6 Victorian Sliders Invests Over Half a Million in a Glass Processing Line
82 Sarah Gyde Joins Quanex as Marketing Director of European Fenestration
140 Lucky number 7? Emplas a finalist in 7-categories at the G-Awards 2024
Morley Glass Shines Bright with TWO G24 Award Nominations!
Best Customer Care Initiative of the Year Glass Company of the Year
We are thrilled to announce that Morley Glass has been shortlisted for not one, but two prestigious G24 Awards this year. These nominations reflect our unwavering commitment to delivering superior service and industry-leading innovation.
W INDOWNEWS
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Cover picture: Aluminium Frames Add Drama To Glamping Pod, read more on page 122
Glideline
Reports A 40% Rise In Year On Year Sliding Door Enquiries
Nationwide aluminium manufacturer, Glideline, is reporting a notable increase in enquiries for its aluminium sliding doors over the past year, demonstrating its ability to deliver on homeowner demands for slim sightlines, says the company.
Enquiries and sales of Glideline’s aluminium sliding doors, namely its GS20 Sliding Door, has seen a 40% increase across the past 12 months, especially since the addition of its integrated flooring option – which offers a door that is completely flush with the floor. These figures are in keeping
with the latest Market Trends Report by Windowbase and Tommy Trinder, which found that over 85% of installers are now selling aluminium and 48% of which are sliding doors.
“We’re seeing more homeowners putting minimalism at the top of their checklists and the feedback we get from our installer customers echoes the same demands. This insight, coupled with aluminium’s surge in market share means it’s vital that our installer customers have a range of high-quality aluminium products that cater to these trends, ” says managing director, David Pickering.
“Slim sightlines, natural light and indoor:outdoor living are just three of the big trends we’re seeing at the moment, alongside the growing interest around security and energy efficiency, and we’re confident in saying that we have the products to cater to all of these demands.”
“The GS20 is among our most popular products,” David adds. “But with no threshold to break the transition between rooms, or from inside to outside, its new integrated flooring option creates a whole new level of functionality and seamlessness.”
In addition to its 20mm sightlines, the door can be customised with a wide range of colours and hardware, and up to 30mm glazing thickness for optimal thermal efficiency and weatherproof performance. It is available in up to six sashes, offers a U-value of 1.3 W/m²K and noise reduction of up to 40 dB.
www.glideline.com
Eurocell Relocates Dewsbury Branch As Part Of Network Growth Strategy
Eurocell opend a new branch and trade counter in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, on 23rd September, as part of its ongoing strategy to strengthen support for local trade communities across the UK.
Eurocell Dewsbury, already part of the home improvement specialist’s nationwide network
of over 210 branches, has been relocated to a bigger and better facility. The move builds on Eurocell’s 5-year strategy – which it launched earlier this year – to expand its support for local trade communities in key areas.
The Dewsbury branch will serve as a one-stop-shop for
trade professionals, offering a comprehensive range of PVC-U windows and doors, composite doors, roofline solutions, outdoor living products such as garden rooms, composite decking, fencing, and much more.
Eurocell Dewsbury, which will be located at Unit 1 Flagship Court, Flagship Square, Shaw Cross Business Park, in Dewsbury, is replacing the former Eurocell branch on Mill Street West Industrial Estate in the town, which had been the company’s smallest branch.
Inside the branch, customers will find a vast array of products, from fascia boards, soffit boards, and guttering, to Skypod Lantern Roofs, conservatory roofs, sealants, fixings, and tools.
Speaking on the relocation, the branch manager, Richard Fogg, commented: “Our new store provides the local trade community with a comprehensive range of home improvement products. With over 6,000 items available, the expanded space allows us to showcase the quality and features of even more of our portfolio, helping customers choose the best materials for their projects. We’re excited to welcome trade professionals in the coming weeks.”
Further branches are set to open across the UK later this year, continuing Eurocell’s commitment to supporting local trade communities with high-quality home improvement products and expert advice.
Trade professionals are encouraged to open a Eurocell Trade Account, providing access to credit and fixed pricing across all branches, ensuring consistency and convenience nationwide.
www.eurocell.co.uk
Victorian Sliders Invests Over Half a Million in a Glass Processing Line
PVCu sash window manufacturer, Victorian Sliders, has significantly enhanced its glass processing capabilities with an investment exceeding half a million pounds in a fully automated seaming line from Ashton Industrial.
The investment in the Seamax seaming line marks a major step forward for Victorian Sliders, transforming the previously manual process of seaming, also known as arrissing, into a fully automated one. This technology ensures precise edge creation on glass, leading to superior quality double-glazed units.
An Ashton heavy duty UNIX cross belt arrisser with air floatation tables were also added to address the specials and shapes and provides backup when the main line is being cleaned or serviced.
Victorian Sliders selected Ashton Industrial’s Seamax line after evaluating multiple providers. Key factors in their decision included strong industry recommendations, Ashton Industrial’s UK base, and the availability of ongoing engineering support. Processing
glass horizontally reduces product handling and enhances safety, quality, and efficiency.
The new automated machinery is said to significantly reduce
Seamax automated seaming line by Ashton Industrial
Jason Powell and Ross Johnston
Jason Powell and Ross Johnston
production time and enhance accuracy and consistency. This advancement allows Victorian Sliders to meet growing demand while maintaining their industryleading turnaround times.
Jason Powell, operational director, stated, “We chose the Seamax from Ashton Industrial for three main reasons: safety, quality, and efficiency. Our team values this investment and has taken additional pride in their workstations. We are confident this will enable us to meet market demands while maintaining our seven-day lead time.”
Steve Ashton, managing director of Ashton Industrial, added, “Working with Victorian Sliders has been great. Jason Powell and his team were decisive and clear about their needs, enabling a smooth collaboration.
“Immediately convinced that this was the right direction for their tempering production at Victorian Sliders, there was no hesitation on their part. It’s always a pleasure to deal with people who are decisive and know what they want and things moved apace right from the start.
“Jason and his team provided us with data on their glass sizes, required production volumes, and a layout of the available space in the facility, and between us we designed an ideal production flow incorporating direct infeed from their cutting and breaking line, through automatic arrissing and washing/ drying, to automatic batch building and furnace feed.”
Nick Evans, CEO of Victorian Sliders, emphasised, “We’re committed to continuous innovation. This investment in our seaming line underscores our dedication to providing the highest quality products with exceptional efficiency.”
www.victoriansliders.co.uk
Eurocell Joins The Construction Inclusion Coalition
Eurocell has joined the Construction Inclusion Coalition (CIC), collaborating with other leading companies to pledge its support in making the building sector more inclusive.
The Construction Inclusion Coalition (CIC) has been established to enhance the impact of individual equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives. Made up of leading organisations across the construction industry, it is united by the vision of an industry that reflects the communities it builds for.
Speaking on Eurocell joining the coalition, Darren Watters, chief executive officer of Eurocell, said: “We’ve joined the Construction Inclusion Coalition to collaborate with other leading companies and
pledge our support to help make the building sector more inclusive.
“Joining the CIC will greatly contribute to our inclusivity goals and allow us to learn from those in our industry who are doing great things in their businesses to support people of all backgrounds. We will also be able to share our stories, resources and best practice with the industry. We are proud to be a part of the coalition.”
Eurocell supports the CIC’s mission to improve equity, diversity, and inclusion across the industry and recognises the importance of having a workforce that reflects the diverse communities the building industry serves.
www.eurocell.co.uk
Performance Glass Processing Joins Forces With UK Doors Online Ltd
UK Doors Online, manufacturer of doors and window solutions in the UK, has announced the addition of Performance Glass to the company’s portfolio.
The acquisition of majority shares in Performance Glass Processing Ltd represents a significant milestone in UK Doors Online’s strategic growth plan and enhances its ability to deliver a comprehensive range of glazing solutions to customers across the UK.
UK Doors Online’s managing director, Andrew Glover, commented on the news: “This is an exciting step forward for UK Doors Online. Performance
Glass is a well- established name in the industry, known for quality and innovation. By bringing their expertise and product lines into our portfolio, we are expanding our capabilities and improving the breadth of solutions we can offer our customers. We look forward to building on Performance Glass’s legacy and continuing to drive innovation and excellence in the glazing and door industries.”
The acquisition is part of UK Doors Online’s broader strategy to diversify its product offerings and solidify its presence as a one-stop provider for doors and glazing solutions, says the company.
Performance Glass’s skilled team
will join UK Doors Online, ensuring continuity of service, and will contribute to future developments within the company.
Performance Glass managing director, Steve Wilson, added: “We are delighted to join forces with UK Doors Online. This partnership presents new opportunities for innovation and growth, and we are confident that it will provide longterm benefits for our employees, partners, and customers alike. Together, we will continue to lead the industry in providing highperformance, sustainable glazing solutions.”
The acquisition will take effect immediately, with both companies working closely to ensure a seamless transition for customers and stakeholders.
ukdoorsonline.co.uk
Steve Wilson, Performance Glass and Andrew Glover, UK Doors Online
How Crittall Windows Is Shaping A Sustainable Future With Steel
For almost 200 years, Crittall Windows has been synonymous with quality steel windows and doors. Today, the company is not only preserving its legacy but also pioneering sustainability to align with the UK’s ambitious net-zero goals.
The leading steel window and door manufacturer’s commitment to sustainability
begins with its products, their incredible longevity and unbeatable strength, according to Russell Ager, MD of Crittall Windows.
“Our steel windows and doors are designed and fabricated to the highest quality which means they withstand the test of time and last in excess of 60 years. This incredible lifespan
Russell Ager, Crittall’s managing director
significantly reduces the need for replacement products, minimising unnecessary waste and conserving resources.”
Steel is a sustainable building material
Steel is at the heart of Crittall Windows’s operations and although it’s often overlooked it is an outstanding green choice, says Crittall.
“Steel is 100% recyclable,” explains Russell.
“Plus, it can be recycled indefinitely without weaking its properties and negatively impacting its performance. This makes steel an incredibly environmentally friendly option as it reduces the demand for raw materials and energy intensive production processes.”
While the longevity and recyclability of steel windows and doors is impressive, their energy efficiency is another important consideration which shouldn’t be forgotten. In fact, the company’s modern steel windows and doors have been specially designed to achieve impressively low U-values as Russell highlights.
“Our specialist team is constantly working to improve and evolve our steel windows and doors so that they deliver outstanding results,” he
comments.
“In fact, our latest range of steel windows can achieve U-values as low as 1.4W/m2K. This level of thermal efficiency helps to successfully retain heat within a building, leading to lower energy consumption and consequently reduced carbon emissions.”
The impressive narrow sightlines of steel windows and doors manufactured by Crittall Windows also contribute to their overall energy efficiency and thermal performance. With a greater glass-to-frame ratio, the products allow for higher levels of solar gain, helping to naturally heat spaces and reduce the reliance on traditional heating systems.
Sustainable manufacturing
Crittall Windows’ ongoing commitment to sustainability extends beyond the products it manufactures to how it operates at its headquarters in Essex. Not only has the team invested heavily in state-of-theart CNC machinery to enhance its manufacturing process, but Crittall has also installed solar panels and LED lighting at its main facilities. It has even upgraded its fleet to a range of battery and electric hybrid
vehicles to help dramatically reduce the amount of carbon emissions being omitted as a result of their activity.
What’s more, to help reduce both their carbon and energy output as a UK manufacturer, Crittall Windows has also commissioned a team of environmental consultants to analyse and audit their existing operations. Using this intel, the experts provide a benchmark and recommend a series of targets so progress can be tracked and the impact of the total energy reduction can be measured.
A sustainable future in construction
By leveraging the sustainability of steel, maximising the energy efficiency of its windows and doors as well as reducing energy consumption in manufacturing by introducing more energy efficient machines, equipment and workflows, Crittall Windows is not just preserving its heritage, it is actively forging a path towards a more sustainable future.
As the UK creeps closer to the implementation of the Future Homes Standard and a net-zero future, it’s more important than ever that key players in the industry embrace sustainability to successfully shape the modern construction landscape. Although it may seem impossible, the work that Crittall has done shows how traditional craftmanship, modern manufacturing and sustainability practices go hand in hand.
Since 1849, Crittall Windows has been manufacturing quality steel windows and doors which have been installed in incredible buildings across the world. To explore the full range of high-performing solutions, visit: https://bit.ly/4eNuXkR
Builders’ Merchant July Sales Edge Up +0.9% Year-On-Year
The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report, published in September, shows builders’ merchants’ value sales in July edged up +0.9% compared to the same month in 2023. There was a small increase in volume sales too (+0.6%) while prices remained flat (+0.3%). But with two more trading days this year, likefor-like value sales were down -7.9%.
Year-on-year, eight of the twelve categories performed better than Total Merchants, with Workwear & Safetywear (+27.7%), Tools (+9.8%) and Decorating (+8.8%) doing the best. The two largest categories – Heavy Building Materials (-0.2%) Timber & Joinery Products (-0.6%) – were
virtually flat. Renewables & Water Saving (-28.4%) was the weakest category.
July total value sales were +11.6% higher than June, with volume sales increasing by +11.7% and little movement in price (-0.1%). Eight of the twelve categories outperformed Total Merchants including Workwear & Safetywear (+19.8%), Plumbing Heating & Electrical (+15.5%), Ironmongery (+15.2%) and Renewables & Water Saving (+13.7%). Kitchens & Bathrooms (+8.0%) and Landscaping (+3.3%) grew more slowly. With three extra trading days in July, like-for-like value sales were down -3.0%.
In the 12 months August 2023
to July 2024, total value sales were -5.8% lower than the same period the year before (August 2022 to July 2023). Volume sales were down -9.1% and prices up +3.7%. With four extra trading days in the most recent 12-month period, likefor-like value sales were -7.3% lower. Categories which fared better than Total Merchants included Workwear & Safetywear (+11.1%), Miscellaneous (+5.3%) and Decorating (+5.1%). The two largest categories – Heavy Building Materials (-7.4%) and Timber & Joinery Products (-9.5%) – declined by more than Total Merchants.
Total value sales from January to July were -5.3% down on the first seven months of 2023.
Mike Rigby, managing director of MRA Research which produces the BMBI report says: “A vast improvement in July’s weather wasn’t enough to gee up the UK construction industry, as output fell -0.4% overall with five out of nine sectors decreasing in volume according
to the latest ONS data. Private commercial new work (-2.4%) and private housing repair and maintenance (-1.7%) contracted the most, reflecting the caution felt by businesses and homeowners thanks to election uncertainty and the still fragile economy.
“A new government has an opportunity to put some of those worries to bed. However, contradictory signals coming from the Prime Minister, Chancellor and Ministers have confused businesses and recent voters, by dashing expectations while still dangling pre-election promises of much better times to come.
“Promises to build 1.5 million new homes and sort out the planning system chokehold have lifted confidence in the construction industry and its supply chains. And a cut to interest rates in August was warmly welcomed by mortgageholders. But GfK’s Consumer Confidence Index’s -7-point fall in the overall index last month, and down is an early warning to Government. All five measures in the Index are down, but the three forward looking indicators are well down. Our personal financial situation for the next 12 months, down -9; our view on the general economy for the coming year, down -12; and the major purchase index, down -10 are bad news for the economy. Together with the withdrawal of winter fuel payments and the Chancellor’s grim warnings of a painful budget, consumers have taken the Government’s economic black hole alert to heart. Given that consumer confidence underpins consumer spending, which underpins economic growth, which the Government wants, the Prime Minister’s and Chancellor’s dire warnings could be a costly own goal”.
Shepley Reports 40% Rise In Composite Door Enquiries
Shepley Windows has reported a 40% surge in sales of composite doors in 2024 as more and more UK homeowners turn to affordable ways to upgrade their homes. Offering an impressive range of traditional, cottage, contemporary and modernist composite door styles, coupled with a strong commitment to supporting its trade customers through the current economic challenges, the Manchesterbased fabricator has seen a significant surge in demand for quick and cost-effective home improvements, according to the company.
Homeowners facing rising living costs are looking for solutions that enhance the kerb appeal, energy efficiency and future value of their property, without the significant expense of major renovations. Shepley’s extensive Visage composite door collection has therefore become an increasingly popular choice.
“We have seen a marked increase in demand for composite doors, which reflects the growing trend of homeowners seeking practical, lower-cost ways to improve their homes in a tough economy,” says Ian Griffiths, managing director at Shepley Windows. “This means we have turned our attention to supporting installers to get the quality composite doors they need at speed. Our online Visage Composite Door Designer, for example, has become an even more essential tool this year, offering both installers and homeowners a seamless way to explore and customise their own composite doors.”
Shepley’s My Door Designer feature makes trade partner sales even easier – a fully customisable tool that allows installers to integrate the Visage Composite Door Designer directly into their websites. Customers can design their own composite doors online 24/7, generating valuable leads and streamlining the ordering process, claims the company.
www.shepley.com
Hospitals Still Seen as Safest by Public
Despite Rising Fire Incidents
A survey of 2,000 adults found that despite an 18% increase in fires across NHS trusts—averaging nearly four fires daily—52% of people still consider hospitals the safest due to their fire prevention measures.[1]
Nearly half (47%) of the public trust fire doors in public buildings to be fit for purpose. Over half (55%) are unsure where to find fire safety information.
This year marks the 11th anniversary of Fire Door Safety Week, aiming to combat a False Sense of Safety by increasing fire safety awareness. The survey, conducted as
part of this year’s British Woodworking Federation’s Fire Door Safety Week campaign, which ran from 23rd – 27th September, ‘focused on the theme ‘A False Sense of Safety’. The campaign aims to bridge the gap between perceived safety and actual fire risk, encouraging the public to engage in fire safety awareness and report any fire door issues, regardless of location or the assumption that fire safety is someone else’s responsibility.
When asked about fire safety in other buildings, 36% of respondents considered schools to be as safe as hospitals and 26% felt the same about care homes. This
contrasts with recent reports from the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service where two care home directors were fined nearly £125,000 for multiple fire safety violations, which included defective fire doors and a lack of detection equipment and alarms, across four premises.[2]
Helen Hewitt, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) that manages and funds Fire Door Safety Week, said, “Our latest research shows that people often have a greater sense of fire safety in buildings like schools and hospitals. Regardless of where you are, it is crucial to be aware of fire safety measures, such as emergency exits and fire doors, because the risk of fire is present in any building.”
When considering building safety, emergency exits were cited as the most important factor in feeling safe by 75% of respondents, followed closely by visible fire safety measures, including alarms and fire doors (70%). Additionally, 46% of respondents said they always or often notice fire doors in the buildings they visit. Regarding the buildings where respondents believed fire doors are wellmaintained, 47% felt that fire doors in public buildings, such as hospitals and cafes, are properly maintained.
The survey also found that 29% of people would not report a fire door issue because they would not know who to contact, despite 74% saying they would report a door that appeared damaged. Concerningly, this is a decline from last year’s campaign, ‘Recognise it, Report it’, where 86% said they would report a faulty or propped-open fire door. For unresolved fire safety concerns, 43% would escalate the issue to the Health and Safety Executive, while 5% would not escalate it at all, and 14% did not know who they would escalate it to.
Helen added, “Fire doors are crucial in preventing the spread of fire and smoke. It’s encouraging that more people are noticing fire doors in the buildings they visit, but there’s still work to be done to ensure people feel confident in spotting and reporting fire door issues. Knowing who to report these problems to is key—start with the premises manager or owner, and escalate unresolved issues as needed. With the correct information, we can all contribute to maintaining fire safety.”
Fire doors require expert maintenance to remain effective. However, 29% of respondents would trust management and 27% would trust the building owner to handle fire door issues, while 13% would trust a handyman and 19% a caretaker.
For fire doors to function correctly, they must be installed and maintained by a competent, trained professional.
Gavin Tomlinson, protection and business safety scrutiny committee chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), said: “Fire doors are an essential feature in most buildings, helping to protect both occupants and responding firefighters in the event of a fire. When well-fitted and properly maintained, fire doors provide vital protection against the spread of fire within buildings. While legislation requires those responsible for fire safety to have arrangements for testing and maintaining fire safety measures, people should feel safe in the buildings they visit or work in, and they should feel empowered to report faults and raise concerns, particularly
those related to fire doors.”
Discussing the ongoing importance of Fire Door Safety Week, Helen Hewitt commented: “This campaign raises awareness of the critical role fire doors play in saving lives. The support we receive each year from individuals and businesses helps us spread this important message.”
For more information on Fire Door Safety Week, visit: www.firedoorsafetyweek.co.uk
Morley Glass Boosts GreenVision Funding Through Steel Drum Re-Use Initiative
Uni-Blinds integral blinds manufacturer Morley Glass has added another dimension to its ‘three R’s’ waste reduction, re-use and recycling strategy by developing a partnership which gives a second life to the steel drums used by its IGU (insulating glass unit) sealant supplier.
The company has partnered with WasteCare, a unique recycling and waste management company that specialises in the disposal, recycling and recovery of industrial waste products. This enables the high quality 210 litre steel drums used by Fenzi to be reconditioned and re-used, rather than simply melted down for recycling.
WasteCare have agreed to buy the 40 post-use steel drums that Morley Glass go through every month and recondition them for
re-sale. Once reconditioned, the steel drums are suitable for a number of potential uses.
Every penny generated by Morley Glass through the sale of the waste steel drums is going into the GreenVision initiative, a fund to support environmental and social improvement projects which was established by the company in 2021 as part of its post-consumer glass recycling scheme. GreenVision gives charities, schools, volunteer groups and individuals across Yorkshire and beyond an opportunity to apply for financial support for their initiatives, and so far, more than 180 grants have been awarded by the fund.
Ian Short, managing director of Morley Glass said: “Sustainability should be at the heart of every manufacturing business, and that
includes continuously looking for ways to reduce waste. Recycling is vital to reducing landfill, but the process of taking a product back to its raw material state does have its own carbon footprint.
“Hence why re-use of waste materials is always a better option wherever possible, and we already do that with the wooden boxes in which our ScreenLine integral blind systems are supplied from Pellini. Hundreds of these are used by local schools for design and technology projects every month, as well as by young people taking part in the groundbreaking Creative Enterprise Challenge, where budding entrepreneurs are tasked with developing a new product and launching it within just five days.
“Given WasteCare’s expertise in being able to handle industrial waste materials, they have
Ian Short, managing director of Morley Glass, with the steel drums that are now re-conditioned and re-used rather than being sent to be recycled, thanks to a partnership with WasteCare.
now enabled us to take a big step forward with our IGU sealant drums. As part of their reconditioning process, they are able to remove and dispose of the Visqueen linings and restore them to a standard which meets the same legal and safety requirements of a brand new steel drum.
“And the icing on the cake is the extra revenue this process raises for GreenVision. Our postconsumer IGU recycling process is generating ever greater volumes of cullet for the manufacture of new glass, which ensures there is always a healthy fund available for good causes to apply for. But the extra money raised from the sale of our steel drums is going to allow us to support even more projects which benefit the environment and local communities.”
Amongst those who have benefited from a GreenVision grant is Leeds based CATCH (Community Action To Create Hope), a youth charity formed of volunteers dedicated to making a positive difference in their local area. One part of their work involves preparing food parcels for those affected by food poverty, for which the volunteers grow their own fruit and vegetables where possible. A GreenVision donation funded the growing tunnels to help achieve this.
Other beneficiaries include ‘village in bloom’ groups, a vegetable-growing initiative in the village of Kippax near Leeds called Incredible Edible, and Huddersfield Royal Infirmary where GreenVision supported the development of a wellbeing garden. Larger charities have benefitted too, including Yorkshire Children’s Charity and Cash for Kids.
Find out more about GreenVision and the sustainability strategy of Morley Glass at www.morleyglass.co.uk
Thermoseal Group Goes Green
Thermoseal Group has unveiled its brand-new logo which reflects its ongoing environmental commitments after being acquired by Fenzi Group Spa (Fenzi) in July 2024.
“Our driving ambition has always been to produce energy efficient products by energy efficient means, and our acquisition by Fenzi only strengthened this approach”, said Gwain Paterson, Thermoseal Group managing director.
Gwain Paterson, Thermoseal Group’s managing director
“One of the things that made the acquisition such an easy partnership was the strong emphasis that both parties place on sustainability, and therefore, it felt like the right time to celebrate this with an evolution of the Thermoseal Group brand identity, incorporating Fenzi into our logo, as well as accountability for our green initiatives.”
One such initiative is Thermoseal Group’s new
Thermobar recycling plant. Situated at its Wigan factory, the recycling plant can handle all lengths of Thermobar warm edge, turning them back in pellets that can be reused in the manufacturing process.
And with up to 20% of the recycled compound able to be added to the Thermobar production without any loss of performance, it has transformed the manufacturing of the warm edge spacer bar into a zerowaste operation.
“As well as the significant landfill benefits that are generated by the recycling of the raw materials, the recycling plant is also powered by a Solar PV System that we installed last year, so we are minimising our emissions in the process”, explained Gwain.
The PV System now produces 420MW of electricity per year, greatly reducing reliance on the grid – approximately 15% of the power used at Thermoseal Group is generated this way.
And with Fenzi being recipients of the EcoVadis Silver Medal for its commitment to corporate social responsibility, as well as its ongoing Green Future code of practice, the acquisition looks set to continue to generate a plethora of green benefits for Thermoseal Group and its customers.
www.thermosealgroup.com
Unique Reaches Key Milestone In Journey To Carbon Neutrality
Unique Window Systems has achieved a significant milestone on its journey to becoming a net zero business.
The rapidly growing, multi-awardwinning fabricator of UPVC and aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling is now successfully offsetting all of its Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Scope 1 emissions are those created by sources which the business directly owns or controls.
They include emissions produced by Unique’s fleet of vehicles, by machinery at its 165,000 sq. ft. production site in Leicester and by infrastructure such as boilers used
to heat its premises.
Scope 2 emissions result from the generation of electricity by external energy providers which is then purchased by Unique to help power its operations.
To offset its Scope 1 and 2 emissions, Unique has worked with Switch2Zero. Through this partnership, the fabricator has contributed to carbon offsetting projects around the world such as the creation of solar and hydro power plants and wind farms.
All of the projects funded by Switch2Zero and its partners are independently assessed and certified by organisations like the United Nations to ensure their
levels of environmental integrity and that they make a genuine contribution towards sustainable development.
Switch2Zero also helps its partners to offset their environmental impact through additional services such as tree planting and plastic waste collection.
Unique’s success in offsetting its Scope 1 and 2 emissions is just the latest in a long line of positive steps taken by the business in its pursuit of ever higher levels of sustainability.
It has also implemented initiatives to reduce the amount of production waste it creates and to ensure that this reduced waste is recycled wherever possible.
In addition, it employs eco-friendly delivery strategies, continues to reinvest into more efficient machinery and vehicles, and has a strong focus on sustainable material sourcing.
Speaking of the company’s offsetting developments, Sunil Patel, joint managing director at Unique Window Systems, said: “At Unique, we pay more than lip service to the notion of sustainability. As a business, we recognise that we have a very real duty of care to minimise our environmental impact for the benefit of both society today and future generations.
“To this end, we operate robust environmental management and reporting systems and are wholeheartedly committed to adopting more sustainable working practices and products.
“Successfully offsetting our Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions maintains that commitment. It also represents an important step in our ongoing drive to be a carbon neutral business.”
https://www.uws.co.uk
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Is Chasing Unqualified Leads Wasting Your Time?
When it comes to lead generation, it’s time to work smarter, not harder says Andy Royle, co-founder and managing director of Leads 2 Trade. And with the right approach to lead generation, you can transform your business, boost your conversion rates, and ultimately, increase your profitability.
In today’s competitive home improvement market, time is money, and every moment spent chasing leads that go nowhere is a moment lost. As the director and co-founder of Leads 2 Trade, I’ve heard countless tales from
installers struggling with this very issue.
It’s a well told story.
You receive a lead and get excited about the potential sale, only to
find out that the prospect isn’t really interested or can’t afford your services.
As installers, you know the frustration of spending valuable time and resources pursuing these dead-end leads. You make calls, send emails, and maybe even drive to a face-to-face appointment, only to realise you’ve been chasing shadows. It’s not just the time wasted; it’s the opportunity cost of what you could have been doing instead – like focusing on genuine prospects.
Chasing unqualified leads is like trying to fill a bucket with a hole in it. No matter how much effort you put in, you’re not going to see the results you want. It’s demoralising for your sales team, it skews your performance metrics, and ultimately, it impacts your bottom line.
And remember, every unqualified lead you chase is taking you away from a qualified prospect who could be your next big sale.
In an industry where margins can be tight, and particularly when it’s a tough market out there, can you really afford to be spinning your wheels on leads that were never going to convert?
Imagine a world where every lead you received was from a customer who actually wanted what you’re selling. You’d be halfway to closing the deal before you even picked up the phone. Your sales team would be more motivated, your conversion rates would skyrocket, and you’d be able to focus on what you do best – installing quality home improvement products.
At Leads 2 Trade, we’ve made this a reality with our Premium Leads service, which have proved popular for that very reason. These aren’t just any leads; they’re guaranteed booked appointments with qualified customers who want to hear from you. We’ve done the hard work of vetting and qualifying these prospects, ensuring they’re genuinely interested in your services and have the means to proceed. We’ve even organised an appointment for you. In fact, you don’t even pay for the lead unless you sit and pitch it.
By taking advantage of services like our Premium Leads, you can ensure that your efforts are focused on customers who are ready to do business with you and dramatically increase your sales conversion rate, meaning no more wasted trips and fruitless phone calls.
Make every lead count and take your installation business to the next level – the path to success lies in quality, not quantity,
Increase your sales conversion by visiting https://bit.ly/3ZUVXuF
MFA System Approval On All Ultraframe Products
Ultraframe has announced a new partnership with MFA Building Control, one of the oldest established Registered Building Control Approvers in the country. MFA assists installers to navigate through the complexities of Building Regulations with a reliable, responsive, nationwide service and has pre-approved all Ultraframe roof systems, as well as hup! walls.
Established for over 20 years, MFA provide a fast, responsive service, with applications received by 3pm processed the same day. In terms of inspections, they are able to offer video inspections with just one hour’s notice, or site inspections with just two days’ notice. The highly experienced team are also available by telephone to assist with any Building Regulations queries that their customers may have.
Commenting about the new partnership, Ultraframe marketing director, Alex Hewitt, said: “We know that the Building Regulations process can be complex and time consuming for our customers,
and so by partnering with MFA – one of the most experienced Building Control Approvers in the UK – we can help to ease the burden on our customers. Every Ultraframe roof and our hup! building system have been pre-approved to make compliance as simple as possible. An easy online registration process is in place to begin each application and the entire process is hassle free and fast thanks to MFA’s super-fast turnaround times on inspections.”
Offering national coverage for their services, MFA has developed a simple fee structure for different project types and aim to take the pressure off their customers during the planning stage of a project. For domestic projects such as those that many Ultraframe customers work on, applications are turned around without unnecessary delay, often the same or next working day.
To find out more about the MFA application process for Ultraframe roofs and hup! walls click here
Window News & FIT Show – Win A Stand Returns For Fit Show 2025
FIT Show & Window News announce the return of its ‘win a stand’ competition for FIT Show 2025.
The campaign, which debuted for FIT Show 2023, is designed to entice new and emerging brands to exhibit at the UK’s number one trade show for the window, door flat glass, hardware, components and roofing industry.
New for 2025, the competition has been broadened out to accept entries for past exhibitors who might be looking for an extra touchpoint in their 2025 marketing calendar, but aren’t quite in a position to commit to a large stand.
Whoever wins the stand for FIT Show 2025, which returns to Birmingham NEC from 29 April – 1
May, will follow in the footsteps of window and door replacement company, truhouse, who utilised the competition as an opportunity to build on the launch of its national franchise network. The brand utilised its prize of a stand at FIT Show to help its growth ambitions, with a direct route to national installers at the show.
Speaking about the return of the competition, FIT Show event director, Nickie West said: “We’re excited to announce the return of our hugely successful ‘win a stand’ competition in conjunction with Window News. We were hugely impressed by the quality of entries for our 2023 launch campaign and, given the challenging backdrop that many corners of the industry are currently facing, we wanted to bring the competition back
and broaden it out to include past exhibitors too.
