Window News September 2023

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Cover picture: Loving Life With Lanterns. Read more on page 76

Q2 Value Sales Up

+7.6%

On Q1, With Volume Up

+11.3% And Prices Down -3.3%

Quarter-on-quarter, total value sales from Britain’s Builders’ Merchants climbed +7.6% in Q2 2023 compared to January to March 2023. Growth came from stronger volumes (+11.3%) as prices were -3.3% lower. With four less trading days in the most recent period, like-for-like sales were +14.8% higher in April to June than Q1.

Six of the twelve categories had higher value sales, with seasonal category Landscaping (+47.3%) out in front, followed by Heavy Building Materials (+9.0%). Timber & Joinery Products (+2.1%) grew more slowly than merchants overall, while Plumbing Heating and Electrical (-12.2%) and Workwear & Safetywear (-12.7%)

were the weakest categories.

Total value sales data shows Q2 2023 was down -4.1% on Q2 2022, as volumes fell -13.5% with price inflation of +10.9%.

Value sales increased in nine of the 12 categories in Q2 2023 compared to the previous year with Renewables & Water Saving (+44.4%) significantly ahead of the rest. Decorating (+12.3%), Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (+9.1%) and Ironmongery (+6.1%) also increased, and Heavy Building Materials (+0.5%) showed marginal value gain. Timber & Joinery Products (-16.3%) and Landscaping (-12.4%) both saw significant declines. There was no difference in trading days.

Total value sales for June were +2.6% ahead of the same month in 2022, helped by two extra trading days this year. Volume sales in June 2023 fell -5.4% year-on-year and prices rose +8.4%. Two of the categories, had their highest-ever monthly value sales: Decorating and Heavy Building Materials. Nine of the 12 categories sold more with Renewables & Water Saving (+37.2%), again the strongest performer. Decorating (+18.3%), Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (+18.1%), and Heavy Building Materials (+6.7%) were among the other categories with higher value sales in June. Timber & Joinery Products (-10.2%) and Services (-12.9%) were weakest. Like-for-like sales were down -6.8% year-on-year.

Compared to the previous month, June 2023 total merchant sales were +4.6% higher than May 2023. Growth was driven by a combination of higher volumes (+7.2%) and June having two more trading days. Prices were -2.5% lower in June than in May.

Nine categories had higher value sales in June with Ironmongery (+7.1%) doing best, followed by Landscaping (6.9%), Kitchens & Bathrooms and Tools (both +5.9%). Like-for-like sales were down -5.0%.

Mike Rigby, CEO of MRA Research who produce this report, said: “At the half-way point in the year, June has been somewhat of a turning point for the construction industry, with monthly output finally increasing after consecutive falls. This upturn is reflected in the positive growth in merchant sales recorded by the BMBI – both in the month-on-month numbers for June, and quarter-on-quarter figures – with increases driven by volume rather than price inflation.

“Finer weather may be playing its part in getting the country building again, but inflation is also starting to come down and consumer confidence has been going up since the lows of September 2022 and during most of the first half. The latest GfK Consumer Confidence Index for July runs counter to this trend with a sharp -6 point fall, so all eyes will be on the August confidence index which is due to be published shortly.”

Developed and run by MRA Research, the BMBI – a brand of the Builders Merchant Federation – is a monthly index of builders’ merchant sales, and a reliable, up-to-date measure of Repair, Maintenance, and Improvement (RMI) activity in the UK. The index is based on actual sales from GfK’s Builders’ Merchant Point of Sale Tracking Data, which captures value sales out to builders from generalist builders’ merchants, accounting for over 80% of total sales from builders’ merchants throughout Great Britain. An in-depth review, which includes commentary by sector experts, is provided each quarter.

www.bmbi.co.uk.

Thermoseal Expands Export Markets

automated production, which many overseas customers are developing.”

Thermoseal Group has got its sights on a growing export market, the company has announced, as the global demand for warm edge spacer bar increases and the IGU component supplier expands its UK operation.

“We have quite a significant share of the UK market and we’ve been really successful as a component supplier to the UK sealed unit market,” Thermoseal group’s managing director Gwain Paterson said. “But we still want to grow the business. To do this we either need to develop into different markets or expand into export markets.”

Thermoseal Group’s core products – the rigid Thermobar, and the flexible Thermoflex – are both suited to export markets, but especially Thermoflex because there’s a growing global demand around the world for flexible spacer bar, according to Gwain.

“There are not many companies producing products like that around the world,” he said. “We see governments bringing in legislation to have more efficient windows to keep the heat in and, inversely, to keep it out. This presents a fantastic opportunity for us.

“And with flexible spacer bar, you have the added benefit of

Thermoflex warm edge spacer is a pre-desiccated flexible foamed spacer system with a gas diffusion barrier to minimise gas loss from the edge of the unit, and it has a class-leading phA+ certification from the Passive House Institute, claims the company.

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

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

Thermoseal Group also regularly tests all its products on site to guarantee their quality when they are delivered to customers.

“We are expanding in part to meet the expected increase in triple glazing in the UK,” Gwain said. “But we also see global demand increase significantly. While the global market for flexible warm edge spacer bar is currently in excess of 800 million metres, it is expected to be billions of metres in the not-toodistant future.” www.thermosealgroup.com

Liniar To Double In Size With Ambitious Growth Plans

Liniar PVCu systems company and a subsidiary of Quanex, has announced ambitious plans that will double the size of its singlesite, purpose-built headquarters in Derbyshire.

Group managing mirector Martin Thurley confirmed that work has already commenced on the site to build a new 350,000 ft² warehouse and manufacturing facility. Once complete (Q1 2025) this will boost Liniar’s impressive facilities even further and futureproof the business for the next 15 to 20 years.

“When visitors come to Liniar

HQ, they always comment on how amazing the site is – from the extrusion hall to the lamination building to the twin mixing plants, up to and including our already vast warehouse,” Martin comments, “and once our extension plans are complete, we believe we’ll have the largest and most efficient single-site extrusion facility in Europe.

“Our philosophy has always been to maintain sufficient capacity headroom to allow us to grow as quickly as our customers grow, so even though we still have plenty of space and

capacity today, we’re already planning for the next phase of exciting multi-year growth plans.

“The new warehouse facility will incorporate state-of-the-art, semi-automated storage, picking and loading solutions. Not only will this provide efficiency benefits, it will create an even safer working environment by significantly reducing manual handling and eliminating pedestrian and FLT interaction.

Martin Thurley

Martin continues, “Liniar is also implementing a Solar PV strategy this year which will see solar panels installed on all existing and new buildings. We’ve made fantastic progress over recent years in significantly reducing our CO2 emissions by over 70%; this £multi-million investment will further accelerate our plans to be carbon neutral by 2025.”

These site expansion plans follow on the back of Liniar’s most recent site development project, the addition of a multimillion-pound mixing plant which opened in March this year.

Martin explains, “We’re lucky

to have a parent company like Quanex. The whole team believes in what we do and they have absolute faith in our future growth plans. Investment at this level doesn’t usually come easily, and we certainly don’t take it for granted – but with Quanex behind us, we know we’re in safe and ambitious hands.

“Whilst we’re extremely excited to be doubling the size of our operation to almost 800,000 ft² and future proofing the business for many years to come, we’re also conscious that we remain the same organisation and it’s ‘business as usual’ for customers. We continue to follow

Tradeglaze ExpandsProduct Range With Resurgence Flush Sash Production

Tradeglaze has launched Liniar Resurgence flush casements production to add to the company’s growing product portfolio. The announcement follows a recent investment in machinery with a brand new CNC sawing and machining centre Stuga Autoflow-2 MK4.

Liniar Resurgence features a 70mm sash within an 80mm frame and comes with A+ WER

ratings, 1.2 W/m2K U-Values (DG) and accreditations that include PAS24 and Part Q. With features, including Liniar’s double-rebated seal and patented co-extruded bubble gasket, Resurgence is the perfect addition to the Tradeglaze product portfolio that meets the increasing market demand for flush sash windows, claims the company.

“We are excited about the benefits

the same model that’s got us to where we are today in terms of Service (99% OTIF), Quality, Innovation and being easy to deal with.

“Liniar truly is a big business in terms of size, scale and ambition, but we’re not ‘big business people.’ It’s especially important that we convey this and continue to practice this philosophy for our employees and our customers’ benefit as we continue to grow. Put simply, we’re bigger not different, and we remain as approachable as ever.”

www.liniar.co.uk

that our new Resurgence windows bring to our customers, from new build developers, installers and commercial clients, to domestic customers of our retail subsidiary Jackson Windows” says Jeremy Wetherall, managing director at Tradeglaze. “We recognise the importance of innovating and investing in our company and our people in order to offer new products needed to support construction and renovation projects that increasingly require sustainable, low carbon, energy efficient solutions.”

“We are fully committed to investing in Tradeglaze and have made considerable upgrades to our production capabilities in our PVCu, Aluminium and our glass factories over the past 24 months. The quality level of our fabrication under the leadership of our production manager Kenny King has earned us a solid reputation for high standards and reliability. Glass and glazing technology continues to evolve rapidly and with Resurgence we are adding a revolutionary product with not just great aesthetics but also enhanced thermal performance, at a competitive price.”

www.tradeglaze.co.uk

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Modplan Expands

Factory Capacity To Meet Flush Sash Demand

Trade fabricator Modplan has completed a significant plant expansion, further strengthening the production output of its PVC-U Flush Sash windows. The new 220sqm dedicated manufacturing centre has increased production output by over 50%, says the company.

Heidi Sachs, managing director at Modplan, said: “Our focus is always to give customers the products they need to remain competitive. The popularity of Flush Sash windows has been steadily rising due to its timeless aesthetics and the ability to seamlessly complement a variety of architectural styles. With more consumers exploring highend products for their homes, demand for this window style is showing little signs of diminishing, and our increased capacity will

support demand and improve our manufacturing efficiencies too.”

Modplan manufactures the popular Veka Halo Flush Sash window in a choice of welded and mechanical transom options. The versatile window sits flush within its frame and mirrors the elegant window style of the 19th Century, making it a popular choice for heritage and conservation projects, claims the company.

The windows are manufactured to meet precise project requirements and are fitted with Yale hardware incorporating night vent function dual cams as standard with the option to upgrade to Yale Lifetime Security with hinge protector. An enhanced option also upgrades the window to Secured by Design Certification.

The Flush Sash windows are currently available in 30 colour options including authentic woodgrain finishes.

Heidi said: “With increasing consumer demand for higher value products, colour is a key differentiator to add value to the sale. Our colour and enhanced selection of window styles will give our customers a compelling market offer.”

The new Flush Sash factory extension is the latest in a series of manufacturing investments which has also seen Modplan expand its multi-site operation to an impressive 166,829 sqft. Heidi said: “We continually invest across the business to ensure we deliver the best in manufacturing efficiencies. All of our fabrication plants deliver state-of-the-art manufacturing and the highest quality output, ensuring we deliver the best customer experience.”

BM Aluminium Easing The Transition To Automation

C&A Window Systems has given an endorsement to BM Aluminium’s technical support team for making it so easy to add a new machine link to its Elumatec DG104 saw and Elumatec SBZ122 CNC and helping the fabricator transition to a fully automated factory.

C&A’s factory manager Steve Meyers said: “BM Aluminium have been exceptional – in particular John Chambers, the head of CNC support. He has been so patient and immensely helpful. I know I can call or email and, within a moment’s notice, he will either log on or assist me in the best way possible.

“I feel that we couldn’t have chosen a better partner to help us ease our way into our automated future. We’re a highquality fabricator supplying aluminium windows and doors to trade, retail and commercial clients and now we’re more

Premier Arches Elevates Convenience with Full Glazed Frames

Premier Arches has established itself as a prominent provider of quality PVC arched and angled frames in the industry, taking the hassle of profile bending away from fabricators across the UK. The St Helens-based company has taken this convenience a step further –with fully glazed frames.

Due to a fundamental company principle of prioritizing customer convenience, Premier Arches not only provides a variety of arched and angled frames in leading systems but also offers fully assembled frames delivered directly to the fabricator.

Managing director Sean

Greenall comments: “We’ve been supplying arched frames to customers across the country for a few years now, but what many don’t actually realise is that we can also supply a fully glazed option rather than just the outer frame, saving time and eliminating errors caused by glass templating.

“We can also supply frames fitted with sashes, accessories and composite door slabs, all geared towards our busy fabricator customers who don’t have the time to mess around with finishing arched frames in their streamlined factories that have been set up for speed.

“We can save our customers not only the manufacturing

efficient, productive and competitive than ever.”

BM Aluminium has been supplying its LogiKal aluminium processing software to Essexbased C&A Window Systems since 2018, but it was only this year that C&A opted for a CNC module to link the software with its machining centre.

Since March, BM Aluminium has delivered a mix of bespoke programming to modify C&A’s existing machining preps and add in its 3rd party hardware options on everything from windows to bifolds. BM Aluminium are also providing training to the C&A processing and fabrication teams so that they can make the most of the additional investment in software.

www.bmaluminium.co.uk

candawindowsystems.co.uk

hassle, but the time, trouble and cost of sourcing glass units, and deliver complete products, wrapped up and ready to go out to your customers.

“At Premier Arches, we pride ourselves on making our customers’ lives easier, and providing fully glazed frames is just one of the ways we can do this. We’re a one-stop shop for anything that’s difficult to make, so for your next arched and fully glazed frame requirements, contact Premier Arches today –we’d love to help you.

www.premierarches.co.uk

Carl F Groupco Scottish Sales Region Sees Record-Breaking Growth

Hardware distributor Carl F Groupco is celebrating record yearto-date sales in Scotland. Pamela Wilson, regional sales manager at Carl F Groupco, said: “We are delighted to be seeing such strong sales. We’re seeing existing customers taking an increased range of products from us as well as brand new customers trusting us with their hardware supply.”

Pamela highlights three reasons customers in Scotland are confident in choosing Carl F Groupco.

The company has a strong Scottish presence. Carl F Groupco has a distribution centre in Cumbernauld and it offers a next day delivery service to everywhere in Scotland, including the Scottish

Highlands. Pamela said: “Our delivery service is a differentiator for us because we are a rapid and reliable supply partner for our Scottish customers.”

It has a strong team which is led by Pamela who has been with the company since 2001. It also includes Darren Gait, Depot Manager, who has worked for the company for 39 years, and Stuart Kelly, Warehouse Operative, who has been with the business for 12 years. Pamela commented: “Our customers value the depth of knowledge we bring. We also work hard to deliver the highest level of customer care and support, going beyond order processing to solve problems, offer advice and source hardware. We pride ourselves on the longstanding relationships that

we develop with our customers and work for them to find the best hardware solution.”

The company’s product range is at the heart of its offer. It provides an extensive range of premium quality window and door hardware and has long-standing relationships with Europe’s most innovative manufacturers including Cotswold, FUHR, GT Guardian, Hoppe, Kenrick, Maco, Roto, Siegenia and Yale. Pamela particularly highlights Roto in this list: “Roto is a leading brand for us in Scotland because its UNI Reversible window gearing, tilt and turn and espagnolette hardware ranges are perfectly suited to the Scottish housing stock.”

While Pamela is delighted by Carl F Groupco’s record sales, she’s also quick to point out the wider implications. She concluded: “These results aren’t just good news for us. Strong hardware sales also reflect strong sales in the wider industry, which is reason enough to celebrate.”

www.carlfgroupco.co.uk

From left to right: Stuart Kelly , Pamela Wilson and Darren Gait

Get Time Back!

Emplas introduced 30-minute notifications on deliveries and real time delivery tracking following a successful trial earlier this year. We explore what it means for its customers.

Bar code tracking is used widely in the window and door industry, but it tends to only go as far as dispatch. Where your order is on the UK’s frequently unpredictable road network, is often anyone’s guess and delays are common.

Emplas says its new real-time delivery tracking service changes that, introducing an allocated two-hour delivery slot, plus a 30-minute push notification on arrival.

What that means for customers

“It gives our customers time back”, says Jody Vincent, sales director at Emplas, “for example, time when they don’t have to leave site to meet a delivery that has been delayed in traffic; or time to book in an additional sales appointment.

“Time is a commodity in every business, especially if you’re running a small company and have multiple roles.

“Knowing that you have a provisional drop within a two-hour time frame; being able to double check online to see exactly where the delivery is; and then getting a 30-minute confirmation on

delivery – that’s a step change for Emplas customers.”

Sounds simple? Think again!

Like all good ideas the concept is simple, the practice, well that’s a different story. Emplas’ new service is the product of a detailed journey mapping exercise and a sophisticated combination of forecasting and planning.

Developed over 12-months and tested for six, the two-hour slots that it’s able to give to its customers, are allocated based on a predictive analysis of journey times – including allowing for congestion.

This is based on a comprehensive study of between 200 and 300 customer drops, 75 delivery routes and 20,000 to 30,000 km of the UK road network each week, plus the inhouse development of

integrations with live traffic data by Emplas’ team of software developers.

The system is also connected to Emplas’ fleet, so at the point at which our drivers scan the last product off the lorry on a particular drop, it also updates the central system. When the truck reaches the preceding drop, it also pushes out a text notification to the assigned customer point of contact that their delivery is now 30-minutes away.

What do customers think?

Gareth Fairclough, Director, Goldseal Tradeline

“The real time tracking gives us a complete overview of the delivery process from the time that it leaves Emplas to the time that it arrives here.

“So, first we get a text confirming a two-hour delivery slot and then an email with a link to the tracker. Once the truck leaves the Emplas factory we can track it live and see exactly where the delivery is on the motorway.

“If there’s been a delay or there’s congestion, we can see it.

“Later on, we get a notification saying it’s an hour away and then half-an hour away so we can plan around our delivery time.

“It saves us that inconvenience of not knowing exactly when a delivery is going to turn up and we can plan our day knowing that we’re going to have product on the ground. Bang on 10am, we know it’s going to be here. If one of our customers is waiting for something urgently, we can confirm exactly when it’s going to be with them.

“It’s another example of how Emplas is looking forward to how window and door trade supply can be, not how it has been. If you’ve ever been to the factory you can always see that they’re pushing forward and have made big investments in their IT team to do it.

“Stuff like that, it just adds up into commercial advantages for its customers.”

Outstanding results during trials

The system was trialled by Emplas for six-months before its rollout, during which time it delivered a 99% accuracy rate.

“It allows our customers to schedule and plan their days more effectively so that they don’t have to pull teams off site for deliveries until they really have to” continues Jody.

“This is on top of those delivery innovations that we have already introduced including scanning on and off the wagon to make sure orders are complete and nothing is left behind, and priority replacement, if something has been damaged in transit”, he adds.

Built on a unique IT infrastructure

The software sitting behind the service is unique to Emplas and built by its team of seven highly talented inhouse software developers.

According to Emplas, this means that it links seamlessly with EVA, the Emplas customer Portal. Customers can log in, place orders, request replacement products or check on the status of their delivery in real time.

Save time and do more with less over-head

Jody argues that two-hour delivery slots equate to a much greater advantage for Emplas customers over time.

“The advantages accumulate”, he says. “A couple of hours each week can deliver far bigger benefits. Completing a job rather than losing another couple of hours to go back to it, or squeezing in that extra sales appointment.

“Everything as we see it going forward has to be about service and quality. We’re committed to driving our service offer forward through continuing innovation in IT to deliver direct commercial advantage to our customers.”

www.emplas.co.uk

Silka Invites Installers To Lock In Exclusive Showroom Location

With areas available throughout the UK and Ireland, Silka says it is giving installers the chance to lock in a truly exclusive showroom location, thanks to the launch of its Silka select trade partnership.

Installers focused on growing sales and futureproofing their business are being encouraged to book their place onto one of Silka’s two ‘unmissable’ events. However, Silka says they need to be quick, there’s only limited spaces available.

Silka is asking eligible installers to book onto the events, at

Silverstone on Thursday 14 September 2023, followed by the Concorde Conference Centre in Manchester on Thursday 21 September 2023.

The events will not only see the official launch of the Silka select trade partnership, but, says Silka, it will demonstrate how the Silka select partnership gives installation companies access to the Silka WebApp portal, exclusive products, high quality showroom and marketing support, free targeted sales leads, and their allimportant exclusive showroom location.

“We’re excited to be hosting not one, but two events this September and welcoming installers on board our Silka select trade partnership” says Andy Jones, Silka’s sales and marketing director for England and Wales.

“We really want to shake things up with the Silka range and with our unique trade partnership scheme, Silka select, highquality installers can grow their business and help build the Silka brand. We’re very happy with the number of companies already registered for the events, and we’d encourage interested installation companies to book their place at either event now to ensure they can secure their preferred exclusive showroom location and don’t miss out!”

Installers can book their space at Silka live by visiting: https://bit.ly/3Z9bZP7

New Report Reveals Majority Of Housing

is especially important as no respondents to Rehau’s survey were aware of a window system capable of meeting the 0.85 W/ m2K U-value standard required under the upcoming legislation, with 65% saying ‘no’ and 35% saying they were ‘unsure’.

Providers Are Not Prepared For Future Homes

With less than 18 months from full implementation, more than two-thirds of decision makers in the housing market are not prepared for the Future Homes Standard (FHS), according to a new survey by Rehau.

In its latest market readiness report, Future Homes Standard: Preparing UK Housing for 2025, Rehau has revealed just over half of respondents are ‘somewhat prepared’ against the FHS timeframe.

Compliance with the Future

Standard

Homes Standard is mandatory from 2025. However, Rehau’s survey of 200 decision makers for building products in local authorities, housing associations social housing and housebuilding also found that 79% said it was going to be ‘somewhat challenging’ or ‘very challenging’ to meet the FHS timeline.

To help housing providers, Rehau is committed to raising awareness about how PVCu door and window frames can help address the challenges of being ready for the FHS. This

Martin Hitchin, CEO at Rehau UK, comments: “Reaching a point where all new homes produce between 75%-80% less carbon emissions than previous standards is a huge challenge, though clearly necessary if the UK is to have any chance of achieving net zero by 2050 – a target that is now legally binding. The UK’s position is also concerning because the FHS comes into force in less than two years.

“To date, discussion has understandably been dominated by the new build market, but there’s a need for the housing industry to consider how existing properties can be improved. There is a huge amount of legacy

building stock that will remain occupied for the foreseeable future, especially by social housing providers. The feasibility of net zero rests in part on addressing the retrofit challenge.

“On top of the shortening timescales, our report also shows that there is an overriding lack of awareness in the market. No one knew of a window system offering a FHS U-value of 0.85 W/m²K. However, these U-values can be achieved with the right design and specification. Rehau, for example, can deliver exceptional thermal performance without compromising on design or finish.”

To help housing providers get ahead, Martin advises that research, a reliable supply chain, and collaboration with manufacturers like Rehau, is key. He also warns that just because windows are labelled as ‘highperformance’, they still may not meet the full FHS requirements.

“Researching the current market to establish a reliable supply chain for the products you’ll need for a typical development is more important than ever before,“ said Martin. “It’s important to collate information and certification from manufacturers like Rehau – which already has several products ahead of the regulatory curve.

“Something we see a lot is supposedly ‘high-performance windows’ failing to meet the requirements set out in the FHS. There are several reasons why high-performance windows that are compliant on paper might fail. Poor surveys that overlook the building structure and removal of existing frames is one area that could lead to errors. It’s important to work with suppliers to help overcome these issues.”

To read Rehau’s report, Future Homes Standard: Preparing UK housing for 2025, click here https://bit.ly/3Rf8Efc

Safestyle Open New Branch In Yeovil

Safestyle, has opened a new branch in Yeovil’s Abbey Manor Business Centre, to bring its portfolio of doors and windows to a wider range of customers in the area.

Located in the heartland of Somerset, the branch opened on the 3rd July and is the company’s 37th in the UK.

The branch will see around 30 new roles created, expanding work opportunities in the area as it continues to serve customers nationwide.

Adam Pawson, marketing director at Safestyle said: “We’re delighted to finally be able to open our new Yeovil branch, to better serve our customers in an area we’ve already been servicing for years.

“Over the last decade, we’ve fitted over 520,000 new doors and almost 2 million new windows in the nearby towns of Exeter and Bournemouth. Being able to have a dedicated branch for these areas going forwards will enable us to bring our excellent product offering

and leading expert fitters to even more households in the region.”

Anthony Worsley, area sales manager at Safestyle said: “It’s a pleasure to be able to head up the new Yeovil branch and bring our high quality, energy-efficient and secure windows and doors to our dedicated customers in the Dorset area.

“With the new branch opening up around 30 new job opportunities, we’re excited to recruit the UK’s best fitters into our community, which will enable us to grow our service in the Dorset region with ease.

“The branch will reflect our strong employeecentric culture, welcoming newcomers into an engaging and teamoriented environment where open communication is encouraged, team members are supported and mental health is a topmost priority. We would love to hear from people who are passionate about providing excellent service.”

Veka Recycling Opens Northern Hub And Introduces Glass Collection Pilot Scheme

As part of the company’s ongoing commitment to drive the efficiency and sustainability of its PVC-U recycling service, Veka Recycling has opened a Northern consolidation hub, whilst also introducing IGU collection through a pilot scheme.

Based in Burnley, Lancashire, the Veka Recycling hub will consolidate material collected throughout the north of England and Scotland, resulting in full loads that will then be transported on to the company’s Wellingborough headquarters for processing. Material including old PVC-U windows as well as virgin offcuts from frame

fabricators producing windows and doors manufactured from a variety of systems, will be collected and sorted at Burnley, before being moved on in bulk by Veka Recycling’s fleet of vehicles. This will further improve the logistical substantiality of the process, which for Veka Recycling is already impressive due to the central UK location of its processing plant.

