufacturers are continuously pushing the envelope to craft entrance doors with the best durability, thermal efficiency, and aesthetics that deliver exceptional kerb appeal. The

front entrance door marks the beginning of the journey for homeowners and visitors alike, each carefully considered detail including the hardware must be perfect in capturing the narrative for the quality behind

the door.

Coastal Group believe it’s fundamental that doors of this quality must be paired with hardware that matches, outlining their flagship BLU range of pull handles as the “statement ironmongery” that truly makes an exceptional entrance.

“The handle is often the first thing touched on front entrance doors, so we’ve gone the extra mile to ensure the right impression is given,” comments Coastal Group head of sales, Adrian Welch. “Each of our pull handles are precision engineered with an extra

finishing process to create a smooth super-satin finish for the highest-quality look and feel”.

Coastal Group attribute advanced engineering capabilities that set their pull handle range apart from the rest.

The company offers a wide range of pull handle designs in their BLU range to suit various door styles – from inline to offset, round to square, rectangle and curved as well as a range of size and fixing methods.

However, perhaps the most popular addition to the range

has been the introduction of black pull handles. “Black ironmongery is becoming more and more sought after by homeowners to achieve the sleek, contemporary look,” continues Adrian Welch. “Our new BLU PVD stainless satin black pull handles are the perfect accompaniment for modern contemporary doors”.

The Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) finish process provides an ultra-thin, extremely strong protective layer on top of the hardware, giving the black pull handles a more premium look which showcases the satin grain of the stainless steel. The PVD process is the same as

used by many high-end watch manufacturers to achieve the desired premium look and feel of their watches.

“Our customers often outline how the pull handles being part of a suited range of matching furniture including door knockers, letter plates and escutcheons is a major benefit to their offering,” says managing director Loren Jenner. “Maintaining a consistent look and feel across the furniture on your front entrance door emphasises that ‘wow factor’ homeowners are searching for. We’ve even introduced smart access technology through our BLU-e biometric pull handle”.

The BLU range of pull handles continues to gather recognition as a hallmark of quality on front entrances. A leading composite door manufacturer comments: “We were introduced to the BLU range of door hardware after we were let down by a supplier. Coastal were able to step in and deliver a great service and great product. We were impressed from the start as they not only got us out of a potential hole but were happy to go the extra mile for us.”

Manufactured from the 316 Marine Grade Stainless Steel, the reassuringly robust BLU range of pull handles come with a lifetime guarantee. Coastal says this gives peace of mind to manufacturers and installers that wherever in the world your doors are fitted, they won’t be let down by ironmongery that rusts and fails.

Coastal outline they have recently doubled their stockholding capabilities by adding a second warehouse, allowing them to maintain a large stockholding across their range of pull handles.

For more information email kevin.richards@coastal-group.com

Sigma Hinge Family Set To Expand

VBH, the hardware manufacturer behind the greenteQ range, has announced that the Sigma door hinge ‘family’ is being bolstered by two new additions this spring.

Sigma is the umbrella name for the entire greenteQ resi-door hinge range that, until now, includes three models to suit PVCu and composite doors.

Firstly, the company has recently launched a new butt hinge for aluminium entrance doors. The hinge will carry sashes weighing up to 90KG and is available in white, black, anthracite grey and F1 silver anodised finishes. VBH advise that no jigs are required to fit the hinge, known as the Sigma Aluminium Butt Hinge.

Following closely behind is the

Sigma Velocity Hinge for rebated doors. The 2-knuckle construction T-Hinge design provides an alternative to the popular Sigma Flag hinge, which VBH advises is still immensely popular with fabricators and installers.

Building on the jigless theme of the Aluminium Butt Hinge, once Velocity’s frame part has been positioned and fixed using a jig and the supplied screws, the sash part is ‘self-locates’ prior to fixing. This, coupled with the fact that the hinges are supplied pre-assembled means that fitting is reportedly very quick.

Rob Norman, business development director at VBH, says, “Like the original Sigma Flag, Velocity carries 100KG doors and provides full 3-D adjustment.

Total Hardware Adds Ionic Electronic Lock By Fullex-Ai To Its Range

Independent hardware supplier Total Hardware has just added the new Ionic Electronic Lock by Fullex-ai to its range. Suitable for timber, aluminium and composite doors using a 45mm lock backset, the smartphone-operated lock is ideal for both domestic properties and social housing.

Chris Pell, general manager at Total Hardware, said: “The new Ionic door lock is the next generation of smart technology. It’s secure, easy to use and gives our customers a competitive choice advantage.”

The Ionic Electronic Lock is quick

and easy to install, making it perfect for factory fitting, and is operated using a simple-to-use smartphone app. An infinite number of users can be registered on the app and up to 1,500 users on the lock itself. The app has an administrator function that includes an access protocol feature that shows which users

It’s been developed in response to calls for a compact unit that speeds up production times on the bench.”

Sigma Velocity has been successfully tested to PAS24:2022 as part of a PVCu door assembly, and is approved for use on installations that are covered by the Q-secure consumer security guarantee.

Velocity is available in eight colours of VBH’s greenteQ Suite of matching resi-door, patio door and window furniture, which comes with a minimum ten-year mechanical and surface guarantee on all finishes. www.vbhgb.com

have opened the door.

The Ionic Electronic Lock is a good example of Total Hardware’s commitment to keeping its finger on the pulse and having the products to meet market demand. It works hard to maintain high stock levels to ensure it can keep pace and offers rapid turnaround times from quotation to despatch, including reliable next day deliveries nationwide.

Chris concluded: “We’ve built our business on offering the products our customers need with the service they have a right to expect. We’re delighted to be adding the Ionic Electronic Lock to our range and confident that our customers will be impressed by the quality and performance of the product and the added-value benefits it offers.”

www.totalhardwareltd.co.uk

Why fit BLU™

316 (A4) Stainless Steel Pull Handles?

y A Lifetime Guarantee to back-up your door’s guarantee

y Quicker to fit with only 2 fixing points

y Made from 316 (A4) Stainless Steel to withstand corrosion

y Higher strength and thicker inner wall to prevent handle bend

y Additional finishing processes ensure quality your customers can feel

y Suited range of door and window hardware

Take action now to give your doors the competitive edge and win more orders -

Email brooklyn.jenner@coastal-group.com

to ask about a sample for your showroom

Making Doors Special

Kit-Fab Supplies Chooses Carl F Groupco For Hardware Success

Kit-Fab Supplies of County Limerick, Ireland, have been sourcing Roto Inowa Hardware from independent hardware supplier Carl F Groupco for three years. Barclay Costello, managing director at Kit-Fab Supplies, says the Roto hardware more than fits the bill, while the partnership with Carl F Groupco has added even more value. He said: “This partnership has been the key to success with this fantastic product. Trade customers are delighted with the weather tightness, ease of operation and installation.”

Justin Costello, promotion manager at Kit-Fab Supplies, said: “There are many considerations when you choose a supplier to support your business. Quality and reliability are two immediate factors, but you also need access to the best range of products that present a tangible high-quality difference to your offering and we get that from the Inowa hardware range supplied by Carl F Groupco.“

The popular Smart-Slide Door design allows the door sash to slide smoothly and freely. Once the handles are engaged, the sash moves out from the frame and slides free from all seals. The Roto Inowa sliding door hardware wraps the sash with rollers top and bottom and has locking on both the verticals, delivering extra security and weathertightness as the door sash is locked and compressed against gasket seals on all sides, claims the company.

Justin commented: “We have had nothing but great reviews for the Smart-Slide Door since we started manufacturing it three years ago. The high-quality credentials of the Roto Inowa sliding door hardware is part of that success.”

Carl F Groupco is a major stockist of Roto hardware, and Julie Warner, Carl F Groupco’s Roto product manager, said: “The Roto Patio Inowa range is a prevalent choice for customers looking to differentiate their offer. It meets the stringent requirements of the BS EN 13126-17 rain and air impermeability tests and can achieve PAS 24 compliance with its secure locking points in the mullion, V-locking cams and its lockable handle with drilling protection. Every element of the hardware range is of the highest quality, something that’s appreciated by Kit-Fab Supplies.”

Founded in 1979, the Costello family-run business is committed to the highest standards by offering the best-in-class products. It operates from a 13acre factory located in Glin, County Limerick, and employs 60 skilled staff.

Carl F Groupco provides an extensive range of premium quality window and door hardware and has long-standing relationships with Europe’s most innovative manufacturers. It prides itself on exceptional customer service, offering short lead times and an OTIF target of 98%. The company also offers a value-added consultancy service, testing and working with its customers’ fabrication teams and manufacturer partners to scope new hardware solutions and ensure smooth transitions to new ranges, says the company.

It’s a service that will prove invaluable to Kit-Fab Supplies because it’s about to start using Roto NT Tilt and Turn Hardware on its products. It’s proof that the recently-formed partnership with Carl F Groupco is set to get even stronger. www.carlfgroupco.co.uk

Debar Launches Strong And Compact Lock For Slim Bi-Fold Profile

Bi-fold hardware manufacturer Debar has launched a strong and compact lock for slim bi-folding door profiles.

Allowing for increased sightlines without compromising security and only 26.5mm wide, the Robus Compact is made from highstrength zinc diecast and has been properly coated making the product fully corrosion-resistant, claims the company.

Suitable for residential and

commercial applications, Robus Compact provides two points of engagement to secure the top and bottom of the door panel. Plus, the threaded rod connections provide easy adjustment and tolerances for improved performance. The smaller size and design of the lock certainly doesn’t impact the end result as Robus Compact is incredibly secure and can achieve an impressive 90Nm Torque, says the company.

Like all Debar products, this

New Second Generation 3 Star Cylinder From Kenrick

Kenrick has unveiled its second generation 3 star high security cylinder, which has been approved to TS007: 2014 British Standard rating – the highest level of certification currently available. Now featuring a brass barrel and a nickel cylinder, Kenrick says the euro cylinder is Anti-Snap, AntiPick, Anti-Bump, Anti-Screw, AntiDrill and Anti-Pull, making it the company’s most secure cylinder ever.

Endorsed by the Police Secured by Design scheme, the cylinder features multiple high security pins to provide maximum security and ‘excellent’ resistance against all known cylinder attack methods.

The cylinder meets the standards of TS007 on both sides of the

cylinder, which means that fabricators only need to stock one cylinder for both open in and open out doors. It’s also compatible with an A1 key blank, so homeowners can easily buy additional keys from the high street if they need to.

