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Now’s The Time For Radical Action On Home Retrofitting
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morleyglass.co.uk 0113 277 8722 sales@morleyglass.co.uk
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Cover picture: GlasHaus Design Launches In Response To The Rise In Demand For Luxury Garden Rooms, read more on page 58 WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021 3
TRADE NEWS offering and we have constantly invested in our facilities over the years. Today’s funding from BGF will enable us to realise our growth potential and, along with Ian Cunningham (CFO) and the rest of the management team, we are extremely excited about the future.”
BGF Invests
£14 Million In Manufacturer Of uPVC Sash Windows, Victorian Sliders Capital investor BGF has announced a £14 million investment in Victorian Sliders, the South Wales based fully integrated specialist manufacturer of uPVC sash windows. Victorian Sliders’ end-to-end production facilities, from recycling of raw materials through to extrusion and fabrication, provides it with an excellent position in the growing home renovation market. The company delivers a high-quality, fully customised, eco product in industry leading timescales. Established in 2005, Victorian Sliders is led by its founder and CEO, Scot Starkey. With a strong focus on customer service and reliability, Scot and his team operate from a purpose-built 240,000 square foot production facility based in Carmarthenshire, South Wales.
The significant investment from BGF will enable the management team to double production capacity and further invest in its recycling plant, helping it to cement its position as Europe’s largest specialist manufacturer of uPVC vertical sliding sash windows. Victorian Sliders is expecting to deliver over £30 million turnover this year. Scot Starkey commented: “We are delighted to have secured this investment from BGF, while also benefiting from BGF’s unparalleled business expertise. This investment will enable us to grow faster, support our customers better and expand our existing team of highly skilled and dedicated employees. “Victorian Sliders offers an unrivalled service in the replacement of sash windows. The business has been built on a strong product
4 WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021
Edwin Davies, Investor at BGF who has joined the board, said: “It’s a great time to work with an ambitious business such as Victorian Sliders. The company has an impressive product range and some very exciting growth plans, which we are looking forward to helping them deliver. We’re particularly excited about investing in a Welsh manufacturing business, as the country is home to many of the UK’s most ambitious growth economy companies. Through the provision of equity investment and our board support, we’re sure Victorian Sliders is destined for an exciting future.” The deal was led for BGF by Edwin Davies and Hannah Waters, who worked closely with Scot Starkey (CEO) and Ian Cunningham (CFO) at Victorian Sliders, supported by the team from Lexington Corporate Finance. Mark Huxtable also joins the board at completion as non-executive Chair. Mark has significant experience in manufacturing through his 30-year career at Nuaire. The advisors to the transaction were: BGF: Legals: Lewis Silkin – Geraint Tilsley, Stacy Treharne Financial & Tax: Kilsby & Williams – Mary McDonagh, Lucy Creese, Kaye Morris Victorian Sliders: Lexington Corporate Finance – Gary Partridge, Tom Coombes, Pablo Shorney Capital Law – Melanie Williams, Catherine James Parisi Tax – Lisa Stevenson
TRADE NEWS
AT Precision Experiences
Record Summer As Sales Soar
Despite Market Disruptions
“We also expanded our manufacturing facility to 18,000 square feet earlier this year, allowing us to hold the additional stock we needed.” The company manufactures all bi-fold hardware in-house and supplies directly to fabricators, meaning customers can access high-quality products at a very affordable rate. Michael Hewitt
Aluminium bi-fold hardware supplier AT Precision has experienced a record few months, after taking on several new customers over the summer. This follows the company’s impressive increase in sales of 342% since opening its doors in February last year. Sales Director Michael Hewitt attributes the Durham-based company’s success to maintaining a ‘business as usual’ service throughout the pandemic. “One of the main reasons for our continued growth is the strong relationships we have with our trusted suppliers across the UK, China and Portugal,” he said. “Through careful pre-planning, we juggled between our various partners to ensure we always had the material we needed to operate. “At the start of the pandemic, we were very aware of the possibility of running out of stock, so we amended our investment strategy to make sure we always had at least three months’ worth of stock in our warehouse at any given time.
CICV Forum Welcomes Scotland
Loves Local Gift
Card Scheme
Michael continues: “Despite the continued challenges faced across the industry over the past 18 months, including supply chain disruptions, material shortages, price increases, and extended lead times, we’ve managed to maintain a high level of service across the board. “We’ve also managed to maintain a steady 99.9% OTIF score throughout the pandemic, along with next day delivery on all orders made before 1:pm, with free delivery on all orders in the UK over £250. “In addition, in a climate where fabricators have been hit with price increases on an almost daily basis, we’ve managed to keep our price increases to a minimal 6%. “It’s these investments and a continued commitment to delivering the best possible service to our customers despite the challenging conditions that I believe AT Precision has experienced a record few months. “We’re taking on new customers all the time, and I’m confident that the business will continue to thrive.” www.atprecision.co.uk
Michael Hewitt
The Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum has thrown its weight behind the new Scotland Loves Local gift card campaign – and has urged businesses and the public to sign up and help support tradespeople in their area. Designed to revitalise grassroots communities hit by COVID-19, the scheme will see the creation of gift cards for each of Scotland’s 32 local authority areas, each of which can only be spent in that specific region. The CICV Forum is keen to see the scheme used by the public to support local tradespeople and the construction industry in general, recognising the emergency and essential work the sector undertook at the height of the national shutdown. Iain McIlwee, chief executive of the Finishes and Interiors Sector, the trade body which represents the fitout sector, said: “Local businesses need support more than ever after one of the most demanding periods any of us can remember. Announced in July by Community Wealth Minister Tom Arthur, and boosted by a new £10 million multi-year fund, the scheme is being delivered by Scotland’s Towns Partnership in partnership with fintech specialist Miconex, and is due for public launch in the autumn. www.lovelocal.scot/giftcard/
WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021 5
TRADE NEWS
Following the end of the Green Homes Grant, and the announcement of a hugely ambitious new carbon reduction target for 2035, Edgetech Managing Director Chris Alderson argues that now is the time for a retrofit revolution. At the end of March, the government announced the cancellation of its Green Homes Grant scheme. Few will mourn its passing. After an initial burst of excitement when it was first unveiled, opinion in our sector quickly cooled on the initiative, which was seen as overly complex, difficult to access, and having treated glass and glazing as an afterthought. But now it’s gone, we urgently need something to replace it. The UK was already facing the hugely daunting and ambitious task of reaching net zero carbon by 2050. But earlier this year, the government has now
Now’s The Time For Radical Action
On Home Retrofitting radical action now.
Focus on upgrading homes, not building new ones I’ve always believed that retrofitting needs to be at the heart of Britain’s efforts to rapidly decarbonise – and that’s for several key reasons.
gone even further – committing itself, and the country, to cutting emissions by 78% between now and 2035.
First, the built environment contributes around 40% of the UK’s total carbon emissions. If we want to reach net zero, we therefore need to be urgently reducing its carbon footprint.
If we have any chance of hitting those incredibly demanding targets, we need to be taking
Secondly, new builds have a sizeable environmental impact. Three fifths of the total waste
Mike Parczuk
6 WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021
TRADE NEWS products Britain produces come from construction, demolition and excavation for new-build. Improving the energy efficiency of existing homes is far more sustainable than building new ones – even state-of-the-art eco-friendly properties. But probably the strongest argument for a major national retrofit programme is the simple fact that 80% of the homes people will be living in by 2050 have already been built. That, more than anything, is why we need to have a laser-like focus on upgrading the homes we live in today. An aging housing stock Britain’s housing stock poses a particular challenge compared to those of other nations, because it’s one of the oldest in Europe. Over a fifth of UK houses date from before 1919, and over four million date from between 1919 and 1944. However, this also means that by retrofitting them, we could quickly make a lot of progress in cutting carbon emissions. The Historic Environment Forum believes that retrofitting historic homes could reduce emissions by as much as 84% for a Victorian detached home, 62% for a Georgian detached terrace, 58% in an Edwardian terrace, 56% in a Victorian semi-detached, and 54% in a Victorian terrace house. A large-scale retrofitting programme could also have major economic benefits – and provide an excellent stimulus as the country seeks to recover from the impacts of the pandemic. According to Bankers for Net Zero – a joint initiative by Barclays, Handelsbanken, Triodos,
Ecology Building Society and Tide – widespread retrofitting could create more than 150,000 jobs over a ten-year period, while reducing national energy spending by £7.5bn a year, and cutting total emissions by 20%. Radical steps needed – and fast
Kenrick
Taken together, I think that makes an extremely strong case for a national, government-supported home retrofitting scheme.
Joins Master
Locksmiths Association
But while it’s obviously needed in principle, coming up with concrete proposals is less straightforward. The UK has 29 million private homes. It’s very unlikely that the owners of millions of those homes would be able to afford retrofits without extensive support from the government. Equally, it’s unclear whether even people who are able to afford them would be inclined to invest in them without an incentive. Then there’s the time factor. According to the UK Green Building Council, to improve the vast majority of the UK’s homes by 2050, we need to be retrofitting houses at a rate of one house every 1.8 minutes. In other words, to be effective, any national retrofit scheme would have to be huge – much more expensive and ambitious than the £2bn Green Homes Grant – and move extremely quickly. It remains to be seen whether there’s the political will to make a programme on that scale a reality – but personally, I believe it’s the only way we can make those 2050 and 2035 targets achievable. www.edgetechig.co.uk
Hardware supplier Kenrick has joined the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) – the UK’s largest and longest-established locksmith trade association. The West-Bromwich based firm’s TS007 3-star high security cylinder has now been tested and approved by the MLA to combat lock snapping. Tested to meet the latest security standards of the British Standard Kitemark (TS007 3*), the company says the Kenrick 3-star euro lock cylinder has been designed for those fabricators who want a top of the range door locking solution at a reasonable price, whilst also helping to prevent lock snapping. The Secured by Design approved cylinder features multiple high security pins to provide maximum security and excellent resistance against the other known cylinder attack methods, including picking, drilling, bumping, pulling and screwing. The cylinder is manufactured in a polished brass or a nickel finish and can be easily retro-fitted with no additional preparation. It is available as Paired Alike or Thumb Turn and in all sizes from 70mm to 110mm in 5mm increments. The cylinder has also been tested to 100,000 cycles and comes with a 10-year mechanical guarantee. www.kenricks.co.uk
WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021 7
TRADE NEWS
Sales Of Flush Sash Up 20% For Affordable Window Systems aluplast customer, Affordable Window Systems, has reported sales growth of 20% year on year for its flush casement offering. Affordable, which operates from a state of the art 200,000ft2 facility in Lancashire, is one of the UK’s largest suppliers of PVC and aluminium fenestration products. It produces around 2,000 PVC-U frames per week, 15% of which is dedicated to the manufacture of aluplast’s flush sash. Available with a choice of standard and heritage deep bottom rail, aluplast’s flush casement can also be optioned with mechanical jointing, a defining feature of Affordable’s market leading offer. Branded as Timberlook, this incorporates Timberweld corner jointing
technology for a full mechanical finish externally and internally.
Phil Myers, Sales Director, Affordable Window Systems, said: “We’ve seen a big uptake in demand for flush sash, and while the majority of our output for PVC is still for standard casements, flush accounts for as much as 40% of sales value. “Our Timberlook window is the result of considerable investment, it’s a high performance system with a lot of attention to detail,” continued Phil. “It combines the Timberweld 90-degree mechanical joint with aluplast’s ovolo profile on the interior frame and it can be optioned with a head drip on the outerframe, designed to conceal trickle vents if they are specified.
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“It also features a unique night ventilation feature, which means it can be left part open, while remaining secure and we have recently introduced new hardware upgrades and a transom weatherbar. “The quality of aluplast’s system, and the strength of its foil offering, have been key to the success of Timberlook,” concluded Phil. “95% of orders are optioned with a foil. That’s helped to ensure that it’s a highly authentic solution for period properties in conservation areas, as well as more contemporary homes.” aluplast’s flush casement has recently been upgraded to feature slimmer sightlines, and to make it easier and faster to fabricate by simplifying the process of hardware and gasket application. It’s available in aluplast’s full range of 40 finishes, including the new aludec and woodec foils, and is also compatible with ecotech, the system company’s ‘green’ solution that locks recycled material away from structural elements of the profile. www.aluplast.co.uk
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TRADE NEWS tion supply chain is a vital part of the UK’s ambition to achieve net-zero by 2050, and the ability to produce float glass in this way is an important step in this journey. “It was in St Helens that the float glass process was developed in 1952, revolutionising how glass is made around the world. Now, 70 years later, this trial represents another major milestone for the global glass industry and it’s appropriate that it has once again been pioneered here.”
Architectural
Glass Production Powered By Hydrogen Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, part of the NSG group, has successfully manufactured architectural glass at its St Helens facility using hydrogen power in a world-first trial, claims the company. The trial is a key step in the manufacturer’s plans to decarbonise and could see a transition to using hydrogen to power all production at the site, which currently uses natural gas. The switch means that the float glass furnace – which accounts for the majority of the company’s overall carbon emissions – would be able to run with hugely lower emissions. The aim of the trial was to demonstrate that the furnace, in which the raw ingredients of the glass
are heated to around 1,600 degrees centigrade, could run safely at full production without impacting product quality. Matt Buckley, UK MD of Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, part of the NSG Group, said: “The trial was a significant success. Thanks to NSG’s advanced fuel combustion expertise, and the preparation and efforts of the team, we managed to achieve a seamless transition between the two different fuels. It proves that hydrogen is just as capable as natural gas in achieving excellent melting performance, and that it could be possible to operate the furnace with vastly reduced carbon emissions. “Decarbonisation of the construc-
10 WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021
David Parkin, Director of Progressive Energy and Project Director of HyNet North West said: “Industry is vital for the economy but is difficult to decarbonise. HyNet is focused on removing carbon from industry through a range of technologies including the capturing and locking up of carbon and the production and use of hydrogen as a low carbon fuel. “This trial at Pilkington UK is a significant step in demonstrating that is it possible to use hydrogen to power glass production and provides a valuable blueprint for further trials and implementation.” The three-week trial on the float glass line used approximately 60 road tankers of hydrogen, but the longer-term plan is to create a network of hydrogen pipelines to supply key industrial sites, avoiding the need for road transport. The initiative is part of the ‘HyNet Industrial Fuel Switching’ project to decarbonise industrial processes across the North West. By 2030, it is expected to cut 10 million tonnes of carbon per year – the equivalent of taking four million cars off the road. In February 2020, the HyNet project was awarded funding of £5.3M from BEIS through its Energy Innovation Programme. www.pilkington.co.uk
TRADE NEWS
Edgetech Customers Report 100% OTIF Customers of warm-edge manufacturers Edgetech have reported receiving 100% of their orders on time and in full in a recent survey. Edgetech has carried out quarterly surveys for a number of years now, closely monitoring levels of customer satisfaction to ensure they continue to offer the highest standard of service. This year, as part of that long-standing commitment to customer service, it’s invested in the Netigate survey platform to improve the efficiency of gathering and analysing the responses, which will allow it to consult both the IGU manufacturers it works with and its own staff more regularly. In the most recent customer survey 100% of the respondents
reported that they’d continued to receive orders on time and in full, despite the huge disruption caused by the pandemic – with one commenting: “you are keeping the supply chain unbroken, which in the current situation is fantastic.” Edgetech Managing Director Chris Alderson comments: “The last twelve months has been one of the most successful periods in the history of UK fenestration – but it’s brought many challenges as well. “The pandemic and soaring consumer demand have had an unprecedented impact on supply chains worldwide. “At Edgetech, we’ve not been immune to that – no business has. But thanks to the dedication of
our team, we’ve been able to minimise the effect on our customers, and, in the vast majority of cases, continued to deliver on time and in full. “We’d like to thank everyone who took the time to complete the survey – consultations like these are hugely valuable, and help us offer even better service.” www.edgetechig.co.uk
Fentrade Highlights The Demand
For Retail Aluminium Aluminium trade fabricator Fentrade has reported a continued growth in demand for its retail aluminium products. Chris Reeks, Director of Fentrade Aluminium, said: “Commercial aluminium products continue to be strong sellers. But where we’ve noticed the difference in demand is from our installers who work in the domestic market. I see it as part of the homeowner trend to higher value products.” For the domestic market, Fentrade offers a range of AluK aluminium windows that help installers meet demand. The high-quality window range includes two sash options and a heritage option too. The windows also feature Roto twin-cam locking systems for complete peace of mind and
range of single, dual and anodised colour finishes to suit all applications.
As well as the wide product range, Fentrade also has the capacity to provide the service levels installers need. The fabricator has just doubled capacity to keep pace with growing demand and has also invested in Window Designer Cloud Pro from First Degree Systems to give it cutting-edge manufacturing and sales functionality.
homeowner security. U-values are as low as 1.4 W/m²K for double glazed frames and a U-value of 1.2 W/m²K for triple glazed frames is achievable when using units with a centre pane value of 1.0 W/m²K. All windows are available in a wide
Chris concludes: “As a specialist trade aluminium fabricator with a wide product range, 30 years’ fenestration experience and a commitment to customer service and quality, we are a reliable partner for anyone looking to tap into the domestic growth.” fentradealuminium.co.uk
WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021 11
TRADE NEWS
GGF Reaction To UKCA Extension The GGF has reacted to the news of the Government extension of the transition period for the end of recognition of the CE mark in Great Britain has been extended until 1st January 2023.
as possible. This includes use of the UK mark in GB. To allow businesses time to adjust, some CE marked goods, that meet EU requirements, may continue to be placed on the GB market.
MHCLG (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) on Tuesday 24th August updated its Guidance providing practical information for placing construction products on the GB market.
However, we intend for this arrangement to end on 1 January 2023, and businesses should ensure they are prepared for the new system before it comes into effect after we have laid legislation.”