The hub will also facilitate the collection and drop-off of material using smaller vehicles in the Burnley and surrounding areas, providing a convenient and inexpensive way of disposing of old frames for local installers.

In a further initiative designed to improve the ease by which installers may present old frames for recycling, Veka Recycling will also be introducing a pilot scheme to collect old IGUs with the frames, a move that is expected to significantly boost the number of frames returned for processing. The cullet will then be returned to a glass manufacturing partner to be made into new flat glass, which uses around 30% of recycled material in its manufacture. The scheme will be customised to customers’ needs, thus further simplifying the process of returning material for recycling.

Commenting on the initiatives, managing director of Veka Recycling Ltd Stuart Stockley said: “Veka Recycling processes everything collected in the UK at its Midlands processing plant, the most advanced in Europe. In itself this is more efficient than many other recyclers because it reduces the miles driven to return the old frames to the point of recycling. Plus the complex process of turning the old frames into new polymer is completed within the same facility. Often, the material is processed in a number of stages, at different plants. We do everything in house.

“The return of old insulated glass units as part of the disposal process is a big step forward to take hassle away from our customer [and] simplify the return of material,” added Stuart.

“The recycling of old PVC-U window and door frames has long been established –Veka built the first plant for the purpose as far back as 1993,” he explained. “But whilst we are experts in the processing of PVC-U, today there is far greater emphasis on holistic sustainability. These initiatives further address that requirement.”

veka-recycling.co.uk

Jade Engineering Supports Ex Duraflex Fabricators

Coventry-based Jade Engineering says it has ‘gone into overdrive’ to provide former Duraflex fabricators with new tooling and production advice, as they are forced to switch systems suppliers following the announcement made in June that the Gloucester-based systems company would be closed.

Jade Engineering was one of the first points of contact by systems companies and fabricators, following the announcement. It has been a busy time, said Jade’s Adam Jones: “As soon as the announcement was made, we received calls from systems companies and fabricators, who required new tooling as quickly as possible to switch systems whilst maintaining continuity. Fortunately,

we manufacture the tooling for every system so were able to respond immediately,” said Adam.

“We don’t like to see the loss of any company,” he added, “especially one that has been part of the window and door industry

since its very early days. But the reality is that the former Duraflex fabricators had to move on and quickly and whilst we are flat out, we are doing our best to ensure that the transition to whatever system they move to, happens as seamlessly as possible.”

Adam added that production advice was inevitably required in addition to the supply of new tooling: “Most changes are seamless with the systems companies working hard to ensure that their new customers get up to speed quickly. But now and again we are asked to resolve specific issues relating to working with new profiles, new tools and so forth and others are taking advantage of the switch to re-evaluate their production lines. We are used to such things of course,” said Adam, “It is a tremendous challenge, but we are pleased to be supporting fabricators as they change.”

Adam Jones.

Strong Year So Far For Yale

Yale has seen a strong first half of the year thanks to the continued development of existing ranges, investment in new products and support of key industry events.

Product innovation is always at the heart of what Yale do and 2023 has already seen many developments in this field. Building on the success of the SensCheck range, Yale announced that the Mantis 4 multipoint door lock has been added to the ever-growing list of products which are now compatible with the integrated

sensors.

Yale launched a new Lockmaster 25mm backset multi-point lock, designed to suit slim low sightline aluminium systems. The stable door lock range was also expanded with the introduction of 35mm and 45mm Lockmaster 21 composite door lock solutions.

Epwin Window Systems is a longstanding Yale customer, and the two businesses worked closely to develop a new PAS 24 patio lock solution.

Compliance with Approved Document F for air quality became mandatory this year. The Yale SlotVent range offers fabricators and installers a solution that ensures they meet the regulations. It is available in a choice of three lengths – each providing

smart window and door lock

a different level of ventilation depending on requirements – and has been expanded to include an even wider range of RAL colours, woodgrain foils, separate inners and outers, and fixings.

A major development this year saw Caldwell Hardware integrated into Yale. Caldwell Hardware has been supplying quality window hardware for more than a century and 2023 marks 50 years since it expanded its manufacturing into the UK market.

Paul Atkinson, managing director at Yale, comments: “It has been a very strong first half of 2023 for product innovation. Caldwell’s integration with Yale has been an obvious development for both brands as it has allowed us to realise synergies and share best practice and create a wider, comprehensive hardware range from one supplier.”

Alongside product developments

Andy Kay was welcomed to the team as the new area sales manager for North East, bringing 30 years of experience to the role.

Yale has also supported several industry events this year, including four People in Glazing (PiGs) networking events and the recent Glass Times race day at Haydock Park.

Paul adds: “We are looking forward to the upcoming Glazing Summit which will take place at Edgbaston Stadium on Thursday, October 12. It will be the third year in a row that we have been the headline sponsor for this key industry event.

“We’ve had a strong first half of the year in challenging conditions and will continue to build on this for the remainder of 2023. We have further product developments in the pipeline with exciting new hardware launching soon.”

www.yaledws.co.uk

Fentrade Year-On-YearReports Growth

edge solutions for their door projects.”

In line with its customercentric approach and to support demand, Fentrade has made several key internal appointments. Chris said: “Investment in the fabrication team and the internal sales support ensures we continue to provide a seamless and efficient service to our expanding customer base.”

Despite a fluctuating market, specialist fabricator Fentrade Aluminium has reported a 35% year-on-year growth.

Chris Reeks, Fentrade’s director, said: “Our yearon-year growth reflects the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional aluminium fenestration solutions to our customers. Sales of our inline and lift/ slide aluminium sliding doors have grown 36% and 34% respectively, which contrasts with our bifold sales which remain on par with the previous year. These figures support industry trends with the upturn for wider sliding doors.

“We continually evaluate our products to ensure we offer the widest range of aluminium solutions to support all market trends. As such, we will soon launch the new Document L compliant S140 inline sliding door from AluK, giving our customers a wider selection of cutting-

Fentrade is an active Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB) member, offering a comprehensive range of highquality aluminium windows, doors, curtain walling and shop front solutions.

Chris said: “We are immensely proud of the growth that Fentrade has achieved over the past year. It has been both organic and driven, with existing customers increasing their order volumes whilst our presence at FIT Show 2022 and 2023 and our targeted marketing campaigns have yielded new customers.”

During the past twelve months, Fentrade has also introduced several new products including the Reynaers CP130 sliding door and the SD70 Heritage door system from Jack Aluminium. Chris said: “We want to help our customers secure a key market advantage and both products have proven popular with retail installers as they offer the high-end aesthetics that today’s discerning consumers are looking for.”

fentradealuminium.co.uk

Chris Reeks

Shelforce Targets Another Record Year

Window and fire door manufacturer Shelforce is targeting another record year after posting turnover of more than £5.8m for last year. That figure was just under a 50% increase on the previous year, and Shelforce is on track to hit the £8m mark this year, claims the company.

After receiving The Kings Award for Enterprise in Promoting Opportunity (through social mobility) in April, as well as and the ‘Most Significant Service Improvement’ award at the Housing Awards, it has been a brilliant 2023 so far.

And Howard Trotter, business manager of the Birminghambased company, is under no illusions as to the reasons why the company is continually going from strength to strength – it’s a combination of a fantastic product, hard-working team, and the seal of approval from King Charles, says the company.

“To be on schedule to hit another record year in terms of turnover is fantastic,” said Howard. “Our order book has been healthy thanks to our Fireshel 30-minute fire, smoke, and security resistant door, for which we have had to

increase manufacturing capacity to produce more than 200 fire doors a week due to demand.

“Our success is also down to our team, who work unbelievably hard to get the product out of the door on time. And, of course, being awarded The Kings Award for Enterprise in Promoting Opportunity has attracted attention from potential clients, including other local authorities and housing associations. It has enhanced our reputation further, and you can’t put a price on that.”

Alongside new machinery to help cope with demand, Shelforce has also invested £10,000 in a new software system and new phone system to help increase efficiency, and its full-time team.

“With almost 35,000 fire doors to replace in Birmingham, demand is set to remain both high and constant,” added Howard.

“Our investment means we are set up to cope with that, and continue our core values, which are to provide the best products and services to our clients and employment opportunities for people with disabilities.”

www.shelforce.com

YOU’RE HOME WITH HURST

Sternfenster Recognised As Regional Heavyweight

Sternfenster has been recognised as a regional heavyweight, by being singled out by the latest East Midlands 200 report.

Compiled by Grant Thornton, the report identifies and champions the 200 fastest-growing private limited companies in Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire – those that have delivered the greatest growth in reported EBITDA over a threeyear period.

“The results highlight the evolving entrepreneurial nature of the

region, but also its resilience given the challenges faced as a result of Covid-19, supply chain issues and inflation, to name a few,” Nick Gillott, Grant Thornton’s Head of Midlands Corporate Finance said.

Sternfenster’s new entry into the East Midlands 200 reflects the trade fabricator’s continued investment in infrastructure, product development, and its people.

For example, the company has

overhauled its IT system, to offer industry leading sales tools to customers – including a virtual showroom – new websites for its trade and retail arms, and a new task management system that is said to vastly improve internal efficiencies.

Sternfenster is also working towards the Investors in People Platinum award, which will put it in the top 3% of all IIP-assessed companies, after achieving the prestigious gold status in 2022.

“We have made huge strides as a business, which is largely thanks to engaging our colleagues at every level,” MD Mike Parczuk said. “Ultimately, we want to provide the best products to our customers, in the shortest lead times, with leading technical support.

“We’ve invested heavily in machinery, transport and our IT systems, but that would be wasted if we didn’t invest in our

people.”

Recent product developments include launching the QUICKGlaze bead for its Visofold 1000 BiFolding Doors, which, says Sternfenster, significantly reduces the amount of time needed on site, while reducing the chance of error.

Sternfenster has also introduced a new barcode-based tracking system, which gives customers a two-hour hour delivery window. Again, this helps to create efficiencies for customers while improving their margins.

“We never stop looking at ways at which we can improve the way we are run,” Mike said. “This is why we are so excited to have been recognised by the East Midlands 200 as a top regional business, because it is a direct reflection of how we make our customers’ lives easier and more profitable.”

www.sternfenster.com

Everglade Windows Rated As Strong By Plimsoll For 10th Year In A Row

London fabricator Everglade Windows has been recognised for its business success, after being rated ‘strong’ in the latest analysis from Plimsoll for the 10th consecutive year.

The analysis shows how the largest 1,810 window and door companies are performing in 2023 and has reported that 23 percent of those companies are in real danger, with 272 vulnerable to takeover or failure in 2024.

825 of these companies have seen sales fall in the last year, nearly 50% of all the window and door businesses analysed.

Jay Patel, director at Everglade Windows, comments: “The Plimsoll Analysis is a great report on the state of our industry, and we’re delighted to be recognised as a ‘strong’ business once again.

“Given the current state of our industry, where we’ve seen several major companies feel the effects of today’s economic climate, it’s even more impressive to be rated so

highly by Plimsoll.

“A lot of this comes down to our values and business model at Everglade Windows. These have been the foundation of our success, and why we have been continuously trading since 1980. From day one, we’ve been focused on building a sustainable longterm business by reinvesting large amounts into innovation and not resting on our laurels when we’ve been successful.

“On top of this, we’re devoted to being strong partners for our customers, offering business advice and exceptional levels of support to ensure that they are also in the best position to succeed.

“This year has been the perfect example of our continuous progression, as we’ve launched 8 new products to help our customers evolve their businesses, so that they are best placed to thrive in the years to come.”

FENSA Launches New Guide To Compliance

for Fensa explains why the Guide to Compliance is so useful: “Building regulations are constantly monitored to ensure the health and safety of anyone working on or using all types of buildings. Sometimes these changes are just tweaks on a previous clause, and sometimes the updates are more significant. Either way, it is the responsibility of the installer to make sure the work they complete and the products they fit, are compliant.

“With all the recent changes to Building Regulations it was the perfect time to update and reissue our Guide to Compliance. This is the first update since 2016 so there is a plethora of new information to consider. The guide has been produced by experts in the industry with a wealth of experience from the GGF, RISA and Fensa and covers everything from structure to fire safety, sealing to ventilation, and access to thermal performance. It means installers have one publication covering everything they need to know. The guide is free to download and is a key document to help all Fensa Approved Installers avoid any problems with meeting Building Regulations during installation.”

The government authorised scheme that monitors building regulation compliance for windows and doors, Fensa, has announced further industry support in the form of an updated, comprehensive Guide

to Compliance. Produced in conjunction with RISA and the GGF, the publication is free to download for all Fensa Approved installers.

Lis Clarke, operations director

Lis concludes: “It’s important to stay on top of building regulations and there is sometimes much debate and discussion among industry peers about individual interpretations. It can be hard to sift through the onslaught of information to decipher the facts. And for something so important, installers need a definitive guide. Fensa is pleased to provide this resource for the industry so we can collectively continue to raise standards and provide reassurance to homeowners that the work on their house is compliant.”

www.fensa.org.uk

opposites

Scot Starkey,

Founder Of Victorian Sliders, Launches New Composite Building Products Company

After selling a partial interest in Victorian Sliders, although still retaining a major shareholding, Scot Starkey is launching Eurodeck, a new brand of composite building products. A new manufacturing facility will be based in County Laois, Ireland, where Scot now calls home. This is a major investment into a new extrusion facility that will house 30 extrusion lines and 3 mixing plants and will create up to 60 new jobs in the local area.

In a further twist to the story, whilst Scot and his team –including window extrusion expert Greg Guy – were setting up the new facility, the only UKbased extruder of composite

building materials ALVIC was put on the market by its owners BSW Timber Group. Scot decided it would be an excellent strategic fit to his plans for Eurodeck and purchased the company in its entirety.

Scot says: “It has been my intention for some time to enter this exciting market and extrude in Southern Ireland to serve the UK and European markets. It was pure coincidence that Alvic, which would have been our only competitor on the UK mainland, became available. I felt it was an excellent opportunity to enter the market quickly.”

Scot will also be joined by

industry sales expert and former Victorian Sliders sales director Danny Hague alongside the existing senior management team. Danny says: “I had decided to take some time off. Ironically, in the very first week, Scot and I spoke because of what was happening and he asked if I’d be interested in joining him. We’ve known each other for many years, and I had thoroughly enjoyed working with Scot, so I didn’t hesitate in accepting the role of Group Sales Director across Alvic and Eurodeck.” He continues: “It took some explaining to the wife as we had made some plans for the coming weeks but here I am raring to go”

The strategy with the two companies operating side by side, offering opportunities to distribute composite decking, fencing, cladding and other composite products, will be rolled out shortly. In the meantime, for any further information please call Danny Hague, Alvic Plastics on 07467 437090.

L to R: Danny Hague, Stuart Mortiboys, Al Gattaura, Scot Starkey, Gregg Guy

GGF Supports Mates In Mind Mental Health Charity

to become a Mates in Mind supporter.

Supporting companies gain exclusive access to a range of resources, training and support that’s designed to help establish a workplace mental health program. This includes an annual assessment; a free, employee focused ‘Start the Conversation’ course; access to a dedicated Support Manager; free management level courses and discounted counselling support for staff members.

Tom Butler, head of sales & marketing at the GGF, commented: “Mental health is a major issue for the construction industry and related sectors, including fenestration.

“Businesses should be doing all they can to raise awareness and understanding of mental health and to support all members of staff with help if they need it, but they need to recognise it’s even more of a challenge for employees who spend extended periods of time on site.

“That’s because moving from site to site, with no permanent place of work and in many cases having limited face-to-face contact with other people can often prevent workers from seeking help if they need it,” he continued.

The Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF) has become a supporter of Mates in Mind, a leading charity that aims to raise awareness of and improve mental health across the construction industry and related sectors.

According to Mates in Mind, three in five employees working in construction have experienced a mental health condition with 73% reporting that their employers do not recognise the early signs of mental health problems. As a result, construction workers are 3.7 times more likely to take their own life compared to the average population.

Established in 2016, Mates in Mind has enabled hundreds of organisations to transform their mental health culture, developing a suite of tools and initiatives designed to enable supporting organisations to raise awareness of mental health in the workplace.

The GGF is currently undertaking its first steps of a planned, threeyear process to improve its leadership around the promotion of positive mental wellbeing within Group Companies.

As a result, the Federation is offering a 10% discount to Members who also want

“And since Covid, it’s not just those who are away on site that are vulnerable, there are plenty of workers who now operate remotely or who are required to spend extensive periods of time away from home.

“By supporting Mates In Mind, and by offering GGF Member organisations a discounted rate to become Supporters themselves, we are aiming to reduce the stigma of mental health and provide clear information to employers about the guidance available to establish more open and supportive cultures within the workplace.”

Advance Joinery Group Continues Expansion With Its Latest Acquisition, Malvern Glass

Advance Joinery Group, supplier and installer of timber, aluminium and uPVC products across Herefordshire and beyond, has announced the acquisition of West-Midlands-based company, Malvern Glass.

Established in 1993, Advance Joinery has developed a reputation for the quality products and services they provide in the manufacture and installation of windows and doors and have more recently expanded their offerings to include uPVC and aluminium alongside their bespoke timber range. The acquisition of Malvern Glass allows Advance to expand its

footprint locally, representing a significant step in its growth plans.

Malvern Glass is also a wellestablished, reputable business – founded in 1979, with a large customer base. The Malvern Glass team will remain the same with some new additions, and the plan is to build on its reputation and add a complimentary trade counter offering products to trade and the public. In addition, Advance aims to replicate what it knows works well for its two other branches in Hereford and Kingsbridge, Devon.

“We are delighted to welcome Malvern Glass to the Advance

Joinery Group,” said Andrew Buchanan, managing director at Advance. “Both companies share a commitment to providing highquality products and service, and we believe this acquisition will enable us to offer an even broader range of products to a wider customer base”.

As part of the acquisition, there is the ambition to rebrand and launch an expanded showroom with a broader range of products from proven suppliers on show. “The diversity of our offer and our customer base is what’s made us unique here at Advance,” said Jack Evans, operations director. “We encourage customers to drop in when passing to understand more about our expanded range of products.”

Customers of Advance, both domestic and trade, can view the range of products either at the Pontrilas head office or through its retail showrooms in Hereford, Kingsbridge and soon-to-be Malvern following its relaunch.

PatioMaster Sliding Door PVC-U System

Scaling new heights

The UK’s favourite PVC-U sliding door now reaches even greater heights. New reinforcing capability means it’s now 33% stronger. And with larger size options, and weather performance that’s nothing short of outstanding, PatioMaster delivers class-leading performance at every level.

Tested to 1600Pa wind loading, 300Pa water tightness & 600Pa air tightness

U-values as low as 1.0 W/m2K

Enhanced security PAS 24 10-point locking upgrade

NEW 36mm triple glazing option

Triple track, 6-pane option

Perfect for exposed and elevated locations.

Ready to discover more? Contact us on 0845 340 3968 or email info@epwinwindowsystems.co.uk

Epwin Window Systems Enhances Its Approved Commercial Partner Scheme

Epwin Window Systems has launched an enhanced Approved Commercial Partner (ACP) scheme that will add even more value to commercial fabricator members, claims the company.

Gerald Allen, head of marketing at Epwin Window Systems, said: “We are serious about making our stakeholders succeed. We work closely with our Approved Commercial Partners to provide a seamless, reliable partnership they can depend on.”

Commercial fabricators who

become members of the ACP scheme have access to a wealth of technical information, professional services, and marketing material to help them grow their commercial portfolio. The offer is underpinned by a skilled and experienced inhouse team who can help navigate the commercial complexities of technical specifications, sustainability and building regulations.

The ACP scheme starts with exclusive access to all Epwin Window Systems-specified systems: Optima, Spectus and

Stellar, each with their own distinctive qualities. There is also a free Barbour ABI licence so fabricators can research, apply and track construction projects across their region and sector.

There is assistance with tendering and PQQ writing to help fabricators submit compelling bids. Full technical support for commercial project is included too, covering survey, design, drawing, structural calculations, stakeholders’ meetings, and on-site installation. A comprehensive Commercial Training Programme is available that covers various modules including commercial law and site management. Whilst Commercial Market Reports and a quarterly Approved Commercial Partner newsletter helps keeps fabricators up to date with market opportunities.

To further support marketing efforts, customers’ projects can be promoted across key press titles and specification directories. And to help promote their ACP status, members can use the dedicated logo and certification and feature on the Epwin Window Systems’ ACP portal.

Epwin Window Systems is also a business with an unwavering commitment to sustainability. Gerald commented:

“Sustainability has become even more of a key consideration in the commercial sector as demand for sustainable buildings continues to increase. Our commitment to sustainability is front and centre across all our business practices which gives our ACP members a further advantage.”

Gerald continued: “Our wealth of experience, knowledge and product quality is recognised and respected in the commercial

Frame Fast Brings Jobs To The Community With A New Aluminium Site

Frame Fast, a window, door, roof, and glass fabricator is investing in the East Midlands and continuing its growth with the launch of a new 10,000 sq ft aluminium site.

The new aluminium site, strategically located in Derby, will serve as a hub for Frame Fast’s production, distribution, and innovation of aluminium windows and doors. The stateof-the-art facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology, enabling the company to meet growing demand.

“For over 25 years, Frame

Fast has been tuned in to understanding and innovating for our customers, bringing them everything under two roofs as well as a dedicated aluminium showroom to use as their own,” says Nigel Leivers, managing director at Frame Fast.

“We want our trade partners to know that we’re here to support them on everything, from fantastic trade discounts to the use of our showroom. Really getting stuck into showing customers exactly what they’re getting from our products and their

sector. When you partner with Epwin Window Systems, you have the peace of mind that you are choosing a strong and reliable partner with unrivalled expertise.”

The enhanced ACP scheme is now open to fabricators that meet a strict entry criteria in order to maintain the highest standards.

www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk

knowledge.

“We’re looking forward to seeing what this will bring to the local area, creating jobs and helping to strengthen Derby’s already powerful base of manufacturers, stimulating trade, and hopefully attracting even more investment from big companies into the area.

“This city has always been kind to us in our nearly threedecade time here and we really want to give back. Alongside job creation, we really want to get stuck into the local community, sponsoring events and offering apprenticeships to young workers looking to join the industry. As well as looking to help keep our facilities sustainable and working towards the future of business in the East Midlands.”

www.framefastuk.com

Door Care & Maintenance

Causing you Headaches?

External door and window hardware has a lot to put up with - being under constant attack from environmental exposure, says Coastal Group Whether it’s polluted city air, corrosive salt air in coastal settings or continual exposure to the elements – external hardware certainly has a lot more to deal with compared to internal hardware. “Wherever the location your doors are installed, they will endure some sort of ‘attack’ from the elements,” says Loren Jenner, managing director at Coastal Group.

“It’s not only the door furniture, it’s the locks and cylinders as well. Locks and cylinders can become clogged up with dirt and grime and dry out making them difficult to operate.

“This can affect the lifespan of your doors and can often lead to callbacks from customers with what they feel are issues with their new door. Callbacks are expensive, and can sometimes lead to negative reviews.”

“But,” highlights Neil Jones, head of marketing at Coastal, “the good news is this can easily be avoided. All it takes is a bit of regular TLC and maintenance with the right products.”

Coastal Group took a moment to consider three main issues they hear of customers having:

1. Tea staining on the door hardware.

2. Keys sticking or jamming in the Euro cylinder.

3. Multipoint locks seizing up, jamming and making it difficult to operate the door handle.

They consider each of these issues in turn and provide a quick and easy solution which the homeowner can be responsible for, rather than the door manufacturer or installer.

1. Tea staining on the door hardware

Tea staining often gets confused by the homeowner as rust, however 316 Marine Grade Stainless Steel hardware – such as the BLU Hardware range – does not rust, but it tea stains if not cared for. Tea staining is a cosmetic issue that takes place on contaminants sitting on the surface of the stainless steel. It does not affect the structural integrity or lifetime of the material.

Both door manufacturers, installers and homeowners alike will be relieved to know it can easily be avoided. As the name suggests – stainless steel – is ‘stain less’ not ‘stain free’ and requires regular cleaning of the hardware using a soft cloth and mild soapy water, then drying with a clean, soft cloth.

If the door is located in a more corrosive environment, or if tea staining has occurred, then Coastal recommend using their DR121 stainless steel cleaner as a regular cleaner, which it says has been proven to remove this staining quickly and effectively.

2. Keys

sticking

or

jamming in the Euro cylinder

Over time cylinders can become dried out or clogged up with dirt and grime. Some cylinders can also become corroded. These combine to make the cylinder very difficult to operate and the key difficult to insert and turn around.

The dormakaba cylinder spray makes it very easy to resolve this issue. A regular squirt of this into the cylinder cleans, lubricates and maintains it, providing trouble-free operation and helps prevent corrosion.

“Customers are often amazed at the difference this quickly makes,” comments Neil. “And it’s worth adding a word of caution here that cylinder manufacturers strongly advise against using other fluids or common aerosol lubricants, as they can have detrimental effects on the cylinder.”

3. Multipoint locks seizing up, jamming, and making your door handle difficult to operate

Again, over time the gearing in the multipoint lock can become dried out or clogged up with dirt and grime. This makes the door handle difficult to move up and down and the multipoint lock hard to operate and lock.

Coastal Group have developed their GLS200 lubricant spray to help resolve this. A regular application of this will soon have the handles and locks running smoothly and prevent it from happening in the future, says the company.

To help make it easy for door manufacturers and installers to help their customers look after their new front doors, Coastal Group have put together a Hardware Care and Maintenance Pack. The pack is said to be proving extremely popular as companies look to enhance their customer service offering and minimise callbacks.

