CHARITY

Granada’s Secondary Glazing Turns Down The

Volume At University Facility

Rather than eliminating external noise, secondary glazing manufactured by Granada Secondary Glazing has been installed to keep the noise in at a university’s music department and prevent disturbance to nearby residents. University Creative Centre is a purpose-built, three-storey permanent home for their music and computer science courses. It also contains specialist facilities for theatre, drama, creative writing, and media production students.

Although more commonly specified to reduce noise intrusion in buildings, secondary glazing is equally effective at stopping excessive sound levels leaking out due to its superior acoustic insulation performance. However, aware that a number of the practice rooms back onto a busy street with some residential housing, the University sought out secondary glazing as a means of further soundproofing them. This was in addition to the existing sound-deadening measures, such as acoustic foam tiles. Secondary glazing offers a discreet, cost-effective and efficient solution in reducing the emission or intrusion of noise levels by up to 80%, or 54dB. An added benefit is improved thermal insulation by up to 65%, helping to retain heat and lower energy bills, claims the company.

Granada Glazing’s technicians installed 25 Horizontal Sliding units with 6.4mm acoustic laminated glass in recording studios, music practice, teaching and percussion rooms to dramatically cut noise levels emitted throughout the day.

Rob Cottam, commercial sales manager at Granada Secondary Glazing, comments: “This was an incredibly interesting project for us. It’s rare that we’re approached to help keep noise within a building; our products are generally

specified for projects where the client is keen to keep unwanted noise out.

“An acoustic laminated glass specification was chosen to help achieve this goal. Factoring in the glazing choice, our expertly crafted frames and the cavity between primary and secondary unit, the results were incredibly impressive.”

Rob adds: “As you’d expect, from a soundproofing perspective, the windows themselves are generally the weakest spot, the most likely to let noise leak out into the surrounding areas. Thankfully, our products, combined with the excellent work from the University, has effectively soundproofed a number of rooms within their music department.” Senior Architectural Systems has supplied the fenestration package for use on the tallest residential building in Bristol.

At 26 storeys high, the residential tower block forms part of the wider Castle Park View scheme, which is the largest Urban Green Space in the city. The development also features a main block and a 10-storey tower, creating in total 375 new one and two bedroom apartments. Senior has supplied its slimline SF52 aluminium curtain wall system and patented low U-value PURe aluminium windows and doors for use across the scheme, working alongside specialist installers Denval, architects Chapman Taylor, contractors Bouygues UK.

Senior’s

Tall Order In Bristol

Created following the extensive regeneration of a brownfield area and built on the former site of an ambulance station, sustainability is a key part of the design of the Castle Park View and the residential scheme has achieved a level four standard in the Code for Sustainable Homes certification.

Both Senior’s thermally-efficient SF52 aluminium curtain wall system and Part L compliant PURe aluminium windows and doors are highly durable and fully recyclable, claims the company, making them the ideal choice for a modern development that is also striving to help reduce the energy bills of its residents. The thermal performance of the aluminium fenestration system complements the other sustainable features including the use of the UK’s largest water source heat pump, the nearby Castle Park Energy Centre, as the development’s main heat source.

Exceeding Building

Standards And Futureproofing Tenants’ Homes

Established in 1993, Broadacres Housing Association (BHA) has a proven track record of providing high quality homes. Since its founding, the not-for-profit organisation has grown significantly and now boasts a portfolio of over 6,500 homes across Yorkshire and other locations in the north of England. Stock can be found in towns like Northallerton, Darlington and Harrogate, as well as larger cities such as York and Leeds.

Even with this growth, BHA has always emphasised quality and longevity when working with its suppliers on both new build and retrofit projects. Rehau has been a key partner in this respect, with the company’s windows having been installed successfully in many of BHA’s longest-standing homes.

Until recently, a small collection of bungalows in St Gregorys Close, Crakehall were no different. Despite holding firm for more than three decades, the older Rehau windows fitted in these homes needed removing. After consultation, BHA decided to replace them with the Total70C – a newer, more efficient Rehau design that’s better suited for 21st century needs.

As James Marley, BHA’s construction manager, points out, the upgrades were partly driven by the organisation’s vision to be ‘the best rural housing association in the country’. However, it was also practical for the association to keep ahead of the regulatory curve by fitting homes with high-performing materials that exceed current standards. “Close attention is given to the budget and how we can use it effectively,” says James. “Any investment needs to provide maximum return, both in terms of performance and durability. That way tenants get a better home that will last, and the association saves more money over time.”

Improvements of this kind are in part driven by the Decent Homes Standard, a technical document first published in 1997. For a property to be deemed a ‘decent home’ it must meet certain criteria. This includes up-to-date facilities and services, as well as windows and doors that provide a good degree of thermal comfort through efficient insulation. A similar standard is now also planned

for the private rented sector, which will require large-scale remedial action to improve the condition of roughly half a million properties across the UK.

Lasting value

While upgrades are part of dayto-day work for BHA, James believes it’s still important to take a longer-term view when upgrading homes. “We seek quality products that not only adhere to the Decent Homes Standard, but also ones that will futureproof our properties against proposed changes to housing legislation. Broadacres has used Rehau windows for many years knowing they are resilient to the country’s highly seasonal weather. This is especially important for a site like St. Gregorys where all the tenants will be living on the ground floor. Without adequate windows and doors, cold draughts and damp can create big problems later on.” Rehau’s Total70C system is ideal for organisations seeking lasting performance. Products in this range have exceptional thermal properties, achieving A+ on the Window Energy Rating system, while also surpassing the requirements set out in Part L of the Building Regulations. For windows an overall U-Value of 1.6 W/ m2K is needed; the Total70C sits well underneath this threshold at 1.31 W/m2K.

This level of performance, as James explains, is an advantage when working across such a large portfolio. “BHA’s current major works specification has been prepared with Rehau’s guidance. This new window makes it easier for us to meet our carbon reduction targets, while also laying the groundwork for future challenges around thermal performance in homes. We know from customer surveys that window replacement is a top priority, so it’s vital to get it right the first time, especially when you’re dealing with thousands of buildings.”

Speed and security

BHA’s decent homes replacement cycle sees it budget and plan for windows to remain in-situ for 30 years without premature failure. Rehau has proven itself against this measure. However, as Keith Hogan and Kevin Hudson, directors at Newlife Windows, BHA’s preferred installer, point out, there are other more practical benefits to using a product like the Total70C system.

“Newlife is Rehau approved,” says Keith, “so our team is very familiar with the company’s profiles and what’s needed to fit them to a high standard. This familiarity also means we can replace and install the new products quickly, which is not always the case for competitors’ designs.

Knowing we can enter a person’s home and be confident we’ll complete the job to schedule 99% of the time is great for customer satisfaction and our relationship with Broadacres.”

Keith’s final point, as James is keen to highlight, is key for a housing association. “No one wants to have their day disrupted with building work, but we also need to make improvements to our homes from time to time. Newlife Windows can give us a schedule and we’ll know that the work will be finished according to the timescales given. This is a big advantage when liaising with tenants and is partly down to the good design and functionality of Rehau’s windows.”

Beyond this, the Total70C system also provides customers with greater resistance to break-ins. If required, the hardware used on all Rehau’s Total70 range can be fixed into the steel reinforcement on both the sash and frame, increasing the security level for residents. “This installation method is simple,” says Kevin Hudson, “particularly if you’re already removing existing Rehau frames from the property. It’s important to have this feature available for properties like those at St. Gregorys.”

Frames for the future

BHA’s long-standing relationship with Rehau has been driven by product performance and longevity. However, sustainability has also been key, with the association currently working beyond the requirements set out in the Future Homes Standard. It also has its own set of KPIs based on the UN’s global development goals. These include a commitment to alleviate fuel poverty and a pledge to minimise impact on the environment.

“Rehau is a natural partner for BHA when it comes to sustainability,” says James. “We know the windows have excellent thermal efficiency, and this helps our tenants to spend less on their energy bills when the weather gets cold. Knowing the new frames are made from older recycled ones is an added bonus.”

James is referring to PVCR, which has seen significant investment in its waste management and recycling machinery since becoming part of the wider Rehau Group in 2014. PVCR collects used PVC material, such as old door and window frames, and puts it through a number of different treatment processes so it can be redirected back into the manufacture of new polymer products. In doing so, PVCR not only limits the amount of plastic that ends up in landfill but also allows Rehau, its parent organisation, to operate a self-sustaining business model inspired by the circular economy.

Rehau is committed to upgrading technology used in the treatment process and, therefore, the volume of material that can be recovered for future use. Currently 55% of a salvaged PVC window frame is converted into material used in new Rehau products, with roughly another 30% of the by-product created through shredding and granulation, being sold on to other businesses. PVCR aims to increase the amount of good-quality PVC being reused to 70% and finding viable markets for as much of the remaining 30%.

Sustainable suppliers, as James points out, “make it easier for an organisation like BHA to do its job without losing track of the bigger picture. We have our own set of CSR targets that would be harder to achieve were it not for companies like Rehau. In a market like housing, where the focus is always shifting, having reliable products made the right way is so valuable.”

James concludes: “Long-standing relationships like the one between Rehau and Broadacres are ultimately based on trust. These windows make our tenants’ lives better, which is the most important thing, but the fact we know they’ll fit without fuss and also look good once installed is what really sets them apart. Rehau is specified as standard across all our projects because we know what we’re getting, even if that means looking further when a supplier isn’t nearby.”