The Government announcement stated; “Businesses must prepare for the end of recognition of the CE mark in GB and affix the UK marking using a UK-recognised ‘approved body’. Our intention is to end recognition of the CE mark by 1 January 2023. Current rules will remain in place until legislation is laid to end recognition of the CE mark. Businesses should comply with the new UK regime, as soon
On hearing the confirmation, David Borland, GGF Senior Technical Officer commented: “Though we anticipated there would be an extension, we are relieved that the extension period has been confirmed, giving companies an additional twelve months to comply with UKCA marking.” Over the last two years, the GGF has been in discussions with MHCLG (Ministry of Housing,
12 WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021
Michael Hewitt
Communities and Local Government) on the issues (testing and certification) around the continuous implementation of the Construction Products Regulation and CE marking post–Brexit. The concerns raised by the GGF still remain and the Federation is constantly pushing for a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) that would be accepted by the EU27 before the legislation expires at the end of next 2022. David Borland continued, “The EU has refused to recognise test evidence for AVCP3s (Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance 3) since 1st January 2021 if supplied by a UK testing body. This will still mean additional testing costs for UK businesses notwithstanding the possible backlog of products to be tested. So whilst we are relieved for the extension, we remain cautious about the future of testing and certification for UK products. On behalf of our Members, we will continue dialogue with Government and hope for a smooth transition to UKCA marking.” www.ggf.org.uk
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TRADE NEWS
Granada Secondary Glazing Unveils New High-Spec Product Range
to ensure we’re offering a product that truly meets their needs in terms of improved aesthetics and increased acoustic and thermal performance.” On certain product types, the redesign has increased the glass expanse by more than 30mm when compared to the original range, flooding rooms with extra natural light. “For larger glass expanses, or for higher performing glazing, there is now no difference in aesthetics,” continues Lewis. “There are no bulky frames needed to accommodate superior glazing options; the entire range is sleek and slimline.”
Granada Secondary Glazing has launched its ground-breaking new product range, which the company claims is set to be the most high-specification secondary glazing solution on the UK market. Featuring ultra-slim, durable aluminium frames, the entire range offers even narrower sightlines than its predecessor to create what is set to be the most unobtrusive
secondary glazing system available for homeowners, trade customers and commercial partners. Customer consultation has been at the centre of developing the new range, which has taken over a year having been initially interrupted by the pandemic. Granada’s Marketing Manager, Lewis Hartley says: “We’ve consulted a number of our customers throughout the process
14 WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021
Innovative functionality has been incorporated into Granada’s new secondary glazing range, such as a ‘slidepass’ feature on the vertical sliding units that allows the panels to slide completely past each other for unbeatable cleaning access. As well as superior aesthetics, the new range also performs equally as impressively from an acoustic perspective, ensuring products of all shapes and sizes remain quiet and tranquil.
TRADE NEWS Other key benefits of the new range include glazing up to 10.8mm (versus 8.8mm in the original product line-up), and the availability of integrated locks, cleats for even tighter mitres, restrictors and anti-lift blocks. Zoe Grafton, Trade Sales Manager at Granada Secondary Glazing, comments: “The new range has been through a rigorous research and development process to ensure we’re able to offer the most high-spec secondary glazing solution on today’s market.
Emmegi Consumable
Sales Hit Record High As Aluminium Market Booms
“Long gone are the days of bulky, obtrusive frames and complicated locking mechanisms; our new range is sleek, stylish and performs impeccably. We’re all incredibly pleased with the outcome and are extremely excited to be able to offer the new range to our valued trade customers across the country.” Mike Latham, Commercial Sales Director at Granada Secondary Glazing, adds: “The early conversations I’ve been having with our commercial partners regarding the new range have all been exceptionally positive.
Sales of workbenches, machinery consumables and spare parts at Emmegi (UK) are set to hit a record high in 2021 as the aluminium market continues to surge in the post-pandemic recovery.
“We wanted to put together a product that would give architects across the UK a secondary glazing solution that effectively tackled noise intrusion, offered extensive heat retention and looked great in the process. We believe we’ve ticked all three boxes and look forward to a hugely successful rest of 2021.”
Figures for the first half of the year show sales of the company’s ACCA XL workbenches set to grow by 45% compared with 2020 and 10% compared with 2019, and sales of consumable and spare parts on track to increase by 13% on 2020 figures and 6% on 2019.
Suitable for all property types, Granada’s slimline aluminium secondary glazing frames can be powder coated in over 200 RAL colours at their 40,000 sq ft manufacturing facility. Virtually invisible, they blend in with any interior décor. The Granada Glazing product range encompasses hinged, sliding, vertical sliders, including tilt back, and lift-out options. Full training and marketing support is available to installers across the UK. www.gsecg.com
Ian Latimer, Emmegi (UK)’s Managing Director commented: “The 2020 figures were obviously skewed by the lockdown and rapid bounce back, but these are certainly higher than anything we have seen since Emmegi (UK) was established in 2010. They reflect just how busy our customers are right now, and the volumes going through their factories. Set alongside the demand we are seeing for our range of CNCs and saws, I think they’re a very accurate barometer of the
aluminium market as a whole.” He added: “We normally hold the ACCA XL workbenches in stock at our Coventry HQ, but at the moment they are going out to customers almost as soon as they arrive here with us. “Customers are ordering in bigger quantities than ever before as well, as they look to create extra fitting and assembly space for windows and doors in their factories to keep pace with demand.” The ACCA XL workbench is just one item in the Emmegi range of trollies and handling equipment, which also includes stacking, racking and transportation trolleys and specialist equipment for gasket rolling and unwinding. For fabricators who want a one stop shop from their machinery supplier, the fact that they can order direct from Emmegi and standardise on one range in their factory is a major benefit. www.emmegi.com
WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021 15
TRADE NEWS company with frames that would make them synonymous with superior work and products. This aim has been fulfilled 20 years later – the vast majority of Almark’s work comes from high-end selfbuild housing in the Teeside area, with REHAU’s high-quality products proving a particular selling point.
Mark Brudenell with Nicola Clark
Almark Ltd And REHAU Celebrate
A 20-Year Partnership A North-East installer has marked the 20th anniversary of its long-standing partnership with polymer supplier REHAU by redoubling its commitment to providing high-quality solutions for the booming residential selfbuild market.
Stockton-on-Tees-based Almark Ltd. (Almark) have specialised in the fitting of premium windows, doors, conservatories and orangeries since the company was established in 2001. The company’s commitment to providing firstclass installations was apparent even then, according to Managing Director Mark Brudenell.
“Almark was founded in response to the shoddy installations I was seeing when coming into new projects,” he explains. “I’d see these low-quality fittings and just thought to myself – I can do better. With that in mind, I sought out a colleague who specialised in double-glazing and asked him which polymer supplier had the best windows on the market. He was quick to say REHAU, so I was keen to see what they had to offer, and build a company from there.” Mark’s ambitions saw him approach REHAU at a fenestration event and challenge the polymer supplier to provide his fledgling
16 WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021
“The market to supply windows, doors and conservatories to premium self-builds in Teeside is based on word-of-mouth,” says Mark. “So, alongside providing excellent customer service, being able to fit excellent, high-performing frames is a huge priority, and we’re guaranteed that with REHAU as our sole supplier. This has especially been the case since the events of the last yearand-a-half, where demand for home builds and improvements have rocketed, so the stability REHAU could offer was greatly appreciated. “In fact, throughout our 20 years with the company, everything has always run smoothly – we’ve never had any problems with products and enjoy a great relationship with the team. At the moment, we are mainly installing the TOTAL70 range, which has been well-received by our customers in what has been a very busy time. With that in mind, we look forward to the future and, with REHAU’s help, are confident of even greater success.” Nicola Clark, Area Sales Manager for REHAU, said: “We’re thrilled to see that Almark have continued to go from strength to strength throughout this unique time for the fenestration sector. As the company’s sole supplier, we’re proud of the role we have played in helping Almark establish itself as a byword for quality in the Teeside area, and can’t wait to see what the future holds.” For more information on REHAU’s window solutions, please visit https://bit.ly/3zARzAS
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TRADE NEWS
Cladding Just Got Animated
Freefoam Building Products has launched a new animation style video to illustrate how to fit cladding.
In recent years Freefoam has seen a steady rise in sales of its PVC cladding range. However, in the last 18 months, with homeowners using disposable income to improve their properties, sales have skyrocketed. Freefoam has recorded a 55% increase in sales making cladding a fantastic opportunity for any home improvement company, builder or pvc fitter, say the company. But, as with any home improvement product, the success of a job, and indeed ongoing recommendations, depend on the quality of the installation. In order to help companies capitalise on this opportunity Freefoam has now created a video animation to show all stages of the cladding fitting process. Whilst Freefoam provide detailed
printed and online fitting instructions, research has shown that fitting videos are incredibly useful and well received by installers and DIYers alike. Visual aids ensure the whole process is easy to understand. The new video features a high quality detailed animation to show every step of the fitting process. From fixing the initial battens and membrane, to installing cladding boards and accompanying trims. With close up details of key fitting points and on screen instructions the video illustrates each step clearly and simply.
Leigh Russell, Freefoam Technical Advisor commented “Freefoam cladding system is designed to be easy to fit whether you are a professional installer or a homeowner working on a DIY project. We provide detailed fitting instructions to ensure that installations are carried out correctly so that the cladding can perform as intended. For first
18 WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021
time installers, getting to know the system can still be daunting. This animation offers users the chance to familiarise themselves with the cladding and demonstrates all the critical aspects of an installation. ” One of the most important aspects in any pvc cladding installation is the ventilation. Creating a cavity (ideally a 5mm continuous gap) between the internal wall and the cladding, with a suitably sized, unobstructed, gap at the top and bottom, allows for air to flow freely through. This ensures minimal heat build-up and expansion and contraction of cladding boards. The video also highlights how to ensure every installation includes adequate ventilation by using Freefoam’s clever ventilated starter and closer trim. Freefoam Marketing Manager, Louise Sanderson, summarised: “We are always looking for new ways to communicate with our audiences and help make our product range accessible to all. Working with a specialist digital agency and our inhouse technical team we have created a very high quality fitting video that we can use on all channels.” www.freefoam.com
Central Window Systems
TRADE NEWS
Welcomes Local MP
Nicola Richards Leka Systems Partners With
Checkatrade
Left to right – Conservative MP for West Bromwich East Nicola Richards, Central Window Systems Director of Sales Martyn Elwell, and CEO Gary Morton.
Full solution fabricator Central Window Systems was recently paid a visit by Conservative MP for West Bromwich East, Nicola Richards, kickstarting a renewed commitment to creating employment and growing the local economy. As an MP, Nicola is working on a project to create and sustain employment opportunities as we build back better following the pandemic, and as a significant employer in the West Bromwich area, Central caught her attention. CEO Gary Morton comments: “During Nicola’s visit, we discussed how we could help her create employment and boost the local economy, and moving forward, we will be working with her and her team to further develop our apprenticeship programme.” The PVCu and aluminium fabricator will soon be looking into recruiting a number of apprentices and upskilling young workers, with the long-term goal of growing and developing a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce to add to its
already talented team. Nicola comments: “It was a pleasure meeting with the team at Central Window Systems. They are a well established local business and it was very interesting to hear about all the opportunities and challenges they’ve faced, and to discuss how we can work together in creating a better future for our local area.” Gary continues: “We were really pleased to have been paid a visit by Nicola. It was very worthwhile in terms of understanding the issues facing young workers today, and learning about the work she is doing to help the community rebuild. “As a local business, we are committed to tackling the industry’s skills shortage as well as helping in the regeneration of our economy and our community by creating opportunities for skilled workers, and we look forward to working closely with Nicola in doing so.” www.centralwindowsystems.co.uk
Leka Systems has just announced a partnership with Checktrade giving Leka installers access to an exclusive Checkatrade membership discount. Leka Systems’ Managing Director, Rhys Hoddinott, said: “We’re delighted to be announcing this partnership because it will enable our installers to secure even more jobs with the UK’s number one trade directory. As a Leka installer and a Checkatrade member you’re really setting your business up for success.” 13 million homeowners used Checkatrade trades last year, and homeowners are 3 times more likely to search with Checkatrade than a similar provider. It means Checkatrade helps its members get a steady stream of leads and allows installers to build a reputation as a company that homeowners can trust. Rhys commented: “Checkatrade membership is just another example of the way we support our installers. We also offer marketing, lead generation, and area support all designed to deliver quality leads to a business and help make the most of the market that’s available. And of course, there are our cutting-edge roofing products!” Becoming a Leka Systems’ installer was already a compelling proposition. But having teamed up with Checkatrade, it’s just become even more appealing. www.lekasystems.co.uk
WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021 19
TRADE NEWS
REHAU Demonstrates 97,000 Tonnes Of Co2 Emissions Savings In 2020 With New Sustainability Report Rehau has published its Sustainability Report 2020 in August 2021, focusing on the expansion of the company’s circular economy of resources and its progress toward ensuring completely closed supply loops derived from a single source. The organisation has continued to advance its sustainable recycling management techniques for the window industry, saving 97,000 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere through the use of recyclates. This figure has been achieved thanks to polymer processing facilities such as PVCR – the largest such facility in north-west England – which turns discarded PVC content into high-quality granulate for use in new window profiles. The upscaling of these processes and expansion of existing portfolios meant new window products from Rehau achieved a recycling share of 54% in 2020. As part of
its ongoing commitment to sustainable practice, the company is looking to further increase this figure to 65% by 2025. “Rehau is committed to its promise of a sustainable circular economy for future generations, and continues to work alongside renowned partners to achieve this goal,” says Martin Hitchin, CEO at Rehau UK. “This includes working with the European PVC window profile manufacturers (EPPA) as well as recycling and sustainability-minded initiatives such as Rewindo and VinylPlus. The publication of our latest Sustainability Report demonstrates our commitment to practicing what we preach, and our transparency on what steps we are taking to ensure greener practice.” Though the report’s publication was delayed a year due to Covid-19, it provides up-to-date figures on Rehau’s sustainability
20 WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021
efforts. Also included are the organisation’s efforts to protect its employees during the pandemic, with over 40,000 masks distributed to its workforce, alongside rapid testing and accommodation for commuters if required. Martin concludes: “We are always looking to innovate and offer new services and products that can reinvent how people work and live in the post-Covid age, where sustainability is a key priority. By creating smart, forward-thinking technologies and more efficient installation options that prioritise recycling and look beyond a window’s original lifecycle, we are taking practical steps toward a more complete circular economy. “Alongside our prodigious polymer recycling capabilities, this commitment can be seen first-and in future-oriented products and services such as Window.ID and Rehau Connect. Sustainability is a global megatrend that affects everyone, and with consumers becoming increasingly eco-conscious, we would encourage installers to look into more sustainable, recyclate-using solutions.” To download the complete Rehau Sustainability Report 2020, click here: https://bit.ly/3DZxEhE
Innovation unlocked
Get ready.. Another game changing product from Made for Trade is on the horizon
ALUMINIUM SYSTEMS
TRADE NEWS
GGF, FENSA & BFRC Combine To Launch The GGF Group’s
First Market Knowledge Report The first of any narrated industry analysis to be published for more than four years, the GGF says this is the precursor to the launch of an on-demand data service from 2022 that drills deeper than ever before The Glass & Glazing Federation, together with two of the organisation’s commercial entities FENSA and BFRC (British Fenestration Rating Council), have combined resources and data, to produce the GGF Group Market Knowledge Report for the UK glass & glazing industry. Long overdue, it is the first to use analytical insights, which have now been combined with factual installation data, for more than four years and in effect, produced for the industry, by the industry.
FENSA has a unique status in the industry. As the largest competent persons scheme in the UK with more than 6,300 Approved Installers, it notifies over 77% of installations registered in England and Wales, and now with a recently established presence in Scotland. As such, the data presented in this report provides a thorough and accurate representation of the industry’s most recent performance, with data provided from installations completed during the past three and a half years, from January 2018 to June 2021. The BFRC data provides a breakdown of live licences for windows and doors and also analysis of products by energy rating. When combined with FENSA data, this provides a wide-reaching indica-
22 WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021
tion of product trends across the country, both currently and historically. The GGF provides a broader backdrop of the sector, with combined input from manufacturing, fabrication, installation and also political and social issues impacting on the industry. This initial report has been designed following extensive discussions with a number of industry partners, which established the key criteria for the project. The industry consultation shaped what will be covered in future reports as well as the expansion of the FENSA Knowledge Hub to become a subscription service that will enable the analysis of key industry data, covering other aspects of the supply chain, and with ‘real time’ data access. The Market Knowledge Report Content The report contains analysis on the Wider Economic Backdrop,
TRADE NEWS Redresses an information ‘vacuum’, says GGF MD
Anda Gregory
John Agnew
offering a narrative on key political, economic and social influences to have affected the market during the past two years. A further section, The Grey Market, considers the crucial issue and impact of window and door installations that are carried out outside of any competent persons schemes. Industry Performance & Circumstances provides a narrative derived from internal and external reports and data which, together with anecdotal evidence and observations, offers a market overview.
assessments carried out on FENSA Approved Installers by RISA, the GGF inspection organisation. This data ranks installations seen between 1 and 5 (the higher the better).
The section entitled FENSA Installation Data provides recorded statistics on the replacement of domestic windows and doors from January 2018 through to June 2021, the first time such information has been made publicly available. The breakdown includes numbers of windows, doors, installations, windows per installation and doors per installation. Drawn from installations logged by more than 6,300 FENSA Approved Installers, these statistics alone provide the most comprehensive factual picture possible of the domestic replacement market during the past three and a half years. FENSA Regional Data provides geographical data on installations, whilst Local Authority Performance (by installations) provides an insight into the top 10 performing local authorities whilst also offering a breakdown of average cost per job and cost per unit across the period covered. RISA Assessment Ratings is drawn from 40,000
Window Licence Overview provides data recorded by BFRC and offers a glimpse of the uptake in technological advancements and innovations in the design and production of increasingly energy efficient windows and doors. Future Reporting Whilst the report has extraordinary importance for an industry that has enjoyed little in the way of analysis in the past four years, it is the precursor to the FENSA Knowledge Hub, a service that will be launched early in 2022 that will give access to this and other data in the future, in near real time and on demand. As examples, the information may be relevant to installers seeking to gauge their performance against others in their area regarding the number and average cost of installations; and manufacturers on the number and type of products being installed and against a geographical breakdown. The service will be supplemented by bi-annual Key Knowledge Reports which, whilst summarising the data will also provide analysis and commentary on the state of the industry as a whole. All data provided is ‘blind’, with all sources remaining strictly anonymous.