“We’re delighted to be working with Gerald and the team at Window News to help shine a spotlight on the amazing work that is being done throughout the industry and partner with them to provide this special prize for one lucky brand at FIT Show 2025. Good luck!”
Window News publisher Gerald Batt added: “I am delighted that Window News is again teaming up with Nickie and the FIT Show to offer one lucky winner the opportunity of exhibiting at the industry’s key event in the UK.
“I know that for some companies it is a significant commitment to participate at any exhibition, so by having the stand cost at FIT Show 2025 covered by the ‘win a stand’ competition, a sizeable chunk of the outlay is taken care of and the winner can concentrate on their presentation to thousands of potential new customers.”
For more details and how to enter, click here: https://bit.ly/4dkDn1Y
CNC Recycling Ltd Announces New Ownership and Strategic Leadership
CNC Recycling Ltd has announced that it is now under new ownership. Emile Coene has acquired a controlling stake in the company, joining forces with Michael Coates, the remaining shareholder, to lead the organisation into its next chapter.
With their combined expertise in UPVC recycling, Emile and Michael are committed to driving growth and innovation within the company. Together, they will leverage the existing management team’s experience and knowledge, which will serve as the foundation for CNC Recycling Ltd.’s continued expansion in the industry.
CNC Recycling Ltd operates over 40 vehicles nationwide, ensuring efficient and reliable service to its customers, says the company. Emile Coene stated, “I am excited to take on this new role and work alongside Michael and the talented management team at CNC Recycling Ltd. Our shared vision is to enhance our operations and expand our reach, ensuring we remain at the forefront of sustainable recycling practices.”
Michael Coates added, “The future looks bright for CNC Recycling
Ltd. With Emile’s extensive background in the recycling sector and our dedicated team, we are well-positioned to capitalise on new opportunities and further our mission of promoting sustainability through effective UPVC recycling. Importantly, our current customers can expect no interruption in their service during this transition.”
According to the company, CNC Recycling Ltd remains dedicated to providing highquality recycling services while maintaining its commitment to environmental responsibility. The new leadership team is eager to explore innovative solutions that will benefit the business and all the staff that make the business work, recognizing the invaluable contributions and dedication of each team member. upvc-recycling.com
A Special Partnership
As Sternfenster continues to celebrate its 50th anniversary, Glazpart says it is delighted the company is part of the award-winning Glazpartners programme.
As one of the UK market leaders in fenestration for over
five decades, Sternfenster manufactures a unique and high quality range of uPVC and Aluminium windows and doors.
Operating from an 80,000 square metre state of the art factory in Lincoln, Sternfenster ensures every window and door goes through a rigorous manufacturing process to ensure installers, builders and homeowners have
products that are up there with the best available in the UK.
To maintain its levels of excellence, Sternfenster relies on strong supplier relationships who can deliver the right products and on time. One such relationship is with Glazpart who have supplied Sternfenster with the Link Vent range for the last five years.
The Link Vent range comes in sizes and include 5000, 4000 and 2500 EQA (Equivalent Area – the measure of the vents air flow performance) and the products are designed to fully comply with building regulations, Approved Document F1 (means of ventilation).
The Link Vent follows a clever design that is simple and user friendly for both opening and closing – the innovative closing action allows the closure plate to be positioned so that it reduces draughts by directing air away from occupants.
Nathan Court, sales director at Sternfenster UK, commented, “Our relationship with Glazpart has gone from strength to strength over the last 5 years and we are pleased to be Glazpartners. Our products are high quality, so it is essential we use components that are also high quality. The Link Vent range offers a perfect solution. It complies with regulations and offers a vast range of colours and finishes. Aligned to that, it is easy to install and complements the finished product.”
Dean Bradley, sales director of Glazpart added, “We are delighted that Sternfenster are celebrating their 50th anniversary and it’s a pleasure to have companies of such long standing and high standards, in our Glazpartners programme. I look forward to our relationship growing even stronger.”
glazpart.com
Dean Bradley, sales director of Glazpart
Nathan Court, sales director at Sternfenster
Glass Express Midlands Joins Select Club
Glass Express Midlands has been chosen to be a ‘Guardian Select’ IGU manufacturer, which “represents excellence” and demonstrates the company’s “commitment to quality and continuous improvement in glass manufacturing”, according to the glass manufacturer.
The Guardian Select community was established by Guardian Glass to help drive up standards in IGU manufacturing, with the aim of achieving “new levels of excellence”.
“Being invited to become a Guardian Select IGU manufacturer is a real honour for Glass Express Midlands, because it demonstrates that our key
supply partners recognise the significant investment we have made in producing IGUs to a very high standard,” Glass Express Midlands’ sales director Fraser Caithness said.
“Guardian Glass’s values are very closely aligned to our own. For example, we are both dedicated to raising both product quality and standards of professionalism in the glass and glazing industry.
“This is an invite-only scheme, and we are proud to be rubbing shoulders with the very best in the industry.”
Membership of the Guardian Select scheme gives Glass Express Midlands access to
numerous benefits, including increased technical support.
“We have a dedicated technical department at Glass Express Midlands,” Fraser said. “Having that unfettered access to Guardian Glass’s technical support is extremely valuable, especially when it comes to product updates and understanding the impact of the latest changes to the Building Regulations.
“Their technicians will even come to site if we are taking on a big job, to ensure that our processes match the demands of the project. For example, we recently worked on the Merry Hill project in Dudley, which specified gold glass from Guardian. One of their technicians joined us in Oldbury to check that our toughening process wouldn’t cause issues to the look and feel of the product (which they didn’t).
“Ultimately, by being a Guardian Select member, our customers can be reassured of the investment we have made in quality and excellence thanks to this thirdparty seal of approval.” glassexpressmidlands.co.uk
than aiming to sell at the lowest possible price – a strategy which requires the right infrastructure, skills and supply chain partners.
The company has invested significantly over the past five years to create a world-class PVC-U and aluminium manufacturing facility, and develop a workforce of over 100 people. This has resulted in production increasing over this period from 30-40 units per week to output levels regularly between 1,200 and 1,300 windows and doors, serving a mix of domestic, trade and commercial customers across Scotland.
Precision Windows has always used Rapierstar fasteners to manufacture its PVC-U product range, said by the company ‘because the team recognises the value of quality components and profiles in achieving a competitive advantage’. Precision Windows uses the Veka FS70 fully sculptured and M70 bevelled systems, in combination with hardware products from ERA, with a suite of Rapierstar fasteners which optimises finished product quality and manufacturing efficiency.
Ewan Hunter, retail manager at Precision Windows said: “Our focus on quality has been one of the most important factors in our long term success, because customers rightly want to know what benefits their investment in new windows and doors will bring – not just how little it will cost. Being able to offer a portfolio that we know is at the forefront of the market in Scotland in terms of long term functionality and performance has helped us to gain an important competitive advantage, and these products are all underpinned by the right components and systems.
For Quality
Fast-Growing Precision Windows Counts On Rapierstar
Leading fastener supplier Rapierstar is supporting a long-established Scottish window and door manufacturer and installer to realise its growth ambitions by helping it to keep its product quality and factory productivity on track.
Lanarkshire-based Precision Windows is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and it is now one of Scotland’s largest window and door manufacturers. To this day it remains a family owned and managed business, and it puts its long term success and recent strong growth down to a focus on quality and product performance, rather
“Everything matters in the window or door’s assembly, including the screws, which is why we only use Rapierstar products. Their technical support helps us to ensure the correct fasteners are used throughout the numerous product types we offer and achieve a high level of consistency that meets our rigorous quality assurance regime.”
Paul McAuley, Rapierstar’s technical consultant added: “It is no surprise to see Precision Windows reach its 20th year in business and I’m sure they will go even further in the next two decades. It is a company that ‘walks the walk’ by ensuring that its windows and doors match the quality it promises, and we are delighted to be able to help them achieve their goals through the fasteners and technical support we provide, including through our Recommended Fixings Manuals (RFMs) and advice on specific assembly applications.”
www.rapierstar.com
Exeter Trade Aluminium Announce Partnership With Alunet Systems
Exeter Trade Aluminium has announced the launch of a partnership with Alunet Systems that will see the company supply Alunet’s Aluna product range.
Exeter Trade Aluminium will supply the Aluna aluminium doors, windows & rooflights across, Devon, Cornwall and the whole of the South West, from Cornwall to Wiltshire.
Commenting on the partnership, Exeter Trade Aluminium’s Nick Sandbrook said, “We are delighted to partner with Alunet and add the Aluna brand to our portfolio of products.
“We are dedicated to staying at the forefront of the industry by updating our product range to meet evolving customer needs whilst being selective about who we partner with.
“The Alunet range enables us to do this, and is a very exciting move for Exeter Trade Aluminium.”
Phil Rotheram, Alunet group commercial director added, “We’re delighted to partner with a regional fabrication powerhouse in the form of Exeter Trade Aluminium and we’re excited to see this partnership grow.
“With state-of-the-art fabrication premises, Exeter Trade Aluminium is a fantastic match for our luxury Aluna brand as we look to expand throughout the South West.”
exetertradealuminium.co.uk
Coastal Group Celebrates 20-Year Partnership With Dormakaba
Coastal Group, a leading supplier of innovative external door and window hardware solutions for homes and commercial properties, has announced the celebration of its 20-year partnership with dormakaba, a global leader in security solutions and cylinder lock manufacturing.
Coastal Group says that since the partnership began, Coastal Group and dormakaba have worked together to offer cuttingedge security products, including a comprehensive range of Euro cylinders that meet the highest security ratings in the industry.
Loren Jenner, managing director of Coastal Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the longstanding
collaboration: “We are incredibly proud to celebrate 20 years of working with dormakaba. Their commitment to quality and innovation has made them an ideal partner for us as we continue to offer the very best in hardware solutions to our customers. Together, we’ve been able to deliver products that provide unparalleled protection, and we look forward to many more years of success.”
dormakaba’s Matthew Francombe said: “Our partnership with Coastal has grown from strength to strength over 20 years of working together. Their core values are very much aligned with our own and it is clear that their customer focused approach,
along with constant innovation and a never ending strive for improvement, has brought them a lot of success. It has been a pleasure to work with Coastal and we look forward to continuing our relationship for many years to come.”
As specialists in manufacturing high-performance cylinder locks, dormakaba has been instrumental in helping Coastal Group provide premium security options, such as three-star Euro cylinders, to the market. These products are designed to resist lock snapping, bumping, and drilling, offering the highest level of protection for homes and businesses.
As Coastal Group and dormakaba mark this important milestone, both companies say they remain committed to driving further innovation in the security industry. Plans for future collaborations will focus on introducing more advanced security technologies that address the evolving needs of both residential and commercial customers.
www.coastal-group.com
NBP Launches Integratile
Northern Building Plastics (NBP) has added Integratile to its extensive roofing product range, as customers prioritise sustainable, high-performing products, efficiency, and speed on-site.
Created with an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) future in mind, the patented interlocking tile design is manufactured in the UK from reliably-sourced recycled polymers and is up to 30% faster to fit when compared with traditional tiles, according to the company.
“We are constantly looking for quality products that will save our customers time on site,” explains NBP’s sales director, Steve Jones. “We are still navigating a tough market and, as we move into autumn and winter, the weather adds extra hurdles, and hours, to building projects.”
“Integratile is just one example of a solution-driven product that’s a great fit for both the NBP customer looking for fast, profitable projects, and their increasingly eco-conscious customer.”
Suitable for both residential and commercial applications, Integratile is designed for harsh weather, maintaining rain screen integrity, even at a low pitch of 12.5°. It is also resistant to the mould, moss and fungus that becomes more of a problem in wetter, winter months.
Integratile is now in stock across NBP’s nationwide Super Depots, located in Birtley, Bolton, Hinckley and Leeds, and can be ordered online up to 10pm, with free next-day delivery direct to site
www.nbp.co.uk
Huge Success For Waste Wood Sector As Amber Items Officially Deemed ‘Non-Hazardous’
In a huge victory for the waste wood sector, the Environment Agency is set to classify amber waste wood items from both the HWRC and demolition waste streams as non-hazardous.
The decision follows six years of work involving over a thousand tests, led by the Wood Recyclers’ Association (WRA), and is expected to save the industry millions in hazardous waste disposal costs and red tape.
Up until now, certain treated
‘amber’ waste wood items including fence posts and decking from households and ten items from demolition* have been deemed ‘potentially hazardous’.
These are currently subject to Regulatory Position statements RPS249 and RPS 291 which were due to expire at the end of September and are now in the process of being withdrawn.
Following a meeting with the WRA (September 4) to discuss the latest test results, the Environment Agency said it
was satisfied that the amount of hazardous waste wood in both the HWRC (household waste recycling centre) and demolition waste streams was negligible and reducing.
This means that, even after the RPSs are removed, these items can be moved and processed as non-hazardous provided they are destined for panel board manufacture or Chapter IV biomass, with no requirement for further testing.
Wood from heavy industrial buildings is an exception and will still need to be assessed and tested to WRA02, now the recognised standard for hazardous waste wood by the Environment Agency.
Howard Leberman, senior policy advisor at the Environment Agency, said: “We are very pleased to have reached a risk-based and proportionate outcome through great collaborative working with the WRA. We are therefore happy to remove RPS 249 and RPS 291 and will take the necessary steps to withdraw them before their expiry at the end of September.”
Vicki Hughes, technical lead on the WRA Board, said: “We are absolutely delighted that all our hard work has paid off and that the Environment Agency has recognised that the hazardous waste wood content in these waste streams is tiny and diminishing.
“While we knew the hazardous content was low, we needed the evidence to prove it so a massive thank you to all those organisations who took part in sampling and testing and in particular to WRA members, who really led the charge.
“This outcome will be hugely beneficial for our sector and is testament to our close
Vicki Hughes
collaborative working with the Environment Agency, SEPA, NRW and NIEA and also our project partners at the NFDC, UROC, ESA and CIWM Construction & Demolition Forum.”
Duncan Rudall, CEO of the NFDC (National Federation of Demolition Contractors), said: “We welcome this news which will significantly reduce the regulatory burden on those working in the demolition sector and potentially save our sector millions of pounds a year in testing and hazardous waste disposal costs. A big thank you to the WRA for leading this important project.”
Following the decision, those accepting treated waste wood onto their sites should update their Acceptable Materials Guides to reflect those changes.
The WRA will be updating its WWC Toolkit to include the new position. Alongside the NFDC, it will also be reviewing and updating the household and construction and demolition waste wood classification guidance documents.
The Environment Agency’s position relates to England and it is hoped that a similar position will be adopted in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, although the WRA is still awaiting confirmation.
Richard Coulson, WRA Chair, said: “I wish to pass on my sincere thanks to all involved in the Waste Wood Classification project for their time and diligence over many years to ensure we continue to make the best use of waste wood in a compliant manner. I’d especially like to thank and recognise Vicki and Julia’s work who have been instrumental in successfully delivering this project.”
woodrecyclers.org
AluFoldDirect Sees Surge In Sales Of Heritage Internal And External Doors
AluFoldDirect is reporting a significant rise in sales for its heritage internal and external door range, which the aluminium fabricator attributes to the trend for broken plan living.
The interior design shift from open plan to broken plan has gained rapid momentum in 2024, and AluFoldDirect has seen its range of heritage internal and external doors become a go-to solution for architects and builders responding to homeowner demand, according to the company.
Sales of aluminium internal heritage doors have increased by 15% in the last six months for AluFoldDirect, when compared with the same period in 2023, with sales of external
heritage doors increasing by 17%.
“Broken plan living has become a key trend in residential design, combining the benefits of open plan layouts with a renewed need for defined spaces,” says commercial cirector, Rhodri John.
“With the industrial look still high on the homeowner wish list, our heritage aluminium range has proven to be an ideal solution to strike the perfect balance of room division, without losing precious natural light, or the visual connection between spaces.”
Available in both ID30 internal and SD70 external systems, AluFoldDirect heritage aluminium doors and screens stand out with ultra-slim sightlines, starting from just 74mm. Built with high-grade aluminium for exceptional strength and durability, they also come with high-performance hardware, a wide variety of threshold and glazing options, and a 10-year guarantee.
“Our heritage aluminium doors and screens are also highly practical,” Rhodri adds. “They’re designed to be both durable and easy to install, saving precious installation time, but an often transformational result.” www.alufolddirect.co.uk
Glazpart Joins GMTA
Glazpart has announced that it is now a member of GTMA – the UK-based trade association representing leading companies in precision engineering, rapid product development, toolmaking, tooling technologies, and other critical manufacturingrelated products and services.
Joining GMTA, Glazpart will not only be able to share and compare knowledge of manufacturing processes with other leading manufacturers but will also receive a range of benefits. These include technology advice, marketing activities such as promotion via GMTA’s digital channels and events, knowledge access and transfer plus contact building and networking.
On joining GMTA, Dean Bradley, Glazpart’s sales director commented: “We are delighted to join GMTA as it will be another resource we can use to advance our manufacturing knowledge even further. It will also be useful to network and share knowledge with leading manufacturers serving different sectors.”
Following Glazpart becoming the latest GMTA member, Alan Arthur, GMTA chief executive added: “We welcome Glazpart into the GMTA membership. With their history of being a leading manufacturer across multiple sectors and with their technical expertise in plastic injection moulding, I have no doubt that Glazpart will be a great asset to GMTA.”
GTMA engages with other trade associations, government bodies, and organisations to access market information and bring its members collective data, intelligence and insights to help their businesses.
Being Affiliate Partners to MAKE UK (the manufacturers’ organization), GMTA’s engagement with Government is done through membership of EAMA, an alliance of Engineering Associations jointly represented at Central Government in Westminster.
To find out more about GTMA please visit Glazpart – GTMA.
Alan Arthur, CEO of GTMA
Eurocell Chooses Trakm8 for Enhanced Fleet Management Across 266 Vehicles
Manufacturer and distributor of UPVC products, Eurocell, has partnered with Trakm8, a telematics and data insight provider, to optimise their fleet operations. Trakm8 has plans to equip 266 Eurocell vehicles with its cutting-edge C430 telematics devices, all seamlessly integrated into the Trakm8 Insight platform, providing a comprehensive 360-degree view of their fleet.
The partnership with Trakm8 will help Eurocell achieve several key objectives: increasing and optimising vehicle utilisation, improving safety standards across the fleet, and enhancing driver behaviour to ensure greater efficiency and security.
Additionally, with insurance costs on the rise, better risk management was a crucial factor in the decision-making process, as was the drive to reduce CO2 emissions as part of Eurocell’s commitment to environmental responsibility. Finally, the use of Trakm8’s C430 telematics devices will also help to reduce fuel costs by addressing inefficiencies such as excessive idling, according to the company.
Joe Heidari, fleet & optimisation sales director at Trakm8, commented on the deal:
“We are thrilled that Eurocell has chosen Trakm8 to be their fleet management partner. Our Insight
platform provides everything they need in one place, making it easier than ever for them to improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability across their fleet. This partnership is a testament to the value of our integrated 360-degree fleet solutions, and we look forward to helping Eurocell achieve their operational goals.”
Ian Philpott, procurement manager at Eurocell, also shared his thoughts on the decision:
“After trialling multiple providers, Trakm8 stood out for offering a comprehensive fleet management solution that met all of our needs. The ability to monitor everything in one place was invaluable, and the results from the trial period convinced us that Trakm8’s telematics and Insight platform were the right choice to help us enhance fleet efficiency, improve driver behaviour, and reduce costs. We are excited to see the impact this technology will have on our operations.”
Hörmann Truedor Rewards Fitters
The Fitters Rewards loyalty programme from Hörmann has been hailed as the first independent loyalty programme of its kind within the market, claims
the company, and is open to all installers of Hörmann Truedor composite doors. The programme operates on a simple concept, awarding points each time a Hörmann
Whizzle Ltd And Siloxa Ltd Unite
Under Same Parent Company
Eianden Holdings, the parent company of silicone and consumables distributor
Truedor composite door is installed and logged – with points equalling rewards.
The loyalty programme is quick to join and is operated via an easy-to-use website. Installers go online to register and each time they complete a Hörmann Truedor installation they log the details together with a photo and start to earn points. A personalised dashboard shows points earned and a list of rewards. Rewards on offer include the ‘must haves’ in any fitter’s toolkit – a Makita Jobsite radio, a Dewalt rotary hammer drill and much more.
So far, the programme has proven to be incredibly successful with 135 fitters joining the programme and over 130 Hörmann Truedor installations having been logged.
To find out how you can join Hörmann Rewards speak to your Hörmann Truedor area sales manager or visit the Rewards website Home | Hörmann Rewards (hormannrewards.co.uk)
Ltd. Silicone processing is now being carried out at Whizzle’s Sutton site alongside their existing customer order fulfilment centre.
Finance director David Read said in a brief statement: “When you buy the Siloxa brand from Whizzle, you now really are buying direct. Bringing processing and distribution together under one roof improves lead times, reduces transport and operational costs and thus will enable Whizzle to continue offering customers excellent value in the years to come.”
Whizzle Ltd, has announced the acquisition of the sealant and chemicals brand Siloxa
Crittall Windows Rewards Resellers
For Outstanding Sales Performance
Steel window and door manufacturer Crittall Windows has celebrated and rewarded its resellers Bespoke Glazing Design and D&R Design for their
‘outstanding’ sales performance during the 2023/2024 financial year.
Crittall Windows says in
recognition of Bespoke Glazing Design’s exceptional dedication and impressive sales throughout the past year, and D&R Design’s unwavering commitment to supplying and installing high quality steel window and door systems, it has presented the teams with a one-of-a-kind trophy.
Bespoke Glazing Design has been working closely with Crittall Windows for many years and in this time has continuously promoted and installed the iconic steel windows and doors. D&R is also being recognised as a dedicated authorised partner which has delivered exceptional performance year-after-year.
Both companies’ expertise has guaranteed the seamless integration of these timeless designs in both commercial and residential architectural projects which set a new standard in the industry.
Russell Ager, MD at Crittall Windows, said: “We are incredibly impressed with Bespoke Glazing Design and D&R Design so wanted to celebrate their achievements.
“The team’s passion for our products and their ability to showcase the versatility of steel windows and doors across various projects has been fantastic to see. This recognition is well-deserved and reflects their outstanding contribution to the Crittall Windows brand.”
Celebrating the success of its resellers is incredibly important to Crittall Windows which aspires to create strong partnerships with likeminded installers who share their passion for quality, innovation and achieving timeless aesthetics and modern performance in the latest architectural designs.
www.crittall-windows.co.uk
D&R Design
Bespoke Glazing Design
The Business Pilot Barometer offers a monthly analysis of the key trends defining window and door retail. It draws on real industry data collated by Business Pilot, the cloud-based business management tool.To find out more see www.businesspilot.co.uk/barometer
The Business Pilot Barometer
Are we seeing a change in buying behaviour?
By Neil Cooper-Smith, Senior Analyst, Business Pilot
There is a feeling we flatlined in September, with all our metrics showing no real movement up or down.
Average leads stayed exactly the same at 107, while average sales dipped slightly to 48.9 in September from 52.1 in August. Given that September was a shorter month, I don’t see this as foreboding sign.
What I do find interesting is that at £3,593, the average order value still reflects what I believe to be an active volume sector of the market. (Higher average order values mean increased sales of higher margin products.)
Yet, the conversion rate is the second highest we’ve recorded this year: 41.7% (up slightly from 41.3% in August).
When we see activity increase in the volume sector, we tend to see overall activity increase. This typically includes people who are (forgive me) window shopping – or not committed to buying. As a result, conversion rates drop because many more enquires do not result in sales.
Instead, we are seeing conversion rates hold up, which suggests a change in buying behaviour.
Instead of visiting multiple window companies, homeowners are conducting more research before they approach the market. They decide what they want, who they want it from, and then seek fewer quotes.
(As an illustration, if every homeowner gets three quotes and then commits to buying, then the conversion rate would be 33.3%.)
The logical conclusion is that buying habits are changing right across the different buying demographics. Understanding this is key to positioning yourself to make the most of the opportunities as they arise. For example, is your website optimised to manage enquiries from well-informed homeowners? Do you have the latest sales tools to tap into this new trend? Is your brand consistent across multiple platforms, including third party sites like TrustPilot?
And if we look at the overall market conditions, we can see that homeowners are under multiple pressures when it comes to refurbishment.
As I write this, it has been announced that house prices have risen at the fastest pace in two years, almost half of homeowners plan to limit energy use as the energy price cap is raised, and consumer confidence has dipped in the lead up to the October Budget.
By understanding your business metrics on a daily basis, and having the tools to act on that information, means you are in a much better position to react to changes – especially if those changes aren’t what you expected.
About Business Pilot
Business Pilot is a powerful CRM, which mobilises the power of cloud-based technologies, to give installers complete visibility of each and every element of their operation from leads and conversions to job scheduling, cost of installation, service calls, and financial reporting.
Accessible across all devices, from desktop to phone, it supports installers in running their businesses more profitably.
For more information visit www.businesspilot.co.uk
Dear Gerald
The publication of part 2 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Report, has dominated the news in the construction sector recently, and with good reason. Since the first report was published in June 2017, the findings of that and the many subsequent reports are now having farreaching effects on the construction industry, driving changes that are reshaping the overall approach to building compliance.
Significant failings have been exposed, not only with product compliance but also in the actual installed performance of materials compared to their design specification. As a result, the fenestration sector,
now more than ever, will come under increasing scrutiny to show that not only do products meet the required standards as designed but also that the installed products also attain those standards at the point of installation and for their expected working life.
The level of performance claimed by manufacturers must be demonstrable, not only at the initial type test stage, but on everyday production. Subtle differences in specification can make huge differences in performance values and whether those differences are being implemented for cost or process savings, they need to be investigated and tested to
ensure that the performance level is not diminished below that which is the minimum acceptable.
The ‘new look BFRC’ was launched back in April, at the GGFs Spring conference, and since that time have been working hard behind the scenes to develop and strengthen our offering to ensure we continue to be the most trusted and widely recognised Testing and Product Certification organisation for the performance of glazing, windows and doors. But this is about so much more than achieving a certain level of accreditation when your products are tested, it’s about consistently delivering on those performance standards with every product that is manufactured and ensuring those standards are maintained once installed.
The findings of the Grenfell report serve as a poignant and sobering reminder to all of us, that the impact of decisions we take, and our everyday actions can truly result in the difference between life or death. Grenfell is a heartbreaking reminder of the vital necessity of strict safety regulations enforcement and oversight in construction. Failures in government regulation, poor supplier practices, and a lack of accountability, all contributed to this disaster. I believe we’re at a pivotal point, and greater focus will now be brought to bear on compliance, to ensure product performance “as installed” meets all of the claimed levels, in order to help prevent future disasters, and I really hope our industry is ready to embrace the increased scrutiny under which it will be placed.
Yours sincerely,
Richard Sellman Managing Director, BFRC
Are We Heading For A Home Improvement
Boom?
New research from Deceuninck suggests that the UK window and door industry could see a home improvement boom.
The new study found that almost a third of homeowners delayed their home improvement plans because of the cost-of-living crisis.
Commissioned by Deceuninck and conducted by leading national consumer research specialist YouGov, research also reveals that the 35-55 age group
were most likely to have sat tight (35%).
Darren Woodcock, general manager of Deceuninck, said that improving economic conditions combined with the release of this latent demand, laid the foundations for potential growth in the home improvement sector.
“We
know that a significant number of homeowners held off home improvement spend last
Darren Woodcock
year and into the first half of this year as high inflation squeezed household budgets”, said Darren.
“We’ve since seen a cut in the base rate and falling inflation, each important influences on consumer confidence and ultimately, homeowners’ willingness to spend on their properties.
“There are still a number of external political factors which have the potential to derail recovery, those aside, a delayed spend in the first half of this year and improving economic conditions, should deliver a far more promising outlook for retail.”
According to official figures the UK economy grew by 0.6% between April and June. This follows 0.7% growth in the first three months of the year.
UK inflation has also dropped to 2.2%in June, where it remained in August in line with Bank of England forecasts, with analysts suggesting a further cut in the base rate is likely in November.
The Deceuninck commissioned research also reveals that a quarter of homeowners expect to spend more than £3,000 on home improvements over the next two-years.
7.1% of 35-55-year-olds and 6.5% of under 35s were also prepared to spend between £7-10K on home improvements. This compares to only 3.9% of the over 55s.
Darren continued: “We know that from previous research that the over-55s were the age group most likely to have brought forward spend on home improvement in the covid-boom.
“They are also an age group to have been least likely to have delayed spend because of the cost of high inflation in the second half of last year and first half of this.
“This makes the 35-55-year-old and under 35 age groups a key target demographic for window and door retailers this year and into 2025.”
The Deceuninck research also highlights the enduring appeal of windows and doors as an energy efficient home improvement, cited by 11% of homeowners –the second most popular energy saving after a new boiler.
Windows and doors were also the go-to energy saving improvement for the 35-55 age group, cited as their first choice by 14% of respondents. This
compares to 7.8% of the over 55s.
Survey results also highlighted the importance of the availability of finance in driving home improvements, particularly the under 35s (40%) and 35-55s (33%).
Homeowners of all ages said that the availability of green home improvement grants (50%) and a cut in VAT on energy saving products (25%), would make them more likely to invest in energy efficient home improvements.
When asked where they would source new windows and doors homeowners expressed a strong preference for independent local retailers 60%.
The survey also highlights the overriding importance of wordof-mouth 70%, and access to a physical showroom 35%. Google reviews (47%) and website case studies were also important in driving confidence (21%).
45% of respondents said that a desire to lower their carbon footprint directly impacted their home improvement purchasing decisions, while reducing their carbon footprint and recyclability are most important to the under 35s and 35-55s (29% and 26%) respectively.
“Darren continued: “Sustainability is important, we know that it’s a driver for all age groups but what we’re seeing is a growing importance among younger and future homeowners.
“The work that we’re doing as a business to deliver a lead to the window and door industry on this front, generates a unique opportunity for Deceuninck customers going forward.”
www.deceuninck.co.uk
Why ‘Cheap’ May Cost You More
Choosing your suppliers based on price could be costing you more in the long run, argues Sternfenster’s sales and marketing director Nathan Court. We talk to him to find out why.
Price, says Nathan Court, Sternfenster’s sales and marketing director, is key when choosing your supplier, because it is the first step to quoting competitively and building in a worthwhile margin.
But to ignore all other important elements of supply could cost more in the long run, thanks to loss of reputation and missed opportunities.
“Agreeing acceptable pricing and terms is an important first step,” Nathan says. “Getting the pricing structure right, factoring in any discounts for volume and
establishing fair payment terms should form part of the basis of the relationship you have with your supplier. But it shouldn’t be the only defining factor of your relationship.
“Every supplier has its own range of products and services, and they are all going to benefit your business in different ways. Bear in mind that one supplier may be the cheapest because they offer no other support, or they are at risk of going out of business, which is clearly not in your favour.”
Nathan said a recent insolvency
report found that more than 200 companies a month on average have exited the glazing and wider construction industry this year alone.
Meanwhile, family business Sternfenster has a sound financial footing, and ploughs profits back into the business rather than paying dividends to private investors.
“And making sure the product range is designed for your target customer base is an important consideration,” he says, “as is the reputation of that supplier and the systems they use.
“At Sternfenster, we know that as a supplier of doors and windows, there is much more we can offer in terms of sales support and customer service. As part of our 50-year celebrations this year, we’ve spent a lot of time talking to customers, finding out what they most appreciate in a supplier, and one of the things that is repeated time and again is ‘being easy to do business with’.”
Launched next month [October 2024] is the latest version of the trade fabricator’s EasyAdmin system. Now called EasyAdmin+, customers can place an order online, which will automatically be programmed into Sternfenster’s manufacturing software and ready for production without having to reenter data, or re-confirm details.