For more information about Rehau’s Total70 system, visit https://bit.ly/3TT8NCT

The Spectus Bevelled System is a 70mm flagship PVC-U window and door system from Epwin Window Systems. In this project, all manufactured windows needed to adhere to Document Q, Building Regulations and BSi Kitemark standards for the energy and security performance.

As an experienced fabricator and installer, the Highseal Manufacturing team is familiar with the requirements and protocols of new build developments. As such, the team worked closely with the housebuilder and site contractors to ensure the window and doors were manufactured and installed in line with the timescales required. The first

phase development commenced in November 2019 and was completed in September 2022.Spectus Windows And Doors Deliver For New Lincolnshire Housing Development

Holly Donaldson, office manager at Highseal Manufacturing Company, said: “Ensuring the windows were manufactured and installed on time was crucial as the second fit on the electrics can only be completed once the buildings are completely weatherproof. As such, we worked closely with all site contractors for a seamless build.”

738 Spectus windows, 95 Spectus French doors and 27 Spectus single doors have been installed in the first phase of a new build housing development in the village of Kirton near Boston, Lincolnshire.

The Spires development is an exclusive collection of 2, 3 and 4-bedroom homes designed and built by Ashwood Homes. The new build development will provide a mixture of private homes with 21 of the builds set to be affordable housing.

Ashwood Homes aims to build properties of the highest quality and it extends the same discerning approach to partnership companies and the products chosen on its numerous developments. In the case of The Spires development, the new build project was awarded to experienced, longstanding Ashwood Homes partner, Highseal Manufacturing Ltd, part of the Fair Share Group.

Established in 2012, the Fair Share Group is an independent manufacturing facility based in Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire. The company fabricates the Spectus 70mm PVC-U window and door system from Epwin Window Systems and is committed to delivering manufacturing excellence and onsite installation support at every level.

The new 152 first-phase plots made up of 2, 3 and 4-bedroom properties, were manufactured in white on both sides from the popular Spectus Bevelled 70mm System. With the first phase now completed, the Highseal Manufacturing team are scheduling the start of second phase of the development. Holly, said: “We are delighted to have partnered again with Ashwood Homes on this new development. The company has a number of developments across the region featuring family homes between two and four bedrooms. As with all of its projects, these properties are built to a high specification. The first phase of The Spires development has been a great success and we are looking forward to working with Ashwood Homes on their second phase which consists of 670 Spectus windows, 85 Spectus French doors and 8 Spectus single doors.”

Direct Trade Windows Goes The Extra Mile

Going the extra mile for customers is paramount to Direct Trade Windows, which is how the trade supplier has helped to transform a new residential development in Hersham.

Working with Surrey-based luxury home developer Park Lane Developments, the company has supplied ultra-slim Cortizo sliding doors, complete with bespoke sliding options.

“Park Lane required seven-panel sliders on a four-track system, and four-panel sliders on a fourtrack system, and because this is not readily available on the market, they’d been severely let

down by a previous supplier,” explains Direct Trade Windows director AJ Hassanali.

“At Direct Trade Windows, we have a reputation for going the extra mile to help our customers, which is why they turned to us, and thanks to our state-of-the-art in-house CAD system, our team were able to provide a suitable design and fabrication method, delivering the required bespoke products and winning the trust of Park Lane Developments.

“Thanks to strategic investment in machinery, we have a reputation for being able to manufacture products that are known for being difficult and time consuming to make.

“It’s been a pleasure working with Park Lane Developments, and to supply them with products not readily available on the market has been a privilege.

“The build is due to be completed next month, and I very much look forward to seeing the final result, and to working with Park Lane Developments on future projects.” With space at a premium and homes of three or even four storeys becoming increasingly popular, dark, narrow, purely functional stairwells are commonplace, but with the addition of glass these can become bright and welcoming focal points which dramatically improve the quality of living space.

TuffX Glass Steps Up To The Job

It’s a clever way of bringing the multiple floors together and showcasing the impressive sense of space on offer in the property while creating a connected and homely feel throughout. Topped with a walk-on glass floor that pulls the whole look together and creates a stylish talking point.

With this in mind, TuffX were chosen to supply 15mm toughened safety glass with dubbed corners, in a mixture of rectangle and CNC-shaped panels, along with 33mm laminated walk-on floors with sandblasted corners to a residential property in Plymouth with grand designs for a double-height staircase.

The project was used to complement and complete an open-tread glass staircase with a glass balustrade and walk-on glass landing. The finished result is a bright, airy and modern space with maximum natural light flowing through three floors and reaching out across the living areas beyond at every level. Overall the whole effect is one of a bright, light space that shows off the full height of the property to maximum effect from every floor.

“We’re delighted to see the finished result for this project, which truly shows the potential of toughened safety glass to absolutely transform modern open-plan, multi-storey living,” said TuffX’s commercial director Paul Higgins.

“When space and natural light are at a premium, glass makes an effective solution as well as a bold design statement for balustrades, walk-on floors and staircases — so why not combine all three?”

The Residence Collection

& Renovate Leeds Help Create Dream Home For North East Celebrity, Gaz Beadle

Geordie Shore star, Gary Beadle (Gaz), started the renovation of his new family home with arguably the most important part – the windows. Situated in the idyllic suburbs of Yorkshire, Gaz’s luxury cottage home is blessed with scenic countryside views, though the view from the inside was a different story thanks to outdated windows that blocked out light. The TV personality, who shares his home with wife Emma McVey and their two children, tasked Renovate Leeds to install a whopping 98 new windows, transforming the interior and exterior of their new home and maximising the potential of its stunning location.

Working closely with premium window and door designer, The Residence Collection and a local window and door manufacturer, HWL Windows, Renovate Leeds installed bespoke windows designed by The Residence Collection throughout the property, bringing the couple’s vision to life. What was once a protruding window profile with dark brown frames and bars across the glass, are now stylish flush windows with a fresh grey exterior.

Renovate Leeds helped the couple choose their dream windows with expert advice. Through samples and social media stalking, The Residence Collection was the front runner thanks to design, quality and modern technology. The Residence Collection’s R7 collection was the obvious choice, thanks to its flush finish both inside and out. The collection, which was chosen by Gaz for his home, adapts a modern aesthetic that is also versatile with superior acoustic and thermal properties. The windows consist of a traditional mechanical joint that provides ‘the ultimate timber alternative’. Gaz opted for Eclectic Grey for his exterior. For the interior, a classic Chalk White was chosen, to suit the minimal and cosy interior of the home.

Although style and aesthetics were incredibly important when choosing the windows, it was vital to consider other elements such as quality, longevity and performance. The Residence Collection R7 windows boast an energy rating of A++ that are double or triple glazed as standard, all with a maintenance-free finish.

Gaz Beadle commented: “I couldn’t be happier with my windows. When we moved into our home, the windows were outdated and blocked out a lot of light, so we knew they needed updating. Now, I can’t believe the difference and how open and airy our home feels. Not only that, but the windows have completely transformed the aesthetic to suit our modern family lifestyle. I couldn’t recommend The Residence Collection windows enough and Renovate Leeds did a fantastic job at installing them.”

Swan Selects Sheerline To Transform School

Sheerline’s Prestige range was recently chosen to replace aging sash windows in a large grammar school in Kent, helping to freshen the look of this traditional brick building. As the transformation had to take place over the summer holidays, it was crucial the project was delivered on time, and Sheerline’s agile service was key to helping the team at Swan Doors & Windows meet this deadline.

At over 20 years old, the existing sash balances were beginning to fail. This meant if a window was open, it could close at any time. This was obviously a serious safety concern that needed to be addressed quickly with minimal disruption to the school.

Improving the thermal performance of the windows was also an important consideration and a key reason that Sheerline’s Prestige range – with its unique Thermlock thermal break was chosen for the project. With energy prices rising, home and business owners alike are looking for sustainable ways to cut their costs without compromising on warmth. Transforming Borden Grammar School was a collaborative effort that brought together contractors Waller Associates and Swan Doors and Windows Ltd.

Swan commented: “We used Sheerline over other options for this project because we liked the overall quality of the product and the availability that helped us keep to the tight timescales.”

After consulting with the school, they choose a Prestige window in a Georgian style finished in Hipca gloss white RAL9910 for a contemporary take on the windows that were being replaced. It was key to choose a style that enhanced the look of the school but still matched its character and other buildings on the school estate.

The fabricators at Swan were said to appreciate the quality of the aluminium profiles and the feel of the windows in operation. They required little to no adjustment on site, which is what the team at Sheerline aimed for when designing the system. In addition, Wallers Associates commented on the fact the frames were easy to glaze and said they would be happy to recommend Sheerline to future clients.

Paul Ewart, director at Swan Doors and Windows Ltd., said: “Sheerline provided on-site technical support for our first few jobs to ensure that all our staff were trained appropriately, and that the product was fabricated correctly, which we found invaluable. We hope to continue building our order book with Sheerline products.”

Since the installation, the classrooms are brighter and airy, and as the glass installed is solar controlled the classrooms will be cooler in summer, and warmer in winter. Even though the style change has been subtle, the now renewed exterior looks much improved. Changing to 50/50 top opening sash windows also means they are safer and easier to operate.

CEO of Sheerline Roger Hartshorn said: “The feedback we’ve received from Wallers Associates and Swan is a testament to the hard work we put into designing the Sheerline range. When we first developed the idea, we knew we had to overcome the existing issues within the industry, and that’s what we’re doing.

“We’re proud to provide unrivalled support to our customers, whether they’re home or business owners, installers or fabricators – everyone receives technical support and high-quality customer service.”