The availability of such data is expected to revolutionise the field of market data and intelligence for the UK window and door replacement sector. John Agnew, Managing Director of the GGF Group said: “The home improvement sector of the UK window and door market has not seen the publication of any meaningful industry insights since 2017 and consequently, companies at all levels within the window and door industry are basing key strategic planning initiatives using old data and forecasts, and educated guesses. “The GGF Market Knowledge Report and the FENSA Knowledge Hub that will be launched in 2022, not only redress this information ‘vacuum’, they provide factual data that has simply never been previously available.” Anda Gregory, Chief Development Officer for GGF Group says that the Market Knowledge Report and, from 2022, FENSA Knowledge Hub, will advance window and door industry research and data analysis to a level that has not previously been possible: “The information that we are making available using FENSA and BFRC data, is the most comprehensive and detailed available for the English and Welsh home improvement sectors. Combined with insights and analysis provided by the most experienced and knowledgeable minds in the industry, it provides invaluable insight to our industry. “When available from next year,” continued Anda, “the online tool will provide factual information with the minutest detail within days of installations being completed. Supplemented by BFRC product licencing data, companies will be able to manage their businesses – installers, component and materials suppliers and manufacturers – in ways that have previously not been possible.”
WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021 23
TRADE NEWS Association Endorsements The Council for Aluminium in Building – Phil Slinger – CEO “The Council for Aluminium in Building are pleased to support the GGF’s 2021 Glazing Market Knowledge Report. This data will provide crucial strategic information for businesses in the home improvement market to invest in both training and infrastructure for future growth.”
Quickslide Launches New
Go-Getters Reward Scheme
British Woodworking Federation – Helen Hewitt – Chief Executive “Since the Palmer Report ended in 2017, we welcome the new Glazing Insight Market report launched by the GGF providing new up to date data on how the fenestration sector is performing and the issues we are facing together. Our industries have certainly faced many challenges over the last couple of years, with the pandemic presenting the biggest challenge yet, but it is clear from this report, and the BWF Home Improvement Index launched in April 2020, that there are certainly opportunities ahead for the sector for the remainder of 2021. That said, we cannot afford to ignore the fact we are facing a shortage of materials in the sector, and how this will impact, we are not sure as yet, so data available in reports such as these will help businesses make informed decisions based on fact rather than assumptions. We understand this is the first of a variety of reports, and shall look forward to working in collaboration with our fenestration partners to understand additional detail such as window and door types and consumer preference on material of choice.” The GGF Group Glazing Market Knowledge Report report is available free of charge to GGF members, FENSA Approved Installers and BFRC customers; copies to all non GGF Group Members are available at a cost of £250 + VAT in the GGF Shop http://shop.ggfmembers.com
Quickslide has launched Go-Getters, an exclusive customer promotion to incentivise its Trade Partners by offering them an exciting range of travel and experience-based rewards. From a fun family day out at Alton Towers, to a weekend break for two in Lisbon or Dublin, through to exploring New Orleans and the Mississippi swamps in Louisiana, there’s something to suit all Go-Getters taking part.
valued Trade Partner Network. Our Trade Partners are like our family – we are honoured to be a part of their business and we want to thank them for their continued loyalty.
“At Quickslide, our Trade Partners benefit from not only our complete range of quality assured products, but also our business support offering. This includes access to sales leads generated through Quickslide’s online Installer Map search facility, alongside excepFor the promotion, which runs tional customer service and after from 1st September 2021 to 28th sales delivered through desigFebruary 2022, Trade Partners will nated account managers, plus be given a sales target to achieve bespoke marketing support from over the six-month period for each a dedicated team that genuinely of the bronze, silver and goldcares about their business and tiered rewards. Trade Partners can customers. track their progress online, and at the end of the promotion period “And now, with the introduction will be told what reward they have of Go-Getters, we’re making the achieved along with the details most rewarding Trade Partner and date of the event or trip. Programme in the industry even better.” “We’ve never seen a promotion like this offered in our industry Quickslide’s Trade Partners can before – it really is something a bit register their interest to take part out of the ordinary after what has in the scheme online at www. been such an unusual time,” said quickslide.co.uk/trade-partners/ Quickslide’s Sales Director, Tom go-getters or by emailing marketSwallow. ing@quickslide.co.uk. All registrations must be activated on or “We couldn’t be prouder of our before the 31st August 2021.
24 WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021
TRADE NEWS
Certass Joins Forces With
Which? Trusted Trader
Certification body Certass has teamed up with Which? Trusted Traders to bring extra benefits to Certass members and spread the message about the negative impact of door-to-door sales in our industry.
Danelle Kaukau, Head of Member Services at Certass, explains: “Door-to-door sales are an outdated and poor industry practice that perpetuates the negative perception of our industry with consumers. “Just as Certass champions local installers and tradespeople, Which? is the consumer champion brand that is trusted by thousands of homeowners mak-
ing this a perfect partnership, to help homeowners find trusted, competent tradespeople to carry out their home improvements.” As part of this new partnership, Certass members can get access to an exclusive new offer, to help promote their business and get leads from homeowners who are searching for companies through the Which? Trusted Trader website. Certass members with fewer than 39 employees can get 50 percent off the monthly fee for the first six months of Which? Endorsement membership. Although the Which? brand
offers advice and guidance on a full range of topics, more than half of the 15 million monthly hits on the site are from consumers looking for advice on home improvements. The Which? Trusted Trader Code of Conduct includes a pledge to “Not undertake unsolicited visits to consumers’ homes”, which closely aligns with Certass’ aims to limit door-to-door selling and start to transform the reputation of the glazing industry. www.certass.co.uk
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VIEWPOINT
Have Homeowners
Fixed Everything Yet? By Mike Parczuk, Managing Director, Sternfenster I’m going to start by saying that things still look pretty good. Our customers are busy (probably if we’re honest, still a little too busy), and the housing market remains strong, with house price growth, according to the Nationwide, up 2.1% and 11% annually. That’s important because we
know confidence and activity in the housing market drives investment in home improvement. There’s a growing consensus that the Stamp Duty holiday, other than costing the taxpayer £4.7bn in lost tax revenues, didn’t artificially inflate the housing market after all. That, according to the Resolution Foundation, was happening regardless of tax breaks, and was
26 WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021
something singularly attributable to the fact that we’ve spent a stack more time at home/Locked in them, since COVID first rolled in onto our shores. Order books look good, people have work into the new year. The only – and continuing challenge – is the supply chain – ours, yours, and us as part of it (again, we’re sorry that our service levels aren’t where we would expect them to be, but we are doing our best). We believe things may get a little better. Glass supply may start to ease in the months ahead as float lines, down since May for cold repair, come back online.
VIEWPOINT As for everything else, steel, hardware, composite doors, polyamide thermal breaks? Well, we hope it’s going to get better soon, but I’d suggest we’re in for more of the same through to the end of Q1 at the earliest. That, as I’ve said, makes margin protection important in the short term. Costing and pricing jobs to give yourself room to accommodate delays and price increases. I want, however, to focus on what happens next? The demand in home improvements has been driven above all by the fact that our lives, for much of the past two-years, have revolved almost entirely around the home. Freedom Day (19th July) didn’t deliver a radical shift overnight in our behaviour, but it did start the ball rolling. People started to turn their attention from home decking and patio projects to the gym, with memberships significantly up in the first few months since the easing of restrictions. Searches for holidays for 2022, particularly those in the UK, were up 77% last August, on the same time in 2021. People are eating out in restaurants, going back to pubs and sporting events. The end of September is also the time that thousands of companies, are expected to lead the push to get workers back into the office, or at the very least some hybrid form of working. So if we aren’t in our homes as much going forward, can we be expected to be willing to spend at the same levels as we have for the best part of two-years, when we’ve had nothing else to do? I’m not suggesting for a moment that we should be panicking but reminding ourselves how we generate leads and what home-
owners are going to want from us going forward, is sensible. For me that’s about two things. Professionalism and product. Homeowners will have had some great, but also not so great, experiences in the last 18-months. As we come out of the boom and return to more normal levels of demand, professionalism and customer experience, will win – and lose – retailers, business. We continue to invest in tools which support our customers in establishing a professional approach from the fist touch point with the consumer. We’re launching a new Proposal Builder, which literally does ‘what it says on the tin’. Our customers can upload images, their own branding, terms and conditions, and create professional proposals in minutes. As soon as the homeowner comes back with confirmation and a deposit is paid, the order is instantly transferred to our customer CRM, EasyAdmin, where it can be sent directly to production. What it means is that process is simplified and managed right from the very first point of contact.
And it’s going to be about product. We’ve seen sustained growth for foils throughout COVID. Sales of flush casements and aluminium have also increased. We’re shifting to spend less time in them, but Lockdowns have changed the way that we see our homes and what we want from them. We should expect from next year (assuming we don’t see new variants, new waves – and new restrictions) that we are going to be competing for consumer spend. We shouldn’t be fearful about that. It represents a return to normality, which after the last two years, I’d suspect most of us would take any day. That does mean, however, that we need to consider the things that in ‘normal circumstances’ we would ‘normally’ do. Lead generation, an evolving product offer – and most importantly a professional service. It sets the good businesses from the bad. We’re committed to investing in a product offer, service and the tools that will help our customers deliver that offer and service to the homeowner.
WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021 27
VIEWPOINT
What Will The
Top Window
Colours Be In 2022? Deceuninck has created a free to download White Paper, summarising the findings of detailed consumer research on colour preference, and creating a series of forecasts for top colour trends in 2022. Released this month, the paper draws on data collected by leading consumer pollster YouGov as part of a Deceuninck commissioned study.
Rob McGlennon, Managing Director, Deceuninck
It also pulls in data on national sales of foils and statistics from its own sales, combining them with analysis from other sectors, on key home improvement colour trends.
in general in the colours we sell, so we’ve looked at that, the data we have from YouGov and wider market analysis, to pull it together, identify trends and make our prediction for where the market is going to go next year.”
Rob McGlennon, Managing Director, Deceuninck, said: “We tend to be a little ahead of the market
The study by YouGov, published earlier this year found that when asked about their colour prefer-
28 WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021
ence white was cited by 43% of homeowners as their preferred colour choice. Greys, including Anthracite Grey, Agate Grey, and Grey, accounted for a combined 17%. Irish Oak and Rosewood polled 7% and 6% respectively. Greens, including Chartwell and Sage Green, recorded 4% and 1%; Black and Cream each recorded 4%. “They’re the headline findings but dig into [it] and there are a host of other factors which are likely to influence colour choice going forward including age and type of property. We’ve pulled everything together into a single document, done some crystal ball gazing and made forecasts for the year ahead”, Rob said. Deceuninck offers 30 colourways in stock and 20 additional colours in just 15 working days, with on average Deceuninck fabricators selling twice as much colour as their competitors, says the systems company. To download your free copy of the White Paper please visit https://bit.ly/38vifqN For more information www.deceuninck.co.uk
Over the last 12 months we’ve been working hard behind the scenes. Making big improvements to our business on both an operational and digital level. All with you in mind. Now enabling you to order bigger volumes on the same industry leading turn around time, as well as a suite of digital tools that put the power in your hands, helping you to quote quicker and install faster, any colour, any time, anywhere. So, enable your business to grow today with Alufold Direct.
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VIEWPOINT
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 developed by installers for installers.To find out more see www.businesspilot.co.uk/barometer
The Business Pilot Barometer
At face value it appears that this was also reflected in the window and door sector. Leads bounced back, up 20% in August on July.
Have window and door sales been the same across material types?
By Neil Cooper-Smith, Senior Analyst, Business Pilot We highlighted the fact that sales were marginally down in July compared to June, with a fall of 3%, seeing a similar drop in leads. This lower level of activity, coinciding with a cooling in the housing market as the Stamp Duty holiday started to wind down. The latest figures from Nationwide show, however, that the fall in the housing market seen in July was, reversed in August, with house price growth up 2.1% and 11% annually.
Sales, however, dropped 13%. This may have been in part the product of a lower level of lead generation in July, but also the impact of the holiday season, extending the time it takes to get confirmations across the line. This would suggest that we should see an uptick in sales next month [Sept]. Taking a longer-term view, while activity in the market remains high, sales are significantly down (37%) on this time last year – and even more on June and July 2020, when we would suggest the market peaked. Sales are also down 18% on March this year, when for the year-to-date, sales peaked. In addition to the headline figures we regularly report here, we also track data on the different window and
30 WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021
VIEWPOINT
door material types. Each broadly follows the same headline trend throughout 2021 with a peak in average sales in March, and then signs of a moderate slowdown in July into August. This was most pronounced in PVC-U sales which were down just under 16% June to August. The drop in timber sales was less pronounced, while aluminium sales remained largely flat throughout July and last month.
We’re cautious about placing too great a value on this data. PVC-U sells at a far greater volume than either aluminium or timber, however, the generally downward trend from March this year suggests that there have been fewer whole house replacements in ‘mainstream’ markets, since the first round of Stamp Duty completions, which left homeowners with additional cash to spend on home improvements. As higher-value and often single purchase home improvements e.g. bifold doors, it appears sales of aluminium and timber products, may have been less obviously impacted. With full order books still to work to this is unlikely to worry retailers too much but we’d argue that even while we expect an increase in sales next month, the high point of the home improvement boom appears to be behind us. As such, maximising conversion and capitalising on the leads that you have captured in the last
12-months, even those you haven’t converted to date is going to become increasingly important. We can help you do that by helping you to drive better customer experience by managing the lead to sale process more effectively, as well as helping you to manage and retarget the data you’ve already captured. CRM and business management tools like Business Pilot, will help you avoid the regret in six-months’ time about the leads that ‘got away’. WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021 31
VIEWPOINT fuzzy feeling: it has tangible commercial value because it supports recruitment, retention of talent, and staff motivation and wellbeing. It also ensures we have supply chain partners who prioritise us and customers who return to us, delivering a robust value chain in which we all share. Taking Care of the Team Our team works hard. From the boardroom to the warehouse and everywhere in between, everyone feels invested in doing a good job and helping to grow the business.
How Does CSR Deliver
Value On And Off The Balance Sheet? David Jennings, CEO of window and door hardware and security specialist, UAP Ltd, discusses the importance of corporate and social responsibility (CSR) in building a company that people are proud to work for and eager to work with
Business leaders often say that people are their greatest asset, but treating people – employees, customers, supply chain part-
ners and the wider community – as individuals with value means living and breathing that concept it in every aspect of the way a company operates and behaves. It’s an ethos that has been at the heart of UAP since the business could count its members of staff on the fingers of one hand. It makes me feel proud to know that we do the right thing but CSR is much more than a warm
32 WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021
There has always been the opportunity to impress and progress at UAP. Several of our leadership team began their UAP career in a more junior role and personalised training plans and the ability to move across departments are an essential part of how we keep talent within the business. We motivate people to be their best self and reward achievement. In 2019, we made the decision to become a cooperative, so everyone benefits financially from our collective success too. But it’s not all about careers and remuneration. People are much more than the role they do at work so our people strategy considers what they need beyond training and their pay packet. During the pandemic, the need to consider how we support out team was more urgent than ever. We not only did everything possible to keep them safe, such as creating bubbles for site staff, doing on site testing and providing PPE, we also provided online yoga sessions and opportunities for homeworking colleagues to interact in the virtual space. Now that homeworking teams are returning to site, we’re creating an on-site doggy daycare facility in one of our warehouses, which will be staffed by a trained dog sitter and enable our team to vis-
VIEWPOINT it their dog during the day while ensuring their pet is cared for and entertained. Taking care of what matters to our employees is all part of supporting them. Sustainability Sustainability and environmental responsibility are a huge part of our CSR goals and an area where we have invested to drive best practice. We generate enough of our own renewable energy to make us virtually self-sufficient, we are working towards being 100% virgin plastics free, using biodegradable or marine reclaim materials where plastic is needed, and we actively source recycled and recyclable materials, shredding old packaging material for re-use as infill packaging. Increasingly, customers want to
Complete Hardware Support
see tangible evidence of what their suppliers are doing to minimise environmental impact and operate ethically and sustainably. It’s something that’s always been important to UAP so we are ahead of the curve. Over the years we have planted more than 50,000 trees in Thailand to aid CO2 absorption and we are constantly looking for ways in which we can take positive actions that reduce waste. For example, we now use 3-D printing to make prototypes before full production, preventing material wastage during product development Community It’s always inspiring to see people raise money for charity and the concept of ‘giving back’ is something that lies right at the heart of UAP company culture. We have been instrumental in the
construction of five community schools in Nepal and support charities at home and abroad including, Cash 4 Kids, The Red Cross, The Encephalitis Society and Macmillan Cancer Care, along with local junior sports teams. During the pandemic, we sourced PPE supplies from the far east, and have donated thousands of masks, gloves and aprons to local charities and community groups to help keep people safe. It may all seem like nice-to-have additions to the core disciplines of running a business but every business is powered by the loyalty of its team and its customers. Our CSR commitment helps us inspire that loyalty while delivering value far beyond our balance sheet. https://uapcorporate.com/
Technical advice from industry experts
In house fit ups and training
Testing and accreditation guidance
Comprehensive manufacturer guarantees
£millions in stock to support OTIF delivery service
Get in touch and speak to one of our experts today: t. Peterborough: 01733 393330 t. Cumbernauld: 01236 721557 e. sales@carlfgroupco.co.uk w. www.carlfgroupco.co.uk
PEOPLE
Frame Fast UK Promotes Nigel Leivers To Managing Director Nigel Leivers has been appointed Managing Director at Frame Fast UK after 18 years with Derby’s leading trade manufacturer, stating that the secret of his success is listening carefully to customers and expanding to meet their needs. “Our company is where it is today due to a combination of hard work, dedication, close customer relationships and a great team, and I am so proud that I can continue this journey in my new position as Managing Director,” says Nigel. “I’ve always been passionate about the on-going growth that we’ve enjoyed at Frame Fast and I couldn’t be more proud to accept this position. I’ll continue to work hard to achieve Frame Fast’s next growth goals as we celebrate our 25th anniversary next year.