“Even at its most basic level, EasyAdmin+ puts our customers in control of their product ordering and supply,” Nathan says. “This is alongside other features such as managing the lead process, chasing outstanding quotes, and easily arranging surveys, installations and service calls.
“This immediately makes our customers more efficient,
Nathan Court
and helps them to create new opportunities. It is definitely a case of working smarter, not harder.
“Our new revamped onlinebased quoting package is linked directly to our customers’ data and price book. This not only makes quoting more professional and quicker, but the chances of errors are vastly reduced. Plus, customers have full oversight of their profit and loss, so there is no chance of underquoting for work and losing margin.”
Sternfenster has also been working on the next phase of its ‘Easy Sales’, which promises a true step change in fenestration selling software, Nathan says.
“We are really excited to be bringing this to market early next year. These are exciting times,
so watch this space.”
Nathan points out that EasyAdmin+ – while helping to create a complete end-to-end digital journey from lead and quote through to delivery and installation – is very much a support function, and doesn’t replace the investment the company has made in other areas of the business.
“Sternfenster is currently working towards our Platinum Investors in People award, and all our colleagues are laserfocused on providing industryleading customer service and support,” he says. “As a result, we are currently recording complete on-time and in full (COTIF) deliveries of 96+%.
“And it’s worth remembering that we offer a five-day lead time
Leading Brand Specialists
on many of our most popular products.”
Nathan concedes that winning work in a difficult trading environment requires a close eye on cost, but this only forms part of a business’s opportunity for profit.
“It’s not in our interest to go toeto-toe with fabricators selling on price alone, and contributing to that race to the bottom,” Nathan says. “We would prefer to maintain healthy profit margins that we can invest in our support infrastructure, and be that supplier who is easy to do business with.”
Our partnerships with leading hardware manufacturers mean we can source tried, tested and proven products that our customers can trust.
Jump In With Both Feet
All CRM systems are not the same, according to Callum Hennessy, sales manager at Affix Windows, who found that with Business Pilot he could concentrate on the things that mattered.
Like many installation businesses, Affix Windows originally ran its operations from a suite of spreadsheets and whiteboards. They were free, and they didn’t require specialist training.
But as the company grew, and they wanted to record more data, they decided to take the leap and invest in a CRM system that would
help streamline their processes.
“Unfortunately, the first system we used wasn’t industry specific, and we found that it was slow, buggy, and we couldn’t extend the features to our fitting teams,” Callum says. “There was a lot we wanted to do, and there was probably a lot we could have done, but it was too complicated.
“So, we moved over to a trade specific CRM system, which was sold to us as being the best thing for a small monthly fee. But it wasn’t very good. The best thing about it was that it let us see what we actually wanted to achieve, and that’s when we moved over to Business Pilot.”
With Business Pilot, Callum and the rest of the team at Affix Windows, discovered that all operations could be integrated into a single piece of software. From quoting to fitting, and from payment to technical support, everything to do with each project and customer is managed in one place.
“When I was trying to keep our spreadsheets up to date, that in itself was almost a full-time job,” Callum says. “And it got more difficult as the company grew.
“Now, we all update Business Pilot as go we go along, and it is far less intensive.”
Callum explains that one of the key advantages of using Business Pilot is that you don’t have to remember everything, and everyone has access to all the information (they need) all of the time, including the fitters.
“Business Pilot makes them more self-reliant,” he says. “They have full access to the project details, and they can easily contact the customer if they are running late. Also, they are not reliant on having to print off the relevant information the day before.”
Another feature that Callum appreciates is the automation, such as automatically sending out emails with key information to the customer, and preparing all the relevant information for registering
the installation with FENSA.
“And Business Pilot Mail is phenomenal,” he says. “We all talk about it as though it is normal, but it is alien to any other system out there. It helps up to set up processes, map out projects, and set up automatic emails to keep you and the customer on track.”
One reason why Business Pilot has been a much easier system to adopt than the others Affix Windows had tried was the training and support.
“There hasn’t been a moment where I’ve had an issue and not been able to find someone who could resolve it for me,” Callum says. “Katie and Rebecca have been great. What we didn’t learn at the Training Days, we could find out by calling the support team, or finding out by watching their training videos or reading their blog posts.”
Callum says that while it took a couple of attempts to find the right CRM system, Business Pilot has had a double impact on the productivity of Affix Windows.
“I would say from time saved alone, it has been worth the cost,” he says. “Yes, it’s made our processes easier, less stressful, and given us access to additional features that we
couldn’t have planned for. But it has given us time back that we can use productively – such as following up on leads and building relationships with customers.
“And it’s given us the vital tools to process that extra work that we are generating.
“It’s allowed us to be able to be a lot more reactive to enquiries coming through, and to be on top of day-to-day business because we are not worried about all those small things that used to tie up so much time and attention.”
Callum says he has two pieces of advice for companies switching over to Business Pilot.
“One, get on the training programme immediately,” he says. “And two, jump in with both feet in and fully go for it and get involved. We love the BP Community, and there are always new improvements – it doesn’t seem like it’s ever not progressing.
“I don’t think there’s been a moment since we got Business Pilot that we’ve regretted it.”
You can watch a discussion between Callum from Affix Windows, and Business Pilot’s MD Elton Boocock here: https://bit.ly/3XTv73f www.businesspilot.co.uk
From left: Elton Boocock (Business Pilot), Callum Hennessey (Affix Windows), Ryan Breslin (Business Pilot) and Matt Gaskin (Business Pilot).
Succession: A Path for the Future
Three years after transitioning to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), Force 8 reflects on the impact of the scheme, its benefits, and the transformation of the company’s ethos. Could this model offer a viable succession solution for fabricators and related businesses when owners and directors step back into retirement?
A recent article in the trade press by Cyncly’s Sales Manager, Greg Beachim, highlighted the importance of succession planning for fabricators, a crucial topic for many in the industry as they approach the end of their careers. While selling the
business to a larger company and retiring might seem like the easiest option, this often comes at a cost. Typically, the sale is to a larger fabricator, who may absorb the order book and client list, retaining only some staff to handle the extra work. Larger fabricators, working
with tighter margins, often prefer to keep operations lean. In cases where the business specialises in a particular area, the specialised staff and skills may be retained, but for many veteran fabricators, the idea of closing up shop can feel inevitable. This is underscored by the increasing number of used machinery listings from companies that have shut down.
As the industry grapples with a shortage of skilled workers, the need to start planning for succession is urgent. Without proper planning, the future may be dominated by a few large fabricators focused on high-volume, low-margin production—a trend that has long plagued the sector.
“Force 8 has already faced this issue head-on. Specialising in profile bending and manufacturing composite doors, the company has cornered a niche market that larger fabricators overlook, as it requires both time and skill but is highly profitable,” comments Lisa Mottershead, operations director. “Dennis Sumner, having worked with his late father to establish and grow the company, felt a strong connection to both the business and its employees. The thought of selling and potentially seeing the business fragmented, bending to one buyer, door manufacture to another, and our installation team scattered, was unthinkable. It took years to assemble a team with the specialised skills required for
both divisions, and their ability to collaborate on complex projects, such as arched doors and complex shapes.
“To say that Force 8 is unique within the market would be an understatement, so it needed a unique solution for the future of the company and most importantly the staff. After many months of research with our accountants, Dennis came to the conclusion that the Employees Owned Trust (EOT) was the solution.
“An EOT is one where 51% or over of the shares are in a trust for the benefit of all employees, in our case Dennis decided that the full 100% of the shares should be within the scheme. The trust, which oversees the management of the company, includes shop floor representative and one nonworking independent person. The trustee board must meet certain legal requirements and ensure that the company is always acting in the best interest of all the employees. Alongside this, a Forum is made up from staff and directors with the aim of improving the company and discussing new ideas”.
Every eligible staff member, having been employed over 12 months, can also receive a tax-free amount of up to £3600 within the fiscal year. The team has embraced this model and appreciated the tangible rewards of the company’s success and the recognition that comes with it.
Lisa continues, “It’s been three years now since the introduction of the EOT, in that time it has completely transformed company dynamics, fostering a strong sense of team spirit throughout the workforce. Now, every employee takes ownership of quality control, ensuring that each product is flawless and delivered punctually. Force 8 now runs like clockwork and allowed us to innovate even more new products
with the help of the entire team. As mentioned before, our industry is facing a skills shortage, however a by-product of the EOT scheme has been to help retaining vital skills within the business. as they are part of it.
“When Dennis first introduced the concept of the EOT to the team, there were understandably some reservations. Recognising this, he decided to put the plan on hold until everyone felt confident and ready to move forward. It was important to ensure full buy-in from the entire team. Naturally, there were many questions about how the new structure would work—how decisionmaking would be shared, the role of the trust in day-to-day operations, and how individual responsibilities might evolve. For me personally, stepping into the role of Operations Director brought a new level of responsibility, but I was also grateful for Dennis’s confidence in me and the rest of the team to take on the challenge and steer the company forward. With the guidance of JMW Solicitors LLP and Clarke Nicklin accountants, all concerns were addressed, and by October 2021, the EOT was successfully implemented.”
“This path may not suit every company, but I highly recommend considering it before deciding to sell out or shut down entirely. Planning for the future is an important element of running a business, and opting for the EOT was among the best choices we made. Our only regret is not making it sooner. While it involves a complex process with substantial paperwork, the outcome more than justifies the effort invested. If you are contemplating the EOT route for the future and would like some insights, we are open to a conversation. We would be glad to share our experience and offer any assistance where possible.”
www.force8.uk
Three Ways To Tackle Slow Sales
The news that consumer confidence dipped in September will take the wind out of some people’s sails.
Analysts believe the government’s pessimistic view of the nation’s finances in the lead up to the Budget in October has dissuaded homeowners from making big purchases.
As a result, we are seeing that things remain on hold, even though we expected things to start picking up after the election. But uncertainty continues to prevent homeowners and other investors from spending money. Whether it’s Brexit, Covid, wars, elections – there is always something that affects the way we approach investment.
For example, right now, we’d like some certainty over minimum wage increases. These could go up significantly from April next year, but we need to start preparing now to avoid getting caught off guard. Our wage bill is our largest outgoing, and a 10% increase could have a significant impact on our finances.
But I believe you shouldn’t be a slave to poor consumer confidence. As I said, the market hasn’t truly been unfettered for many years now, and if you were to base your business decisions on the month-by-month snapshots of consumer activity, then I don’t think your business will reach its full potential.
So, what can you do to overcome
poor consumer confidence? There is no magic bullet, but there are strategies you can employ to put you on a more competitive footing.
Communication
Maintaining an open dialogue with suppliers and customers is vital. It is surprising how many businesses batten down the hatches and only look inwards when times are difficult. But the benefits of openness and transparency are too numerous to list here.
In a nutshell, though, openness fosters trust, and as we saw in the months following Covid, trust and partnerships can help you overcome many obstacles.
Over the summer, I spent a great deal of time meeting customers of the Cornwall Group, especially new ones we are getting to know following our acquisition of Forward Glass in Birmingham. By investing in time with our downstream partners, I was able to get to know their strengths, their view of the market, and how we can help them with their ambitions.
This allows to improve our overall customer service, to ensure that what we provide is fully tailored to what businesses require. I don’t think the importance of this sense of connectivity can be overstated.
Quality
Part of your trust-building exercise is to ensure that your product quality is up to scratch. We work closely with our supply partners, such as glass manufacturers, to develop a product range that performs well for energy efficiency, solar control, acoustics, etc.
We couldn’t do this if we were to spot buy – attempting to get cut
Continued on page 54
Cornwall Group chair Mark Mitchell argues that poor consumer confidence shouldn’t result in poor business activity.
“A modern approach to customer communications, increased customer satisfaction, saving us time and money.”
KLIC Home Improvements
Step into the future, with the AdminBase Customer Portal.
Your customers will be able to...
Track their order progress
Confirm ppointments
Make payments
Request service calls
View relevant documents
See remaining warranties, and more!
Continued from page 52
price deals on all glass products on a week-by-week basis. Instead, our suppliers understand our ongoing needs, and support us where required. And we deliver this same service to our customers, investing in machinery, colleagues and infrastructure to achieve this. Did you know that for every £1 of profit in 2023/24, we invested £3 in the business? This is because we know how important investment is in product quality and customer satisfaction.
Stability
This leads me on to the financial stability of both suppliers and customers.
In recent years, we have seen how damaging an unstable supply chain can be. Our accounts are transparent, and we are prepared to invest. This is more straightforward for us as a familyowned business, because we are happy to see profits ploughed back into Cornwall Group for its long-term success.
Companies that are owned by private investment companies may not take this same view. They are structured to make a good profit over a short period of time – let’s say five years – which means any up-front investment won’t make a significant impact on the bottom line before they sell the business on. As a result, assets are sweated, potentially beyond their effective life-span, which could affect product quality.
These are just three areas which are worth paying attention to when the market isn’t as buoyant as you’d like, because even if you get less-than-positive news, you are more likely to be prepared to meet it head on. And when the market does pick up again. You are already positioned to capitalise on it.
www.cornwallglass.co.uk
Extending Summer Into Autumn and Winter
Off the back of a below-par summer and with winter fast approaching, many homeowners are looking to extend their homes’ access to the outdoors. But as Brits, how do we get that feeling of being connected to the outside, without leaving the warmth and comfort of our homes in the cooler months?
Whether it’s a living area in need of more light, or a conservatory that requires easy access to the outdoor space beyond, a floorguided sliding door system can brighten up any room,
offering effortless access and uninterrupted views, according to Bohle area manager, Lance Conway.
“With FloorTrack from Bohle, you can create a transparent partition
installers the flexibility to create both stunning and functional architectural designs for their customers.”
In line with the demand for ‘bigger and better’ glazing, FloorTrack can incorporate between three and five sliding elements with a maximum width of 1.1m each, or alternatively, total widths of over 10m can be achieved thanks to connecting elements available from Bohle.
“I read a study that said that Brits with limited natural light at home generally rate their physical and mental wellbeing lower than those with ample natural light in their properties”, Lance says.
“Our mental wellbeing is so intrinsically linked with our access to the outdoors and to natural light, and there’s no better way of achieving this than through uninterrupted floor-toceiling glazing.
“There are no distracting sightlines or clunky hardware – with FloorTrack it is literally a clear gateway to the world outside of our homes.”
Easy breezy
FloorTrack is available in three finishes – white, anthracite grey and anodised aluminium – offering the opportunity for installers to suite the hardware to the customer’s existing window and door colour scheme.
last thing you want to be doing is tying yourself up on site for hours on end trying to get the panes to sit straight”, Lance explains.
“We’ve made the installation of FloorTrack quick and easy, reducing installer’s time on site without compromising on the longevity and quality of the product.”
The end caps of the glass profiles have a built-in catch function – together with the mechanical rubber buffers, the partition can be closed gently, with a latch ensuring secure locking. It can be opened again quickly using the foot, offering quick and easy access to the garden for the homeowner, whilst simultaneously protecting them from any unwanted guests.
The fittings are all also anodised and offer the corrosion protection that is necessary for outdoor use, ensuring that installers won’t face any maintenance headaches in the long run.
Enhancing spaces
“We’ve seen the popularity of FloorTrack really increase in the post-Covid era”, Lance says.
“People are more connected to the outdoors and want that feeling of being in touching distance of their gardens and nature.
wall that elegantly separates living spaces and outdoor areas”, Lance explains.
“You can choose between two floor tracks: one version is recessed into the floor, whilst the other features an attached running track that be mounted as well. We’ve also added the ability to incorporate ramp profiles to create barrierfree transitions. This gives
And installation is a breeze thanks to easy access to the height adjustment of the partition wall on the side of the system, that can be conveniently adjusted when installed and guarantees perfect alignment of the glass panes.
“When you’re dealing with a sliding door that has upwards of three large, heavy panes, the
“And that shouldn’t be limited to summer when we can physically sit outside.
“With FloorTrack, installers can bring the feeling of summer to the homeowner all year round, creating a high-margin, highimpact architectural design feature that enhances their property.” www.bohle.com
Lance Conway
Soaring Expectations For Service
Consumers are expecting more from their suppliers and the best way for installation businesses to stay ahead of this curve is to work smarter, not harder, says Rhonda Ridge of Ab Initio.
As the shortage for skilled workers continues across all trades, including window, door and conservatory installation, the value of work should be increasing. However, with expectations for service soaring and a significant shortfall in suppliers able to meet this demand, tradespeople are having to work smarter, not harder, to
win sales and remain profitable. One of the ways to do this is through the use of innovative digital solutions that increase efficiencies across the business and improve productivity. Communication is also a key part of the puzzle with consumers expecting easy access to the information they want, when they want it.
Rhonda Ridge
Although the window and door markets have remained slower than we would have hoped through the summer months, there are still pockets of growth and products that are doing well. But it isn’t just about your portfolio anymore, and I would argue increasingly, building
a customer experience is taking precedence. Offering excellent customer service from the very first meeting with a consumer, through to project sign off is how installation businesses stand out from the competition and win sales.
Some companies believe that if they are delivering quality products and fitting them in a timely manner, they are offering excellent service, but this is no longer enough. It’s an important part of the mix, but consumers today are increasingly wanting more interaction with their suppliers.
A better customer experience
One of the best ways to deliver everything homeowners need is to implement an all-encompassing installer management system. AdminBase is a CRM that improves efficiencies within a
business to help deliver a better customer experience, as well as offer better communication with homeowners to build a level of trust.
A good way to build trust is to allow customers to see what is happening with their order. AdminBase has an awardwinning Customer Portal that gives homeowners 24/7 access to information from their home improvement supplier and as a result helps to build a closer relationship. The facility allows consumers to log in to confirm appointments, monitor the progress of their order, and report any snagging issues at the end of the project. For some installation businesses this might sound like a daunting prospect because information isn’t held and updated in a consistent or reliable way. But when customers are accessing information from within AdminBase, this isn’t an issue.
Building trust with better information
The system includes a Checklist feature that sends automated reminders to help keep projects on track, while the AdminBase digital Taskboard facility allows installation businesses to monitor the detail behind the projects and highlights bottlenecks where people may be overworked, and any areas deemed to still have capacity. This collectively improves efficiency and productivity and means that home
improvement companies can be confident when giving consumers access to their individual Customer Portal.
This level of shared information continues to the end of the relationship too, with the AdminBase Service app improving communication between homeowners and their service engineer at the end of a project. Using the app, service engineers can collect data about the work they complete and upload it back into the system. This might include whether the appointment resolved the issue or whether any additional parts are required to finish the project. All of the details captured during the service call can then automatically be e-mailed to the customer on completion, so they have a record of the work that has been done.
It’s a shame that service levels have dropped so significantly across all trades, but with all of the challenges that have been thrown at tradespeople in the last couple of years, it’s perhaps unsurprising that some are struggling to keep up. Installation businesses using a system like AdminBase to improve efficiencies and enhance communication can offer an enhanced customer experience, hassle-free. This will help them to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to consumer expectations, and of course, the competition.
www.abinitiosoftware.co.uk/
Half Of All Installers Could Face A Cyber-Attack This Year
Half of all businesses report having experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months, according to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and the cost of cyber crime to the UK economy is about £27bn per year.
We often think the cost of a cyber attack is simply the ransom paid to release important data, but it extends to non-productive downtime, loss of customers, remedial work to patch up weak defences, loss of reputation… the list is long.
But we need software and access to IT infrastructure to help build our businesses and
scale up in ways that are virtually impossible with outdated manual systems.
So how do you choose the right software partners without putting your valuable data at risk?
The simple answer is that you interrogate the security of your digital suppliers in the same way you would any other supplier. If you had contractors regularly visiting your offices and showroom, you would carry out a basic security check to make sure you weren’t putting your business at risk.
It is the same with companies like Business Pilot that provide software platforms that help you run your businesses more efficiently and use sensitive information to link services together like accounting, customer details, and employees.
Just because we operate online doesn’t – and shouldn’t – mean we take security any less seriously than a company that is literally handed the keys to your office. In fact, we build security into every element of our operation.
For example, a recent Business Pilot update includes a ‘single sign-on’ for customers who use Microsoft Business (Office 365) accounts.
Passwords can be frustrating, but they are the unsung heroes of cyber security. It’s not unusual for people (including your employees) to keep default passwords, or use predictable easy-toremember ones.
Our solution is a secure authentication that allows users to log-in to multiple systems using one username and password, and it significantly reduces the risk of security breaches associated with weak passwords.
This measure is one in a long line of security initiatives that feature in every element of the Business Pilot operation.
As a relative newcomer to the industry, we were able to build our CRM system on the latest and most secure frameworks available. And we update our codebase incrementally, ensuring that we remove any risk of security breaches.
This is supported with firewalls, anti-malware software, anti-virus software, and encryption –and all our data is hosted on UK servers.
I could get really geeky about the measures we take to deliver the most secure software product as possible, but I think it is fair to say that we will always go the extra mile.
Security is not particularly interesting, and when we release new software updates, we would prefer to talk about the benefits for you to grow your business, like the FENSA API or the Zapier integration.
But security updates are always taking place in the background, much in the same way as when your phone updates to the latest version. Quite often, there are no headline features, just ‘security updates’. And these are crucial to the ongoing safety of your business.
There are many things you can do to keep your business secure. For example: regularly back up important data (in the cloud if possible); don’t download dodgy software; allow your company’s smartphones to be tracked and wiped if lost or stolen; and don’t fall victim to phishing attacks.
When it comes to third-party software providers, you don’t want to lose sleep worrying about if your information is safe with them. At Business Pilot we can guarantee that not only are we fastidious about the security of our software and infrastructure, but we continually introduce new measures that help you stay safe.
www.businesspilot.co.uk
Cornering the Market
Welding technologies have driven significant changes in window manufacture, particularly in the premium market. Richard Hammond, sales director at Universal Trade Frames discusses.
How they’re welded or jointed is a defining feature of any window. Mechanical and timbertype welded joints have been almost as influential in defining PVC-U window design as system innovation.
“Change has been dramatic”, says Richard Hammond, sales director of Universal Trade Frames. “We saw massive growth almost out of nowhere in mechanically jointed PVC-U windows alongside the launch of premium high-end systems.
“That’s driven onward demand for
premium products. The response to the Residence Collection from end-users has been phenomenal.
“Originally R9 was only offered fully mechanically jointed, and glass bonded, however, this created a problem for installers because glass bonded frames are very heavy, complicating installation and increasing cost.
“Cost is always a limit on market potential, if you can control overheads, you control costs and when it comes to the Residence Collection, how it’s made assumes critical importance for installers.”
The Residence Collection without the hassle of fitting a glass bonded product
Universal Trade Frames’ has carved out a position for itself as a specialist supplier of premium products. This includes the complete Residence Collection, including R9, R7, and R2. It also supplies Optima Flush from Epwin; the Spectus vertical sliding sash window; and the Spectus fully reversible and tilt-and-turn options.
“The Residence Collection, sits at the top of that premium space.
Richard Hammond
“We supply the complete Residence collection including R9 R7 R2 and the RD range manufactured as a non-glass bonded Timberweld product as standard, which means it has a mechanical joint appearance, but under the surface, hidden away it’s fully welded.
“That delivers a major advantage to installers because it means it can be fitted in exactly the same way as any other window, saving time and money on site and maximising margin.”
Timberweld Residence Collection windows from Universal Trade Frames replicate the traditional 90° external and internal butt weld inside and out.
Richard goes to lengths to emphasises this. “It’s not just the outside and then mitred internally. It’s a 90° butt joint both sides, every time”, he says.
“It looks exactly the same as a mechanically jointed flush sash but with the important difference that as a fully welded window, you get the strength synonymous with fusion welding, totally eliminating the need for glass bonding.”
What are the benefits of a nonglass bonded R9 window
“It’s about removing weight from the install, making it easier for installers to fit because it allows the Residence Collection to be glazed on-site in the same way as any other PVC-U window”, Richard explains.
This he argues is key, bringing what can be a two-man fit because of complexity in handling back to a one man fit, delivering significant cost savings and increasing margins.
It also gives installers flexibility on glass supply. They don’t have to buy units through Universal Trade Frames but can source glass locally from their local supplier.
“The other benefit is when it comes to replacement. Accidents happen during installations and in use. Units are fairly reliable but can still also fail”, Richard explains.
“If you have a glass-bonded window it’s a nightmare, you have to replace the sash. If it’s a Timberweld window from us, you don’t need to sweat it. You replace it as you would any other unit.
“Most importantly it delivers the opportunity to up-sell at point of retail. If you know the basics about Timberweld, highlighting the benefits to the end-user is
easy. You can win business on the strength of the weld.”
Part of a specialist premium offer
Operating from a 30,000 square foot state of the art manufacturing facility in Shrewsbury, Shropshire Universal Trade Frames combines cutting-edge fabrication with a claimed ‘world class’ 98% OTIF.
In addition to the Residence Collection its premium product ranges include the Spectus vertical sliding sash window; Epwin flush casement; and Solidor composite doors; in addition to its standard offer.
“While R9 and the wider Residence Collection is probably the outlier, Optima Flush definitely has its place in the flush casement market, Richard says.
“We’ve tried to pitch our offer to give our customers the opportunity to upsell to the Residence Collection or to make sure that they still walk away with the business if their customer’s budget doesn’t quite stretch that far by offering Optima Flush.
“The real win is that our customers can source either from us alongside other premium and specialist products, including the Spectus vertical sliding sash window.
Universal Trade Frames delivered a major upgrade of its VS in May with the launch of a slim meeting rail option with sightlines of only 37mm.
“It’s about the right products and single source supply”, Richard continues. “If you’re installing the Residence Collection, it’s likely that you’re going to have a requirement for Optima Flush and a VS window.
“Our customers can get them from us through a single order, single delivery and single invoice. It makes things simpler.”
www.utfl.co.uk
High-Quality Fenestration Key to Meeting New Social Housing Energy Efficiency Targets
Informed specification of energy-efficient windows and doors is crucial to meeting the government’s recently announced target that all English social homes should achieve an energy performance certificate rating of at least C by 2030.
Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, unveiled plans at Labour’s conference to help the social housing sector meet decarbonisation goals and cut tenant fuel bills.
[1] With the plan subject to consultation later this year, polymer manufacturer Rehau is emphasising the role of window and door specification for local authorities and housing associations seeking ways to
improve thermal performance.
“The fact that 1.2 million social homes currently have an EPC of D or below is definitely a matter of great concern,” says Martin Hitchin, CEO of Rehau UK. “Yet it is also understandable – most public housing was built between 1945 and 1980, so was not designed with modern thermal performance and sustainability requirements in mind.
“This undoubtedly poses a challenge for councils and housing associations that will require a multi-pronged approach to solve, of which new windows and doors are a key part. The impact of these frames on a property’s overall thermal performance cannot be understated. Given this most recent announcement by the Government, I would advise social housing stakeholders to further explore fenestration options, and what ‘good’ looks like for energy-efficient windows and doors.”
It is, therefore, even more important to keep updated on sector legislation and standards when specifying more thermally efficient frames, including the Building Regulations and other performance metrics such as Window Energy Ratings. With local authority and housing association decision-makers under pressure and subject to expanding workloads, leveraging expertise within the wider supply chain may hold the key to ensuring more energy-efficient building stock.
“Social housing stakeholders must plan any upgrading works carefully, as replacing key components such as windows and doors is a highly technical process requiring strict adherence to regulations and performance criteria,” he concludes. “Engaging third parties within existing supply chains can help decision-makers bridge any knowledge gaps and allow for a smoother process from design to specification and on to installation. This is especially important given increasingly rigorous energy efficiency targets such as those unveiled by Mr. Miliband, and the overall direction of travel towards greater sustainability within the sector.”
For more information on frame specification through Rehau, click here: https://bit.ly/3NhTwe2
Image courtesy of GRM Windows
Image courtesy of GRM Windows
Specialised Service
Since its inception almost ten years ago, Birmingham-based Oak Lodge Doors have been a Sternfenster customer, priding themselves on being a “door company that does windows and not a window company that does doors.” We spoke to them to find out more.
Based in the Halesowen area of Birmingham, Oak Lodge Doors was set up by Paul Wilding in 2015 to meet the growing demand for composite doors in the area.
“From the outset, we wanted to be a specialised door company”, explains Paul. “We didn’t want to be a window company that also fit a couple of doors on the side, and I think that’s what really sets us apart.”
“We’ve gone from strength to strength and Sternfenster have helped us on that journey.”
Opening the door to quality
Oak Lodge Doors purchase aluminium bifolds, patio and French doors from Sternfenster, taking advantage of their extensive range of interior and exterior doors on offer. They also purchase a small number of windows, for when projects call for a suited finish.
“Our favourite product from Sternfenster is definitely their aluminium bifolds”, says Paul. “The lead time on them is fantastic, and there’s no
compromise on the quality either – they’re very well made and so easy to fit. Our customers love them!”
Manufactured with multi-point lock mechanisms on the main opening sashes, shoot-bolt locking on the floating mullions and advanced hardware, Sternfenster’s aluminium bifold doors are perfectly suited for both residential and commercial projects, offering the highest level of security and performance.
“We’ve always found the quality of Sternfenster’s products to be exceptional”, says Paul. “Couple that with the fact that they really do care about their customers, and I think that’s the answer as to why we’ve been so loyal to them for almost a decade.
“It may sound a bit cliché, but from start to finish, everything at Sternfenster has that family feel to it, and they make you feel a part of the family. That’s what I love about working with them.”
Real-time data
Sternfenster’s product offering
is supported by their innovative EasyAdmin system, which gives customers the ability to product live quotes and orders, 24 hours a day.
“I use EasyAdmin every single day of the week. As a small business, the fact that I can do all of my quotes on the go in my own time, and get an immediate price to give to my customers, really does make the difference between me winning and losing a job”, explains Paul.
“We also use SF+ daily; it’s a great tool for looking at the marketing support and most importantly, the technical information. If we’re struggling to get something right, we can download the spec or the regulations from SF+ and give it to our installers to work from. It’s a no-brainer for us.”
Paul joins around 75% of Sternfenster’s customer base who currently take advantage of the SF+ system, that in addition to its marketing material and technical data, shows the live status of quotes, contracts and deliveries with the touch of a button.
It also houses a live production capacity feed, which provides real time data on the capacity of individual products, across Sternfenster’s aluminium and PVC lines, and gives installers a unique overview of the fabricator’s production schedule from the moment an order is placed.
Anniversary wishes
With nearly a decade’s partnership with Sternfenster, Oak Lodge Doors relationship with Sternfenster looks set to continue to thrive.
“I would like to wish Mike, Simon, and the rest of the Parczuk family, and all at Sternfenster, a happy 50th anniversary, and here’s to the next 50 years!”
www.sternfenster.com
Data Protection Means Looking Up To Cloud Solutions
We’re all storing a lot of data on our computer systems these days, which means that safeguarding it has become paramount. Glass and window fabricators are no exception. The rise in ransomware attacks and stringent regulations such as GDPR have made it essential for fabricators to adopt robust data protection strategies. Cloud technology offers the ideal solution for security and compliance, with additional benefits that can improve the way fabricators manage their operations.
Enhanced data protection and GDPR compliance
Data protection is a significant concern for any business dealing with
customer information. For glass and window fabricators, losing this data to cyberattacks or system failures can be catastrophic. The cloud provides a reliable solution by ensuring that all data is continuously backed up. This is crucial for compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR, which mandate strict protocols for data handling and storage.
When data is stored in the cloud, it is automatically backed up to secure servers, reducing the risk of data loss. This is particularly beneficial considering the increasing prevalence of ransomware attacks. As of 2023, over 72% of businesses worldwide
Greg Beachim looks at the advantages of Cloud hosting fabrication software and how that can help fabricators to streamline their business.
Continued from page 65
have been affected by such attacks. By using cloud solutions, fabricators are taking an important step to ensure their data is safe, retrievable, and unaffected by local disruptions.
Superior security measures
Security is a cornerstone of cloud services and we are working hard to ensure this is available for all customer scenarios. Software providers who build their solutions on leading cloud platforms can take advantage of advanced encryption and authentication protocols to safeguard data. These measures often surpass what individual businesses can afford, providing a level of security that is comprehensive and cost effective. For glass and window fabricators, this means sensitive data, including customer details and design specifications, is protected against unauthorised access and cyber threats.