As Loren highlights, “Cost of the pack is minimal compared to the door or a callback, plus it ensures a great lasting impression with the homeowner - giving you that extra point of difference.”

More information on Coastal’s Hardware Care & Maintenance Packs can be obtained by emailing sales@coastal-group.com

CAB Supports Its Members On The Path To Net Zero

By Phil Slinger – CAB CEO

In an era where sustainability and environmental consciousness are now at the forefront of business strategies, we usually only ever hear of the very biggest carbon reduction projects and initiatives in the media. But, as an industry, the UK Aluminium in Building sector can contribute to reductions by becoming more sustainable in their operations.

Contractors and Aluminium System Houses in the UK and Ireland are all undertaking product development and innovation to pave the way for a greener future. With most integrating sustainability into every aspect of their operations to minimise the environmental impact and contribute to a greener future by lowering their CO2 emissions.

The CO2 savings these

companies are making are covered in three areas known as scopes. These emission scopes were created by the GHG Protocol in 2001:

• Scope 1: Direct CO2 emissions that result from activities within a companies control. This would include onsite fuel combustion, manufacturing and process emissions, as well as company vehicles.

• Scope 2: Indirect emissions from the energy that a company uses. Although not directly in control of the emissions, by using the energy, a company is indirectly responsible for the release of CO2.

• Scope 3: All other indirect emissions from sources outside of a companies direct control. This scope covers all the emissions associated, not with the company

itself, but up and down within the supply chain, for example purchased goods and services, use of sold goods, business travel, commuting, waste disposal and water consumption.

Most companies are now focussing on reviewing their ‘Scope 3’ emissions and setting strategies and partnerships to reduce CO2 within their supply chains. Aluminium systems companies, fabricators and installers will need to understand where they are on their ‘net zero journey’ and how they can innovate and integrate within their supply chains to reduce CO2 emissions. CAB’s recently launched initiative, ‘Journey to Net Zero’ is designed to help Members with their drive to ‘net zero’.

CAB Members will need to understand how to establish their carbon footprinting benchmark and provide a plan for ongoing improvement. CAB are working in partnership with a team of environmental consultants who offer a carbon accounting process that provides accurate greenhouse gas inventories and emissions reduction advice by using international standards and protocols.

Within CAB we understand the link between ‘carbon’ and ‘costs’. At this time of high inflation, our advice is aimed at cost reduction opportunities as well as carbon accounting. The goal for the progress towards net zero should be at least cost neutral for Members, however, there is a tangible marketing benefit for companies who can demonstrate reductions in CO2 emissions. The consultation process is designed for systems houses, fabricators and installers to capture their organisational carbon footprinting of today, then guide each Member with a strategy to reduce their CO2 emissions and provide the

evidence through an annual ‘Greenhouse Gas Inventory’.

Key questions for Members on their journey to ‘Net Zero’ will include:

• How to set achievable targets?

• Financially reviewing each target, has investment and payback been considered?

• What monitoring will be needed to review progress towards targets?

• How do we communicate progress both inside and outside our company?

• How do we inspire our supply chain and clients to trust us on our journey?

Mercury Hits Major Milestone in Lean Manufacturing Journey

We know that Members are already embracing renewable technologies by installing solar panels and moving to electric vehicle fleets, but there is much more that can be done, such as in waste management, packaging and recycling. Each small step, however small, takes a company closer to net zero. Ultimately these credentials will be highly valued by Members customers who will also be on the same route looking to their supply chain companies keeping carbon emissions as low as possible.

Should you wish to learn more about the use of aluminium, please contact CAB directly, or why not consider joining the Association and be recognised as being involved in supporting your Industry and helping to shape its future. More information on our website at c-a-b.org.uk

Mercury has achieved a significant milestone in its lean manufacturing journey by setting up a dedicated metrics room that plays a crucial role in its multi-site operation. This achievement is highlighted by the company’s inaugural ‘GREEN’ day across its three manufacturing facilities, a noteworthy feat achieved within a mere 12 weeks of implementing the strategy.

Alan Hockey, manufacturing manager at Mercury, said: “The establishment of the metrics room and the successful realisation of our first ‘GREEN’ day across all factories signifies our dedication to continuous improvement and operational excellence. This is just the beginning of our journey to deliver even greater value to our customers and uphold our reputation as a leading specialist fabricator.”

Mercury’s commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement has led to the launch of its lean journey. Establishing the metrics room plays a pivotal role in this endeavour, serving

as a central hub for data collection and manufacturing analysis. By leveraging data-driven insights, the company aims to optimise its manufacturing processes, enhance efficiency, and ultimately deliver continued value to its customers.

Alan commented: “The system evaluates performance metrics against predetermined thresholds, categorising them as either ‘REDS’ for areas that require attention and improvement or ‘GREENS’ for areas that meet or exceed targets. This approach enables the company to focus its efforts on areas that will yield the greatest impact on efficiency and quality”.

He continued: “Achieving our first ‘GREEN’ day across all three factories marks a significant milestone in our lean journey and demonstrates the effectiveness of the new metrics room and the commitment of the entire team.”

www.mercuryglazing.co.uk

Partnership For Growth

Liam Kelleher, Unity Doors’ commercial director, and Daniel Openshaw, UAP’s internal South account manager, discuss the drivers behind their evolving partnership and the importance of collaborative working.

For more than 25 years, Unity Doors has been manufacturing composite doors for a wide range of clients, including housebuilders, housing associations and distributors. The company began working with UAP eight years ago, initially sourcing a small number of products for its doorsets. Since then, a focus on collaboration and quality has seen the partnership strengthen and evolve.

“We operate in a market heavily focused on compliance, so understanding third-party

accreditations and what it means to achieve them is central to our business as well as UAP’s,” explains Liam. “UAP provides door hardware products which are accredited in their own right, and also tested within our doorsets to meet the highest quality standards.”

Adapting to change

Reflecting its commitment to quality, around 90 per cent of the doors manufactured by Unity Doors have the Secured by Design (SBD) accreditation meaning products must meet certain standards such as PAS 24. An update to PAS 24:2016 required doors to be fitted with a letterplate meeting the TS008:2015 security standard set by the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF). This was aimed at preventing key fishing and

unlocking the door through the letterplate while still allowing items to be posted freely.

“When the PAS standard changed, it was a race against time to find a product which would ensure compliance without causing us any downtime,” reflects Liam. “There were several letterplates on the market that met the new rules, but weren’t practical. We found most were too heavy or bulky, with many protruding too far from the door.”

To address these issues, Unity Doors looked to UAP for a solution, leading to the supply of the Soterian TS008 letterplate and a turning point in the partnership.

Designed inhouse by UAP, the Soterian TS008 consists of an internal flap projecting only 35mm from the door’s surface, ensuring

Danny Openshaw

the letterplate lies within a straight line from the hinge side of the door to the handle. This enables the door to fully open while preventing the letterplate from causing damage to the interior wall.

“We worked closely with the Unity team to listen to their specific needs and concerns,” adds Daniel. “The Soterian TS0008 not only ticked the right boxes in terms of compliance, but offered a more aesthetic and user-friendly product for Unity Doors’ clients and end users. Importantly, we were also able to provide matching hardware such as door handles and numerals, and it was this wider offer which paved the way for us to significantly bolster our partnership.”

A two-way street

Within the last four years, the relationship has evolved further with UAP now working with Unity Doors to supply a vast range of door hardware.

“We have built a partnership

based on trust and collaboration,” says Liam. “Too often companies will develop a product for our sector without asking the door manufacturers for their advice or opinion. UAP on the other hand, are quick to share information and that has really helped to strengthen our relationship.”

A focus on customer feedback has seen UAP evolve the design of its letterplate with the launch of the Soterian Slim TS008 letterplate, which projects just 14mm from the door surface. Accredited by SBD, the product has also achieved the Certifire certification so can be safely installed in timber FD30 fire doors without the need for further testing.

“We have worked with Unity Doors to conduct extensive fire and security testing on the Soterian Slim within its doorsets,” explains Daniel. “The quality and aesthetics of the product have been well received so we are now working towards supplying this product on all the company’s new SBD doors.”

A step ahead

As legislation continues to change and safety standards become more stringent, both businesses agree that a proactive, collaborative approach will be at the heart of future growth.

“We operate in a fast-paced environment so for any partnership to work, there has to be a focus on the future and a willingness to adapt,” says Daniel. “Having foresight and flexibility on both sides is therefore essential.”

“As a business, we have to keep evolving to stay one step ahead of changing rules and expectations,” adds Liam. “To do that successfully, we need partners who, not only provide the right products from a commercial perspective, but the service to match, including a reliable supply chain and great communication from the top down. UAP has proven it can meet that criteria and this will be key to the relationship’s long-term success.”

Is The Future Secure For Fabricators (And Their Customers)?

Ryan Johnson, group managing director, Emplas, chews over summer’s Duraflex withdrawal and asks what it means for fabricators – and installers?

It wasn’t a surprise, but it was still a shock. Duraflex’s exit from the UK market had been on the cards for a while.

How much significance should we apply to it as an industry?

On the one hand it’s the product of a specific set of circumstances. Masco Corporation made no secret of its desire to exit the UK more than a decade ago, eventually offloading Duraflex alongside the rest of its window division to form the UK Window and Door Group in 2018.

Now UK Window and Door Group has done the same to a systems company which it appears no one could ever quite make work.

The question is, was Duraflex’s failure down to a series of specific circumstances or does it tell us something about the state of health of the UK systems sector more widely?

What is certain is that at some point the model stopped working, for Masco Corporation and then UK Window and Door Group. Duraflex wasn’t making enough or was losing too much, and it had to go.

It’s an indication of the pressure and narrow parameters of success or failure, that systems companies in the UK are

working within and that creates a potential risk for fabricators –and installers.

I’m sure that the heads of other systems companies will argue that the Duraflex experience can be attributed to under investment, a deficit in product development? Their systems companies are no doubt investing and far more stable.

A simple fact, however, remains, the systems sector is oversubscribed, and it is likely that we are going to see further consolidation.

The point that I want to focus on is what that means for fabricators, particularly smaller ones.

Systems companies need to balance the books in the face of rising overheads and costs. That raises a question about where smaller fabricators fit within the model, not because they aren’t great at what they

do but how long the economics will continue to work for their suppliers.

Will smaller fabricators, those doing 150 fpw or less be cut or will the prices they’re charged become too high? It raises a very big question if you do fall into that bracket. Should you jump before you’re pushed?

Trust me, this is not me sitting here wanting to see something happen. There are some great smaller fabricators out there, and if you have a specialism, things may not be so bleak. But if you’re making and selling mainstream product without the right scale, there are some big decisions ahead.

We work with a lot of exfabricators, manufacturers who have wanted to move in a new direction or to concentrate on the pre-existing retail and installation elements of their business.

Emplas offers a support package to help them to re-purpose space, build showrooms, retrain staff and move machinery on.

At the point at which they’re six-months in we have never ever had anyone turn to us and say that they wish they hadn’t stepped away from manufacture!

This is also an issue for installers. What would it mean to their retail or installation business if their supplier folded or was no longer supplied by their systems company?

This isn’t a theoretical scenario, it’s just happened to hundreds of Duraflex fabricators and installers. At a time when operating costs are high and sales conditions tough, would your business survive?

www.emplas.co.uk

Ryan Johnson

CAB: Helping Trade Fabricators Make The Most of Aluminium

By Phil Slinger – CAB CEO

Most home improvement companies today now offer an aluminium option for discerning homeowners, indeed, most PVC systems companies now have their own aluminium systems that sit alongside their PVC systems. Virtually all suppliers of aluminium systems in the UK and Ireland are members of the Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB) and a growing number of fabricators and home improvement companies are joining CAB to be recognised in the Industry.

Formed in 1994 by the bringing together of three existing trade associations; the Architectural Aluminium Association, the Patent Glazing Contractors Association and the Aluminium Window Association, today CAB actively represents the fenestration supply chain across the UK and Ireland. Specifiers recognise the wellknown and respected CAB logo and associate it with leading

companies in the industry.

Not only is the CAB brand strongly associated with quality, the Association also offers a wide range of interactive events for its members who collectively form the voice of aluminium used in construction across the UK & Ireland. Members of the CAB team, located in Stonehouse in Gloucestershire, represents its membership on many national standards, setting bodies and government agencies.

The Association continues to develop to meet the rapidly changing fenestration landscape that seeks to achieve thermally efficient fenestration systems to meet our need for sustainable ‘lowcarbon’ homes, businesses and public spaces. This is a particularly difficult challenge for the UK as we have some of the oldest building stock compared to other countries. Building refurbishment and home improvement leads the way ahead and the Association wishes to

engage more fully with this sector of the market to offer its support in meeting the deadlines set by our government.

But, it is not only product development that needs to be sustainable, businesses also need to be sustainable and the recent CAB initiative ‘Journey to Net Zero’ forms the path ahead for the Industry both in business processes and products. There are significant challenges adopting this challenge and the time has never been better for the Industry to draw together to drive achievable change in the coming years.

CAB has recently initiated its membership drive in the home improvement sector, outlining the benefits of joining the Association and promoting product development based on one of the world’s most abundant metal, aluminium. Without aluminium, the advancements in engineering technology over the last century would simply not be possible.

The membership drive explains the support services offered by the Association, but more importantly, it is about belonging to a ‘family’ where businesses meet and network, to the benefit of the whole industry creating one voice for future change.

CAB’s next networking event will take place at the Museum of Football in Manchester, guest passes for non-members are available, so why not engage with CAB and find out what the Association can do for your company.

Should you wish to learn more about the use of aluminium, please contact CAB directly, or why not consider joining the Association and be recognised as being involved in supporting your Industry and helping to shape its future. More information on our website at:

c-a-b.org.uk

CAB Members Meet under Concorde in Bristol.

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Boxing Clever

The right product choice can give you multiple options in numerous markets, explains Dave Broxton, MD at Bohle. We report.

Diversification was the key message to emerge from the three-day FIT Show in May earlier this year, believes Bohle’s MD Dave Broxton, as traditional window installers explored ways in which they could broaden their offering and extend their market reach.

“Our strategy going to the FIT Show was very clear,” Dave says. “We presented window installers with a range of

products designed to open-up new, profitable opportunities in the home, away from their established window and door ranges.

“And it was a clear success, with our FrameTec 2.0 dry-glazing glass partitioning system, and Lyon Juliet Balcony significant crowd pleasers.”

True adaptibility

But diversification should not be limited to the home setting, Dave believes, and that true adaptability means turning your hand to different types of

projects.

There was a time when the glazing industry was all about white windows and the volume domestic refurbishment market,” Dave says, “and it was very successful at what it did, because that was what the market demanded.

Dave Broxton

“In the modern era of home improvement, the work is still there, but it is coming from a variety of sources, so consumers want to look beyond standard white window ranges. But not only do we need to look at the variety of work within the home but also from different sectors, like retail and commercial.”

Dave points out that while the demands may be different, the skills remain the same whether they come from the domestic refurbishment sector, newbuild, retail or commercial.

“To seize the opportunities from different clients, you often just need the flexibility in your product range, and this is what we’ve been addressing at Bohle,” he says.

A case in point is Bohle’s easy-fit VetroMount balustrade system, which is now available with a 1.5kN line-loading. This, Dave says, makes it suitable for the growing retail, hospitality and commercial market, as well as for domestic use.

Simple installation

VetroMount is available in a standard face or floor fixing option; a flush-finish; and a third, ‘Y’ shaped channel, which tapers down to the face of the substrate, to create a clean minimalist finish.

Each minimises fixings, while making installation simple using Bohle’s patented zip-fix technology and cradle to hold the glass firmly in the channel. This also makes alignment easy, with simple adjustment.

Available in standard 2.5m and 5m lengths, VetroMount accommodates glass thickness of up to 21.5mm. It’s also counterbored, which means its suitable for use with standard, rather than more expensive counter-fix fixings.

“Sometimes, the best way to create opportunities and build in margin is to box clever,” Dave says. “And the VetroMount has been designed and manufactured by Bohle to do just that.

“First of all, it allows window fitters to cross sell on projects. For example, someone replacing their windows may also have a requirement for balustrading, which could otherwise go to another contractor.

“Secondly, with VetroMount, we’ve simplified the balustrade installation, so there’s no need to carry specialist tools, which reduces fixing costs and protects margin.

“Thirdly, while balustrading for domestic use only requires a 0.74kN line loading, the contemporary all-glass system can be upgraded to a 1.5kN system using additional glass carriers and 21.5mm PVB laminated glass. This means the product can confidently be installed in commercial areas open to the public such as footways, pavements, retail spaces, bars, restaurants and vehicular areas, including stairs and landings.”

VetroMount was independently tested in August 2023 to BS6180:2011 for a 1.5kN line load.

“And, finally, this is supported by an excellent customer service department who can offer guidance to make sure the right products are delivered for the right job and that all orders are 100% fulfilled,” Dave concludes.

“Fundamentally, we want our customers to diversify into different markets without any additional investment, and the versatile VetroMount balustrade is a good place to start.”

www.bohle.com

VetroMount base fix

The Evolution Of Bi-Fold Doors

With research highlighting that the global bi-fold market is set to rise by more than 20% in the next four years1, MD of bi-fold hardware manufacturer and supplier Debar explores the growing phenomenon of this popular system.

Although bi-fold doors have been around for centuries in different forms and guises, the real trend among homeowners took off more than 10 years ago when connecting the inside and outside, without compromising on space, was highly sought after.

Today, bi-fold doors are a staple in many homes and thanks to the advances in design and technology, they offer a host of benefits better than ever before.

Peter Sutcliffe, managing director at Debar, comments: “Debar was launched in 2008 and in the last 15 years we’ve seen the

bi-fold market in the UK evolve dramatically.

“With multiple designs, finishes, glazing, security and hardware options available, consumers have more choice now than ever.

“As technology continues to advance, we can be sure to see even more design options and functionalities being developed, helping to firmly cement a bifolds place within UK homes.”

Major improvements to modern bi-fold systems

Initially introduced to create a seamless transition between the home and garden, bi-fold doors quickly became a popular choice overtaking more traditional patio door designs including sliding doors and French doors.

Compared to when they first launched in the UK, bi-fold doors have undergone major

improvements and modern systems now come with fantastic energy efficiency qualities, improved thermal performance and enhanced security measures.

Even with the stricter guidelines introduced by Part L of the building regulations, when properly manufactured bifold doors can effectively and efficiently meet these latest changes.

With many years’ experience working in the bi-fold market, the team at Debar has played a fundamental role in the improvements made to bi-fold systems.

“When we first started as a business, we originally designed and manufactured our own bifold door systems, so we know exactly what it takes to develop a quality product,” adds Peter.

“As time moved on, we shifted our focus onto the key components which make the bi-fold robust, reliable and secure. We’re now responsible for designing, manufacturing and supplying quality bi-fold hardware to more than 200 companies across 12 countries.”

The rise of bi-fold doors overseas

Passionate about the bi-fold market, Debar has also been sharing its knowledge and experience with systems houses and fabricators operating not just in the UK but overseas.

In fact, members of the team have spent time in Canada this year to help educate those with an interest in bi-folds so they can successfully branch out into this market.

“Despite have a strong appreciation for the product, Canadian business owners are hesitant to invest in bi-fold door

Continued on page 50

Peter Sutcliffe, MD, Debar

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Continued from page 48

systems,” explains Peter.

“As patio doors are predominantly used in Canada, we believe there’s a significant opportunity for growth and innovation with bi-fold doors. So our team has been talking in depth about how to fabricate the product, how to sell it and how to install it.

“Knowing the incredible addition bi-fold doors have made to homes in the UK, we want to help business owners explore this new market further to achieve their own success.”

The future of bi-folds

Ultimately, bi-fold doors have come a long way in terms of design, functionality and performance. Not only have they become more durable and secure but bi-folds are also more energy efficient, ticking all the right boxes from a sustainability perspective – which is becoming more and more important across the industry.

The future certainly looks promising for bi-fold door systems, especially with the right people at the helm as Peter highlights.

“As the market continues to grow and evolve, we can’t see any signs of bi-fold doors becoming less popular among homeowners. If the right companies invest in adapting the system so it delivers exceptional performance, keep up with the latest building regulations and changing consumer demand, we believe bi-folds will remain popular for many years to come.”

1: https://bit.ly/3Pgy0Xo

Percentage calculated using 2023 figure of $10.6 billion and 2027 figure of $12.6 billion which equates to an 21.7% increase in four years.

CE Or UKCA? – Your Questions Answered

By Strafford Cooke, Technical Director, Mila

If you read the BBC and other media reports on what they called ‘the government’s postBrexit climbdown’ on CE/ UKCA marking, you might have thought it meant we could all relax and continue using the EU’s CE product safety symbol indefinitely.

Unfortunately, that’s not the case. While CE marking will still be allowed on most manufactured goods including machinery, PPE and low voltage electricals moving forward, it will not be allowed for construction products after 30 June 2025. So, the switch to UKCA marking is currently very much still on for companies in this sector.

I’ve already had a few customers calling me to check this, so here’s my round up of the FAQs which hopefully will help:

Why are construction products not included in the climbdown?

Partly, it’s because Construction Product Regulations are the responsibility of Michael Gove’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) rather than the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) which covers the 18 product areas included in the latest announcement.

The official reason given by the DLUHC why construction products were not included is that they want to ensure that ‘the testing regime for construction products in Great Britain is effective and inspires public and market confidence’.

What does that mean in terms of timings?

Unless we get further information from the DLUHC, timings are unchanged for construction products, so we can all still use CE marking until

30 June 2025. But, from that point onwards, products will need be tested, certified and labelled to UKCA.

What action do UK businesses need to take?

We’ve known about the impending UKCA requirements since about 2020 so I would expect most businesses to be well on the way to completing the switch by now. Certainly, Mila now has UKCA marking on all our previously CE marked products, and we have retained the CE mark as well because we also sell many of these products into Europe and the UKCA mark is not recognised there.

What’s required is a Certificate of Conformance from a UK ‘Approved Body’ for UKCA (or an EU ‘Notified Body’ for CE). The likes of Element and BSI are established as both types of Bodies which makes life easier, and you simply choose which Certificate (or both) you require depending on where your products will be sold.

UKCA essentially follows the same EU Harmonised Standards rules and regulations as CE marking (although, they’re now known as UK Designated Standards). However, because there is currently no mutual recognition agreement between the UK and the EU, from a fabricator’s perspective, any AVCP3 characteristic previously tested by an EU Notified Body still needs to be retested by a UK Approved Body for it to be UKCA marked.

Are the rules still different in Northern Ireland?

Yes. The CE mark was always due to remain in Northern Ireland under the terms of the Brexit agreement and that will continue to be the case, as well as the addition of a new UKNI mark (equivalent to UKCA).

Businesses there must use the UKNI symbol for products coming into Great Britain (when using a UK Approved Body) or the CE mark on its own to access NI, GB an EU markets when using an EU Notified Body.

Is there likely to be another U-turn?

All we’ve heard from the DLUHC so far is that it will set out its proposal for reform of the construction products regime ‘in due course’. The construction industry is lobbying hard for a U-turn on CE marking, but while the DLUHC is still grappling

with the Hackitt report and the Building Safety Act, it seems low down on their list of priorities.

As things stand, we all have to push ahead with the switch to UKCA marking as planned. However, it is perhaps worth noting what the Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake said in the DBT press release announcing the U-turn: “Industry has long been concerned that the full introduction of UKCA labelling would be damaging by erecting a barrier to trade and adding administrative burdens and cost.”

www.mila.co.uk

Strafford Cooke

Don’t Fear A Shifting Market

The Bank of England increased interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point to 5.25% at the beginning of August, in a bid to control the rate of inflation, which now stands at 6.8% (a drop from 7.9% the previous month).

It’s been almost two years since the cost-of-living crisis started to bite, and in that time we’ve seen energy bills rise, house prices fall, interest rates rise, inflation jump to double-digits, and wages stagnate – all fuelled in part by post-Covid disruption and a war in Ukraine.

It’s not a very positive picture is it? And if you were to run your business based on the doom and gloom that end up on the front pages of our daily papers, then you would have probably shut up shop months ago.

But you don’t, and you haven’t. And there’s a good reason for that, which is that despite the negativity shared by other people, you are still in business, and the likelihood is that you are growing and have probably got vacancies that you need to fill.

I’m not going to be so naïve as to suggest that it has all been a bed of roses, but many of us in this industry have been around long enough to recognise that where market forces restrict the flow of work in one sector, they tend to open the tap in another. And we’ve seen that happen very noticeably over the last quarter.

The nation’s favourite canary in the mine is house prices, with every socio-economic group using it as a sign of ‘bad things to come’. And in recent months we’ve seen market activity stall and house prices start to drop.

Coupled with high interest rates, many see this as a sign that consumer confidence is faltering, and we should expect to see work dry up.

At the start of 2023, every leading economist was betting their own homes on the UK having entered recession halfway through Q4 2022. But we didn’t and, despite the efforts of some very gloomy commentators, we still aren’t.

So, take another look at the housing market, and you’ll find that where we have seen the market shift one way, opportunities have opened up in another. In a scenario supported by the latest Business Pilot Barometer, people looking to buy and sell in the £300K+ market are simply being savvy. Why buy a

house worth £half-a-million today, when it could be worth £450K in six months’ time? And why saddle yourself with a mortgage pegged at 6% today, when it could have dropped to 5% in the same period?

These aren’t the thoughts of nervous investors looking to shore up losses, these are homeowners making sensible purchasing decisions.