Steve Williams, Kenrick’s sales and marketing director, says: “In 2021/2022, there were more than 192,000 burglaries reported in England and Wales, which equates

slimline lock will also undergo PAS 24 testing to measure its security performance to guarantee it is incredibly difficult for intruders to force entry.

Marjanas Petraitis, technical manager at Debar, comments: “Our new Robus Compact is a fantastic addition to our wellestablished bi-fold lock range.

“For many years we have led the way in the market for designing and manufacturing high-quality bi-fold hardware and components, and the brand-new Robus Compact is no exception. As its name suggests, this lock is small in size making it the perfect match for a slim bi-fold profile.

“This is one of the slimmest locking bi-fold gear boxes with the largest lock throw of 24mm. Compatible with any existing Debar handle, Robus Compact delivers outstanding security, incredible functionality and even protection in extreme weather.”

to over 500 burglaries a day. And, with a door being used to gain access in more than 70% of burglaries, the choice of hardware is really important.

“We’re delighted to launch our new second generation 3 star cylinder, which eliminates any possibility of tampering with the cylinder through picking, drilling, snapping, bumping, pulling, drilling or screwing, therefore offering maximum protection for homeowners.”

The cylinder comes in a polished brass or a nickel plated finish and can be easily retro-fitted with no additional preparation. It is available as Paired Alike or Thumb Turn and in all sizes from 70mm to 110mm in 5mm increments. The cylinder has also been tested to 100,000 cycles and comes with a 10-year mechanical guarantee.

www.kenricks.co.uk

Innovation Tour Will Launch The Maco Smart Home Solution

Maco are set increase their offering for those looking for a smarter home with the launch of a window and sliding door solution on the upcoming Maco Innovation Tour.

The Maco Door range now enables multiple locking styles to be integrated within the Instinct app. The A-TS, M-TS and Instinct by Maco can all be combined within the one app, enabling users to define access permissions easily and for each person individually, says the company.

According to Maco, common everyday problems like making a key available to cleaners, tradespeople, or delivery drivers are resolved with a tap of your finger. You can define one-time entry permission whenever you want, even if you’re not at home. If you want to let people in and out as they please during a specific time period, you can use the day-release function; this lets everybody use the door whenever they want.

There’s also optional childproofing. When activated children can’t leave the house unsupervised.

The reporting function gives you a complete overview of every time the door was opened from inside and outside. The company claim you get full control along with maximum data protection to match the physical security of a Maco door lock. Ease of function is ensured as all three lock variants automatically engage and secure your home when the door is closed.

From Homeowners wanting simple security status alerts on their phones and ask Alexa or Google, to those that want their windows to be integrated within their wider homes’ smart capabilities. This could be from a window opening in one room and then the heating automatically switching off to the window closing and the heating switching back on again. The Maco sensors allow integration with a full range of smart home solutions that suit the user’s preferences. This gives total flexibility to each home but at the heart of it ensures that everything is secure. The Solution not only works within residential homes but also within commercial operations such as schools, care homes and

offices, claims the company.

The Maco solution is also flexible, as it can be fitted and set up at any stage within the window fabrication and installation process. This enables any part of the supply chain from architects, fabricators, installers and homeowners to be as involved as much as they would like to be.

Fabricators can create a smart door & window in their factory adding value from the top of the supply chain, or give the options to the installers, even the homeowners if they then want to make their windows smart. The totally wireless window smart solution from Maco provides an impressive battery life of 5 years, says the company, and they are already working on how this can be increased further.

The Maco smart solution will be taking centre stage at this year’s FIT Show to celebrate a decade of our partnership. It seems fitting that 10 years after launching the M-SPAG espag solution that was then superseded by the MKV launched also at FIT Show, that the Smart solution is to be launched at this anniversary exhibition.

However, you don’t have to wait for FIT Show with the Maco Innovation Tour providing pre-events leading up to the flagship exhibition. You can Book onto the Maco Innovation here –

https://bit.ly/BookInnovationTour

Listers

Launches Smart Hook And Shoot-Bolt Window Lock

Listers has added a new highperformance bi-directional hook and shoot-bolt window lock from Avantis, to its range.

Engineered to withstand more than 4.5 kilonewtons of end load, the PAS24 and Secured by Design accredited mechanism is built around a unique bidirectional gearbox.

Combined with the largest bi-directional locking hooks of any window lock, reinforced keeps, plus high tolerance and adjustable mushroom cams, the next generation

locking mechanism delivers an enhanced level of security, compression and weather sealing, claims the company.

Tested to 50,000 cycles and backed by a 10-year guarantee, it also fully integrates with Kubu, the smart home security system, giving end-users real time updates on the status and security of their homes as Roy Frost, managing director, Listers explained.

“The Avantis Superior lock has been engineered to be among the most secure window

locks on the market, with high tolerances and easy adjustment, making windows that use it, a trouble-free and easy install”, he said.

Roy continued: “Even without the Kubu integration, it’s one of the best window locks available. With it, the Avantis Superior Lock delivers a new set of enduser benefits, including real time notifications on the status of windows straight to their phone, through the Kubu smart home hub and app.

Smart enabled, the Avantis Superior Lock uses the new Kubu floating window sensor. This determines if the window is opened, closed, secure or on a vent setting. It also sends an alert to end-users if the window is forced or under attack.

Kubu can also be fully integrated with other devices, including Amazon Alexa or Google Nest, as part of a complete smart home ecosystem.

“We already offer Kubu across our Gallery44 composite door range, so the addition of the Superior Kubu enabled lock is complementary and allows our customers to pitch a complete smart home solution”, Roy added.

He continued: “What our customers are getting, regardless of if they choose to promote Kubu or not, is a very ‘smart’ locking system, which has been intelligently engineered to deliver an enhanced level of security, while also guaranteeing through-life performance.

“It gives our customers a new platform to sell on PAS24, Secured by Design, and, or smart. That’s a great story for retail.”

The Avantis Superior Lock is available immediately on Listers Eurologik window offer and will be extended across Listers casement window offer.

www.listerwindows.co.uk

Yale Expands Senscheck Compatibility With Mantis 4

Building on the success of the SensCheck range, Yale has announced that the Mantis 4 multipoint door lock has been added to the ever-growing list of products which are now compatible with the integrated smart window and door lock sensors.

Alongside Mantis 4, Yale’s Lockmaster 21 door lock and several of its largest-selling window lock ranges, including the Rapide and Yale Shootbolt systems, are all compatible with the Yale SensCheck door and window sensor range. The business also has developments in the pipeline for further hardware compatibility later this year.

Paul Atkinson, managing director at Yale, comments: “The Mantis 4 is the most advanced multipoint lock in our Mantis range yet. It offers outstanding security, functionality, and aesthetics and we are pleased to announce that it is also now Yale SensCheck compatible.”

With Yale SensCheck, homeowners are notified via the Yale Smart Living Home App if their doors are open or closed, locked or unlocked. The range has been accredited with the BSI kitemark for the Internet of Things (IoT). This, says Yale, provides a guarantee that it has been rigorously tested to ensure that it is safe, secure and functions properly as part of an ecosystem of connected products. It is also compatible with leading voice partners Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant

Paul adds: “Since its launch, we’ve seen huge interest and demand for Yale SensCheck sensors, as window and door fabricators look to add smart features into their offerings and we are ‘onboarding’ customers as fast as we can. There are now showrooms across the country that have been fitted out with Yale SensCheck to promote the benefits of this Secured by Design (SBD) ‘Secure Connected Device’ accredited range.”

https://bit.ly/3LwAQWE

Delivering On Style And Substance, Says Carl F Groupco

Independent hardware supplier Carl F Groupco says that when it comes to door hardware, product performance should always be the top priority. John Crittenden, managing director of Carl F Groupco, commented: “The aesthetics of door hardware can have big impact on the overall look and feel of a project. But, as an essential component part for any home or building, product performance should always be the top priority, so it’s essential to prioritise it when selecting your choice of door handles.”

John highlights one product that delivers on both objectives: the Hoppe Arrone Lever/Lever Handle Set. He says: “Product performance is a vital part of customer satisfaction, so it’s essential to prioritise it when selecting your choice of handles. Fortunately, with the Hoppe Arrone handle, there’s no need to compromise.”

Suitable for use on PVC-U and composite doors, the Hoppe Arrone Lever/Lever Handle Set comes in a range of seven contemporary colour finishes,

including colour-matched fixings, to make it easy to find the perfect handle aesthetic. It features a long backplate with 92mm PZ centres and is reverse handed to reduce stockholding. It’s also part of a broader product suite that offers everything an entrance door needs, including numerals, spyholes, door knockers and letterplates, says the company.

Available in zinc alloy and aluminium construction variants, the handle has been extensively quality tested to ensure fabricators, installers and homeowners all benefit from the added confidence and reassurance that the Arrone brand promise provides.

This includes durability testing to 200,000 cycles. It also includes corrosion salt spray testing to grade 5, which requires 480 hours of salt spray testing, although the handle was tested to 1,000 hours with no impact on performance. To demonstrate the quality of the handle, it comes with a 10-year guarantee on the mechanical operation, claims the company.

The Hoppe Arrone Lever/Lever Handle Set is just one example from Carl F Groupco’s portfolio of a product that delivers on both style and performance. John also highlights the Atlanta PAS 24 handle, which is fully tested to the latest PAS 24 requirements. There are also Hoppe Arrone Pull Handles and the Yale Elite T-Bar Pull Handle for projects that need a high-quality, contemporary finish.

All these products are just a snapshot of the extensive range of premium quality window and door hardware that Carl F Groupco supplies. It has long-standing relationships with Europe’s most innovative manufacturers and focuses on offering the breadth, depth and quality that today’s industry demands.

Strand Hardware Makes Its Mark

Strand Hardware has made its mark – completing UKCA compliancy more than a year ahead of the new deadline.

It completed certifications for all its Panic Hardware product ranges – 290 products in total – at the end of last year, in preparation for the original deadline.

The original deadline was intended to be 1 January 2023 but the Government announced an extension, as many companies were simply not ready.

The new requirement is

compulsory for products which fall within the scope of a ‘harmonised/designated standard’ being made available for sale in the UK. They can continue to be CE marked until 30 June 2025 under a ‘presumption of conformity’.

Strand Hardware operations director Jo Walls said that she was delighted that Strand was fully prepared and had made the transition ahead of schedule.

“We completed our requirements towards the end of last year. We are ready! And have everything

Jo Wallis

in place for the new deadline and have begun to mark our products with the required UKCA markings. Our Declaration of Performance (DOPs), fitting instructions, labelling and certification have all been completed and the DoPs are available on our website for download.”

www.strandhardware.co.uk

Sales Director Carl F Groupco

Hardware

John Duggan Rapid PVCu Systems

The Carl F Groupco team fully understand our business and our demands for high security hardware – they are knowledgeable, reliable and they deliver.”