I Like Them So Much, I Fitted One For Myself

Stockport-based Classic Construction started fitting the Decalu88 Bi-folding Door from Deceuninck Aluminium at the beginning of 2021 as part of its strategy to supply premium products while reducing time on site, including callbacks.

“We aim for the higher end of the market and source higher quality materials,” Classic Construction’s managing director Jason Clarke said. “So, the bi-folds and window systems we use are the products that our clients notice, and you don’t have to be an expert to realise that the systems we choose to use in these builds are excellent.

“We switched to the Decalu88 about 18 months ago, and as soon as the doors arrived it was immediate to see that they were superior to all the systems that we’d used before. We use Decalu88 as standard now.”

Achieving U-values as low as 1.13W/m2K with a double-glazed unit, many installers discovered the Decalu88 Bi-folding Door as a straightforward way of achieving Part L requirements without using triple glazing.

But they also found a commitment from Deceuninck Aluminium to bring new levels of service and flexibility to aluminium systems supply, including dual-colour and marine grade as standard.

“We’re putting Decalu products in weekly – on all the luxury builds and on all of the garden rooms – and you can easily see it is a more quality system,” Jason said. “It’s like when you shut the door of a Mercedes or other high-end German car – when you shut the door on this system it definitely feels solid and of a higher quality.”

Deceunick Aluminium says most bi-folding doors on the market have a maximum weight of 100kg150kg, but the rollers on the Decalu88 Bi-Folding Door are designed to take 200kg a leaf, which almost guarantees smooth performance and reduces the likelihood of being called back to site to make any minor adjustments. And the pre-installed gasket saves installers about 30-40 minutes per door, simply because they don’t have to install the gaskets. With the Decalu88 you glaze each leaf in five minutes.

“Decalu products are easy to install, and we don’t have any callbacks – not even adjustments or things like that,” Jason said. “I’m not saying that the previous systems we used were full of errors, but we did have to adjust a few things. So, touch wood – or

aluminium! – these ones are no problem at all.

“We get a lot of great feedback from our customers about what we build for them. But the one element that they return to time and again is the quality of the aluminium doors and windows.

“And I like the Decalu products so much that I have used them on my own property – I’ve got two sets of bifolds at my house as well.” 200 Spectus casement windows have been installed in an iconic retail building refurbishment in Batley, West Yorkshire.

Redbrick Mill is an iconic department store for furniture and interiors and is home to over forty carefully selected high-quality retail brands. A former steam powered woollen mill built in the 1860’s, Redbrick Mill was launched by a local textile entrepreneur in 2000 with the ambition to create a major high-end retail destination.

The manufacture and installation of the 200 Spectus casement windows was awarded to longstanding Spectus Approved Window Contractor, Jade Windows (Brighouse) Ltd. Based in Batley, West Yorkshire, Jade Windows is a longstanding family-owned business with considerable experience in the commercial sector and an exceptional track record of working on several prestigious commercial projects.

The contract required the fabrication and installation of 200 bespoke 3 metre x 3 metre casement windows with arched frames to perfectly replicate the aesthetics of the building’s original timber frames. The windows were manufactured in Anthracite Grey with Georgian bar detailing to visually replicate the industrial aesthetics that this iconic building required. All products were manufactured in the 70mm Spectus Bevelled system by Jade Windows.

The popular Spectus Bevelled system has all the technical credentials for high-quality commercial applications. It can achieve a Window Energy Rating of Band A++ and U values as low as 0.8W/ (m2K), claims the company. In this project, the windows were manufactured in Anthracite Grey finish to the external and internal faces. This chosen colour palette perfectly replicated the required aesthetics and delivered a ‘crittall’ window effect which has long been associated with Art Deco and Modernist movements in early 20th Century architecture. All products were manufactured to PAS24:2016 standard.

With over 200 windows needing to be installed on a busy retail site, effective project management was essential. Jade Windows liaised closely with the building owners to agree a phased installation programme for minimum disruption.

Now the project is complete, the iconic mill has been transformed. Ryan Fozard, sales manager at Jade Windows commented: “The iconic store has been completely transformed. The bespoke windows perfectly blend with the historic architecture of the former mill and the chosen aesthetics pay homage to its industrial heritage. We are delighted to have worked on this prominent project and once again, the quality and reliability of the Spectus system has delivered at every level. This is a symbolic stand-out building in Batley and we are proud of the finished results.”

Iconic Retail Store

Transformed With Spectus

Stellar aluminium system from Epwin Window Systems has been fitted in a 1930’s domestic property in Croxley Green, Hertfordshire, owned by Peter Adams, general manager of Capital Windows. The installation of nine windows included two large 7-pane walk-in bay windows to the front of the property. The windows were manufactured and installed by experienced Stellar fabricator Capital Windows. Peter explains: “My family recently moved into our four-bedroom detached home and the ageing windows were top of the to-do list. Here at Capital, we manufacture several aluminium systems but we decided on Stellar for our own home as we like the modern flush aesthetics and the slim sightlines deliver maximum light appeal which was important to us.”

Stellar Brings Updated Aesthetic To Domestic Property Peter chose Stellar casement windows with fully flush aesthetics to the internal and external faces. He said: “Stellar has clean lines and the option of a genuine fully-flush casement window. By design it is an extremely modern system, but its contemporary styling also works well with more traditional architecture, which was ideal for our family home.” The windows were manufactured in white on both faces with Square lead glass detailing to complement the property’s heritage. And as you would expect, the installation ran smoothly and on schedule. Peter said: “You cannot underestimate just how quick and easy Stellar is to fit. The patented pre-gasketed knock-in beads make fitting very straightforward and leave the neatest finish on the gasket line. It’s a unique selling point that we have promoted to our customers but seeing it first hand on my own property underpins the importance of this detail.” With energy efficiency being front and centre of Peter’s agenda, Stellar’s thermal efficiency complies at every level. Peter said: “By design, Stellar meets all the latest requirements of Building Regulations as standard without the need for enhanced triple glazing or additional foam inserts. The bespoke thermally enhanced low-lambda thermal breaks within Stellar and its intelligent design features bring improved weather tightness and reduced air leakage as well as enhanced acoustic benefits that improve the overall comfort level of the property. With a 1930s-built home, energy efficiency was essential and I knew Stellar windows would more than deliver in this area.” Peter concluded: “Our ethos at Capital Windows is that we will only work with a system we would be proud to have in our own homes. And for me, that system is Stellar.” www.stellaraluminium.co.uk

Senior

Takes Student Housing To Another Level In Glasgow

Senior Architectural Systems has supplied a full glazing package for use on the new True Glasgow scheme.

At 13 storeys high and with a central location that puts the development within easy reach of Glasgow’s main universities, the True Glasgow student accommodation scheme has been constructed by main contractor Ogilvie. Senior’s supply chain partner and specialist contractor Scottech has fabricated and installed Senior’s aluminium windows, doors and curtain wall solutions.

Specified to provide daylighting and give far-reaching views of the city, Senior’s thermally-efficient SPW600e tilt and turn aluminium windows were installed to the individual apartments. The main façade also benefits from the slim sightlines of Senior’s SF52 aluminium curtain walling, which has been fabricated in a combination of different capping options to create a unique façade design. As a vertical capped option, the slimline curtain wall features a specially designed toggle system which is used horizontally to create externally frameless transoms and to complement the height of the building structure. The SF52 system has also been installed as a completely frameless silicone glazed solution, with additional ventilation achieved via the incorporation of Senior’s frameless SFF aluminium window vents. package, Senior’s robust SPW600 aluminium commercial doors have been used to provide safe and secure access.

Comprising 315 apartments for both shared and single occupancy, the new True Glasgow scheme on New City Road has been designed to offer inspirational student accommodation. With each apartment offering light and spacious living and study areas, the development also includes an array of exciting communal facilities including a gym and cinema. To balance the scheme’s city centre location, access to greenspaces has been incorporated through the creation of a rooftop garden and a walled courtyard garden at ground level. www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk

Freefoam

“Ticks All The Boxes” For

A1 Ironmongery And Plastics

Freefoam has launched a new video to showcase its partnership with Scottish based PVC supplier A1 Ironmongery and Plastics. Featuring an interview with directors Ivie Kerr and David Maxwell, the short film highlights the busy commercial trade counter, large stocking warehouse and explains how diversifying an existing ironmongery business into PVC building products has bought success for both companies.

A1 Ironmongery and Plastics covers the whole of Ayrshire and the west of Scotland with branches in Kilmarnock and Ayr both stocking the full range of Freefoam PVC products . Started in September 2008 and expanding the Kilmarnock branch in 2013 with a large, dedicated unit focusing on PVC, Ivie explains “It was our ironmongery customer base who encouraged us to start stocking PVC. They were finding the demand and wanted us to stock it alongside our traditional ironmongery products.”

When looking to diversify the business into PVC A1 Ironmongery and Plastics had a range of criteria they were looking for in a supplier. David explained “We wanted a product that was good quality, but also came with good customer service and back up, and found that Freefoam’s range and support package ticked all the boxes.” Whilst stocking the full Freefoam range of fascia, soffit, gutter, cladding and Geopanel, A1 Ironmongery and Plastics find that Freefoam’s deep gutter range is a particularly strong selling product – due to their location on the west coast of Scotland with its high rainfall levels.

David summarized “When you’re confident about a product, that you know you’re not going to have any issues with, and you can go out there and sell it in a competitive market at a good price, we believe that’s one of things that Freefoam gives us”

Colin St John, Freefoam’s commercial director concluded “Building strong and lasting relationships with our customers, such as A1 Ironmongery and Plastics, is crucial to our business. Our roofline, cladding and interior products are an ideal addition to any building product business and it’s fantastic to see our customers grow and flourish with the help of Freefoam.”

