Window News September 2018 by Window News

Titon Teams Up With Kenrick 7

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CONTENTS WINDOW NEWS

W INDOWNEWS THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS

TRADE NEWS 4 DEAR GERALD 24

NEWS W INDOW INDUSTRY DIRECTORY

PEOPLE 28

ALUMINIUM 36

WINDOW

GLASS & GLAZING

HARDWARE & SECURITY

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PRODUCT NEWS 50 THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS

MACHINERY 60 ON-SITE 62

W INDOWNEWS THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS

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THE LATEST INDUSTRY N

MARKETING 67 EVENTS 72

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CHARITY 74 Click to go back to

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TRADE NEWS

Yale Strengthens

Hardware Offering With Trojan Integration Conservatory

Outlet Ltd Launches

Extreme Collection

UK Fabricator, Conservatory Outlet Ltd has launched its newest range of products to its exclusive network of retail partners, under the label of the ‘Extreme Collection’. The Extreme Collection encompasses the Extreme Window, Extreme Feature Door an Extreme Patio Door, each engineered to the highest specification to provide maximum performance and top end market penetration. The new copyrighted Conservatory Outlet Extreme brand showcases five unique selling points consistent to each of the products – Extreme Security, Extreme Comfort, Extreme Style, Extreme Peace of Mind and Extreme Warranty. Under this, each product has its own set of exclusive specifications and benefits, but all include exclusivity to each of the Conservatory Outlet retail partners, and are backed by an exceptional 20 Year Guarantee, that includes genuine cover over all moving parts, as well as frames. 4 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018

Yale Door and Window Solutions has fully integrated the Trojan business and its products into its organisation, reinforcing its strategic residential offering in the UK market. Paul Atkinson, Sales and Commercial Director for Yale Door and Window Solutions, commented “Following acquisition by ASSA ABLOY in 2016, I’m delighted that Trojan Hardware is now fully amalgamated into the Yale business. The combined organisation will allow us to fully realise the strong commercial synergies between the Trojan and Yale business units for the benefit of our customers. “As a result of the integration, the product offering we can provide is second-to-none. The commercial team now has 285 combined years of industry experience and knowledge, offering unrivalled advice and support to customers along with an experienced Customer Services team, Marketing and Technical support.” The combined Sales team now includes ten Area Sales Managers covering the whole of the UK, with two dedicated Key Account

Managers. The restructure has also increased customer services capabilities. The Trojan acquisition follows a number of successful integrations including Paddock in 2010 and Securistyle 2012. The new unified business will offer fabricators and installers a comprehensive choice of fenestration hardware at various levels of specification to suit all applications, all backed by technical excellence and Yale Guarantees. To further strengthen the unified approach, the dedicated marketing team is expanding to boost the Yale brand and provide customers with support and a suite of marketing content to relate to the trade and consumer. Paul adds: “The industry emphasis on increased specification, quality, standards and aesthetics, is driving innovation, both businesses have a strong track record of innovative product development which will only help to further boost and enhance the Yale offering.” For further information, visit www.yaledws.co.uk or follow @ YaleDWS on Twitter.

TRADE NEWS chore of self-certifying jobs. After a hard day’s fitting on site, sometimes the last thing installers want to do is get stuck into reams of paperwork. That’s why, unlike some schemes, we offer a one stage, single entry process whereby installer members of DGCOS can register their jobs through the DGCOS portal. These then get sent directly to Assure for certification, and we aim to issue the Homeowner Building Regulation Certificate to customers within 24 hours. This fast turn-around time also means installers can get on with the next project without worrying if their customers have received the relevant paperwork.