Summer Ambience From TuffX

Long summer nights are coming and for one homeowner in Coleraine, Northern Ireland, this posed the question: how best to enjoy the garden as the sun goes down? Hampton Conservatories had the answer, and called glass specialists TuffX to help them achieve it.

An eight-pane timber glazed

conservatory with bifold doors and roof lantern provided the customer with the perfect space to entertain and enjoy whatever the temperamental summer weather the country’s north coast might bring. Finished in brilliant white, the new room made a perfect addition to the house, matching the elegant sense of grandeur that the large, detached

property and gardens enjoy.

Twenty-six Ambience glass units were ordered to complete the roof lantern. These units used a combination of 4mm clear, low E toughened glass panes and 4mm self-cleaning clear toughened glass which remains cleaner for longer with optimum clarity, keeping maintenance to a minimum for the owner, says the company.

Hampton Conservatories’ managing director, Mervyn Montgomery said: “The customer was after an indoor-outdoor feel with lots of light, extending the property out into the generous

garden to better enjoy summer evenings. A roof lantern gives the room additional height and light, and TuffX’s Ambience roof glass guarantees high performance in terms of temperature control, durability, maintenance and aesthetics.”

The new room is already proving popular as Hampton Conservatories have received enquiries from the client’s friends, who have been able to see for themselves what a light, airy yet temperate addition to a home a conservatory topped with TuffX’s Ambience roof glass can offer.

www.tuffxglass.co.uk

Let The Light In With Building Superstore

Building Superstore, part of builders’ merchant CMO Group PLC, is helping builders and contractors get a clearer view on how to work with roof windows and sky lights by extending its product choice and expert technical support.

Building Superstore provides trade customers with a dedicated account service and access to over 100,000 products via CMO’s eight specialist superstores, including Roofing Superstore which is the largest online retailer of Velux products in the UK, claims the company. The extensive range of roof windows that are available now includes Velux’s innovative Pivot 2-in-1 system which offers the perfect balance between natural light and natural ventilation.

Building Superstore’s experienced customer service team is well placed to offer technical support to help with the design, installation, and maintenance of roof windows for both pitched and flat roof constructions. From loft conversions and refurbishment projects to new build residential

and commercial schemes, the team can provide guidance on how rooflights can reduce heat loss and manage the risk of solar gain and overheating to create cost-effective interiors that are comfortable all year long. Technical support is also available to ensure compliance with the necessary Building Regulations including Part L.

By opening a trade account with Building Superstore, trade contactors will also have access to the online merchant’s full range of Velux windows, which comprises a variety of styles, including top hung, centre pivot, rooflights, conservation roof windows and roof balcony systems.

Building Superstore can provide reliable deliveries and short lead times, with trade accounts available as both cash and credit. Trade customers can also take advantage of exclusive discounts, rebates and special offers and will have a dedicated account manager assigned to oversee their orders from start to finish.

buildingsuperstore.co.uk

The Residence Collection Launches New Concealed Trickle Vent

The Residence Collection has unveiled a new concealed trickle vent cover, in line with new legislation and tested in accordance with BS EN 13141-1.

From 15th June 2022, Part F Building Regulations were changed; any windows that are installed must comply with new trickle vent regulations to ensure every home receives adequate ventilation.

Although trickle vents can be seen as unsightly and spoil the look of new windows, The Residence Collection’s new concealed trickle vent cover combats this, by using a trickle vent cover which conveniently hides the trickle vent from view, and also acts as a head drip to divert water away from windows.

This ensures that the trickle vent is out of view, and, says The Residence Collection, the stunning finish of the windows is not compromised.

The concealed trickle vents are specifically designed to fit with The Residence Collection’s R9, R7, R2 window collections and the aluminium cover is available in a range of finishes to match the window’s main profile, including powder coated and foil finish, to ensure they are as hidden and concealed as possible.

The concealed trickle vent cover (patent pending number GB2305143.6 and design pending GB6274085, GB6274086, GB6274087, 6274088) will be available to all fabricators and installers of The

Residence Collection, ensuring that customers’ windows are as visually appealing as they are practical. And with the unpredictability of the English weather, The Residence Collection says the concealed trickle vents will help to reduce condensation by increasing ventilation in the home, without customers noticing that they’re even there.

Sarah Hitchings, sales and marketing director at The Residence Collection, comments: “We’re all very excited about the launch of our new concealed trickle vent cover that perfectly complements our systems and will be of real benefit to our customers. New legislation states that any newly installed windows must have trickle vents to ensure that each home receives adequate ventilation and we’re pleased that any windows from our collections have the option of a fantastic product that will benefit them, keeping the trickle vent concealed and the beautiful aesthetics of the windows uncompromised.”

Aluprof

Launches New Window And Door System

By Wojciech Brożyna – MD of Aluprof UK

It is not often that a new aluminium system enters the market which ticks all the boxes, but the new MB-79N from Aluprof seems to do just that. Successor to the company’s highly popular MB-70 system, the highly anticipated new system provides excellent thermal insulation properties within a 70mm frame. With a Uw starting at just 0.72 W/ (m2K) and available as an open in/ out window or door and fixed light

arrangements, the system is set to become a favourite with many specifiers offering exceptional performance, durability, and aesthetics for both residential and commercial projects.

Thermal efficiency of the new system is achieved through the use of advanced thermal break technology, multi-chamber profiles and high-quality insulation materials, which help to create a highly effective reduction of thermal conductivity for heat transfer. These features help

create a comfortable and energyefficient indoor environment all year round.

The MB-79N aluminium system joins a wide range of architectural aluminium systems provided by the European systems company. UK managing director, Wojciech Brozyna explains the design concept behind the new system, “The Aluprof product portfolio includes many popular systems favoured in the UK. However, our customers are asking us to reduce frame sizes and optimise the design to provide a competitive system. We believe the MB-79N system accomplishes that, and showing our commitment to the UK architectural market we have suited into the new system an open-out window arrangement as well. We believe it will be a gamechanger for architects, designers, and developers who prioritise sustainability, performance, and aesthetics in their projects.”

Similar to other Aluprof systems, the MB-79N profiles are available in three thermally efficient variants. The economical version, MB-79N E, features a one component central seal. The MB-79N ST version is offered with a two component central seal and the MB-79N SI variant is provided with a two component central seal along with inserts of thermal insulation cores. For external doors, Aluprof also offers the MB-

MB-79N Open In – Tilt & Turn Window

79N SI+ variant that comes with a internal perimeter gasket and insulation cores inside the profiles.

Together with thermally efficient framing profiles the new system can accommodate double or triple glazed units up to 63 mm thickness in windows and up to 54mm thickness in doors. These options make it possible to specify common thickness of glazed units, including acoustic glazing. Furthermore the MB79N System is designed to offer security doors, rated RC1 to RC3 including the option of providing panel doors in a wide range of designs.

Direct Trade Windows Adds Slimline Sliding Pocket Doors To Product Portfolio

MB-79N is also compatible with two existing Aluprof systems, the MB-86 and the MB-104 Passive, both of which are well known to the company’s customers. These systems share the same accessories and gaskets with popular multi-point locking systems by renowned companies such as Roto, FUHR and GEZE.

The MB-79N system is backed by extensive research, development, and testing, ensuring compliance with the latest industry standards and regulations. Aluprof UK also provides comprehensive technical support, including specification and design assistance, installation guidance, and after-sales service, to ensure a smooth and successful implementation of the MB-79N system in any project.

aluprof.co.uk

Aluminium window and door manufacturer Direct Trade Windows says it is right on trend for 2023 with its new range of slimline sliding pocket doors.

The Slough-based firm aims to meet ever-increasing customer demand for the stylish and elegant external pocket doors by introducing the Cor Vision range from Cortizo. These sliding pocket doors are the epitome of minimalist luxury living, giving homeowners a cool and subtle way of handling their space.

According to Direct Trade Windows, with a very low U-value of 1.3 W/m²K and 20mm sightlines, these pocket doors are exceptionally strong, but are also lightweight and can be supplied in various bespoke configurations.

Sliding pocket doors are installed with recessed or ceiling tracks to ensure that the tracking doesn’t

create a raised threshold or tripping hazard. They can also be installed with kick panels to prevent accidental damage.

Direct Trade Windows director AJ Hassanali comments: “We’re really pleased to be adding these excellent slimline pocket doors to our range of products. They’re right on trend because they make any space feel light and luxurious. Because they slide into their own pocket, dividing the space only when necessary, they have that ‘wow factor’ we’re all looking for when it comes to home improvements.

“The pocket doors complement our existing range very well. Aluminium has come into its own in recent years, as installers and homeowners see the benefits of a strong but aesthetically pleasing material that is also fully recyclable.”

www.directtradewindows.co.uk

MB-79N Door

Lower Cost Manufacture. Lower Emissions.

only because we want to lower our impact on the environment. It’s also because our customers are now asking us for evidence to show what we’re doing in our business, to lower our carbon footprint and how we are progressing to net zero.”

Set up more than three-decades ago, Abbey Glass today works with some of the UK’s leading retail, Hospitality and leisure brands, with Whitbread, Marriott Hotels, JD Wetherspoon, The Ivy, Easy Hotel and Point A Hotels on its ever growing client list.

It is the relationship with Whitbread, and particularly the Premier Inn brand, which was critical in driving Abbey Glass’ growth.

With wastewater and the carbon emissions generated in treating it, in focus, we find out how Abbey Glass is using Bohle’s sedimentor technology to lower energy usage, save money and drive an up-tick in

product quality.

“Sustainability is becoming increasingly important for us” says Angela Worgan, managing director of Abbey Glass. “It’s not

“Premier Inn by Whitbread is one of our biggest clients”, Angela continues. “They have an expectation that their suppliers are working to minimise their environemntal impact, their energy usage and their carbon footprint.

“There is a very clear expectation

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Richard Timson, facilities manager at Abbey Glass

Angela Worgan, managing director of Abbey Glass

in hospitality and leisure that the sector wants to work with suppliers who are taking their commitment to the environment seriously, who can demonstrate what they’re doing and evidence improvements.”

Glass processors use water in large volumes, the treatment of which contributes to the 2.3 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalents (MtCO2e) produced by the water industry in treatment of wastewater each year). It also adds significant cost to production, either in the form of management or lower product quality because of contamination. This includes significantly reducing the lifespan of tooling and concretion of glass finings within the machine and tanks.