The Residence Collection’s New Website Helps Customers Find Nearest Installer

The Residence Collection, which already works with over 650 installers has launched a new website which will help professionals in the trade be more easily accessible to customers, says the company.

Launched in September 2022, the website features an updated installer search function so that customers can find their nearest Residence installer. Included in this function, customers will be able to contact installers directly to organise an appointment, book a showroom visit or get a quote, not only benefiting customers but installers too. The website also boasts a live chat function so that customers can receive expert advice no matter where they are, completed with a host of other modern functions that improves the customer journey.

Jo Trotman, marketing manager at The Residence Collection commented: “We’re always looking at ways we can make the customer journey more efficient and the new website definitely meets our objective of being more user friendly. We pride ourselves on using the very best technology for our windows and doors, so it’s only right that we use the best for our website too. We’re extremely excited for customers to use our new website and we hope they enjoy exploring what we have to offer and hopefully choosing the Residence Collection for their windows and doors.”

www.windowwidgets.co.uk

www.residencecollection.co.uk

A Plus Aluminium

Launches New Website

A Plus Aluminium has launched its brand-new website at aplusaluminium.co.uk, designed to be responsive and faster to load with an improved user experience.

Highlights include a book an appointment function for the company’s new showroom and better navigation for trade, residential and commercial website visitors.

The design is based on new corporate branding soft-launched during the pandemic. The orange accent colour is used for signposting and influencing the user.

“Our website is a central part of our sales and marketing,” says Jon Palethorpe, co-director of A Plus Aluminium. “Like many B2B businesses we use it as a hub – a go-to for product information and service offerings. While our old website still served a purpose, it was dated and simply not cutting it in this instant access digital age.

“The new site is more responsive and faster to load with a simplified user experience. Now it is live, the website will be populated with new information on products and services regularly, including updates on lead times.”

“We have given website visitors two options,” continues, Jon. “The second block on the homepage is divided into three areas – trade, residential and commercial, which are clearly titled and with a brief description. From here, users can click through to the relevant product listings. This is also achievable through the main menu. Alternatively, they can choose to view our whole product range.”

The website features 14 products categories, including aluminium front doors; aluminium sliding doors; curtain walling; and rooflights. Due to rising demand and the fact that A Plus Aluminium claims to be one of the first trade suppliers in the UK to offer a truly compliant solution for automatic opening vent systems (AOVs), AOVs are listed separately in the main menu.

The information and images have been updated across all the product pages, with support from the system suppliers. There is a product search function in the header which is fixed throughout the site. A download tab is also included in the main menu.

“We’ve seen enquiries slow in this final quarter of 2022, as the costof-living crisis started to bite,” Deceuninck’s MD Rob McGlennon said. “While this has put a dampener on volume products, we’ve actually seen sales of high-end energy-efficient products increase as the more affluent homeowners invest in the energy efficiency of their homes.”

The government has vowed to protect domestic energy bills during the 2022/23 winter period, but this is only expected to last until April 2023. This has created a small window of opportunity for homeowners to bring forward home improvement plans that will help mitigate against the anticipated increased energy costs.

“These homeowners are looking for improved aesthetics and increased security, but as energy prices have gone through the roof, these have dropped behind energy efficiency as key features,” Rob says. “It is vital that we act on this trend, and give our customers, and their customers, the support they need to deliver the energy efficiency message and drive sales.”

The company states, according to the Energy Calculator, owners of a detached house on mains gas will save just over £18K in ten years if they upgrade from single-glazed wooden windows to triple-glazed Heritage 2800 from Deceuninck. They will also save almost 28 tons on emitted carbon.

Even replacing existing PVC-U double-glazed windows with Traditional 2500 double-glazed windows from Deceuninck in a similar property will save the homeowner more than £6,500 over ten years, and more than 10 tons of carbon, claims the company

Energy Calculator From Deceuninck

Deceuninck has developed a sales tool that leverages the current interest in energy efficiency and sustainability, and supports window companies as they sell modern thermally efficient products in a contracting market.

Hosted on Deceuninck UK’s home page, the Energy Calculator demonstrates how replacing old windows can save homeowners money while reducing their carbon footprint, claims the company.

“These are compelling figures and should make the case for home improvements as energy bills

increase,” Rob said. “The calculator clearly demonstrates that homeowners will see a tangible payback on their investments as those savings are realised.”

At the start of 2022, an independent survey commissioned by Deceuninck and conducted by YouGov, found that 63% of homeowners would be more likely to purchase home improvements, which they saw as being more ‘sustainable’.

Specifically, more than two-thirds of UK homeowners (68%) would choose windows and doors with a higher recycled content over and above products that don’t contain recycled content (or which did so at lower levels), and 38% would be prepared to pay more for home improvement products that had higher recycled content and reduced impact on the environment.

“Demonstrating that new energy efficient windows can reduce your impact on the environment, is a strong proposition for many homeowners,” Rob said. “It is even more significant when we can support it with our €15million investment in an advanced PVC-U recycling and compounding facility.”

The new site in Belgium gives Deceuninck the capability to reprocess up to 45,000 tonnes of post-consumer and post-manufacturing PVC-U per year, which is the equivalent of preventing three million windows from going to landfill annually. Use of recycled material also reduces CO2 emissions by 90,000 tonnes when compared to virgin feedstocks, as well as a 90% energy saving, claims the company.

“There has never been a better time to sell energy efficient and sustainable windows,” Rob said. “And there’s never been a better time to partner with a supplier that can help you on that journey.” The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) is flying the flag for a greener future with the help of its online support Hub for homeowners, MyGlazing.com. With a dedicated environmental section, MyGlazing is a valuable resource for GGF members to use with consumers that are looking for more reassurance, support, and advice on sustainability.

“In an era of rising energy bills and increasing pressure to reduce our carbon footprint, it has never been more important to improve the energy efficiency of our homes,” says Anda Gregory, chief development officer at the GGF. “But even the most eco conscious consumers don’t always know the best course of action to take when it comes to home improvements. This is precisely why we created a comprehensive objective third party resource for GGF members to use with their customers.

GGF Promotes

Sustainability With MyGlazing Hub

“The MyGlazing website offers homeowners a whole host of information about buying new home improvement products, but the environmental hub on the site is a dedicated section to give consumers advice and guidance on how to reduce their carbon footprint, lower fuel bills, save money, and increase the value of their property.

“Our easy-to-use Energy Savings Calculator can also be found in the environmental hub and allows homeowners to calculate how much energy, and money, they could save by upgrading their windows. The tool asks for the type of property they live in, type of windows currently in place, and the type of window likely to be installed, before it works out the savings for that specific project.

“Homeowners can find all kinds of articles on the hub, from advice on recycling and eco-friendly tips to implement in daily life, to how to reduce their carbon footprint. The aim of MyGlazing. com is to help homeowners nationwide to become more sustainable, but it is also a valuable tool for our members to use when selling in the home.”

Mike Parczuk

Best Practice Installer Guide

For Conservatories Launched By DGCOS

The Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman (DGCOS) has published a new Installer Guide: Building A Conservatory. This general guidance document has been published for installers to ensure best practice from start to finish, based on the experiences DGCOS has had in dealing with disputes between members and their customers over the last decade.

Faisal Hussain, chief executive of DGCOS, explains: “The Installer Guide: Building a Conservatory, covers everything from defining what a conservatory is, which might sound obvious but actually isn’t always, to excavations, foundations, drainage and building the structure – issues that all installers should consider from the beginning. The aim of the guide is to help installers be aware of potential areas where issues may arise, in order to construct a quality build that does not require come-backs due to errors in any part of the planning or building process.

“The guide also explains best practice in terms of assessing a potential site before starting any groundworks to ensure foundations will be the correct depth; the strata the builder is likely to encounter; and whether there are any trees or drains in the area which may be an issue. There is a section on excavations giving advice on how to deal with different soil types, plus other things to look out for such as circumstances under which a structural engineer should be engaged, as well as a dedicated section on getting the foundations right. The report also deals with the substructure, addressing topics such as damp proofing, and building the superstructure itself. The final section addresses drainage in relation to roof run-off, gutters, outlet pipes and soakaways.

“The guide is an invaluable start for anyone involved in building conservatories, but there are also useful links to external bodies that can provide further detailed information such as the Government website for information about the Party Wall Act 1996 and Approved Document A, Citizens Advice for guidance on drains and sewers and links to local authority building control departments. There is support within the support!

“At DGCOS, we are fully committed to ensuring all of our members have access to support and documentation that raises standards in our industry. We hope that this latest Installer Guide will help our installers avoid some of the pitfalls seen in our industry in the past.”

A copy of the DGCOS Installer Guide: Building a conservatory can be viewed here: https://bit.ly/3GFf6a4 ind out more about DGCOS and the Installer Journey Benefits here: www.dgcos.org.uk

New Website Signals Start Of New Era For Cotswold

A new website is the final piece of the puzzle for Cotswold Architectural Products as it embarks on an exciting new phase in its history.

Earlier this year, Cotswold split from Caldwell Hardware, remaining with the company’s long-standing owners while Caldwell was sold to another business.

Now, Cotswold has become one of Europe’s largest independent friction stay manufacturers, claims the company.

Under the leadership of long-standing Cotswold employee Tim Ferkin, the company is setting an ambitious course for growth – and a brand new website was a natural part of that process.

“Our new website is designed to quickly and easily communicate to our customers exactly why they should be doing business with Cotswold,” Tim explains. “Visitors can read about our 45year legacy of excellence and innovation in hardware.