L-R: Richard Christie (DGCOS), Tony Pickup (DGCOS), Austin Greene (Assure)

Milestone Reached: 50,000 Homeowner Certificates Delivered Through DGCOS And Assure Partnership,

All Within 24 Hours Of Completion Consumer protection organisation DGCOS is celebrating two years of partnership with one of the UK’s fastest growing, independent Competent Person Schemes, ASSURE Certification Ltd. The partnership recently hit the milestone of issuing 50,000 certificates to homeowners, all sent out within 24 hours. Tony Pickup, founder of DGCOS, comments: “Good business practice often involves partnering with like-minded organisations to offer installers a synergy where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. This is exactly what members tell us we’ve achieved through our partnership with Assure. The arrangement is all about offering mutual benefits while never taking our eye of

DGCOS’ ultimate goal – to lead the field on consumer advice and protection. The dovetailing of both our businesses’ objectives works perfectly.” Austin Greene, Assure’s Managing Director, explains more: “As with all Competent Person Schemes, Assure-certified installers can self-register window and door jobs without having to get them checked by local council building control. But we go one step further when it comes to service and we’re delighted that this approach, shared by our partners DGCOS, has helped us achieve the 50,000-certificate milestone. “Assure-certified installers tell us that we take the pain out of what can be the necessary

“With 35 years’ industry experience, we understand that homeowners want transparency and peace of mind that they can trust the companies who are working in their homes. That’s why Assure-certified installers have access to a 24-hour helpline, are provided with branded ID cards, window industry trained inspectors and know that our flexible team is always there for them, no matter how small their organisation. Interestingly, we’re attributing a lot of our growth to installers moving away from the larger schemes who are often only interested in volumes. We’re happy to look after the smaller installers who often are more appreciative of the fact they get so much more than just a ‘badge’ when they sign up to the DGCOS Assure approach. Both organisations are passionate about putting customer service top of our agendas, whether its championing consumer protection as in the case of DGCOS or making life easier for installers’ businesses as in Assure – it’s the best of both worlds.” For more information on either organisation, please visit www.assurecertification.com www.dgcos.org.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 5

TRADE NEWS Buildings) to be subject to independent third party certification. This will ensure the products installed meet the performance requirements set out in the initial specification. Yale fully supports this and believes it is fundamental to improving the safety of buildings, though there is a need for more detail around them and a clear plan on how any changes to existing regulations will be enforced. Testing and certification of all products that can impact on fire safety should be mandatory and through independent, third party testing, this process can be audited and maintained to the highest standards. We also support the DHF trade body in its recent call for mandatory third-party certification of companies manufacturing, installing or repairing fire resisting doorsets.

Yale Responds To Independent Review Of Building

Regulations And Fire Safety Yale Door and Window Solutions has responded to Dame Judith Hackitt’s Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, which highlights a need for not only practical changes, emphasising the importance of certified products, installation and inspection, but also a change in attitude toward fire safety. Speaking of the report, Paul Atkinson Sales and Commercial Director for Yale Door and Window Solutions comments: “Yale recognises that many of the recommendations made within the review, advocated by Dame Judith Hackitt, are necessary for improving building safety and addressing the lack of testing, standards and product perfor6 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018

mance. We believe this is a step in the right direction and support the underlying principles of the report. “In the future, we would like to see the scope of these recommendations extended. Fire safety should be regarded with critical importance across all building types. The review mentions the possibility of widening the scope of the framework “in due course” to encompass a wider set of residential buildings. This is where it feels proportionate to do so and the recommendation will clearly benefit building standards more broadly. “The review calls for products, which are critical to building safety (of High Risk Residential

“Beyond this, one of the clearest ways to ensure that specifications are followed is through the sharing of information. We believe that data sharing through digital test records for fire doors, as well as the widespread adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM), will form an important part of this improved communication. “It is also vital that building regulations reflect the latest standards, as currently they are only reviewed every five years and may not reflect advances in technology and best practice. Product standards should be made more flexible and be updated regularly, in line with the outcomes-based model, which is a less prescriptive approach but one that still requires ownership of solutions. We believe that a move towards whole-life costing during the procurement process will make it harder for builders and engineers to substitute in substandard products, as it will include the expense of the higher-quality, certified fittings and equipment.

TRADE NEWS Continued from page 6

“Finally, we believe that certified doorsets should be sold as complete systems or that where the door and door components are from separate suppliers then there should be an audit trail to prove compliance and performance at every stage. This will both reduce the complexity of regulations and make its intended use much clearer to installers.”