Instead of moving, they are genuinely improving their existing homes, driving up the interest we’ve all witnessed over the last 12 months for higher value products.

If you’ve carried on making and installing the same standard products throughout this period, then I daresay you will have felt the pinch.

We shouldn’t ignore the elephant in the room: the withdrawal of Duraflex from the market. Let’s be honest, theirs was a model based on volume cost-effective white window work. Yes, there were other factors at play, but ultimately, the market no longer supports windows made, sold and installed solely on price.

And one reason is because buying habits have changed. Homeowners already know what they want to buy, and they have a very good idea of what it will cost them. You’re unlikely to win these guys over on price, instead you are going to have to compete on performance and aesthetics.

And this is reflected in the discussions we continue to have with new and existing customers, which centre very much on our Heritage Flush Casement Window, 30+ colourways from stock, and our secure UK-based supply.

While everyone waits for the bottom to fall out of the market, there are still opportunities if you have the right partners behind you.

www.deceuninck.co.uk

Deceuninck’s managing director Rob McGlennon discusses negative assumptions and positive outcomes.

Rob McGlennon

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Five Key Talking Points With Your Potential New

Aluplast’s director of sales Ian Cocken discusses how now may be a good time to re-evaluate your product offering.

I don’t think the PVC-U window and door market has witnessed

Supplier

a period of such intense change. Within the space of a few months, one extruder is leaving the market, creating uncertainty for its customers, two national window companies have recently found new suppliers, and the knock-on

effect has caused unease among many other fabricators.

As a result, we have found ourselves in discussions with many window fabricators, bringing on three new customers in the last two months alone.

During this process, there are key lessons that I’ve learned, which I think are worth sharing.

The first is, don’t make a kneejerk reaction. The choice you make now – if you are serious about moving to a new supplier – will have a big impact on your business. And the second is that this period of change has occurred at the same time as a change in market trends, and it is worth re-

evaluating your product offering.

Here are five things that I regularly talk to window fabricators about.

Colour

This is often the first thing fabricators want to discuss. Do we have a secure supply of a wide colour range? The answer is yes, but the pandemic has left scars where supply of coloured profile from other systems companies ground to a halt, causing havoc as products couldn’t be delivered on time.

The majority of aluplast’s flush orders include colour – as much as 50% of total order volume – and we have a range of 40 different

finishes, including our premium range woodec and aludec foils. We have also invested heavily in our foiling plants with new CNC foiling machines, which allows us to maintain a strong supply.

Flush

Alongside colour, flush windows and doors are becoming highly sought after, especially on higher value projects, and it is not an understatement to say that you should have a flush casement window and flush door as part of your offering. We designed our flush casement window so that it would be compatible with both our Ideal 70 and Ideal 4000 systems. This reduces stockholding, while giving you options for heritage flush windows and contemporary aluminiumlooking windows. The recent addition of our flush outwardopening single and double door creates further opportunities for fabricators and installers.

Secure supply

As we’ve seen, systems companies exiting the market can cause real disruption, and our new customers need to be reassured that by choosing aluplast, they are choosing a long-term partner. We are a German family business that has grown steadily without the need for external shareholders or venture capital.

We have now moved into the new state-of-the-art extrusion facility on a 15-hectare site, which will include a production hall that can house up to 50 high-tech, high-speed twin extrusion lines. And we are doubling in size our distribution hub and sales office in Tewkesbury.

Sustainability

Traditionally a ‘soft’ marketing message, sustainability is increasingly being discussed at every level in the supply chain, from raw material through to end

user. If you are moving to a new profile supplier, you too should be having these discussions.

Our manufacturing processes are certified to the environmental standard ISO5001, and we have led the industry with ecotech, where we extrude recycled and virgin material through two separate feeds into one die to create a profile that has virgin walls, where the recycled element is isolated within the inner profile webbing. This maximises strength and appearance, while significantly reducing our impact on the environment.

We are also pioneering new energy efficient products, including Ideal neo, a 76mm front-to-back system that offers a base-level 1.2W/m2K Uf-value, and the ability to carry units up to 51mm. This means it can achieve U-values as low as 0.73W/m2K triple glazed.

Easy to switch

Finally, once the decision has been made to switch supplier, how quickly and how efficiently will that process take? This needs to be carefully mapped out, with your needs driving the conversation, not the systems company’s. The last thing you want is for production to be halted while you switch over, potentially losing you thousands of pounds in lost revenue.

We have built an experienced team of engineers to help companies switch systems. Once a switchover day has been agreed, everything operates to make that a smooth transition.

On a day-to-day basis, few fabricators consider switching profile supply. But if you think the time has come to re-evaluate your offering, it is worth looking at the bigger picture, to make sure you are prepared for future demands within our industry.

www.aluplast.co.uk

IGU Sector Urged To Embrace Change

Edgetech managing director Chris Alderson explores the idea that a new wave of investment in innovation may be required to keep up with legislation.

In 2005, the UK glazing industry was on the brink of major change, driven by the need to dramatically improve the nation’s sustainability. The government’s introduction of Energy Performance Certificates and the emergence of Window Energy Ratings spurred IGU manufacturers to embrace cuttingedge tech and push the sector forward.

Today, it’s the Future Homes Standard which will lead the industry to another technological shift as companies adapt.

At Edgetech, we’re seeing many companies who invested in new machinery twenty years ago approach us about doing the same thing again. They’ve seen huge benefits from the Super

Spacer automation equipment they invested in, which has helped them improve quality, thermal efficiency, and given them two decades of reliable performance.

For all these reasons, they’re now looking to repeat that experience with the next generation of machinery that can help them meet today’s challenges.

Over twenty years, technology has progressed tremendously. Today’s fully automated Super Spacer application lines can make products more quickly, efficiently, and to higher standards than ever before. Importantly, this applies to triple-glazed windows as well as double.

Currently, we don’t know exactly what shape the final Future Homes Standard will take. However, as performance requirements become even more stringent, the industry increasingly seems to be moving towards triple glazing as the most

viable way of meeting stricter environmental requirements and consumer demand – and I believe this could be the spur for the next wave of large-scale innovation.

Meanwhile, Super Spacer has stood the test of time. As performance requirements tighten significantly, Super Spacer continues to provide the fantastic energy efficiency the market demands.

By using Super Spacer technology, high-speed automated application, and triple-glazing, IGU solutions will be prepared for the net-zero age.

However, to be prepared and to remain competitive for the decade ahead, companies must act now. Lead times on next-generation spacer application machines can be as long as 12 months, and more companies are now looking to acquire them.

To stay ahead of the curve, and be ready for the Future Homes Standard, companies should invest in the future today.

www.edgetechig.co.uk

Rob McGlennon

The revolution is here launch

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

The Business Pilot Barometer

Are we turning a corner?

By Neil Cooper-Smith, Senior Analyst, Business Pilot

99.3 in August from July. This is also 9.2% higher than a year ago. And conversion rates are holding steady at 43.2%.

The headline figure this month is that at 47.4, sales are up 5.8% in August 2023 from July, which is 20.3% higher than the same period last year. If you needed a boost of confidence as we head into autumn, then this is probably it.

This upward trend is reflected in the number of average number of leads, which jumped 10.5% to

As a snapshot of the health of our industry, without any context, these figures are encouraging, and should dispel some of the doubts some business owners may have been having since the start of the financial year.

And with context, the Business Pilot Barometer helps you make sense of some of the economic drivers in Q3 2023. For example, as I digest these figures I can see that house prices have fallen by 5.3% from their peak in August 2022, knocking £14,600 off the average price.

But as we’ve seen with leads and sales going up, this is less about confidence (which can undermine overall economic performance) and more about homeowners judging where best to spend their money. Right now, it appears that renovations are more popular than moving home, because investing in a new property might not make sense if that property value continues to fall – especially as the Bank of England interest rate remains high at 5.25%.

At the moment, there is nothing to suggest that homeowners are holding back their spending. In fact, after a period of high inflation, high energy costs, and stagnant wages, then the peak period for personal austerity has probably passed.

Instead, inflation is down to 6.8%, the typical energy price cap is down to £1,923 from £2,074, and private sector wages rose 8.2% in the three months to June according to the ONS (Office for National Statistics).

These figures suggest that after 18 months of a squeeze on household finances, homeowners are looking to start those bigger projects.

And the ace up the Business Pilot Barometer’s sleeve is that there is an uptick in the average order value in August to £4,249.88 – up 3.1% on July. This might not seem like a massive jump, but it reverses three months of decline and it reflects the prediction I made last month.

As always it is important not to see these figures in isolation and to understand the main drivers, and using tools like Business Pilot to monitor projects from enquiry through to completion will help you improve efficiencies and maximise profitability.

GQA Interviews New Non-Executive Director

GQA Qualifications has appointed Chris Beedel, head of government advocacy & stakeholder relations at the GGF as a non-executive board director. Here the fenestration industry’s awarding and qualifications-writing organisation chats to Chris about his new role.

What does being a Director of GQA mean to you?

It’s an absolute privilege to have become a director of GQA. I’ve worked in the fenestration industry since 2017, but been very involved in compliance all my working life. I’m therefore well steeped in competent persons schemes, and one of my goals is to try to ensure that qualifications remain high on the agenda of the GGF and Fensa. I’m confident that together we can make decisions that positively affect the industry’s future workforce.

What do you think are the strengths of GQA?

One of GQA’s key strengths is its longevity: this year the organisation is 21 years old. Over its lifetime, GQA has seen many changes in the industries in which it operates, none more so than in construction and fenestration. However, it has successfully adapted in order to remain relevant and useful. Today, GQA helps to ensure that the attainment of qualifications is meaningful in securing professional development and long-term careers. It’s wonderful to see GQA front and centre in fenestration, and playing a key role in the frameworks that shape and manage the industry’s future.

What does your experience bring to the table?

I’ve been very fortunate to have had a varied and international career, whilst focusing mainly on quality assurance. From the world of polymer science to that of electronics, I have seen a good range of management cultures. Hopefully I can therefore bring to the table a breadth of knowledge not only of fenestration but also of the manufacturing processes and good governance of other sectors. Having been a director at Fensa for many years I learnt that corporate independence and impartiality are vital to good governance. These are certainly approaches I’ll be bringing with me to GQA.

What changes have you seen in GQA over the past twenty years you’d like to highlight?

Modifications to the building regulations form a key backdrop to the changes I’ve seen GQA have to accommodate. In addition, the organisation has diversified successfully and now operates in multiple sectors, not just fenestration and construction. Diversification into new markets and adaptation to new regulations

have both required a nimble and flexible approach from GQA. This ability to evolve has helped it become the impressive organisation it is today.

How important do you feel qualifications and training are? They’re very important. In this post-Grenfell world, proving competency is going to be more vital than ever. Qualifications will be under the spotlight, and we need to ensure that they are fit for purpose and genuinely providing opportunities for the future. There’s a driving test analogy that I believe is apt here: knowing the theory is fine, but putting knowledge into practice is equally important. Behaviours on site are going to be under scrutiny and that’s no bad thing.

Where do you see GQA heading in the future?

Changes in the regulatory system and the introduction of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) are likely to bring about a step change in skills, knowledge, education and behaviours, and the competence framework will have to reflect this. The good news is that standards in the industry will be driven upwards as a consequence. In addition, consumer confidence in the fenestration industry is bound to rise. The industry is currently facing some of its biggest challenges yet in retraining and reskilling, and I see GQA playing an important role in addressing them. I also expect GQA’s activities will help to answer the needs of the Future Homes Standard, which will have a positive impact on improving standards in residential construction. All in all, I am very optimistic about the future of the fenestration industry and therefore that of GQA.

More information on GQA is available at www.gqaqualifications.com

Chris Beedel

Double Glazing Tops Popular Sustainability List

Two-thirds of homeowners plan to make their homes more sustainable in the next ten years, according to NatWest. We talk to Deceuninck’s managing director Rob McGlennon about where windows fit in.

NatWest published its ‘Greener Homes Attitude Tracker’ in July this year, which summarised homeowners’ sustainable home improvement ambitions during Q2 2023.

At a headline level, 66% of the 1,500 homeowners surveyed intend to ‘make improvements to the environmental sustainability of their main property in the next ten years’, and 22% intend to do this in the next 12 months. Apart from a slight dip between Q3 2022 and Q1 2023, this sentiment has followed a continued upward trajectory since the report began in Q2 2021, when it was 54% and 14% respectively.

“Legislation continues to drive the energy efficiency of building products in the UK, but the

latest report from NatWest clearly demonstrates that there is a significant pull factor from homeowners as well,” Deceuninck’s managing director Rob McGlennon says.

“Looking closely at the results, 40% of homeowners looking to buy a home in the next ten years say that the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating was a ‘very important’ factor to consider. This puts it above ‘access to public transport’, ‘proximity to schools’, and on a par with the ‘amount of local green space’.”

When asked if they planning to install certain measures within the next 10 years, survey respondents were more likely to say ‘double glazing windows’ than any other energy saving/sustainable measure.

Interestingly, approximately twice as many people were planning to install triple glazing than double glazing in the next ten years (although double glazing was significantly more likely to

have already been installed in respondents’ homes).

Double glazing also tops the list of preferred environmental features already installed when looking to buy a new property, and triple glazing is more important than other features such as solar panels, electric car charging point and rainwater harvesting system.

“Heat pumps get all the column inches in the consumer press when energy efficiency is discussed, but in the real world, they come close to the bottom of the list of popular energy efficiency measures,” Rob says. “Together, double and triple glazing hands-down rank higher than all other measures.

“It also means that if you are selling windows and doors, can you afford not to consider energy efficiency and sustainability as part of your marketing strategy? This report from NatWest not only proves that homeowners rate a property’s energy efficiency when choosing a new home, but that they will likely use glazing to improve the home’s thermal performance when the time comes.”

Deceuninck is supporting its customers to take the energy efficiency message to the homeowner and to maximise opportunities from the current demand for more energy-efficient products, through its Energy Calculator.

Available to Deceuninck customers as a website plugin, it powerfully demonstrates how replacing old windows can save homeowners money while reducing their carbon footprint.

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

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

Deceuninck supports this with a strong sustainability message, underpinned by winning the G-Award for Sustainability Initiative of the Year in 2022.

The systems company has invested heavily in what Deceuninck says is Europe’s most advanced recycling and compounding facilities. A new multi-million-pound site in Belgium gives Deceuninck the capability to reprocess up to 45,000 tonnes of post-consumer and post-manufacturing PVC-U per year, which is the equivalent of preventing three million windows from going to landfill annually. Use of recycled material also reduces CO2 emissions by 90,000 tonnes when compared to virgin feedstocks, as well as a 90% energy saving.

Deceuninck has also committed to cut CO2 emissions from its own operations 60% by 2030 from a 2021 baseline, and cut emissions from within its supply chain by 48% per tonne by 2030, as part of its wider journey to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

“Homeowners are increasingly in tune with sustainability, especially when driven by the money saving benefits of energy efficiency,” Rob says. “Having the suppliers and tools at your fingertips is vital to make the most of the opportunities this presents, which is why we are investing in product design, manufacture and distribution, alongside key marketing tools.”

Download a copy of the report here: https://t.ly/9IzA9

www.deceuninck.co.uk

New Home For Industry Cyber Column, Smart Talk

Inventor and innovator of Smart Ready Giovanni Laporta, is well recognised as one of the industry’s leading proponents of Smart, a reputation that has grown in part, thanks to the challenging, thought-provoking and educational issues raised in Gio’s monthly Smart Talk column.

Gio comments: “We’ve run our Smart Talk column in partnership with one of the trade magazines since 2019 and it has been great. In fact, I think our very first column was one of the first times Smart windows and doors had ever been publicised in the media. We’ve covered topics as diverse as how we should support installers in their Smart journey, innovation and the difficulty of making things simple, the future direction of travel for our industry, features and benefits, alarms and insurance, pitfalls of partnering with the wrong supplier, and the market potential for those who get it right.

“We’ve looked at issues from both a fenestration industry perspective, but also broadening out to the technology sector itself, sharing insight from the awesome developments going on in cloud technology.

“As the market develops and with some step-change news about to hit this Autumn, we wanted to create a smart ‘repository’ which contains all the previous columns with

advice on how to make the most of Smart and how to choose the right partner for the future.

“We’ll be updating the website monthly and sharing the latest columns online as a blog that is easily accessible and free for all. We feel this is the perfect space to continue the conversation, offering our unique perspective to engage with anyone who has an appetite to learn, ask questions and really get to understand the potential - but also the pitfallsof this huge emerging market.”

“Click here https://bit.ly/3Rc5yZo cybercolumn to read the latest column.

Giovanni Laporta

Sheerline Expands Sales Team To Continue Growth

Sheerline has expanded its sales team with some new key appointments, further strengthening the companies reach north and to the South West.

With the imminent launch of their slimline Classic Heritage Door, Sheerline says it now offers truly whole house solutions, allowing fabricators and installers to offer easy-to-understand, fully compliant products that share a unified platform.

To help spread the message of just how good aluminium can be, Howard Hirst joins Garnalex as area sales director – North. Howard brings with him a wealth of experience and looks forward to

helping existing customers realise their growth ambitions, as well as expanding Sheerline’s network northwards. He will also cover the North of Wales.

Also strengthening the sales team is Martin Hepburn, who started as the area sales manager covering the West Midlands, South Wales and South West at the beginning of July.

No stranger to the fenestration industry, Martin brings with him over 30 years’ of experience in commercial management, business development, and strategic sales planning. He’s spent the past five years as the commercial sales manager (trade

and retail) for Reynaers.

Tony Basile Sheerline’s national sales director, comments: “These new positions, working alongside Paul Greenaway who covers London and the South East, are key to helping us deliver the service levels we are committed to, for each and every Sheerline customer.”

Roger Hartshorn, Sheerline CEO, also said of the new appointments: “It’s fantastic to welcome Howard, and Martin onboard. Having worked with Howard at both Eurocell and Liniar, I’m confident that we will continue to achieve our ambitious growth targets. It’s good to have him back in the family!”

“With these new appointments, we’re combining the best of tried and tested with new blood to create a strong and experienced team with a depth of knowledge from across the industry. That we’re able to attract and retain such talent is a testament to our commitment to our people, products, and customers,” he added.

www.sheerline.com

Business Pilot Recruits New Training Co-Ordinator

Business Pilot has welcomed Arwen Van Wyk as their new training co-ordinator – a new role tasked with providing onboarding training for new Business Pilot customers alongside more indepth courses for experienced users.

Arwen is a seasoned industry professional, having previously worked for window retail companies and window fabricators.

“I started working for a window company when I was 20, initially on the admin side before moving into customer service and sales,” 29-year-old Arwen said. “So, I’ve got a very good idea how businesses are run, and where potential difficulties can occur.

“In fact, in my second retail role, I used Business Pilot, and I remember thinking how easy it made my job. I told someone that if they took Business Pilot away from me, it would make my job ten times more difficult!

“Yes, I’ve definitely got an inside view of how Business Pilot works,

and how intuitive it is.”

Arwen’s first day at Business Pilot coincided with the second day at the FIT Show in May.

“It was a very busy start, but we took on loads of new customers at the FIT Show, so it was a great opportunity to get stuck in and meet everyone,” Arwen said.

“When I meet customers for the first time for their onboarding session, it is important that they are comfortable and don’t feel overwhelmed by the software.

“Business Pilot is very easy to use, but I know that moving over from a system that you are familiar with – another CRM system, a spreadsheet, or even a paperbased filing system – then it can seem daunting.

“But it is my goal to put them at ease, and let them put a face to the name. All the feedback I’ve had so far has been really positive, and I’m even getting to share those tips and tricks that I learned when I was using the system on the retail side.” www.businesspilot.co.uk

Brisant Secure are pleased to introduce Charlotte MaynardKeene as the new Midlands key accounts manager. With over a decade of sales and customer management experience, Charlotte’s hands-on approach and passion for innovation make her a valuable addition to the Brisant Secure team.

Early on in her career Charlotte found her passion for face-toface customer interactions as a commercial office manager. Following on from that, she transitioned to another role focussing on brand and product awareness among fabricators and installers while being on the road.

“It’s my passion and enthusiasm for products and brands that I believe has led me to this role with Ultion,” says Charlotte. “I’m also a keen advocate for smart technology, which I see as the future of our industry, and I’m excited to be a part of that journey now.” As an advocate for smart technology, Charlotte aims to bring a fresh and exciting perspective to her role. She plans to leverage her eccentric personality to promote what she considers the freshest product on the market – the Ultion Nuki. www.brisant-secure.com

Brisant Secure Welcomes New Midlands Key Accounts Manager

UK Doors Online Appoints New Business Development Manager

role has been a great opportunity to turn my skills to something different, and now I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in with generating sales, meeting new customers and growing with the company.”

West Yorkshire-based manufacturer UK Doors Online has announced that Dene Rylands has joined the company as the new business development manager. Dene’s appointment signifies a period of exceptional development for UK Doors Online as it continues to expand.

Beginning his career in the window and door sector as a window fitter, Dene went on to work his way up the sales ladder, accumulating over 30 years’ worth of industry

knowledge and an impressive roster of key contacts.

Dene’s new position at UK Doors Online marks an important shift in his career, as he moves away from direct sales and takes on a more expansion-focused role. He explains: “I was familiar with UK Doors Online and was impressed with their products. I wanted a change in my career and to pursue a new challenge, so I reached out to UK Doors to learn about any potential vacancies. This new

Glassmaker Creates New Senior Role To Support Carbon Neutrality Strategy

The NSG Group, which manufactures glass under the Pilkington brand, has appointed Kristian Chalmers to a newly created post of Global Strategic Commercial Manager in the Architectural Glass Strategic Business Unit (SBU).

Kristian, based at the NSG Group’s European Technical Centre in Lancashire, will support the delivery of the group’s pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

She’ll be responsible for broadening awareness of

Andrew Glover, managing director of UK Doors Online says “We’re really excited to be welcoming Dene onboard. The decades of industry experience he has speaks for itself, and he brings with him a wealth of original and innovative ideas to elevate the business and help maintain it on its course of development and expansion. I can’t wait to see what Dene will achieve in the coming months.”

Dene’s new position within the UK Doors Online team is part of a new phase of ambitious plans to develop the company. This, says the company, is being achieved through continuous investment and expansion, which includes the acquisition of a southern, Londonbased factory and the addition of new products.

www.ukdoorsonline.co.uk

the Group’s action towards decarbonisation, developing local action plans with the business’ international teams towards carbon neutrality, and for helping define the manufacturer’s product strategy for low carbon glass.

The position also aims to help shape the business’ strategic direction for decarbonisation by acting as a central bridge between the manufacturer’s internal operational and R&D teams, and to external experts, customers and the broader building design community.

Kristian was previously Pilkington United Kingdom Limited’s head of sales and she brings 15 years’ experience in Pilkington UK and the NSG Group to the new role.

www.pilkington.com/en-gb/uk

Siegenia Adds Experience To Its Sales Team

Siegenia has hired a new regional sales manager to cover Scotland and the island of Ireland. Neil O’Hanlon joined the company in June and comes with a wealth of experience having run his own joinery business in Northern Ireland for nearly 30 years. Neil will be providing sales and technical support to customers across Northern and Southern Ireland as well as seeking to attract new business. He will also join the company’s sales consultant in Scotland to provide extensive support there as part of an extremely experienced and knowledgeable team.

Siegenia ’s general manager for the UK, Ryan Thompson, said, “It is great to have Neil on board. We are sure that with his product knowledge in timber, technical skills and contacts he will be a great asset to us, not only in terms of upholding Siegenia ’s high service levels, but also in terms of new business acquisition. Scotland and Ireland are extremely important markets to us and pivotal in our growth plans so it was important to us to have high quality personnel to look after these regions”.

www.siegenia.com

Haffner Strengthens Service Resource With New Engineer Appointment

Following rapid expansion in Ireland and Scotland, Haffner Ltd has announced the appointment of David Carruthers as service engineer. With over two decades of experience in the window industry, David’s expertise is set to further elevate Haffner’s technical service support in Northern Ireland and the UK.

Commenting on David’s appointment, Dave Thomas, CEO at Haffner, said: “David’s appointment further strengthens our service engineering resource to keep pace with our growing pipeline of confirmed customer orders. He is well respected in the industry having worked with Haffner, Rapide and Urban machinery, and his extensive programming knowledge will be invaluable to our growing customer base.”

Based in Antrim, Northern Ireland, David will play an important role in enhancing Haffner’s service network. “I am thrilled to join the Haffner team as a service engineer,” David commented. “Throughout my career, I have developed a deep appreciation for Haffner’s machinery and its positive impact on the industry. The company continues to deliver

the next generation of fabrication machinery, and I am pleased to have joined such an innovative and ambitious business.”

Haffner claims to have the largest and most comprehensive machine portfolio in the industry today. It is the exclusive UK supply partner of Graf Synergy, which offers seamless welding technology and patented welding techniques. It is also the sole UK agent of Haffner Machinery and it’s the strategic UK partner for FOM Industrie.

Dave concludes: “David’s appointment underscores Haffner’s commitment to providing top-tier technical assistance and swift customer response times, ensuring their machines operate at peak performance levels. His wealth of experience and dedication to delivering outstanding service aligns perfectly with our mission to provide unparalleled machinery solutions and support to our customers. It’s rare to get an engineer who can hit the ground running and bring additional expertise to Haffner, and we are delighted to welcome David to the team.”

www.haffnerltd.com

Glazpart Promotes From Within

now looking forward to taking on a wider remit with the sales team and building on our outstanding success over the last few years. These are interesting but exciting times for the fenestration industry and I’m very much looking forward to the challenges ahead.”