“They can learn more about the vast array of hardware products we’re able to offer – including our world-renowned friction stays, but also handles, support arms and accessories.

“And they can view some of the fantastic projects Cotswold products have been incorporated in, read our latest news, and find contact details for our offices in Cheltenham and Mumbai.

“This is a hugely exciting period for Cotswold, and having assembled a world-class senior team to lead us into this new era, the website is the final step in our journey to becoming a thriving independent business.” www.cotswoldap.com

Windowsplusdoors

Launches New Website

Windowsplusdoors is set to officially launch its website, which has been carefully created with the end-user in mind.

The firm specialises in sourcing and supplying energy-efficient, stylish A-rated uPVC windows and composite doors to the customers’ exact specifications, including style, colour and even the type of glass, which could help generate significant savings for homes throughout the UK.

Following significant business growth and the vast expansion of its Staffordshire-based sister company, Horton Building Plastics, windowsplusdoors was founded by Robert Horton, who commissioned the build of a specialist website, where customers can build their windows and doors from scratch using the free online design tool.

Managing director, Robert Horton, said: “We’re pleased to announce the official launch of windowsplusdoors and are really looking forward to seeing some of our customers turn their designs into reality.

The new website features a free to use configurator design tool, where customers can choose from a wide range of high-quality, long-lasting windows and doors. They can even customise the colour, the detailing of the glass and decide which frame complements their new window or door.

“Not only that, investing in A-rated double-glazed windows and ensuring your doors are properly insulated can cut energy costs by up to £195 per year, so it’s a worthwhile investment. As an experienced trade retailer, we bring exceptional quality products to keen DIYers, renovators and property owners from all corners of the country”, Robert added.

The firm’s high-quality windows and doors are also approved by Secured by Design.

Deadline for submission Entries open November 1st Window News 2022 Closing date for entries 31st January 2023& FIT Show – Win A Stand Winner announced February 28th 2023 Winning prize In order to entice new and emerging brands to exhibit at FIT Show, Window News and FIT Show are offering one lucky brand the chance to win an exhibitor space at FIT Show 2023.

Thought about exhibiting but not sure you’re quite ready? Worried that exhibiting at FIT Show might be too costly for your new business? Want to exhibit but unsure where to start? This is your opportunity to win an exhibitor space at FIT Show.

We will take the hassle out of your FIT Show debut by providing an Crystal Stand Package with 12M2 of stand space*. All we need from you is a business case which outlines:

• Company name, website and overview of nature of business.

• Target audience. • Background of your company – when you started, why you started and what your goals are for the next five years.

• A 500 word overview of why you think you should win a free place on the floorplan for the FIT Show 2023 – whether it’s your innovations, sustainable credentials or grass roots initiative – tell us what sets you apart from your competition. Crystal Stand Package with 12M2 of stand space, which includes walling, lights, electrical connection, carpet and furniture ready for you to arrive, add your company branding and product and be ready to meet 10,000 potential customers!

• Press release announcing that you are exhibiting.

• Marketing support in the run up to the show.

• FIT Show TV interview at the event.

For more information and to enter click here

Morley Glass:

Proud To Be Part Of FIT Show’s 10th Anniversary Event

sector has to offer.

“Speaking with our customers and supply chain partners, the FIT Show’s ‘everyone’s going’ slogan is as true today as it was a decade ago and we are already looking forward to being there again. Our experience of this year’s show was extremely positive, not only as a platform to present our current Uni-Blinds integral blind systems portfolio, but also to get insights from installers about what they would like to see in future. This makes the FIT Show a truly unique event.”

The 2022 FIT Show gave Morley Glass an opportunity to launch several new integral blind developments which are already proving popular with customers. These included the symmetrical version of its top selling Venetian cordless slider integral blind system, the SV+, which is now selling in volumes of around 1,000 units every month, and ScreenView, a new system designed specifically for hospitals where hygiene and infection control are crucial.

Ian adds: “We were delighted with the response we had to all our integral blind systems at this year’s show, but we know the service we provide continues to be as important to installers. That’s why we continue to innovate on both fronts.

“Our close partnership with Pellini ensures we can offer a standard 10-12 day lead time, backed with complimentary nationwide delivery, which helps installers to provide a quick turnaround for homeowners and end-users – no waiting around to complete the sale or installation. And our free post-consumer glass collection and recycling service helps installers save money and the hassle of arranging waste disposal, as well as being important from a sustainability point of view.”

Mike Parczuk

Pictured at the 2022 FIT Show, Ian Short, managing director of Morley Glass, with Rik Henderson, FIT Show commercial manager, signing up for 2023’s event

With only six months to go before the 2023 exhibition opens its doors, the Morley Glass team is busy progressing its plans for the next FIT Show with the focus on revealing even more integral blind innovations to the fenestration sector.

After the success of the 2022 show, Morley Glass and its exclusive integral blind systems manufacturer Pellini S.p.A. are working hard ahead of May’s event to be ready to launch a series of new developments for Uni-Blinds, with two new products already confirmed for launch in April. All built with ScreenLine systems inside, these are set to offer even more ways to tailor integral blinds to homeowner tastes and to meet commercial specifications, says the company.

Ian Short, managing director of Morley Glass said: “It may seem like only yesterday that the first show took place, but the 2023 FIT Show will actually be the tenth anniversary event. This longevity shows how resilient the show has been, particularly given the disruption of the pandemic, and demonstrates that it still the must-attend event in the industry’s calendar to get together and explore the best of what our

Over 70% Of Space For FIT Show

2023 Allocated

FIT Show organisers have announced that over 70% of space has already been allocated for its May 23 – 25 2023 anniversary event.

2023 marks a full decade since the UK’s only dedicated trade show for the window, door, glass, hardware and components industry launched at Telford Exhibition Centre in 2013.

The floorplan for FIT Show’s seventh instalment has seen significant support from across the fenestration industry and includes a number of heritage and new brands who have joined the lineup in recent weeks.

What started out as a 5,800M2 and 165 exhibitor event at Telford has grown exponentially over the last decade. FIT Show 2023 at Birmingham NEC will occupy three halls with over 9,000M2 of stand space and comprise up to 280 brands.

FIT Show 2023 lineup includes stalwarts and returning brands such as Cortizo, Brisant Secure, Morley Glass & Glazing, Made For Trade, Haffner Ltd, ODL Europe and Glazpart. The 2023 lineup also includes debut brands; Brett Martin, Düspohl Maschinenbau GmbH, Metsa Wood, Security Doors Factory, AlloTools, Technal UK, Caribbean Blinds, Atech Makine, Kozza Raling and Schtec Makine.

As well as increasing in size, FIT Show has evolved to attract exhibitors and visitors from across Europe with a growing contingent of brands from Turkey, China, Spain and Italy. The trade Show also incorporates a much broader scope of product and materials, building on its predominantly PVC windows and doors roots to include a strong representation of aluminium and timber solutions which illustrates the innovation across the sector over the last ten years.

Alongside an increase in the range of materials that visitors can see at FIT Show, organisers have developed new features which have broadened the types of products and services at the Show. Complementary products and services, such as its outdoor living offering, roofing and software providers are all designed to create a true showcase for the industry and help the visitors broaden their portfolios and increase profitability.

Speaking about how FIT Show has evolved over the years, FIT Show event director Nickie West said: “FIT Show as it stands today has evolved in line with the industry – it’s a true reflection of the innovation and development that has taken place throughout the sector since we launched. The industry has grown, and we’ve grown with it.

“There is always something new to see at FIT Show, another reason to exhibit, something different to enhance a visit. We keep our ears close to the ground and work closely in consultation with our

stakeholders to ensure that FIT Show meets the changing needs of the market. It’s how we’ve always worked and is a key component to our success and longevity. The fact that so many brands, and indeed individuals, have been on this journey with us is testament to the vital position FIT Show holds within the UK fenestration calendar.”

Haffner Ltd have exhibited at every single FIT Show since it launched. CEO, Dave Thomas said: “Having exhibited at every FIT Show since it launched in 2013, the exhibition has become a strategic part of our overall sales and marketing strategy. The show offers a perfect environment for us to showcase our vast range of fabrication machines and the added-value benefits they offer fabricators. No other platform allows us to run live demonstrations to such a wide audience at any one time, and the quality of the footfall is always strong.

“The confidence we placed in the exhibition resulted in us booking the largest stand in FIT Show’s history. This gave us the widest platform to showcase our vast selection of cutting-edge machines including our Graf Synergy range. And with a large number of six-figure machinery packages sold on the first day, the return on investment was exceptional.

“The FIT Show also provides a networking platform like no other. Networking is the masterstroke to support your marketing activities and nothing can beat connecting with your audience personally. We are still securing new business following the 2022 show with the largest pipeline of new enquiries in our history. It shows the significance of face-to-face exhibiting for the industry and we are already looking forward to the 2023 show.”

Another FIT Show legacy brand is ODL Europe. Bryan Bultema, ODL Europe MD said: “ODL Europe has continued to support the FIT Show since it launched in 2013. We have

Matthew Glover, Nickie West and Paul Godwin

exhibited at every exhibition as the show offers a wealth of positive benefits, including extending our market reach to support our growth strategy. The exhibition has also been a superb platform to support several new product launches in addition to further connecting with new and existing businesses.

“The networking opportunities are superb, and the FIT Show has become an essential part of our sales and marketing strategy. The return on investment is excellent and following our success at the 2022 show, we didn’t hesitate to be one of the first companies to sign up for FIT Show 2023.”