Scalability and flexibility
of cloud technology is its inherent scalability. Glass and window fabricators, just like in any sector, often experience fluctuations in demand, requiring flexible solutions that can adapt to changing needs. Cloud services allow them to scale their operations seamlessly without the need for substantial upfront investments in new infrastructure.
For instance, if fabricators opt for a subscription-based model like First Degree Systems’ Window Designer, they can benefit from a hosted and backed-up environment managed by First Degree’s dedicated network. This model not only simplifies data management but also ensures that fabricators can easily add or remove users as needed. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for growing teams or during periods of staff changes.
Cost efficiency and reduced hardware needs
Adopting cloud solutions can results in large cost savings too. By reducing the reliance on physical hardware, fabricators can minimise capital expenditures
related to purchasing and maintaining servers and other IT infrastructure. And cloud solutions streamline operations by reducing the need for onsite hardware, which in turn reduces maintenance costs and energy consumption. This not only makes economic sense but also aligns with sustainable practices by lowering your carbon footprint.
Facilitating remote work
The ability to work remotely has become increasingly important, especially in the wake of global events that have reshaped traditional work environments. Cloud technology makes home working effortless for glass and window fabricators. Employees can access critical software and data from any computer with an internet connection, ensuring continuity and productivity regardless of location.
This is crucial for maintaining operations during disruptions and offers the flexibility to attract talent from a wider geographic area. Remote access also means that teams can collaborate more efficiently, accessing and sharing information in real time without the limitations of physical office spaces.
Conclusion
For glass and window fabricators, embracing the advantages that cloud solutions offer can help transform their operations for greater security, efficiency, and flexibility. With the ability to protect data against ransomware, ensure compliance with regulations like GDPR, and scale operations as needed, cloud technology provides a robust framework for future growth.
www.cyncly.com
What is QUALICOAT Seaside?
As the name suggests, an architectural powder coating to be used in coastal applications, but what does this additional endorsement mean for Qualicoat licensed applicators?
An architectural powder coating finish relies on its ability to adhere to the aluminium substrate. If there is no ‘key’ to adhere to, as is the case for untreated aluminium, the powder coating is prone to
chipping or flaking off in over time. Powder coating is porous at the molecular level and a coating on an untreated aluminium substrate, subject to weathering, will continue to oxidise under the coating. So, no matter the quality or thickness of the powder coating that is applied, it will not offer the anticipated life expectancy. Crucially, a thin ‘conversion coating’ on the base metal, which is part of the
pretreatment process, offers the vital seal the metal surface and a key for the powder coating to adhere to.
The surface of extruded fenestration aluminium also carries contaminants from the extrusion process which, if left on the surface of the aluminium, will reduce the performance of the ‘conversation coating’. Removing these contaminants from the extrusion is part of the pretreatment process undertaken by either dipping or spraying an acid or alkaline solution which etches the surface of the aluminium removing a minimum of 1g/sm of aluminium. Without this surface etch potential corrosion could form around the contaminants on the aluminium substrate once
coating has been completed. Given that the pretreatment process is undertaken correctly, in accordance with the Qualicoat Specification, architectural powder coated products will offer an extensive life expectancy in most locations. The Qualicoat UK & Ireland’s independent test house.
Introduced in 2008, Qualicoat also offer a ‘Seaside’ class of powder coating where the minimum removal of aluminium surface is increased to 2g/sm using a dip or spray process of either an acid or a combination acid/alkaline etch. This deeper etch removes more contaminants and therefore offers a more robust pretreatment for areas where atmospheres carry corrosive salts (chlorides) and other aggressive pollutants.
Qualicoat licensed applicators who wish to offer ‘Seaside’ class coatings need to apply for an additional licence. The applicator needs to demonstrate that they can remove the 2g/sm by process and monitoring, plus the applicator must offer a coated ‘Seaside’ sample for an additional filiform corrosion test carried out in the IFO laboratory. Licensed coaters who are licensed to offer ‘Seaside Class’ are clearly identified on the Associations website.
Filiform corrosion is a spider like blistering that creeps under the powder coating and runs along the aluminium grain boundaries. A deeper acid or alkaline etching removes more trace elements from these areas making the grain boundaries more resistant to corrosion. Statistically, with this greater etch of 2g/sm, filiform resistance is increased significantly. The following pretreatment conversion coating can then be applied using any of the Qualicoat approved systems.
Another method of increasing resistance to filiform corrosion is by using a ‘pre-anodisation’ process, sometimes referred to as Preox or Flash Anodising. A more expensive pretreatment, this thin anodising film of just 4-8 µm (microns) totally removes all the grain boundaries, so there are no places where filiform corrosion may take hold, consequently the protection rate is statistically increased to 100%. Licensed applicators may now source pre-anodised profiles from other licensed plants so that they may take advantage of the increased level of protection that this process can offer.
Released in early 2024 Qualicoat released the Technical Information Sheet No.4, ’Recommendations for Corrosion protection’. This document offers specifiers more detailed guidance on the recommended pretreatment system to specify for various
“Corrosivity Categories” according to ISO 18768-1:2022 Table 1 and ISO 9223:2012 Table C.1. Whilst it is still strongly recommended that specifiers continue to seek guidance from a Qualicoat licensed powder coater or powder manufacturer when specifying finishes, the guide offers an insight as to the levels of protection offered when specifying Qualicoat architectural powder coating.
These various pretreatments and etch requirements can make it confusing what to specify and this is why the Technical Information Sheet has been produced by the Association to offer advice and guidance to specifiers. The Technical Information Sheet also offers guidance when specifying Qualicoat 3.0. This specification controls further trace elements in the aluminium that can cause issues, which is often present in recycled aluminium. Controlling the quality of the extruded aluminium therefore offers additional life expectancy of the pretreatment system and the adhesion of the powder coating.
The Technical Information Sheet offers a simple chart that allows specifiers to choose all pretreatment options for a given exposure category. It is freely available to download from the Association website. It is still strongly recommended that guidance is requested from a Qualicoat licence holder when specifying coatings in harsher environments.
Technically, the Qualicoat standard is the most robust specification readily available in the UK & Ireland as it specifies minimum etch requirements within the pretreatment process for enhanced ‘Seaside’ applications and includes regular finished powder coated surface laboratory tests for filiform corrosion resistance, something which BS EN 12206-1 does not require.
qualicoatuki.org
Hurst Doors And Ace Windows: A Partnership Built On
Quality And Trust
Ace Windows has built a close partnership with Hurst Doors, rooted in their mutual focus on providing high-quality, customisable doors. Together, they prioritise reliability and consistently aim to exceed customer expectations, even in a challenging market.
Ace Windows, founded in 1972, has over 50 years of experience supplying and installing a highquality range of windows, doors, and conservatories throughout the North East and surrounding areas, including Gateshead, Newcastle, and Durham.
As a family-run company, Ace Windows operates on traditional values of honesty, integrity, and value for money, with a strong commitment to providing customers with quality products and excellent service.
“We’ve been around for quite some time, and our focus has always been on providing the best possible products and services to our customers,” says Adrian Mattock, sales manager at Ace Windows.
“When it comes to doors, Hurst Doors has been an essential partner for us.”
A reliable partnership rooted in quality
“It’s crucial that we have complete confidence in the products we’re selling. When we talk to a customer, we need to be certain that what we’re promising is exactly what they’ll get. With Hurst, that confidence is always there,” Adrian explains.
Hurst Doors offers a level of flexibility that is increasingly
important in today’s market, where customers have specific ideas about their home’s aesthetic.
“Whether it’s the ability to mix and match glass, handles, colours, or door styles, Hurst provides a range of customisable options that allow us to meet the unique preferences of each client,” Adrian continues.
“The market has changed,”
“Customers are more selective, and they often come in with a particular door in mind, perhaps something they’ve seen on a neighbour’s house. Hurst gives us the flexibility to cater to these specific requirements, which is a huge advantage in a competitive market.”
Mark Atkinson, sales director at Hurst, echoes this sentiment: “We understand the importance of providing options that meet the diverse needs of our partners and their customers.
“Our goal is to support companies like Ace Windows by delivering high-quality, customisable doors that exceed expectations.”
Streamlining operations with Hurst Live
One of the tools that has enhanced Ace Windows’ partnership with Hurst Doors is the Hurst Live online portal.
“Hurst Live has been a gamechanger for us,” says Adrian.
“The portal makes it incredibly easy to order doors, track their status, and even generate enquiries. Customers can build their door specifications through the portal, and we can then quote directly from that. It’s efficient and helps us maintain a high level of service.”
“We are committed to delivering a reliable service to our customers, so we have our own transport fleet, and we’re consistently achieving
a 99.9% on-time, in-full delivery rate,” says Mark Atkinson.
“This reliability is something we take great pride in, and it’s crucial for businesses like Ace Windows, who depend on timely deliveries to keep their customers satisfied.”
The portal’s user-friendly interface also provides access to a wealth of marketing materials, which have proven invaluable for Ace Windows in their sales process.
“The marketing support from Hurst is excellent,” Adrian adds.
“The door brochure is welldesigned and easy to navigate. Once a customer has an idea of the style they’re looking for— whether it’s a cottage door, a traditional front door, or something more modern—the brochure helps guide them through the selection process.”
“The colour palette is also very effective, and we keep a library of doors we’ve sold so that customers can see what these doors look like in real settings.”
Integrity and customer satisfaction at the core
“There’s a mission, vision, and value statement clearly shown on the Ace Windows website, which heavily centres on integrity and being totally honest with customers,” says Mike Crewdson, chairman of Ace Windows.
“Even when we make mistakes, the reputation we’ve built is one where we own up to it and tell the customer what we’re doing to put it right. People really do appreciate that.”
This ethos extends to their relationship with Hurst Doors, where trust and communication are key.
“The strong contacts we have built up over the years have been instrumental in ensuring a smooth and reliable supply chain,” says Mike.
Looking ahead
“We’re always looking to improve and adapt,” Adrian says.
“And with partners like Hurst Doors, we know we have the support and the tools we need to stay ahead in the industry.”
“The trust we have in Hurst’s products and their dedication to reliability gives us the confidence to promise our customers the best. It’s this kind of partnership that keeps us competitive and ensures our customers are always satisfied.”
www.hurstdoors.co.uk
Could ChatGPT Actually Have An Impact On The Fenestration Industry?
The new generation of AI chatbots have been hailed as revolutionary, but will they have any impact on foundational industries, which tend to be very practical and visual? Richard Stockley, managing director at RRC International, believes this kind of AI could revolutionise one specific element of the fenestration industry: health and safety training.
When ChatGPT launched, it took the world by surprise. Here was this new, extremely sophisticated technology that has been touted as groundbreaking, but does it have any practical applications? It’s hard to imagine how it could be applied to the door and window industry.
Fenestration is a practical sector, and its digital components are less about text generation than about modelling and computeraided design. ChatGPT is essentially a very sophisticated chatbot and, while it has improved the accuracy of its responses since launch, it is not very good at calculations.
But an AI driven chat bot could be useful to the fenestration industry when it comes to training, especially when it comes to occupational health and safety. For years now, health and safety e-learning has made use of machine learning – a lower level type of AI – to create personalised learning pathways
Richard Stockley
and to tailor content. Platforms can serve up content based on how well the user is performing in interactive learning modules, and receive basic pre-written feedback when they make predictable mistakes. Large Language Models, like ChatGPT, will take this concept further.
This is because learning is transactional. E-learning as it exists right now is convenient, but it lacks the personalisation you
would get in a classroom setting with a human teacher. Even with machine learning, it is extremely limited. ChatGPT and generative AI tools like it can address this issue. E-learning will go from dictation to conversation.
Improved education surrounding health and safety is obviously a massive benefit to the fenestration industry. Learning on the job becomes more efficient, there are fewer incidents, accidents and ill health, and profits become more stable.
Generative AI will also be able to help in the production of highly specific and specialised content. We expect to see an exponential increase in very specific learning modules in the next year, thanks to the reduced cost of creating them.
Our hope is that the result will be better learning, but of course there is a risk that a deluge of low quality content will also be produced, making the search for reliable information all the harder. It may be like the early days of web 2.0 when the ability to produce web content became extremely easy, and thus a huge number of poorly constructed websites flooded the world wide web.
Whether Generative AI is used or not, training designed with a focus on quality and application of knowledge will naturally have direct benefits to window and door businesses. This could be in the form of reduced liability, a better culture, more staff engagement and retention, and a safer work environment. We at RRC are optimistic about the utility of Generative AI in health and safety training and look forward to seeing how it will be used in a well thought out way.
For more information on RRC International and the company’s health and safety training courses, visit: https://bit.ly/4eSATJw
Are Installers On Trend?
Andy Royle, director and co-founder of Leads 2 Trade, discusses the latest trends in the home improvement market from a lead generation perspective.
Q: What are the standout product trends you’ve seen from consumers over the last eight months?
A: Windows and doors have always been in high demand, but this year we’ve noticed some interesting shifts. There’s been a significant spike in inquiries for single doors, particularly composite doors, which have become incredibly popular among homeowners looking to make a statement with their front doors.
Another trend we’re seeing is the evolution of the traditional conservatory. While we’ve always been strong in conservatory leads, there’s a clear move towards what I’d call ‘modern orangeries’ or single-storey extensions. These spaces are all about open-plan living, often incorporating the kitchen and featuring bifold doors. It’s a trend that really speaks to how homeowners are reimagining their living spaces.
Q: How are traditional conservatory companies adapting to this shift?
A: Many of our conservatory installer members are pivoting to meet this new demand. They’re now offering single-storey extensions that still incorporate a lot of glass to maintain that bright, airy feel that conservatories are known for. It’s a clever adaptation that allows them to meet the changing preferences of homeowners.
Q: Are there any renovation trends you’ve noticed for existing conservatories?
A: In the last two-three years, we’ve seen a resurgence in homeowners looking to update their traditional Edwardian or Victorian conservatories. Many of these structures originally have polycarbonate or glass roofs, but now there’s a strong demand for retrofitting them
with solid tile roofs, which gives the conservatory more of an extension feel and improves its usability all year-round.
Q: Can you give us an idea of the volume of leads you’re generating in response to these changing consumer demands?
A: Since launching in 2006, we’ve built up a robust network of lead generation channels, including well-established organic ranked assets, paid search platforms like Google AdWords, and a strong affiliate network. The volume can fluctuate seasonally, but on average, we’re generating approximately 3,000 to 4,000 raw inquiries per week. These come in as web form submissions, which our call centre then double qualifies directly with the consumer before passing them on to our installer members.
Q: How do you ensure the quality of these leads for your installers?
A: Quality is paramount for us, which is why we have a rigorous double qualification process. Once an inquiry comes in, our trained call centre staff contact the consumer directly. This allows us to verify the details of the inquiry, assess the project’s viability, and ensure that the lead is genuinely valuable for our installer members. Our members can receive these leads in postcodes of their choice in several ways, including our appointment leads, where we book and arrange a firm and fixed appointment with the consumer, and they only pay for the lead if they sit and pitch it, and our hot key transfer leads, which we can transfer live to an installer sales team.
For more information on joining Leads 2 Trade’s membership network of installers visit https://bit.ly/4dEs6cW
What Does Growth Look Like?
aluplast’s influence is growing in the UK. We talk to director of sales and marketing Ian Cocken to discover the details.
Q: What does growth look like for aluplast in the UK?
Ian Cocken: The journey with aluplast has been quite a ride over the past few years. We joined the UK as one of the smaller systems houses, but quickly became a medium-sized business as we developed a loyal but ambitious customer base.
We are now taking the next step in our growth and investing in people, infrastructure and products.
For example, our three-strong technical department have more than 100 years of window and
door experience between them – having worked for fabricators, installers and other window companies.
And we have doubled our primary site at Tewkesbury, helping us to meet the demands of our growing customer base.
Q: Where are the opportunities coming from?
Ian Cocken: Energy efficiency and sustainability are undoubtedly the biggest drivers in the UK today, and they underpin all our new product development.
One recent product is Energeto
neo, which is currently available as a tilt and turn window.
Its composite-type design has been received exceptionally well by commercial developers, and the product is now being specified by some of the major house builders in the UK.
This success has prompted further investment into product design that will help building designers meet the expected reductions in U-values demanded of windows and doors in the coming years.
And we have invested heavily in our profile design and manufacture, which is made using ecotech at its core. ecotech is made by extruding PVC-U profile in a highly advanced co-extrusion process, which isolates recycled material away from structural elements of the profile and the surface, guaranteeing manufacture to exacting tolerances and surface stability.
aluplast’s surface profiles are
completely flat virgin material with depth of gloss, no pits, and no extrusion ‘lines’, but still results in a product that is lower in embodied carbon, is more sustainable, but is still highly engineered and long-lasting.
Q: What trends are you seeing among homeowners in terms of design?
Ian Cocken: Colour remains the biggest growth area, and our customers continue to pick up work on the strength of their colour offer.
Almost half of aluplast windows have a foil of some description, and we are supporting this with continued investment in foiling lines and product design.
Our unique aludec and woodec ranges – which replicate the look of aluminium and timber
respectively – are exceptionally popular, especially on high-end designs, and we have just added three new woodec options. This has brought the number of premium foils up to 10, within an overall colour range of 40+ foils, and the ability to have different colours on the inside and the outside.
This offer supports growth in other areas, such as heritage projects, which is also supported by the launch of our mechanically joined flush window.
Together with a woodec foil and the deep bottom rail and woodec, the new mechanically joined flush window marks a step change in authenticity, and gives homeowners the opportunity to confidently replace timber windows while benefiting from improved thermal performance and a lifetime of low
maintenance.
Q: what’s the next big thing on the horizon for aluplast?
Ian Cocken: Product development, investment and market growth are all ongoing commitments, but we are looking forward to the FIT Show next May.
Products like our mechanically joined flush sash will be on display, along with the new foils. But we will also be unveiling new products that will promise a huge step change in terms of design and technical capabilities.
Ultimately, aluplast grows as we continue to meet the demands of an ever-evolving market, and this is what we will be celebrating at the FIT Show.
www.aluplast.co.uk
YOUR IGU
AND EMBRACE THE FUTURE OF FENESTRATION? SPEAK TO
Eurocell Introduces Recycling Service For Cavalok Offcuts
Eurocell can now recycle the offcuts of Cavalok Cavity Closers it receives from fabricators after investing in new machinery and skills.
The new process, which is part of Eurocell’s strategy to increase the proportion of recycled PVC-U in its products to 40% by 2030, is one of the first of its kind to be introduced for cavity closers by a systems house in the UK.
The new capability means Eurocell can now remove the expanded polystyrene (EPS) core from the Cavalok Cavity Closer offcut, leaving the remaining PVC-U to be recycled for the design and manufacture of its future window and door products. The EPS is then delivered to Eurocell’s partners to be recycled.
The machinery and team to undertake the process has been put in place at Eurocell’s recycling plant in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, and will support all its fabricator
partners who manufacture the closers and have their own sustainability and waste management targets to meet.
Eurocell’s Cavalok Cavity Closers enable brick courses to be completed and create an air-tight receiver for windows and doors. Meaning no matter the size or make-up of a wall, installers can quickly and cost-effectively close the cavity at window and door openings – instantly increasing a property’s thermal efficiency and reducing its energy bills. The closers also meet Accredited Construction Details regulations and are compliant with Part L of Building Regulations.
Sandra Gaspar, head of recycling at Eurocell, says the new initiative is part of its ongoing recycling strategy, she said; “We are continually reviewing all our processes across our PVC-U product range and recycling to ensure we can return as much PVC-U to the industry as possible.
“Our Cavalok Cavity Closers have a EPS core, so we needed this specialised process, skills and capability in place to ensure it can be separated from the PVC-U in the offcuts – so that we can then use the PVC-U in the design and manufacture of future products.
“It means all our fabricator partners who use our Cavalok Cavity Closers can now take advantage and support their own sustainability and waste management goals too, by working with us to ensure their offcuts are recycled.”
Eurocell facilitates efficient PVC-U recycling for installers and fabricators through its closedloop recycling system. By offering reliable and timely collections from any UK site, Eurocell ensures that PVC-U waste is managed responsibly. The service includes all aspects of waste management, from collection and transport to documentation, with waste transfer notes provided to demonstrate responsible handling
According to Eurocell, at present, the company operates the largest PVC-U recycling operation in the UK and it achieved 32 percent recycled PVC-U in extrusion in 2023, up from 27 percent in 2021.
Eurocell is attending this year’s Resource & Waste Management Expo (RWM) and has a significant space at the show, located on stand RS-F82 opposite the Circular Economy & Sustainable Theatre. Here it will demonstrate to visitors its closed-loop recycling system and showcase the substantial progress it has made in using recycled materials in the design and manufacture of its PVC-U building products.
If you need more information or would like to get in touch with Eurocell to ensure Cavakok offcuts are recycled, please contact
recycle@eurocell-recycle.co.uk
Increased Risk Of Unit Failure From Heat Build-Up, Thermoseal Group
All window companies and sealed unit manufacturers want to avoid the risk of premature IG failure and the subsequent remedial costs incurred, Thermoseal Group’s sales director Mark Hickox has advised, and the correct specification warm edge spacer can go a long way to preventing this.
“If the temperature inside a sealed unit increases from 20C to 80C, a spacer bar with a high linear expansion rate could cause the unit to fail prematurely,” Mark said. “And the problem is only going to get worse as units get larger and the climate warms.
“The spacer bar in a unit that measures 2m on any length could expand by up to 16.92mm during daylight hours. Since the ends are fixed, the bar could bow like a rainbow within the unit, while forcing the panes of
Warns
glass apart, weakening the PIB sealant in the process.
“This would allow moisture in and cause the unit to fail.”
Mark explained that as rigid plastic tube has replaced aluminium spacer bar in recent years, the problem has got worse, because not enough attention has been made to the plastic compound.
“Our Thermobar rigid spacer bar is an engineering plastic made up of 40% glass fibre,” Mark said. “This means its coefficient of linear expansion is actually an improvement on aluminium spacer bars which in terms of physical characteristics have been the bench mark for more than 50 years.
“But not all rigid spacer bars can say the same. Some warm edge bars have been found to contain no glass fibre while one
major manufacture is promoting a product with 20% glass fibre, which means they will expand far more than aluminium, putting the unit at risk once installed – especially on south-facing windows.”
Mark said linear expansion is one of many issues facing sealed units as cheaper IGU components enter the UK market. Another one is UVstability.
“Once that unit is installed on site, it is affected by the sun, the heat and by the wind and rain,” Mark said. “That is why we have invested in our testing facilities and laboratory, to ensure that the components we supply will exceed the expected lifetime of the unit.
“This includes UV stability. Not only do we want the colour to last for many years – and colour is increasingly important for homeowners – we also don’t want to see the product’s physical properties degrade, which could cause the unit to fail.”
Thermoseal Group has invested in a Q-Sun test chamber, which can accelerate the effects of the sun’s rays. The component supplier puts all its products –including spacer bars, corner keys and Georgian bar –through these intensive cycles to ensure that they won’t cause a unit to fail for purely cosmetic reasons.
“And because we supply all IGU components, we can test them working together, to confirm that there is long-term capability,” Mark said. “And as part of the Fenzi Group, we now supply the most comprehensive range of IGU components, all guaranteed to perform for the lifetime of the unit, and beyond.”
www.thermosealgroup.com
Podcasts
In this conversation Sales Director Tom Swallow talks us through why Quickslide are CHAS Elite Members.
You can watch the video or listen to the podcast here
You can watch the video or listen to the podcast here
Patrick Mcgrory talks to Richard Lannen about COLOURSPRAY.
Quickslide
Tom Swallow
Tom Swallow discussing their Quick-Glide door from Quickslide.
Plc - Ben Weber
Quick Slide Renew their supply agreement with Epwin Plc
You
Simon Jarman
Why Aren’t You Preparing an Annual Budget?
Simon
Jarman, CEO of Clever Bean Accounting, discusses the importance of budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis in the window and door
Having spent a significant amount of time working closely with businesses in the glazing sector, it continues to astound me how many smaller companies
industry.
within this industry overlook a fundamental practice - preparing an annual budget and rigorously measuring their performance against it on a monthly basis. This
financial management approach is a cornerstone of success for highperforming companies, and it’s rare to encounter a business with a turnover exceeding £5 million that doesn’t have this practice ingrained in its DNA. So, what’s the reason behind so many smaller companies neglecting this critical aspect of financial management? I would attribute it to a combination of factors, including a lack of awareness and the absence of adequate support.
Budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis play a vital role in ensuring the success and profitability of any business and provide companies with insights and tools to make informed decisions, set goals, allocate resources, control costs, raise finance, and determine the overall direction of the business.
An annual budget serves as a roadmap for your business. In preparing your budget, you will outline your sales projections, margin expectations, cost limits, and profit expectations.
Beginning with clear financial goals and objectives for the year ahead sets the direction from the outset. It defines what you want to achieve and provides a purpose that guides all your decisions and actions. Without this, your business will be navigating without direction. We’ve all heard the phrase “a man without a goal is like a ship without a rudder” - well, it’s no different for a business without a budget.
Your budget also provides a framework for assessing your progress throughout the year. How do you know how well you are doing if you haven’t got anything to measure it against?
Monthly variance analysis is an essential tool for the identification of issues within a business. By comparing actual results with budgeted figures on a regular basis, you can identify discrepancies or deviations from
your plans, either positive or negative. Fundamentally, it helps you understand your businesswhat’s working and what isn’t? This information can guide your decision-making process, helping you allocate resources to areas with the highest return on investment and avoid potential pitfalls.
In business, conditions can
change rapidly. We’ve only got to look at the pandemic or the issues created by the war in Ukraine to see that. Regular financial reforecasts are essential to adapt to these changes. A reforecast involves updating your budget to reflect the most current information, such as changes in market trends, customer demand, or unexpected economic events.
By revisiting your budget periodically, you can adjust your financial strategies to take advantage of new opportunities or mitigate risks. This agility is crucial for businesses looking to thrive in a competitive marketplace.
In my experience, budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis are essential tools. By implementing these practices effectively, companies in the glazing sector can significantly boost profitability, streamline cash flow, and secure long-term success. Consequently, this not only benefits individual businesses but also contributes to the overall prosperity of our industry. The message we need to spread is clear: budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis are not optional but vital for any business looking to thrive and prosper.
cleverbeanaccounting.co.uk
Sarah Gyde Joins Quanex as Marketing Director of European Fenestration
Quanex has announced that Sarah Gyde has joined the group as marketing director of European Fenestration. In this role, Sarah will oversee the strategic marketing activities for Liniar, Avantek Machinery, Edgetech UK, and Edgetech Europe.
With 24 years of industry experience, Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role. She previously led the marketing strategy at a leading hardware distributor, where she was pivotal in driving brand growth and strengthening market presence.
Sarah will be working alongside the rest of the Quanex leadership team to execute a marketing strategy focused on growth and continuous improvement.
Chris Alderson, president, European Fenestration Division, states, “Sarah joins us at a very exciting time following the acquisition of the Tyman Group. Her proven track record in delivering successful marketing initiatives combined with a deep understanding of the fenestration industry will make a valuable contribution to the achievement of Quanex’s ambitious goals.
“We are confident that Sarah’s knowledge and skills will help further enhance the group’s already strong position in the global market, driving growth for our customers and stakeholders alike. We’re delighted to have her on board.”
Sarah tells us, “Being part of the Quanex team is an exciting next step in my career. I’ve already been made to feel very welcome by team members across the business and I’m keen to get out into the field and meet customers over the coming weeks as I undertake my new role with energy, focus and passion.”
The Quanex family extends a warm welcome to Sarah, offering full support as it looks forward to continued success and growth under her guidance in its marketing activities.
www.quanex.com
David Forde Joins AluK To Spearhead Expansion Into Ireland
One of the most experienced and best known figures in the Irish aluminium systems sector has joined AluK to lead its expansion across the island of Ireland.
David Forde has been appointed as AluK’s country manager for Ireland, with a brief to build AluK’s fabricator base and increase its presence in the project and specification market.
David is very much looking forward to the challenge ahead: “AluK is a really exciting, dynamic business with huge ambitions for growth across Ireland and the UK. I’m delighted to be joining the team alongside Steven Helsen and Russell Yates and can’t wait to start getting in front of fabricators and sharing the AluK message.
“AluK is a global group so there are significant resources behind the brand, and we have one of the most exciting product development programmes in the industry. Over and above that though, this is a business which puts the customer at the heart of everything we do, and which
James Hayes Appointed as Head of Customer Experience
Endurance Doors has appointed James Hayes to the newly created role of head of customer experience, to further strengthening the company’s focus on customer engagement and support. James brings valuable expertise to the team as Endurance Doors continues its commitment to delivering quality
service.
James’ role will cover all the touchpoints the brand has with its customers where he will look to define customer service excellence before implementing the necessary steps and initiatives to achieve it.
He will also use this insight and
recognises that we grow only by helping our customers grow.”
From his base in Kildare, David will be looking after customers throughout Ireland. He added: “After many years based largely behind a desk, it will be great to be out and about meeting customers face to face again, strengthening existing relationships and building many new ones.
“AluK is also exhibiting at BAU in January and at the FIT Show in May – and I’m hoping to see lots of familiar faces at both.”
Russell Yates, AluK’s managing director commented: “With David on board, AluK is now in a fantastic position to deliver on our long held ambitions in Ireland. His knowledge and experience are second to none and he has the full backing of our R&D, technical, sales and commercial teams.” https://uk.aluk.com
understanding to drive operational improvements, identifying opportunities for refinement or potential development, and working cross functionally to help shape Endurance into an even better business, says the company.
James joins Endurance Doors having previously worked as head of customer experience at Route 1 Print – one of the UK’s largest print resellers.
Prior to that, he spent over 15 years at Direct Line Group where he played a pivotal role in elevating the customer experience and in enhancing market perception both in the UK and internationally.
James’ extensive track record of driving customer experience (CX) initiatives on a global scale has equipped him with a deep understanding of the industry and makes him a valuable addition, according to the company.
endurancedoors.co.uk
ERA Announces Appointment Of New Window Product Manager
ERA, manufacturer of fenestration and home security solutions, has announced the appointment of its new technical window product manager.
Rishi Harbias joins ERA with over 14 years of expertise within the security industry, as well as a diploma from the Guild of Architectural Ironmongery and degree in Engineering. He specialises in the development of products such as access control, mechanical locks and home security solutions.
In his new role, Rishi will oversee the development of ERA’s window hardware products. This will see Rishi work with the wider category, technical and design teams to create product strategies that align with evolving market demands and regulatory changes.
Inlcuding in-depth market research with customers, identifying industry trends, and analysing sales data, to produce cutting-edge security solutions for window fabricators and installers.
www.eraeverywhere.com
Universal Trade Frames Appoints Richard Hammond As Board Director
Universal Trade Frames has confirmed the appointment of Richard Hammond to its board of directors.
Richard joined the specialist manufacturer as sales director at the beginning of this year.
Brian Kruger, managing director and founder said that in the six months since his appointment Richard had “completely transformed our [Universal Trade Frames] sales and marketing operations from the ground up”.
He said: “He is the most professional and knowledgeable individual we have ever had in this role. Over the past six months, he has made a remarkable impact on our marketing, branding, and market communication.
“We now have a strong marketing presence, which is set to improve even further despite a challenging marketplace.
“Richard is fully dedicated to the future of this business. Thanks to the groundwork he has implemented, we are wellpositioned to seize upcoming opportunities.”
With extensive sector experience, including a series of sales roles with hardware specialists Mila and Winlock, as well as more than a decade served in sales and marketing roles with other leading fabricators, Richard said the opportunities for Universal Trade Frames and its customers, were huge.
He said: “Opportunities to join a company with such a strong manufacturing pedigree but also an embedded focus on quality and service, are exceptionally rare.
“We have an exceptionally committed team and a focussed and premium product offer, fully aligned to the direction of travel of the market.