Glazpart has announced that Andy Lobban has been promoted to the position of sales manager, fenestration, covering the sales management of Glazpart’s glazing product portfolio across the UK and Ireland.

Andy joined Glazpart in 2007 as sales executive and worked his way up to become area

sales manager in 2017, where he was responsible for growing sales and retaining key accounts in South Wales, the Midlands Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire and Norfolk.

On his appointment, Andy commented, “I’ve been with Glazpart for 16 years and it has been a great journey so far, I am

Jon Vanstone Appointed As Chair Of Industry Competence Committee (ICC)

HSE has appointed Jon Vanstone chair of Certass, as chair of the industry competence committee (ICC), a statutory committee operating under the Building Safety Regulator, overseen by the Health and Safety Executive. With a commitment to advancing competence standards in the built environment, Jon Vanstone assumes this role after leading the interim committee (IICC) for the past two years.

With an unwavering focus on competence enhancement in light of the Grenfell Tragedy, the ICC operates as a critical advisory committee within the

Dean Bradley, sales director, Glazpart commented, “We are delighted Andy has agreed to become sales manager for Glazpart’s fenestration products. Following my own move to sales director earlier this year, I was keen to promote from within the company and utilise and develop the invaluable knowledge and experience we have in our team. Andy brings his wealth of product and market acumen as well as great drive and passion, to continue our sales growth in the fenestration sector. I have little doubt he will thrive in his new role.”

www.glazpart.co.uk

HSE, focussing on promoting and enhancing safety measures from design through to products, installation and management of all aspects of a building.

Jon’s appointment as Chair underscores his dedication to fostering a culture of competence within the built environment. Jon’s extensive experience and expertise is said to have made him an ideal candidate to guide the ICC’s efforts in its mission to bolster the competence of organisations and individuals, ensuring people can live and work in buildings that are safe, says the company.

Jon commented, “I hope to see the work of the ICC usher in an era of transformative change at all levels of industry so that people across the country can be safe and feel safe in the buildings they live and work in.” www.certass.co.uk

Mercury Restructures Manufacturing Leadership Team

team structure reflects Mercury’s ongoing commitment to optimising its operation whilst fostering a culture of growth and expertise within the business. I am confident it’s the right manufacturing leadership team to take our business forward.”

Mercury has enrolled four manufacturing team members in the Level 3 NVQ manufacturing program via the government’s apprenticeship scheme. Through this program, participants will grasp advanced manufacturing techniques, enriching their contributions to the company’s achievements.

As part of its commitment to staff development and lean manufacturing practices, specialist fabricator Mercury Glazing Supplies has restructured its manufacturing leadership team.

With immediate effect, the new leadership team is now headed up by Kevin Marriott, production

supervisor who reports directly to Alan Hockey, manufacturing manager at Mercury. Kamil Wlodarczyk heads up commercial product manufacturing, Bradley Bishop heads up bifold and patio door fabrication and Stuart Oaks heads up PVC-U manufacturing.

Commenting on the restructuring, Alan Hockey said: “The new

Obituary – Steve Williams

It is with great sadness that we announce that Steve Williams, sales and marketing director at Kenrick, has passed away.

Steve was a formidable member of the Kenrick team for more than a decade. A well-known figure in the industry, Steve was respected and liked by his customers and suppliers as well as everyone at Kenrick.

Steve joined the industry in 1976 as a junior draughtsman with Plastal Ltd, which was one of only two PVC-u fabricators in the UK at the time. He then took on the role of factory manager with another window fabricator before moving to Mila Hardware, where

he worked for nearly 20 years in a variety of commercial sales roles. Steve then moved to Groupco –a Kenrick customer – where he became familiar with Kenrick’s products, before joining Vita Hardware.

Steve Cross, director at Mercury, said: “Our recent restructure of the manufacturing leadership team and the Level 3 NVQ enrolment marks the next steps in our journey towards operational excellence. We are committed to manufacturing high-quality products across our range and fostering a workplace where our employees can thrive and further develop their skills.”

www.mercuryglazing.co.uk

He went on to join Kenrick in 2012 and was instrumental in developing and launching a number of new products to the market.

With a vast experience in both hardware and PVC-u window fabrication (Steve was able to fabricate windows and doors from profile bar length to the finished and installed product), he possessed a rare skillset coupled with an understanding of the needs of the fabricator, installer, distributor and homeowner.

Steve was a terrific salesman with a big personality and he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with Steve’s wife, his children and grandchildren at this very sad time.

The Kenrick management team, colleagues and friends of Steve

www.glazingsummit.co.uk

The Annual Conference for Glazing Industry Professionals

October 12th 2023 sees the return of the Glazing Summit, the annual conference attended by 500 industry leaders each year.

The Summit is the must-attend event for professionals, and tackles head-on the important issues facing the fenestration industry with a no-nonsense mix of discussion, industry insights and trends, dynamic debates and opinion from expert panellists and speakers. It brings together business owners and leaders to share experience, connect with other industry leaders and gain new ideas. Delegates will leave better informed, inspired and ready to take advantage of the opportunities ahead.

Industry Debates

Keynote Speakers

Expert Opinion

Insights and Trends

Industry Leadership Business Networking Exhibitor Stands

Lunch and Refreshments

Two Stunning Properties

Transformed By New Windows From The Residence Collection

Two stunning properties on a private street in Marholm Village in Peterborough have been transformed with new windows from premium window and door designer, The Residence Collection, as neighbours spread the word of their delight of their upgraded homes.

Working alongside installer Choice Windows and fabricator HS Trade, The Residence Collection proved how perfectly they can come together to deliver highquality windows, via a process that The Residence Collection says is easy and seamless for the homeowners.

Both of these homes have upgraded their windows using The Residence Collection’s R7 collection, windows that are flush both inside and out. The flush aesthetic is proving popular not

only in this area, but across the country, as it creates elegant and clean lines, resulting in a more modern look and feel.

Available in 20 various colourways, these homeowners opted for a ‘Painswick’ on ‘chalk white’ option and a ‘clotted cream’ on ‘chalk white’ option, ensuring timeless finishes. Better yet, these new windows are not just pleasing to the eye. With A++ energy ratings as a result of their 75mm width and low u-values, the new windows are also going to help save on the homes’ energy bills.

Again, not just pretty faces, these windows have been manufactured and installed by professionals, creating window systems that are designed to replicate the ultimate timber alternative aesthetic.

Both homeowners opted for the bespoke Timberweld process. The Timberweld process is a patented method of welding the corners, but creating an authentic timber butt joint effect on both sides of the window. This not only creates beautiful aesthetics but has superb technical performance and strength.

As pictured, both properties have an attractive timber conservatory, because of this, the Timberweld process was the perfect choice as it allowed for uniformity across the entire residence. The timber alternative Residence Collection windows make for a perfect match to the existing timber conservatories.

Jo Trotman, marketing manager of The Residence Collection added: “It makes us so happy when our customers have such positive experiences with us, and that is down to our installers like Choice Windows that provide that experience to the consumer. To have helped two sets of homeowners on the same residential street transform their properties is an amazing achievement and our timber alternative windows look so fabulous next to their existing timber conservatories. We look forward to working with Choice

Windows to help even more homeowners in the area upgrade their homes with great windows.”

Lee Kaminski, CEO of Choice Windows, said: “Here at Choice Windows, we really aim to buck the trend of the traditional double glazing installer.

“We try to be sympathetic to properties as much as possible, and also guide customers on what the best options are and products to use on their homes to suit. We use software that gives you a virtual impression of what the windows will look like which really helps and aids in choosing which product and colour schemes.

“We then use highly skilled and trustworthy installers that are all employed by Choice Windows to execute the installation perfectly, especially in cases where the products are installed on stone properties.

“We actually mortar point the frames in to match the mortar of the stonework, and The Residence Collection perfectly ties in with period looks, offering many options to give that modern yet traditional feel and aesthetically look very pleasing.”

https://bit.ly/3rcjYyb

Real Aluminium To Offer Alitherm 400 Hybrid

Real Aluminium says it is offering a new and improved cost focused system with the introduction of the Alitherm 400 Hybrid.

The Alitherm 400 Hybrid is a combination frame system pairing internally glazed sashes with externally glazed fixed frames – giving a slimline appearance with no dummy sashes on fixed frames.

Manufactured to incorporate a pre-gasketed system and quick glaze bead to optimise performance and reduce installation times, Alitherm 400 Hybrid claims to be one of the

first of its kind to be built into a thermally broken aluminium system.

The polyamide thermal break technology creates a thermal barrier between the cold air outside and the warm air inside. By reducing thermal transmittance, this enhances the overall U value of the product to 1.4W/m2k with double glazing.

The system is rigorously tested to PAS 24:2022 as standard and exceeds the requirements for both weather resistance and security performance.

Phil Walker, Managing Director

of Real Aluminium said: “We are very excited to be offering our customers a new cost affective system and still with a 10-day turnaround!

“We will also be introducing a range of contemporary, sleek pull-bar handle designs for the Alitherm 400 door collection – available with slam lock for added security.

“REAL Aluminium continues to evolve and adapt to our customers requirements to make sure they get the best products and the most reliable service.”

The new Alitherm 400 HYBRID system will now be the default system for all quotes. The full internally beaded (400i) and externally beaded (400x) are still available if requested.

www.re-aluminium.co.uk

Loving Life With Lanterns

Kathy & Adrian Ellis have recently converted their old conservatory into a stunning new flat roof extension featuring Ultrasky Lanterns. Flooded with light thanks to the two large lanterns in the roof and with striking bi-fold doors that fully open the extension up to the garden, this is an extension with

the wow factor!

Adrian Ellis explained more about the couple’s reasons for wanting to extend their home and how the new living space has transformed the way they live in their home: “Our back garden is west facing and has tree cover so 10 years ago we

installed a single pane glass conservatory which created a great, light area and provided warmth to sit and enjoy the evenings.

“However, we soon found that it was ideal in spring and autumn but too hot in summer and too cold in winter. It was showing its age and the base was wood and started to rot. We could have removed it or repaired it but decided to replace it.

“We have recently retired and now spend more time at home so we really wanted an extension that gave us a light airy room that was useable all year round with modern furniture rather

than garden furniture. We thought that this was also an ideal opportunity to open up the space into the rest of the house and create an open-plan room that would link our lounge and dining room.

“Working with the team at Lifestyle Windows in Derbyshire, we designed a contemporary space that we knew would look good and perform well for many years to come. We worked with Lifestyle to create an extension design that had the maximum opening into the garden with bifold doors and also opened up access to the house.

“It was really important to us

that our new space and the newly adjoining rooms had plenty of natural light and so we chose to include two Ultraframe Ultrasky roof lanterns in our design. We needed an extension roof design that maximised light but given the size of the new glass area, it needed to provide a high level of energy efficiency too.

“We worked through the options with Lifestyle to find the right balance – we thought that one lantern would not offer enough light and one large lantern may have been too bright inside so for our extension, two mid-sized Ultrasky Lanterns were the ideal choice.

“Now that our new extension is complete, we love it, it’s so bright and joyful. It’s our go-to space to chill but is also a great space for BBQs and entertaining friends and family. The newly transformed space opens up the entire house and makes the garden feel like another room. The modern look of the space provided the perfect backdrop to add colourful and funky furniture to liven up the whole house and we have had many comments about how beautiful it all looks.

“We now use the living room less as the extension is such a

nice place to sit and chill and it also links the rest of the house together so we actually use the dining room more.

“When it came to finding the right partner to carry out our project, we searched online to find a local installer. Lifestyle had great reviews and a showroom where we could see all of the products, including the Ultrasky Lanterns. They provided a high specification for our design with the Ultrasky Lanterns and aluminium bi-fold doors and this was key in our decision to work with them on our project. The installation teams were professional and finished the work to a high standard and overall, we received great customer service.

“Lifestyle also did the additional landscaping that really linked the extension to the garden and finished off the project so well. We love our new extension and have had many people commenting about it to us, including our window cleaner who told us that he loves the design of the Ultrasky Lanterns as well as how easy they are to clean!”

For further information about the Ultrasky Lantern click here: https://bit.ly/44PHQW9

New Entry Level Rooflight From Whitesales

Whitesales has announced the launch of em.glaze Economy –an entry level, thermally broken flat glass rooflight, designed to widen its customer base and open up new retail sales opportunities for fabricators.

Whitesales says em.glaze Economy gives customers access to the impeccable service offering and guaranteed product quality which characterises the Whitesales brand, but at a lower price point than the existing em.glaze Premium rooflight.

Sioned Yates, marketing director at Whitesales, explained: “We had a phenomenal response when we showed our em.glaze Premium rooflight at the FIT Show in May, and since then sales of this product are up significantly compared with the same period last year.

“Fabricators and installers

clearly loved the design features, the ease of installation and Whitesales’ service package, so we are capitalising on all that and giving them more choice with an addition to the em.glaze range which is suitable for the mainstream as well as the premium end of the market.

“The main difference between the two variants is the glass specification which is CWCT Class 3 for Economy and CWCT Class 1 for Premium. Aesthetically, the only thing that distinguishes the em.glaze Economy from the Premium rooflight is the fact that it is non fritted, which is a feature only visible on the Premium when viewed from above. Internally, buyers get the same contemporary look and the same flush glazed edge-to-edge design in both, and the same compatibility with Whitesales’ range of timber and PVC-U upstands.”

Sioned added: “em.glaze Economy competes head on with the big brand rooflights that our customers already know, but it comes with a service offering that they might not be quite so familiar with. Our proposition goes way beyond just offering good value. We believe in old-fashioned values when it comes to customer service, all underpinned by the latest high-tech efficiencies in logistics, stockholding, and communication. We have a highly trained team available on the phone or online to advise on everything from fitting electric openers to the rules around Part F and Part L, and the reassurance that we will live up to our promises when it comes to on time in full deliveries.”

In line with Whitesales’ promise to take the hassle out of buying rooflights, the em.glaze Economy is available in 11 sizes from stock, all fully compliant with Building Regs Part L when fitted with a proprietary upstand. The standard colour is RAL7016 anthracite grey, but it is available to order in any RAL colour and in any bespoke size up to 2100mm x 2100mm.

Initially, em.glaze Economy is being launched as a fixed rooflight only, but manual and electric opening options will be added soon, says the company.

www.whitesales.co.uk/

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Endurance Doors Unlocks Smart Home Opportunities

Endurance Doors is helping its installer partners and homeowners across the UK to benefit from the latest generation of smart home technology. With immediate effect, customers will be able to complement any product from

the company’s collection of over 80 door styles with the ERA TouchKey keyless home entry solution.

One of the newest smart locking systems on the market and said to be already proving highly popular with

Endurance customers, ERA TouchKey combines impressive convenience with exceptional ease of use and extensive functionality, says Endurance Doors.

Integrating traditional mechanical locks with cuttingedge smart tech, ERA TouchKey allows users to lock and unlock their front door using their smartphone and biometric authentication such as a fingerprint or their voice.

They can also employ geolocation capabilities to automatically lock or unlock their door once they are a set

distance away from it. Further benefits include the ability to provide keyless entry to a property at a certain time on a certain date and for a set duration. This is useful if visitors like tradespeople, cleaners, dog walkers or similar need access to an address whilst the residents are not present – for example, because they are at work.

Plus, ERA TouchKey can be incorporated within a wider and fully expandable home security ecosystem known as ERA Protect. According to Endurance Doors, centred around a smart hub, ERA

Protect can support up to ninety-six separate accessories including window and door sensors, sirens, cameras, and video doorbells. There is even the option to complement ERA Protect with remote, around-the-clock, professional monitoring.

Commenting on the introduction of ERA TouchKey to the company’s range, Russell Hensman, group marketing manager at Endurance Doors, said: “As part of a commitment to the success of our installer partners, we continue to look for new ways to help them maximise sales.

“To this end, we not only offer a whole host of innovative marketing and sales support initiatives, such as our dedicated retail showroom, but we also continue to extend our portfolio with timely and relevant products that address current needs and trends.

“The addition of ERA TouchKey technology to our range perfectly reflects that. It allows our installer partners to tap into the rapidly expanding smart home market which is currently worth close to £5 billion per year.”

www.endurancedoors.co.uk

More Than Mechanical Is A Valuable Growth Opportunity, Says Carl F Groupco

Independent hardware supplier Carl F Groupco is proving that ‘More than Mechanical’ presents a valuable growth opportunity, with sales volume of its electronic and automatic door lock ranges increasing by almost 60% in recent months. But managing director John Crittenden says the growth may not have come from where people expect.

He explains: “It’s tempting to think of electronic and automatic lock ranges as niche products for highend Grand Designs-type projects. But that’s far from the case. Our biggest growth sectors are in school, commercial and housing association settings, which provide opportunities for significant contracts for our customers.”

The most popular products in Carl F Groupco’s SmartSecure

electronic and automatic lock range are FUHR’s autosafe 833, autotronic 834 and multitronic 881.

The FUHR autosafe 833 provides immediate security for main entrance doors of residential or public buildings. It is a reliable multipoint locking system that combines automatic locking functionality to protect a property from unauthorised access from the moment the door is closed. Unlocking from the inside is easy by operating the lever handle.

The FUHR autotronic 834 offers a practical hybrid solution for multiple occupancy buildings, or dwellings that require the security and convenience of an automatic lock and the advanced functionality of an electromechanical lock with access control entry.

John says: “We are finding that the 834P variation is particularly popular with schools and commercial projects. It offers automatic locking from the outside on closing, with access control opening – but what sets it apart, is the unique panic function that provides emergency escape too.”

The FUHR multitronic 881 is an electronic, fully motorised multipoint locking system with integrated panic function suitable for main entrance doors in residential and non-residential buildings. The dual motor engages all locking points when the door is closed,

including the deadbolt. It provides the end user with the convenience of multiple access control options to gain access, including key fob, fingerprint or even via an app on a smart phone.

Carl F Groupco says it has long led the way in promoting the benefits of electronic and automatic door lock options through its SmartSecure range. And, says the company, as these insights show, the products have broad appeal and bring value-adding opportunities for fabricators and installers alike.

www.carlfgroupco.co.uk

Shepley Adds Ultion Sweet To Visage Composite Door Range

very excited to introduce the Ultion Sweet Hardware into the Visage Composite Door range.

“We’re always looking at ways in which we can improve our product offering in order to give our customers the best chance of success, and the addition of the Sweet range is a great example of this.

“It’s a fantastic alternative hardware selection for our installers to add to their offering and is the latest of many updates we have made to enhance our composite door range this year.

Trade fabricator, Shepley Windows has announced its latest update to the Visage Composite Door Range, with the addition of the Ultion Sweet hardware collection.

The addition of these new

hardware options is the latest of several updates that Shepley has made to its composite door range this year.

Ian Griffiths, managing director at Shepley Windows, says: “We are

Alex Dutton, sales director at Brisant Secure, says: “We’re immensely proud to join forces with Shepley as they introduce the Ultion Sweet Collection into their composite door range.

www.shepley.com

Carl F Groupco Report Upturn In Sales

Julie Warner, product manager at Carl F Groupco, said: “Tilt & turn and reversible windows are popular in commercial and social housing settings. Increased sales of hardware for these types of windows mean more contracts are rolling out, which can only be good news for the industry.”

Volume sales of Carl F Groupco’s Roto ranges are particularly strong, in some cases up by over 60% year on year. Julie commented: “Many of our customers insist on only fitting Roto products because of the intelligent functionality their products offer.”

The Roto NT Tilt and Turn Hardware system, for example, is suitable for timber, PVC-U and aluminium profiles of up to 150kg sash weight. The system can be used to achieve the most demanding security, operating convenience, durability and design

requirements, claims the company. A wide range of components and accessories makes custom window solutions possible, including additional security features to achieve PAS 24 accreditation and even the option for automation.

Roto’s FRH UNI range of reversible window hardware has been designed with multi-storey public, commercial and domestic buildings in mind. The sash and

frame details are the same for all window variants, allowing styles to be fitted without changing profile routing and ensuring a uniform aesthetic appearance on all window styles. With additional security features the system can achieve PAS 24 and can also provide an emergency egress escape opening (providing building regulations are met), says the company.

As Julie highlights, increased sales of hardware for commercial and social housing projects are a good reason to be encouraged. But it’s clear that fabricators and installers choose Carl F Groupco as their hardware supplier because of the value-added benefits on offer.

www.carlfgroupco.co.uk

www.smartsecure.co.uk

www.carlfdirect.co.uk

Yale Designs

And Manufactures

Bi-Fold Door Handles For Made For Trade Korniche Range

close collaboration between the technical teams at Made for Trade and Yale to create an enhanced and exclusive design that delivers outstanding durability and strength, claims the company. The handles have been tested to 100,000 cycles and meet BS 1670: Grade 5 for 480 hours of neutral salt spray and BS EN 1906:2012 for strength.

“Our Korniche range is all about attractive design combined with robust functionality – it is the finer detail such as the handles that make or break the overall delivery in the eyes of the customer,” comments Ashley Gaunt, technical director at Made for Trade. “That’s why we’ve selected Yale as our new supplier of bi-fold door handles for the range, as we feel they are the best fit to compliment our premium product feel, quality, brand, and aesthetics.

“Integration of Yale’s well-proven mechanism into Made for Trade’s innovative handle design has subtly enhanced the Korniche doors while maintaining the signature look and exclusive appeal. We’re delighted with this new collaboration and the finished product.”

Brett Evans, technical director at Yale, adds: “Made for Trade came to us with a strict brief for the bi-fold door handles to suit their Korniche range. Primarily to evolve from the existing design while delivering a high-quality specification that is expected from a Yale product in terms of quality and reliability.

Yale has been selected as the new supplier of door handles for the award-winning Korniche range of bi-fold doors from Made for Trade. Made for Trade took the decision to

go with Yale based on the company’s technical expertise, manufacturing capabilities and consistent product quality. The development led to a

“We worked closely with them to create the perfect solution and it’s satisfying to hear that they are happy with the finished result. We hope this is the start of a long-term partnership.”

www.yaledws.co.uk https://www.madefortrade.co

Glazerite Unveils Ultion Sweet As Standard

The Glazerite UK Group has introduced an enhanced standard offering for installers. Under this initiative, Glazerite doors will now come equipped with Ultion Sweet door furniture at no additional expense to installers. This move aligns with the trade fabricator’s objective of empowering its customers to stand out in their respective markets.

Jeff Dunn, sales & commercial director of Glazerite, explains: “As part of ongoing investment into our portfolio, we are delighted to add Ultion Sweet as our standard door furniture offering going forward. Ultion Sweet is an exceptional system: premium in quality, unique in style and innovative in performance. Its unparalleled weather resistance comes backed

Slim And Slimmer

Hardware manufacturer, VBH, has announced that its range of greenteQ Clearspan hardware for aluminium bi-fold doors has been expanded further.

Clearspan is part of VBH’s Lifestyle range, which includes hardware systems for bi-fold, lift/slide, inline sliding and tilt/ slide doors.

In its standard form, Clearspan is a slim hardware system that is currently available to suit many of the leading aluminium profile systems.

The addition of the Altro variant means that many fabricators and installers now have access to an even slimmer hardware

option.

Altro works in conjunction with the existing Clearspan locks and magnetic catches, as well as Alpha, Securifold and Coastline handle options for the passage door and a choice of Aspire, Centrefold and Slimfold handles for the intermediate

with Brisant Secure’s enhanced warranty for extra peace of mind.”

The edgeless design of Ultion Sweet blends aesthetics and simplicity, offering a variety of finishes. Backed by a 20-year anti-corrosion guarantee, the ‘fit and forget’ approach connects manufacturers and consumers, allowing homeowners to easily register online with Brisant. Brisant reinforces the distinctiveness of its Ultion and Ultion Sweet products through compelling marketing efforts such as brochures and social media campaigns, highlighting the durability and stylish attributes of Ultion Sweet to homeowners.

The news follows the announcement of a collaboration between Brisant and Glazerite on a Ultion Sweet patio door handle, following a joint product development project. A new urn-style door knocker has also been added to the range, with a traditional look complementing the contemporary styling of Ultion Sweet products.

www.glazerite.co.uk

locking points.

Although Altro’s hinges and running gear are slimmer, VBH advise that, at 120KG per sash, the weight capacity is the same as that of the standard system.

Dan Powell, head of brand at VBH says, “We developed the Altro variant in response to feedback from customers who wanted to see even less hardware on their bi-folds. It runs just as smoothly as the standard Clearspan system, but provides a finished article that is less hardware/more door.”

Altro is available in a choice of black and white finishes and is supplied with the greenteQ 10 year performance and surface guarantee as standard.

www.vbhgb.com

Direct Trade Windows

Expands Product Range With Millennium Plus Pivot Panel Door

Trade supplier Direct Trade Windows has added Cortizo’s Millennium Plus Pivot Panel Door to its product portfolio, a new offering that reaffirms the company’s commitment to providing innovative and stylish solutions to its customers.

The high-quality pivot panel door is a unique Cortizo system that allows aluminium panels to be designed into

the sash and is designed to allow large pivot openings that are suitable for contemporary architectural projects while offering excellent thermal and acoustic performance along with minimalist sightlines.

Cortizo’s Millennium Plus Pivot Panel Door offers exceptional functionality and smooth, effortless operation that allows the door to rotate on its axis with

ease, says Direct Trade Windows. The door also has enhanced security thanks to a robust locking system, multi-point locking bolts, and toughened glass options, while offering a minimalist profile and clean lines.