DoorCo has supported FIT Show across the years. Michael Roe, DoorCo head of sales added: “Ten years ago, an exhibition was the best chance you had of getting in front of the market with your products, and today, although we have social media and marketing campaigns that are more sophisticated, this still holds true. Industry-dedicated exhibitions like FIT Show provide a unique platform where you can showcase your latest innovations, meet up with customers and get in front of the wider industry, all at the same time. People come to FIT Show looking for something new, so if you have a product to launch or a strong message to deliver, FIT Show is fundamental to reaching that concentrated audience outside of your customer base.

“Each time DoorCo has exhibited at FIT Show, we have successfully delivered our message and created opportunities for the business. One of the key take-aways from 2022 is that today, entertainment is just as important as product. Our stand was impressive and showcased the new brand hierarchy really well using a mix of technology and physical products, and although we’ve received some great feedback on this, visitors were equally as positive about the Korean tapas bar and the party on Wednesday night.”

Chris Reeks, MD of Fentrade Aluminium, exhibited at FIT Show for the first time in 2022 and shares his thoughts on why he’s returning for 2023. Chris said: “We are looking to build upon the success of our inaugural show in 2022 where we met with existing and potential customers and grew our presence as an aluminium trade manufacturer.

“We see the 2023 FIT Show as a springboard to launch the next stage of our growth and development strategy by increasing our

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brand awareness within the industry and further growing our customer base.

“As a company one of the deciding factors to exhibit for 2023 centred around the 10 year anniversary; there will be an even bigger focus and emphasis on the show for 2023 because of this which will drive more footfall to the exhibition. It will be great to be a part of the celebrations as we ourselves will be celebrating our 5 year anniversary.

“Having been a visitor to FIT from the first show in 2013 I have seen it grow and more importantly the team learn from each event to keep changing and adapting to the industry’s needs. It was always something when launching Fentrade in 2018 that was kept to the forefront as a marketing strategy when I believed the time was right.

“I see FIT as an integral part of the industry to showcase new products and to be able to network with a large number of customers, suppliers and industry colleagues in a very short space of time. It is important to us as a marketing vehicle and also an opportunity to maximise our resources to meet and greet customers and suppliers alike.”

FIT Show brings every link in the fenestration supply chain together under one roof across three days. Exhibitors include fabricators, systems houses and suppliers of the leading products and services across windows, doors, flat glass, hardware and components.

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

GGF & Fensa Official FIT Show Learning Partners

The GGF and Fensa have announced that they have been invited to act as the official learning content partners of FIT Show 2023. With the emphasis on technical content and the provision of much needed clarity on building regulations, the two organisations are well placed to support visitors to the show with the most accurate and up to date information.

“Industry professionals are often let down by a lack of information,” says Anda Gregory, chief development officer at the GGF. “Especially when it comes to updated Building Regulations. The GGF and Fensa are always working hard to ensure fabricators, installers, and glass manufacturers have all the information they need, so we are thrilled to support the FIT Show as learning partners and use this credible platform to educate the market about important topics such as key trends, Building Regulations, sustainability, recycling, energy efficiency and net zero goals, and learning and apprenticeships. We’ll be offering advice, information, and practical demos to ensure visitors have access to all the information they need on the day and following the show.”

FIT Show event director, Nickie West said: “We’re excited to announce the GGF and Fensa as our official learning programme content partners for FIT Show 2023. As a flagship event for our industry, it’s hugely important that we are delivering the right content to meet the evolving needs of our audience. It made perfect sense to partner with our industry’s main representative organisations to do this.

“The GGF and Fensa will primarily be responsible for fulfilling the technical learning aspects of the programme, with a special focus on building regulations. This content will sit alongside a broad mix of CPD approved seminars, panel debates and practical demos within the wider learning programme at the FIT Show next May.”

Steve Winslet, Victorian Sliders managing director and Nickie West, FIT Show event director

“We’re looking forward to the opportunity to connect with people throughout our indus-Victorian Sliders Set To Showcase Sash Window try, and show them both our exceptional products, and our Innovations At FIT 2023 constant commitment to im provement.” FIT Show event director, Nickie West added: “Victorian Sliders are a huge part of the FIT Show story over the last decade, which is why I am delighted that they will be joining us as we celebrate ten years of FIT Show at our May 2023 event.

Sash window manufacturer, Victorian Sliders has become the latest fenestration industry firm to sign up for FIT Show 2023.

The company will take a sizeable stand at the May event, which draws thousands of key decision-makers from throughout glass, glazing and construction.

The South Wales-based business is thriving after a succession of record-breaking years for sales, and its energy efficient and cost-effective ECOSlide window remains in high demand across the British Isles, says the company. At the FIT Show, the firm will seek to showcase its latest innovations – including the latest iteration of ECOSlide.

“Over the course of seven highly successful events, the FIT Show has established itself as fenestration’s leading trade exhibition,” comments Victorian Sliders managing director Steve Winslet.

“For us, as we seek to continue to pursue growth, showcase innovative new products, and build relationships with hundreds more customers throughout the sector, exhibiting at next year’s event was a natural decision for us. “This is a brand that always puts on a really fantastic showcase – we are working closely with them to make sure that their installer and new architect and specifier offering gets the right exposure at FIT Show. We’re excited to see their campaign evolve over the coming months.”

Mike Parczuk

Morley Glass Picks Up Five

Awards In 2022 NFAs

Uni-Blinds integral blinds manufacturer Morley Glass has repeated its 2021 success in the National Fenestration Awards (NFAs) by winning in five categories again in this year’s awards programme.

The company won the award for Integral Blinds Company of the Year for the fifth year in a row. Morley Glass also won the NFA for ‘Best use of video’, an award it also won in 2021, which continues to be a key part of its marketing programme given the medium’s ability to bring the benefits of integral blinds to life for installers and end-users. Three members of the Morley Glass team were also recognised for their outstanding contribution. The NFA for ‘Office Manager of the Year’ was presented to Jess Owens, the award for ‘Social networker’ went to Charlotte Gilbert and Bryony Shaw was named the proud winner of the ‘Young person’ award.

Ian Short, managing director of Morley Glass said: “Thank you to everyone who took the time to firstly nominate us, and secondly to those who cast their vote in the NFAs. It means so much to us to win awards that are voted for by people working in the window and door industry as they are the ones whose opinion matters most.

“I’d like to congratulate all the winners and especially our three individual award winners – Jess, Charlotte and Bryony. Thank you to the NFA team too for organising a fantastic presentation event at Doncaster racecourse.

“Being part of the NFAs is important to help us gauge how well we’re doing as a supplier to the industry. And winning inspires us even more, encouraging everyone in our team to push harder so we can stay at the forefront of the market.”

Winning these latest five NFAs marks the sixth year in a row that Morley Glass has won accolades in this awards programme. It has done so in a year of major investment to increase its production capacity and the size of its delivery vehicle fleet, as well as boosting its recycling operations – all of which helps Morley Glass give its installer customers a unique advantage. www.morleyglass.co.uk

Kolorseal Wins NFA For Fourth

As such, with the National Fenestration Awards being industry led, this win reflects the high standards and the unequalled reputation of Kolorseal, in a fair and open way.

Consecutive Year

Deborah comments, “This has to be the best award to win – one where we are voted for by our customers and suppliers. It is something we never take for granted and for the Kolorseal team it demonstrates that their commitment to the company does not go unnoticed.

The NFA award is a great recognition that boosts morale and demonstrates to the industry as a whole that we can help them with their own businesses.

All of us really appreciate every single vote that has been given to us this year, particularly given the very tough competition.”

For Deborah Hendry, the NFA Colour Specialist of the Year Award is a wonderful achievement. She continues,“In a very tough market we are so proud and deeply humbled to have won this year. No doubt our success story can be attributed not just to the quality standards we provide but also the drive and commitment of the whole team.”

www.kolorseal.co.uk

The celebrations at Kolorseal Ltd have been the highlight of a very positive year for the team, with the 4th consecutive victory as NFA Colour Specialist.

Deborah Hendry, managing director, takes great pride in celebrating this achievement which she considers is very much a team effort. The awards, recognised for requiring both nomination and voting by industry peers, she believes demonstrate the highest acknowledge from the sector.

Eurocell plc is celebrating after winning five industry honours at the National Fenestration Awards 2022.

Sam Shelton, senior account manager won Young Person of the Year, Andy McDonnell, managing director, scooped Director of the Year, and the business was also recognised with the accolade of Conservatory Fabricator of the Year, Equinox was awarded Conservatory Product of the Year, and for the third year in a row, Trade Counter of the Year.

Andy McDonnell, managing director commented; “To have won five awards at the National Fenestration Awards 2022 is a huge achievement for the whole team, and recognises our commitment to excellence and dedication to our customers across the business.

“As these awards celebrate excellence within the industry, we feel extremely privileged that so many

Eurocell Win Five Industry Honours At NFA Awards

have voted for us, and we’d like to thank all those who took the time to vote. credible support of our customers throughout the industry, and to the National Fenestration Awards for hosting another fantastic event!” eurocell.co.uk

NFA Success For VBH

VBH has been successful at the 2022 National Fenestration Awards, picking up wins in two categories.

The presentation event was held at Doncaster Racecourse on 5th November, where 20 members of the VBH team joined hundreds of other industry hopefuls.

VBH emerged victorious in the Hardware Company of the Year and Digital Marketing Campaign categories.

VBH marketing manager Gary Gleeson says, “The team here have been looking forward to the NFAs since we were short-listed in May. We travelled from all points of the GB compass to enjoy the day and were over the moon to win two awards, including that for Hardware Company.