“One of my main focusses when joining Frame Fast was to build strong relationships with customers and to offer more products and services to help them sell more. “From the regular conversations I’ve had with customers over the years, we added our aluminium division 12 years ago, expanded the glass shop 4 years ago and increased capacity for composite doors and roofs, catering to customer needs. “This has helped us be a trusted and reliable partner for installers and builders in the Midlands, and through growing the trade counter and manufacturing facility, we’ve been able to create more jobs for local people too. “Working with developers, I’ve also built the new build sales, which now has a dedicated department.”
34 WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021
Frame Fast is also launching an apprenticeship scheme in Derby, where apprentices will be able to get hands-on experience fabricating windows and doors in the state-of-the-art factory. Nigel continues: “The next step for Frame Fast is the launch of our training school for fabricator apprentices this year. The goal is to create a highly skilled workforce, supporting professionalisation in the industry.” Frame Fast manufactures PVCu and aluminium windows, composite and aluminium doors, conservatory roofs and glass units from its 55,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Derby, working closely with installers and developers in the Midlands. Nigel adds: “Our 25th anniversary in 2022 shows the continued success of the business and the commitment of the team and I’m looking forward to leading Frame Fast into the next step of its growth.” www.framefastuk.com
PEOPLE
Brisant Appoints Head Of Sales And Customer Service
leader positions as well as creating two new roles to create a strong customer services team.
Brisant Secure has appointed a new Head of Sales and Customer Service. Carrie Young brings with her 21 years of experience in customer service across a variety of different sectors. Since joining Brisant, she has introduced new systems and ways of working to provide the best and most efficient service for customers. Carrie is responsible for a team of 11 people and is part of the senior management team. Carrie says: “Brisant Secure is growing rapidly and we are handling a lot of calls and emails. To support that growth, it is important that we get the service right for customers and refresh the operations within the department. “I had what Brisant Secure needed in terms of skills and experience and I am already working closely with the team, who are keen to provide support for customers and just need some guidance to make the customer experience even better.” In just a few weeks, Carrie has promoted two advisors to team
Carrie adds: “We are the hub of the business, the face of the company. It is our responsibility to provide a service that stands out for all the right reasons. We want to ensure that we are gaining a great reputation and helping to retain business. Noone expects perfection, but by providing quick and efficient service, we can make our customers’ lives as easy as possible and exceed expectations whenever we can. “When you are leading the way, as Brisant Secure is, you’ve always got people biting at your ankles. I find that exciting and I want to do everything I can to make sure that the company remains ahead in the industry, in terms of customer service. “In the near future, I would love Brisant Secure to achieve the Customer Service Excellence Award, which will demonstrate to people just how good we are at what we do.” Nick Dutton, CEO of Brisant Secure, says: “As our business continues to grow and thrive, we need to have the right customer service to back up our ground-breaking products. Carrie is a tremendous asset to our team and is already making strides to make improvements and implement procedures that will help take the service we provide for our customers to the next level. She is already positively influencing her team and creating a sense of passion and achievement in the department.” www.brisant-secure.com
Craig Schmidt and Greg Kane
New Group Head
Of IT Appointed
To Drive Conservatory
Outlet’s Digital Transformation
Manufacturer of high-quality windows, doors, home extensions and conservatory products has kick-started a major digital transformation project with the appointment of a new Group Head of IT. Conservatory Outlet Group, which employs over 400 people across it 60,000 sq ft factory in Wakefield and retail businesses Clearview and Pennine Home Improvements, has recruited Craig Schmidt to help it strengthen productivity in its manufacturing operations and enhance the level of customer support it provides. The 45-year-old, who boasts extensive experience in implementing business transformation changes across multiple industries, joins the team during an ambitious growth period that has seen it expand from £8m of sales in 2011 to £48m this year. He will help develop product and service innovations by harnessing the power of IT and digital systems, which will make the firm’s customer journeys more memorable and support its 27-strong network of home improvement retailers across the UK. www.conservatoryoutlet.co.uk
WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021 35
PEOPLE existing window frames at a relatively low cost and with a minimum amount of work.” Paul, who has worked in the construction industry, has in recent years developed an initiative called Society Card, whose members get access to discounts and savings from local and national businesses enabling them to enjoy life’s pleasures for less.
Chris Sweeney – Sales Director, Thermocill
Energy-Saving Thermocill Appoints Two Directors Ahead Of Launch An energy-saving business has appointed two senior directors before the launch of its ‘game-changing’ ancillary heating product. Thermocill Limited, which has developed an innovative eco-friendly device enabling a room to heat up quicker at the same time as saving on energy bills, has recently recruited Chris Sweeney as sales director. In addition, the company is expanding its workforce to offer training and installation for Thermocill, and has appointed Paul Heron as installations director. Both Chris and Paul are excited about joining Thermocill at a time that it is about to go into full manufacturing production. Chris, 47, an expert energy broker, said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to be joining a business that is truly devoted to making people’s lives better both from an eco-sustainability point of view and also from a cost-saving aspect. “When I first spoke to Thermocill’s inventor and managing director Keith Rimmer I honestly thought the product was too good to be true. But it is true! Thermocill is a
‘Thermocill is a win win product for everyone by saving both energy and cash and I knew straight away when I spoke to Keith that the product and the Thermocill Trust which is about to be created will help people generally in society which resonates with me so much.” Paul’s role as installations director will be to work with installers, councils, businesses and colleges throughout the country creating partnerships to train installers to a high level of competency. He said: “Hopefully, we can give training to young people who are looking for new opportunities or for people who may have been made redundant because of Covid-19.
Paul Heron – Installations Director, Thermocil
real game changer.” Chris, who will be using his extensive network of connections in the energy sector plus a nationwide team of sales advisors to promote Thermocill, said the scope for where the product could be used effectively was endless. “I will initially be approaching local authorities, education establishments, the care home industry, and charities where energy and cost-saving are paramount. But we will also be targeting Thermocill at housing developers down to the individual home owner. “The strength of Thermocill is that it is not only an easy fit on new builds but also can be retro-fit on
36 WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021
“I will be working alongside the sales team, the distribution centre, and the installers we set up around the country. Once we are up and running we will have field inspectors who will visit sites to make sure that Thermocill has been fitted to the highest of standards.” Thermocill is a device placed discretely under a window board or sill which directs the warm air from a room’s radiator up and against the window panes creating a warm curtain of air in front of the glazing, as well as improving the thermal comfort in the room. It gives the effect of triple glazing at a much reduced cost, claims the company. It enables the room to heat up faster – by up to 19 percent – and saves up to eight Continued on page 34
PEOPLE Continued from page 34
percent on energy bills. Its green credentials are also maximised by the fact it is made 100% from recycled nylon and considerably reduces a building’s carbon footprint (on average 150kg per year). In addition, Thermocill significantly reduces the moisture and condensation around the windows, representing the only passive device to achieve this.
Richard Jackson
Appointed As Freefoam
UK Sales Director
The innovative product has been designed, optimised and tested by world-class scientists and its results are all verified by the Energy Saving Trust. The recently launched Thermocill app enables customers and surveyors to calculate the number of units required and the CO2 emissions saved by installing the product. Its award-winning inventor and entrepreneur Keith Rimmer said: “At Thermocill, we’re incredibly proud to have created a new, revolutionary product that will become a staple in every home in the UK and beyond.” He added: “Our product is designed to reduce the level of cold air entering the house and minimises the level of warm air being lost through the window. This allows a home to remain at the desired temperature for your body to feel satisfied with the thermal environment, providing the desired level of thermal comfort continuously. “It also reduces condensation and moisture on windows which in turn reduces potential damp in a building thus improving the quality of air you breathe every day.” In 2010 Keith’s EcoPod eco-friendly heating system used in tall buildings received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneurial Award for Cleantech and Energy and ‘Innovator award’ at the North West Business Masters Awards. EcoPod also achieved H&V Project of the Year and H&V Environmental Initiative of the Year in 2011.
Freefoam Building Products, a leading manufacturer of a wide range of innovative products for the building industry in Ireland, the UK and Mainland Europe are delighted to announce the appointment of Richard Jackson to the new post of UK Sales Director. Richard has been with Freefoam for the last 16 years as National Sales Manager, and as a result of the companies exceptional growth over that time, the senior management team have introduced this new post to meet the business needs in to the future and to ensure continued sales development and commercial success. Richard has worked in the industry for over 25 years in sales and business development roles and has built up an exceptional level of knowledge, expertise and commercial acumen. Whilst at Freefoam he has continuously developed and grown the evolv-
38 WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021
ing sales team in line with needs of the business. Alongside the sales growth, Richard has been the driving force behind the diversification and development of the customer base, with the continuous support of existing customers and the introduction of new customers, both independent stockists and national merchants. Richard commented “I’m looking forward to working with our sales team and customers to maximise market opportunities and ensure Freefoam stays at the forefront of the PVC roofline and cladding market.” Aidan Harte, Freefoam Managing Director summarised “Our sales in the UK have consistently grown year on year, and Richard has been a key part of that. The appointment of Richard to the role of Sales Director will help Freefoam achieve the ambitious and challenging strategic sales goals we have set ourselves.” www.freefoam.com
PEOPLE resentation seen at board level is replicated across the FENSA community that has more than 6,300 FENSA Approved Installers across England, Wales and Scotland, ranging from sole traders to nationwide companies, all of them benefitting from several benefits with external partners as part of their FENSA membership. With every potential FENSA benefit the same questions are asked. Will it save FENSA Approved Installers money, make their lives easier, win them more work, or all of the above?
Phil Slingerl
FENSA Appoints New Board Member
FENSA has announced the appointment of Phil Slinger, Chief Executive of Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB) to the FENSA Board.
On Phil Slinger’s appointment to the FENSA Board, GGF President and FENSA Chairman, Tony Smith commented, “It’s great to have Phil and CAB on the FENSA Board. It’s a dynamic and diverse Board with one broad aim, to make things better for our industry.” The FENSA Board now has representation from all the trade bodies representing the framing materials in the industry. CAB joins the British Woodworking Federation, Steel Window Association and British Plastics Federation on the Board of the government-authorised scheme that monitors building regulation compliance for replacement win-
dows and doors.
Phil Slinger adds, “I am delighted to join the FENSA Board, being relatively new to the industry it’s important that CAB is represented at industry meetings and that we work with other trade organisations for the benefit of our Members and the wider industry.” Chris Beedel, FENSA Director of Membership comments, “Being the largest and longest standing competent person scheme in the fenestration sector, FENSA has stayed as the industry’s preferred choice because of its balanced working approach with all sides of the industry. We continue to work with organisations such as UKAS and Federation of Master Builders amongst others for the benefit of FENSA members and homeowners.” The collaboration and wide rep-
FENSA’s partnership with TradePoint saves installers 10% on all items across the board and the association with Fuel Card Services means the FENSA community can save up to 10p per litre off their fuel costs. FENSA’s range of financial partners include Improveasy, TrustShare and Take Payments, all of them offering invaluable products and expertise that will help FENSA Approved Installers to win more work at heavily discounted rates. Alongside them, the FENSA Training Academy and FENSA Recycling scheme are run by industry experts Total Support Training and CNC Recycling respectively. Only last year FENSA worked with industry lead generation experts ICAAL to launch FENSA Lead Generation, providing homeowner leads direct to our installers’ inboxes for free. Anda Gregory, Chief Development Officer for the GGF adds, “The culture within FENSA is one of collaboration. We work with partners and industry leaders to ensure the FENSA community have unparalleled access to experts, products and services that help their business thrive. We’ll continue to drive forward change for the betterment of our industry and our members.”
WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021 39
PEOPLE Danny Jones has joined Kall Kwik as their new Technical Director. Combining his wealth of experience alongside Chris Bailey, the company believe they have a level of industry expertise that ‘can’t be matched’ in the UK.
Kall Kwik Add Experienced Technical Director To Team
Having been in the industry for more than 20 years, Danny has spent his career as an engineer at some of the leading glazing industry companies, including Promac and Polyframe, before starting his own company, D J Machinery. “We’re very excited to welcome Danny to the Kall Kwik team. He is a very well-known and respected figure in the industry with incredible experience and engineering knowledge,” says Chris Bailey, Kall Kwik’s UK & Ireland Business Development Manager. “You’ll struggle to find someone with the same knowledge of PVCu machinery as Danny and to have him on board will raise customer service to the next level. His experience will also help bring through
Danny Jones (left), with Chris Bailey
the next generation of engineers.
in the advice, care and engineering side of the business.”
“His knowledge of Urban and Schirmer machinery means he is a perfect addition, and after the recent launch of our ACE partnership scheme, Danny will play a key role
The appointment means Kall Kwik can call upon more than 40 years of invaluable experience between Chris and Danny. www.kallkwik.uk.com
Yale Door And Window Solutions Appoints Digital Marketing Executive Yale has appointed Jermaine Hoffman as digital marketing executive. Jermaine recently joined the team at the Willenhall office and brings a wealth of knowledge and skills, including several years of digital marketing experience. Previous roles include marketing manager for a leading UK packaging distributor and marketing executive at the UK’s largest independent delivery network. Jermaine will be responsible for Yale’s digital marketing requirements, and he will primarily focus on the company’s website and social media developments. Discussing the role, Jermaine commented: “Working for a globally known brand, and the mar-
ket leader for home security, is a fantastic opportunity. Having grown up in Willenhall, Yale is a brand that I’ve always aspired to work for and I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in. “While the Yale name comes with a respected heritage, it’s great to see how the company is also adapting to developments within the industry, such as the growth in smart technology, and I’m looking forward to taking on challenges in this new area.” Gemma Diratzonian, marketing manager for Yale DWS, said: “Jermaine is a great addition to the marketing team, and I know that he will bring a fresh outlook and approach to the business. As a company, we are committed to strengthening and
40 WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021
developing our team so that we can continue to offer our fabricator and installer customers the best service.” Outside of work Jermaine is kept busy with his young family and is a fitness fanatic who likes to spend time at the gym and playing basketball. www.yaledws.co.uk
PRODUCT NEWS
Cairngorm Group Calls On Carl F Groupco’s
Hardware Expertise The Cairngorm Group tasked leading window and door fittings distributor Carl F Groupco with managing their hardware transition during a recent PVCu profile changeover. Putting trust in their 16-year partnership, the two-month project was delivered by the multiskilled team at Carl F Groupco headed by Pamela Wilson, Regional Sales Manager for Scotland who has worked closely with the Cairngorm team throughout the longstanding partnership. The profile changeover was time-sensitive, and the transition needed to be smooth to ensure business saw no detrimental effects. Throughout the supply chain, the project required meticulous planning and cooperation, allowing for the efficient switch to the new profile.
The team at Carl F Groupco worked with the Cairngorm Group to review all hardware, and relevant new profile parts were sourced and assessed to guarantee the correct fit, before samples were trialled and quality tested to ensure the final product met Cairngorm’s exacting standards. Stock was monitored and adjustments made to ensure continuity of supply and provide the On Time in Full service commitment throughout the changeover. Carl F Groupco went above and beyond through the transition, from ensuring part numbers were all transferred and arranging fit-ups with the factory teams, to liaising with the technical teams at manufacturer partners Roto throughout the PAS 24 and performance testing process. Managing Director of the Cairn-
42 WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021
gorm Group Scott Dowling summarises the strong working relationship with Carl F Groupco, and details the quality of all products supplied by Carl F Groupco: “We have worked closely with Carl F Groupco throughout our 16-year partnership establishing a positive relationship based on honesty, integrity, technical knowledge and devotion to supplying OTIF. We trust Carl F Groupco implicitly in their technical and supply abilities. We continue to work closely with Carl F Groupco in a collaborative relationship with complete dedication from the hardware supplier to our projects.” Through the 16-year working partnership, Carl F Groupco has supplied the Cairngorm Group with a range of products, including the Roto NT Tilt and Turn system, supplied to support the introduction of the new profile. Also supplied is the Roto FRH reversible window gearing, Yale Lockmaster 21 door lock, Yale cylinders, Sparta patio handles, and Securistyle Defender Friction Stays. www.carlfgroupco.co.uk
PRODUCT NEWS
Total Hardware Highlights Coloured Hardware Trends
Nationwide hardware supplier Total Hardware has reported that it is seeing strong demand for its Anthracite Grey and Tungsten coloured hardware. Chris Pell, General Manager at Total Hardware, commented: “Coloured profiles have been an important trend for a while across the industry, especially in the post-lockdown boom in the domestic sector. It’s interesting to see how this is translating into hardware trends and we are pleased to be able to fulfil the demand.” Total Hardware launched their Anthracite Grey and Tungsten coloured hardware options at the end of 2020 because it identified a clear opportunity to fulfil an expanding
market. Chris commented: “Anthracite Grey and Tungsten hardware perfectly complement the contemporary profile colour choice of Anthracite Grey and help create a sophisticated appearance where the hardware blends in rather than standing out.”
Supplying hardware that taps into trends and gives fabricators and installers the products they need to differentiate their offer is a particular strength of Total Hardware. For example, its Quantum range is a fully suited solution and its new Superior 25 Stainless Steel door hardware provides elegant aesthetics, as well as durability and unrivalled protection against corrosion.
A Full House With The greenteQ Suite
Hardware specialist VBH reports that more customers than ever are making the move to its greenteQ Suite of matching window and door furniture.
30 different products such as handles, hinges and furniture in 9 core colours, with some products, such as door hinges, being available in many more.
greenteQ is VBH’s own brand of hardware and furniture and the Suite is an integral part of the range.