Direct Trade Windows director AJ Hassanali comments: “We are thrilled to introduce the Millennium Plus Pivot Panel Door from Cortizo to our product portfolio. This addition to our product range aligns perfectly with our commitment to offering the highest quality and most innovative solutions. The Millennium Plus combines outstanding functionality, contemporary design, and

enhanced security, providing our customers with an exceptional door option that will transform their next installation project.

“At Direct Trade Windows, we take pride in our extensive range of quality aluminium windows and doors, all of which have been designed to meet the diverse needs and preferences of our customers. By continually investing in our product range, we’re ensuring that our trade customers have access to the latest in window and door technology, security features and design trends, ensuring they’re able to stay ahead in an everevolving market.”

www.directtradewindows.co.uk

Authentic Appeal From ODL Europe

ODL Europe is highlighting the authentic appeal of its popular Craftsman Door Cassette Framing System which offers added value benefits for its customers, claims the company. Suzanne Nicholl, head of sales and customer services at ODL Europe, said: “The Craftsman Framing System is popular with customers looking to tap into the trend for traditional door detailing. The broad, flat profile frame has architectural styling and blends perfectly with our Craftsman door slab collection to create a superior door aesthetic.”

The Craftsman Door Cassette Framing System has been designed to blend perfectly with the finishing details on the door. It is available in nine architecturally correct and distinct designs, including square, oval and grid, while the optional dentil shelf adds a craftsman aesthetic for character.

The Craftsman Door Cassette Framing System has been manufactured from SMC-GRP in a woodgrain finish for long-lasting durability and is acceptable for

moderate heat areas. The system has been designed to add value to fabricators and installers too. It was developed for customers who do not want to paint or stain the frame, and it is screw fixed into the SecureDesign board for straightforward installation, says the company.

Suzanne commented: “Our 1930s-inspired Craftsman composite door designs remain popular as the trend for distinctive traditional styling continues. The Craftsman Door Cassette Framing System takes the aesthetics to the next level and delivers the authentically beautiful result homeowners want.”

Suzanne concludes: “Whether it’s contemporary chic or classic style, our composite doors have something to offer. And when you choose products from ODL Europe, you also benefit from a longstanding pedigree and ODL Europe’s quality commitment. It’s a powerful proposition to support our customers.”

europe.odl.com

Vista Unveils The ‘County Collection’

Composite door and uPVC panel manufacturer Vista Panels has launched a new range of composite doors under its flagship XtremeDoor brand.

Vista says the new County Collection is a completely bespoke offering, thanks to Vista working closely with its glazing supplier to design a heritage range of door cassettes for a truly authentic heritage feel.

The range comprises of six new door styles, three of which showcase an external Georgian bar look. The Norfolk, Suffolk and Cheshire styles are said by the company to all offer a timeless aesthetic, suitable for those looking

for a more traditional look to their homes.

Vista has also re-worked three classic and popular doors from the XtremeDoor range by using the glazing cassettes on the cottage style slabs with the Cumbria, Lincoln and Stafford doors.

The doors will feature all of XtremeDoor’s high specification features and benefits with their 5-hook lock, triple-seal outer frame, fully adjustable hinges, 3 star security package and a brand new £3,000 money back guarantee in partnership with Ingenious Locks and Hardware.

Ian Smith, Vista’s sales and

marketing manager, comments: “There are a lot of modern and contemporary doors on the market now, including our own XtremeDoor range, but we wanted to push the boundaries, go in the opposite direction and come up with something that reflected more closely the housing stock of the UK.

“The retail and domestic market to a point follow what house builders do, and they continue to build traditional looking houses with traditional looking doors, so we know there is a demand out there.

“With the launch of the new County Collection, we’re encapsulating the rich heritage and timeless elegance of traditional British architecture. At Vista, we always strive to meet the demand of an ever-changing market, and this collection is a testament to our dedication to creating doors that stand the test of time.”

New Colours Launched At Solidor Unlocked Event

the new colours is the start of many exciting developments at Solidor. This event has given our installers the opportunity to see our latest innovations and designs, as well as learning about important updates to Part L of the Building Regulations.

“In this world of complex legislative change, with many standards being updated on a regular basis, it’s encouraging to see so many people from across our national installer network come to site and make sure they’re up to date with the requirements.”

Solidor has launched four new colours at its Solidor Unlocked event, which took place at its new manufacturing facilities in Stokeon-Trent on 22-23 May.

As part of the event, attendees were taken on a behind-thescenes tour around the Solidor factory before being given an update on the U value performance changes which came into effect on 15 June 2023 that impact doors being fitted into

existing dwellings.

They also received a preview of the new nature-inspired colours –Forest Green, Buttercup, Pistachio and Truffle Brown – and two new smart handles from ERA and Ultion. The names for the new colours were suggested by members of the Solidor team before being put to a vote.

Mark Young, commercial director at Solidor, said: “The launch of

Framexpress Launches Fire Doors

Trade fabricator, Framexpress, has launched its own range of Composite Fire, Smoke and Security Doorset Solutions.

The range Fire Doors by Framexpress, is fully compliant with the latest ‘Building a Safer Future – An Implementation Plan’ guidelines from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (previously MHCLG) and gives installation companies confidence that the fire doors they are fitting offer the appropriate fire resistance to keep buildings and occupants safe, says the company.

Jonny Green, principal product manager for Framexpress, said: “The new fully compliant suite of products in the Fire Doors by Framexpress range

brings customers a new level of confidence in the fire doors they are installing.”

Every door in the range is tested and compliant with the BM Trade Q Mark 3rd Party Accreditation Schemes for Fire, Smoke and Security, fire tested to EN1634-1: 2014 & A1:2018, and tested to EN1634-3:2004 for smoke control resistance and PAS 24: 2016 for security.

Jonny adds: “As well as offering this high standard of fire safety, each door is PAS 24 certified and has undergone weather tightness cycle testing. There is a wide range of door designs and styles, with and without toplights and sidelights. This offers more design options for owners or tenants without any compromise

In a statement, Solidor said ‘all doors in the Solidor range are fully in line with the standards specified in the amendments to Part L, with its thermally efficient design achieving a U value of 1.4 W/ (m2K). The timber core doors have added design features that drive an overall performance improvement and provide customers with the same broad range of choices, suitable for any installation.’ www.solidor.co.uk

on protection, security or thermal performance.

“Our investment in achieving the accreditation to manufacture and supply fire doors is part of our ongoing plan to offer the best high-specification product range to support the growth of CLUB Framexpress customers.”

www.framexpress.co.uk

New Sliding Door From aluplast

aluplast has launched SmartSlide neo, its next generation sliding door which promises Passive House standards of thermal performance and spans of up to 6m with just two panels, claims the company.

“With the new Smart-Slide neo, we are creating new opportunities for customers to capitalise on the growing trend for high-end home refurbishments,” aluplast’s sales and marketing director Ian Cocken said.

“Having a PVC-U sliding door in your portfolio has always been a key product, but with the SmartSlide neo we are helping our customers compete with highend aluminium alternatives.”

Smart-Slide neo has a contemporary minimalist design with slim sightline lines and a

frame depth of just 154mm. It can achieve widths up to 6m and a height of 2.5mm with just two panels, helping designers create desirable openings with limited visible profile, says the company.

Smart-Slide neo can be finished in Smooth Anthracite Grey, an aludec foil that is designed to replicate the look and feel of aluminium. This finish is one of 40-plus colour options.

“The colour options also help the Smart-Slide suite perfectly with our Ideal 70 and Ideal 4000 window systems,” Cocken said. “And with our flush casement and flush outward-opening door, homeowners and developers can achieve a suited appearance across a whole project with clean modern lines or heritage detailing, without having to turn to aluminium.

“Design wise, that’s a big win, but you are also ticking boxes for energy efficiency, price and sustainability thanks to our ecotech profile, which maximises the amount of recycled content in its design.”

Visitors could see first-hand how the door lifts away from the gaskets and the weather seals when it is the ‘fully open’ position, so that it can glide effortlessly on its rollers, while accommodating individual sash weights of up to 200kg. When it goes into the ‘fully locked’ position, a locking mechanism pulls the sash onto the frame and locks it on the meeting stile. This provides excellent performance for both air/water permeability, meeting BS6375 for weather tightness), while achieving PAS24 for security, claims the company.

“With Smart-Slide neo, we are allowing customers to compete in a space typically reserved for aluminium systems, while providing class leading thermal, weather and security performance,” Cocken said.

Pyramid Group Launch Purelight 4700 Sliding Door

Pyramid Group has announced the new Purelight 4700 Sliding Door featuring a slim frame 47mm interlock sightline and a U-value as low as 1.1 W/m2K.

Purelight 4700 is the latest addition to the new Purelight Aluminium range, offering a wide range of benefits including PAS 24 accreditation and U-values with everyday glass options to meet or exceed the demands of Approved Document L, claims the company.

“We’re excited about the benefits that this new product can bring to our installer customers,” says Paul Bailey, managing director at Pyramid Group.

“There’s a huge demand for thermally efficient glazing, but homeowners are now cautious about investing in upgrading their property. Installers need to be able to offer beautiful aluminium glazing with enhanced thermal performance that doesn’t break the homeowner’s budget. Our new Purelight 4700 Sliding Door does just that, including a slim 47mm frame interlock that looks amazing.

“There are lots of design options, with choices of two, three, four or six sashes, as well as a triple track configuration, providing a truly flexible option to help installers meet the needs of homeowners.”

Paul adds: “Energy efficient products are vital in the progression of our industry, and we wanted to provide installers with products which help prepare them for the future. Our latest additions to the Purelight range will help installers get ready for the new Building Regulations.”

www.pyramid-profiles.co.uk

The Demand For Triple Glazing Continues To Grow

The demand for triple glazing is increasing now as homeowners and developers seek to futureproof their homes by improving the thermal efficiency of building products, reports Cornwall Glass Manufacturing.

“One volume housebuilder in the South West is now installing triple glazed windows into all new starts,” Cornwall Glass Manufacturing’s joint managing director Mark Norcliffe said. “This is starting to feed through to our manufacturing output.”

Mark said Cornwall Glass Manufacturing – part of the Cornwall Group of companies –has seen orders for triple glazing increase at one site by 100% since the start of the year. The IGU manufacturer’s Plymouth site is geared to making high value products, including technically

challenging and oversized units. Since triple glazing falls into that category, those orders are often fed through to that site.

“Triple glazing now accounts for more than 10% of our order volume,” Mark said. “And the sales value is even higher.”

The evidence points to homeowners and developers using triple glazing to help keep running costs low and to meet expected changes to the Building Regulations.

“Windows going into newbuild homes from 2025 onwards are looking to achieve U-values of 0.8W/m2K, according to the proposed Future Homes Standard (FHS),” Mark said. “While the FHS doesn’t apply to refurbishment projects, we can confidently expect the values to drop much

lower than the 1.4W/m2K they are at the moment.

“There is nothing to suggest that current window designs can meet those new levels with double glazed units, so triple glazing is a given. The question now is: are you prepared to handle that extra demand?”

Cornwall Glass Manufacturing is already geared to making triple glazed units, and has invested in machinery across its sites in Plymouth and St Austell to meet increased demand, and to maintain high levels of quality.

This include a £1.5 million Bystronic Sealed Unit Line at the St Austell site, which replaces a similar line that was installed 20 years ago. The new line is designed to manufacture triple glazed units, incorporating online silicone and polysulphide application, alongside gas filling, speeding up the process and maintaining high quality standards, according to Mark.

And a new heat soak oven recently installed at the Plymouth, supplied and installed by Peter Lambert, helps the regional unit manufacturer guarantee its products against spontaneous breakage. It can handle units up to 4.2m x 2.7m.

This is in addition to an extra £20 million Cornwall Group has committed to spending on new property, new machinery, specialist fleet vehicles, and other new equipment over the next two years, which was announced in July.

Cornwall Group, which includes Cornwall Glass Manufacturing, Mackenzie Glass, and commercial glazing and retail arm Cornwall Glass & Glazing, says it has secured additional finance via its bank to enhance a stable base from which to grow further.

www.cornwallglass.co.uk

Mark Norcliffe

Study Finds Architects Going Above And Beyond Building Regs For Overheating Amid Climate Concern

Nine in 10 architects are going above and beyond the minimum requirements for tackling overheating in new homes, as developers seek to protect residents against extreme heatwaves, according to a new study by glassmaker Pilkington UK.

The manufacturer polled 100 architects* 12 months on from the introduction of Part O building regulations, which laid out stricter measures for new homes to minimise their risk of overheating.

Encouragingly, only 9% admitted to just meeting the new regulations’ minimum requirements. The study suggested developer demand was among the factors motivating architects.

Almost a third (32%) of respondents said extreme heatwaves, prompting greater interest in overheating from developers for occupant wellbeing, would be the biggest factor to influence greater measures for combatting overheating in new homes over the next five years.

Meanwhile, two in five (40%) architects said Part O would be the top driver.

But the study found how seven in 10 (71%) architects agreed there is a missed opportunity in Part O limiting the strictest measures for combatting overheating only to London and central Manchester, with other areas at a similar risk of overheating.

Phil Brown, European regulatory marketing manager at Pilkington UK, said: “Architects going beyond minimum requirements for overheating is encouraging to see. But it questions whether the landmark Part O regulations went far enough, and if they are out of step with developers’ ambitions for new homes following last summer’s recordbreaking heatwave events.”

Architects turn to solar control glass

Pilkington UK’s study found how the majority of architects (57%) had found compliance with Part O easy. Many were turning to products like Pilkington Suncool 70/35 glazing designed to limit solar gain in buildings, to meet

the new requirements.

The majority (70%) of architects polled said they were specifying more solar control glazing for residential projects since Part O was introduced.

Nearly nine in 10 (86%) architects polled agreed that solutions for combating overheating, like solar control glazing, are becoming increasingly important to new UK homes as the country becomes more accustomed to experiencing extreme heatwaves due to climate change.

However, one in seven (14%) said they most commonly incorporate air conditioning systems to help limit overheating, despite Part O instructing architects to exhaust all passive measures for mitigating overheating before considering mechanical cooling.

Phil Brown continued: “Solar control glazing has historically only had a small role to play in UK residential building design due to the country’s more temperate climate. But changes in regulation, climate and energy efficiency ambitions are making it a more essential material of choice for windows and glazed elevations.

“It’s incumbent on manufacturers to continue to innovate to provide more choice for architects in solar control glazing, enabling them to meet their clients’ demand for homes that go above and beyond in protecting residents against overheating.”

Pilkington UK revealed its research findings to almost 200 residential building design professionals in an online seminar on Part O hosted by Phil Brown.

For more information, visit: www.pilkington.com/en-gb/uk

Bohle Vetromount Balustrade Achieves 1.5Kn Line-Loading

Bohle’s easy-fit VetroMount balustrade system has achieved a 1.5kN line-loading making it suitable for the growing light commercial market, in addition to pre-existing approvals for domestic use.

VetroMount has been designed

by Bohle to simplify balustrade installation, eliminating the requirement for specialist tools and reducing fixing costs.

With pre-existing approvals for domestic use with a 0.74kN line loading, the post and railfree system can be upgraded

to a 1.5kN system using additional glass carriers and in combination with a 21.5mm PVB laminate, so it remains just as easy to fit, says the company.

It follows successful testing this month [August] to BS6180:2011.

Dave Broxton, managing director of Bohle said:

“VetroMount is a complete system for balustrades with a wide variety of profiles, corners and finishes.

“Now, with 21.5mm PVB

laminated glass, a 1.5kN line load can be achieved meaning the product can confidently be installed in commercial areas open to the public such as footways, pavements, retail spaces, bars, restaurants and vehicular areas, including stairs and landings.”

VetroMount is available in a standard face or floor fixing option; a flush-finish; and a third, ‘Y’ shaped channel, which tapers down to the face of the substrate, to create a clean minimalist finish.

Each minimises fixings, while

making installation simple, says Bohle, using Bohle’s patented zip-fix technology and cradle to hold the glass firmly in the channel. This also makes alignment easy, with simple adjustment.

Available in standard 2.5m and 5m lengths, VetroMount accommodates glass thickness of up to 21.5mm. It’s also counterbored, which means its suitable for use with standard, rather than more expensive counter-fix fixings.

“Demand for domestic balustrading has been

massive”, continued Dave. “Now fully tested to a 1.5kN line load, VetroMount is now suited to a broader range of applications including retail and commercial uses, while remaining very simple to fit and to adjust on site.

“With a number of cost efficiencies built-in, including the use of standard rather than counter-fix fittings, VetroMount, plus a choice of three profiles, VetroMount also maximises both opportunities and margins.”

www.bohle.com

Morley Glass Helps Installers ‘Switch On’ To Smart Glass Sales Opportunities

rays are blocked.

The film is highly configurable too, including being available in 12 different colours and shades. This unlocks amazing creative potential as logos can be incorporated into the film so they are visible as required, and differences in the opaqueness can be achieved – for example, the film could be applied to just one half of the glass pane or applied to reveal shapes such as stripes or circles.

Ian Short said: “The reaction that Uni-Switch received when it debuted at the FIT Show in May was incredible. We’ve taken time to get the right system in place, and to set up our business in a way that makes pricing and sourcing the product very straightforward for our customers – that’s going to make it easy for installers to buy the system from us.”

The new Uni-Switch switchable glass product from Morley Glass will help installers unlock sales potential with customers looking for premium window and door privacy solutions according to the company’s MD Ian Short.

Switchable smart glass may be one of the latest technology-driven products for windows and doors of all types but, until now, it has been a very niche purchase. This has largely been due to the product’s often complicated supply chain and lengthy lead times, which has made sourcing it problematic for installers.

With the launch of Uni-Switch, Morley Glass is hoping to change that, with a superior switchable glass product available in a lead time of just 15 working days.

The company believes there is fantastic growth potential for switchable glass at the top end of the market, chiefly because it matches the ambitions of customers who are seeking the

highest quality, most technically advanced windows and doors.

And there is a growing demand in the commercial market too, given how switchable glass is ideally suited to interior glass elements like partitions and doors in offices, healthcare facilities, schools, colleges, universities, leisure facilities and hotels.

Uni-Switch switchable glass uses an electrical current, which is passed through a thin film applied to the inner pane of laminated glass, to change its appearance from opaque when the power is off, to transparent when the electricity supply is switched on.

Morley Glass says it is very straightforward to install, and it can be used for everything from a standard casement or French doors, to vertically sliding sashes, bi-fold doors and rooflights. The glass remains highly transparent with a light transmission level of over 78%, with the lowest angle haze, and 99.9% of harmful UV

Uni-Switch also overcomes one of the main technical challenges associated with many other switchable smart glass systems – the level of electrical current. Switchable glass usually works using a 110V current, whereas the Morley Glass product requires only 40V. One of the main benefits that results from the ‘low voltage’ is that it allows switchable smart glass to be incorporated into bifold doors more easily, says the company.

Visual clarity is optimised through the use of low-iron glass and the product can be incorporated into double and triple glazed units without compromising other important performance criteria – such as the highest levels of thermal insulation and advanced solar control in sunny aspects.

Morley Glass says it offers full technical support and installation guidance for Uni-Switch, in line with all its integral blind systems, along with ‘world-class’ aftersales service.

Epwin Window Systems Launch New Stellar Integral Cill

Epwin Window Systems has just launched a new integral cill for its Stellar Aluminium Slimline Bifold Door. The sleek low sightline cill brings enhanced sightlines and saves 35mm of height when compared with a traditional bifold cill. By design, it is also uses fewer component parts and is quicker and easier to install than a separate outer frame and cill, claims the company, especially on refurbishment projects.

Paul Booth, design director (aluminium) at Epwin Window Sytems, commented: “We’re delighted to be introducing this new integral cill, which adds a new level of excellence to our ground-breaking Stellar Aluminium Slimline Bifold Door.”

The cill was introduced in response to customer feedback and the reaction to the innovation has been extremely positive.

Stellar fabricator Peter Adams

Shepley Offers More Than 25 PVCu Colourways

at Capital Windows said: “The integral cill is a great product. It’s easy to install and offers a low-lying flush aesthetic that our customers really appreciate.”

The Stellar Aluminium Slimline Bifold Door offers slim sightlines and contemporary aesthetics. Innovative polyamide thermal break technology delivers low thermal conductivity, ensuring it meets the requirements of the 2022 Part L Building Regulations with standard 28mm double glazing, says the company.

Installers benefit from faster installation times with patented pre-gasketed knock-in beads that speed up glazing. There is also an adjustable patentpending locking stile so the clearance between the lock and keep can be adjusted to take up cutting tolerances.

www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk

Manchester-based fabricator Shepley has expanded its range of colourways for the complete Visage window and door collection to 25.

The introduction of the expanded range of 25 colourways for Visage PVCu windows and doors promises installers flexibility and freedom to offer to their customers, available direct from stock for faster delivery.

“We are really happy to expand our range of Visage colour options,” says Ian Griffiths, managing director at Shepley. “We understand that each installer can have a hard time offering products to their customers that all suite together, in a range of matching colour options.

“With our expanded range of over 25 captivating colours, we are confident that installers will be able to assist homeowners in finding the perfect match for any home. With stunning new shades like Pebble Grey and wood-grain effect finishes like Turner Oak, homeowners can truly find the colourway that completes their home.

www.shepley.com

PST Unveils Enhanced AR App To Bridge The Gap With The End User

Software company PST has launched a new version of its augmented reality app, helping to bridge the gap between installers and homeowners and providing them with a unique tool that will give them the edge over their competitors.

vsHome AR is an innovative app that allows installers to share product designs directly to their customer’s phone or tablet to visualise what their new conservatory, orangery or extension will look like as a life size representation on the side of their home or presented on a tabletop. By locking the model down and holding their device, the customer can walk around their new home improvement product and explore it from the inside for a truly immersive experience, says the company.

The app works as a companion to vsHome, PST’s sales platform where installers can design, visualise and price a wide range of home improvement products and bring these visualisations to life using an integrated 3D editor.

vsHome AR has now been updated to include several predownloaded models handpicked by PST, as well as access to even more AR models via a link to PST’s new AR models webpage. According to PST, with such a wide selection to choose from, the homeowner can be assured to find something similar to what they’re looking for – and the installer is then the strongest contender for that sale.

While the app has always allowed installers to share their own models directly from vsHome, it now

comes with a built in QR scanner – all the homeowner needs to do is open the app and scan the QR code they receive in an email from their installer. With the new update, homeowners will be able to preview and interact with their model before choosing from the classic viewing modes – Real Scale, Tabletop and VR.

PST managing director Neil Travers comments: “As we continue to innovate and enhance our offerings, we are thrilled to announce the launch of the updated vsHome AR app. At PST, we remain committed to driving progress and transforming the home improvement industry through cutting-edge solutions, and our vision has always been to empower installers with the latest technology, enabling them to elevate their customer service and stay ahead of the competition. With vsHome AR, they can provide an unparalleled augmented reality experience, allowing their customers to explore and envision their dream home improvement projects like never before.”

www.pstonline.co.uk

Leka Systems Expands Partner Support With Onsite 7

Leka Systems has extended its support to fabricating and installing partners with the introduction of Onsite 7 software. This software helps fabricators and installers to stay in control of their businesses by managing all aspects of the customer journey, including lead capture.

Rhys Hoddinott, managing director at Leka Systems, commented. “Onsite 7 is an easyto-use job management software

that offers comprehensive visibility into the entire customer journey, from initial enquiries to project completion. It also gives customers real-time access to track leads generated through our national consumer lead campaign. This invaluable feature allows businesses to promptly respond to potential customers, ensuring no opportunity is missed.”

Leka fabricators and installers can also benefit from a

comprehensive training programme to understand the product and the broader marketplace. Combined with proactive sales, comprehensive marketing support and access to Onsite 7 software, it all adds up to a compelling offer. Rhys commented: “We place a heavy emphasis on marketing and our understanding of homeowner demographics sets us apart. We’ve taken the time to understand buying motives, the trigger points in the sales process and the marketing channels that work. We run various homeowner campaigns to ensure brand awareness and develop a pipeline of new business enquiries for customers that will now be accessible through Onsite 7.

“There has never been a better time to add value to your business by working with Leka. Our products offer clear competitive advantages, and our comprehensive support adds value at every level. To find out more about what Leka Systems can bring to your business, get in touch today!”

www.lekasystems.co.uk

Touch Roll Out Well Underway

The roll out of the Business Micros Group’s new Touch software platform is well underway, with lead generation, quoting and ordering systems now live at 10 big name businesses.

CompDoor, Frames Direct, Heritage Trade Frames, Listers, Portico Doors, Sliders UK and Universal Composite Doors are amongst the fabricators already using Touch Portal, with Selecta Systems joining the group of PVC-U systems houses.

Richie Thornton, director at Business Micros Group company

The Consultancy, which is key to the operational roll out of

Touch, said: “We’ve put a huge amount of effort into getting the implementation of Touch Portal right for fabricators and ensuring that real time product and pricing options are accurate.

“Most of that hard work is now done and we’re concentrating on getting Touch deployed as quickly and extensively as we can. We’ve got 20+ more fabricators already lined up to go live during the second half of 2023 and, after the success of FIT Show, many more waiting to be added in 2024.”

Touch is a fully integrated end to end software platform capable of taking a sale all the way from initial

online lead to quoting, ordering, manufacturing and delivery. It’s fully compatible with Business Micros’ Evolution manufacturing and EvoNET business management software and comes in different modes to suit the needs of fabricators and installers.

store.bm-touch.co.uk

Irish Market Defies Expectations

By Jim O’Connell, sales manager, Emmegi (UK)

While confidence in the UK window and door sector has been hit by the impact of high inflation and rising interest rates over recent months, the Irish market continues to defy expectations – with a government committed to house building and an economy enjoying an ongoing Brexit dividend.