“Hardware supply is, of course, what VBH is all about, so we were particularly pleased to win this one. It was nice to celebrate a win or two on the horses while we were here, too!”

Gary concludes, “VBH have been named Hardware Company of the Year three times since 2019. This is particular pleasing as it’s a vote for everything that all members of our team do, right across the company, to provide the industry with the best products and the best service.”

Listers Wins Fab Of The Year Award

Trade fabricator Listers scooped the prestigious ‘PVC Fabricator of the Year’ at this year’s National Fenestration Awards.

The multi-site national fabricator was selected by industry peers as the most deserving recipient of the award at a gala dinner held at the Hilton Doncaster Racecourse hotel at the beginning of November.

“The NFAs are a really good indicator of how you are perceived by those who matter: your suppliers and your customers,” Listers’ regional sales and marketing director Sam Weber said. “According to the organisers, this year’s event was the biggest since the awards were established in 2013, with 2,128 nominations submitted. So, it was a massive achievement just to get nominated!

“We are thrilled to have won, and it is testament to all the hard work that everyone across Listers puts into producing quality products, while being easy to deal with.” one of the largest fabricators in the UK. Now operating under a single fabricator brand, Listers employs 340 people across 10 locations including six ‘Big Trade Counters’.

The company partners with several key suppliers – including Sheerline, Residence Collection, Eurocell, Veka, Reynaers and Doorco – to provide a wide range of products for customers, including a comprehensive premium collection, which is expected to be key as the market for home improvement products slows going into 2023.

Despite warnings of a recession, Listers continues to invest across all sites, which has included: a new ROTOX sash tandem line, which produces a sash every minute; new FOM saws and CNCs, to underpin the new aluminium facilities; and a new Schirmer cutting and machining centre, which significantly increases its PVC-U capacity. This represents in total a more than £2.5m spend in the last two years on machinery and equipment, says the company.

and whilst Made for Trade remains B2B, the drive to increase homeowner interaction has seen MFT’s Korniche brand become synonymous with desirable glazing products, says the company.

Now operating from three purpose-built fabrication units with more than 250,000 sqft and employing more than 150 highly trained operatives, Made for Trade continues to invest in growth; with a quarter of pre-tax profits being put towards new assets, from facilities to state of the art CNC equipment.

The last two years have been unlike any other for UK businesses, and MFT’s strategy for dealing with this tumultuous timeframe also impressed the panel, as the manufacturing business overcame significant supply chain challenges and industry issues to sell 32,000 units in 2021 alone.

Made For Trade Wins North East Business Award

The North East Business Awards Grand Final 2022 at Hardwick Hall in County Durham.

Made For Trade has been announced as the winner of the overall Manufacturing Award at the 2022 North East Business Awards grand final; reflecting the company’s growth, investment and impressive manufacturing capabilities.

The Manufacturing Award has a wide-ranging scope, with the main aim being to highlight those companies across the North East of England that have impressed the judging panel via their demonstration of manufacturing excellence, alongside attributes such as design and innovation, quality, efficiency and sales flair. Trade stand out from the competition proved to be the relatively unique position of being both a design and fabrication outfit in one efficient organisation.

Made For Trade encompasses the full timeline, from initial design through to in-house delivery – all for the benefit of efficiency, improving quality and reducing cost.

The company was founded by Richard Gaunt in 1979 as Aanco. Today, Made For Trade remains a family business led by Richard’s sons: managing director Bradley and technical director Ashley. Made For Trade says it is set to grow to a £45-50M turnover through commercial focus and vertical integration and in excess of £1M is again being invested in bespoke machinery for the production line, whilst the team are exploring a future that involves inhouse glass manufacture to create a true one-stop shop. And in the office, the company’s Kwikquote software is being further developed to streamline customer experience.

This year saw Made For Trade achieve ISO9001:2015 certification, something that was a likely key point for judges. This standard for quality puts every step of the manufacturing process under the spotlight in terms of procedures and repeatability, from initial contact right through to delivery.

Made For Trade said: “As the company looks to the future, the recognition gained as a North East Business Award winner truly goes hand-in-hand with Made For Trade’s continual improvement in manufacturing excellence.” www.madefortrade.co

Mike Parczuk

Shelforce

Wins Another Award

Window and door manufacturer Shelforce has scooped another award after being voted Diversity Champion at this year’s Scale-Up Awards 2022.

Shelforce, which specialises in providing PVCu and aluminium products to local authority building projects and works closely with Birmingham City Council, impressed the judges with its inclusive approach to training and employment, with 75% of its workforce having a disability.

It’s just the latest in a long line of awards the Erdington-based company has picked up in the last 18 months and it will sit alongside the likes of the 2021 Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) Business of the Year, the 2021 Asian Business Chamber Awards for Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion, and the 2021 British Chamber of Business Awards Equality Trailblazer for the West Midlands.

Shelforce beat strong competition from six other companies and a delighted Howard Trotter, the company’s business manager, said: “It’s absolutely brilliant to win Diversity Champion at this year’s ScaleUp Awards. It’s a great reward for the initiatives we have in place for staff and the leadership and management team, and it was a wonderful evening.

“We have created a hugely supportive work environment that both inspires and benefits our team, and this has created exceptional staff satisfaction, development and increased employee engagement with Shelforce’s values and goals.”

The prestigious event, held at London’s acclaimed Tobacco Dock and hosted by comedian Russell Kane, attracted 450 business leaders, entrepreneurs and VIPs.

Attendees included the likes of Theo Paphitis, Touker Suleyman, Alpesh Patel OBE, Josh Robson and Emma Sayle.

Oli Ballard, director at Scale-Up Awards, commented: “We were so excited to crown these incredible businesses that are shaping their respective industries and the UK economy, and I’d like to congratulate Shelforce.”

Tradeglaze Win Twice At Regional Business Awards Mike Parczuk

Lincolnshire fabricator and installer Tradeglaze has won two awards at the 2022 LincolnshireLive Business Awards. The prestigious black-tie dinner welcomed almost 300 guests on 20th October to celebrate business and individual achievements, with judges giving out awards in 11 categories. Tradeglaze earned the ‘SME Business of the Year’ award and the ‘Employee of the Year’ award for the company’s marketing manager Katerina Pickup.

Tradeglaze, with its retail company Jackson Windows, have accelerated expansion plans in the last year to support the rapidly increasing demand for their double glazing products. While the past year has been full of challenges, from material price increases, energy price hikes and labour shortages, the team at Tradeglaze have put relentless effort in innovation.

Jeremy Wetherall, Tradeglaze managing director said: “We are beyond proud to have earned the two LincolnshireLive awards and delighted that the hard work of the team and our persistent commitment to high standards and exceptional customer care has been recognised.”

“We work on complex projects which require high levels of expertise and our teams are specialists in their areas, from our consultants, surveyors, fabricators, installers, to our office teams and our remedial engineers. If you take a look at the stunning products we manufacture and install, with no two frames being the same, this is amazing. The two accolades are a much welcomed recognition during testing times for our company and the industry overall.” Tradeglaze marketing manager Katerina Pickup has earned the Employee of the Year award. Jeremy Wetherall said: “Katerina has been with us for three years now and has been instrumental in getting our name out there. While facing unpredictable fast-changing market conditions, she has leveraged new opportunities and has helped navigate the business to growth. She is an inspirational leader who knows how to lift others to success, and an admirable ambassador for the modern, professional double glazing industry. I am delighted to have her on our management team and excited for the many new projects ahead of us.”

Jeremy Wetherall concluded: “We are making additional investments in HR and have designed bespoke training and development programs to ensure every member of our team has the knowledge and support to perform their role and to grow professionally. We are all passionate about exceeding our customers’ expectations and our hard-earned outstanding customer reviews are a testament to our efforts. I could not be more proud of our people.”

“Providing high quality products and a reliable service to our customers is absolutely key to us. We have earned a rock-solid reputation in the county. I want to thank to our Tradeglaze and Jackson Windows customers for believing in us, our people and our products. Having put several six figure investments in the business this year, we are positive about the future. We are incredibly thankful to all our teams; every single employee has contributed to our success and has helped us show that together we can do things we had never thought we could achieve.”

I Like Them So Much, I Fitted One For Myself

The Glazing Summit smashed its attendance record for the fourth year in a row as the fenestration industry’s finest came together for another vital day of debate, discussion and networking.

Almost 500 delegates descended on Edgbaston Stadium for what was hailed as the best Glazing Summit – and the event also featured more big-name sponsors, more expert speakers and more keynotes than ever before.

And according to Glazing Summit founder and CEO of organisers Purplex and Insight Data Andrew Scott, the numbers show the event’s growing importance to the industry. gest ever turn out not only shows the event’s significance in the industry calendar, but it also shows the desire as an industry to come together to share ideas and tackle the issues we are all facing,” said Andrew.

“After the boom in home improvements through the pandemic, we now face economic and global uncertainty so it was an important time to get together and discuss where we’re heading and how we can best navigate our way through the challenges ahead.

“Times are going to get tougher but rather than doom and gloom this year’s Glazing Summit showed there is plenty of opportunity out there for agile businesses and I hope those in attendance left as optimistic about the future of the industry as I did.”

Attendees enjoyed five dynamic debates and discussions with a panel of industry experts on important issues such as the current supply chain challenges, people and skills, regulations, innovation and merges and acquisitions.

They were also inspired by world class keynotes, including Richard Harpin, CEO of Homeserve PLC and one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the UK, who closed the event, Barclays Chief

Economist William Hobbs and legendary retail and customer experience expert Peter Cross.