“Where we stand out is that that we don’t manufacture a single premium product but provide a single source of supply for a comprehensive premium offering, with plans to further expand it as we head into the autumn”.
www.utfl.co.uk
BE PART OF FIT
NEC BIRMINGHAM 29 APRIL - 1 MAY 2025 •
THE UK’S NUMBER ONE TRADE SHOW FOR THE WINDOW, DOOR, FLAT GLASS, HARDWARE, COMPONENTS & ROOFING INDUSTRY.
Lauren Kitson Helps Power Up Vertical Sliding Hardware Provision At Window Ware
Window and door hardware supplier Window Ware has announced the appointment of Lauren Kitson as the new Business Support Manager, with a special focus on vertical sliding window hardware.
With a deep-rooted expertise in vertical sliding window products, Lauren will play a pivotal role in supporting the company’s growing vertical sliding hardware provision, which now includes Yale Vertex
decorative and functional hardware, as well as custommanufactured Caldwell balances.
Lauren joined the company at the start of July but has spent
the last few months getting to know the company and its customers, powering up support and bringing the team up to speed ready to hit the ground running for the official launch of Window Ware’s expanded vertical sliding hardware solution this September.
Through careful preparation and investment in a robust pre-launch infrastructure, Window Ware is confident that fabricators will receive topnotch sales support, guidance, and efficient order processing for custom products like the pre-tensioned vertical sliding balances.
With two decades of experience in selling and supporting vertical sliding hardware at Caldwell and Assa Abloy, Lauren brings a wealth of expertise to her new role. Her in-depth understanding of the products, coupled with the strong relationships and trust she’s already built with specialist fabricators, will help ensure customers have the knowledge and support they need to succeed. Lauren’s commitment to providing exceptional customer service and her proven ability to deliver tailored solutions make her a valuable addition to the team and will help to deliver even greater value to customers, says the company.
Lauren will collaborate closely with Rich Fraser, Window Ware’s business and development manager for Aluminium and Commercial, to help manage the sales process from quote to customer satisfaction. This, according to Window Ware, will enable it to deliver fast response times, accurate quotes, and high levels of expert support to vertical sliding window fabricators.
Rich explains: “The welcome arrival of Lauren and the expansion of our vertical sliding hardware range marks the
culmination of a growth plan that began over three years ago with the launch of Yale Vertex decorative hardware in July 2021.”
He adds: “Today, we can provide customers with a full-works, top-tier vertical sliding solution, encompassing everything from essential components like pivot bars, tilt restrictors and balances which enable the windows to
operate effortlessly, to authenticlooking decorative hardware that always looks the part. Our products are backed by expert support, superior service, and streamlined order processing, ensuring a seamless experience for specialist fabricators. With Lauren’s knowledge and the strength of our partnership with Yale, we’re confident in our ability to deliver exceptional value and performance to our customers.’”
Mike Moulds Joins Haffner as Business Development Manager
Haffner has announced the appointment of Mike Moulds as the company’s new business development manager. Mike brings with him over 20 years of experience in the industry, having started his career in 2004. With a wealth of knowledge and a strong network of industry contacts, Mike is set to play a key role in driving Haffner’s continued growth and success.
Commenting on his new appointment, Mike said: “I was looking for a new challenge and Haffner stood out as a successful and forward-thinking business. Having known both Dave and Matt Thomas for many years, I knew this was the right decision for me. I am delighted to bring my experience and industry relationships to Haffner and contribute to the company’s continued business growth.”
Matt Thomas, managing director of Haffner, is equally enthusiastic about the new appointment. He said: “We are delighted to welcome Mike to the Haffner team. His extensive experience and passion for the industry make him a perfect fit for our business. We have ambitious plans and with Mike’s expertise, we are confident in achieving our goals and continuing our business success.”
Mike joins Haffner at an exciting time for the multi-award-winning machinery company. Matt said: “The window industry is constantly evolving, and we are committed to staying ahead by delivering cutting-edge fabrication technology. We have built our business by offering a value-added service that enables our customers to maximise the value of what automation has to offer. We continue to invest in our people and products to ensure we remain the go-to supplier in the industry. We are confident that Mike will be a valuable addition to our team.”
Mike, who joined Haffner in September, will support customers across the North East, Yorkshire and East Midlands.
www.haffnerltd.com
Lauren agrees: “I’m thrilled to join Window Ware and contribute to their growing vertical sliding hardware offering. With my experience and passion for this industry, I’m excited to work closely with our customers to help them achieve their goals and succeed in the market.”
www.windowware.co.uk
Andy Tilley Appointed as ADSA’s New Education Supremo
A new education and training supremo has joined the Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) to help deliver new structures and policies to support its training delivery and give it “fresh eyes and a new perspective”.
Andy Tilley has been appointed as ADSA’s new business administrator/training tutor & education. He has a wealth of experience in education and commercial training but is new to the world of powered pedestrian doors.
“For me, that’s meant learning the industry from the ground up and getting involved in day-to-day operations; from understanding how training booking systems operate and how the CSCS card system works, to setting up a training room,” said Andy.
www.adsa.org.uk
A Complete Window Hardware Solution From Carl F Groupco
Carl F Groupco is highlighting sustained hardware demand for casement windows. Owen Coop, CEO of Carl F Groupco, explains: “While the industry has recently shifted its focus towards feature windows and their value-added potential, for most fabricators it is the standard casement window that remains a core product. This segment represents a significant proportion of sales and continues to experience steady growth, as reflected in the demand for casement hardware.”
Carl F Groupco stocks an
extensive portfolio of lock and handle options for casement windows, encompassing everything from the reliable basics to advanced valueadded options that bring greater opportunities. Remote window control systems and enhanced security add-ons help customers maximise every sales opportunity.
The company stocks 57 hardware brands including Roto, Siegenia, Fuhr, Maco and Yale. Together with window locks and handles, add-on hardware such
as friction stays and vents provide a complete window hardware solution from one company.
Carl F Groupco also stocks a comprehensive selection of specialist window hardware solutions for reversible, tiltand-turn and vertical sliding windows. Owen said: “Our window hardware portfolio is extensive and designed to meet the evolving needs of the industry. While casement window hardware remains a vital part of our offer, we understand the importance of delivering high-quality solutions for every window application, no matter the project requirements.”
In addition to the strength of its hardware offer, Carl F Groupco is also renowned for exceptional customer support, says the company. This includes bespoke hardware kit options tailored to individual customer
needs, whether it is profilespecific components or mixed manufacturer parts to complete a window set.
The company holds up to £5 million in stock at any one time and has an ‘On Time In Full’ target of 98%, which it measured on orders rather than by component, a much more stringent standard. It can make daily, next-day deliveries, including to Scotland and the Scottish Highlands, helping customers keep their stock holding low, reducing risk and improving cash flow.
Owen notes: “While similar window hardware products might be available elsewhere, the strength of our service truly adds value for our customers.”
www.carlfgroupco.co.uk
www.smartsecure.co.uk
www.carlfdirect.co.uk
Tough PAS24 Update Published In September
The discovery last year of two new door lock attack methods that could defeat most door locks shocked the industry, prompting the BSI to publish a tough new PAS24 update.
Brisant-Secure says that adding the tools to test for the new attacks to the PAS24 update mirrors the change made by Sold Secure to the Diamond (SS312) standard earlier this year. And that while achieving the standard is significantly tougher, it keeps our standards one step ahead of the burglars.
Nick Dutton, CEO BrisantSecure, explains: “The battle with burglars never stops. When lock makers became aware of these two aggressive attack methods last year, the bad news was that most locks would be defenceless against burglars using them. So, the BSI consulted extensively and has acted decisively. But adding these new tools makes the updated PAS24 the toughest test yet.
“Like the BSI, Brisant-Secure is
always looking to be one step ahead of new attack methods, which is why we’re the first to have a lock successfully tested and accredited with the new tools.
“The process to having sellable locks is long, and not one we’d want to start when the changes were first announced. Once you’ve thought of the innovations behind the concept, there’s the lock redesign, and IP (Intellectual Property) checking. Then there’s the tooling production and testing to prove the new locks work before you can progress to production and shipping.
“Normally that would take two to three years. But because our patented ALPS technology was accredited in March, our customers can expect to see Ultion with ALPS technology rolled out very soon. Another Ultion first!”
PAS 24:2022+A1:2024 became the ‘current’ standard on 30 September.
https://www.brisant-secure.com/
Concealed, Quick And Quiet
– The Drive Axxent LS From Siegenia
Siegenia is expanding the range of options available to fabricators, architects and end users with a new motorised drive for high-end residential and commercial buildings, which also meets the requirements of DIN 18040
for accessibility. The DRIVE axxent LS boasts a powerful combination of style and functionality. The greatest strength of this new solution for lift-and-slide elements, which is claimed to meet even the most exacting demands when
it comes to room comfort, is the possibility of concealed installation in sashes made using any frame material. For the first time ever, this now also includes the slide drive in addition to the lift drive. Unlike before, the DRIVE axxent LS does not require any surfacemounted components that don’t match in colour or any extra covers. The result is said to be absolute aesthetic perfection.
Compact and therefore suitable for slim profile systems, too
Thanks to their extremely compact design, both the lift
The greatest strength of the DRIVE axxent LS, which is suitable for use with all types of material, is its fully concealed installation, even in slim profile systems.
drive and the slide drive are even suitable for use with narrow profile systems, further accentuating the design. The other features of the DRIVE axxent LS also deliver room comfort. The discreet operating button is visually appealing –the only thing on the element that hints to the fact this is a motorised solution. The function light integrated in the button provides a high level
Completely concealed: the DRIVE axxent LS motorised drive from Siegenia boasts a combination of style and functionality.
of operational reliability. The significantly reduced lifting time of just under 3 seconds is also particularly impressive, and the sliding action has been significantly improved to minimise noise compared with the previous solution. This makes the DRIVE axxent LS a genuinely convenient solution, as does the practical battery pack menu, which provides access to custom settings.
Designed for simple fabrication and installation
The DRIVE axxent LS also boasts strengths when it comes to fabrication and installation. This starts with the simple preprepared package, which is ordered through the Siegenia online shop – with the option of purchasing custom-made thresholds as part of the ‘Comfort Unit’. Fabricators also benefit from the fast and fail-safe fabrication process, which Siegenia says takes just 20 minutes longer than for manually operated elements. All of the components, including
the pre-charged battery pack, are delivered ready for assembly in the exact size and quantity required – all in a single package. Another practical feature is the frame construction, which is identical to that of manually operated elements. This ensures that familiar processes can continue to be used and makes for lean warehousing.
Installation of the drives and battery pack in the element is also extremely well thought out: at the heart of the system is the battery pack, which is fitted with long-life Li-Ion batteries and is positioned as an extension of the gear. The entire installation process is ‘incredibly simple’ and can be done without any electrical training. This is only necessary for connecting the 24V system to the building’s electrical system.
To find out more about the first completely concealed lift-slide drive, contact Siegenia on 024 7662 2000 or via email at info-uk@siegenia.com
Rapierstar Helps Cotswold Stay At Forefront
Rapierstar, supplier of specialist fasteners to the window and door industry, has supported the technical team at Cotswold Architectural Products during the development of an innovative multi-functional friction stay to be launched in 2025, as part of its long term partnership.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Cotswold was the first company in the UK and Europe to manufacture friction stays in 1976. Its long heritage of designing and manufacturing these products gives it an important competitive edge when it comes to providing the market with solutions that not only perform as promised
in-situ, but enable highly efficient assembly on the window production line, according to the company.
Having worked closely with Cotswold for around 20 years, Rapierstar was recently tasked with advising on the most effective fasteners to securely attach its latest friction stay.
The ‘Prestbury’ will offer three functions in a single product that will enable PVC-U fabricators to create casement windows with enhanced child safety through restricted opening, emergency egress and easy-cleaning capability. This multi-functionality
(L-R) Rapierstar technical consultant Mark Calpin with Cotswold’s business development manager, Alan Hartley at Cotswold Architectural Products’ testing and R&D centre.
will be enhanced by several additional features including a new metal end cap design and an offset vent/sash arm for superior compression and sealing to optimise air and water resistance.
Rapierstar supported Cotswold throughout the testing process to ensure the new product will comfortably meet the various standards associated with these three design objectives. For example, the friction stay’s child safety restrictor, which is designed to prevent finger traps, had to demonstrate it could meet rigorous UKAS testing standards. In addition, the stay had to confirm functionality, simply by depressing the catch, that enables a window to be fully open at an 85° angle and ensure a clear 450mm opening for Building Regulations compliance.
Cotswold’s business development manager, Alan Hartley said: “Performance of our hardware has
always been important, to ensure quality, reliability and performance to our customers and this has been challenged in recent years with the rise of bigger, larger and heavier windows. This could be due to a design requirement or a legislative change demanding improved thermal efficiency / reduction in U-Values or acoustic glass specifications for noise reduction, which may require thicker and heavier glass, even triple glazing.
“We have carried out ‘health checks’ on the load capacity of our friction stays in recent months, in conjunction with specific requests of customers or systems houses, to ensure our products can meet these new demands. Our newly refurbished test centre at Cotswold HQ in Cheltenham has facilitated this, and the results have been outstanding – once again highlighting why the importance of the fixings used cannot be understated.
“The strength and ability to withstand increased loads is really down to a combination of hinge, profile support and the retention of the fixing used.”
Mark Calpin, technical consultant at Rapierstar, who has worked closely with the Cotswold team for more than 25 years, commented: “We’re delighted to have been able to support Cotswold on their new product development which will add another dimension to what is already a first-class portfolio of hardware products.
“We will always go the extra mile to help hardware manufacturers achieve the performance they are seeking with their products and, as is the case with Cotswold’s R&D centre, we can even provide a full suite of fasteners in a dedicated rack. This makes all our relevant fasteners readily available, meaning that technical teams can experiment and test with different approaches to window and door assembly with ease.”
www.rapierstar.com
New Shootbolt Options From VBH
Hardware specialist VBH has introduced two new greenteQ shootbolt systems for outward opening casement windows.
greenteQ iQ Intellect is a noncrop shootbolt that speeds up the fitting process and generates no wasted hardware through offcuts.
It covers sash rebate sizes up to a door-like 1800mm.
VBH advise that adjustable mushroom bolt cams in the middle of the window and adjacent to the projecting shootbolts ensure exceptional weather proofing and effective burglar resistance to the PAS24 security standard.
Intellect utilises modern, strong, low-friction materials, and a clever keep design guides the mushroom bolts into position. Coupled with projecting shootbolts manufactured from steel-reinforced ultra-low friction polymer, this makes for a combination of extremely smooth operation and high strength.
The second newcomer, iQ Superior, combines two bidirectional hooks on the
gearbox with adjustable mushroom-headed cams and shootbolts on the extensions to provide exceptional security performance and weather proofing on windows with sash rebate sizes up to 1500mm.
Like iQ Intellect and the original greenteQ Invicta shootbolt, iQ Superior has been independently tested to the PAS24 security standard. Both new shootbolts are approved for use on Q-secure Premium Plus installations.
greenteQ shootbolts are available in industry-standard 20 and 22mm backsets, so are compatible with most popular PVCu profile systems.
VBH also advise that, as with all greenteQ iQ products, both Superior and Intellect work with Kubu to link windows to a smart home network. This gives the user a host of benefits, including a live check on the open/closed status of windows, security alerts, weather alerts and more. The windows can even be linked to other elements in the network, so the heating can be set to turn off in a room if a window is opened, for example. info@vbhgb.com
Heritage With The Seal Of Approval
Grade II listed, conservation area, planning consent…. words to strike fear into any renovation project. When it comes to heritage windows, what are the secrets to getting beautiful period projects over the line?
It’s commonly accepted that it’s not easy to get uPVC windows approved for listed properties and conservation areas. The technical difficulty involved in authentically replicating detailed period styling in efficient modern materials leaves homeowners facing a limited choice when it comes to replacement windows, without installing expensive highmaintenance new timber frames.
High-performing timberreplacement windows that can pass strict planning regulations is the holy grail for heritage homes, and one which usually comes with a price tag that reflects this. Until now.
“With the advances we’ve made in window design and technology, homeowners today have a genuine choice when it comes to heritage windows,” says Ben Weber, Quickslide’s managing director.
“The traditional styling details we’ve perfected make it so hard to tell replacement sash windows from their timber counterparts that anyone in the market for a sash window can now genuinely make the choice based on budget, efficiency, security, convenience and comfort – not on how they look.”
Ben Weber
And planning authorities seem to agree. Quickslide’s latest Legacy VS is rewriting the rules when it comes to installing modern, high-performance windows in challenging heritage projects.
“Our refined Legacy VS means many more listed and conservation properties can now pass planning with modern, efficient heritage windows,” says Ben. “I can’t think of better recognition for how far we’ve come in heritage window design over the past few years than that.”
Styling in detail
Legacy VS’s secret to success is in the details. Planning consent permission relies on historical accuracy, and Legacy VS has this in spades. Most notably, its new slim mid rail and deep bottom rail, 90° mechanical joints, continuous sash horns and wood effect finish. It also comes with options for astragal bars (which include white spacer bars within the unit, giving the appearance that the ‘wood’ runs through the separate panes) and age-appropriate hardware styles.
“We’ve left no stone unturned when it comes to traditional styling on the details of our Legacy VS,” Ben says. “Take the sash horn,
for example, which runs as a continuous part of the top sash. We’ve discontinued ‘plant-on’ horns and removed the uPVC ‘lip’ which was a tell-tale sign to close observers that the window wasn’t timber. Coupled with our slim mid rail, which is now 37mm instead of the standard 50.6mm, and mechanically jointed outer frames now as standard, it means Legacy VS more accurately replicates original timber windows and is now much more likely to be accepted by planning authorities.”
Performance to match
But while Legacy VS’s restyling has looked to more authentically replicate the past, its performance improvements have been firmly focused on the future. Legacy VS now comes with a u-value of 1.2, exceeding the building regulation of 1.6 for new builds and setting new standards in energy efficiency for sash windows that is in line with the anticipated 2025 future homes standard.
“Regulations are becoming stricter, with more stringent requirements for energy efficiency,” says Ben.
“In new build homes, the target u-value for windows is set at 1.2 W/m²K and the limiting u-value
for windows at 1.6 W/m²K. Our sash windows can hit the target, rather than settling for the limiting u-value, making it easier for builders and homeowners to comply with regulations, whether that’s in conservation areas or not.
“We’ve achieved this by inserting additional insulating materials into some of the chambers in the frame and cill and upgrading the coating on the glass unit – i.e., we’ve done it without the need for expensive krypton gas or triple glazing that compromises the overall look because it requires a greater sash reveal than is typical for sash windows.”
This last point illustrates the most important consideration for Quickslide, emphasises Ben: “We want to ensure Legacy VS is a real and affordable authentic alternative to timber sash windows, with absolutely no compromises.
“That’s why we’ve been so delighted to see how Legacy VS is being accepted by planning authorities in heritage and conservation areas which have previously turned down applications for non-timber replacement windows.”
https://www.quickslide.co.uk
Unlocking Market Opportunities
Heritage windows, once considered a niche market, are experiencing a surge in popularity and demand, marking a significant shift in the industry landscape.
“It wasn’t long ago that the concept of ‘heritage’ conjured images of specialist products that were challenging to find and would significantly impact the budget,” says Rob Rob McGlennon, commercial director of Deceuninck.
“However, that’s no longer the case.
“In fact, if you can’t provide the features associated with heritage
products—such as flush sashes, heritage detailing, and an extensive colour palette—then you may be shutting the door on a substantial stream of new business.”
The transformative efforts of Deceuninck’s customers have reshaped homeowners’ expectations in window replacement, and this evolution is particularly evident in the meticulous detailing and technological advancements
associated with flush windows.
Investments in specialised machinery, such as the Graf Synergy, have enabled fabricators to produce heritage flush windows that defy the conventional PVC-U finish.
With a near-invisible weld on both the sash and outerframe,
Rob McGlennon
these windows exhibit a level of craftsmanship that elevates them beyond the ordinary, meeting the discerning expectations of homeowners.
Sales data supports the shift, with Deceuninck reporting that flush products now account for over 40% of all products sold.
“We introduced the Heritage Flush Sash window in 2016. It stands out for its blend of balanced aesthetics reminiscent of traditional timber windows and cutting-edge thermal performance” says Rob.
Achieving a WER of as high as A++ and U-values as low as 0.90W/ m2K, this window combines elegance with energy efficiency.
Deceuninck’s Heritage Flush Sash window is available with a range of options, including fully welded or mechanically jointed
configurations, night vent facility, Georgian bar choices, and traditional ironmongery.
Deceuninck expanded its offering by introducing a dedicated openout flush door sash in 2019, seamlessly integrated with the Heritage 2800 system, boasting U-values as low as 1.0W/m2K and DER A rating.
One notable aspect of Deceuninck’s success in the heritage window market is its commitment to colour options. Rob McGlennon emphasises, “It’s Deceuninck’s colour offer that is winning sales in many quarters.”
With 30+ colourways in stock and an additional 20 colours available, Deceuninck says it is setting a new standard in the industry.
“On average, Deceuninck fabricators sell twice as much colour as their competitors,” says Rob.
“Homeowners, even those with modern properties, are increasingly drawn to the aesthetic appeal of heritage windows, and installers who adapt to this trend stand to capitalise on significant market opportunities.”
Jay Patel, director of Everglade Windows, echoes this sentiment, noting, “When we set out a few years ago looking for improvements in our PVC product
range, the main thing that drove our decisions was two things: access to colour and access to flush,”
“Flush casement is definitely a bigger seller than it ever was. It’s almost becoming a market in itself.”
The heritage window market is no longer confined to the periphery; it is now a dynamic and lucrative segment within the broader industry. Fabricators and installers who invest in advanced technology, embrace the demand for colour, and offer flush options are well-positioned to thrive in the evolving marketplace.
“Homeowners are embracing heritage windows, even in fairly modern properties. Installers who aren’t equipped to offer windows with heritage features might be overlooking substantial opportunities, especially with the decline in high-volume work since the beginning of the year,” Rob says.
“However, the real game-changer is colour. Our research indicates that homeowners lean towards coloured windows when given a choice, but insights from our fabricator customers emphasise that the availability of colour is what truly characterises the heritage market.”
www.deceuninck.co.uk
DAWS Launches All-Aluminium Composite Door Range
Aluminium manufacturer DAWS has launched its “all aluminium” Signature Door collection. Designed to provide residential installers with a stylish, robust and hassle-free composite door – the company believes this is truly the first composite door that gives hard working installers a fit-andforget product they can trust.
Available in eight of the most
popular styles, the PAS24compliant Signature Door range is manufactured using a strong aluminium-faced slab, ensuring tough and durable panels. At 63mm, it is 30% thicker than standard GRP composite doors and provides installers with a clear sales benefit compared to other PVC/Composite doors on the market, but finally at a comparable price point, claims the company.
“It’s what the industry has been waiting for – a door that you never get called back to… it’s truly an amazing product that is offered at a similar price to a premium composite door, but with none of the headaches. No more colour fading and no more hinges dropping, and of course no more bowing doors, thanks to its industry first “No Bow Guarantee,” comments Phill Cresswell, sales director at DAWS.
Every Signature Door comes with a 10-year manufacture guarantee and a massive 25-year Qualicoat powder coating guarantee on the paint finish.
The single colour frame and door leaf has a colour matched weather
bar, and the doors can be specified in any RAL colour finish. The high security locking system comes with a Kinetica 3 Star cylinder for complete peace of mind.
“The combination of an aluminium outer frame that is rigid and secure, housing an aluminium finished door slab that is put together with meticulous care and attention to detail makes our Signature Doors a perfect alternative to standard composite doors. They also align
perfectly with our ethos of offering our customers a headache-free life when it comes to ordering our trade aluminium and steel look products,” continues Phill.
To ensure that every Signature Door is delivered in pristine condition, there’s a small electronic device called a ‘Shock Dot’ attached to the packaging. This clever alarm records whether the product has been inadvertently dropped or knocked
Distinction Doors Colour Guide Now Online
In response to increasing consumer awareness and demand, the Distinction Doors Colour Guide is now available to buy online via distinctiondoors.co.uk.
The colour guide inspires homeowners and aids decisionmaking, says Distinction Doors. It features colour swatches from the company’s bespoke paint range with distinctive woodgrain
during handling which means the product can be delivered nationwide with confidence.
“It’s just one example of many in our commitment to ensuring the best product quality and service that helps to make our customers’ lives easier,” adds Phill. “If you are interested in doing away with your composite doors headaches, then why not get in touch.”
www.daws.co.uk
effect finish. Presented over two pages each colour is shown as accurate as can be.
The Distinction Doors paint range is curated in-house and includes only non-toxic, odourless, low emission and eco-friendly paints.
A £2.50 charge covers the cost of handling and packing & postage.
Emma Fowlds, marketing manager for Distinction Doors comments: “We are expanding our marketing efforts to target consumers – driving awareness of our premium products and generating sales for our customers. Our fabricators tell us that our Colour Guide is valued by homeowners and so we have made it readily available to consumers, at the click of a button. Alongside our online door-designer and showroom locator, the Colour Guide is another way of harnessing and capturing growing appreciation of the Distinction Doors brand.”
The colour guide remains a free sales tool for Distinction Doors fabricators and can be ordered free of charge alongside the latest product brochure via the Online Ordering Portal. For those with a showroom a complementary poster pack is also available, please contact support@distinctiondoors.co.uk www.distinctiondoors.co.uk
Smart Slide Neo: Pushing Performance Boundaries For Patio Doors
aluplast’s new Smart Slide neo is now being fabricated by leading fabricators in UK and Ireland, offering new opportunities with its modern aesthetics and high performance, says the systems house.
Smart-Slide neo has a contemporary minimalist design with slim sightline lines, and can achieve widths up to 4.5m and a height of 2.5m with two panels.
Smart-Slide neo can be finished in a range of 40 different finishes, including the premium range woodec and aludec foils – which is designed to accurately replicate the look and feel aluminium.
“With the new Smart-Slide neo,
we are creating new opportunities for customers to capitalise on the growing trend for high-end home refurbishments,” aluplast’s director of sales and marketing Ian Cocken said.
“Having a PVC-U sliding door in your portfolio has always been a key product, but with the SmartSlide neo we are helping our customers compete with high-end aluminium alternatives.
“The colour options also help the Smart-Slide suite perfectly with our Ideal 70 and Ideal 4000 window systems,” Cocken said. “And with our flush casement – now in a mechanically joined option –and flush outward-opening door, homeowners and developers
can achieve a suited appearance across a whole project with clean modern lines or heritage detailing, without having to turn to aluminium.
“Design wise, that’s a big win, but you are also ticking boxes for energy efficiency, price and sustainability thanks to our ecotech profile, which maximises the amount of recycled content in its design without affecting its appearance or performance.”
According to aluplast, Smart Slide neo can achieve Passive House levels of thermal efficiency, and can span 4.5m with just two panels – one fixed and one sliding. Three and four-panel options are also available.
Thanks to class leading hardware from either Maco or Siegenia, the Smart Slide neo achieves excellent performance for both air/water permeability, meeting BS6375 for weather tightness, while achieving PAS24 for security.
When the door is in the ‘fully open’
position, it lifts away from the gaskets and the weather seals so that it can glide effortlessly on its rollers, while accommodating individual sash weights of up to 200kg.
When it goes into the ‘fully locked’ position, a locking mechanism pulls the sash onto the frame and locks it on all four sides of the sliding sash, and the fixed panel is glazed into the outer frame.
“With Smart-Slide neo, we are allowing customers to compete in a space typically reserved for aluminium systems, while providing class leading thermal, weather and security performance,” Cocken said.
“This could either be on high end domestic refurbishments, or even on newbuild and commercial projects.
“Ultimately, we are pushing the boundaries of what is available in a PVC-U system, and offering a credible alternative to aluminium bifold doors.” www.aluplast.co.uk
CDW Systems Using Quick Clip Glazing Bead And Adjustable Rollers As Standard On BSF70HI Bi-Folds
Specialist aluminium fabricator CDW Systems is now using the Quik Clip clip-in bead technology from AluK and offering adjustable rollers as standard on its BSF70HI bi-fold doors.
The move comes after CDW Systems dedicated technical department put the innovative system through its paces at its headquarters in Gloucester.
Jeremy Phillips, managing director of CDW Systems, said: “After a full evaluation by our technical department and extensive installation trials, we’re thrilled to incorporate the Quik Clip system and adjustable rollers into our BSF70HI bi-fold doors as standard.
“The results have been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re confident this will be a game-changer for our installer customers.”
The Quik Clip technology replaces traditional glazing beads with a simple clipin system, streamlining the installation process and reducing
the risk of fitting errors.
“This innovation will allow our customers to complete projects faster while ensuring a flawless finish every time. It’s a win-win situation that enhances both efficiency and quality,” said Jeremy.
The BSF70HI bi-fold door boasts impressive specifications including exceptional thermal performance with U-values as low as 1.1W/ m2k (triple glazed), making it Part L compliant. Its superior weather resistance and design flexibility, further cement its position as a top choice for installers and end-users alike.
“By adopting the Quik Clip technology and adjustable rollers as standard, we’re not just improving our product,” added Jeremy. “We’re providing customers with a more efficient, reliable, and user-friendly solution.
The Quik Clip glazing bead and adjustable rollers make our BSF70HI bi-folds very fitter friendly, and we are not charging extra for either of these improvements.”
www.cdwsystems.co.uk
Sternfenster Launches New Internal Glazing System
Sternfenster has launched the ID30 Internal Door and fixed glazing system, which promises to open up exciting new opportunities for window companies looking to extend their influence to the inside of the property.
The ID30 Internal Door and fixed glazing system creates bespoke interior partitions, dividers, or glass walls, which separates spaces while giving an open-plan feel.
“The ID30 system is definitely the right product at the right time,” Sternfenster’s sales director Nathan Court said. “It perfectly solves two apparently conflicting trends.
“On the one hand, we want to open up our properties and allow more light to flow through the interior, while on the other we want to partition off areas for specific functions, such as offices, dining or play areas.
“The ID30 Internal Door and fixed glazing system achieves both these aims with ease, while adding a modern design flair.”
ID30 is a slimline product, and can create both heritage and contemporary designs in a number of configurations.
Significantly, using just one door profile, you can give homeowners the option of either hinged, pivot, sliding, or bi-folding configurations. This means you can meet your customers’ design aspirations with ease, while allowing easy access between rooms.
“There is a high demand for room dividers, screens, and doors that separate living spaces without compromising natural light, while maintaining the popular Art-Deco or Industrial styling,” Nathan said. “The ID30 can be used for anything from room dividers and lobby entrances to shower screens and in-kitchen designs.
“What’s more, we fully support our customers during the sales process, giving them the tools to convert more leads,” Nathan said. “These include our virtual showroom, which walks homeowners through the customisation process, including the vast array of colours on offer.
“Our bespoke EasySales software then allows you to create professional looking quotes, which dovetails neatly with Sternfenster-Plus (SF+) and EasyAdmin, giving you full visibility of the production process, while managing the project right up to customer sign-off.”
EasyAdmin also allows window installation companies to have complete oversight of their profit and loss. This information is updated daily and allows business owners to see the health of their accounts in real time.
EasyAdmin works with SF+, which improves communication with customers and gives them greater insight into the fabricator’s manufacturing capacity.
“Not only does the ID30 open-up new opportunities inside the home, it does so using skills you already have,” Nathan concluded. “All while receiving full support from Sternfenster.”
For more information visit www.sternfenster.com
The New Cortizo 4700
Sliding Door Refined With Korniche Technology – Available Only From Made For Trade.
By Ian Bousfield of Made for Trade
This November, we are proud to present an innovative addition to our portfolio. The Cortizo 4700 sliding door, newly enhanced with Korniche’s award-winning technologies, will redefine homebuilding expectations.