That’s turning out to be very good news for Emmegi (UK), and we are seeing demand for our range of aluminium and now PVC-U machinery in Ireland almost at record levels.

Emmegi (UK) has had a direct presence in Ireland since 2015 when I was first recruited to head up sales. Prior to that the UK sales team serviced the Irish market, but Emmegi (UK)’s managing director

Ian Latimer recognised that this was a market with huge potential that needed its own locally based team.

At that point, Ireland was still recovering from the highly damaging 2008 economic crash, but the country’s favourable corporation tax policy was attracting huge amounts of inward investment and lots of US multinationals were setting up and driving demand for commercial and office space as well as homes.

With this in mind, Emmegi (UK) initially focused on the established facade companies that were building that new commercial office space and we enjoyed a lot of success. At the same time, the Irish window and door market was starting to shift more towards aluminium products, so our timing was just about perfect.

Our approach continues to pay dividends. For instance, it was Alucraft, a leading commercial glazing specialist based in Dublin, that earlier this year took delivery of the very first new model Satellite XTE supplied by Emmegi (UK). And it came almost 20 years after Alucraft bought their first CNC, a Satellite XL, reflecting our strong, ongoing relationship.

Interest rates are rising here just as they are in the UK, which is having some impact on the housing market, and we both face similar skills shortages and recruitment issues. However, the government’s commitment to increasing the housing stock, backed by incredibly strong corporation tax revenues, means there is still an underlying confidence that the future looks bright.

Part of that confidence certainly comes from the benefits we continue to see from Brexit –particularly in the North of Ireland. While it’s a divisive issue politically in the North, there’s no denying the Brexit dividend. Because of

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its unique position having a land border with an EU nation and being part of the UK, companies based in Northern Ireland can easily sell into both markets. We have seen our customers McMullen Facades and Clarke facades diving into the export market with huge success.

The underlying strength in the Irish housing market also gives us plenty of scope to market the Someco brand of pvc products, which now come under the same umbrella brand as Emmegi (UK). We have already sold our first Someco SVL4H/2A welding and cleaning line and this is being delivered soon along with some 5-head inline welders. I feel strongly that Someco could be a game changer for us.

As well as the breadth and quality of our machine range, much of our success in Ireland comes down to our engineering department. Managed from the head office in Coventry by Wayne Hunter and Tracy O’Callaghan, our Irish based technicians Paul Adams and Paul Gleeson have established themselves as a dynamic team fully committed to their clients. Over 90% of the time one of the guys will be on site within 24 hours of a problem developing to resolve any issues and that service is warmly appreciated by all our customers.

The engineering team and I also of course work hard to build strong relationships with systems companies like AMS, Reynaers and Profile Systems. Understanding the technical aspects of each individual system means we can easily tailor our machines to suit the specific requirements of their fabricator.

The past 8 years have been hugely successful for us here and, going forward, customers can expect more of the same.

www.emmegi.com/en/home

Prestige Aluminium Invests In Second Haffner Machine

Aluminium fabricator Prestige Aluminium has invested in a Fom Industrie FMC 120 Machining Centre from Haffner to support its rapid expansion.

The cutting-edge machine was delivered at the beginning of August and was up and running just 48 hours later and is said to be already helping the company to increase its manufacturing output and improve efficiencies.

Prestige Aluminium was founded less than twelve-months ago and is the second machine the team has purchased from Haffner.

Gavin Taylor, managing director of Prestige Aluminium, said: “We purchased a double mitre saw from Haffner when we began manufacturing earlier this year. We were impressed with the quality and support of the Haffner team, especially Bryan Dando, so we didn’t hesitate to turn to Haffner for our latest purchase.”

The FMC 120 Machining Centre is a state-of-the-art solution

offering advanced features, including high speed machining and precision drilling. It features three controlled axis and a worktable with pneumatic positioning at 0°, 90° and 180°. Its automated capabilities reduce manual intervention and significantly accelerate production output, helping Prestige Aluminium manage the increase in demand for its products.

Prestige Aluminium, which is based in Bishop’s Stortford, manufactures the Stellar aluminium system from Epwin Window Systems.

Bryan Dando, commercial director at Haffner, commented: “We were delighted to hear from the Prestige Aluminium team so soon after their first investment. Expansion is always noteworthy but investing for the second time in 10 months demonstrates the strength of Prestige and the quality of their Stellar products.”

www.haffnerltd.com

Window Contract Awarded On Major Poole Development

A Poole based window replacement specialist has been selected to provide all glazing on a new landmark development in the town.

South Coast Property Installations secured the contract from developers the AJC Group who are currently constructing eighty-six one and two bedroom apartments on the site of the former Sloop public house near Poole Park.

The design-led flagship £15m

development is being purposebuilt for the rental market with the aim of helping meet rental demand in the area.

As part of a local supply chain South Coast Property Installations are involved in the manufacture and supply of all doors and windows in the stunning project in a deal worth over five hundred thousand pounds.

Keith Middleton, managing director at South Coast Property Installations said, “As our

business continues to grow, we are working with a range of clients across commercial, domestic and local government sectors.”

“Whether contracted to a private homeowner or a developer, our customers are looking for high quality, energy saving products, and a prompt and efficient installation service.”

The window installations teams are currently working on the site and the first apartments are scheduled for occupation in the spring of 2024.

David Cracklen, director, AJC Group added, “We are constantly acquiring residential land, developing various sites with high-quality new homes.

Where possible we always opt to collaborate with local suppliers, supporting jobs and the regional economy.”

In the past five years, South Coast Property Installations has significantly increased its commercial contract work with developers across London and the south coast.

Keith commented, “Since covid the property market has fluctuated, but the need for new homes is widely recognised, and we are proud as a company to be chosen as suppliers in a highly competitive field. We are fortunate to enjoy a good reputation for quality, efficiency and delivering on time and on budget, which is important on any scale of project.”

Renson

UK Supplies Full Solution Louvres To New Leeds Residential Project

Ventilation louvre specialist Renson UK has supplied its systems to two impressive residential buildings in Leeds.

Situated on the previous site of Doncaster Monkbridge Iron and Steelworks, Latitude Purple, a £68 million development, comprises of 463 homes over two residential buildings at 17 and 21 storeys tall, and spanning 17,000 square feet.

Working with Facade company M Clarke, main contractor John Sisk Ltd, developer Hub Group, and architect Carey Jones Chapman Tolcher (CJCT), Renson UK has supplied over 1,400 of its 414 glazed in louvres with insulated

blanking plates to the project.

Made from extruded aluminium sections and stainless steel 304 insect screen, Renson UK’s 414 glazed in louvres have a blade pitch of 33.3mm and can accommodate most glazing thicknesses, they have a free area of 50%, and are weather and aerodynamically tested to EN 13030, claims the company.

All products offer outstanding weathertightness and have been fully tested to the highest standards, having undergone rigorous BSRIA testing.

https://bit.ly/3sM8MbQ

Optima Upgrades County

Durham

Over 90 Optima windows from Epwin Window Systems have been installed in Langton Business Centre which occupies a prominent location in County Durham.

Home to around 25 business, the building’s 90 first-generation PVC-U windows had come to the end of their useful life. The landlord wanted to replace the windows to provide a more contemporary appearance and refresh the kerb appeal for the site’s occupants. Equally as important was to upgrade the thermal efficiency of the buildings to enhance sustainability.

The contractor selected for the work was Epwin Window Systems Approved Commercial Partner Swainstons Ltd. Swainstons

manufactures the Optima system

Business Centre

from Epwin Window Systems, and Liam McClorey, general manager at Swainstons, commented: “Optima is straightforward to fabricate and offers the superior aesthetics and performance that commercial projects need.”

For this project, Swainstons used the Optima Sculptured Window System, which offers sleek sculptured aesthetics. The 90 windows were manufactured in anthracite grey on white and used bronze tinted double glazed units to achieve a sleek contemporary finish that sat perfectly in the surroundings.

The system features a 6-chambered outerframe and 5-chambered sash, which can be used with RCM inserts to increase the number of insulating chambers and further enhance thermal

performance when required. It has revolutionary, optional centre seals to the outerframe and sash, and a 10mm overlap for improved weatherability. The slimmer frame gives more light and improved solar gain, adding further thermal advantage, claims the company.

These features and more meant the system was comfortably able to achieve the project specification of a Window Energy Rating of A.

Because Langton Business Centre is home to around 25 active businesses, the fourweek installation needed to be carefully managed. As a highly experienced commercial contractor, this is something Swainstons was able to handle. It undertook comprehensive risk assessments to ensure the safety of the building’s occupants and the Swainstons team throughout the installation. It also planned the works carefully to minimise the disruption caused.

OWS Chosen For An Oxford Town Centre Refurb

The building’s condition had deteriorated internally and, did not meet minimum regulatory

standards.

ADP Architecture were engaged to design an extensive refurbishment to include a new internal layout improvement to support flexible working, fabric improvements to improve energy efficiency, a rear external terrace and internal lightwell.

OWS Fire Rated, specialists in aluminium fire resisting glazing, were engaged by the ODS Group, a wholly owned company by Oxford City Council, to design, manufacture and install fire resisting glazing systems to meet the classifications EI30 and EI60 as defined in BS EN 13501-2. These classifications relate to both fire integrity and insulation, which ensures that the passage of flames and hot gases, as well as preventing excessive heat transfer passing through the glazing system.

The glazing systems were required to provide a fire barrier between the building interior onto the external terrace and escape stairs.

Reynaers CS 77 EI 30 doors and EI 60 fixed lights and Aluprof MB 78 EI30 doors were chosen by OWS to meet the specification requirements required on the project. The doors and fixed screens were glazed with double glazed units incorporating EI fire rated and toughened Low E glass. The frames were finished with a satin yellow grey powder coating.

The products and systems offered by OWS are critical to the safety of both life and property. The company take every step to ensure that the design, manufacture, and installation of our products carry industry levels of certification. This is achieved by continued investment in product development, staff training, and new technology.

1-3 George Street in Oxford comprises a mixed-use building in a prime city-centre location.

Epwin’s Sash Window System Is The Longstanding Solution

For Palladian Homes

Epwin Window Systems’ PVC-U Vertical Sliding Sash Window System remains the window of choice for Palladian Homes, a developer of exclusive homes in north and east Yorkshire.

Simon Gibbons, founder and managing director of Palladian Homes, says: “The PVC-U Vertical Sliding Sash Window System continues to be Palladian Homes’ first choice for the sash windows we use to add kerb appeal across our various developments.”

Palladian Homes specialises

in creating homes with typical sales values of between £500k and £1m. Each home is built on the fundamental principles of striking design, first-class quality and enduring style. The homes are carefully designed to sit sensitively in the beautiful Yorkshire towns and villages where they are situated, and the PVC-U Vertical Sliding Sash Window System provides the ideal mix of authentic design and modern-day performance.

Simon says: “The replication of the sliding sash is very close

to traditional timber but offers much better performance. It’s maintenance-free and we also particularly like the multi-directional opening of the sashes for ease of window cleaning and general use.”

Epwin Window Systems fabricator Quickslide manufactures the windows for Palladian Homes and Simon is delighted with the partnership that has been built up between the two companies over nearly ten years.

He says: “As a business we benefit from Quickslide’s tailored support and a sales team that is especially set up to work directly with house builders and our specialist requirements. We have a one-to-one buying process, with our dedicated sales mmanager Adam Wray, who’s always very helpful. We thoroughly recommend

Quickslide, and over the years keeping our business local has also helped each of us support the others’ ongoing expansion too.”

Quickslide’s sales director Tom Swallow agrees: “We’re very proud to have worked with Palladian Homes for nearly ten years now. During this time, we’ve supplied around 1,320 windows and doors across nine home development sites in Yorkshire.

“Palladian Homes are the perfect example of what Quickslide and the PVC-U Vertical Sliding Sash Window System from Epwin Window Systems do best –marrying traditional styling with all the comforts of luxury modern living. The results are stunning, and we look forward to many more years working with them.”

www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk

Senior Raises The Bar At Birmingham Residential Scheme

Senior Architectural Systems’ award-winning Pure aluminium windows and doors have been widely used across the new Perry Barr residential development in Birmingham, which is one of the city’s largest ever housing and regeneration projects.

Senior’s low U-value Pure aluminium systems were specified for three of the four plots that comprise the first phase of the development that is located on the site of the former Birmingham City University (BCU) Teaching Campus.

The contract has seen Senior work with two separate project teams, collaborating with main contractor Vinci and fabricator partner Duplus Architectural Systems on plot 7, and with Wilmott Dixon and Acorn Aluminium on plots 8 and 9.

Plot 7 is the largest of the first phase of developments and features six new buildings in total, ranging from five to 15 storeys and constructed as a traditional

concrete frame. Each building comprises both one and two bedroom apartments and ground floor retail or leisure space, with all dwellings benefitting from private or communal outdoor areas. To provide safe and secure access, and ensure that each apartment is as energy-efficient as possible, Senior’s low U-value Pure aluminium windows and doors were specified and installed throughout.

Senior’s thermally-enhanced Pure aluminium tilt and turn windows and Pure Slide patio doors were also installed to the 430 individual apartments that have been constructed by Willmott Dixon across the four and six storey buildings known as plots 8 and 9. This part of the Perry Barr housing development utilised MMC and offsite manufacturing elements such as light gauge steel frame, brick slip façades, pre-manufactured balconies and balustrades, and bathroom pods.

Conservatory Outlet’s Retail Network Sees Digital Leads Grow

A group of independent retail installers are enjoying sustained year-on-year increases in online enquiries, achieving, on average, 16% more digital leads than the same comparable year-to-date period in 2022. The companies, all part of the Conservatory Outlet Network, have remained fully engaged with a proactive, multi-channel approach to marketing and have recorded impressive results, defying the challenging market conditions, claims the company.

Fabricator Conservatory

Outlet, which heads up the Network, employs its in-house marketing team and draws further support from the digital agency, DigitalKOG. With decades of experience in the home improvement sector, DigitalKOG works exclusively for Conservatory Outlet’s retail partners, bringing unique insight to each company’s marketing strategy.

Access to this marketing expertise has helped Conservatory Outlet’s retailers to continue generating a

consistently strong level of retail enquiries, paving the way for a healthy order book through the second half of 2023 and beyond, says the company.

Karen Clough, marketing director at Conservatory Outlet, explains: “It’s been no accident that our retailers are up year-on-year consistently each month so far in 2023.

“We work in constant partnership with our agency partner, DigitalKOG, to experiment with new ideas and channels, spilt test campaigns and replicate successes across our dealer network.

“It’s crucial to us that retail marketing and lead generation is the number one priority for our business.”

A recent report from Insight Data indicated that 74% of home improvement companies were finding enquiries hard to come by and many were raising concerns about a lack of demand through 2023 and beyond as inflation and the rising cost of living start to bite.

Karen continues: “Despite the tough trading conditions, there is still plenty of demand out there from homeowners wanting to improve their properties. It’s all about hitting the right audience with the right messaging right at the right time.

“It’s pretty rare for a fabricator to put so much emphasis on understanding the retail customer. There are plenty of fabricators out there that can make you a good product. And yes, it’s hugely important. But without leads, it’s all academic. We’re proud of our Network of retailers for continuing to embrace a proactive approach to keep lead intake at a consistent level.”

Conservatory Outlet’s Group Marketing Director, Karen Clough

CAB’s Residential Website For Homeowners

Aluminium systems are considered by many homeowners as an aspirational choice for home improvement given its slim, good looks, long service life and 100% recyclability. More expensive than other fenestration materials, aluminium’s advantage is that it can offer a longer service life with minimal maintenance which makes it a sound investment.

As a home improvement company where do you point your

customers to learn more about this product in a clear unbiased way? The Council for Aluminium in Building offer a generic website which offers the facts about aluminium home improvement fenestration. The website can be found at residential-aluminium. org.uk and it explains, in layman’s terms what aluminium is, where it comes from and what products are available. The website is there to substantiate your claims, as a reputable home improvement

The Power Of Recommendation

The Consultancy has created a new website for retail installer South Yorkshire Windows, following a recommendation from Comp Door and its sister company UK Doors Online.

Dom Francis, owner of South Yorkshire Windows said: “We had one of their Glazing Vault window and door designers on our previous website, so we knew how easy the team at The Consultancy were to deal with. When the team at our key supplier Comp Door told us how much they’d benefited from the web development and digital services from The

Consultancy, they became the obvious choice when we decided to upgrade.

“They recommended that we went for a bespoke website design which would give us a distinctive

company, as to why homeowners should choose fenestration made from aluminium.

The website is constantly being updated to include new information and the Association would like to hear from members and non-members about its current content and suggested future content.

As a home improvement company if you are serious about the supply and installation of aluminium fenestration, why not consider joining CAB and becoming part of the voice for aluminium fenestration in the UK. With a wide range of technical support and training offered to Members of the Association you will be joining the elite the industry has to offer. The Association holds regular networking events for its Members across the supply chain, perfect for catching up with colleagues and possibly initiating business relationships.

Check out the residential support website, its free to use for members and non-members and let us have your feedback. Should you wish to learn more about membership and the support it offers, please review the CAB website at c-a-b.org.uk

online presence, and they worked flexibly with our design ideas and input. The result is a huge leap forward from what we had before, with the added benefit that we now also have a branded version of their Touch Portal lead generation and quoting system on the new website linked directly to Comp Door.

“Even in the first month, the website is already generating warm leads for us and because we have control over it ourselves, we can easily keep it updated with pics, news and offers.”

www.southyorkshirewindows.co.uk www.theconsultancy.co.uk

Sherborne Teams Up With Purplex And Achieves Record Conversions

herborne, windows and doors specialists based in Hampshire, have accomplished a remarkable achievement by converting 90% of its website inquiries into leads through its collaboration with marketing agency Purplex.

The four-year partnership between Sherborne and Purplex has resulted in a range of digital marketing activities, including a website redesign and increased brand awareness through strategic SEO, email campaigns, PPC, plus link building.

Thanks to this, Sherborne has seen a 66% increase in website

users alongside an impressive 135% increase of organic user growth since 2021. With many of their website enquiries converting to successful sales leads, 2023 has been a brilliant year of growth for the company.

Chris Long, founder and director, believes their commitment to great service is the cornerstone to Sherborne’s success, and this extends to their online platform.

He comments: “As a team, we’re thrilled with this amazing result. In response to the tough market conditions, it made sense to focus on our website to guarantee we

had a fantastic online presence for prospective customers.

“It’s been wonderful working with Purplex who are so closely aligned with our commitment to quality service. With their support and expertise, we now have a digital marketing strategy which has delivered fantastic conversion rates. We’re thrilled that Purplex has helped spread our message as widely as possible and generate a series of leads for us.”

Andrew Scott, founder and managing director of Purplex, said: “Sherborne’s record-breaking conversion rates are testament to the power of an expert-led, consistent digital marketing strategy. Despite the various difficulties affecting the home improvement sectors, marketing should still be a priority for business owners and this is a great example of how it can be utilised to spearhead business growth.”

www.purplexmarketing.com

Bespoke App Delivers Live Data And Reporting On

Window And Door Installs

surveyors and fitters simply work through the forms on their mobiles on site. They upload the before and after photos as they go and all the data is allocated in real time to the project database.

Mark Crane, group commercial director at Breyer Construction is impressed: “The new app is a great demonstration of the kind of innovative thinking that sets a subcontractor like The Window Company (Contracts) apart from the rest. It shows a relentless focus on improving efficiency, and that gives us a pretty compelling reason to do more business with them. The app has clearly been designed with the needs of customers as well as fitters in mind, and the before and after images, electronic sign off and live reporting functions are already proving particularly useful.”

The WinCo Installation App is a brand-new innovation from The Window Company (Contracts) which gives commercial clients access to live data and reporting on all of their window and door installation projects.

The bespoke app documents surveys and installations in real time and automatically integrates all the data generated from the teams on site with the company’s 50,000+ record project database and back-office systems.

It has transformed the efficiency of the business by eliminating vast amounts of paperwork and manual processes and streamlined many of its quality management systems. But, more significantly it has created a standout feature for The Window Company

(Contracts)’ clients right across the social housing replacement and new build sector, who can now see live status updates and sign off projects electronically.

Like other installers, the company previously relied largely on paper driven processes, including printed forms for surveying, job sheets, Point of Work Risk Assessments (POWRA) checklists and inspections. Fitting teams sent pre- and post-installation photos via email or WhatsApp and admin staff at the office had to manually collate the photos and input the data.

The new WinCo Installation App has replaced all of that. All the surveying and inspection forms, job sheets, and POWRA checklists are integrated within the app and

Katie Thornton, director of compliance and administration at The Window Company (Contracts) added: “As a business which prides itself on efficiency, we recognised that there was a better way to document our installations. But, even after extensive research, we were unable to identify a sector-specific, cost-effective, commercially available app that had anything like the capability we required. We wanted to be able to collate data for jobs simultaneously and store it automatically on our internal database systems. We therefore decided to create our own app –starting initially with a version for our fitting team and customers and progressing to the fully integrated end to end solution that we have now.

“We’re pretty confident that it sets a new benchmark for clients in terms of performance and functionality and, at the same time delivers improvements in our own performance by eliminating the risk of paperwork errors and saving huge amounts of admin.”

thewinco.co.uk

Andrew Scott

‘Explosive’ Agenda Announced For Glazing Summit

The fenestration industry is facing some of its toughest challenges ever and this year’s Glazing Summit promises to tackle the issues head-on in what is set to be the most explosive Summit so far.

Taking place at Birmingham’s Edgbaston Stadium and Conference Centre on October 12th, this must-attend conference is backed by the industry’s biggest names including Yale, VEKA, Edgetech, Eurocell, Reynaers, Liniar and many more.

Andrew Scott, founder of the Glazing Summit, commented: “It’s hugely exciting to announce this year’s Glazing Summit agenda. At a time of further regulatory change and evolving consumer demands,

the glazing industry finds itself at a pivotal crossroads.

“This year we want to not only inform, but also provide steps we can all take to enable real change in the industry. And with world class insight and keynote speakers, it’s set to be another crucial event for our industry.”

Technical experts will discuss the looming Future Homes Standard and new Building Regulations including Document Q, while new initiatives will be announced to tackle the skills shortage and perceptions of the industry.

Over 400 fabricators, installers and glass companies will attend the Summit, with 20 speakers and

a revised format for some of the sessions.

“We want this year to be punchier, more solution-focused and give delegates essential information they can apply to their business immediately, especially as many companies are facing a slowdown in the market after a period of boom,” adds Andrew.

This year installers are put under the spotlight as many report changing consumer trends, pressure on prices, demand for new products and greater adoption of technology.

Alongside the industry debates and keynote talks, the Glazing Summit will also present leading UK Economist Ed Johnstone who will share a banks view on the home improvement and property market, while the UK’s leading inspirational business speaker Brad Burton will take to the stage.

Having worked with companies like JCB, Bentley and Costa Coffee, Brad’s energy and selfdeprecating humour will have delegates inspired and equipped with ideas to take their lives and businesses to the next level.

This year’s Glazing Summit will also be more interactive, with delegates taking part in questions to the panellists and polls/ surveys.

Andrew concludes; “With free on-site parking, refreshments and lunch, the Summit is a great opportunity to network and connect with friends, customers and suppliers, and build new business relationships. For business leaders and managers, it really is the one-day event not to miss.”

To view the Glazing Summit agenda visit glazingsummit. co.uk/2023-agenda

To book tickets visit glazingsummit.co.uk

Siegenia Company Run An International Success

War Memorial Park in Coventry. The group that took part ranged from extremely experienced runners to complete novices, so it was a very impressive effort by all. These colleagues were part of a 60-strong international contingent that took part in the virtual run, in addition to the 100 staff who ran in Siegen.

Over 150 staff members from sites worldwide took part in the Siegenia company run this year.

The 5.5 kilometre run forms part of the group’s annual company Sport Challenge and took its roots from the local Siegen Run for organisations in the region, in which their head office has taken part for a number of years. Since the pandemic, the run has been opened up to their other sites by means of a virtual run, where

colleagues from anywhere in the world can register to take part just like the locals. Those that wish to enter then get sent their number, a Siegenia vest and download an app so that they can track their run and upload their time.

This year, 4 willing Siegenia UK staff members took part in the run on what was a very sunny day during the early summer heatwave. Some staff ran the 5.5km together at the picturesque

Each year, Siegenia Group uses its Sport Challenge to encourage its staff worldwide to get active with the company run as well as a bike challenge to record as many cycling kilometres as possible over a 14-day period. This is in addition to health and fitness initiatives which the group runs throughout the year, including holding in-person and online yoga and stretching classes, running a bicycle leasing scheme and holding annual “health weeks”. Participation has grown yearon-year, as has the number of initiatives on offer. The staff are already looking forward to next year’s run and are hoping to encourage even more colleagues to join them! www.siegenia.com

Glazpartners Promoted At The Glazing Summit

For the third successive year, Glazpart will sponsor and participate at the Glazing Summit with this year’s focus on the new Glazpartners programme, which will include brand promotion of all Glazpartners on the Glazpart exhibition stand and on promotional materials.

Taking place on Thursday, October 12 at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham, the Glazing Summit, will feature Glazpart as an expert panellist along with some of the industry’s leading lights discussing the biggest issues facing fenestration.

In last year’s Glazing Summit, Glazpart’s Dean Bradley, took part in two debates – one on the regulation minefield including

the changes to Approved Document F and ventilation, and the other on the supply chain and the challenges post-Brexit in getting the essential materials to manufacture and fabricate.