The cost of cleaning or changing coolant also quickly adds up. According to Bohle using just 400 litres of water as part of your weekly cleaning cycle equates to a yearly water consumption of approx. 20,000 litres as well as high cost for its disposal.

“Some of our tanks can hold up to 3,000litres”, continues Angela, “so it’s very important that we re-use and recycle as much of it as we can from an environmental perspective, but also an operational one”, she explains.

The glass processing industry has traditionally relied on centrifugal water cleaning systems, however, according to Bohle, these can’t filter glass particles < 5 µm. This is something which, it argues, can over time, contribute to lower product quality and a build-up of concretion in the machine and its tanks.

It gets over this problem through an alternative system. Suitable for a wide assortment of grinding, drilling and sawing glass equipment, Bohle sedimentors use a sophisticated and automated,

multi-stage process to remove contaminants from coolants and water. This includes filtering of glass particles of < 5 µm or less but doing so using far less energy.

Another key feature of Bohle’s range is that it uses a ‘bypass system’ for batch cleansing. This isolates water, coolant and flocculant, from the line during the cleaning process, completely eliminating the potential risk from flocculant contamination and tool damage.

In addition to giving glass processors as much as a day’s production back a week, improved product quality and increased service life of tooling Bohle says its range of sedimentors also trim around 10 per cent off the costs of water disposal, paying back against purchase costs in as little as a year.

Abbey Glass installed a Bohle Sedimentor 2.4 to its twelvespindle straight-line edger in summer 2022. Almost a year on, Richard Timson, facilities manager at Abbey Glass, said that product quality was up and water consumption significantly down.

“We wanted to lower our water consumption but also capture waste from processing, more effectively”, Richard explains.

“It [the Bohle Sedimentor 2.4] was a compact sized machine for our shop floor, which was important because space is fairly limited.

“The operation is extremely simple and you only use flocculant. The machine basically runs itself, you basically change the bag every week and that’s it.”

With its second sedimentor already on order, Abbey Glass is looking to add sedimentors to all of its glass processing and CNC lines.

Tax breaks to invest in sedimentor technologies

The Government unveiled its replacement for the superdeduction scheme in March’s budget.

The super-deduction scheme was launched by Chancellor Rishi Sunak on 1st April 2021 and allowed companies to access a capital allowance of 130% on qualifying plant and machinery investments.

Prior to this this capital investments would either fall within a company’s annual investment allowance and produce relief of only £19,000 or alternatively be tax-relieved at 18 per cent of the cost per annum.

At face value the new scheme which will run until March 2026, lowers the tax break by only allowing companies to deduct 100% of the cost (not the 130% under the super-deduction). Given the increase in corporation tax from 19 to 25%, however, the value remains roughly the same at 25p per £1 of investment.

There are restrictions on what qualifies under the scheme but investments which make your business more efficient are in practical terms, for example sedimentors, are easier to secure.

Closing thoughts

“So in terms of the operation and how the machinery performs, we found that as well as lowering our operational costs and water usage, the quality of our edge work is also much better”, Angela continues

“We’re also not having so much downtime to clean and do housekeeping so that means we can get more glass through our factory in less time, using less energy and delivering better quality for our customers.

“We’re seeing a commercial as well as an environmental benefit.” www.bohle.com

Rehau And Allied Profiles Offer Laminated Mouldings

Polymer manufacturer Rehau has partnered with trade laminator Allied Profiles to offer a comprehensive selection of foiled component mouldings to complement its existing window ranges. In response, Rehau have worked with UK and Ireland based Allied Profiles to supply a variety of laminated mouldings, compatible with the polymer supplier’s Total70, Rio Flush Fit and Heritage systems. This new range of vacuum-foiled finishes has been specified to match all current foils also offered by the manufacturer.

Paul O’Sullivan, director at Allied Profiles commented: “When supplying a window, it’s often the smaller details such as end caps and sash horns that can be overlooked during the design process. However, these can really help provide the seamless finish that customers are looking for. We’ve worked with Rehau to use our vacuum laminating services to ensure a complete look across all

window elements, to help bring a design together.

“Traditionally paint would be used to match these pieces to the rest of the window frame, but duplicating a finish this way is difficult and can leave components subject to scratching or chipping. Our laminating technique, using Rehau’s preexisting foils, ensures a clean wood-grained match every time, with a durable, easy to clean, scratch-proof finish.”

Each laminated moulding is formed to order, with a 15day lead time, direct from the new Allied Profiles foiling plant in Wiltshire. The ‘tailor-made’ method of manufacturing also allows for Rehau to offer the mouldings in its complete range of foils, as mass storage of the product does not have to be considered.

Russell Hand, head of product and technical at Rehau comments,

AT Precision Adds PVC Infill Extrusions To Product Portfolio

Supplier of bi-fold hardware, AT Precision, has expanded its product portfolio to include a range of PVC infill extrusions.

The range includes PVC infill extrusion profiles that are used to create a euro groove on the bi-fold sash, or to infill sections of the bi-fold, creating a better appearance to the end user, says the ccompany.

AT Precision also manufactures the Everglide line of bi-fold hardware. The range includes cast aluminium rollers, top guides, pull handles, hinges, cleats, and shootbolt

handles that are compatible with major systems.

All the bi-fold hardware is made in-house by the company and supplied directly to fabricators.

AT Precision sales director

“With the updates to building regulations over the last few years specifiers are understandably very focused on the technical elements of a product. However, the complete design of the window has proven to be a key element to consider in response to customer demand for aesthetics.

“Partnering with Allied Profiles has allowed us to provide specifiers with a streamlined way to acquire a matching finish across all components and offer their customers the full window package. This new product offering is a step forward in demonstrated our ability to consider all aspects of the window from a technical and design standpoint.”

https://bit.ly/3HDqp2s

Michael Hewitt comments: “Our new range of PVC infill extrusions is compatible with all major aluminium systems on the market, and because we manufacture our products in-house, we’re able to offer consistent high-quality performance at more affordable prices.

“Our PVC infill extrusions have a superior surface finish, and they’re extruded using high impact grade material, ensuring our customers get premium quality on their products.

“By coming directly to us for their PVC infill extrusions, aluminium fabricators can cut out the middle man and potentially save thousands of pounds a year.”

www.atprecision.co.uk

AdminBase Has Positive Impact For Ipswich Trade Frames

Specialists in PVC-U and aluminium windows, doors and conservatories, Ipswich Trade Frames (ITF) has gone from strength to strength in the last 18 months, citing the popular AdminBase installer management system as having a positive impact on the business.

Operations manager of Ipswich Trade Frames, Fraz Youssef, explains: “Prior to using AdminBase our processes involved the use of a mixture of paper and various documents which meant we weren’t always as organised as we would have liked. We recognised it was a time-consuming way to operate and could immediately see the

potential benefits of introducing AdminBase into our business. The proposed service would allow us to provide our clients with a much-improved customer journey as well as help us process more orders in a more efficient manner.

“Implementing AdminBase has allowed ITF to grow exponentially over the past 18 months. In part because it has given our experienced team the opportunity to organise their time more efficiently, but also because the CRM has standardised practices across the board. This means our staff can retrieve all the information they need about a customer’s order from one central, easily accessible system.

“The diary feature has proved a big success with the team and is now used when preparing new jobs for our fitting teams and service calls for existing customers. The stock management feature is also now heavily integrated in the day to day running of our warehouse. As well as helping us to maintain the correct stock levels, we can quickly find the answers to any inventory related queries such as the location of goods in the warehouse.

“The Finance tabs such as customer balances and the Sales Reports are not only vital to the day to day running of operations but also help us strategically plan and prepare targets for the sales teams on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis.

“On the rare occasion we have a problem with the CRM, the customer support team at AdminBase is always on hand to help. Once the complaint is logged via email with their technical support department, we usually receive a prompt phone call back to resolve any issues. The team that conducts the training on the system is first class too, they are very informative and attentive to the needs of the user, and I have witnessed first-hand their ability to adapt the training to suit everyone.

Fraz concludes: “We only wish we had integrated AdminBase into our operations sooner. We have been so pleased with how things have gone since the system went live that we have also started to use it on our newly acquired home improvements company, Admiral. For the company owner and I, regardless of where we are in the country, it makes managing both companies so much easier. We’ve been thrilled with the difference AdminBase has made to our day to day operations and look forward to using it to develop our businesses to the next level.”

https://www.abinitiosoftware.co.uk

Franz Youssef, operations manager at Ipswich Trade Frames

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DW Windows Implements Better CRM To Stay Ahead

last year we have benefited from streamlined diaries, automated customer communication, invaluable lead and marketing reports, a fully integrated system of customer contract information, organised deliveries, accessible financial information, managed service calls, and improved customer service.

“We have used some of the additional apps that accompany the AdminBase system including MyDiary and the Installer app, and some of the newer features such as Taskboard and the Customer Portal are proving particularly useful. Each staff member has their own task board set up that relates to their department or role, while the management team has a complete overview of a customer contract from start to finish and can ensure that all elements of the customer journey are on track and communicated. This links to the Customer Portal, which automatically keeps the customer up to date with the most important aspects of their order.

DW Windows has achieved significant growth in recent years, but recognised that to stay on the same trajectory, and continue to deliver excellent customer service, the business needed to embrace change. The company introduced the AdminBase installer management system to streamline the business and improve the customer journey.

“We had a very rudimentary CRM system in place prior to switching to AdminBase,” says Claire Walters of DW Windows. “It wasn’t helping us to meet any of our business objectives. When the organisation was smaller, we could just about manage with our existing systems and processes, but as we grew, we

could see we needed a more integrated solution to eliminate duplication of work and improve efficiencies across the business.

“As soon as we identified we had an issue, we started researching options and AdminBase seemed to tick every box. We especially liked the fact it had been designed with our industry in mind. All our pains and struggles seemed to be covered within the one system. Having used the system for 12 months now, we can confidently say we made the right decision.”

Claire continues: “The AdminBase CRM is constantly evolving, and they work closely with customers to make sure we have what we need. In the

“All appointments and finances relating to the contract are also visible. This alongside our automated checklist emails to customers, means that communication has improved dramatically.

“Implementing change isn’t easy,” concludes Claire, “and there is no denying we have encountered some obstacles along the way. However, the AdminBase team has been so helpful and accommodating with their training and support, we don’t feel like we have been alone in the process. And the opportunities to improve the business as a result of implementing the CRM, are so vast and varied, any effort is completely worthwhile.” www.abinitiosoftware.co.uk

Claire & Dave Walters

Fentrade Adds Upgrades

To Its LogiKal Software Operating System

Fentrade has added bespoke upgrades to its LogiKal software operating system from BM Aluminium.