VBH Marketing Manager Gary Gleeson says “The greenteQ brand has a superb reputation amongst manufacturers of patio doors of all kinds, and is the preferred choice
The greenteQ Suite includes over
At the same time, the company is completely committed to customer service. It has just expanded its Leeds stock distribution centre by 20% so it can carry greater stock levels and continues to deliver competitive lead times for its customers. Chris comments: “By holding greater levels of stock we’ve been able to supply more of our ranges to our growing customer base quickly.” www.totalhardwareltd.co.uk of many from the smallest to the largest. It is because of this that the greenteQ Suite has evolved into what it is today. “Many suited ranges cater for casement windows and resi-doors, but the greenteQ Suite extends to tilt & turn windows and, importantly, we have developed furniture to sit alongside our patio door operating systems too. We offer suited furniture for bi-folds, lift/slides and inline sliders.” The Suite is supplied with a 10 year mechanical and surface guarantee as standard. Many of the products are interchangeable with those in VBH’s Coastline stainless steel range that carries a market leading 25 year surface guarantee. Gary concludes “VBH customers can tie in a ‘full house’ installation in terms of the colour and style of the furniture across windows, doors and patio doors. That’s a winning hand against those installers who haven’t been dealt a full house by their hardware dealer.” www.vbhgb.com
WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021 43
PRODUCT NEWS
New Ultion 3*
Security Solution With 2* Fully-Suited
Security Handle
six coats of corrosion protection, it looks great after a year in the weather test chamber. Most handles just about manage 10 days. Perfectly suited with Ultion’s Sweet door furniture, homeowners can choose from a range of seven popular finishes to make an immediate and lasting impression: anthracite, white, gold, stainless steel, black, chrome and rose gold. When combined with the Ultion Star lock, this two-star handle achieves the maximum threestar Kitemark security, a Police preferred specification, and is backed by Ultion’s £2,000 security guarantee. Nick Dutton, CEO at Brisant-Secure, comments: “Most people would be horrified at how flimsy some door handles are. With the right tools they can be ripped off the door in a few seconds, leaving the cylinder exposed to break-ins. Until now, very few consider using a security handle because they are expensive, unsuited, bulky, and weather badly, which is why few people use them.
Brisant Secure is redefining security standards again with the launch of a ground-breaking Ultion security handle, part of a new three-star security solution, claims the company. The all-new Ultion 3* security solution features the new twostar security handle with an Ultion one-star to achieve exceptional security and beautiful looks. Ultion’s security handle has unique seamless curves to prevent burglars using tools to get a
grip on it so they can rip it from the door. The fully-reinforced Ultion handle can’t be crushed by mole grips either, and the fixings thread perfectly through hardened steel bosses to stop twisting. Inside the handle, a molybdenum cylinder shield – 25% denser than iron – protects against drilling and lock-snapping, the most common form of attack. Uliton’s security handle not only looks great, but it’s designed to last. The handle’s stylish curves repel the elements and thanks to
44 WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021
“The launch of our new two-star security handle is a game-changer. There are no weak points – we’ve designed them out. And there are no compromises with looks or corrosion resistance either. For the first time, homeowners and installers don’t have to choose between security and looks. Now they can have an ultra-secure door handle that withstands violent attacks – have a look at this Master Locksmith doing all he can to break in https://bit.ly/3tyWIHp – and looks beautiful. After watching the locksmith wear himself out, look at the Augmented Reality visualisation. You can see the handle from all angles and in detail: this is no ordinary handle!” Ultion’s new two star security handle will be available from October 2021.
PRODUCT NEWS
A New Ring Door
Knocker From Coastal Coastal’s new DKB200 Ring Door Knocker from their BLU Hardware Range is manufactured from high-quality 316 Marine Grade Stainless Steel giving it the best corrosion resistance possible. Whether you’re fitting the DKB200 to a door on a property near the coast, or a door made from acidic timber such as oak or Accoya®, you can rest assured you’re fitting the best door knocker to withstand the elements and give perfect peace of mind for many years to come. Available in 5 popular finishes, the DKB200 Ring Door Knocker comes with plenty of choice, so you can choose a finish to suit any entrance door, whatever the door colour is. The design is classic but the finishes are a mix of contemporary and traditional, adding elegance and style to your front door. The DKB200 is part of Coastal’s suited range of BLU Door and Window Hardware so you can combine it with letter plates, centre door knobs, cylinder pulls, door handles and escutcheons – giving that perfect suited hardware finish that homeowners’ love for their front door. The new ring door knocker is made from solid 316 stainless steel and goes through an extra finishing process to ensure it has the right high-quality weight and feel to it. www.coastal-group.com WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021 45
WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021 45
PRODUCT NEWS
ORiGINAL, Brought To You By DoorCo DoorCo announces the release of ORiGINAL, the evolved foam-filled composite door range. Following the GRiPCORE and FLiP launches early this year, which delivered the company’s latest innovations with strong new identities, the composite door manufacturer has applied the same process to their foam-filled core door, positioning it as an inclusive introduction to the world of DoorCo. “Our foam-filled core composite door is one of the best on
the market and the foundation of our business,” says Dan Sullivan, DoorCo MD. “With all the new innovations coming into play, the foam-filled core composite door could be seen as an “entry level” solution, but the reality is it’s highly engineered and sets the benchmark in the market when it comes to quality and thermal performance. It’s an inclusive introduction to the world of DoorCo and is deserving of its own place in the DoorCo house of brands with a unique identity that suits its class. And what
46 WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021
better choice than ORiGINAL. “ORiGINAL is developed specifically for the UK market. It has passed the rigours of PAS 24 in line with Approved Document Q, every door is Q-Mark stamped giving UK customers peace of mind on manufacturing process and quality. The structure consists of a PU foam core, encompassed by an LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) subframe to provide strength and rigidity, and finished with DoorCo’s signature 44mm GRP outer skins to protect the home from the elements and offer minimal thermal expansion and contraction rates under extreme temperature variations. “The foundation of the ORiGINAL range is still DoorCo’s 9 slab options with the same
PRODUCT NEWS wide range of door designs, appealing to both the commercial and retail sectors. We have however made a few advancements to reflect the evolution of DoorCo and the market. “Firstly, we have categorised our door styles into 3 collections to support the changing trends in architectural design: Traditional, Contemporary, and Designer. Within the collections there have been some design enhancements as we switch over to our new glazing cassette system, FLiP. “The FLiP Standard cassette has a redesigned bevelled finish that has refreshed our traditional doors and has opened up opportunities for new options on favourites. FLiP’s two squared-off contemporary designs are partnered with our unique Monza II and Links doors to create the exciting new Designer collection. FLiP Flat Grained has also been used alongside Inox in the Contemporary collection to enhance designs on the Flush slab. “To support the launch of ORiGINAL, we’ve invested in a comprehensive suite of marketing collateral to aid and support customers’ own marketing. This includes a redesigned door brochure in line with the new ORiGINAL brand that is aspirational and will hopefully create desire with every homeowner for a DoorCo door. “There’s still more to come from DoorCo over the coming months with PAiNT, GLAZiNG, and a whole new refresh of the DoorCo brand, a lot of which can be previewed in new ORiGINAL brochure: www.https://bit.ly/3kIprW8 For more information on DoorCo, visit: www.door-co.com or call 01625 428955.
Jack Aluminium TD68
Profile Chosen For Aliwoods Garden Rooms
Proving its complete versatility, Jack Aluminium’s TD68 system has been used to create a stunning range of new garden rooms by Aliwoods, the sister company of long-standing fabricator IDF Aluminium. Aliwoods, which covers the distribution and sales of the garden rooms, was set up during the pandemic in response to the increased demand for garden office pods. The buildings come in prefabricated sections allowing for easier, faster installation and the modular design means they can be easily disassembled and relocated if needed or installed where access is tight. Installation takes between 2-5 days and the rooms are fitted with everything needed for a fully functional garden room, including interior and exterior lighting, laminated floors and plug sockets, meaning they are immediately ready to use after they’re fitted. Donna Woods MD
of Aliwoods says she loves the high grade of the system which makes it suitable for residential and commercial use alike. Jack Aluminium’s TD68 system has been used to create floorto-ceiling glazing on the side of the structure to let in maximum levels of natural daylight. With its superb durability and thermal efficiency, TD68 is the perfect system choice for this garden room design. Will Woods, Managing Director of IDF Aluminium says: “We use the TD68 shopfront system for the glazed side panels of the garden rooms and have chosen this profile due to the high spec and quality of the system. We also love working with Jack Aluminium for the amazing service we receive from the whole team.” www.jackaluminium.co.uk www.aliwoodsgardenrooms.co.uk
WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021 47
PRODUCT NEWS
RegaLead Adds New
Manchester Worker Bee Design To Etched Glass Range
Decorative glass component suppliers RegaLead have added a new design to their Etched Glass range, inspired by the Manchester Worker Bee. The repeat pattern design features the iconic bee symbol which has become a significant emblem associated with the city of Manchester, but its popularity has expanded across the country to become the hot new trend in home improvement and other sectors.
“We think the Manchester Worker Bee design will be a huge hit,” says Guy Hubble, Joint Managing Director of RegaLead. “It’s a symbol which we are seeing everywhere at the moment, from fashion to interior design, which is why we wanted to add it into our range. The meaning behind the worker bee strikes a chord with people, not just in our home city of
Manchester, but across the country.
“We understand the importance of glass in selling doors and we believe the new bee design will be a unique, on-trend glass option for our customers to add their product offering.” The expansion of RegaLead’s Etched Glass Range sees four other designs introduced to the market alongside the worker bee. They are a mix of traditional and contemporary to help RegaLead customers meet the demand from both sides of the market. The Holborn and Mayfair patterns use a repeated star design for a traditional style, taking inspiration from the Victorian era. The Spitalfield design has a tulip pattern which follows the same traditional trends
48 WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021
and Quadratum has a modern twist. “We believe our five new Etched Glass additions give our customers a fantastic opportunity to offer both modern and traditional door glass designs,” adds Guy. “Around 35 percent of the UK’s housing stock was built before 1945, so traditional designs are often more suitable for these properties, and Holborn, Spitalfield and Mayfair patterns are perfect for reaching these homes. “The Manchester Worker Bee and Quadratum patterns expands RegaLead’s Etched Glass range to cater for properties from all eras, including new-build developments looking for an inspiring twist to their door glass design. All of our new decorative glass options can be found in our updated door glass brochure, available to download now.” To see RegaLead’s entire range of decorative glass options, visit www.regalead.co.uk
Doors Deserve Mila. Our market-leading enhanced security door hardware line-up
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PRODUCT NEWS
HWL Introduces
Sheerline Prestige Aluminium Range HWL Trade Frames has introduced the new Sheerline Prestige aluminium range from Garnalex, bolstering its existing portfolio of premium, PVC-U heritage and flush products. The specialist trade fabricator will be offering its customers the complete Sheerline Prestige range of windows and doors and is now taking orders for its much anticipated bi-fold option. Graham Howatson, Director, HWL Trade Frames, commented: “Sheerline is an outstanding system, it’s going to have a big impact on the market. That’s due to its design, its choice of finishes but also because it is highly
innovative. “One of the standout features for us is the new design of thermal break,” he continued. “Called Thermlock, it helps to deliver exceptionally low U values, but importantly, it does so without the need for a traditional polyamide insert.” A global shortage of PA66 compound, used in the manufacture of polyamide thermal breaks, has resulted in a force majeure from suppliers that is expected to remain in place until the start of 2022. This has severely impacted the ability of numerous system com-
50 WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021
panies who rely on polyamide strips to respond to ongoing high demand for aluminium products. “We’ve already had a lot of interest from customers in our Sheerline offer, particularly for the bi-fold,” continued Graham. “That includes those who are frustrated with lead times on their existing aluminium supplier, but also because with Prestige, we can now offer a combined, high-quality PVC and aluminium solution. “Prestige perfectly complements our PVC products,” said Graham. “That incorporates our
PRODUCT NEWS
Decalu88 Achieves
PAS24 On 3m Tall Door
Graham Howatson
Residence Collection range, including our non-glass bonded Timberweld R9, and our new 70mm Kommerling Timberweld flush casement.” Prestige is available from HWL Trade Frames as a casement and tilt and turn window as well as an entrance door, French door or bi-fold. Offered with PAS24:2016 as standard, it achieves Secured by Design accreditation when optioned with laminate glass, delivering U values as low as 1.3W/m2k for double glazed and 0.9W/m2k for triple glazed windows. Available in eight powder coated matt colours, with options for a high gloss white finish and for contrasting interiors as well as a further three anodised finishes, Prestige can be specified with a choice of two opening sash styles; ‘Stepped’ – which mimics a traditional steel window – and ‘Contemporary’. Both styles are available as a standard or as a flush option. www.hwlwindows.co.uk
Decalu88, the ‘next generation’ bifold from Deceuninck Aluminium, has successfully completed PAS24 testing on a 3m tall door. Put through their paces by leading testing house Elements and accredited by BM Trada, testing was completed in June, with two configurations of the the Decalu88 passing at the first attempt. Nigel Headford, Director, Deceuninck Aluminium, said the accreditation was an important addition to the Decalu offer.
U-values are as low as 0.68W/m2, with each sash able to accommodate weights of 200kg and up to 3m in height, it also offers impressive design flexibility, while guaranteeing ultra-smooth running. Deceuninck Aluminium put two door configurations through testing – a three pane 3800m wide open in door in a 3-3-0 configuration, manufactured to a height of 2745mm. Sashes were 1210mm, with a reduced handle height on the opening door to emulate a 3m high product. It also tested a four pane 4000mm wide open-out door in a 4-3-1 configuration.
“The Decalu88 Bifold is a proven system. PAS24 gives us the additional approval in new build applications. “What for me is the really exciting achievement is how we went through testing, with first time passes on two 3m high doors representing a very real achievement and evidence of how highly engineered this product is.” Launched at the beginning of 2020, the Decalu88 Bi-fold has gained a significant following among installers based on ease of installation. This includes glazing of each sash in as little as 5-minutes through the use of a co-extruded pre-inserted gasket, and two fully adjustable jambs, each offering up to 7mm tolerance, simplifying door squaring and setting.
“These are big doors – each sash was roughly 10ft high by 4ft wide”, added Nigel, “What it also gives us is testing against a complete set of configurations, which means going forward, our customers can offer a PAS24 tested door, regardless of configuration. “We know we have a highly engineered product offer, we know it has incredible reach in home improvement and new build sectors, and we also have test data. With the flexibility we can offer on colour including marine grade, dual colour and textured finishes as standard, it’s probably time to get in touch!” www.deceuninck.co.uk
WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021 51
PRODUCT NEWS minimum. Thanks to features such as the patented Reverse Butt Joint we also use up to 30% less profile for comparably sized windows, which means we use less raw material. We are also an Interpon D Approved Applicator, which means we use powder coatings that offer sustainable building solutions, as well as providing a quality guarantee.” In use, Stellar’s slim sightlines means less reliance on artificial light to illuminate rooms. And because insulation is a fundamental part of the system design, not an afterthought, Stellar meets Building Regulations without the complexity of additional foams or expensive aerogels.
Stellar Dr Sachin Saigal
Sustainability Credentials With the government’s 2050 net zero target, sustainability is a critical issue across our industry. Phil Parry, Business Development Director at Epwin Window Systems, has been discussing the sustainability credentials of the Stellar aluminium window and door system and how the multi award-winning system gives their customers a headstart. He comments: “If the UK is going to meet our net zero ambitions, everyone has to play their part. This was at the forefront of our thinking as we developed Stellar.” As an aluminium system, Stellar immediately has plenty of sus-
tainability advantages. Phil says: “Aluminium is infinitely recyclable without loss of quality and it’s estimated that nearly 75% of all aluminium ever produced is still in use today.[1] Recycling and reusing aluminium saves up to 95% of the energy required for primary aluminium production, so it’s a very efficient material to work with.”[2] With Stellar, Epwin Window Systems takes the sustainability of aluminium even further. Phil says: “All the aluminium for Stellar is sourced from the UK, helping to keep carbon emissions from transportation to a
52 WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021
Aluminium has an exceptionally long lifespan. Phil comments: “The longer a material lasts in use, the better it is for the planet. Studies show that polyester powder coated aluminium windows such as Stellar are capable of retaining their colour and gloss retention for more than 40 years.”[3] Epwin Window Systems is a company renowned for leading the way in environmental matters. The systems company was the first to achieve the BES6001 accreditation for the responsible sourcing of its inputs. It also works to the internationally recognised ISO 14001 standard for Environmental Management. Phil concludes: “Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their actions so sustainable products make good business sense. But apart from that, producing environmentally responsible products is just the right thing to do.” www.stellaraluminium.co.uk [1] https://bit.ly/38TgqE5 2 https://bit.ly/3yV9Do6 3 https://c-a-b.org.uk/finishing-2/
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PRODUCT NEWS
Homeowners’ Eco-Focus Requires
Energy-Efficient Solutions With a new survey revealing that UK homeowners wish to make their homes eco-friendlier; window professionals should look to offer more energy-efficient frames to meet the trend, says an industry expert.
According to online marketplace Rated People’s Home Improvement Trends Report, 57% of UK residents wanted to be more environmentally friendly in 2021 and beyond. This includes adopting all manner of sustain-
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able behaviours, from recycling more, eating less meat, to making homes more sustainable and energy-efficient. The analysis[1] of more than 500,000 jobs set out to uncover home renovation trends for the future. Alongside these findings around sustainability, it also discovered that energy-saving home improvements rose significantly in 2020, with UPVC windows and doors coming out on top of the 10 eco jobs posted to Rated People. Russell Hand, Head of Product
PRODUCT NEWS
future. “As such, the implications for installers and fabricators are clear – they must ensure they can provide the sustainable window solutions homeowners want, in line with these trends. This is likely to manifest in solutions that reduce heat and energy loss, with an added bonus of lowering household bills. To achieve this, there are a number of standards to use as a benchmark when researching window profiles, which help to ensure the system is high-performing and durable.”
Management and Technical at REHAU Windows, believes this clear prioritisation by consumers means window professionals need to rethink their product portfolios. He said, “Providing high performing window solutions is key, given that more than half of UK residents want to be more eco-friendly, as this analysis clearly shows. Other survey findings also demonstrate this conclusion, with research[2] conducted by LV= in June showing that 23% of respondents expected to make home improvements and 21% planned to be more environmentally conscious in the
In order to guarantee quality, it is recommended that a window is classified to high level of weather conditions according to BS 6375-1 Table 1 for wind resistance, air permeability and weather performance, and hold PAS 24 (Enhanced Security Performance) accreditation. The importance of this can be seen in the fact that these accreditations enable straightforward compliance to Approved Document Q (ADQ), and the Secure by Design (SBD) police initiative. Consequently, further assurances can be provided to consumers that their windows are of the sufficiently high performance they have come to expect. “Demonstrating compliance with
BS EN 12608 and BS 7412, as well as A-grade Window Energy Ratings, are key ways for installers to show homeowners that their frames are as energy-efficient and sustainable as possible,” Russell concludes. “Any high-performing window should have undergone extensive, independent testing at a government-recognised United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) test centre as standard, and this needs to be underlined to efficiency-minded consumers. “For example, heat loss from windows is one of the main ways in which homes can lose efficiency, typically accounting for 10% of overall heat escaping from the home. However, by using certified components from suppliers like REHAU for fabrication and installation of windows systems, this issue can be minimised. Installers and fabricators can therefore remain ahead of the curve insofar as sustainability trends are concerned, while also remaining confident of a high-quality frame that will be well-received in the market.” For more information on REHAU’s window solutions, please visit https://bit.ly/3tqB4Fo [1] https://bit.ly/3l5XmrU [2] https://bit.ly/3BVf5JL
WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021 55
PRODUCT NEWS
Aluplast UK Increases Stock Foil Offer With Addition Of Agate Grey aluplast UK has added Agate Grey to its stock foil offer, increasing the number of its popular colour options that are available ‘off the shelf’ in the UK.