Made for Trade’s mission is to turn architectural vision into reality with our inspiring, innovative design and engineering excellence. The Cortizo 4700 sliding door has long been celebrated for its sleek design, minimal sightlines, and superior performance. Now, with the integration of the Korniche SpeedBead technology, ensuring glazing is executed with unparalleled speed and precision, the sliding patio door achieves new heights of refinement. The patented SpeedBead technology, renowned for its efficiency in bifolding doors, is now a cornerstone of the Cortizo 4700.
Why Choose the Cortizo 4700 from Made for Trade?
This unique alliance of proven reliability enhanced by the cuttingedge design of two of the best industry brands demonstrates a statement of how to accelerate
product development and deliver a hybrid product, enhancing aesthetics and installation advantages. Korniche has refined the Cortizo 4700 sliding patio door to create slimmer sightlines, PAS 24 advanced security features, and sleek hardware options from Korniche.
Distinguished
Features that will Enhance your clients’ Homes
• Elegant Sightlines: The Cortizo 4700’s clean, modern lines maximise its view. The slim interlocking system and precision running gear maintain the door’s structural integrity while allowing plenty of natural light into the home space.
• Super Thermal Efficiency: With the advanced polyamide thermal breaks and bespoke seals, their home will remain warm and secure during the most challenging winter months.
• PAS 24 Enhanced Security: Our in-house locking shoot-bolt handles provide a robust security system that will offer homeowners peace of mind in their home.
• SpeedBead Installation: The efficient SpeedBead system gives
you quick and precise glazing, which reduces installation time.
Tailored to Taste
The Cortizo 4700 and Korniche partnership offers an extensive range of customisation options to suit the homeowner’s unique preferences and reflect their personal home style. From a wide selection of more than 150 colour finishes, including the distinguished tones of anthracite grey to classic gloss white, to any number of configurations on double or triple tracks, our slimline sliding doors have been engineered with ingenuity in mind to harmonise seamlessly with homeowners’ interior and exterior designs.
Glass & Delivery
Made for Trade will deliver preassembled door sets and glass in a single drop. Double and triple glazed options will be available.
A Collaboration of Excellence
Combining Cortizo’s established design with Korniche’s advanced technology, the sliding door system now exceeds trade standards. This Cortizo slider is the result of a strong partnership between two leading industry names.
Are You Ready to Transform Your Space This Autumn?
Prepare to welcome the Cortizo 4700 this November as the sliding door is poised to set a new benchmark in the fenestration industry. Contact the Made for Trade sales team for free tickets and see the Cortizo 4700 in action at our Homebuilding and Renovation Shows in London and Harrogate this September and November. Visit our website for more information to discover how the newest innovative design can bring homeowners visions to life.
www.madefortrade.co
Opening Up the Market
Ultraframe customers have a simple way to ‘open up the market’ into Grand Designs type projects thanks to the company’s Goalpost, which allows for opensided extensions with clear openings in excess of 6.5m, and doors in excess of 10m.
The Goalpost, which is compatible with the Glass Roof and Livinroof systems, can be ordered quickly and easily via
the company’s Udesign software and was developed to provide a hassle-free route to structural support for large spans of doors or clear spans, on conservatories and extensions.
Explaining more about the Goalpost, Ultraframe marketing director, Alex Hewitt, said: “Large spans of doors and clear openings have become hugely popular over recent years as
more and more homeowners strive to achieve the Grand Designs look for their home extension or conservatory project. Where builders and installers have previously used a steel fabricator and a structural engineer to create a bespoke steel goalpost, our Goalpost product is ordered directly with us, providing assurance that the roof and goalpost will work in harmony when they are installed.”
All structural calculations are undertaken in-house by Ultraframe’s own structural engineers, meaning that Ultraframe installers can deal with one supplier for their roof, goalpost, and structural calculations, instead of three.
As with all Ultraframe systems, the Goalpost offers fantastic benefits on site for fitters as its
engineered aluminium beams are as light as they are strong, according to the company, and come in lengths no greater than 7m. When spans longer than 7m are required the Goalpost can be joined with another post at a fixed point. A beam deflection kit is also available if required, which acts as a cushion or spring, allowing the header beam to safely deflect by up to 6mm without affecting the head of the door frame or the smooth operation of the doors below. As the Goalpost is typically used in projects where aesthetics are of the utmost importance, it can be concealed within the Ultraframe internal pelmet or left visible and powder-coated in a colour of the homeowner’s choice for a more industrial look.
To find out more, visit www.ultraframetrade.co.uk
Advances To Wendland Glass Roof
Wendland has announced a wide range of advances to its popular Glass Roof, which mean it looks even better and offers time and cost savings to installers, according to the company.
Commenting on the advances, Wendland brand manager, Chloe McGrath, said: “Our Glass Roof is already highly popular thanks to being fitter-friendly, value for money and looking great and now it has been made even better.
gutter also reduces installation times and means that gallows brackets are not required, says the company.
“One of the biggest updates is that the Glass Roof is now available with an Eaves Super Bolster or Combined Bolstered Eaves. Wendland has always had a range of light, standard, heavy and super-duty bars that are used to make sure the right bar is used for the right span, engineering the roof to be as low cost as possible. Now we have value-engineered the beams using the new bolsters, which are only needed on the side of the spans. This means our installers can offer larger spans and be sure that they are keeping costs low, just as you would expect from Wendland!”
Available in a range of standard colours or any RAL on request, the bolsters further reduce deflection, allowing for even wider door openings and meaning that costly goalposts aren’t needed. They also reduce installation times and look great too thanks to a new Bolster End Cap. Another structural update to the Wendland Glass Roof is the new reinforced 265mm Box Gutter which allows for larger spans up to 5.8m. The new box
Sure to be popular with fitters is Conservaflash – now available as a simple-to-order option on the Wendland Glass Roof. A pre-formed PVC flashing system suitable for a range of angles along with a straight flashing option for lean-to’s, Conservaflash is BBA approved, saves time and cost on installations, and is a greener alternative to lead, claims the company.
Chloe continued: “Along with the updates already mentioned, there are some further ones that make the Glass Roof look even better. These include a new External Corner Fascia Cover and a new Half Ridge Crown Cap. Together, all of the structural and cosmetic advances to the roof mean that the Wendland Glass Roof is now more versatile, more fitterfriendly, more cost effective, and looks even better.”
To find out more about the Wendland Glass Roof and the recent updates to the system, click here.
The Sky’s The Limit
The sky’s the limit with the new Ultraframe Roof Vent which can be used on Ultraframe’s glass roofs, Ultraroof, and Lanterns.
It is now possible to include the new roof vent right up to the ridge, meaning there is no longer a requirement for a glass unit and muntin above the vent into the ridge. This gives a cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing finish which will be popular with homeowners wanting clean lines for their home extension or conservatory. However, for those who prefer the traditional roof vent placement, the current roof vent with glass panels above and below the vent is still available.
On every Ultraframe Lantern, there is now the option to specify the new full-length roof vent where the vent goes directly into the ridge AND the eaves beam so that no glass panels are required above or below the vent. The entire vent can be glazed into the roof without any joins for a clean, contemporary look.
Commenting about the new roof vent, Ultraframe marketing director, Alex Hewitt, said: “The new roof vent offers a contemporary ventilation solution that can be used across
the Ultraframe range in various ways to create uninterrupted sightlines and enhanced views of the sky above. The new roof vent glazes directly into the ridge body where possible, meaning there is no requirement for a glass unit above the vent. This also means that there is no need for a muntin bar, giving a much cleaner look that is popular with homeowners. Supplied in a wide range of standard colours including grey, black, white and woodgrain options, there is a roof vent colour to suit every project. On lanterns, the new roof vent can be used to create a fulllength vent, which again offers a cleaner, more modern look than our current vent solution. Here at Ultraframe we continually invest into our systems to ensure they are at the forefront of technology and trends, and we are certain that the new roof vent will be extremely popular with homeowners and installers alike.”
To find out more about the new Ultraframe Roof Vent click here.
Leka Systems Extends Market Offer With New Garden Buildings
Leka Systems has just announced its latest innovation: the Leka Xi Garden Building. This new addition to the range offers a value proposition for fabricators and installers looking to capitalise on the growing demand for garden rooms.
Rhys Hoddinott, managing director of Leka Systems, commented: “The Leka Xi Garden Building gives fabricators and installers a value-added proposition to tap into the growing trend for garden
buildings. It is as quick to fit as our popular Leka Xi modular system and with a slimline profile, it’s cost comparable to traditional timber garden structures.”
The Leka Xi Garden Building is entering the market at the perfect time, as more and more homeowners are exploring garden room options. Rhys said: “In recent years, we’ve witnessed a substantial increase in interest for freestanding garden buildings, and this trend shows no sign of slowing down. With permitted
development rights, garden rooms have become a practical and appealing solution for homeowners looking to expand their living space quickly and easily.”
Designed with thermal efficiency in mind, the Leka Xi Garden Building offers a comfortable, year-round space that adds value to a property, according to the company. Its customisable design allows homeowners to create a space tailored to their specific needs and lifestyle.
Constructed with a durable GRP composite structure, the Leka Xi Garden Building is resistant to rot and requires minimal maintenance, says the company, providing an attractive alternative to timber buildings without the need for regular painting or staining. It can be installed on a concrete pad or with ground screws, eliminating the need for time-consuming and costly foundation work. Moreover, the structure is portable, allowing homeowners to relocate it within their garden or even move it to a new property.
According to the comapny, the Leka Xi Garden Building also offers significant advantages for installers. Its rapid installation process enables quicker project completion and increased turnover. Installers can also benefit from Leka Systems’ comprehensive training, sales and marketing support, maximising the opportunities available in this expanding market.
Rhys concluded: “The Leka Xi Garden Building is a new and exciting addition to the garden room market. It’s a musthave for the portfolio of every ambitious fabricator and installer looking to expand their offerings and meet the growing demand for innovative, high-quality garden spaces.”
www.lekasystems.co.uk
This Isn’t Just Compliance
– This Is AluK Compliance
Why fabricators should be questioning their systems companies about their U-value claims. By Russell Yates, Managing Director, AluK
Fabricators who are blindly accepting the U-Value claims being made on aluminium sliders and bifolds could be risking non-compliance with the new Part L and inadvertently misleading customers.
Whether it’s down to naivety, lack of knowledge or simple errors in calculations, I am convinced that some of the claims being made by certain systems companies on their aluminium products are simply
not achievable.
This is not just a case of me knocking the competition, it’s a simple case of physics. The best way is to explain that is by showing the level of thermal enhancement AluK had to add to our new S140 sliding door to achieve U-Values of 1.4 double glazed and 1.1 triple glazed, and compare that with the enhancements that were in our original BSC94 which achieved U-Value performance of 1.8.
The thermal breaks in the frame of the S140 are more than twice the size of the BSC94 at 55mm compared with 20mm, and in the sash they are at least 50% larger at 38mm and 48mm rather than 25mm. (The 140mm system depth means these sizes can easily be accommodated).
However, many of our competitors fit thermal breaks in their frames and sashes which are very similar to the BSC94 (in frame depths which are considerably bigger) and yet they are claiming U-Value performance for these products which are almost comparable with the S140. It just doesn’t add up.
Thermal performance figures will obviously be misleading if they are being calculated at larger than allowable sizes, and AluK’s technical department has done a huge amount of work to evaluate the claims being made in the market and to try to establish whether other people’s thermal figures are being calculated to the EN14351 and BFRC sizes as AluK’s figures are. They haven’t got any clear indication on that yet.
I can assure our customers though that AluK’s thermal figures are all calculated to CEN sizes 2000 x 2180mm and all are third party accredited. I’d like to think that all the systems companies supplying sliders and bifolds into the UK market could offer similar assurances.
Perhaps fabricators should be doing more to educate themselves and ask more direct questions of their suppliers about the thickness of the thermal breaks in their door systems and how the figures have been calculated.
There is of course the wider issue of how compliance is being policed and what the implications would be for a
fabricator or installer who was fitting products which didn’t actually comply with the new Regs.
But, beyond that there is also the question of the responsibility that we as an industry have to homeowners, developers and housing providers to deliver products which do what we say they do.
According to Keystone’s most recent consumer fenestration report, energy efficiency is still the third highest priority for homeowners looking to invest in new windows and doors (after quality and security) and surely, they have to be able to trust every promise being made by suppliers on the performance of their products?
It’s not just a question of competitive advantage for AluK. I would argue that credibility of the industry, and more specifically the aluminium sector, is potentially at risk if buyers feel that they can’t put their faith in us.
More details on the AluK S140 are at: https://uk.aluk.com/
AluK MD, Russell Yates
Sheerline Offers Clip-On Cills Across All Its Ranges
Sheerline is now offering versatile clip-on cills across its full range of products. There are two cills available: one for the Prestige lift & slide patio door and Classic windows and doors, and the other for the Prestige bi-folding door and Prestige windows and doors.
Both cills have been developed by Sheerline’s experienced in-house R&D team and offer installation options to benefit certain projects. For example, it is easier to manoeuvre the brand’s patio or bi-folding doors around a production environment without a protruding cill attached.
Sheerline says transporting the frames is hassle-free as they can be stacked with less chance of being damaged in transit. For new build projects, it’s an ideal solution because the cill is protected from potential damage from follow-on trades as they can be retrofitted.
In addition, the cills are prevented from collecting dirt
and debris while they’re in situ and other work is taking place as they are fitted after the windows and doors have been installed.
Aside from the practical benefits, the clip-on cill also has aesthetic appeal. It looks stylish and effectively reduces the height of the bottom outer frame of the window by 25mm. This means there is a larger glazed area, which is useful for smaller cottage-style windows.
Sheerline’s national sales director, Tony Basile, said: “As a brand, Sheerline is continually innovating. The fact our R&D team developed this product in response to a customer request is testament to our commitment to our customers.”
“We recognise the importance of greater choice, flexibility, and offering the right product for every installation,” he added.
Customers can find out more about Sheerline’s Clip-on Cill range by emailing info@ sheerline.com or calling 01332 978000.
New Solar Energy Opportunities With VetroMount From Bohle
VetroMount balustrading system from Bohle has been approved for use with photovoltaic panels, opening up a potentially large market for installers looking to broaden their offering.
“In many applications, end users choose VetroMount balustrading because the advanced design gives an uninterrupted view from a balcony or patio,” Bohle’s managing director Dave Broxton said. “But in some cases, the balustrading is there for safety, providing a barrier. Here, their design is perfectly suited as mounts for photovoltaic panels.”
The latest designs of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) can take the form of laminated glass – the 1.5mm PVB laminate layer is almost identical to conventional laminated safety glass, making it ideal for use in balustrading.
“What makes VetroMount ideal for photovoltaic panels is the channel
we’ve incorporated into the design, which allows bulky cabling to be routed safely and discreetly below the panel,” Dave said. “This is typically used for products where LED lights are used as part of the laminate interlayer, but it also provides a perfect solution for BIPV.
“This leaves the top edge free, which allows the use of discreet top edge protection. It is also a unique design, giving our customers a competitive edge over those who use alternative systems.”
BIPV installed as part of a VetroMount balustrading can generate 0.2kWp per linear metre, which is 27% more electricity than similar systems thanks to the increased glazing area, according to Bohle.
Also, ‘micro’ inverters can be installed to each panel, which has a big impact on the efficiency of the entire balustrade.
“If a single large inverter is wired into a BIPV system installed on a balustrade, then it can only produce as much electricity as the weakest module in the chain,” Dave said. “So, if one balustrade is in the shade, then the entire system is bottlenecked.
“Thanks to our micro inverters, which can be easily installed to each VetroMount panel, the glass modules can work independently of each other, maximising their yield.”
Dave said that the timing of this development was perfect, because the shift to selfgeneration of electricity was not only attractive from a cost point of view, but it also improved the SAP rating of newbuild properties under the proposed Future Homes and Buildings Standards.
“We are getting to a point where we are looking for all opportunities to generate electricity,” he said. “And this provides an excellent solution. Where balustrading provides a safety barrier, for example round the edge of a flat roof, then a VetroMount system to accommodate BIPV can easily be incorporated with no additional tools or time on site.
“Now is the perfect time to be familiarising yourself with a product that will create multiple opportunities in years to come.”
To learn more about new opportunities with Bohle, call the customer services team free on 0800 616151.
Caribbean Blinds: A Family Business
Family-owned firms are the lifeblood of business and commerce in the UK. From the corner shop to the biggest retailer or manufacturer, family enterprises bring innovation, continuity and diversity to Britain’s business community.
As the UK celebrates National Family Business Day on September 19, Caribbean Blinds is looking back at their own journey from humble beginnings to becoming a leading supplier of external shading solutions across the country.
And Its Journey
From Modest Roots to Industry Leader
Founded in 1987, Caribbean Blinds began as a small operation with a vision to provide high-quality external shading solutions to the British market. The Suffolk-based family firm was started by Ray and Angie Dantzic in 1987 and began as a small shop front supplying trade dealers. The company’s founders recognised the growing demand for stylish and functional outdoor living spaces and set out to meet this need with innovative products.
In its early years, Caribbean Blinds focused primarily on retractable awnings, offering a select range of products to local customers. The company’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction quickly earned them a loyal following, allowing them to expand their operations and product range. In 1992 the company introduced
Stuart Dantzic, MD of Caribbean Blinds
their first motorised awning system, setting a new standard for convenience and luxury in the industry.
Pergola Awnings and Louvered Roofs
In the early 2000s, Caribbean Blinds introduced their range of pergola awnings, combining the functionality of traditional awnings with the structural elegance of pergolas. This innovative product line quickly became a bestseller, offering customers a versatile outdoor living solution.
Building on their success with pergola awnings, Caribbean Blinds launched their louvred roof systems in 2010. These cutting-edge products allowed for precise control of light, shade, and ventilation, further cementing
the company’s reputation for innovation.
Manufacturing and Technological Excellence
As demand for their products grew, Caribbean Blinds recognised the need to expand and improve their manufacturing capabilities. In 2008, the company moved to a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Sudbury, Suffolk. It then made a significant upgrade and extended its facilities in 2022 which allowed for increased production capacity, improved quality control and faster turnaround times for custom orders. This expansion has also created new jobs in the local community.
Recognising the growing trend of smart home technology, the company introduced smart controls for their motorised shading systems in 2018. This innovation allowed customers to control their external blinds and awnings via smartphone apps or voice commands.
Sustainability and the environment
In recent years, Caribbean Blinds has placed a strong emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly practices. The company has developed a range of solarpowered external blinds, reducing energy consumption and appealing to environmentally conscious consumers. At the same time, they have implemented comprehensive recycling programmes in their manufacturing processes, minimising waste and reducing their environmental impact.
Family Values: The Heart of the Business
Despite their growth and success, Caribbean Blinds remains committed to the family values that have been at the core of their business since its inception. In 2016, brothers Stuart and Bradley Dantzic took over the reins of
Caribbean Blinds from their parents. This transition marked a new era for the company, blending the founders’ original vision with fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Even as the company has grown to employ dozens of staff, Caribbean Blinds has maintained a close-knit, family-like atmosphere. This approach has fostered loyalty among employees and contributed to the company’s reputation for excellent customer service.
Looking to the Future
As Caribbean Blinds celebrates more than three decades of success, the company continues to look ahead with optimism and ambition. While already a leader in the UK market, the company is setting its sights on international expansion. The company is exploring opportunities to bring their high-quality external shading solutions to new markets across Europe and beyond.
Innovation remains at the heart of Caribbean Blinds’ strategy. The company is investing heavily in research and development, with plans to introduce new materials and technologies that will further enhance the performance and sustainability of their products. This approach is also reflected in the company’s commitment to ongoing training and development programmes for their staff. This investment in human capital ensures that the company will continue to deliver exceptional products and service for years to come.
As Stuart and Bradley Dantzic lead the company into the future, they carry forward the legacy of their parents while bringing their own vision to the fore. With a focus on sustainability, technological integration, and international expansion, Caribbean Blinds is well-positioned to continue its success story for generations to come. www.cbsolarshading.co.uk/
Thornton Supercharges Aluminium Division With Machinery Package From
Leading construction services company Thornton has invested in six machines from Haffner Ltd to support its fast-growing aluminium division.
Roy Wilson, workshop manager at Thornton, said: “After meeting the Haffner team and Chris Curran demonstrating the capability of the machinery at the Fit Show, we had full confidence in our decision to partner with Haffner. From our first interaction to the ongoing support we receive today, the service has been first class. We are optimistic that this marks the beginning of a successful and longstanding partnership between Thornton and Haffner.”
Thornton first met with the Haffner team at the FIT Show in 2023 and placed an order for a Fom Industrie FMC 230 CNC Machining Centre and Haffner TT 425 Double Mitre Saw just one
Haffner
week later.
Chris Curran, technical sales manager at Haffner, commented: “We had the largest stand at the FIT Show in 2023 with the express intention of being able to demonstrate as many machines as possible. It meant we could show Roy exactly what our machinery was capable of and how it could benefit Thornton, giving them confidence to make the investment.”
Following this initial purchase, Thornton further expanded its investment to include four additional machines from Haffner. This suite of machines is designed to enhance productivity and ensure consistently highquality output.
The Fom Industrie FMC 230 CNC Machining Centre features four controlled axes and is designed
for precise drilling and milling on aluminium or steel profiles. The Haffner TT 425 Double Mitre Saw, built for aluminium and PVC-U cutting, ensures ‘incredible’ accuracy with its robust construction and linear bearing system. The Fom Industrie Panda 300 Echo Pneumatic Sawing Machine has a 300mm up-feed blade and a manually positioned vertical axis. The Fom Industrie Calco Ter Copy Router is an electro-pneumatic copy router with a three-spindle drilling unit. The Fom Industrie Baiha L Crimping Machine is a powerful corner assembly machine capable of crimping at 5,000kg and seven bar of pressure. Completing the package is the Fom Industrie Mistral 26A End Milling Machine, a versatile pneumatic milling machine that mills end angles of 45° right-hand, 90°, and 45° left-hand, as well as intermediate angles.
Chris said: “We worked closely with the Thornton team, offering our free and impartial consultancy service to help specify the machinery package that would maximise the value to the business.”
www.haffnerltd.com
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WINNER
Turford Bros
‘Motor’ On With A New Supercut 6 From Plaz-Tech
As part of its 70th year of trading celebrations, Turford Bros Ltd have invested in the very latest SuperCut 6 machining and cutting centre from Plaz-Tech Machinery.
Established in 1954, the West Bromwich-based fabricator had been having issues with existing machinery and decided the time had come to upgrade. They now have the first new Supercut that features an innovative new motor and cutter design, according to the company.
“The worst possible situation for us has been when that machine has gone down, because everything just stops,” says owner Shaun Turford. “We had to have the existing motors replaced about five times in the past few years.”
Shaun contacted Dave Phillips, director and Engineer at PlazTech Machinery, for advice. The
solution was simple – invest in a new SuperCut 6 and we’ll upgrade those motors in the package.
Dave explains: “The original motors were never designed to cope with the volume of trickle events that are now required by today’s window regulations and were from a design that consists of an aluminium end with a single bearing structure. This was a good motor for single vents and everyday use, but they are too lightweight to cope with the high stresses from large trickle vents in every window these days.
“I’ve designed a new motor that consists of a steel bearing housing and a special twin bearing design, providing 50 percent more power than the existing one. It’s a much, much stronger motor. Unlike the old one, this one has been purpose built and is designed to last for years to come.
“They’ve also been designed in a way to enable a simple and direct replacement for anyone needing to upgrade their existing motors. It’s a simple one off, one on. We’ve also released our upgraded routing cutters to coincide with the final motor release. They are made specifically for the high speed motors and for the routing required on our uPVC machining centres. Together with the new motors they really are the perfect combination.”
Shaun Turford: “I’ve been really impressed with the SuperCut overall. It’s exactly what we needed. With the old machine, there was a lot of manual work afterwards, cleaning the profile off etc. But these new cutters go straight through it like a hot knife through butter. That means we’re saving two or three minutes on each unit.
“The SuperCut is so cost effective. You’re getting a superb machine at a price that compares so favourably with others on the market. And because of the trust I have in Dave and knowing that even after he’s completed a job, I can pick up the phone and he’ll help me like he has done for the last 10 years or more.”
Email : info@plaz-tech.co.uk
Emmegi (UK) Equips Framexpress’ Brand
New Aluminium Factory
Emmegi (UK) has equipped Framexpress in Telford with a full package of machinery for its brand new aluminium factory.
The fabricator has been a well respected name in PVC-U products for more than 26 years, but this summer opened its first venture in aluminium, as it responded to demand from existing trade customers to broaden its offering so that they don’t need to go anywhere else.
The new facility is a 12,000sq ft
purpose designed unit situated alongside an existing Framexpress composite door facility. The Emmegi (UK) team visited during the planning stage and recommended a full aluminium machinery start up package. This includes a Classic Magic saw, Phantomatic X4 CNC, Solution crimper, bead saw and Lilliput end miller, as well as Acca XL work benches, Spin 4 gasket trolley, Stack and Taglio cut piece trollies and WT450 finished frame racks. They also provided advice on layout, operation and training.
Ian Latimer, Emmegi (UK)’s managing director, explained: “This is our classic package, ideal for companies like Framexpress who want to guarantee optimum efficiency as well as precision quality. With a crimper, bead saw and end miller included alongside the saw and CNC, Framexpress has everything it needs to start manufacturing aluminium products.
“The package is especially good value because it also includes a gasket trolley and work benches, demonstrating our strength as a ‘One Stop Shop’ for all aluminium machinery needs.”
Jonny Green, principal product manager at Framexpress is delighted with the install. He said: “Emmegi machines were recommended to us on the basis of quality and durability and that they can do everything we need right now and grow with us as we expand in the future.
“We especially liked the fact that Emmegi (UK) could also supply all the trolleys and ancillary machines, so that we can deal with just one supplier and get all the installation, training and servicing we need from one place.
“The machines are more than living up to expectations. We’re already fabricating Smarts bifolds and windows and will easily be able to add sliders to our range soon. Customers are delighted with the quality of our output and appreciate the fact that, like our PVC products, Framexpress aluminium products are higher specced than standard. We’re already winning business from existing trade customers who have added aluminium to their retail offerings and want to single source everything they sell and fit from Framexpress, and we’re very confident we will win new customers as well when they see how impressive our set up is.”
www.emmegi.com/en/home www.framexpress.co.uk
Emmegi Classic Magic Twin Head saw installed at Framexpress
Emmegi Phantomatic X4 CNC installed at Framexpress
Epwin Window Systems Products Selected For Holiday Retreat
Stellar Aluminium and Profile 22 PVC-U windows and doors from Epwin Window Systems were selected for a self-catering holiday home located in the scenic Cardigan Bay, Wales. The property refurbishment was awarded to GD Windows, a fabricator and installer with over 30 years’ experience in private and commercial projects.
The Courtyard provides luxurious self-catering accommodation set within the grounds of a Georgian mansion, surrounded by 50 acres of pasture and woodlands on the
Glaneirw Estate in Ceredigion. In 2013, the current owner started an extensive refurbishment programme, transforming the main mansion and its surrounding estate buildings. The Courtyard was renovated to an exceptionally high standard, preserving original features such as slate floors and terracotta tiles and combining with modern fenestration solutions including aluminium bifold doors and flush casement windows. All products were carefully considered to maximise the stunning views of the breathtaking countryside.
Gwyn Davies, director at GD Windows said: “The owners of The Courtyard wanted to use high quality products that combined comfort and superior sophistication. The combination of Stellar Aluminium and Profile 22 ticked all the boxes.”
GD Windows installed two fivepane Stellar Slimline Bifold Doors, each 5m x 2m which fully opened up the rear elevation of the property. Additionally, a fourpane Slimline Bifold Door of 4m x 2m was also fitted to the rear elevation. The installation also included a four-pane Lift and Slide Stellar Door, along with a corner window featuring two fanlights above a fixed light. Over 20 Profile 22 Flush Casement Windows completed the transformation. All products were finished in Anthracite Grey on both sides, creating a striking contrast with the building’s cream stone exterior
and adding a sophisticated touch to the interior design.
GD Windows took full responsibility for the manufacture and installation of all products, collaborating closely with other trades on-site to ensure seamless project coordination and a flawless execution.
Gwyn concluded: “We’re proud to manufacture and install Stellar Aluminium because it’s a window and door system that’s at the forefront of product innovation. With its outstanding thermal performance, high security, incredible durability, sleek minimalist design, and ability to offer better views and an elevated lifestyle, Stellar truly stands out. The Courtyard was an exceptional project to work on and we are delighted with the finished result.”
www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk
Fentrade Showcases Exceptional Attention To Detail In Heritage Project
Specialist aluminium fabricator Fentrade has demonstrated the skill of its team on a recent project for longstanding customer Windows Are Us.
The project involved the manufacture of several aluminium screens and doors using the Jack Aluminium SD70 Heritage system. These frames needed to be custom manufactured to fit an entire corner of a building. Additionally, one side of the building featured three different levels, yet every astragal bar and transom needed to align perfectly, ensuring the high end aesthetics were delivered.
Chris Reeks, managing director at Fentrade, takes up the story: “It was back to the drawing board for the Fentrade team! We went old-school, using graph paper and pencils to carefully calculate the dimensions across the frames as a whole. Even a single miscalculation would have thrown the entire project off balance, so absolute precision was critical.”
The Fentrade team worked closely with Windows Are Us and their
trade customer to ensure every detail was meticulously addressed. This dedication extended to revising the layout from scratch to accommodate changes in the overall frame dimensions, ensuring the project’s precision and quality remained uncompromised.
The results have more than justified the effort involved. The Jack Aluminium SD70 Heritage system has given the homeowner the traditional aesthetics they desired, along with the modern advantages of contemporary aluminium glazing. At the same time, the meticulous calculations and precision manufacturing have ensured that every sightline aligned perfectly, delivering the exceptional high-quality finish the project demanded.
Chris concluded: “There were countless hours of work involved in this project, and seeing the finished result brings immense satisfaction. It looks outstanding and stands as a true testament to the skills and expertise of the Fentrade team.”
fentradealuminium.co.uk
Senior Brings Light and Shade to New Hotel Scheme
Dual coloured and slim framed aluminium fenestration solutions from Senior Architectural Systems have helped bring architectural interest to the external façade of a new multi-storey hotel in Coventry whilst ensuing the interior spaces benefit from plenty of natural light.
Constructed by main contractor Bowmer and Kirkland, Hotel Indigo Coventry has been designed by architects Chapman Taylor and boasts a striking exterior which features Senior’s SF52 aluminium curtain wall
system and SPW600 aluminium windows throughout. The manufacturer’s SPW501 aluminium commercial entrance doors were also specified, with the full glazing package fabricated and installed by specialist contractor Acorn Aluminium.
Senior’s in-house powder coating service was instrumental to achieving the desired aesthetic for the hotel’s exterior façade which required the aluminium fenestration systems to complement the use of striking
silver-blue metallic cladding. Opting for a dual colour finish, Senior’s aluminium fenestration systems were powder-coated in anthracite grey on the exterior and grey-blue to the interior of the frames. The SF52 curtain walling has been installed in columns that run the length of the building, with the metallic cladding installed in between. The darker colour of the aluminium curtain wall and inset windows add depth the building, with the recessed columns of glazing complementing the lighter shade of the façade material.
In addition to design flexibility, the slim frames of Senior’s SF52 curtain wall system and SPW600 aluminium windows have helped to create a comfortable interior environment by maximising the flow of natural daylight and providing exceptional thermalefficiency to achieve the desired U-values, according to the company.
The Residence Collection Completes
Leicestershire New-Build Development With Residence 7 Windows
Over 70 windows from The Residence Collection, have been installed on a housing development in Packington, Leicestershire.
Partnering with fabricator and installer Swadlincote Windows, and building contractor Keller Construction, the new windows from The Residence Collection’s R7 window range were installed in seven new-build properties.
Across the seven homes, both eclectic grey and Painswick coloured windows have been used. The choice of Residence 7 windows was driven by both exceptional product quality for this type of project as well as aesthetic appeal.
Residence 7 features flush profiles both externally and internally, these windows are low maintenance and come in various styles, offering versatility without complexity. This example highlights the adaptability of these windows, suitable for use in luxury newbuild housing
developments, exemplified by their installation at Archerfield Grange in Packington.