The upgrades will result in an even faster turnaround time on quotations and order acknowledgements, along with easier to read paperwork. From a production perspective, the system will further integrate with Fentrade’s supply chain to provide more efficiencies across the fabrication process, claims the

company.

Fentrade’s director, Chris Reeks, commented: “We’ve worked with BM Aluminium and used LogiKal, the leading software for the aluminium glazing industry right from the start. As our business continues to grow, we wanted to explore how to make the most of the software to continue to offer an exceptional level of service to our customers.”

Daniel Hodges, technical

Joined Up Offering From The Consultancy For Konic Doors

Konic Doors, one of Ireland’s leading manufacturers of premium timber doors, has chosen a one stop shop digital solution from industry specialists The Consultancy, with an online door designer, a pricing and quoting portal for trade customers, and now a newly developed lead generation website.

The Kells, Co Meath, based company is applying a marketing model already well proven in the composite door market to promote its range of solid insulated timber doors to both trade and retail customers.

Norman Ormiston from Konic Doors explained: “We approached the team at The Consultancy to create the kind of bespoke door designer which we had already seen being used extensively for composite and PVC doors. From the outset, they impressed us with their in-depth knowledge of the window and door market and their

manager at BM Aluminium, said: “Fentrade Aluminium were already utilising the majority of the standard LogiKal functionality. After meeting with them, we identified bespoke programming requirements to integrate third party supplier hardware and parts. Further benefits include accurate procurement outputs along with future fabrication benefits when using the LogiKal CNC interface.”

The upgrades to the system will be rolled out over the coming months, with Fentrade and BM Aluminium teams working together to ensure a smooth transition.

Chris concluded: “Even though we are still a relatively young company, we never stand still. We continually review our business and processes to ensure we deliver the best experience for our customers. Whether that’s additional new products or upgrading our internal systems to ensure efficient, streamlined processes are maintained. These latest software upgrades will further support our customers as we continue to deliver our growth strategy.” fentradealuminium.co.uk

technical expertise; and the result has given us a real USP in the sustainable timber door sector.

“It is consistently generating warm leads from homeowners and that is proving really valuable as we look to recruit new trade partners across Ireland and into the UK.”

Once The Consultancy had created the bespoke designer for Konic, they also created an integrated tool for trade customers which lets them log in to create their own designs and quotes using their pre-agreed pricing structures. They can even add a branded version of the Konic designer to their own websites if they prefer.

konicdoors.com

www.theconsultancy.co.uk

Modern Windows, Country Style

Older properties often have unusual features and their own unique charm. Finding and fitting windows that can accommodate modern functionality and features while remaining sympathetic to a property’s style can be challenging. Discover how GL Glazing and Rehau rose to that challenge in the country village of Lea Marston.

Just outside the town of Sutton Coldfield, in the picturesque Warwickshire countryside, is the village of Lea Marston. On the outskirts of the village lies a cluster of older rural cottages

called Paddys Row. which like many properties across the UK countryside, often have unconventional layouts. This includes period features such as exposed wood beams, tiled floors and large open fireplaces.

A Contemporary Cottage Look

One of the Paddys Row cottage owners wanted to replace their property’s timber windows as the frames had become worn out, impacting the home’s thermal performance. With the owners unsure about what replacement

windows to choose, they contacted Birmingham-based installer GL Glazing in early 2022 for their recommendation. Their requirements were clear –a frame and profile that while keeping with the cottage’s original design and character, would provide excellent thermal efficiency and security.

“Though homeowners expect security and energy efficiency as standard, there were multiple factors that marked out the Paddys Row project as more complex than most,” explains Gary Lynch, managing director at GL Glazing. “For example, the cottage had an unusual layout, including several different-sized window recesses across the ground and first floors. There were also 12 windows to be replaced in total, with some facing the road, so we also needed to

Paddys Row cottage before

ensure good acoustic performance too.”

With the homeowner’s requirements in mind and the need to complete the project in a short period of time, GL Glazing recommended Rehau’s Rio Flush Fit system. The solution’s clean lines, jointing options and availability in a variety of colours and foils for an authenticlooking finish greatly influenced this decision, offering a highly convincing alternative to wood. Additionally, as the Rio is available in chamfered and sculptured frames, it is a good match for both new builds and, in the case of Paddys Row, period properties requiring a more considered approach.

On GL Glazing’s advice, the cottage owners chose Pearl Grey frames with welded joints, which would provide a modern, understated look that complements adjacent Paddys Row properties. Alongside this, the specified frames enjoyed a certified ‘A’ Windows Energy Rating and are among the most thermally efficient on the market, achieving 1.3 W/m2K thanks to glass widths of 28mm and 34mm. These features are useful in

cottages such as those on Paddys Row which have low levels of insulation that can lead to draughts and quicker heat loss across the property.

Similarly, the Rio frames have the highest BSI weather performance ratings for wind, air and water, meaning they possess a durability often beyond timber frames. Combined with the fact they are virtually maintenance-free and, unlike their wooden counterparts, do not require treatment, they can offer leading and consistent performance over its lifetime with comparatively little effort from the homeowner, says Rehau.

Rio windows also offer a high level of security – a key consideration for older properties in quieter rural areas that can be targeted by thieves. Specifically, they meet the stringent requirements set out in PAS24, with accreditation to this standard providing further assurance of high security performance through an independent testing process.

Furthermore, given the cottage’s location near a busy throughroad, the addition of 28mm and 34mm glass panels also greatly reduced the noise created by

passing traffic. As acoustic glass also has the added benefit of being stronger than standard double glazing, further assurances could be given over the home’s security. Alongside this, the Rio window profile itself benefits from enhanced noise reduction qualities, further improving occupant comfort.

Rising to the Challenge

“The Paddys Row project was more involved than typical domestic installations we usually carry out,” said Gary. “The frames needed to be designed with various recess sizes in mind, and specified and installed in a short period.

“This is because the owners were still living in the cottage throughout the refit, so it was vital we chose frames that would be quick, simple and non-invasive to install. The Rio, therefore, stood out as an excellent frame to use for this project, and so it proved – it only took us two days and 16 hours to install the new frames once the recesses were measured and the parts were cut.

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Paddys Row cottage after

Continued from 117

Though the fitting process itself was straightforward, the cottage’s age also meant that GL Glazing had to manage some unusual dimensions that are rarely found in the majority of today’s homes, as Gary explains. “The team had to work with some non-standard window sizes, and some of the older windows had deeper sills too, meaning everything had to be measured and installed more meticulously than your typical refit. “As Rio frames are also reinforced, we had to be very careful with the cottage’s existing brickwork, making sure any drilling maintained structural integrity and didn’t damage the façade. It’s difficult to say if an aluminium equivalent would be as cooperative in a building of similar age, so given the energy-efficiency requirements, polymer was a natural choice.”

Taking the project’s unique challenges into account, the work was completed on time and to budget. As a result, the Paddys Row cottage now has windows that fit with the look of the surrounding area, to the extent that the owners say neighbours often compliment them on their new frames.

“The cottage’s traditional and historic look was very important to the homeowners, so we’re glad we were able to maintain that look while upgrading their windows,” Gary concludes.

“To hear that not only they are pleased with the frames, but their neighbours are too, is therefore a great bonus. Thanks to the Rio frames, this project was carried out seamlessly, even with the need to adapt windows to fit non-standard openings. I definitely wouldn’t hesitate to contact Rehau again for an installation with similar requirements.”

To find out more about Rehau Rio Flush Fit windows and the different looks and finishes available, click here: https://bit.ly/3plEQSg

Optima

Used In High-End Upgrade Of Picturesque Devon Home

Optima windows and doors from Epwin Window Systems were selected for a high-end installation in a picturesque 4-bedroom detached home in Trusham near Newton Abbott in Devon. The windows were fabricated by longstanding Epwin

Window Systems fabricator Fabframes Ltd and installed by its sister company, Coastal Windows and Conservatories.

The homeowners needed to replace the house’s original timber windows and French

doors to upgrade its appearance and thermal performance. At the same time, they wanted to preserve the elegant period aesthetics of the substantial dwelling.

Optima Sculptured windows and French doors were the answer – its intelligent design, elegant aesthetics and exceptional thermal performance ticked all the boxes.

In total, 24 casement windows and two sets of French doors were manufactured and installed. They were all manufactured in the popular Sage green foil on white combination to replicate the colour of the original timber windows.

George Bartlett of Coastal Windows and Conservatories commented: “Optima is a versatile system that enhances period and modern homes alike. It was the perfect solution for this beautiful heritage home and the homeowners are delighted with the results.”

Coastal Windows and Conservatories was established in 1989 and has grown to become one of the biggest home improvement companies in the South West.

Its sister company, Fabframes, is a specialist fabricator of Optima windows, doors and conservatories. As a tradefocused company, it says it

works hard to give its customers the support they need to ensure jobs run smoothly. This includes responsive and friendly customer service, outstanding product quality, quick and clear quotations, competitive pricing, a 7-day order turnaround, free to-site deliveries across the South West and technical support.

George concluded: “We were delighted to work on this project and demonstrate once again the credentials of Optima and the quality workmanship of our fabrication and installation teams. A perfect partnership!”

epwinwindowsystems.co.uk

Whitesales Rooflights Save Time And Energy At York St John University

24 bespoke-sized Whitesales em.glaze rooflights have been installed in the roof of the striking 14m, tripleheight atrium, which forms the centrepiece of the newly opened Creative Centre at York St John University.

They fit within square apertures punched through soffits in the glulam timber roof grid and bring

additional light into the atrium designed by Tate+Co Architects as an exhibition, teaching and theatre space, as well as somewhere for students to mix and relax.

The rooflights were designed and specified complete with preformed 300mm PVC splayed upstands, which enabled them to be fitted directly into

the glulam grid. These are estimated to have saved the roofing team at least two weeks on site because they didn’t have to construct the upstands themselves and the integrated splay made waterproofing the roof a lot easier.

Tate+Co chose Whitesales’ em.glaze rooflights for the contract because of their sleek,

minimalistic aesthetic, and because they offered flexible options like the upstands and matching concealed actuator smoke vents via Whitesales’ affiliate business Sertus.

Tate+Co director Andy BakerFalkner explained: “The internal look of the rooflights was important for the overall design intent of the atrium, which is lean and crisp with services hidden wherever possible. We liked the design of the Whitesales em.glaze units, particularly with the clean white reveal and option for fully concealed vent actuators.”