“The scale of our resources at aluplast means we are better positioned than most to cater for the growing market for colour,” he continued. “That’s reflected in the fact that foils now account for almost half of our total order volume.
These also include Anthracite Grey on white, Anthracite Grey on both sides on a grey substrate as well as other grey options. aluplast’s capacity to service increasing end user demand for colours and finish stems from significant investment in foiling lines and CNC foiling technology. This has helped to introduce consistent high quality of product while dramatically reducing production time. Ian Cocken, Director of Sales and Marketing, aluplast UK, commented: “We’ve noticed a significant
“That coincides with a major uplift for foiled products in general, especially over the course of the current home improvement boom where homeowners have been in a position to upgrade their standard white PVC windows and doors with a more premium, higher value replacement.
“We are maintaining our stock foils on normal lead times and that is putting our customers in a strong position to respond to ongoing demand and also to win business from competitors.” Ian Cocken
uptake in orders for Agate Grey, it’s an option that is very much in demand and is particularly suited to products such as our flush casement.
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aluplast’s colour range now extends to 40 different finishes. It’s bespoke options also include woodec and aludec, which are next generation foils designed to accurately replicate the appearance and the feel of real timber and aluminium. www.aluplast.co.uk
PRODUCT NEWS
GlasHaus Design Launches In Response To
The Rise In Demand For
Luxury Garden Rooms Architectural glazing specialists, AGS Ltd, have launched GlasHaus Design, a luxury glass garden room company, following a huge rise in demand for outdoor living spaces.
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, garden rooms and outdoor living spaces have become the latest luxury home addition as homeowners look to enhance their properties and create additional living space.
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UK-based Google searches for ‘garden room’ rose by 297% in the 12 months following the first UK national lockdown, showing the popularity and rise in demand for outdoor living areas.
PRODUCT NEWS
tailor-make luxury glass garden rooms, including garden offices, that provide the perfect extension to any home as well as stunning panoramic garden views.
As employees were asked to work from home, ‘garden office’ also experienced a huge increase in online searches, growing by 271% from March 2020 to March 2021. As modern working methods adjust, the trend for garden offices shows no sign of slowing down. Seemingly, workers are searching for a more balanced lifestyle, spending less time commuting and more time at home with friends and family. In response to this rise in demand, GlasHaus Design has launched. GlasHaus Design
While many garden room suppliers offer turnkey outdoor living spaces, GlasHaus Design work with customers to design, manufacture and install bespoke glass garden rooms that suit their needs and fit their aesthetic requirements. The unrivalled functionality of garden rooms means they can be used as luxury entertaining areas, tranquil office spaces, contemporary gym rooms and more. What’s more, garden rooms often don’t require prior planning permission, so they’re a great way to add extra space to a home in a short amount of time. To ensure quality, garden rooms from GlasHaus Design are built to last using precision German
manufacturing methods and double-glazed, energy-efficient glass as standard. SIP insulation panels are also used in each build to ensure the outbuildings can be used all year round – they ensure the rooms stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Director of GlasHaus Design, Ed Dupuy, said: “The Coronavirus pandemic brought to light a gap in the residential market for a luxury structural glazing supplier. Having previously served companies such as Apple and Hugo Boss, we’re excited to bring our structural glazing knowledge and skills to the residential market. By offering tailor-made outdoor living solutions that capture the essence of a property, we hope to inspire house proud homeowners to spend more time at home in comfort and style.” Find out more here: www.glashausdesign.co.uk
WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021 59
PRODUCT NEWS
A SOLid Choice
For Conservatory Roofs Dodworth based SOL Conservatory Roofs has announced the launch of their brand new solid roof system, SOLid. Thermally efficient and fitter friendly, it’s a perfect choice for installers looking to maximise their offering to homeowners and be part of this ever-growing roof trend. Designed to work with new build conservatories and roof replacement projects alike, SOLid features a lightweight aluminium ring beam that seamlessly fits over window frames, over-soffit ventilation for increased air flow and 150mm insulation for thermal efficiency. Fitter friendly features include pre-positioned nuts and pre-installed laths meaning less time
on site, with less disruption and inconvenience for customers. Homeowners can have the ultimate choice when choosing the final look of their brand new solid roof conservatory or conservatory roof replacement, with a variety of tile colours available in both slate and shingle – plus a soffit assembly allowing for external lighting.
ve Taylor said “with the incredible growth that we have seen over the last few years, along with the construction of our Dodworth based roof factory, it made complete sense that the next step would be the development of our own roof system” Steve continues “after navigating successfully through a very unpredictable 12 months, we have come out the other side stronger than ever and now is the perfect time to bring our fantastic new product to market”
Also a brand new addition to the SOL product range, SOLsirius features the same innovative solid roof technology as SOLid, but with full height glazing panels, to give consumers the best of both worlds.
With a £2.5million state-of-theart factory solely dedicated to roof production, SOL Conservatory Roof combines slick manufacturing with a solid supply chain, so that even the most complex of projects can be turned around in industry-leading timescales.
Group Managing Director, Ste-
www.solroofs.co.uk
60 WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021
with the prospects are in your hands.
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SOFTWARE preferred mail client, for example Outlook, Elton said the former offered additional advantages by allowing installers to automate certain responses. “You can automate responses as part of the sales or operational pipeline, for example confirmation of an order, or installation date. Things that you can template and do automatically”, he said.
Never Search
For A Lost Email Again! Business Pilot has launched a new email integration for its installer business management tool, which automatically pulls emails into the CRM, automatically assigning them to a lead or job, no matter who sends it, to create a clear and instantly accessible audit trail. Delivering a step change in prospect and customer communication, each lead or job is automatically assigned a unique email address, as soon as it’s on the system. Users can then either choose to email as before, directly from the CRM, or copy and paste the email address into their preferred mail client as CC or BCC address. “The easiest way is to think about it is as the email address assigned to the job and the system itself, as being another ‘person’ in your organisation who needs to know about the content in the email you’re sending”, explained Elton Boocock, Managing Director, Busi-
ness Pilot. “If you’re responding to a customer or a prospect, or sending an internal email, from within Business Pilot, you can simply select to automatically ‘copy-in’ the unique email address assigned to that lead or job. “You can also copy and paste it as an address into whatever email you use. Either way a copy is created and sent back to the CRM and automatically assigned to the specific lead or job. This provides a clear record but is also immediately accessible to your entire team, not lost in your sent items! “What it doesn’t do is to include every communication if you don’t need to, you’re free to make a sensible choice about what’s relevant and so what’s included in the log by choosing when to BCC the system.” While users are free to send emails from within Business Pilot or their
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This is powered through Business Pilot’s Status Progression Tool, which allows installers to map their lead-to-contract or contract-to-delivery process – automating repetitive tasks including emails and other notifications as each step in each pipeline is completed. “Status Progression does a lot. It can be used by business owners and managers to digitize the processes they use every day and in doing so, guarantee that their teams are following them, driving cultural change and improving customer service”, Elton said. “It also automates the things that you do a lot of, saving time and money and guaranteeing that they’re done, for example sending out a quotation, or pre-installation notification – those communications are now captured and recorded even if they’re sent from outside Business Pilot.” The result of a collaboration between Thames Valley Windows and Cherwell Windows – and their digital partners, Business Pilot is a cloud-based business management tool, designed specifically for installation businesses. It provides installers with precise data on everything from leads and conversions, to job scheduling, installation and servicing costs and even financial reporting. It makes this data accessible through an easy-to-understand dashboard that provides real-time data from each area of business operation. www.businesspilot.co.uk
SOFTWARE
One Step Ahead With Onsite 7 Management Onsite 7, the installer-friendly cloud-based job management software delivers end-to-end information that puts businesses in control of every installation. Rhys Hoddinott, CEO at Onsite 7, explains: “There are several pieces of information that the software delivers that are critically important for installation companies, but the job review section is particularly effective. This section allows installation companies to review job notes, images, site videos and instantly see if a job has been delayed or changed and the reasons why. This information gives installation companies time to react accordingly to minimise disruption to their busy fitting schedules. “With the demands on all installa-
Software
tions teams as a result of the boom from the domestic sector, having the information at hand in case of a job change or delay can make a real difference to scheduling work to maximise efficiencies. “The system is designed to streamline your business at every level. All the information connected with all your jobs is stored in one place that’s accessible whether you’re in the office, on the road, or on-site with a customer. It also acts as a customer relationship management (CRM) system so you can have a single system giving you all the information you need.”
Rhys concluded: “We know that a fast-paced business needs software that is quick and straightforward to set up and works the way you want it to. We combine this with strong ethics and values that cascade through our business to ensure we always deliver on expectations. It suits businesses of any size and can add value at every level to help businesses stay in control.” For more information, visit www.onsite7.co.uk
The Consultancy Delivers For The Residence Collection “It’s probably never been more important than it is right now to invest in your digital presence.” That was the view of Jo Trotman, Marketing Manager at The Residence Collection and Window Widgets, speaking about the work being done by its web development partner The Consultancy on The Residence Collection Trade website. The team at The Consultancy has just added a ‘Find a Fabricator’ function to the website to enable installers to locate fabricators in their region and help deliver new business leads to The Residence Collection customer base. Jo explained: “As the world migrated online during the pandemic, we worked with The Consultancy to ensure that our digital offering continued to work as hard as pos-
across the UK, and for the first time Ireland as well, along with their contact numbers. All of the fabricators’ locations are marked on a map and, as soon as a visitor clicks on one, full contact details pop up. Installers can then refine the list by typing in their postcode and preferred distance – anywhere from 5 to 100 miles.
sible for us and our customers. The new ‘Find a Fabricator’ function is obviously a key part of that. It’s really quick and easy for installers to use and it means we can be more efficient and proactive internally as well.” Installers who visit The Residence Collection trade website at: tcn. residencecollectiontrade.co.uk can now see a full list of fabricators
The Find a Fabricator function is an echo of the Trade Counter search tool which The Consultancy created for The Residence Collection’s sister company Window Widgets last year. The ongoing success of that and the speed and ease with which it was created and deployed meant it was only a matter of time before something similar was added to The Residence Collection website as well. www.theconsultancy.co.uk
WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021 63
SOFTWARE
Adminbase Empowers Installers To Conquer Challenges With a plethora of supply chain issues set to far outlast the worst of the pandemic, installers are bearing the brunt of the consequences. A robust installer management system has never been more critical, which is just one of the reasons why the fully integrated solution from AdminBase is proving popular with installers, claims the company, “With labour shortages, price increases and product availability affecting suppliers literally day by day, it is becoming increasingly difficult for fitters to plan a week’s work, let alone a month or more,” explains Rhonda Ridge, author of AdminBase. “The best installers can hope for in the current climate is honesty and openness from suppliers. The more information they have and the quicker they have it, the more chance they have of being able to plan around the disruptions. Projects may still
need to be delayed and timescales moved around, but if installers know what’s coming, they can be truthful with their customers and pre-warn them of any changes to the schedule. “This is where AdminBase is giving installers a huge advantage. Our carefully designed installer management system holds records for each job a fitter has on their books and these records contain the detail of any materials ordered for that job, including supplier references. Having all this information in one place makes it much easier to chase orders with those suppliers. The records also contain order confirmations so installers can quickly see what should be on a supplier’s delivery before it arrives. Proactive installation companies can even produce summary reports that show what deliveries are expected so they can check in with suppliers
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on orders ahead of the delivery date. This same reporting facility can also be used to highlight items not received on any given order. “As well as keeping track of orders from suppliers, AdminBase is an essential tool for installation planning,” continues Rhonda. “The system can for example show in one view, all jobs that have every ordered item in stock and so are ready for installation. A second view can show all installations booked in for the following week, that don’t yet have all the necessary materials. Taking this one step further, all this information is fed into the appointments in the Installation Diary on the same system, so that an alert will pop up if a project is booked in and not all the materials have been received.” Rhonda concludes: “The system in its entirety removes hassle from installers, giving them more time to do what they do best and install home improvements.” www.abinitiosoftware.co.uk
SOFTWARE
Sternfenster Targets
Fully Integrated Digital
Quotation Package Sternfenster is developing a new, fully integrated online quotation package that is designed to offer its installer customers a complete, digital lead to delivery solution.
Once they do, the order will be instantly transferred to Sternfenster’s EasyAdmin CRM system, where it can be sent directly into production.
The new Proposal Builder system will allow installers to respond to online homeowner enquiries with a bespoke, digital quotation pack.
Nathan Court, Sales and Marketing Director, Sternfenster, commented: “Our new Proposal Builder quotation system forms part of a complete online ‘cradle to grave’ service for our customers.
This can be personalised with individual company branding, and will include video, imagery, product information, accreditation certificates and customer testimonials. Homeowners will then be prompted to book a survey, ask for more time to consider their options, pay a deposit or place an order, which they will be able to do online, at the click of a button.
“We are continuing to innovate through a period of exceptional high demand, with ongoing challenges relating to material supply, price increases and extended lead times. Our new Proposal Builder is designed to take the pressure off our customers, by integrating seamlessly with our EasyAdmin CRM system.
“They will be able to capitalise on website lead generation with a comprehensive, professional quotation package that can process orders directly into our production line. It will save on time and administration and it means installers will be able to focus purely on the day to day running of the business.” Proposal Builder, which will also include Sternfenster’s new CGI virtual showroom, will be the latest in a series of digital innovations from the Lincoln based fabricator. These include Sternfenster Plus, which includes a regularly updated news feed, a live production capacity feed, the ability to track the progress of orders and deliveries and downloadable marketing and training material. “We are anticipating the current levels of demand to continue for some time yet,” concluded Nathan. “The introduction of our Proposal Builder quotation system will take the pressure off installers by giving them a simple, intuitive and highly effective way to adapt their business model and become more efficient.” www.sternfenster.com
WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021 65
SOFTWARE plan their visits more effectively. This can also be accessed through a new map view from Business Pilot’s drag and drop schedule board with everything instantly updated as and when any changes are made. The new map functionality also includes a new zoomable heat map which allows installers to identify which geographical areas deliver the best returns, highest values and conversion rates, colour coding hot spots and representing them by location.
Heat Mapping Business Pilot has launched new map functionality, allowing system users to see which areas of their patch provide the best hunting ground for new business.
The new capability also allows users to pinpoint each sales appointment, survey, or installation against a geographical location, providing a quick visual reference for who in their team is where, and doing what, helping them to allocate resource more effectively. “We’ve taken information that already exists within the system and laid it over a series of maps. That makes that information far more accessible”, explained Ryan Schofield, Director, Business Pilot. “It’s an instant visual reference tool. If you want to know where your fitting teams are or how close they are to one another because you need to split the team to bring more support onto a job, you can see at a glance where everyone is. Ryan Schofield “It’s the same for remedial work.
Ryan explained: “The map shows you the geographical areas that deliver most sales and value to your business. This gives you the option of retargeting them because they deliver more conversions or applying resource to target other areas, which may be under exploited. “For companies with a proactive approach to lead generation it’s a very effective way of seeing where your hit rates are highest.”