Dean Bradley commented, “Once again, we’re delighted to be part of the Glazing Summit to promote our products and the

Glazpartners initiative, which is going from strength to strength right across the supply chain. We are also pleased to be invited to share our expertise on the debating panels. Last year, we explained how companies could easily comply with the changes to Approved Document F in the Building Regulations and more and more companies are now installing the Link Vent, which not only helps compliance but is proving to be both homeowner and trade friendly. For Glazing Summit 2023, we have even more issues to discuss and specialist knowledge to share. We also invite all companies attending, to feel free to speak to us at the event to find out more about our products and the Glazpartners’ programme.”

www.glazpart.co.uk

Dean Bradley, sales director, Glazpart

Victoria Brocklesby

The Key to Employee Retention: Prioritising Wellbeing

Victoria Brocklesby, COO and Co-founder of Origin, a leading UK manufacturer of aluminium doors and windows, believes employee wellbeing is a moral obligation. Here, she highlights the benefits employers can

gain by fostering a happy and supportive workforce.

Construction is often cited as one of the most stressful industries to work in and regularly hits the headlines

due to the sector’s subsequent talent drain. With 22% of construction firms currently experiencing staff shortages and a four-month average lead time to fill positions, this is very much felt by those working in the industry. To combat this, and better attract and retain valuable talent, prioritising employee wellbeing is crucial. In fact, research shows that employees who feel cared for by their employer are 69% less likely to actively seek a new job.

Besides being the right thing to do morally, focusing on wellbeing also yields several business advantages. Healthy and content employees are more productive, and addressing mental health issues can reduce absenteeism. Gallup research reveals that wellsupported employees are 71% less likely to experience burnout and three times more engaged at work, contributing to a safer workplace with fewer incidents and sick days.

Reducing staff turnover also saves money on recruitment, especially as the average cost per hire in the UK is £3,000 and the construction industry’s turnover rate is around 20%. Reprioritising staff wellbeing becomes essential for businesses aiming to create a healthy work environment and reap business benefits.

Actionable Advice

At Origin, we have four key ways we put our employees’ wellbeing first:

Culture: Company culture is essential and can make or break an organisation as a great place to work. Emphasising a closeknit community and upholding values that mean something is key. At Origin, our culture is founded on a base of care, trust, and respect, which have been vital to our success as a

family business.

Benefits: Generic benefits don’t show you care or genuinely understand your employees. Any benefits package must be tailored to the needs of your employees. For example, it would be meaningless to offer a cycleto-work scheme to employees that work from home.

Learning and Development: Investing in an effective training and learning policy demonstrates you care about employees’ career progression and broader learning, which is one of the best ways to foster a sense of belonging and boost loyalty.

Active Listening: Allowing employees the opportunity to ask questions, provide feedback, and make suggestions to senior members of staff is critical to ensuring they feel heard and valued. For this to be effective, you must also ensure each idea is given fair consideration and report back on whether or not it will be progressed.

Whilst these are four focuses of Origin, there is no one-sizefits-all approach to employee wellbeing. Any strategy must be genuine and tailored to the interests of your employees. It goes beyond introducing benefits; it’s about enhancing the entire work experience.

In Summary

Prioritising employee wellbeing has the potential to transform lives and businesses. Employees benefit from genuinely feeling like they belong, and businesses benefit from lower staff churn and improved productivity. However, Initiatives must be meaningful and genuinely beneficial to be effective. Compassion and genuine care are absolutely essential to success.

Find out more about Origin at: https://origin-global.com

Elena Rezmerita Achieves Level 3 NVQ In Occupational Work Supervision

GQA Qualifications and its approved centre, Absolute Training Solutions are lauding the achievements of Elena Rezmerita, having supported her in the attainment of a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Occupational Work Supervision. The 42-yearold London-based quality assurance manager is an employee of MAC Roofing & Contracting Ltd.

Commenting on her NVQ success, Sean Monaghan of Absolute Training Solutions said: “The standard of work has been excellent throughout her learner journey and her attention to detail when it comes to Health and Safety is the best I’ve seen. Elena was the ideal candidate for the Level 3 NVQ diploma as her job role covered many of the units and elements within the qualification. When we gathered the requisite evidence and carried out our assessments, it was clear that Elena was not only very competent within her job function, but she was able to produce excellent evidence to cover the NVQ-relevant criteria. I was there as the independent quality assessor to observe the process and see at first hand

the standard of the assessment visit.

“The quality of work produced, and the excellent portfolio of evidence has inspired us to aim even higher with our NVQ delivery. Based on Elena’s achievement, we are now accredited to offer higher level NVQ qualifications in site supervision (level 4) and site management (level 6). The aim will be to offer level 6 to Elena in the future.”

Speaking for GQA, the awarding and qualifications-writing organisation, Jim Gregory (EQA) said: “Currently only 15% of the UK construction industry is female, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics. This makes Elena’s achievement of successfully completing the GQA Occupational Work Supervision level 3 NVQ not only something she should be proud of, but helps to change the perception of women in the construction industry.”

Elena Rezmerita added: “I strongly believe that certification

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should be mandatory in the construction industry. Vocational qualifications are not only a great means of developing a person’s career, but they help to prove that people are competent, and therefore assist in driving up standards in the industry. In order to apply for an NVQ, people have to prepare and be committed, and the end result is worth the effort.

“For me, having the extra credibility that this qualification affords is really important. Would you believe me when I say that I spent twenty years in the beauty industry! I worked as a make-up artist for MAC Cosmetics and I’m now with MAC Roofing – talk about a bizarre co-incidence! To move from beauty to construction was a leap. I started out doing admin, and then progressed from there, gaining my CSCS card, and gradually gaining on-site experience until I was even tasked with more of a supervisory role on a large cladding project. Over time, my work transitioned to quality assurance. I’ve worked on some pretty large schemes, including Kings College Hospital from which most of the evidence required as part of my NVQ application derived. A few years ago, there were barely any female site managers, and not many women in supervisory roles on building sites. Today, this is changing, and I’m very proud to be part of this changing picture. Achieving this qualification helps to reaffirm that I’m ‘up to the job’, and I’d encourage anyone to go for it.

“Absolute Training Solutions were very patient with me. They sent me a brief, and outlined all the requirements. They let me work at my own pace and I’m very grateful for their support.”

www.gqaqualifications.com

Business Pilot – A Trainer’s View

Business Pilot’s new training coordinator Arwen Van Wyk explains how she welcomes new users to the fast-growing CRM system.

When I meet customers for the first time for their onboarding session, it is important that they are comfortable and don’t feel overwhelmed by learning new software.

Before joining Business Pilot, I worked for two window installation companies, as well as a window fabricator. I’m definitely a window person, and not a software engineer, so when I teach people how to use Business Pilot to make

their lives easier, more efficient and – yes, most definitely – more profitable, I’m speaking from experience.

In fact, Business Pilot was designed by window installers who wanted a CRM system that suited their needs not the other way around.

In my last job before joining Business Pilot this year, I used the software myself, and it’s no exaggeration to say that I was blown away with how straightforward it is to use. In another company we were completely paper-based, and we

Arwen Van Wyk

were constantly surrounded by piles of documents and trays on walls.

When I was introduced to Business Pilot, all of that chaos disappeared, and I remember telling a colleague that if they took Business Pilot away from me, it would make my job ten times more difficult!

So, when I introduce companies to Business Pilot for their onboarding session, that is the key message: it is there to make your lives easier and your customers happier.

In a nutshell: Business Pilot is a CRM and business management tool that gives you complete visibility of each element of your operation. Everything is there at your fingertips – there is no need to go searching for separate documents stored elsewhere, either on paper or in another part of your computer network. This includes leads and conversions, job scheduling, cost of installation, service calls, and financial reporting.

And it is cloud-based, so you – and your team out on the road – can access it from anywhere either on a desktop, tablet or on your phone on the app. It links with other thirdparty software like Xero, Tommy

Trinder and Windowlink, and you can even register your installations with Fensa with a simple click of a button, taking you seconds rather than hours, and reducing the possibility of errors, and saving time and money.

When I meet customers for the first time, we have a pretraining session over the phone or on Teams to find out how they would get the most from the software.

In most cases people are transferring from either Excel or another CRM system, so they are comfortable with software, it’s just learning something new. And Business Pilot is designed to work around the user rather than expecting users to adapt to them.

For instance, the default setting is a grid view (which I love) because it shows you everything in one easy-to-view layout. You can change this so that you only see what you need to see, disregarding information that may not affect your work flow. If you are a die-hard Excel user, then you can export this information in a spreadsheet format, or even a simple pdf if you prefer. Basically, it moulds to the way you work, making you want to use the software.

Once you get the hang of that

we can look at ways in which Business Pilot can make an immediate difference to the way you work, and one of my favourite features is the Activity Tab.

When I used Business Pilot, I would log all phone calls, emails, site visits – everything – in the Activity Tab, so that if a customer called, I could bring up all the details relating to that job in a matter of seconds. This makes your life hundreds of times easier – no hunting for stray information – but it also makes the customer feel special, because you are brought up to speed immediately.

These details also mean that fitters know exactly what to expect when they turn up to site, and it doesn’t matter if someone goes on holiday because everything is kept in one place.

Business Pilot also makes my job easier because I can attend these onboarding sessions without any preconceptions. I’m not there to make you change the way you work to suit the software. I’m there to show you how Business Pilot fits in with the way you work, making your life easier and more efficient, not the other way around.

www.businesspilot.co.uk

Training at All Glass Anglia (July 2023)

FIT Show 2023 Marketing Award Winners Announced

FIT Show organisers have announced the winners of its 2023 marketing awards, with five industry brands taking home trophies across three categories.

The marketing awards were open to all FIT Show 2023 exhibitors and focused on their campaigns for FIT Show’s tenth anniversary event which took place at Birmingham NEC from 23 – 25 May.

A panel of independent judges were invited to review the entries, with the following brands receiving recognition for their campaigns:

FIT Show 2023 – Overall Best Marketing Campaign – Winner –MACO

FIT Show 2023 – Overall Best Marketing Campaign – Winner –Made for Trade

FIT Show 2023 – Most Creative Campaign – Winner – Whitesales

FIT Show 2023 – Most Creative Campaign – Highly Commended – MACO

FIT Show 2023 – Best use of Social Media – Winner – Morley Glass

FIT Show 2023 – Best use of Social Media – Highly Commended – Quickslide

The judges were unanimous in their decision that there should be two winners for the ‘overall best marketing campaign’, with MACO and Made for Trade both taking home trophies for the top spot.

Made for Trade’s ‘FASTER2FIT’ campaign was cleverly executed to incorporate the launch of the new Korniche Flat Rooflight. The brand was heavily involved in FIT Show’s new Installer Hub live demonstration feature and brought along brand ambassador, Mark Millar to maximise engagement.

Alongside its physical presence at the show, two members of the Made for Trade team completed a 202-mile charity bike ride from its headquarters in Billingham to the NEC, Birmingham raising over £22,000 for Cancer Research. Marketing manager, Ian Bousfield

said: “The FASTER2FIT campaign was a true team effort, the messaging keyed in perfectly with the Korniche brand and product USP’s, the efforts of Leigh Greenwood and Chris Wann taking on the challenging bike ride made this campaign possible alongside the support of the FIT Show team. The engagement and exposure achieved, better than we could have hoped for and the generosity shown by the industry simply outstanding, raising so much for Cancer Research UK”.

Door and window hardware experts, Maco scooped a win in the ‘overall best marketing campaign’ as well as being highly commended for ‘most creative campaign’. MACO launched its INSTINCT By MACO, the first domestic door lock to reach space, at FIT Show. Its impactful MACO Innovation Tour, which travelled across Europe, saw the truck land at FIT Show, forming a pivotal part of its campaign and presence at

the show.

Speaking about their double award win, MACO marketing manager, Mark Enderby said: “Winning the high commendation award for creativity alongside the overall best marketing campaign from the industry leading and flagship trade show (FIT Show) is a real honour. A true testament to the commitment in innovative thinking, pushing creative boundaries, and delivering messages in engaging ways that we are really proud of. Thank you to everyone that really engaged with the campaign across the last year and visited us at the FIT Show which was our most successful show to date.”

FIT Show first timers, Whitesales received the award for ‘most creative campaign’ with a show stopping debut that included a complete takeover of one of the entrances at the NEC, an interactive ‘selfie’ competition, and live demonstrations of its lantern roof and flat rooflight on the brand new ‘Installer Hub’. Marketing director, Sioned Yates said: “We are truly delighted to win the ‘most creative campaign’ award. While Whitesales is a staple brand in the roofing sector, we are much less known in fenestration. We knew we had to stand out in order to get ourselves noticed, and we did this through our exclusive members club themed stand with its lively bar and jazz DJ; through the vibrant branding of Hall 11 and Whitesales lanyards; through our inclusion in the installer hub where

we demo-ed our new skyvu lantern and popular em.glaze flat glass rooflight; and our hugely popular jazz-themed party on late night Wednesday.

“We ran our ‘We Go Above’ marketing campaign which communicated our products and service offering, and helped us drive visitors to FIT. Through social, PR, direct mail, and advertising, we were able to create a buzz before and during the show that ultimately helped put the brand firmly on the map. Having great synergy with the fantastic FIT Show team right from the first discussions about stand space options was the thread that pulled all our efforts together and I believe is what makes FIT Show so much more of a family dynamic than other industry trade shows.”

Morley Glass, who drew and converted the highest number of visitors to FIT Show, was recognised as the overall winner in the ‘best use of social media’ category. The campaign was prevalent across all channels, with a strong emphasis on Instagram, which has grown in popularity exponentially across the industry over the last 12 months. Marketing assistant, Charlotte Gilbert said: “We’re buzzing to have bagged the award for ‘best use of social media’, which completes a running streak for us at FIT Show 2023, having won the prize for driving and converting the most visitors in our category. We pushed our

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campaign far and wide using social media, with Instagram proving to be a strong channel for us this year. We’re excited to start the ball rolling with our 2025 campaign!”

Quickslide, one of the industry’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of double glazing, windows, and doors, were highly commended in the ‘best use of social media category’. Marketing manager, Sandra Berg said: “FIT Show is all about developing relationships, and our use of social media is no different. We used (and still use) our social media channels to humanise the Quickslide brand and to connect with people before, during, and after the show, and I’m pleased that our efforts have been recognised.”

Speaking about the awards, FIT Show event director, Nickie West said: “Congratulations to all of our marketing award winners. The standard of entries was extremely high, with our exhibitors pulling out all of the stops to deliver first class campaigns for our tenth anniversary event. What better way to mark a decade of FIT Show?

“We take our exhibitors on the FIT Show journey with us, from the moment they sign up to exhibit right through to after the show. The brands that fully embrace this process get the best return on their investment from exhibiting.

“Thank you so much to each and every one of our exhibitors for setting the bar so high, this is one of the key success factors for FIT Show, and why it continues to be the UK’s number one event for the fenestration industry.”

FIT Show is the UK’s leading trade show for the window, doors, glass, hardware, components and roofing industry. FIT Show will return to the NEC, Birmingham from 29 April – 1 May, 2025.

Reynaers Sponsors

Façade Design And Engineering Awards

Reynaers Aluminium UK, specialist in aluminium windows, doors and facades, is headline sponsor for the Façade Design and Engineering Awards for the second year in a row.

The awards are organised by the Society of Façade Engineering (SFE) and the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineering (CIBSE), recognise excellence in façade engineering and will take place on 8th November 2023 at the London Hilton on Park Lane.

John McComb, technical director at Reynaers Aluminium UK, said: “The façade industry has delivered some of the world’s most striking buildings. As a company that strives to support architects and construction professionals in achieving the most innovative and sustainable façades possible, we are delighted to take on the role as headline sponsor for such an important awards initiative in the sector.

“We’re committed to championing and supporting such a specialist discipline and being involved in the awards gives us the opportunity to do just that.

“This year’s awards will prioritise sustainability in façade, design and engineering, which Reynaers continues to work hard to support. The sector must place sustainability at the heart of its approach and reward the innovations that are promoting and enabling sustainable building design moving forwards.

“Through our sustainability strategy, Reynaers Act, we lay out our commitment to a more sustainable way of working. At the awards, we will be particularly interested to see the projects that combine sustainable credentials with excellence in aesthetics and performance.”

Rimmy Vij, chair of The Society of Façade Engineering, said: “Reynaers has been a longtime supporter of the awards since 2015, and this year have further committed support for the awards by becoming the headline sponsor again for 2023. SFE are grateful and proud to have a long-standing relationship with one of the UK’s leading suppliers of innovative and sustainable architectural aluminium systems.”

Reynaers technical director John McComb presented the Façade 2022 Design and Engineering award for UK Project of the year – sustainability to Arup for The Burrell Collection.

University Business Awards

Comp Door Shortlisted for Growth Award in Staffordshire

Staffordshire-based manufacturer Comp Door has been announced as a finalist in the Staffordshire University Business Awards in the Growth Award category. This recognition comes off the back of the company’s impressive achievements, increased recruitment and dedication to ensuring sustainable success.

The Growth Award category is highly competitive, designed to bring recognition to businesses that have not only achieved remarkable success, but have also improved in all facets of the organisation without compromising on quality or longevity.

The range of businesses shortlisted for the awards is diverse, highlighting the vast spectrum of innovation and excellence across the region. The Growth Award specifically

recognises businesses of all sizes that have achieved exceptional growth in terms of recruitment, financial development, innovation, and the ability to maintain longterm success.

Comp Door’s nomination for this award is a result of the company’s dedication to development and reinvestment. In a significant milestone reached by the company in June 2023, Comp Door’s staff has expanded to 50, a considerable increase of 100% from 12 months earlier. Strategic investments in cuttingedge technology and machinery have significantly increased the company’s production capabilities. Currently, Comp Door manufactures over 50 doors a day, with the aim of eventually doubling this rate in the next few months.

At the forefront of Comp Door’s growth is its determination to

innovate and adapt to evolving market demands. The company has responded to changing market trends by developing new product ranges that cater to contemporary requirements.

Comp Door’s use of the Touch Portal has given autonomy to its customers, enabling them to design and order their own bespoke doors from anywhere, at any time. Comp Doors says the tool not only streamlines the ordering process, it also elevates customer care standards and improves the manufacturing and processing efficiency of the company.

Comp Door’s technical director, Pierre Mifsud says of the achievement, “Comp Door’s recognition as a finalist in the Growth category underscores its pivotal role in reshaping the composite door landscape. The company’s dedication to development, expansion, innovation and sustainability has established us as a trailblazer within the industry and among our competitors, setting new standards and inspiring others to improve their own product offerings.”

www.compdoor.co.uk

Call For Entries

As British Woodworking Federation (BWF) Celebrates 15th Annual Awards

BWF Awards continue to celebrate outstanding talent and skill in the woodworking sector

Entries have now opened for the British Woodworking Federation’s (BWF) Awards which celebrate the outstanding skills and talent in the woodworking and joinery sector, and the milestone achievements of the past year.

This is the 15th year that the prestigious annual awards have taken place, with seven categories designed to showcase the sector’s best projects, products, processes and people.

Helen Hewitt, chief executive of the BWF, said: “Our industry has changed so much in 15 years, and what continues to amaze me is the way that we keep finding ways to do things even better, even more innovatively. That is what our awards are all about – unearthing and celebrating the best our industry has to offer.

“As entries open for another year, we can’t wait to hear about the individuals and companies that are taking woodworking and joinery to the next level.”

Entries for this year’s BWF Awards

close at 17:00 on Friday 1st September 2023. Those shortlisted will be invited to attend the prestigious BWF Awards Dinner on 24th November, at The Langham, London. Finalists will be notified a month ahead of the ceremony.

Businesses can nominate themselves or be nominated by a client or supplier. The categories for this year’s awards, which are free to enter, are as follows:

Woodworking

Project

of the

Year Award – Sponsored by Impra Wood Protection Limited

This award recognises innovation and the very best in design, application and ability in joinery manufacture. Judges are looking for a joinery project that demonstrates excellence in woodworking and joinery.

Innovation Award – Sponsored by Anker Stuy

Recognises excellence in technical innovation, product development, design, manufacturing or application. The judges are looking for a product or process development that helps to showcase or extend the opportunity and application of timber joinery.

BWF Health and Safety Award

Acknowledges an individual or collective effort, or initiative, which has made a notable difference to the health and safety practices and culture within a business. The judges are looking for an initiative or action that has improved safety in your business.

The 2023 Award is dedicated to the memory of Jon Gibson, who had a huge passion for training, and health and safety in the joinery sector. He was a long-time supporter of the BWF and its members through his

work at DIDAC, the HSE Wood Safety Group, and as a valued independent judge for previous BWF Awards.

BWF Rising Star Award –Sponsored by ASSA ABLOY Group

Recognises an individual whose dedication and hard work has made a real difference either to the organisation in which they work, or to the wider woodworking and joinery community. The judges are looking for an individual who goes the ‘extra mile’ to ensure that customers receive the best possible experience. For example, they may have implemented a new customer journey process or a new ordering system that has a positive outcome on both the customer and the business.

BWF Heritage Project of the Year Award – Sponsored by Remmers

Now in its second year, this award recognises excellence in a conservation, restoration or renovation application. The judges are looking for a heritage joinery project that demonstrates excellence in woodworking/joinery.

BWF Process & Resource Efficiency Award

Recognises exceptional projects or initiatives that demonstrate the most efficient use of business resources or materials. The judges are looking for a solution to a clearly defined and well understood problem.

BWF Apprentice of the Year Award – Sponsored by CITB

Celebrates the achievements of all apprentices within the woodworking businesses. The judges are looking for quality of work to agreed quality targets and standards.

Further information about the BWF Awards, www.bwf.org.uk/awards-2022/

DGCOS Investment In People Is Rewarded With ISO 9001

The Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS) has been awarded ISO 9001, an internationally recognised standard for quality management, focussing on principles, including leadership, engagement, continual improvement and evidence-based decision making.

Faisal Hussain, DGCOS chief executive, comments on the achievement: “To be awarded ISO 9001 – with no non-conformities, I’d like to add – gives members and homeowners confidence that, when they contact DGCOS for any reason, they can be sure that they will receive the best level of service. Having ISO 9001 confirms that the foundations we have put in place in recent years have given us a solid basis for growth.

“As an organisation, our ethos is to protect consumers and raise standards within the fenestration industry, with support for both members and consumers being at our heart. Quality is a word we use a lot internally, whether it’s the quality of the team, our processes, our communication, or our service. It’s the starting point for all we do, and we are continuously looking for ways to improve on it. www.dgcos.org.uk

Faisal Hussain

DoorCo Partners With The Rees-Ilience Project

DoorCo has announced its partnership with high-performance sports coach, Mark Rees of the Rees-ilience Project, to support the work of Grassroots football coaches in their local community.

DoorCo’s marketing manager, Ellie Pool shares more about the collaboration: “After our recent sponsorship of Macclesfield FC, we’ve found a real passion for football throughout the entire business. The teamwork and morale demonstrated in the sport aligns directly with our values at DoorCo, so we’ve naturally found ourselves gravitating towards it as an out-of-hours activity for staff but also as a way to give back to our local community.

“We’re really proud to be the official kit sponsors for our local youth team, Tytherington Junior Under 12’s and in an effort to enhance the training they’re receiving from their brilliant coaches, we partnered with Mark Rees to deliver a brand-new ‘Coach the Coaches’ session.

“Mark is a well-known and incredibly popular high-

performance sports coach who has worked with a plethora of successful British football stars including Ella Toone, Jill Scott, Phil Foden and more. However, his passion for coaching spans all levels of the sport, starting from the youngest of players.

“On Sunday 20th August, 18 of the Tytherington Junior coaches joined us at a local pitch to enjoy a 2-hour session from Mark which included practical sessions and a printed coaching plan to take away and implement. The atmosphere was fantastic and the response from the coaches was brilliant.”

The feedback on social media from the club was extremely

positive. They commented: “What an unbelievable afternoon for our volunteer grassroot coaches… we are still pinching ourselves at the incredible opportunity that DoorCo facilitated. Having someone of Mark Rees’ calibre come and support our volunteers was amazing. Not only did they get some superb tips for coaching, but the session also firmed up what a positive impact Grassroots football can have on a child and their own personal/lifelong development.”

Ellie continues: “After the fantastic response to our first sponsored coaching session with Mark, it is absolutely on our agenda to run more. We’re also looking forward to DoorCo FC’s return to the Macclesfield FC pitch in October for a match against a team of local players and business people, formed by Mark Rees. The team have been training together weekly since our sponsors match back in June and it continues to be a brilliant team building activity for them all to take part in.

“Football and all of its values really does sit so perfectly in line with everything we do here at DoorCo. We’re thoroughly enjoying our partnership with Mark, supporting his work and new podcast with the Rees-ilience Project and above all, giving back to our local community.”

The revolution is here launch

SILKAselect connects the revolutionary SILKA super-insulated aluminium window & door range with a limited number of selected trade partners.

The installer support you deserve

Truly exclusive showroom area SILKAselect unique products Free qualified sales leads Standout marketing support

If you install high quality aluminium glazing, have a showroom and want to futureproof your business growth

SILVERSTONE

The Silverstone Wing 14 September 2023

Book your place now

(limited numbers)

Scan the QR code or email us on events@silkawindows.com

CONCORDE

Concorde Conference Centre 21 September 2023

The home of British motor racing shares SILKA’s passion for innovation, engineering and teamwork

Walk across the iconic glass bridge

Take a selfie with our SILKA branded McLaren

The visionary engineering that defined the golden age of aviation is the perfect launch for SILKAselect Get the chance for a private tour of Concorde Have your photo taken in the cockpit

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