The evening’s Glazing Summit gala dinner included a hugely motivational speech from legendary athlete and sports personality Kriss Akabusi to round off the 2022 event.

“The Glazing Summit is only as good as its panellists, keynotes and agenda and we raised the bar again this year,” added Andrew. “The combined knowledge and experience in the room was incredible and I’d like to thank everyone who attended and all our sponsors for making it a truly memorable event. I’m already looking forward to another equally important Glazing Summit next year.”

Next year’s Glazing Summit will take place on Thursday, October 12 at Edgbaston Stadium again. For more information, or to book an early place, visit www.glazingsummit.co.uk More than 200 of the glazing industry’s finest rocked up to make the most recent PiGs party the biggest event to date at Birmingham, with live music from the ever-popular house band ensuring that a lively night was had by all. Such classics as ‘Porking on Sunshine’, ‘I Fought the Boar’, and ‘Stand by your Ham’ had guests hogging the dance floor.

Taking place at Revolucion De Cuba on Thursday 29 September, the final UK PiGs event of the year was a huge success and saw a host of new faces and companies in attendance, building on the renowned networking opportunities that these get-togethers present.

“There was an amazing buzz in the room and everyone looked to be having a great time,” says Sarah Ball, PiGs organiser. “The band, Ellie Jones & The Giants, were superb once again and it was lovely to see so many new faces there, as well as lots of regulars.

“I’d also like to say a personal thanks to everyone who has bought one of our PiGs badges at events this year. We have raised more than £700 in donations, plus lots more direct to my Just Giving page, for We Mind & Kelly Matters, which has been our chosen charity this year.

“The money is vital to support the work they do for suicide prevention, as well as raising awareness and understanding of mental health.”

As ever, Sarah says a huge thank you for the support to all the wonderful PiGs sponsors who make these events possible. The 35 sponsors for Birmingham were: Abcell, AGC, Alutech Systems, APS, Arkay Windows, Bison Frames UK, Brownhills Glass Company, Business Pilot, Comp Door, Easy Vent, Edgetech, Emplas, Extrudaseal, FIT Show, The Georgian Bar Company, Glass Express, Glazerite, Glazpart, Kubu, Mackenzie Glass, Mi Glass, Origin Frames, QANW, Quickslide, RegaLead, Reynaers Aluminium, Selecta Systems, SOL Conservatory Roofs, Supalite, Thermoseal Group, UK Doors Online, Unique Window Systems, Vertik-Al, Window Ware, and Yale Door & Window Solutions.

To keep up with all the latest PiGs news, follow them on social media or sign up to the email list here: www.peopleinglazing.co.uk/ contact-us. If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, call Sarah on 07540 049655 or email sty@peopleinglazing.co.uk

A Night Of Swine, Piggin’

And Song At Birmingham PiGs

Qualicoat Autumn Members Meeting

By Angus Mackie – Qualicoat UK & Ireland Chair

Members met at the Arden Hotel, Solihull for their Autumn meeting with most members opting to meet in person and several joining remotely. The format of the ‘hybrid’ meeting is proving to be very successful and gives more members the opportunity to attend meetings of the Association and partake in the updating of the Qualicoat specification.

With regard to executive posts, the Association is pleased to announce that Chris Mansfield of Tomburn has stood and been voted in to be vice-chair of the Association. Chris is in regular attendance at the Member’s meetings and as an active contributor brings a wealth of experience to the Chair. Chris will be taking up the position in 2023. Despite the economic outlook, Members reported that business remains healthy despite rising costs of materials and energy. Growth of the Association also continues with three new licences being granted in October, one further new member expected to gain their licence before the end of the year and a further three applicators progressing through inspections. These initial inspections, undertaken by independent test house IFO, review both plant and processes to ensure that an applicator member can operate within the Qualicoat Specification. Often a new applicator’s initial inspection will consist of a long list of non-conformities after their first inspection, this could include the need to upgrade equipment as well as introducing new processes. Working with the applicator, IFO will help guide new working practices to ensure the applicator can maintain the high specification laid down by

Angus Mackie

Qualicoat. Following further unannounced inspections, when the applicator can demonstrate full conformity, only then will a licence be awarded. It can take up to a year to become a licensed Qualicoat Applicator, once approved current licence holders can be found on the associations website.

All licensed applicator members are then inspected twice yearly by IFO, through an un-

announced visit, to ensure they continue to conform to the up to date Qualicoat Specification. A further requirement is that all applicator members must send their laboratory technicians on a technical training day once every two years. This year the training was held at pretreatment system Member, Chemetall in Milton Keynes on the 8th November.

One of the Associations missions is to continually improve the quality of the final coatings. In mid-October all the independent test houses who inspect members of the Association across the globe met in Spain to review feedback from inspections and put forward suggestions for further improvement in the specification. Of the points raised, two of the recommendations to be introduced in 2023 are as follows:

It has been the case that whilst all production lines are inspected on an unannounced visit, the member is then awarded an up to date single paper licence to show company compliance. In future each coating line will be issued a separate certificate and should the Applicator carry additional qualifications, such as ‘Seaside’ approval, these will also be issued separately.

For Applicators who wish to supply pre-anodised and powder coated finishes, Qualicoat are now approving finishing between two plants in different locations as long as the process completes within a 72 hour period. Suitable pretreatment plants are expensive investments for an applicator, anodising plants are far more expensive, so very few powder coaters have the ability to utilise pre-anodising as a pretreatment prior to powder coating. Allowing pre-anodising to be conducted off site for an applicator will allow for a wider supply of pre-anodised powder coated profiles to specifiers.

Finally, it was reported that chrome-based pretreatments, which are still used by some members, will receive a full ban, when used as a powder coat pretreatment. The European ban will come into effect in September 2024 and it is very likely that the UK will follow this lead. Since chrome-based pretreatments were identified as a potential carcinogenic, the industry has devised various chrome-free systems which have been demonstrated to be as substantial as their chrome based counterparts. Most of these systems are Qualicoat approved.

The Qualicoat Specification is continually and incrementally revised in real time with regular update sheets, the specification is completely rewritten at year end to include all updates. The Specification, its appendices and any update sheets are always freely available for download at www. qualicoat.net. For details on the availability of various colours and finishes contact any Qualicoat UK & Ireland member for more information. For updated information about the use and specification of Qualicoat in the UK and Ireland, please visit the UK & Ireland Association new website at www.qualicoatuki.org.

The hup! One Hundred

Around 100 attendees recently enjoyed an open day devoted to the hup! building system from Ultraframe at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre in Swindon. The event was packed out with a record number of attendees, all eager to learn more about ‘the better way to build’.

Commenting about the success of the recent event, Ultraframe marketing director, Alex Hewitt, said: “Ever since we launched the hup! system we’ve had a fantastic response to our open days and training events, but this was our best attended yet with around 100 builders and installers joining us on the day. It was fantastic to share our news about hup! with them and hear positive feedback about how the system will change the way they build.”

Attendees were trained on all aspects of hup! – what it is, surveying, installation, sales tools, and an explanation of how simple Building Regulations are when using the system. A sample of the system was available for attendees to get hands on with building a hup! wall and corner column and fitting the ventilation trim. The full range of 14 brick mesh shades was also on display for visitors to see – the brick mesh is just one of the external finish options for hup!, with others including render and cedar cladding.

Along with the technical training, attendees were able to hear from members of the Ultraframe marketing team about the marketing tools that are available and coming soon to support them in selling the system. These include a comprehensive digital toolbox that will allow hup! users to position themselves and the hup! brand as the ideal choice for an extension, conservatory, or conservatory transformation. www.ultraframetrade.co.uk

NBP Shows Their Support For The Children In Need DIY SOS Big Build 2022

Northern Building Plastics donated products for the BBC’s Children in Need DIY SOS Big Build Special supporting Leeds charity Getaway Girls. The charity helps empower young women and girls to lead safe, healthy and fulfilled lives, by improving mental health, building confidence and self-esteem. Speaking on the final day of the build, CEO Flavian Docherty, praised the local companies for their generosity on this project.

“It’s fantastic (people) giving up their time for free, especially at the moment, obviously people are struggling, and I think it’s amazing they’re doing this. They don’t know Getaway Girls. We just want to say thank you.”

Presenter of the popular show, Nick Knowles, also echoed Flavian’s statement and spoke highly of the companies and people who donated.

“It’s a health check for the community. How is your community? Will people come out and help if they get the opportunity? The answer is yes. Wherever we go in the country, that’s true. And then for the audience, it can be really reassuring to know that there are a lot of good people in our society who do want to help.”

For more information and to donate to the Getaway Girls charity, visit www.getawaygirls.co.uk

The opportunity for NBP to give back to its community was one they just couldn’t turn down.

Local tradespeople and suppliers were asked to donate their time and products to help on the project and NBP donated underground drainage, soffits, fascias and rainwater goods to help get it over the line in just 13 days. Getaway Girls charity now have a space that provides new offices, a creche, a music studio, counselling rooms, activity spaces plus a new garden. Judah Wilson, CEO at Northern Building Plastics, says: “With our head office being in Leeds, it was fantastic to be able to help out a local charity like Getaway Girls. We’ve also donated a lot as a company to Children in Need this year.

“The work that the DIY SOS team do is incredible and it’s amazing to see another example of how they are helping the local community. This project will transform the lives of so many young girls and women around Leeds and it was a no brainer for us to contribute.”

Meet the NEW Stellar Aluminium Slimline Fast-Fit Bifold Door

At just 117mm wide, the new Stellar Slimline Aluminium Bifold Door delivers superior slim sightlines at every level.

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