The Whitesales em.glaze rooflight is a flush-glazed glass-to-edge design with flat sealed glass units fitted within a fully welded, thermally broken

aluminium frame. There are 14 stocked square and rectangular sizes, from 600mm to 2500mm, but bespoke options can be up to 3200mm. em.glaze is double glazed and Part L compliant as standard, but rooflights can be specified with triple glazing if preferred and in any RAL colour as required.

The Creative Centre was designed from the outset as a low energy building and has achieved a BREEAM Excellent rating, based upon the use of low embodied carbon materials including glulam and CLT, as well as triple glazing in places and mixed mode ventilation. In the atrium, there was a requirement for a degree of solar gain to minimise the requirement for heating, so the em.glaze rooflights were specified with

bespoke glass to allow for that.

Glenn Knight, business development manager at Whitesales, commented:

“The design of the atrium was intended to frame the views of the city and the timber columns reference the detailing in the nearby York Minster. It was key to the architects’ vision for the whole building, so it was a privilege to be able to play our part in helping to realise that. Our technical team advised on the design modifications we could make to the rooflights and upstands to fit into the glulam grid without adding significantly to the cost and we also recommended the splayed upstands which delivered many times over in terms of time saved on site.”

https://bit.ly/42pzxj3

Senior Hits The Mark At Royal Arsenal

Senior Architectural Systems has supplied the aluminium fenestration package for a new phase of the Royal Arsenal riverside development in London which has seen the creation of a new 10 storey residential building containing 112

apartments.

This riverside development in South East London is breathing new life into a former brownfield site that was once home to some of the largest munition factories in the UK. Appropriately named

Royal Arsenal Riverside, the site comprises a mix of new build residential, retail, and commercial elements alongside the sympathetic refurbishment of several listed buildings.

The new building has been constructed to work in harmony with one of the Grade II listed buildings and to complement the heritage of the site. This involved the demolition of an old energy centre building and the careful renovation of two existing warehouse buildings to provide space for commercial use.

The mix of old and new, and residential and commercial,

has been harmonised with the use of Senior’s slim line SF52 curtain wall system and low maintenance SPW600 aluminium windows. The curtain walling screens also incorporate feature curved heads along the spine of the building to pay homage to the scheme’s industrial heritage.

The high-profile project was designed by architects Corstorphine & Wright for Berkeley Homes and is one of the latest London based contacts to be undertaken by Senior in collaboration with supply chain partner Soundcraft.

www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk

Eyrise Provides Smart Glass Facades At The Precedent

Eyrise has provided solar shading glass facades as part of a pioneering building renovation project which intends to become a blueprint for high-end, sustainable commercial spaces with occupant health and wellbeing at the core of their offering.

The office block, named The Precedent, is located in central Brussels on the city’s prestigious Avenue Louise and situated at the intersection of three streets.

A sustainable reshaping of the existing building is currently underway, with all activity designed to meet the Gold level of the international WELL Building Standard certification, a performance-based system measuring features of the built environment that support and advance human health and wellbeing.

The new external facades are cross-laminated timber structures

consisting of dynamic liquid crystal glazing.

Eyrise has provided 1,160 m2 of s350 glass panels, allowing the maximum amount of daylight to enter the building while increasing connectivity with the tree-lined environment outside.

Proprietary Licrivision liquid crystal technology enables Eyrise glass to be tinted to provide instant solar shading without compromising on natural daylight. The windows will create visual comfort, thermal regulation and colour neutrality for workers, while also helping to reduce energy consumption, as the building will require less air conditioning and lighting.

Architect firm Yugening Architecture is leading the project, working alongside developer and building owner Union Investment.

“The Precedent intends to set new wellbeing standards for modern office blocks,” said Véronique

Orens, founding partner of Yugening Architecture. “The Eyrise smart glass is a cornerstone of this vision, providing innovative facade design to support a healthy architectural approach. Formerly called Le Président, the building has been renamed in line with how we hope it will stand apart from conventional building projects.”

Originally comprising seven storeys, the total floor space will increase by 25% following the renovation which will be completed in 2023.

“Putting people and the environment first is underpinning every aspect of the renovation,” said Celine Glipa, CEO of Eyrise. “Alongside other sustainable building techniques, Eyrise glass is contributing to the achievement of the overall WELL Building Standard score which will enable The Precedent to meet requirements of future discerning tenants.”

Stellar Selected For Refurbishment Of A Day Centre In Cambridgeshire

Stellar aluminium windows have been used in a refurbishment of Victoria Lodge, a day service for adults with learning disabilities and older people, in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. The windows were fabricated by Stellar fabricator Prestige Aluminium Ltd of Bishop’s Stortford.

Gavin Taylor, managing director of Prestige Aluminium, said: “The team at Victoria Lodge needed to replace the ageing timber windows in their building that were thermally poor. Stellar gave them the clean line aesthetics they were looking for in addition to the next-level thermal performance improvements too.”

Phil Parry, business development director at Epwin Window Systems, said: “Stellar was developed predominately as a domestic system but, as this refurbishment project shows, it has clear commercial advantages too.”

The project involved the manufacture of 16 Stellar Flush Casement Windows with the glazing units featuring laminated glass to maximise safety. The

exterior faces were powder coated in moss green, RAL 6005M, to replicate the colour of the original timber windows, with white internal faces to complement internal décor. Gavin said: “It was important to Victoria Lodge to get the external colour right, so we undertook a site visit to make sure the best shade for the project was selected.”

Stellar Flush Casement Windows have a streamlined flush aesthetic externally with a traditional stepped appearance internally. They have a U-value to 0.95W/ m2K, making them perfect for projects with demanding thermal efficiency requirements. According to Epwin window Systems, they offer up to 12% more glass area than a comparable window, maximising natural light.

Gavin concluded: “The Victoria Lodge team were delighted with the flush finish of the windows and the striking colour match. It was great to be involved in a project like this and to demonstrate the versatility and cross sector appeal of Stellar aluminium windows.”

www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk

New Brochures Showcase How Reynaers Classic Heritage Meets Modern Innovation

Two new brochures have been designed to showcase the expanding range of heritage profiles available from Reynaers Aluminium UK, which combine traditional aesthetics with modern innovations.

By bringing the products together, the brochures make it easier for readers to see the breadth of the range and identify which style is best suited to their building project.

The commercial brochure is designed for architects and specifiers to view the range and its application in large refurbishment and regeneration projects, or simply those with a traditional aesthetic to them.

The ‘Reynaers at Home’ brochure is designed for homeowners and residential architects to see how these premium heritage windows and doors can help to maintain the traditional look of the property

whilst offering slim sightlines and unobstructed views.

Terry Ledwith, Reynaers’ head of sales for trade and retail, said: “Heritage products are continuing to go from strength to strength as a result of the huge interest in character properties and renovation.

“While it is the style of the property that homeowners are attracted to, it is common to see doors and windows replaced with modern systems that help to cut energy bills through improved thermal efficiency as well as improving security.

“Unobtrusive slimline aluminium frames offer a way to replace

windows without compromising on the character of a house – and work well in extending properties. In the SL38, Reynaers is also able to provide a traditional finish, which is what many homeowners are looking for – but with the benefits of modern innovation.”

The brochures include the recently expanded SlimLine 68 (SL68) product range, which saw the Classic and Ferro profiles recently added to allow for a choice of frames that can be fitted with either double glazed or triple glazed units in a variety of finishes.

With a 68mm frame depth, the range is ideal for replacing

existing windows without the need for further alterations with minimalistic lines that complement character properties as well as more contemporary buildings.

Reynaers Heritage Range

Another product in the heritage collection designed to accommodate a 68mm frame replacement, is the SlimLine 38 (SL 38). It features steel frames that are designed to complement character properties to allow for sympathetic renovation that protects the character of the building.

The heritage range also features the high specification MasterLine

8, which brings design flexibility through supporting large panes and will complement a range of styles. In addition, ConceptSystem 77 is a versatile solution to update a traditional property with windows and doors that offer improved thermal efficiency.

According to Reynaers, all of the heritage range products deliver enhanced thermal efficiency, security and durability while slim sightlines maximise natural light – and add that they are also easy to fabricate and install.

Download Reynaers Heritage Collection brochures now at: https://bit.ly/42vUut1

hup! – It’s Not Too Good

To Be True, Says Ultraframe

The hup! building system from Ultraframe offers so many benefits that some homeowners have questioned if what they read about it can really be true – and have subsequently been reassured that hup! is every bit as good as it sounds by homeowners who have already had their hup! built, claims the company.

Ultraframe said one such homeowner who was seeking reassurance was “John”, who had learned about the revolutionary lightweight building system from his builder. After seeing a video testimonial from homeowner Sarah – who

transformed her old, unused conservatory into a stunning extension in a matter of weeks with hup! – John got in touch with Sarah to ask if the build was really as hassle-free and fast as she had described.

John asked: “Did the build really go as smoothly as it appears? Have there been any building issues that needed attention? Are there any aspects of the build that you would have changed? Would you recommend hup! to friends and relatives? Sorry that it sounds like an inquisition, it’s just that this system is so new and it sounds almost too good to be

true, both in terms of cost, heat efficiency in all weathers, and the speed of construction.”

According to Ultraframe, homeowner Sarah was delighted to get the opportunity to reassure John and encourage him to choose hup! for his own build, saying: “The build of the extension honestly did go smoothly, I had no disruption whatsoever! The speediness of having an extension built within a matter of days with minimal disruption was something that really appealed to me. I am a nurse and work full time with a busy work schedule so I didn’t want something that was going to go on for months and also didn’t want the hassle of dealing with different tradespeople. I had one person who project managed the build and worked with a handful of tradespeople who took care of the plastering, plumbing, electrics etc. All I had to do was get someone to fit the flooring that I wanted.

I have had the extension for

around 3 months now and I absolutely love it. I wouldn’t change any aspect of the build and I haven’t had any issues with it at all. I use it all the time, it’s lovely and warm as well. Back in January when we had a cold snap and it was -7 where I live, I would say it was warmer than the rest of the house and we didn’t have any issues with the temperature during this time at all.”

Concluding about her experience with hup!, Sarah said: “I would 100% recommend having the hup! system to everyone I know. I wish this would have been around years ago as I was stuck with an old conservatory which I hated. I felt at a loss with it and it was just shut off from the rest of the house. I had a new kitchen about 12 months before having the extension done and I felt the old conservatory was spoiling the look of what I wanted to achieve and how I wanted to live. I had always dreamed of open plan living and the hup! extension has given me that. Honestly do not worry about it, you won’t regret it! I understand your concerns around hup! as I did feel the same but once it all comes together and you live in it this will disappear. My family and friends love it just as much as we do. If I was to ever move house, I would have this done again without hesitation.”