Residence 7 not only excels visually, but also includes outstanding energy efficiency, boasting A+energy ratings and achieving a standard u-value of 1.2Wm2k with double glazing, as well as offering 24 different colour options.
Tyrone Birch, director at Swadlincote Windows, said: “Archerfield Grange was an exciting project for us here at Swadlincote Windows and we knew The Residence Collection would be perfect for this development.
“Keller Construction saw that the Residence 7 windows were a fantastic product when it came to energy efficiency as well as the overall aesthetics for the homes. That teamed with our ongoing partnership with The Residence Collection meant that there was no better choice than R7 for Archerfield Grange.”
Jo Trotman, marketing manager at The Residence Collection, said: “Here at The Residence Collection our commitment for 2024 was to build our portfolio within the commercial market, and we’re so pleased to see projects like Archerfield Grange come to fruition.
“The project represents the incredible versatility of the R7 window system with its flush design and variety of colourways that can suit the variety of architectural styles when it comes to housing developments.
“It’s been fantastic to see this project completed with Swadlincote Windows and Keller Construction, and we hope to partner with them again in the future.”
https://bit.ly/40hktGz
Aluminium Frames
Add Drama To Glamping Pod
Stellar Aluminium frames and doors, manufactured and installed by GD Windows, have been added to The Tri-Pod, one of three pods located on a working farm in Pantcefn near Llanarth, Mid Wales.
Gwyn Davies, director at GD Windows said: “The Tri-Pod allowed us to show off the versatility and style of Stellar Aluminium. The slim frames maximise the light in the space and put all the focus on the spectacular countryside views.”
The Tri-Pod features full height Stellar Aluminium frames and a set of Fully Flush French Doors to the front aspect. The products were manufactured in black on both sides to complement the black external cladding, while the fully flush finish delivers a sleek contemporary style.
Every element of The Tri-Pod was carefully considered to create a luxurious retreat. Gwyn said: “The owners of The TriPod knew every fixture and fitting needed to be high-quality
to deliver the ultimate holiday experience. Stellar Aluminium was integral to creating this feeling.”
Stellar Aluminium’s renowned thermal efficiency was also an important part of the project. The system is Part L-compliant by design, even in new build projects, helping to ensure The Tri-Pod is cosy inside on even the coldest of days. It achieves the impressive thermal efficiency thanks to the patented reverse butt joint, which means there’s no need for dummy sashes, reverse profiles or adaptors, thereby reducing the amount of frame and increasing the thermal efficiency, claims the company.
Phil Parry, technical director at Epwin Window Systems, commented: “Stellar Aluminium continues to demonstrate why it is a market leader in product innovation and design. The Tri-Pod project highlights how our system not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also delivers outstanding thermal performance. We are delighted to see GD Windows utilising Stellar to its full potential.”
Gwyn concluded: “Stellar Aluminium is opening up a wealth of opportunities for us, enabling us to deliver impressive projects such as The Tri-Pod that leave a lasting impression.”
www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk
CDW Systems Helps CN Glass With School Installation
CDW Systems helped Banburybased glazing specialists CN Glass complete a successful school installation in time for the new term.
CDW systems provided its Technal STII commercial doors and commercial framing for the project.
The Technal STII is a thermally broken commercial door system recognised for its exceptional performance and fabrication, making it the ideal solution for a wide range of commercial applications, and features centre pivot or rebated door options, as well as a range of threshold solutions and hardware.
“The Technal STII was the perfect choice for this school project,” said CDW Systems’ technical director, Richard Smith. “Incorporating 100mm x 50mm box profiles, it offers exceptional thermal efficiency and robust construction, ensuring the finished installation meets all the necessary
performance requirements.”
Jeremy Phillips, managing director of CDW Systems, said: “There is an increasing shift towards thermally efficient commercial doors, and one of our greatest strengths as an aluminium specialist is our ability to offer customers the right solution for any project, no matter how complex, using our extensive aluminium range.”
CN Glass has 50 plus years of experience in installing windows, doors and conservatories and Jeremy added: “The finished installation looks fantastic, and CN Glass has done a brilliant job. We’ve enjoyed a great partnership with them over the past few years, and we look forward to continuing to support them with high-quality aluminium products and expert technical guidance on future projects.”
www.cdwsystems.co.uk
Unique Reboots Online Presence
Unique Window Systems, the multi-award-winning fabricator of UPVC and aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling, has revamped and relaunched its online presence.
The company’s new website, which is viewable at www.uws. co.uk, has been developed as part of the business’ wider rebranding.
As well as featuring an updated look, the new site offers
more information and greater functionality than ever before.
Mir Patel, from Unique’s senior management team, said: “Unique is using our ongoing rebrand to rethink and relaunch a number of our marketing assets in line with our focus on continuous improvement.
“Rather than simply reskinning our old site, we wanted to identify and implement features capable of delivering maximum benefit to our
customers in the trade, new build and commercial sectors.”
Visitors to the new site can explore and discover in-depth information about Unique’s continually growing range.
This includes systems and products from well-known brands like Eurocell, AluK, WarmCore and Cortizo as well as the fabricator’s own brand products such as Unifold bifold doors.
Visitors to the new site can also learn more about Unique’s impressive credentials and latest developments in areas such as sustainability and corporate social responsibility through case studies and a regularly updated news page.
In addition, the relaunched site offers a number of valuable resources such as downloadable order forms, installation guides, technical documents and
marketing collateral.
Plus, it features an extensive gallery of product and project imagery as well as a growing selection of videos.
These videos provide information on products, past projects and the sales support initiatives offered by Unique like its dedicated showroom. They also offer a look behind the scenes of Unique’s operations and give an insight into what it’s like to work for the company.
“The launch of our new website is far from the end of its development” adds Mir. “It will be an ever-evolving piece of digital real estate that sees ongoing additions and enhancements. We want to ensure its continued relevance and value so that users have a reason to revisit it on a regular and repeat basis.”
www.uws.co.uk
ODL Europe Launches New Door Designer
ODL Europe has launched its new Door Designer, a dynamic digital tool that enables customers to design and customise their composite doors in real time.
The Door Designer provides an interactive and seamless experience, allowing users to select from an extensive collection of composite door styles, frame options, colours, finishes, glass designs and hardware. As customers make their design choices, the tool updates in real-time, offering a clear visualisation of their selections, ensuring complete satisfaction before making a final decision.
Suzanne Nicholl, head of sales and marketing at ODL Europe, said: “We’re excited to bring Door Designer to our customers. The digital tool puts creativity and control directly in their hands, simplifying the design process and enhancing the doorbuying experience. It lets users personalise every detail, ensuring
the finished composite door perfectly matches their vision.”
The system is designed to further streamline the quotation and product ordering process, with the added flexibility of being fully customisable for direct customer use. Suzanne explains: “For customers who want to integrate the Door Designer into their own digital platforms, we can customise the platform to include their own branding and pricing structure, enabling them to sell directly to their customers.”
ODL Europe is a company that builds value into building products. And as this new Door Designer shows, it also helps build value into its customers’ businesses, which is why it is such a proactive and valuable composite door partner, claims the company.
The new Door Designer is available on ODL Europe’s website at doordesigner.app/ODL/app
RISA Enhances Customer Support With New Website
RISA has launched a new and improved website, one that offers installers and homeowners a more professional and user-friendly experience, as well as providing a modern and intuitive platform to showcase the range of services on offer from the GGF Group’s inspection provider.
Dave Mechem, director of inspection and assessment at RISA, commented: “The new site is the latest in a series of initiatives that have been introduced to further enhance our service to FENSA Installers and homeowners.
“It has been carefully designed to provide a high-quality experience for users, one that’s in keeping with RISA as a forward thinking and innovative brand.
“This includes a much easier and more convenient way of booking inspections – and the option to pay for them online – as well as the ability to check on the status of ongoing inspections and view
reports.
“One of the key objectives of the new website is to introduce greater efficiencies and a speedier service for our customers,” he continued.
“That includes new enquiry forms that will help us to triage customer requests, prioritising those that are most urgent and ensuring quicker response times. In addition, the website is now connected to our CRM, which again will allow us to process enquiries more quickly and accurately, as well as the ability to provide valid quotations within a matter of hours – a significant improvement as this is something that may have taken days with our old system.”
The new website will also allow users to take advantage of RISA’s popular Independent Expert Witness service, which was introduced as an option for when disputes arise between homeowners and installers, as an alternative solution to court
proceedings is favoured.
It also provides easy access to any Section 75 reports provided by RISA – concerning installations that have been financed on a credit card or loan and thereby protected by the Consumer Credit Act – as well as RISA’s Pulse Testing Service.
Offered as an alternative to trickle vents, pulse testing is available to all homeowners and installers and is designed to demonstrate the airtightness of a building pre and post installation. If the reading doesn’t change, then installers have certified evidence that additional trickle vents are not required.
“RISA offers consumers and installers a highly valuable service, helping to improve industry standards, enhance the professionalism of our customers and offer vital dispute resolution when required,” concluded Dave.
“Our new website underlines the value of all these services thanks to its new design and easy to use format.”
www.risaltd.co.uk
Haffner Launches New Website
Haffner has launched a new website that showcases the company’s commitment to helping its customers achieve excellence.
Matt Thomas, Haffner’s managing director, said: “The website has been meticulously designed to be information-packed and easy to navigate. We’ve also worked hard to ensure it shows visitors the quality they can expect when they choose Haffner.”
Highlights of the new site include sections for both PVC-U and aluminium machines, with valuable filters to help visitors find the machinery options available to them.
Alongside the complete range of innovative and high-quality Haffner machinery it supplies, Haffner is also the sole agent in the UK for Graf Synergy, which is world renowned for its seamless weld technology. It is also an agent for Fom Industrie, which specialises in high-quality aluminium machinery.
Matt said: “We work closely with every customer to make sure they’re investing in the machinery that’s right for them. We also know that people like to do their research
before they come to us, and the machinery sections of our website are the perfect place to start.”
There are sections about Haffner and the key members of the team. Matt noted: “Our people make Haffner what it is, so it was important to highlight them. The section will help customers put faces to names and understand the size of our team.” There is also a video showing a day in the life at Haffner, which gives visitors a tour of the head office and some of the machinery the company supplies.
Customers are able to raise a support ticket or place a spare part request via the website, an addition that will add even more value to Haffner’s service offering. Matt commented: “The service section of our website makes it even easier for customers to reach out to us and get the support they need.”
As a multi-award-winning machinery supplier, Haffner sets exacting standards. With its comprehensive information and sleek design, its new website showcases those standards perfectly.
www.haffnerltd.com
L-R Craig Barker, Katie Bregazzi, Sarah Ball, Andy Ball
Koobr And Balls2 Marketing
Join Forces To Form Full-Service
Marketing Agency
Glazing specialist Balls2 Marketing is merging with creative and digital agency Koobr to form a ‘super’ agency under The Koobr Group. The merger combines both teams’ strengths in marketing, PR, and digital services. Craig Barker, Koobr founder, and Katie Bregazzi, director at Balls2 Marketing, will lead the new entity, while Balls2 founders, Sarah and Andy Ball, step back from daily operations but stay involved in strategy.
Katie Bregazzi highlighted the merger’s goal to provide a unified marketing strategy, combining Balls2’s glazing expertise with Koobr’s digital capabilities. The new agency will offer services in PR, content, social media, and email marketing, strengthened by Koobr’s design and technology expertise.
Andy Ball expressed excitement about this new chapter, citing the agency’s 14 years of success in supporting glazing industry growth.
Premium Lead Service Fuelling Growth For Installers, Says Leads 2 Trade
Leads 2 Trade, provider of double-qualified sales leads for the home improvement industry, is reporting continued success with its premium leads service for its trusted installer network.
It offers guaranteed booked appointments with double qualified customers in postcodes of the installers’ choice. These aren’t just any leads; they’re thoroughly vetted prospects who are genuinely interested in what the installer is offering, claims the company, with Leads 2 Trade organising an appointment for the installer to pitch
Andy Royle, co-founder and managing director of Leads 2 Trade, explained: “Our Premium leads service continues to provide installers with not only the right type of leads but leads that are proving easier to convert, saving them valuable time and money.”
The success of the service is evident from satisfied installer members. Kieran Mitton, MD of AWC Windows and Home Improvements in Oldham, said: “We are converting at least an extra six jobs per month, and the average order value has also risen thanks to premium appointed leads. We are looking to grow up to 60% as a result.”
Shaun Ellison, MD of Barriertherm Windows and Doors in Stockton, shares similar success: “Since we started taking premium appointed leads, our sales have gone up around 60-70%, which has increased revenue for the business massively with the prospect of growing the company.”
And Craig Eadie, MD of CDE Windows and Doors in Scotland, added: “We were already competitive, but with premium
appointed leads, we now have even more of an edge. They have helped us add an extra 20 jobs in a month and have given our sales staff increased potential to sell.”
What sets Leads 2 Trade’s Premium leads service apart from other leads is that the lead only goes to one other installer, giving members a fifty-fifty chance of winning the work and a significant advantage. And installers don’t have to pay for the lead unless they sit and pitch it, further minimising any risk, according to the company.
“Our Premium leads service is designed to give installers a foot in the door with highly qualified prospects, and it’s great that our three members are winning plenty of sales from them,” added Andy.
“By doing the hard work of vetting and qualifying these leads, we’re allowing our installer network to focus on what they do best – delivering high-quality window, door and conservatory installations and growing their businesses.”
https://bit.ly/3BBUPSx
New Campaign Highlights Strength Of Endurance Offer
Endurance Doors is promoting the strength of its unique offer to door installers through a new marketing campaign.
Based around the core message of ‘Together, We Grow’, the recently launched campaign highlights the many different ways in which the manufacturer of composite doors can make a difference to the success and growth of its customers.
“Endurance Doors has always had a focus on developing mutually profitable relationships with its installer partners” explains Scott Foster, sales and marketing director at the business.
“This stems from the fact that we fully recognise our continued success and expansion is intertwined with that of the businesses that buy and install our products.
“Anything we can do to help them succeed ultimately pays dividends for us as well. That’s why we remain focussed on offering our installers more
than high quality doors. We also provide them with a comprehensive package of value adding support that delivers genuine commercial advantages.”
The ‘Together, We Grow’ campaign is employing a variety of marketing mediums and techniques to showcase this support.
This includes how Endurance Doors assists its installer partners with lead generation.
Not only does the manufacturer provide customers with templates for social media posts and local press advertising but it also passes on leads generated through its own website to installers who are local to the source of the enquiry.
Each week, thanks to the brand’s ongoing investments in areas such as search engine optimisation and social media marketing, it can receive and distribute over 1000 warm leads of this type.
Endurance Doors says it also offers its installer partners in-depth sales support.
As part of this, the manufacturer provides installers with resources such as its recently updated and biggest ever brochure as well as with digital tools which they can employ on their own websites. This includes 360° product imagery, high definition videos and interactive door designers.
“From lead generation and conversion to product training and aftersales support, there are numerous ways in which Endurance Doors can help our installer partners to develop their business and their bottom line,” adds Scott.
“Over the coming months, our new campaign will shine a spotlight on these different methods, all of which have one key aim. To ensure that ‘Together, We Grow’”. endurancedoors.co.uk/trade
Modplan Launches New Website
rade fabricator Modplan has just launched its new website. The new website offers an enhanced user experience and a comprehensive overview of Modplan’s extensive product offer from industry-leading brands including Veka, Profile 22, Wendland, Vertex and Leka Systems.
Designed with the customer in mind, the new website is a
one-stop destination for trade partners seeking premium, madeto-measure windows, doors and conservatory roof solutions. Heidi Sachs, managing director at Modplan, said: “In line with modern design trends, we’ve focused on a simple-to-view and easy to navigate user experience. The website has also been designed to be fully responsive and to meet the needs of our customers. Ultimately, we aim to
make every interaction seamless, reflecting our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.”
www.modplan.co.uk
Safedoors Chooses BM Group As New Digital Partner
Partnering with the BM Group on their new website made perfect commercial sense for Safedoors – not only did they get a complete contemporary redesign from The Consultancy which has transformed their online presence, they also got the BM Touch online ordering and quoting system fully integrated within the website.
For Kay McGrady, Safedoors’ trade marketing manager, it saved huge amounts of time because she was able to deal with a single contact at The Consultancy for both the website and Touch, and Touch was seamlessly integrated during the development process rather than
being added on after the website design was finished.
She commented: “It was so valuable for me not to have to be the conduit between two separate digital businesses – I could just brief Pete Lancaster at The Consultancy and have complete certainty that he would liaise with the in-house Touch team and ensure we got a fully coordinated solution which delivered everything we required.
“The fact that The Consultancy are experts in this sector helped massively as well of course, because they gave us a stunning design which spearheads the launch of our new revitalised
brand, and also delivers everything we need in terms of UX and lead generation for both trade and retail visitors.”
The new Safedoors website incorporates the BM Touch retail designer which allows homeowners to design their own door and submit an enquiry for Safedoors to pass to trade customers via their Touch Portal software. It also includes a log in area for trade customers to quote and order directly using Touch Portal and a news and technical resource hub.
Safedoors’ trade customers also have the option to choose Touch Portal Branded mode and add a branded version of the retail door designer to their own websites and generate enquiries for themselves and several have already done so.
Kay McGrady said the immediate response from customers has been very positive. She added: “Our sales team were out and about previewing the website and demoing Touch to customers before the official launch, and got very enthusiastic feedback.
Customers feel that it represents a real step change for Safedoors – not only in terms of the new branding, but also because we’ve become such an early adopter of the Touch system which is creating such a buzz in the market.
“It very much reflects our growth
ambitions for Safedoors with such a market leading digital presence, a revitalised brand and major investments in sales and marketing support.”
Since the launch, Safedoors has been tracking the rise in traffic to the new website and analysing the visitor journey
Market Intelligence Company Helps TuffX To
Increase Customer Base
By 50%
TuffX, a leading manufacturer of toughened glass, has significantly expanded its customer base by 50% following a strategic partnership with Insight Data.
The Merseyside-based company, specialising in residential and commercial glass solutions, sought to enhance its email marketing efforts and broaden its contact network.
Insight Data, a UK provider of market intelligence, particularly in the fenestration and construction sectors, proved to be the ideal partner. With almost two decades of experience, the company has curated a comprehensive database of more
for ongoing optimisation. All of the key performance indicators are positive and the two most important ones – lead generation and sales conversions – are both increasing already.
More info at:
www.theconsultancy.co.uk/ and https://www.safedoors.co.uk/
than 13,500 industry professionals, including fabricators, installers, and glass companies.
Leveraging Insight Data’s proprietary Salestracker CRM system and integrated email marketing platform (STEM), TuffX was able to precisely target potential customers based on their specific needs and preferences. While Salestracker offers real-time market insights, STEM allows users to send interactive and engaging email campaigns, enabling businesses to stay ahead of the competition by delivering the right message to the right audience.
Andy Hayes, sales manager at TuffX, praised Salestracker and STEM for playing a pivotal role in the company’s success: “Insight Data’s support and up-to-date data were key factors in our decision to partner with them,” Hayes said. “If you’re looking to expand your customer base and streamline logistics, Insight Data is the ideal choice.”
While sales and marketing are the primary focus for most Insight Data subscribers, the benefits extend far beyond. The database can be utilised for market research, such as analysing industry trends and competitor activity, as well as strategic planning, including identifying new opportunities and refining operations. What’s more, by designing dynamic email campaigns, Insight Data customers can actively pinpoint their target audience with the perfect message.
Kirsty Winter, general manager at Insight Data, said: “A significant increase in customer base, as experienced by TuffX, demonstrates that working with us and subscribing to Salestracker and utilising STEM brings measurable results that turn into sales.
“We understand that one size never fits all, which is why our platforms are configurable for each business and user, and clients range from a regional fabricator with two or three users up to international conglomerates with 50-plus users.”
www.insightdata.co.uk
Andy Hayes, sales manager at TuffX
Finalists Announced For G24 Awards
The organisers of the G24 Awards has announced the shortlist for this year’s event, with the gala dinner taking place on Friday 29 November where the winners will be announced.
“Congratulations to all those shortlisted for the G24 Awards. With such a huge range of top-quality entries this year the judges have really had a lot to do. The entries have shown such innovation and inspiration this year – we can’t wait to celebrate with you all on Friday 29 November.’ said Tony Higgin, event organiser. The finalists are:
Best Business Initiative of the Year
Emplas
Deceuninck and ICAAL
Keystone Market Research
Pearl Windows
Production Software Technology
Saint-Gobain Glass
Sternfenster
VBH (GB)
Commercial Project of the Year
College Road – Reynaers Aluminium
Epsom Hospital – REHAU
Escapade Silverstone – ALUK GB and Arkay Contractors
One Sherwood, Piccadilly, Central London – Evander
Glazing and Locks
Royal South Hants Hospital and University Hospital
Southampton NHS Foundation Trust – Pioneer
Trading Company
Walton Court, Surrey – Emplas
Women’s Rehabilitation Centre Hope Street,
Southampton – Thames Valley Window Company
Component Supplier of the Year
DoorCo
ERA
Epwin Window Systems
Thermoseal Group
UAP
VBH (GB)
Window Ware
Customer Care Initiative of the Year
Business Pilot
Emplas
Evander Glazing and Locks
Everglade Windows
Glazpart
Morley Glass & Glazing
Quickslide Windows & Doors
REHAU
Fabricator of the Year
Conservatory Outlet
Emplas
Everglade Windows
Glazerite UK Group
Heritage Trade Frames
Warwick North West
Glass Company of the Year
Glass Express Midlands
Go Glass
Morley Glass & Glazing
Padiham Glass
ToughGlaze UK
Installer of the Year
Bereco
Clearview Home Improvements
Coral Windows
Droylsden Glass
Masterfitter Windows
Thames Valley Window Company
The Window Hub
Machinery Innovation Award
Forel UK & Ireland
Haffner
Hegla Machinery UK
New Product of the Year
Slider24 Triple Track Patio Door – Deceuninck
M3 Floodtec Defender Low Threshold Flood Door –
Glazerite UK Group
ProSecure Pace Security Door Hinge – MILA – Part of ASSA ABLOY
Pilkington Mirai™ – Low Carbon Glass – Pilkington
UK
Vision 7 – Reynaers Aluminium
MIRALITE® EASYSAFE – Saint-Gobain Glass
Armasmart – UAP
OMNIA – VEKA
Promotional Campaign of the Year
DoorCo
Glazpart
ICAAL
Reynaers Aluminium
Sternfenster
The Residence Collection
UAP
VEKA
Rising Star Award
Andy Lloyd, Comp Door
Anthony Leach, ALUK GB
Barry Fish, Pilkington UK/NSG Group
Ben Jones, Victorian Sliders
Cara Shepherd, Glassolutions
Nick Bailey, Business Micros (BM Group)
Oliver Marriott, Liniar
Simon Jeffreys, Pilkington UK/NSG Group
Sustainability Initiative of the Year
Deceuninck
Emplas
Pilkington UK
Saint-Gobain Glass
The National Glass Group
Ultraframe
VEKA
Victorian Sliders
Training & Development Initiative of the Year
Emplas
ESG
Evander Glazing and Locks
Shelforce
Sternfenster
Thermoseal Group
Tyneside Home Improvements
UAP
Ultraframe
Unsung Hero Award
Paul Hamilton, Business Micros (BM Group)
Katie Harris, Business Pilot
Lisa Holmes, Clearview Home Improvements
Clive Sparkes, Go Glass
James Wilding, James Wilding Joinery
Dave Horton, MILA – part of ASSA ABLOY
Denise Heslop, Pilkington UK/NSG Group
Chris Green, Tyneside Home Improvements
Thanks again to the judging panel for the awards this year: Brian Shillibeer, editorial director – ProFinder Magazines, Bruce Turner, technical officer – Glass and Glazing Federation, Chris Beedel, head of government advocacy and stakeholder relations – Glass and Glazing Federation, Dan Brown, strategic relationship manager – GQA Qualifications, Danelle Vanstone, head of communications – CERTASS Certification, Jon Vanstone, chair – CERTASS Trade Association, Lauren Mawford, head of operations – Glass and Glazing Federation, Lee Galley, technical manager – RISA, Luke Wood, editor – Glass Times, Mick Clayton, chief executive officer – GQA Qualifications, Paul Howard, product innovation lead – Research and Innovation Division – BRE, Rod Appleyard, principal – Verification Associates, Sara Mikunda, co-founder – Liaison Communications and Sioned Yates, owner & director – Access Marketing Ltd
The event is sponsored by leading names including BM Group, Deceuninck, Emplas, Epwin, FENSA, FIT Show, Forel, GGF, Quanex, Saint-Gobain Glass, Thermoseal, VBH and Veka.
The presentation and gala dinner is one of the biggest nights in the calendar and is the 20th anniversary of celebrating some of the best in the UK glass & glazing industry. The event will be held at the London Hilton on Park Lane on Friday 29 November and tickets are now on sale through the event website.
www.g-awards.com
Double G24 Awards
Shortlisting
for Morley Glass
Morley Glass, the UK’s leading manufacturer of made-to-order integral blinds has been named a finalist for two of this year’s prestigious G-Awards.
The company, which produces around 4,000 Uni-Blinds units every week exclusively using the world-renowned ScreenLine integral blind systems, has been shortlisted for the G24 Glass Company of the Year Award and the Customer Service Initiative of the Year Award.
In being named a finalist in these two competitive categories, Morley Glass is hoping to repeat its 2023 G-Awards success when it won the award for Sustainability Initiative of the Year in recognition of its pioneering post-consumer glass recycling scheme.
Ian Short, managing director of Morley Glass said: “We’re thrilled to be named a finalist for these two awards in what has been a
momentous year for us. The new products we brought to the UK market in 2023 – many of which are exclusives – have proved to be hit, and our Uni-Blinds Registered Installer scheme is going from strength to strength. This has helped to ensure our integral blind sales have continued to increase during 2024.
“We’ve also reached important milestones in our glass recycling service, which involves us collecting end of life IGUs removed by our customers and crushing them into cullet for the re-manufacture of new glass. We surpassed the 1,000 ‘energy years’ mark in terms of the amount of energy our cullet has saved – an energy year being the amount of energy a typical UK household would use in 12 months – and we have now saved the need for over 2,500 tonnes of virgin raw materials.
“I’d like to wish all the G24
finalists the very best of luck. Reaching the finals is a tremendous honour and we look forward to the awards evening in November.”
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Morley Glass manufacturing integral blinds, during which time it has played an instrumental role in the growth of this market. Today the company employs more than 100 people at its HQ and manufacturing facility near Leeds, from which it supplies bespoke integral blind units to window and door customers across the country. www.morleyglass.co.uk
Ian Short, managing director of Morley Glass
Epwin Window Systems shortlisted for Component Supplier of the Year
Safeware, the dedicated hardware division of Epwin Window Systems, has been shortlisted for the Component Supplier of the Year Award at the G Awards 2024.
Rob Hartill, commercial director at Safeware, said: “The G Awards recognises innovation and exceptional performance within the industry, so we’re delighted to be shortlisted for Component Supplier of the Year.”
Epwin Window Systems is the only systems house with a dedicated in-house hardware division. Safeware provides tested and accredited
Haffner Shortlisted for G Award
Leading Machinery supplier Haffner has been shortlisted for the new Machinery Innovation Award at this year’s G Awards.
Matt Thomas, Haffner’s managing director, said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted this year. It’s the third nomination in a row for us. We’ve been fortunate to have won our category in previous years, so we’re keeping our fingers firmly crossed we can make it three in a row this year!”
hardware solutions for Epwin Window Systems’ PVC-U and aluminium fabricators. It streamlines the supply chain by being a single-source provider, facilitating one order, one delivery and one invoice.
According to Epwin window Systems, with over £2 million in stock and more than 2,500 SKUs from leading hardware brands, Safeware boasts an impressive 98.4% on-time-in-full (OTIF) delivery rate.
Rob added: “Safeware enhances efficiency and reliability in the supply chain, simplifying order processes for fabricators.”
The company consistently demonstrates its excellence in the industry, securing multiple G Awards in recent years. Its continued commitment to product and service excellence has resulted in a remarkable track record of success.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the G Awards will announce the winners on Friday, November 29, at the London Hilton on Park Lane. Rob concluded: “The G Awards is a highlight of the industry calendar, recognising the achievements and creativity that drive the industry forward. We eagerly anticipate the awards ceremony in November and look forward to celebrating alongside the other outstanding nominees.”
www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk
Haffner has been shortlisted for its KT 808-50 Assembly Table for Door Sash because it eliminates the time-consuming manual alignment of a door outer frame and sash. According to Haffner, the KT Table increases consistency, accuracy and speed, allowing a fabricator to
manufacture one door every five minutes. It is a transformational solution for every volume door manufacturer.
Matt said: “Ensuring the outer frame and sash align consistently in door manufacturing is essential for both hinge placement and aesthetics. For high volume door manufacturers in particular, this is a significant issue that slows down production rates and impacts quality, ultimately taking money away from the bottom line. Several fabricators approached us to develop a solution and in response, we developed the KT 808-50 Assembly Table for Door Sash (KT Table), which optimises sash assembly by combining different processes on a single table.” www.haffnerltd.com
DoorCo Recognised As a Dual Finalist In the G24 Awards
DoorCo has been shortlisted in this year’s G-Awards in the categories of Component Supplier of the Year and Promotional Campaign, both of which they have won in the past.
Ben Aspinall, commercial director comments: “We’re really pleased to have been successfully shortlisted in the two categories we entered for this year’s G24 Awards. Both Component Supplier of the Year and Promotional Campaign of the Year are important awards for us to uphold, having won both in previous years.
“Since being named G22 Component Supplier, we haven’t been resting on our laurels. Our focus has been firmly on innovation, which was perfectly showcased in our Innovation Week takeover last November.
“Innovation Week saw us highlighted to the market 11 new product innovations that have been added to the product portfolio in 2024. Twice daily announcements over 5 days covered all the work we’ve been doing behind the scenes on our journey to be the One Supplier for composite door components in the UK, supporting many of the industry’s key players with the sole supply of composite doors.
“We’re excited to be attending the G-Awards this year as a finalist to celebrate the very best of the window and door industry. Congratulations to all the other finalists.”
www.door-co.com
Deceuninck Triple-Listing at G24 Finals
Deceuninck has been shortlisted as a finalist across three categories at this year’s G-Awards.
This includes a finalist spot in the Sustainability initiative of the Year category, having previously won the high-profile award in 2022.
Deceuninck’s new dedicated triple-track option on its highly popular Slider24+ patio TT24, is short-listed in the New Product of the Year category. Manufactured as a dedicated single profile, it accommodates openings of up to 6m in a six-pane configuration and almost 4.42.m in a three-pane option.
Deceuninck also making the finalist cut in the Best Business Initiative Award.
Darren Woodcock, general manager Deceuninck, said that the short listings were testimony to the hard work of the Deceuninck team and a reflection of the continuing success of its customers.
He said: “We’ve got a great track record of success in the G-Awards.
“We won the Sustainability Initiative of the Year Award in 2022 for our commitment to lower our carbon footprint, plus the win we had last year in the Promotional Campaign of the Year.
“To be shortlisted in three categories this year is a fantastic achievement and recognition of the continuing hard work of the team and Deceuninck fabricators, to drive forward innovation in the window and door industry.”
In addition to the three short listings made under its own steam by Deceuninck, its supply partnership with Pioneer Trading Company for the successful delivery of a major energy efficiency upgrade at the Royal South Hants Hospital on behalf of Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, is also short shortlisted.
“We’d also like to wish the very best of luck to the six Deceuninck customers nominated at this year’s awards. This includes Coral Windows, Everglade Windows, Pioneer Trading Company, Sternfenster, Quickslide Windows and Doors, and Windowhub”, Darren added. www.deceuninck.co.uk
Customer Service Underpins Business Pilot’s Two Shortlisted G-Award Entries
Business Pilot has been shortlisted in two categories at this G-Awards, which both highlight the software innovator’s focus on the importance of customer relationships.