Ryan Schofield
You can see instantly who you can pull off a job based on location.” Each job is represented by a different coloured pin. These can be filtered to show only certain or a single area of activity, for example surveys. To get more information about each job, the user simply has to hover over the pin to pull up job details including who is on site, the address and who the customer is. For fitting, sales and installation teams it also includes a time and distance to site reference and confirmation status, allowing them to
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The sales heat map sits as part of Business Pilots new Sales and People & Sales Dashboards, launched as part of a major revision of its management information dashboard in May. This allows installers to understand the cost of acquisition of each lead and to track how it progresses, including the performance of individual members of their sales team – and now geographical location – in an easy visual reference. “Everything is linked”, added Ryan. “The maps, our new Status Progression tool, the management information dashboard – each element connects to the other and changes are automatically carried across. Giving you an instant overview in real time of each element of your business, allowing you to plan more effectively in the short and long term”, he concluded. www.businesspilot.co.uk
MACHINERY
Frame Fast Make £600,000 Investment With Schirmer Cutting And Machining Centre
To meet the rise in demand for windows and doors thanks to the surge of orders post-lockdown, Frame Fast UK has invested £610,000 in a new Schirmer Cutting and Machining Centre. The impressive new machine can cut and prep over 700 window and door frames a week, providing installers with quick turnaround times for their orders. Nigel Leivers, Director of Frame Fast UK, says: “The prolonged time homeowners have spent in their homes has made them think about what they can
change to make their lives better. Travel restrictions have also given many households more money to spend as they’re not going abroad on holiday. Not to mention, we’ve seen a rise in refurbishments to support home working. “As the machine can produce 700 frames a week, lifting our total capacity to 1000 a week, we can support our customers secure more jobs and beat the competition with fast turnaround times as the industry continues to experience heavy demand.” The new machine is the most
recent installation in Frame Fast’s 55,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Derby, which also includes aluminium, roofing and glass divisions. The investment comes as Frame Fast launches a new brand Elite, the five star range of windows, doors, conservatory roofs and glass, for installers looking to impress customers. “Elite by Frame Fast offers five star choice, five star service, five star security, five star manufacturing and five star quality, so installers can choose the best products for their customers.” www.framefastuk.com
WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021 67
MACHINERY
Emmegi Offers Machine Package To Get Started In Decalu Emmegi and Decalu have joined forces to make it easy for fabricators to take their first steps into manufacturing in the Deceuninck aluminium system. Emmegi is offering a simple start up package of machinery which gives fabricators a simple and cost-effective route into manufacturing, backed by one of the biggest and most trusted names in the machinery market. It is pairing an Emmegi Phantomatic CNC machining centre with a Classic Magic twin head saw to give fabricators a ‘classic combination’ of machines which maximise throughput and efficiency. Ian Latimer, Emmegi UK’s Managing Director explained: “One of the USPs of the Decalu system is the speed of fabrication, so we’re recommending one of our high speed Phantomatic machining
centres with an electronic twin head saw to help fabricators make the most of that. These are proven to work well together, and we know they will give customers years of trouble-free operation.” Nigel Headford, Decalu’s Director in the UK, said that many of the manufacturing enquiries for Decalu are coming from companies who traditionally have fabricated in PVC-U and bought in their aluminium products. He added: “They can see that Decalu is essentially as quick and easy to fabricate as PVC-U and are recognising that they can make bigger margins on the aluminium side of their business if they switch to manufacturing from buying in. “We’re focused on helping them to take that step; and working closely with Emmegi is a key part of the support we’re offering. The
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machines themselves have a reputation for quality and durability and they’re backed by UK based service and engineering teams who we know our customers can trust and rely on.” Emmegi has already supplied a Phantomatic M4 and Classic Magic to Decalu fabricator PRG based in Romford and a Phantomatic T3A to Glass House in Cardiff, with further installations on their way. Dawud Sandhu and Asaad Hussain from PRG commented: “We liked the fact that the Emmegi machines could match the quality and performance of the Decalu product and we felt reassured by the established partnership between the two businesses. Decalu and Emmegi staff visited us on the same day and the installation and training was really well coordinated, setting us up nicely to add aluminium to our existing PVC-U offering.” More details at: www.emmegi.com and https://bit.ly/3h9b1xm
DELIVERING
THE BEST
IN SEAMLESS WELDING TECHNOLOGY
STAND H21
• Superior transom welding quality
• No imperfections, even on curved profiles
• Utilising patented V-Perfect® transom welding
• Suitable for both V Joints and Butt Joints
• Precision accuracy – delivering a perfect weld every time
• Faster fabrication
• Weld seam elimination
• Fully automated processes
DISCOVER MORE on the range of Graf Synergy machines EXCLUSIVELY from Haffner
Tel 01785 222421 www.haffnermurat.com The Accolade Building, Common Road, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 3EQ
WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021 69
ON-SITE
Aluk Fenestration Solutions Transform The
Quadrangle In Cheltenham The Quadrangle building in the historic heart of Cheltenham, once a 1970s landmark, has been completely transformed into a contemporary mixed-use commercial development featuring exclusively AluK window, door and curtain walling systems. Designed by AWW Architects from their Bristol studio and completed by Beard Construction, it now features an inner courtyard, ground floor retail space, four storeys of open plan workspace and the town’s first rooftop restaurant. The fenestration package was absolutely key to retaining the
design language of the original building within a more contemporary aesthetic, whilst also meeting the requirement for improved thermal efficiency, more natural light and better natural ventilation. Having been impressed with the design and quality of AluK products on previous projects, AWW specified a comprehensive mix of AluK systems at the Quadrangle – the SG52 capless curtain walling system to give a frameless appearance to the retail façade, the more conventional SL52 capped curtain walling system for the courtyard area and rooftop restaurant, the GT55 system for the entrance
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doors, and the tried and trusted 58BW window system for the 400+ windows fitted into the existing openings around the façade. The entire fenestration programme was carried out by AluK fabricator Aluminium Sashes, which used its extensive experience in the repair and replace sector to overcome the challenges inherent in surveying, fabricating and fitting windows into openings which, in many cases, were irregular in shape and form and not aligned with the concrete slab finish. Aluminium Sashes worked closely with AluK at planning and detailed design stage to achieve the contemporary look for the façade that the client and architect wanted. For example, where the original windows had a transom and modesty spandrel panel below, the slimmer sightline replacements replicated the line of the transom but with fritted glass below to
ON-SITE provide a similar level of privacy with more natural light. They also designed a solution for fixing the anthracite grey windows to the metallic bronze louvre sections specified to break up the uniformity of the façade, give users the option of manual ventilation and to provide fresh air and exhaust points for the AHUs. The reinforcing bar in the windows has effectively become the carrier bar for the louvres and gives the impression that there are two colours in one window panel. Dan Basey, Project Architect at AWW, is delighted with the fenestration outcomes. He said: “Being able to work so closely with AluK and Aluminium Sashes at both design and construction stages enabled us to realise such a successful project. The integration of the distinct colour palette and finishes was a key driver of the scheme. The metallic bronze finish works really well with the more neutral anthracite grey, whilst also being sympathetic to the existing colour palette of the Regency-era buildings in the context of Imperial Square. “An integration of both natural and mechanical systems to the rear of the windows’ louvre system is a simple but effective detail that seeks to improve the user-experience of those working in office spaces. This will hopefully become a well utilised feature as more attention is given to improving the air quality of our internal workspaces going forward.” The fenestration choices were integral to the BREEAM Very Good Rating which has now been awarded to the Quadrangle. Dan Basey added: “The recyclable aluminium windows from AluK contributed to a BRE Green Guide A materials credit, while the 1.4W/m2K U-Values reduced the energy demands. The glazed façade with inte-
grated louvres helped achieve both the BREEAM HEA 01 Views Out and Daylighting and the BREEAM HEA 02 Indoor air quality ratings.” Sean Anderson, Managing Director of Aluminium Sashes, commented on the project: “Lots of fabricators shy away from commercial repair and replace projects like the Quadrangle because of the complexities involved, but we actually thrive on the challenge. Even when we were faced with things like a downstand beam within the structural opening of some of the windows which created a
really awkward head detail, we were able to integrate areas of fritted glass to disguise it with ease.” AluK’s National Sales Manager Neil Smith added: “Quadrangle is almost a showcase for the AluK product range and our collaborative approach with customers and specifiers. The planning, precision and attention to detail shown at every stage ensured that it delivers perfectly on the design intent, yet it has still proved a practical, and cost-effective choice.” www.aluk.co.uk
WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021 71
ON-SITE
Three’s The Magic Number
For Senior At Dixons
Trinity Academy A trio of high-performance aluminium fenestration solutions from Senior Architectural Systems has been put to the test at the new Dixons Trinity Academy in West Yorkshire, which is set to become a new all-through primary and secondary school. Located in the Chapeltown area of Leeds, the new educational facility has been designed by Faulkner Brown Architects and built by Willmott Dixon, with Senior’s long-term supply chain partner Aire Valley Architectural Aluminium Ltd undertaking the fabrication and installation of the fenestration package. With sustainability a key part of the envelope design, Senior’s
patented PURe® aluminium windows have been used to provide the required low U-values and help future-proof the building for the pending changes to Part L of the Building Regulations. The energy-efficiency of the façade design has been further strengthened by the use of Senior’s thermally-enhanced SF52 aluminium curtain wall system which also maximises the use of natural light. Providing safe and secure access, Senior’s SPW501 commercial doors were specified throughout, with the robust design of all the aluminium fenestration systems providing a low-maintenance and highly durable solution that is perfect for use in a busy school environment.
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The unusual design of the new Dixons Trinity Academy sees the facilities divided into two parts by the A58 highway, with the north site encompassing the main school building and playgrounds. Located across the road is the south site comprising the main site car park and a number of new sporting facilities including a 4G all-weather pitch, games court and multi-use games area (MUGA). A 26m long steel Vierendeel truss bridge spans the road to link and provide access to the two sites. The school first opened in September 2017 in a temporary
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site, when it took on 30 reception pupils, and aims to be an all-through school by 2023. Senior’s commitment to engaging early with specifiers to devise the most appropriate fenestration package has led to the manufacturer securing numerous contracts in the education sector, many of which are part of framework agreements. As well as providing detailed technical guidance and support, Senior’s continual investment in its product range has led to the development of its patented PURe® range of aluminium
windows and doors which offer exceptionally low U-values that exceed current regulations and provide greater flexibility to meet the expected changes to Part L. The unique construction of Senior’s UK patented PURe® system features a high-performance expanded polyurethane (PUR) thermal barrier to give exceptional thermal performance, with the PURe® window system having the ability to achieve U-values as low as 0.71W/m2K when calculated as a commercial CEN Standard
window. As well as helping to prevent heat loss to reduce energy consumption, the PURe® system also offers ‘cradle to cradle’ recyclability, with even the PUR thermal barrier able to be reused with no requirement for landfill. The impressive environmental credentials of the system have led to it being widely specified across various sectors, including on a large number of educational buildings where the need to reduce carbon calculations and improve efficiency is paramount. https://bit.ly/3zWAbXw
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ON-SITE
Stellar Windows And Doors Transform
A Grade II Listed Pool House The sleek slimline aesthetics of Stellar aluminium windows and doors from Epwin Window Systems were selected for a complex refurbishment of a Grade II listed high-end pool house for a home near Crediton in Devon. The Stellar windows and doors were manufactured and installed by Devon and Cornwall Windows
Ltd. Adam Page, Owner of Devon and Cornwall Windows, explains: “The original pool house had ageing timber windows set onto a dwarf wall which needed to be replaced. However, the homeowner was keen to create a high end, functional space that max-
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imised natural light throughout the room. We suggested replacing the existing windows and wall with full height windows and doors from the Stellar aluminium range to deliver the light-filled sophisticated space the homeowner specified.” The brief was particularly challenging for several reasons. Firstly, as a Grade II listed building, full planning and listed building consent was needed. Secondly, the new Stellar products would form three sides of the building and needed to support the original slate roof, which meant the structural calculations were critical and required the use of a galvanised steel ring beam to provide the necessary strength. The Devon and Cornwall Windows team made the structural calculations and pro-
ON-SITE duced the drawings required to achieve the necessary consents to take the project forward. The company manufactured and fitted a combination of full height Stellar fixed panes, a five-pane Stellar Bifold Door and a set of Stellar French Doors with fixed sidelights. All products were manufactured in a black powder coating to emphasise the sophisticated modern aesthetic required. The installation ran smoothly and the finished result has been transformative. Adam said: “Stellar’s slim profile design allowed maximum light into the pool house. And by fitting a five-panel Stellar Bifold Door to the east elevation, it has opened up the room completely with a seamless transition to the outdoor pool area. As a result, the pool room is completely transformed and the homeowner is delighted.” Devon & Cornwall Windows Ltd manufactures the full range of Stellar products from its new aluminium fabrication factory in Launceston, Cornwall. Adam said: “We chose to manufacture Stellar because of its clear benefits. Homeowners appreciate its superior slimline flush profile and its high-end aesthetics allow us to tap into higher-value projects. It’s an easy to fit system too. The bifold doors are much quicker to fit than similar aluminium doors, and the pre-gasketed beads eliminate gasket shrinkage and provide a clean neat finish every time.” Devon and Cornwall Windows supplies trade and retail customers across the whole of Devon and Cornwall. The company prides itself on its excellent customer service and high-quality products – both of which were in evidence on this latest high-end project. www.stellaraluminium.co.uk
South Cheshire Glass
Uses Spectus Flush Casement Windows For Cottage Renovation
Spectus windows and doors have been manufactured and installed at a detached cottage in Shavington, Cheshire. The property was fitted with sixteen Spectus flush casement windows, two circular casement windows and two sets of Elite 70 French doors, all manufactured in Chartwell Green with astragal bar detailing. The products were manufactured by longstanding Spectus fabricator Universal Trade Frames and fitted by experienced domestic installer South Cheshire Glass. The property is situated in a desirable location and the flush casement windows were chosen to replace the property’s ageing timber frames. The choice of windows needed to sympathetically reflect the style and character of the property and deliver the British timber cottage aesthetics that the homeowner desired. Graham Saunders, General Manager at South Cheshire Glass, said: “The new windows needed to complement the property and the flush casement
windows in Chartwell Green delivered the required aesthetics. Having been fitting Spectus products for over twenty years I knew the flush casement window was the perfect choice of window style to enhance the character of the home and offer modern day thermal efficiency too.” The project ran to plan and was completed on schedule. Graham said: “We’ve been in business for over 40 years, so we have a great deal of experience in domestic installations. Our fitters offer a high level of workmanship and customer care and our experienced fitted team ensured everything ran smoothly as we would expect it to.” Graham concluded: “Our customers had a charming property to start with but by working closely with them and understanding their exact needs, we have helped them enhance it further still.” www.spectus.co.uk
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ON-SITE
Conservation
Living In Lyme Park With R9 Nestled away in the Peak District, adjacent to Lyme Park National Trust, sits the latest installation from The Residence Collection. The project showcases the outstanding heritage credentials of R9 as a true timber alternative window and door
system. Lyme Park is a large country estate managed by the National Trust with the mansion house designated as a Grade I listed building. This project that was carried out by Alexander Win-
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dows, sits in the local conservation area, one of 109 in the Peak District National Park. The Residence Collection has a long and esteemed history working with local authorities on such conservation projects. ‘We were given the brief to improve the thermal efficiency of the property, all within Article 4 conservation guidelines. The Residence Collection was the perfect solution due to its high-performance, authentic design and perfect imitation
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of timber,’ says Lauren Tutton, associate director of Alexander Windows. Resplendent with a Clotted Cream exterior and Grained White internal finish, the windows also feature antique black monkey tail handles, working peg and stay, mechanical joints, horizontal Georgian bars and a 28mm decorative glazing bead to complete the finish. The objective was to mimic the original windows but with harnessing modern-day materials for lower
maintenance and improved energy efficiency credentials.
been approved and specified in many areas across the UK.
‘It’s always great to get feedback from our clients and hear how happy they are with their new window and doors and they loved the fact that the windows perfectly replicated traditional manufacturing methods,’ continues Lauren. The Residence Collection has been specifically designed to aesthetically replicate documented historical window designs of the 19th Century and therefore have
Jo Trotman, marketing manager of The Residence Collection added: ‘This is a great example of R9 windows for conservation areas. There’s little to distinguish them from the originals in terms of dimensions, sightlines and even colour and it’s made a very positive impact on this period property, much to the delight of the local planning department and the homeowner.’ https://bit.ly/3tocgh0
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ON-SITE
The Only Way
Is TuffX
Specialist safety glass manufacturers TuffX recently supplied 15m2 of toughened glass panels for a balustrade surrounding a large, raised terrace, to complete a high-end finish for a residential property in Essex. The home, which includes a sizeable conservatory, required an attractive balustrade to keep occupants on the raised terrace
safe, without reducing the light that could reach through to the interior of the property.
TuffX supplied fourteen panels of 12mm monolithic toughened safety glass in total, each with dubbed corners. Enhanced for strength and topped with a handrail for comfort, the finished glass balustrade provides the perfect safe solution for the
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extensive terrace, emphasising the spacious feeling with unbroken views from the house and outside space over the generous garden beyond. “Glass balustrades do it all – safe, great-looking, easy to maintain and maximising on light and space whether they are inside the home or outside,” said TuffX’s Managing Director Graham Price. “And our glass is perfect for projects like this – delivered on site, on time, every time. That’s why we remain at the top of our game nearly 25 years on, and are continuing to expand our
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Table For Jack!
Jack Aluminium’s versatile JD47 commercial door and shopfront system has been specified for the entrance of the Mowgli Street Food restaurant in Cheshire Oaks. After starting in Liverpool in 2014, the chain restaurant has since expanded across the country and opened its latest branch in the Cheshire Oaks designer outlet at the end of June. Merseyside-based fabricator and installer Aluserv fitted the shopfront system, including all of the doors and windows.
facilities and production to keep up with the customer demand for the quality toughened glass products we supply.” http://www.tuffxglass.co.uk/
The restaurant has bi-folding doors and folding windows running down the side of the building. A glazed atrium area featuring two sets of commercial doors, fabricated from Jack Aluminium’s JD47 system, creates the ideal welcome
for diners. “We have been a long-standing customer of Jack Aluminium and have worked with them since we formed 9 years ago,” says Wayne Ford, director at Aluserv, specialists in the manufacture and installation of architectural aluminium. “JD47 is a very simple product, but it still delivers exactly what we need and more. They’re great people and the whole team have always provided us with excellent customer service. We have a great relationship with them, and they always work with us very closely to ensure we get the best product and service possible, which is the main reason why we continue to go back to them time after time!” Jack Aluminium Aluserv
WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021 79
MARKETING & INTERNET
Mila Launches New ‘Doors Deserve
Mila’ Campaign
Coinciding with the announcement that it has added the Ingenious range of locks and hardware to the Yale range that it already sells, Mila has launched an exciting new ‘Doors Deserve Mila’ campaign. Rolled out online and in person via the Mila sales teams, it communicates the scale and quality of Mila’s entire hardware offering for doors and makes it even easier for customers to choose and order the right products for any market or application. Alongside the door locks, Doors Deserve Mila encompasses Mila’s SupaSecure stainless steel door handles and TS008 accredited letterplates, fastest to fit ProSecure door hinges, 1, 2 and 3-star cylinders and Supa stainless steel door bars and escutcheons.