Commenting on the exchange between the two homeowners, Ultraframe marketing director, Alex Hewitt, said: “It’s understandable that some homeowners are struggling to believe the many benefits of building with hup! system. It may sound too good to be true, but it isn’t! As adeptly explained by Sarah, it really is as fast, hasslefree, and energy efficient as we describe. This, of course, bodes very well for hup! consumerconsumer referrals.”

www.trade-hup.co.uk

Insight Data Helps Universal Composite Doors Gain New Customers

Insight Data, the data supplier to the glazing and construction industry, has been commended by Universal Composite Doors (UCD) for contributing to the arrival of almost 100 new customers since joining forces last year.

Thanks to the in-depth prospect data provided by Insight Data, UCD says it has been able to pinpoint and target new customers throughout the country, resulting in 90 new accounts since May 2022.

According to UCD’s sales director, Haydon Statham, “Insight Data has been invaluable to us and has helped us grow the business to where it is today. We currently manufacture 500 frames per week and will continue to flourish thanks to this partnership.

“Although we have 20 years of experience, gaining access to an up-to-date database has been key to bringing new customers on board.”

The detailed information has enabled UCD to find new prospects and deliver targeted

marketing material straight to decision-makers in these companies.

Aaron Solomon, sales manager at Insight Data, added, “We are extremely happy to have contributed to the impressive growth of Universal Composite Doors over the last twelve months.

“This success is a testament to the hard work of both parties involved in this partnership. It also highlights the significance of real-time prospect data, which our researchers diligently update, and has a proven track record of propelling our clients’ growth. Universal Composite Door’s progress since joining us less than a year ago is a prime example of this.”

As the company continues to use Insight Data into 2024, Haydon expects the company to keep flourishing, adding that “Insight Data will be a crucial part of our continued growth in the future.”

www.insightdata.co.uk

Paddys Row cottage after

MRA Research Launches

New Builders Merchants Monthly Omnibus Survey

MRA Research has set up a Builders’ Merchants Monthly Omnibus Survey for companies who want quick, cost-effective research to improve their marketing.

The Omnibus Survey is an insight tool for suppliers and companies working in the builders’ merchants sector. Businesses marketing or selling to builders’ merchants, and through them to their trade and retail customers, can buy ‘seats’ or questions on this bus, hence the name Omnibus, which runs once a month. Questions can be anything suppliers need to know about – products or services, a campaign, brands, their own performance, support, attitudes or perceptions, merchants’ customers, or a topic or issue critical to the industry.

Questions can range from simple yes or no, to complicated scaling questions, or openended verbatims, and MRA says it is happy to advise if required. Questions can be asked on behalf of a named brand or unnamed supplier.

This fast-turnaround research from MRA allows suppliers

and others to buy as few or as many questions as they want, whenever they need answers, with a perfectly weighted nationally representative sample of builders’ merchants, by size, type, national or independents, and region. According to MRA Research, Results in the form of tabulations are rapid, and companies wanting charts and analysis can have them. In as little as two weeks, companies can have the answers and analysis they need to inform a sales decision, support a buying group pitch, or just improve the effectiveness of their marketing.

MRA Research is a corporate member of the Market Research Society (MRS), so research is conducted according to the professional gold standard of the MRS Code of Conduct.

The Builders Merchants

Monthly Omnibus Survey has been providing insights, some published, others for suppliers’ eyes only, over the last few months on topics such as what has changed, from a merchants’ perspective, since the Grenfell fire; attitudes to energy efficiency opportunities; an update on merchant apprentices, and skills shortages, young people and women in the industry; what merchants will do to protect their future when their customers retire; and what Northern Ireland merchants think of February’s EU Trade deal (the Windsor Framework).

Yvette Kirk, project director at MRA Research, says: “Our new Builders’ Merchants Monthly Omnibus Survey is a perfect tool for businesses looking to gain insight on a specific theme or topic to support or sharpen their marketing. It‘s very easy, but if anyone needs help with questions please ask, we’re happy to help. It’s low-cost, and cost-effective, because the bus is going anyway and you can buy a couple of questions or as many as you need, so it’s suitable for all types of company from the largest to the smallest. And because it’s independent, objective and quick, and done to a professional standard, it can cut through to the facts, so companies can move beyond speculation, matters of opinion and polarising internal debates and act decisively with the confidence of knowledge.”

https://bit.ly/3LzYVM7

Shelforce Receives Royal Seal Of Excellence With King’s Award For Enterprise

Shelforce has been recognised with the King’s Award for Enterprise in Promoting Opportunity (through social mobility).

Shelforce employs 30 people, of which 75% have a disability, and provides a place where people with mental or physical disability can thrive in employment and produce high quality products in a competitive market.

The award also comes some 40 years on from The Princess Royal, HRH Princess Anne officially opening its current factory in 1984.

Howard Trotter, the company’s business manager, will represent Shelforce at a royal reception

hosted by His Majesty The King at Buckingham Palace.

Howard said, “It is an unbelievable honour to receive the King’s Award for Enterprise in the Promoting Opportunity category,” comments Howard. “To be recognised by the highest honour in UK business, renowned across the world is an incredibly proud moment for Shelforce and we are even more honoured that we have been recognised in the first ever King’s Award for Enterprise and in the year of the King’s coronation.

“Promoting opportunity is the reason behind Shelforce’s continued success and this is fantastic recognition for our incredible team and the processes we have in place. It’s also fantastic

news for the local community of Erdington.”

In the last three years, continued success has included featuring on ITV’s Made In Britain in 2021 to showcase its production processes and its inclusive employment and, in the same year, winning the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) Business of the Year.

“The last few years has led to some wonderful recognition of the business through numerous business awards, but it doesn’t come any bigger than being awarded the King’s Award for Enterprise,” added Howard.

“To be able to fly the King’s Awards flag and use the emblem is amazing and we are hoping it will help open the door to other councils, whose social values and sense of social responsibility line up with our own.”

www.shelforce.com

Award For Enterprise

Senior’s Innovation Recognised With A King’s

Senior Architectural Systems has become one of the first ever winners of the King’s Award for Enterprise. The company has been honoured in the innovation category in recognition of the design, development, and delivery of its Pure aluminium window system that features a patented thermal barrier to reduce heat loss.

Senior is one of only 148 organisations nationwide to have been recognised with

the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise following the official announcement on Friday 21st April. The King’s Award for Enterprise recognises and celebrates business excellence across the UK, focusing on the four categories of innovation, sustainable development, international trade, and the promotion of opportunity through social mobility.

Established in 1991, Senior has grown to become the largest

privately owned aluminium fenestration systems in the UK. In 2015, Senior launched its advanced low U-value Pure aluminium system, for which it received a UK patent the following year. The system features an expanded polyurethane (PUR) thermal barrier, which gives the Pure system exceptional thermal performance. As well as helping to prevent heat loss to reduce energy consumption, the Pure system also offers ‘cradle to

cradle’ recyclability, with even the PUR thermal barrier able to be reused with no requirement for landfill, claims the company.

The company’s patented Pure window system can also achieve U-values as low as 0.71W/m2K when calculated as a commercial CEN Standard window to comfortably meet the latest targets set out by Part L of the Building Regulations, says the company.

Commenting on receiving the King’s Award for Enterprise for innovation, Senior Architectural Systems’ managing director Mark Wadsworth said: “We are delighted to have received such a prestigious accolade and to be amongst the first ever winners of the King’s Award for Enterprise. I am particularly proud that Senior has been recognised in the innovation category as our investment in improving the efficiency of our products, as well as our commitment to developing more sustainable manufacturing processes, is at the very heart of who we are and what we do”.

“We are constantly pushing forward in the research and development of our aluminium fenestration solutions to not only meet the current regulations on energy-efficiency and heat loss but to exceed them, helping our customers future-proof their projects and create a more sustainable legacy for the construction industry. The King’s Award for Enterprise recognises the progress we have made but is also a reflection of the hard work and expertise of all our employees and that is something to be extremely proud of.”

Applications for King’s Awards for Enterprise 2024 open on His Majesty The King’s Coronation, 6th May 2023. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/42oeSMm www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk

Edgetech Nominated For Three Made In The Midlands Awards

Edgetech are celebrating after being named finalists in three categories at the Insider Made in the Midlands Awards 2023.

The Coventry-based firm has been shortlisted in the Manufacturing Innovation, Sustainable Ethical Manufacturer, and Manufacturer of the Year categories.

Founded by Insider Media Limited, the event seeks to showcase the best businesses the Midlands has to offer.

Now in its thirteenth year, it’s grown to become a major fixture in the calendars of businesspeople from across the region, regularly attracting entries from more than 70 companies.

Edgetech is proud that their work is being recognised, as managing director Chris Alderson explains.

“For decades, the Midlands has

been a major hub for innovative manufacturing, and so to be named among the region’s leading businesses is a hugely gratifying experience for us.

“Edgetech prides itself on its legacy of pushing technical boundaries, improving the energy efficiency of Britain’s built environment, and providing an ethical, supportive workplace for dozens of employees in the Midlands area.

“We’re delighted to be shortlisted alongside some of the most respected manufacturers in the region, and look forward to hearing the final results!”

Winners will be announced at a glamorous black-tie event held at Birmingham’s Macdonald Burlington Hotel on Thursday 4th May 2023.

www.edgetechig.co.uk

Open Days Success Demonstrate Surging Market Interest, Says Leka

Leka Systems has reported continued success for their customer open days. Having held five open days for customers in the past month, Rhys Hoddinott, managing director of Leka Systems, says feedback from the events demonstrates the surging interest from installers keen to add the products to their portfolio. He said: “Across our five open days we’ve welcomed 70 companies and over 100 representatives. We’ve already helped to generate over £100,000 in additional sales as a result. It all demonstrates the tangible value our products bring.”

He added: “We heard from several companies that they

came to the open days because they were consistently losing out on jobs and wanted to join our network to avoid losing work in future.”

Rhys continued: “To support customers, we place a heavy emphasis on marketing and our understanding of homeowner demographics sets us apart. We’ve taken the time to understand buying motives, the trigger points in the sales process and the marketing channels that really work. As a result of our efforts, homeowners ask for our systems by name which is an exclusive benefit for our Leka partners.”

Leka’s flagship products are its

lightweight, tiled conservatory roof systems, which can achieve U values as low as 0.10W/m²K.

Rhys commented: “Most attendees came to hear about our roof systems. However, they were delighted to see how much else we have to offer, as well as the number of unique selling differentiators we can add to their businesses to give them a competitive edge.”