The categories are Customer Care Initiative and Unsung Hero.
“We are thrilled to be shortlisted twice in this year’s G-Awards, with both categories demonstrating the importance we place on delivering the best customer service, and the personable approach we have to developing our business,” Business Pilot’s MD Elton Boocock said.
“We are particularly excited that Katie Harris has been recognised for her professional approach to the role of support co-ordinator, and we get positive feedback from customers even when we don’t ask for it!
“One customer wrote to me and said: ‘A key cog in our received support has been Katie Harris who has been there when needed, including after hours conversations on a Friday. Katie has definitely gone the extra mile for us, and this has not gone unnoticed.’
“We are also chuffed to have been shortlisted in the Customer Care Initiative category, which again underpins our success, and the success of our customers.”
Business Pilot’s entry centred on its five sell-out Training Days in 2024, which help users to understand new features and developments of the Business Pilot CRM software, and delve into areas that they aren’t making the most of.
These events also give the BP Community the chance to talk to like-minded installers and share tips on how they use Business
Pilot, and to feed back to Business Pilot on the system with ideas for future development.
“While our Training Days were designed to help our customers get the most out of using our software, we have seen other benefits, such as the growth of a whole new community of Business Pilot users who share best practice and promote professionalism,” Elton said.
“We would like to wish everyone the best of luck for all nominees this year. It is a great event, and we can’t wait for an exciting evening.”
www.businesspilot.co.uk
Katie Harris
Ultraframe Double Shortlisted for G Awards
Ultraframe has been shortlisted for two awards at the 2024 G Awards – Sustainability Initiative of the Year and Training & Development Initiative of the Year. The Awards, which are in their 20th year, are dedicated to ‘rewarding innovation and exceptional performance from companies and people in the UK market’ and take place at a ceremony in London later this year.
The Sustainability Initiative of the Year award applauds the achievements of companies’ sustainability efforts and initiatives, including
measures to minimise, reuse and recycle waste, use of measures to minimise energy use during construction and occupancy, and measures to demonstrate the mitigation of climate change.
The Training & Development Initiative of the Year award is open to companies that embrace the training and development ethic in-house, or institutions that specialise in this subject and can demonstrate tangible success through results.
Commenting about the double shortlisting, Ultraframe marketing director, Alex Hewitt, said: “Everyone here at Ultraframe is very proud that our hup! building system has been shortlisted for two G Awards. Sustainability is at the very heart of hup! – it’s 60% more carbon efficient than a brick wall, 5X more energy efficient than the average UK home, and there is minimal on-site water usage or waste. In terms of training, our amazing Ultraframe technical and marketing teams have trained a whopping 4000+ installers across the UK to date, to educate them about the many benefits – both to them and their customers – of building with hup!.
“The G Awards are a chance for all of the hard work and innovation that is at the heart of our industry to be recognised and celebrated. Congratulations and good luck to the finalists from all at Ultraframe and here’s to a fantastic evening.”
Veka Scores A Hattrick Of G Award Nominations
Veka plc – one of the UK’s leading PVCu suppliers – has been named finalist in three categories of glass and glazing’s awards, the G Awards.
Omnia, Veka’s latest innovation, is nominated for Product of the Year, while the campaign to promote the product is also in line for commendation as Promotional Campaign of the Year.
The release of Omnia this year was a result of four years’ of research and innovation intended to revolutionise the industry, offering a suite of double-rebated, double-flush extrusions for every application that is fit for the future.
Veka Recycling, which was brought under the umbrella of Veka plc in January this year, is shortlisted for Sustainability Initiative of the Year, as the
company develops and enhances its closed-loop system in its sustainability endeavours.
Neil Evans, managing director of Veka plc, said: “The G Awards is a highlight of the glass and glazing calendar and is one of the industry’s most highly respected events, so we are delighted to be nominated for three categories.
“Veka is committed to leading innovation and sustainability in our sector, so it is extremely rewarding to be recognised by the G Awards as being a force in these areas.”
The fenestration company is a main sponsor for the 2024 edition of the G Awards, which is now in its 20th year as a celebration of the glass and glazing industry.
www.vekauk.com
Window Ware Shortlisted For Best Component Supplier G24 Award
Window Ware has been shortlisted for the Component Supplier of the Year award at the upcoming G24 Awards, underscoring the company’s ongoing commitment to providing the best service for its customers.
Offering a vast range of over 5,000 hardware products, including leading brands and customisable options, Window Ware works tirelessly to ensure fabricators can meet every customer demand. The company’s strong commitment to stock availability, rapid order fulfilment, and exceptional customer service consistently set
the standard for hardware supply, claims the company.
A delighted Sam Nuckey, managing director of Window Ware, said: “Being shortlisted for the G24 Awards is fantastic and a huge testament to our team’s hard work and dedication. We’ve always strived to not just meet but exceed our customers’ expectations, and this recognition is for them.”
Over the past 18 months, Window Ware has invested heavily in its infrastructure and team to optimise operations and elevate customer satisfaction even further.
Its data-driven approach, coupled with a deep understanding of industry needs, empowers the hardware provider to deliver a superior customer experience.
According to the company, its success isn’t solely based on its expansive product range and efficient delivery. Window Ware prides itself on the technical expertise of its team with continual training, ensuring customers receive not just quality products, but comprehensive technical support and expert product guidance too. The company can also offer personalised product displays and online marketing support resources for customers.
“We see our role as more than just a supplier,” added Sam. “We’re partners in our customers’ success, providing them with the tools and the full support they need to thrive.”
www,windowware.co.uk
Lucky number 7? Emplas a finalist in 7-categories at the G-Awards 2024
Emplas has made it through to the finals in no less than seven categories at this year’s G-Awards, including Fabricator of the Year Category.
Having won the Fabricator of the Year title in 2015 and 2021, Emplas has also been short-listed in the Best Business Initiative category; Customer Care Initiative Award; the Commercial Project of the Year Award; Sustainability Initiative Award; and Training and Development Award.
Padiham Glass, Emplas’ in-house IGU manufacturing business is also short-listed for the Glass Company of the Year Award.
Ryan Johnson, managing director, Emplas Group, said that the short listings were a significant achievement.
“The G-Awards celebrate achievement in the window and door industry. To be nominated across seven different categories
is a massive achievement and one which we’re very proud of.
“The categories are hard fought, particularly Fabricator of the Year, but whatever happens on the night to have come this far is fantastic and a reflection of the hard work of what is a very dedicated and highly motivated team.”
Emplas has continued its investment-led strategy this year, developing its own customer CRM and digital business management tool, EVA CRM.
It’s also launched a unique closed-loop recycling service in partnership with the Epwin Group and Saint-Gobain Glass, with projections to divert more than 300 tonnes of post-consumer PVC-U and 1,000 tonnes of glass per annum from the waste stream.
Its commitment to staff training and development is recognised in the nomination for the Training Initiative Award. With IIP status
since February, its Warehouseto-Wheels programme is helping warehouse and factory team members gain HGV Class 2 qualifications.
Having invested more than £1m in a new Forel IGU line, new Botero cutting table and putting in new systems to further enhance quality, Padiham Glass is also made the cut in the Glass Company of the Year category.
“I’d be lying if I didn’t say we want to win. We do”, continued Ryan “but ultimately, it’s about getting together with colleagues and friends in the industry and celebrating a collective achievement.
“As an industry we have a lot to contribute, making homes warmer, more sustainable, more secure as well as improving accessibility and the appearance of the built environment.
“The G-Awards is unique in providing a platform to recognise that contribution and to celebrate innovation.
“I’d like to wish the very best of luck to all of the other finalists and see you in November!”
www.emplas.co.uk
Sternfenster Up For Three G24 Awards
Sternfenster has been shortlisted in three categories for this year’s G-Awards.
The three categories are Best Business Initiative, Promotional Campaign, and Training and Development Initiative.
“We are celebrating our 50th year in business this year, and being shortlisted three times at this year’s G-Awards demonstrates that we continue to invest in our people and our infrastructure in ways that ultimately benefit our customers,” Sternfenster’s MD Mike Parczuk said.
Sternfenster’s end-to-end IT journey has put it in the running for Best Business Initiative. It demonstrates the high levels of care, attention and investment Sternfenster puts into delivering
projects of this nature – projects that can deliver a step change in terms of improved productivity and customer service.
Part of this journey is the trade fabricator’s EasyAdmin+ system, where customers can place an order online, which will automatically be programmed into Sternfenster’s manufacturing software and ready for production without having to re-enter data or re-confirm details.
“Even at its most basic level, EasyAdmin+ puts our customers in control of their product ordering and supply,” Mike said. “This is alongside other features such as managing the lead process, chasing outstanding quotes, and easily arranging surveys, installations and service calls.
“This immediately makes our customers more efficient, and helps them to create new opportunities. It is definitely a case of working smarter, not harder.”
Central to Sternfenster’s Training Development nomination, is its ‘Pursuit for Platinum’ initiative which builds on the company’s Gold Investors in People standard, which it attained in 2022.
“We are working hard to be one of only 2% of organisations worldwide who attain the Platinum standard,” Mike said.
“By following this path, we are seeing huge benefits in the way Sternfenster operates, such as embedding a culture of continuous improvement, happier and healthier colleagues, and better production outcomes.”
As part of its 50-year celebrations, Sternfenster developed a promotional campaign that has made a massive impact across multiple platforms, generating greater engagement with new and existing customers, and an increase in leads which have resulted in new accounts, according to the company.
“Our year-long promotional campaign was 49 years in the making,” Mike said. “And during 2024, we used social media, advertising, the trade press and direct marketing to talk to new and existing customers, while having fun and celebrating our achievements in the process.
“And the fact we are now in the running for a G-Award is the cherry on the cake in an exciting and rewarding year.”
This year’s G-Awards are held at the London Hilton on Park Lane on Friday 29 November 2024.
www.sternfenster.com
Focus On Professionalism Earns Glass Express Midlands a G24 Nomination
Glass Express Midlands is a G24 finalist, after being shortlisted in the prestigious Glass Company of the Year category.
The nomination comes after 18 months of significant investment at the Oldbury-based company, which has resulted in an increase in commercial work while developing stronger ties with its trade customer base.
“It has been a rollercoaster of a ride since I bought the business back in 2022, and we are all excited to be shortlisted for a G24 award,” managing director Arun Photay said.
“From the very start, my policy has always been to invest in machinery, people and infrastructure to ensure the products that leave our site in Oldbury, in the West Midlands, are of the highest quality.
“When glass units play a vital role in the windows they form part of – whether that’s on a domestic refurbishment around the corner in Oldbury, or on a flagship commercial development in Edinburgh – they must be perfect.”
Arun has also played a critical role in raising the profile of the glass industry within construction and among policy makers in Whitehall. One of his first achievements was to arrange a meeting between GGF board members and ministers at Number 10 in a bid to bridge the gap between the vast knowledge within the industry and some of the things that the government were proposing at the time, according to the company.
“Setting up a meeting between the GGF and government ministers was the right thing to do,” Arun said. “Government would then have access to experts, and the
GGF could get their message to the people who mattered.
“Since then, key documents have been read by government ministers, and I’m aware of future meetings to build on that relationship.”
Glass Express Midlands also arranged a high-profile roundtable event hosted in London, which resulted in the GGF and the Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB) agreeing to work closer together to provide a unified voice to policy makers, claims the company.
“To have two of our industry leaders agree to closer cooperation and speak to government with a unified voice was an excellent result,” Arun said. “We are also developing a roadmap that will improve communication between industry and government, while putting a spotlight on professionalism within our sector.”
This year’s G-Awards are held at the London Hilton on Park Lane on Friday 29 November 2024.
glassexpressmidlands.co.uk
Thermoseal Group Earns G24 Shortlist Spot
Thermoseal Group has secured its place on the G24 Awards shortlist with two nominations, one for Component Supplier, and one for Training and Development Initiative.
“These nominations are a great way to celebrate the exciting year we’ve had at Thermoseal Group,” sales and marketing director Mark Hickox said. “We’ve continued to invest in every area of the business, including injection moulding, transport, recycling, testing, solar energy, and – most importantly – our people.
“This has resulted in increased production capacity, new markets and improved products, including the fact that Thermoflex is now the best performing flexible silicone foam spacer bar in the world.”
Thermoseal is an enthusiastic participant of the Investors in People scheme, which underpins the component supplier’s Training and Development Initiative nomination. This year, the IIP report recognised that
employees actively engaged in the company’s growth plans.
“As a result of this investment, a number of people are learning new skills and ways of working, helping to ensure that the company remains highly competitive,” the report said.
This summer, Thermoseal Group was acquired by Fenzi Group, which gives it access to a global manufacturing and distribution network specialising in insulated glass components.
“We can now offer customers a complete product and service offering, ensuring that they can invest in the most appropriate products and machinery for their business,” Mark said.
“Thermoseal is not a one-trick pony. We supply a choice of every component required to make the highest performing IGU possible, and we are delighted that we have an opportunity to celebrate our achievements with the industry at this year’s G-Awards.”
www.thermosealgroup.com
Glazpart says it is delighted that the Glazpartners programme has been shortlisted as finalists at this year’s G-Awards in two categories: Customer Care Initiative of the Year and Promotional Campaign of the Year.
Both nominations are a reflection of the success of the ongoing development and strong promotion of Glazpartners since the initiative started in Spring 2023.
Glazpartners was designed to create closer collaboration between Glazpart and its customers across the supply chain to share industry challenges and create product solutions. The initiative has the additional benefit for Glazpart customers with the multi-channel marketing of Glazpartner companies and their brands at industry events, in trade media, online and via social media.
On hearing the news Dean Bradley, sales director of Glazpart commented: “We are thrilled that Glazpartners has been nominated for not just one but two G-Awards! Glazpartners has been a great success since it was launched last year at FIT Show and with our customer account management and marketing campaign, the initiative continues to gather real momentum. We now have 40 companies across the glazing supply chain signed up to be Glazpartners and more are joining each month to gain the multiple benefits of the programme.” glazpart.com/glazpartners/
Sustainable Solutions From Saint-Gobain Glass Shortlisted For Trio Of Awards
Saint-Gobain Glass is in the running for three awards at the 20th anniversary of The G awards.
The glass company, based in Eggborough, is a finalist in the Best Business Initiative of the Year, New Product of the Year and Sustainability initiative of the Year categories for the G24 Awards, with the winners to be announced next month.
For both the Best Business Initiative and the Sustainability Initiative accolades, SaintGobain Glass is recognised for its investment in industry-wide sustainability, in addition to implementing and supporting its Glass Forever post-consumer flat glass recovery and recycling programme.
The company invested €4.5 million to enhance its cullet processing capabilities by building a state-of-the-art recycling plant at its Eggborough factory. Completed in 2023, the
facility supports its commended Glass Forever programme by transforming waste glass into high-quality, reusable cullet, ready for remanufacturing into new, high-performance glazing. The initiative has helped increase cullet ratio at the company’s North Yorkshire hub to above 40%, with over 300Kg of CO2 being saved for every tonne of post-consumer cullet used at the factory, claims the company.
The Glass Forever initiative equips Saint-Gobain customers in both pre-consumer and postconsumer glass markets with the resources and knowledge
needed to make glass recovery easy, affordable, and attractive, committing to circular economy principles and to sustainable business practices, says the company.
For the New Product of the Year accolade, Saint-Gobain Glass has been shortlisted for Miralite Easysafe, a revolutionary safety mirror. It is a shatterproof mirror that retains 98% of glass splinters if the mirror breaks. It is also highly sustainable, being made from water-based and lead-free components to ensure better indoor air quality through very low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. Miralite Easysafe has an anti-shatter resin coating applied in a single step process at Saint-Gobain’s factory, which not only removes the aesthetic and environmental challenges of previously used films, but also makes it easier and safer to work with for processors and installers, according to the company.
Mike Butterick, marketing director at Saint-Gobain Glass said: “We’re thrilled to be a finalist in three categories for this year’s awards. All three nominations recognise our sustainability efforts and further cement our commitment to the environment and industry revolution.”
“We are delighted that more and more of our customers are getting involved in our Glass Forever programme and are also embracing our new products such as Miralite Easysafe. It has been recognised in the G24 awards as a game changer for shatterproof mirrors, making environments safer and more sustainable for both processors, installers and end users.”
The G24 Awards presentation and gala dinner will take place on Friday 29 November and will be held at the prestigious London Hilton on Park Lane.
www.saint-gobain-glass.co.uk
driven exceptional business performance, with the Birmingham-based business seeing a record turnover of £8.9 million this year.
Shelforce has been nominated for this year’s Training and Development Initiative of the Year award at the G24 Awards.
The manufacturer and supplier of uPVC windows, doors, and fire doors to Local Authority building projects has gained a reputation for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, with 75% of its 36-strong workforce having a physical or mental disability.
Warwick North West Continues Award-Winning Streak with G24 Awards Shortlisting Shelforce Shortlisted For Training And Development G24 Award
Howard Trotter, business manager at Shelforce, said: “We are thrilled to be shortlisted for this G24 award. Our training and development initiative is more than just a business strategy and has helped create an environment where everyone can thrive, regardless of their abilities.”
Shelforce’s innovative program begins with a six-month paid work experience, followed by an interview process, which has been designed to overcome the challenges faced by individuals with learning disabilities in traditional recruitment processes. And, looking to the future, the company is currently working alongside Birmingham City Council to further improve the interview process for individuals with learning difficulties and disabilities.
“Our redesigned recruitment process allows individuals to showcase their true potential in a realworld setting, giving them a genuine opportunity to secure employment and contribute to our team,” added Howard, with Shelforce also honoured with the King’s Award for Enterprise in Promoting Opportunity (through social mobility) last year.
www.shelforce.com
this esteemed industry accolade, continuing its impressive run of recent award successes.
The company’s training and development initiative has not only transformed its workforce but also Warwick North West, a leading window and door manufacturer based in Bootle in the Liverpool City Region, has added another feather to its cap by
being shortlisted for the highly competitive Fabricator of the Year category at the prestigious G24 Awards. This marks the company’s first appearance on the shortlist for
The nomination follows a string of victories for Warwick North West, including being crowned Business of the Year at the City of Liverpool Business Awards (COLBA), winning the Manufacturing & Innovation award at the Liverpool Chamber Innovation in Business Awards, and securing the Business of the Year title at the Sefton Business Awards.
Managing director Greg Johnson expressed his excitement:
“Being shortlisted for Fabricator of the Year at the G24 Awards is a tremendous honour. It’s a testament to our team’s dedication, our commitment to quality, and our innovative approach to manufacturing. This industry recognition, following our recent regional successes, further validates our efforts on a national scale.” warwicknorthwest.co.uk
British Woodworking Federation 2024 Awards Shortlist Revealed
This year’s shortlist for the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) Awards has been revealed.
The Awards celebrate the outstanding skills, talent and achievements of the UK woodworking and joinery manufacturing industry.
Helen Hewitt, chief executive of the BWF, commented: “As the BWF Awards enter their sixteenth year, I’m pleased to share that we’ve seen a record-breaking number of award entries – clearly demonstrating the wide range of skills, expertise and passion within our talented sector.
“It’s also exciting to see the enthusiasm for our new BWF Sustainability Award; where for the first time we’re shining a spotlight on the woodworking and joinery businesses who are committed to reducing
their carbon emissions or improving their energy efficiency through innovative new processes.
“The BWF Awards give us a welcome opportunity to celebrate the projects, successes and brilliant individuals within our profession. I’m looking forward to a fantastic evening recognising the achievements from across the woodworking and joinery sector.”
The winners will be announced at the BWF Annual Awards in the prestigious London hotel, The Langham, on Friday the 22nd of November.
More information about the awards can be found on the BWF website here. The full shortlist for this year’s award is as follows:
BWF Health and Safety Award – Sponsored by NFU Mutual
• Heron Joinery – For their Continuous Improvement Project aimed at enhancing health and safety protocols whilst demonstrating a strong commitment to creating a safer working environment for all employees.
• JELD-WEN – For their development of a Radio Frequency Tag System, using AI technology to protect pedestrians from moving industrial vehicles.
• Heron Fire Doors – For their transition from manual handling to mechanised solutions to improve workplace safety.
BWF Apprentice of the Year Award – Sponsored by CITB
• Lilli-Mae Broadhurst – Gowercroft Joinery Lilli- Mae’s employer said “Lilli-Mae is a very fast learner and her hunger for knowledge, and ambition to get on was soon apparent. Her fast promotion at Gowercroft has been down to hard graft, determination, and willingness to take the initiative.”
• Harrison Ward – James Wilding Joinery Harrison’s employer said “Harrison has grown into an exceptionally talented young man. He continually goes above and beyond in all tasks he is presented with and works in an extremely professional manner. As a company, we welcome ideas from all levels and areas of the business, from the apprentice right up to the partners.”
• Paige Kavanagh – Corbel Conservation Ltd Paige’s employer said “Coupled with the practical skills Paige possesses is her determination to do the right thing for the company and her peers. Paige’s drive, passion to learn and enthusiasm to always improve has really stood out.”
BWF Heritage Project of the Year Award –Sponsored by Remmers (UK) Ltd
• Blairs Windows and Doors – For the intricate window restoration project on the Tontine Hotel –an A Listed Building.
• Precision Made Joinery – For their valuable contribution to the restoration of the Grade 2 Listed property, The Old Rectory, Fornham All Saints, Suffolk.
• A R Manley and Son – For using traditional techniques to accurately replicate an authentic Victorian Greenhouse, using modern timbers and paint.
BWF Innovation Award – Sponsored by Anker Stuy Coatings Ltd
• Coastal Group – For their Inowa Sliding door system that aims to redefine the standard of sliding door technology within the UK joinery industry by integrating cutting-edge innovation, sustainability, and superior functionality.
• Joinerysoft – For their development of JMS Cloud – a cloud-based software solution, specifically designed to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and profitability of any joinery business.
• Heron Fire Doors – For the ongoing development of their cost efficient external door set ‘Herodor’.
BWF Sustainability Award – Sponsored by Mirka
• Surrey Wood Products – For their commitment to demonstrating lasting and sustainable change in their timber supply.
• James Latham – For the development of The James Latham Carbon Calculator, developed to help woodworkers and joiners select materials with greater confidence to meet regulatory, ethical, and aspirational requirements surrounding sustainability.
• Gowercroft Joinery – For their commitment to continued improvement within its manufacturing processes, leading to tangible enhancements in sustainability practices and further reductions in the overall environmental impact using Life Cycle Assessments.
BWF Rising Star Award – Sponsored by Accsys Technologies Plc
• Chris Cork – Cubby Construction Chris’ employer said “Chris has shown his willingness to help anyone and everyone especially the customers. He will often do extra hours both in the workshop and on site to ensure the job is complete to the highest standard.”
• Tautvydas Bumblys – Heron Joinery Tautvydas’ employer said “At Heron Joinery, we are truly fortunate to have an individual who embodies the values of care, compassion and dedication not only to his colleagues but also to the broader community.”
• Joanna Zyser – Heron Fire Doors – Joanna’s employers said “Under Joanna, the glazing area of our factory has undergone a complete transformation. Joanna has implemented lean methodology and just in time processes within her area reducing waste and greatly improving efficiency, no small achievement for someone thrown in at the deep end with no experience working within the joinery or fire door industry.”
BWF Woodworking Project of the Year –Sponsored by Impra Wood Protection Limited
• D Foord Joinery Ltd – For the elegant, yet technically challenging design and installation of elliptical staircase for a Georgian house using English oak.
• R & E Falkingham – For the extensive and complex restoration and enhancement of the striking 1920’s property Uplands, in Beverley.
• Precision Made Joinery – For the manufacture of a bespoke suspended staircase in a Grade 2 Listed property, The Old Rectory, Fornham All Saints, Suffolk.
Best Of British Recognition For Unique
Unique Window Systems could be set to build on its impressive track record of award wins.
Following its success in winning the Outstanding Growth and Business of the Year categories at the Leicestershire Business Awards 2023, staged by East Midlands Chamber, the company has now been nominated for the UK-wide Chamber Business Awards 2024.
The rapidly growing fabricator of PVCU and aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling has been shortlisted in the Local Economy of the Future, Business of the Year category.
This award recognises businesses that have seen exceptional levels of growth and that have strong plans for sustainable future
success, meaning they are set to make a significant long-term contribution to their local and the wider UK economies.
The category is also open to companies that have shown an exceptional commitment to their local economy over the last year, perhaps through their work with local stakeholders or community organisations.
The Chamber Business Awards are seen as a flagship event in the UK business calendar. They recognise and promote the ‘Best of British’ through a series of regional heats which then culminate in a UK-wide final that showcases winners on an international stage.
Unique’s Leicestershire Business Award wins and subsequent nomination for the Chamber
Business Awards follow a remarkable period of growth for the company. In a two year period, the business has seen its turnover almost double from £20.8 million to £39.2 million. During the same period, Unique’s team has also grown by 50% – from 200 to 300 employees.
Unique attributes this impressive expansion to a combination of factors. This includes the quality of its products, its short order lead times and competitive pricing, its entrepreneurialism, and the personable service it can offer as a business that remains proudly family owned.
Speaking of the nomination for the Chamber Business Awards 2024, Neal Addison, finance director at Unique, said: “We fully recognise the value and importance of awards. Not only are they a genuine source of pride for our team but they give customers independent verification of our quality focused and results orientated approach.
“We are honoured to be shortlisted for a Chamber Business Award
and especially given there are 52 chambers across the UK, collectively representing over 50,000 member businesses.”
Shevaun Haviland, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, added: “It is a huge achievement to make the shortlist of the Chamber Business Awards.
“The standard of entrants is always incredibly high, and Unique can be rightly proud to have been judged among the strongest contenders for these top awards.
“It is a testament to the company’s performance, its ethos and the dedication of its staff as well as a ringing endorsement of the strategy it has taken and the success it has achieved.”
The winners of the Chamber Business Awards 2024 will be announced on Thursday 17th October. A Winner of Winners will then be announced at the London Stock Exchange on Wednesday 20th November.
www.uws.co.uk
Senior Architectural Systems Formally Presented With King’s Award For Enterprise
Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire presents the King’s Award for Enterprise to Senior Architectural Systems managing director Mark Wadsworth
Senior Architectural Systems has been awarded the King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation for its PURe aluminium window system, featuring a patented thermal barrier that reduces heat loss and boosts energy efficiency. The award was presented on 10th September 2024 at an exclusive event at Senior’s South Yorkshire manufacturing facility. The ceremony, led by the Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire Dame Hilary Chapman, saw Senior’s managing director Mark Wadsworth receive a Grant of Appointment and commemorative crystal trophy.
Attendees, including local dignitaries such as the Civic Mayor of Doncaster, were given a tour of the company’s headquarters and introduced to its staff. Senior, founded in 1991, has grown into the UK’s largest privately owned aluminium fenestration systems house and launched its innovative PURe
aluminium system in 2015, for which it received a UK patent in 2016.
The PURe system offers exceptional thermal performance with U-values as low as 0.71W/ m2K, meeting the latest building regulations. It is also fully recyclable, including its expanded polyurethane (PUR) thermal barrier. Senior continues to expand its PURe range to include a variety of window styles and commercial and residential doors.
Mark Wadsworth described the King’s Award as one of the company’s proudest moments, celebrating both the achievement and the innovation behind their PURe products. The King’s Award for Enterprise, now in its 57th year, is the UK’s most prestigious business accolade.
‘The Best Of All Possible Worlds’ – Written By an Architect
for Architects
Reynaers Aluminium UK has unveiled a new RIBA-approved Continuing Professional Development (CPD) seminar focused on curtain walling systems.
This comprehensive program,
titled “The Best of All Possible Worlds – How Curtain Walling can help meet the needs and demands of architecture and construction in the 21st Century,” offers architects an in-depth understanding of using curtain walling to meet modern
design objectives.
The CPD was crafted by an architect for architects, the architect being Paul Iddon, vice president of the Manchester Society of Architects.
This new seminar provides an overview of the evolution of curtain walling in response to the changing needs of the architecture and construction sectors. It covers essential regulatory frameworks across approved documents, referencing the Building Safety Act (BSA) and Construction Design & Management (CDM) regulations.
With a comprehensive exploration of curtain walling
systems, participants will gain a thorough grounding in its codevelopment with construction technology. The seminar provides a broad understanding of relevant systems, delving into their usefulness in meeting various design criteria, and elucidating key considerations for architects and specifiers.
Practical applications are illustrated by case studies that showcase diverse uses and exemplary contextual designs. While valuable insights are offered into the relevance of curtain walling in meeting sustainability and circular economy goals.
Richard Jekiel, national consult manager at Reynaers
Aluminium UK, commented: “At Reynaers, we are committed to supporting architects in realising their visions. This new CPD exemplifies our dedication to providing not just premium quality, versatile systems, but also the knowledge and technical expertise necessary for successful specification and sustainable design.
“By offering in-depth insights into curtain walling systems, we aim to empower architects to make informed decisions that balance aesthetics, functionality, and environmental responsibility.”
The seminar is designed to equip architects with a thorough understanding of curtain
walling systems’ potential to expand their creative horizons and improve their technical capabilities. This latest seminar complements Reynaers’ existing portfolio of RIBA-approved seminars, which cover topics such as specifying aluminium sliding doors, acoustic glazing solutions, and sustainable aluminium systems.
The launch of this CPD underscores Reynaers’ position as an industry leader in architectural aluminium systems and reinforces its dedication to supporting the professional growth of architects and specifiers. By providing highquality, relevant educational content, Reynaers continues to bridge the gap between innovative product solutions and the evolving needs of the construction industry. Architects and other industry professionals interested in participating in this new CPD seminar or exploring Reynaers’ other educational offerings can contact the company directly to schedule a session.
With options for face-to-face, virtual, or on-site delivery at Reynaers’ Knowledge Centre in Birmingham, the company ensures flexibility and accessibility for all participants. As the construction industry continues to evolve, Reynaers Aluminium UK remains at the forefront, equipping professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to create sustainable, innovative, and visually striking architectural solutions.
Reynaers will present its ‘Best of All Possible Worlds’ CPD via webinar this October and November. For in person sessions, onsite or at Reynaers’ UK headquarters in Birmingham, enquire online or contact the Reynaers Consult Team. To find out more visit: www.reynaers.co.uk/cpd
Cube Glass
Business Buddies Will Tackle West
Highland Way To Raise Funds For Crohn’s And Colitis Charity
A five-strong team of business pals led by the MD of Cube Glass the Cumbernauld-based business which manufactures and installs aluminium doors and windows for architects, main contractors and end users, is currently in training to conquer the West Highland Way this week (28th August) to raise funds for the Catherine McEwan Foundation, a charity which helps sufferers from Crohn’s and colitis.
The 96-mile West Highland Way, which runs from the north Glasgow suburb of Milngavie to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands, is completed by around 36,000 walkers each year.
Gary Thorn, founder and managing director of Cube Glass, will lead business buddies: Darren Todd of Azure Fire Protection, Paul Jackson from Buchanan Services, Martin Byrom, who works at Mortgage Experience, and Craig Connellyof Jax Interiors.
He said: “While none of us has very much experience in long distance walking, we have been breaking in our new walking boots and getting out and about over country roads in preparation for the challenge ahead.
“The Catherine McEwan Foundation, to which Cube Glass
already pledged a substantial sum of funding support, is run by a good friend of mine, Derek McEwan, and he and a team of fellow walkers will be joining us on the Way. I’ve read that the fastest completion time is under 14 hours, but we are hoping to complete the route in six days.
“In my day job, providing windows and doors that let in the light, we stress consistently the benefits of natural daylight on mental health and recognise how much better we all feel when we are subjected to more natural daylight within a secure and ecologically sustainable environment.
“And this is exactly what we will experience, in no small measure, as we take to the great outdoors and walk 96 miles of our beautiful Scottish countryside.”
Anyone wishing to support the Cube Glass walkers are invited to donate via the Catherine McEwan Foundation website: https://bit.ly/4dGZCPE