Sarah Gyde, Mila’s Marketing Director, says that Doors Deserve Mila has been created to help customers see how easily they combine top quality Mila designed stainless steel hardware with locks and cylinders from some of the biggest brands in the marketplace, while enjoying the same legendary Mila support and service on every single product. The Mila website now includes a dedicated page for door locks, clearly segmented into products for PVC-U, composite and aluminium applications. It features full specifications, dimensional drawings and part numbers for all the locks, as well as compatible strikers and packers. There are already dedicated pages for Mila’s patented security handles, letterplates and
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hinges, and one of the distinctive features of all of them is the use of specially created animations, which take customers inside the products to see how easy they are to fit and how the technology behind them actually works. Sarah Gyde explains: “Mila has made massive investments in our online presence since the start of the pandemic, specifically to help customers who we know are busier than ever. Everything is in one place, but it’s all very carefully curated by brand, application and security accreditation so that customers can find exactly what they want in moments. “We’ve already launched our The Edit collections which bring together our stainless steel, value and emergency exit products into easy to navigate sections, and now we’ve added the Doors Deserve Mila feature which takes that one step further to highlight the strength of our doors offering. It’s not just useful for customers who are visiting the website, but also for our sales teams in remote and face to face sales meetings.” www.mila.co.uk
MARKETING & INTERNET
Berkshire Installer
Transforms Homes
With Freefoam
Freefoam Building Products recently visited and filmed Freefoam Registered Installer Glen Young in Reading, Berkshire, to see how he regularly transforms homes using Freefoam PVC products. The visit took in three properties, all of which had PVC Fortex or X-Wood cladding installed. The first two properties had previously featured hanging tiles above the ground floor elevation. Both homeowners were undertaking refurbishment inside and out and wanted a more modern feel. Glen fitted Fortex Weatherboard style cladding, in Storm Grey and Misty Grey, to tone in with the existing brickwork and complement the white windows and black doors. The third property had been built originally with a white wood cladding to the front and the homeowner wanted a maintenance free option. He chose X-Wood cladding in white to
create a smart, neat finish. Over the last 12 months Glen has seen quite an increase in cladding enquiries, with requests to replace hanging tiles, render and pebble dash a common theme. Glen finds that installing external cladding really can drastically change, modernise and improve the appearance of a home. He explained “I use both Freefoam’s Fortex and X-Wood cladding ranges. Fortex has a large colour range and it features an embossed wood effect finish, which is very popular with customers. I think X-Wood cladding is amazing, it has a woodgrain finish which means it’s a great option where wood might typically be chosen. It has by far the nicest finish and more customers are choosing it.” Glen also fits insulation behind the cladding to help improve the heat retention of homes. He said “The difference fitting insu-
lation can make to the heating costs and comfort of customer’s homes is life changing.” Another benefit to installers like Glen is that the Freefoam cladding system is it’s quick and easy to fit. Glen finds that he can complete the front of a property in a few days, giving the homeowner an almost instant makeover, transforming the look and create that all important kerb appeal. Glen took over the family business established by his father three years ago, and has had 30 years’ experience of fitting UPVC products including fascia, soffit, guttering and cladding. He works in and around Berkshire on a wide variety of properties and buys the Freefoam range from local Freefoam stockist Willmotts Plastic Building Products in Reading. Glen explained “The owner Scott is amazing! Willmotts are always there to help, and the effort they made throughout the COVID lockdown to keep my business going was phenomenal. The delivery drivers are always on time and they will always try to get deliveries to me the next day! I couldn’t say enough about how fantastic Scott and his company are.” As a Freefoam Registered Installer Glen receives support from Freefoam, including marketing materials and sample packs, which help him me sell to customers easier. He also receives free homeowner leads for cladding and roofline work, which he finds a valuable addition to his business. Glen summarised “Hopefully I’ll be fitting Freefoam for many more years to come. Combining great products with a quality installation has always made homeowners happy.” www.freefoam.com
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MARKETING & INTERNET
Tradeglaze
(Lincoln) Ltd Launches New Website Tradeglaze, a Lincoln-based fabricator of windows, doors, conservatories and curtain walling, has recently announced the launch of its new website, www. tradeglaze.co.uk. The local manufacturer of PVCu and Aluminium frames has been operating since 1995 supplying quality, energy efficient double glazing products to trade and commercial projects in Lincolnshire and the neighbouring counties. As the company continues to grow, and with many customers turning to digital channels in recent months, the team behind Tradeglaze designed a website that is simpler, faster and optimised for mobile device users. The new website features many
visual and technical enhancements, all using a modern, vibrant new look loaded with photography of recently completed projects. New sections include case studies, a news site and a media centre with downloadable product brochures and an image gallery. In addition to these, Tradeglaze have also introduced new product designers which customers can use to design windows and doors for their project online and request a free quote with a click of a button. Jeremy Wetherall, the Director of Tradeglaze (Lincoln) Ltd, said: “After many months of feedback and creative thinking followed by rolled up sleeves and hard work, we are excited to announce the
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launch of our brand new website. Our goal was to create a platform that will help customers better access information on our product ranges, and to showcase some of the spectacular recent work we have completed. We have added many more features that will make the browsing experience all the more enjoyable.” “We have a long tradition of working with the best suppliers in the fenestration industry, including British manufacturers Liniar and AluK who provide our PVCu and Aluminium profiles. Over the years we have earned a solid reputation as a reliable manufacturer and installer of double glazing for trade and commercial projects in the area. It is very important to us that our website reflects the quality of our products, the five-star service we offer and the constant drive for excellence and innovation in everything we do. Our industry has been extremely busy throughout the pandemic and the testing times are not over yet. We are committed to making things easier for our customers while investing for the future at the same time.” To visit the new Tradeglaze website go to www.tradeglaze.co.uk
MARKETING & INTERNET
Haffner Supporting Local Community Sport allows these ambitions to become a reality and will inspire the next generation of Alleynians.”
Haffner has been the club sponsor for its local football team, Stone Old Alleynians, for a number of years. In addition to the sponsorship, the company has recently funded two significant initiatives. Dave Thomas, Managing Director at Haffner, said: “We’re proud to be based in Stone and to be able to support our local community in this way.”
The first initiative is a five-figure investment in new floodlights for the team’s ground, Kings Park. Dave commented: “Stone Old Alleynians currently play at step 5 in the Midland League Premier Division. The club’s long-term aim is to become a sustainable football club, providing a pathway for girls and boys to play football as high up the footballing pyramid as possible. The investment in the local community
Instagram Inspiration
From Endurance
Louise Sugars is the latest Instagram influencer to endorse Endurance Doors on her inspirational page @myhomegarden36 where she states that ‘I love interior design and all things home.’ It’s an Instagram page packed with ideas and interior design influences for the modern home, where she’s
benefitted from a new Pentland style door in Raven Black with chrome hardware from Endurance Doors. She’s already enhanced the front of her home with a matching Ring doorbell, along with a contrasting white rose featured wreath, as shown on her post from the 9th August 2021 which has already enjoyed 1,480 likes.
Haffner also funded free football sessions for Stone’s children in the summer holidays. The scheme allowed hundreds of boys and girls to get into football and has led to the creation of over 20 new youth teams. Dave commented: “Exercise is really important for mental and physical health and wellbeing, perhaps even more so in light of the stresses and strains of the past 18 months. It’s great to see our support helping so many kids see the benefits.” Haffner has been part of the Stone community for over 30 years. As its support of the local football team shows, the company is clearly proud of its community and delighted to be able to give back. www.haffnermurat.com Louise Sugars commented: ‘I wanted a door that was secure, looked great and that would provide years of maintenance free enjoyment. I’ve certainly achieved this with my new Endurance Door and having done some research on the internet it’s clear they are top of their game. It’s made a remarkable feature to the front of our home, and it feels solid too.’ Scott Foster, Group Head of Sales and Marketing at Endurance Doors added: “Louise is the latest Instagram influencer to endorse a solid core Endurance Door and for good reason, as we believe it’s the best in the sector from a design and performance point view. Like all of our doors, this one has been manufactured carefully without the use of a generic door blank in our facility in Brigg, Lincolnshire with a great deal of expertise and skill.’ endurancedoors.co.uk
WINDOW NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021 83
MARKETING & INTERNET espagnolettes. The guide is aimed to assist fabricators and specifiers, making hardware selection easy and hassle free. Commenting on the literature, Carl F Groupco’s Product Manager Julie Warner said: “Our longstanding partnership with Roto means that we can supply our customers with high quality components that not only meet but exceed their expectations. Backed with experienced technical support from both Carl F Groupco and Roto, the service we offer our fabricator partners is far more than just box shifters. “Products from the Roto range are regular top sellers for us so it’s important to highlight these products. The reversible range has been supplied by Carl F Groupco for 20 years and remains a market leader, and the PAS 24 tested TSL twin cam espag has proven to be a continuous best seller in our range.”
Carl F Groupco
Releases Roto
Window Gearing Guide Outward opening window hardware has always been a staple range for hardware distributor Carl F Groupco, who offer fittings to suit most window styles. Supporting this, a new guide for outward opening window hardware has been produced which highlights product options from established manu-
facturer partner, Roto. Recently published, the new document provides a clear and simple summary of Roto hardware suitable for different outward opening window styles, including FRH Reversible, Projecting, NT Tilt and Turn hardware and the TSL and SSL
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All Roto hardware provides Grade 5 corrosion resistance as standard. Coated with NanoSil surface protection, the structure is designed to provide complete protection to all parts of the hardware. This innovative coating allows for changes in temperature and humidity to have no effect on the working capabilities of the hardware, exceeding current UK corrosion resistance criteria. All Roto hardware also comes with a 10year guarantee. To request a brochure, head over to the website or get in touch with a member of the Carl F Groupco team on 01733 393330 or email at sales@carlfgroupco.co.uk www.carlfgroupco.co.uk Request your brochure here: https://bit.ly/3lc9lVf
MARKETING & INTERNET
Mercury Launches
New Website
Specialist fabricator, Mercury Glazing Ltd has just launched its new website, www.mercuryglazing.co.uk. The new improved site has been designed to showcase their comprehensive range of durable PVC-U and aluminium window and doors, suitable for both commercial and residential properties.
Visitors can view the scale and depth of Mercury’s product range by viewing the website’s comprehensive video content demonstrating the key benefits of their products. Steve Cross, co-founder and Director at Gloucester-based Mercury, said: “We’ve invested in developing a website that delivers
what our customers need. It is both modern and comprehensive and our trade customers can easily obtain the information they require. The easy to navigate site utilises high-quality imagery throughout to capture the quality of our niche product range along with a dedicated literature download area to add further value.” Steve continues: “We know our customers are busy people and we want to do everything we can to help them. Our new download area is much more user-friendly, so our customers will be able to find information quickly.”
The site was developed by Mercury’s strategic marketing partner,
Team 4 Marketing Ltd, with a clear objective to deliver a fully responsive bespoke, contemporary website, optimised to all mobile and tablet devices with high-quality company branding throughout. Steve said: “We had a clear objective on how we needed the site to look and operate and the team at Team 4 Marketing worked proactively with us to deliver at every level.”
Extruding And Shaping Your World – Exlabesa Unveils Stylish New Rebrand Aluminium systems company Exlabesa has unveiled a bold new look for the 2020s.
Exlabesa Building Systems UK will become Exlabesa Architecture UK as part of a comprehensive rebrand. The company’s new value proposition – ‘extruding and shaping your world’ – partly refers to the huge range of aluminium profiles it supplies to thousands of customers across architecture and construction. However, it also signals its commitment to protecting the environment, creating jobs and economic prosperity, and making a positive impact in the world.
‘Efficient’ represents industry, where Exlabesa manufactures products for transport, automotive, renewable energy, construction and other sectors.
Its new logo seeks to unify the two key sectors in which it operates – industry and architecture – while a new tagline reinforces the characteristics that make the firm a world leader: ‘Massive. Beautiful. Efficient’, claims the company. ‘Massive’ refers to the company’s extraordinary production capacities. ‘Beautiful’ refers to its architectural focus, which sees it design aluminium systems for building projects.
Exlabesa Global Director Carlos Negreira comments: “This rebrand is a way of us renewing our commitment to provide outstanding quality aluminium systems to customers across architecture and construction. “We want to play a vital role in making built environments around the world more stylish, exceptional and sustainable places to be – and that’s what our new branding has been designed to communicate.” Exlabesa Rebrand Corporate Video: https://youtu.be/fWPxKj7awkg
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EVENTS
Controversial Agenda
Announced For The Glazing Summit Some of the most controversial industry issues are set to be tackled at this year’s Glazing Summit, after organisers announced the topics that will be under the spotlight by its panel of expert speakers. The event, the biggest oneday conference in the glazing calendar, takes place on Thursday, October 21st at Edgbaston Stadium and Conference Centre, Birmingham, and more than 300 leaders from across the industry are set to attend. Andrew Scott, Glazing Summit founder, said: “After almost two years, and with all the challenges our industry has faced in that time, setting the agenda this year has been tough. “We wanted to focus on some of those challenges, such as the supply chain crisis and price hikes, outline the key legislative changes that are likely to impact the industry,
and focus on the future and the opportunities sustainability will present. The topics are controversial, and the sparks are sure to fly, but we feel we have pitched it just right.” Four debates will include ‘Conquering the Supply Chain Crisis,’ ‘A Sustainable Future – how will the industry adapt?’ ‘Is it time to get out, or scale-up?’ and ‘Running an installation business in uncertain times,’ while there will also be a discussion on ‘The Regulation Minefield: What the Industry Must Know.’ The agenda will also include three keynote speakers, including Economist, author and Bloomberg correspondent Greg Perdon discussing the economic outlook for the industry; legendary business guru and sales trainer Geoff Burch on how to build a better future; and Andrew Scott, Managing Director of Insight Data Ltd and
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renowned industry consultant, with the specialist data supplier’s ‘State of the Industry’ report. Each panel debate will consist of four expert panellists and a host to ask the tough questions and attendees will be able to have their say on the debates thanks to Slido, the ultimate interactive Q&A and polling platform app. There will also be plenty of networking opportunities throughout, and the day ends with the exclusive Leaders Dinner. “With live events cancelled for the last year and a half, the industry is buzzing to get together and discuss how we tackle the challenges we face, and how we can help shape the future,” added Andrew. “We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to Edgbaston – let the debates and discussions commence.” For tickets, visit www.glazingsummit.co.uk call 01934 808293 or email hello@glazingsummit.co.uk
profine’s Exhibition
Fit-ting For 2022
profine UK and their revered KÖMMERLING brand of high performance PVCu window and door systems, are backing the decision by organisers to move the FIT Show back to 10-12th May 2022 after consultation with exhibitors. profine Group are also fully committed to Fensterbau 2022 which will take place from 29th March to 1stApril in Nuremberg, where organisers will again look to be welcoming over 110,00 visitors to the show. Following from this, the expectation is that the FIT Show will be an overwhelming success, after successful vaccination programmes both in the UK and overseas, along with the settling down in product supply and pric-
Robert Thiroff
ing pressures that are currently affecting the domestic sector. Robert Thiroff, managing director of profine UK and the KÖMMERLING brand commented: ‘Common sense has prevailed for a number of reasons in postponing the show and it’s good news for the industry. We’re protecting
EVENTS everyone’s welfare and also moving the show back so all businesses can focus on the challenging variables that are affecting us all. He continued: ‘The combination of a global pandemic, accelerated consumer demand, raw material price increases and product supply issues have affected everyone across the industry if we’re all honest. Our focus must therefore be the welfare of our staff, customers and business partners whilst we all work tirelessly on business fundamentals and so moving the show will provide some element of respite for many. We look forward to 2022 with two exhibitions on the calendar, firstly from a European perspective with Fensterbau and at home in the UK with the FIT Show where we’ll look to showcase our newly expanded and feature-rich product portfolio, along with other new business initiatives.’ www.profine-uk.com www.kommerling.co.uk
Fentrade Aluminium Signs Up To FIT 2022 Aluminium trade fabricator Fentrade has signed up to the FIT Show, which runs from 10th – 12th May, 2022. Chris Reeks, Director of Fentrade, said: “We recognise the FIT Show as the highlight of the exhibition calendar for the UK fenestration industry and the first opportunity for important face-toface exhibiting, which is why we chose to sign up to the show.”
Chris continued: “After the exceptional circumstances of the past 18 months and the copious amount of time spent on various video conferencing platforms, we are looking forward to attending our first event as an exhibitor and more importantly networking faceto-face with the industry once more.” The Fentrade team will showcase
a range of their high-quality aluminium products which are suitable for both commercial and domestic installations. Products include aluminium windows, doors, bifold, inline sliders, GFT commercial screens, shopfronts and curtain walling products. All products are expertly fabricated from their modern manufacturing unit near Newport, South Wales.
FIT Show event director, Nickie West commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Fentrade to the ever-expanding exhibitor line up for FIT Show 2022. It’s fantastic to be able to add to our commercial and residential aluminium offering at the show with one of the industry’s highest quality fabricators. We’re excited to see what Fentrade will bring to FIT Show in May.” www.fentradealuminium.co.uk
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CHARITY
Tradeglaze Tigers’ Roarsome Effort To Help Raise Funds For The NHS
As part of its commitment to providing help throughout the wider community, Lincoln-based double glazing fabricator Tradeglaze (Lincoln) Ltd has proudly taken part as the Gold Sponsor of this year’s Camperfest ’21 fundraiser for the NHS. Organised by Camper UK, one of the UK’s premier motorhome dealers, the event took place over the weekend of 13 – 15 August at the Camper UK Leisure Park in Swinethorpe near Lincoln. The ‘Tradeglaze Tigers’ team consisted of six Tradeglaze team members who competed in the event’s ‘We’re a Knockout’ inflatable challenges. Disciplines included running over inflatable slides, group jumping in sacks, diving through foam and building an inflatable cannon, to name
just a few of the tricky tasks the teams had to complete. Despite intense efforts Tradeglaze Tigers didn’t take home the trophy on this occasion; however, the team were delighted to take part and help raise funds for NHS staff who have been working flat-out and harder than ever over the recent months. Camper UK have confirmed that the event has raised a whopping £10,000 for the NHS.
The event was headlined by EastEnders star Shane Richie and his Band with a spectacular live music performance on the Friday evening and included a flypast by the RAF’s Red Arrows and superb live performances by several Lincolnshire bands over the weekend. Many Tradeglaze staff and their families visited over
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the weekend and came out in numbers to cheer on Tradeglaze Tigers on the Sunday!
Jeremy Wetherall, Director at Tradeglaze (Lincoln) Ltd, said: “I am so proud of the team behind Tradeglaze. It’s been an extremely busy time for us over the recent month as our teams have been balancing record-high market demand with continuing issues of material supply. This weekend has shown that, despite all the pressures, we are able to pull together as a team and help those in our community who need us. The weekend raised a significant sum for the NHS who I’m sure have had an impact on all our lives at some point or another. We have a fantastic business run by fantastic people.” www.tradeglaze.co.uk
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* Price is unglazed and may vary depending on size and specification of the door. Lead time is based on a standard colour. Postcode restrictions apply * Discount applies to new trade customers and first, single item purchase only of the Smart Visoglide Plus Sliding Doors | Image for representation ony * Offer price based on a 2 pane, a single sliding door at 2mx2.1m. Unglazed