Alongside the roofing systems, Leka offers the Leka Xi, a sustainable alternative to a traditional block or brick-built conservatory base or wall. There’s also the Leka Carport & Canopy, which provides a durable, lightweight alternative to traditional carport systems.

More open day dates have been scheduled to help meet growing demand. To be added to the mailing list to be among the first to hear when new dates are announced, contact Leka Systems.

Hepworth Framework Invites Installers And Builders To Their £Multi-Million Manufacturing Site And Showroom

Aluminium door and window manufacturer, Hepworth Framework, is opening the doors of their recently extended manufacturing facility and new showroom to installers and builders on Thursday 27 April during a drop-in Open Day in Brighouse, West Yorkshire.

The family-based company, which has over 40 years’ experience in the aluminium door and window sector, has capitalised on the increased demand for aluminium products in the domestic and commercial

sectors and recently invested over £1 million in their purposebuilt plant. This investment has resulted in a larger manufacturing site, new machinery, a product showroom and an increase in both manufacturing capacity and in the size of the team.

Hepworth works in partnership with their customers to provide solutions to any aluminium installation challenge. While the benefits of aluminium include light, bright spaces, it can be more challenging to work with than UPV-C and therefore a

Everglade Windows Trade Customer Conference Returns

Everglade Windows is inviting installation companies to ‘Join the Evolution’ after announcing the return of its Trade Customer Conference on Thursday 8 June 2023.

Taking place at its Perivale HQ in West London, the event, which is named Evolve 23, will feature seven new product launches and help delegates to prepare their businesses for the demands of future customers.

Jay Patel, director at Everglade Windows says: “It’s going to be a huge year for Everglade Windows’

customers, and we are so pleased to have such an extensive product collection to launch at this year’s Trade Customer Conference.

“Now that the fallout of the pandemic is well and truly over, installers are looking at how they can gain an edge over their competitors, and having access to the best products on the

knowledgeable, reliable, supplier is vital, says the company. Richard Steckles, managing director, comments, “With the right partner, you can reap far higher rewards with better sales conversions and profit margins too. We are here to help.”

The company is celebrating with an Open Day to unveil their new showroom, housing an impressive range of door, window and roof lantern products from both Senior Architectural Systems and Cortizo. Visitors will also be able to benefit from personalised tours of the manufacturing facility, and will have access to the team, who will be on hand to answer any questions. Hepworth is also raising money for Brighouse Central Food bank to support the important work they do in the local area.

Anyone who would like to come along for a Yorkshire tea (or fizz!), meet the team and see what’s possible in the manufacture of aluminium doors and windows is welcome. Visitors who would like to attend, or who want to arrange another visit, email adam. gaskin@hepworthframework.co.uk

market is crucial to help installers gain an advantage.

“All of our new products will provide an opportunity for installation companies to elevate their business by keeping up to date with current trends, preparing for further changes to Building Regulations, while meeting the design demands of the homeowner of the future.”

As well as giving delegates the chance to see the new products close-up, installers will also be able to talk directly with Everglade Windows’ network of partners in the Expert Marketplace. The day will then be finished off with Everglade Windows’ usual legendary hospitality.

www.evergladetrade.co.uk

Building Our Skills

Applauds Kubu Apprentice. Part Of BOS’s ‘Inspiring The Future’

Building Our Skills – Making Fenestration, Glass and Glazing a Career of Choice has always sought to promote the breadth of career opportunities offered by the industry. The organisation strongly backs apprenticeships as a great starting point for those joining the industry and an employee at Kubu, the smart security specialist, is demonstrating exactly why.

Morgan Fisher joined Kubu straight from school as an apprentice in 2019. Since then, she has worked her way up to marketing assistant, and it is clear that she has her sights set on significant further career development.

Morgan says: “The company took me on as an apprentice in business administration. Pretty quickly I was dealing with all sorts of areas of the business, including customer service and

Series

key accounts management. Then Covid hit and the company needed me to be very flexible and take on a broad range of tasks. I really learnt ‘on the job’. You could say I was thrown in at the deep end, because Covid added to the everyday business challenges all the staff faced, but the experience shaped me and made me resilient.

“What really showcased the diversity of my skills, I suppose, was last year’s FIT show. I was able to organise quite a bit of it for the company, and this did two things: firstly, it solidified an ambition in me to get involved more in marketing, and secondly it brought my work to the attention of the company’s head of marketing, who arranged for me to join the marketing department. Now I’m handling a broad variety of tasks. One day I’m working on video production, another I’m

arranging events. It’s challenging but enjoyable. I’ve got a diverse role, and I feel quite independent now. I’ve really had to rely on my instincts and use my initiative, which has been good for me.

“I’m really passionate about the apprenticeship I completed. It was a fabulous stepping-stone into the career that I’m forging for myself, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend apprenticeships to other people who are starting out and wondering what to do. I had no idea when I started out that the fenestration industry had so many roles on offer. You tend to think of it only in terms of installing windows and doors, don’t you?”

It is not just Kubu putting the seal of approval on Morgan’s career. Having tucked Apprentice of the Year 2021 under her belt, courtesy of the National Apprenticeship Awards, she is optimistic about her future. Morgan adds:

“It’s such a positive thing that Kubu is willing to take on apprentices. The company has really supported me, and I feel it will allow me to progress my career. It’s clear that proper training and qualifications

is the way forward, not just for me but for other young people. If you have a can-do attitude and are willing to learn I think the sky’s the limit in this industry!”

Marc Henson, Kubu’s head of marketing added: “Morgan has been an inspiration in our team. She has proven time and again that apprenticeships really do work. With the right attitude – both from Morgan and our staff to support her progression – Morgan has become an integral part of our team, and will only go from strength to strength.

“Being fairly new to the fenestration, glass and glazing industry myself, I’ve got to say I’m surprised at the sheer scope of roles available – from technical IT roles, such as engineering and programming, to highly skilled manual roles and everything in between. There really is a place for everyone – and it’s so friendly too!”

Building Our Skills’ partnerships manager, Mark Handley says: “All of us here at Building Our Skills congratulate Morgan on her success, and we wish her well in her future career too of course. She is a shining example of how the apprenticeship system can work for the benefit of both the apprentice and the business concerned.”

With over 50 career paths available in the fenestration industry, Building our Skills is helping to promote this diversity of opportunities. The campaign underlines that there are a multitude of career paths, from design, manufacturing, installation, marketing, finance or IT to warehousing and many others.

To find out more, either as someone looking for a career in the industry or as an employer wanting to help to promote it as a great home for training and career progression, visit buildingourskills.co.uk

Windowlink Tackles The Skills Shortage With Talented Apprentice

Attracting young, talented people is a huge challenge throughout construction and its related industries.

In fact, it’s thought we’ll need an extra 225,000 in the sector by 2027 according to the Construction Skills Network – and that’s not just out on site, but behind the scenes as well.

At industry software specialists Windowlink, they’ve been doing their bit over the last two years by taking on James Coates, an apprentice through Gloucestershire College.

However, as managing director Mark Dudley is keen to stress, his company has benefitted just as much as James has from learning on the job with Windowlink.

“In the relatively short time he’s been with us, James has become an integral part of the Windowlink team.

“Joining at what was an extremely unusual time in the middle of a global pandemic, James nevertheless quickly settled in, and

was soon having a huge positive impact on our business.

“Nothing phases him, he’s excellent with our customers, and is always very keen to learn. When his apprenticeship officially finishes later this year, we’ll be offering him a full-time job with us!

“I’d strongly encourage any company in our sector to consider hiring an apprentice.

James’s responsibilities include providing customers with software support and onboarding new users.

James comments: “I’ve loved working at Windowlink over the last two years. It’s a very relaxed, encouraging environment, and the team have been really supportive.

“I’ve spent a lot of time teaching our customers how to use our software, and helping them with any enquiries, but I’ve particularly enjoyed learning from them, too –they’ve taught me a huge amount about the glazing sector, which has helped us support them better.”

www.windowlink.com

Morley Glass Supports Scheme To Help Young Entrepreneurs Unlock Their Potential

Uni-Blinds integral blinds manufacturer Morley Glass is partnering with a Leeds-based product designer and business owner who has created an innovative programme to help young people develop their creative and entrepreneurial skills. The Creative Enterprise Challenge is the brainchild of Sami Lovett, founder of Just Lovett Design, who wanted to create a “real life ‘The Apprentice’ meets ‘Dragon’s Den’ experience” for young people aged 12-18. With the support of Morley Glass, the programme’s main raw material – wood – is provided free of charge, and additional sponsorship make it accessible to all.

Running during the school holidays, the programme takes the best aspects of these successful TV shows and blends them with practical skills workshops led by Sami, where two teams of five compete to develop a winning product from scratch. Over the course of five days, the students are tasked to meet a sustainable design brief that involves designing a brand, product, marketing video

and start-up business plan.

The young people develop their creative skills, as they are required to make their own products using recycled materials. These include high quality wooden boxes, which were previously used for transporting integral blind systems, along with plywood sheets provided by Morley Glass. Sami teaches the students handicraft, graphic design and digital fabrication skills and they learn essential business skills too, enabling them to cost out their products with a view to making a profit at retail.

At the end of the week, each team presents in ‘Dragon’s Den’ style to pitch their creations to an expert panel of judges who are successful

entrepreneurs themselves. And if the teams are happy with their finished products, they can then go on to sell them to their previously identified target market should they want to.

Ian Short, MD of Morley Glass said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be supporting Sami and the Creative Enterprise Challenge because it brings together two things that are close to my heart – sustainability and developing our entrepreneurs of the future. The programmes that have run so far have shown just how capable young people are at being able to take a brief, work as a team and create finished products of amazing quality that have blown the judges away.

“Whilst we initially started our partnership simply as a supplier of wood after Sami contacted us, we quickly saw the potential of her programme and wanted to do more. That’s why we offered to provide funding that has ensured places on the Creative Enterprise Challenge have been subsidised to date, and we hope to continue supporting Sami as her scheme grows.”

Sami is a successful product designer and workshop instructor who founded her Just Lovett Design business five years ago. She also runs Just Lovett Workshops where she empowers people to get creative to boost their wellbeing.

Sami added: “The Creative Enterprise Challenge aims to educate and inspire children, who will walk away at the end of the week with so much more than a product and a business plan. We’ve seen the transformation that’s possible in just one week, with the children often starting out a little nervous, but by the end of the week they’ve made new friends and really built their confidence.”

Further details about the programme can be found at https://bit.ly/3VCqB7V