Titon Teams Up

With Kenrick To Form New Distribution Partnership

Paul adds: “All housing providers, specifiers, consultants and surveyors have a role to play and a duty to ensure that specifications will meet, or exceed, the Building Regulations and British Standards, along with the third-party certification of products. They must also ensure that they do not allow their specifications to be altered if the change will result in products failing to meet these necessary requirements. “Although it’s pleasing to see the review’s underlying principles and intentions, Yale feels more detail is needed around the suggestions Titon’s Sales and Marketing Director, Tyson Anderson before their effectiveness can be assessed. Across the industry and throughout the review, there Titon has joined forces with West is a recognition that no one single Bromwich-based window hardchange will improve building ware and accessories manufacturand fire safety but that a holiser Kenrick, to become a distributor tic approach, which engages all for the company’s window and parties, needs to be adopted and door multi-point locking range. enforced.” The addition of the Kenrick products complements Titon’s existYale Door and Window Soluing window and door hardware tions work in partnership to help offering, and creates a broad and registered social landlords and comprehensive selection for Tidesigners during the initial deton’s customers in the UK fabricasign concept from specification tor market. through to manufacture, installation and completion, to ensure The Kenrick multi-point lock portthere is no compromise on safefolio includes standard espagnoty. Regulations and standards lettes, security espagnolettes, surrounding window and door shootbolts and door locks, with all ironmongery are ever changing products available in a number of and to ensure compliance to the variants, including easy-fit options, very latest requirements Yale’s according to customer requireSpecification team are on hand ments. They are suitable for use on to help. To find out more call aluminium, timber or PVCu, and an 07793256734 or visit extensive range of profile-specific www.yaledws.co.uk keeps are available, while new

keeps can also be designed to suit new profiles. The new distribution partnership follows a successful trial period in which Essex-based Titon sold a limited range of Kenrick items to a small number of its existing customers who specified the use of the products. Kenrick was founded by Archibald Kenrick as an iron foundry in 1791, and the company still manufactures from the same West Bromwich premises today. With the exception of standard espagnolettes, its entire range is SBD (Secured by Design) accredited, so has passed the PAS24 security testing, allowing it to work effectively in tandem with Titon’s own SBD-approved products, such as the Asterion Three Star door cylinder, friction hinges and handles. “Kenrick has been successfully producing multi-point door locks and window hardware for many years to build up a sizeable customer base,” said Titon Sales and Marketing Director, Tyson Anderson. “As an established brand ourselves, we are delighted to have gone into partnership with such a well-respected business boasting a long heritage.” He added: “We are confident that Titon’s considerable expertise in this field, combined with our constantly expanding sales network, will assist in growing Kenrick’s customer base even further.” For more information about Titon and its range of window and door hardware, please visit: www.titon.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 7

TRADE NEWS

Certass Goes Digital with Building Certificates

Glazing

DOORCO’s new specialist added-value Glazing Service, which offers to take the pain out of glazing doors, particularly for the growing contemporary market, hit 100 orders in just a matter of weeks and some major contacts in the pipeline for the last quarter of the year. “As the popularity of modern door designs soars, so does the complexity of the components and skill-sets required to create the ultimate contemporary door,” says Dan Sullivan, DOORCO’s MD. “While many of our customers have the desire to introduce the flush finish of the Inox or Urban cassettes, the installation can often be complicated and time consuming and doesn’t always justify the additional resource required in their fast-paced manufacturing processes. This is why DOORCO chose to invest in our own glazing service which has specialist equipment run by a dedicated glazing team. We are delighted that it seems to fit the bill for many of our customers, both large and small” door-co.com/doorco/designer. 8 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018

Certass has introduced digital downloads for building certificates, to make getting certificates quicker, easier and more convenient for Certass members and homeowners. Jason Clemmit, Managing Director at Certass says: “As consumer trends have changed, lots of homeowners have come to expect electronic documents, rather than having hard copies come through the post.

tails on how to download building certificates from the Certass digital download portal. This can be done by the installer or the homeowner. “We’ve put a safety net in place too, in case an email address is missed, or mistyped. If emails bounce or the certificate is not downloaded within 30 days, a hard copy will still be sent to the homeowner’s preferred address.

“Whether it’s bank statements, utility bills or even receipts from highstreet shops, almost everything is done via email now, so that’s what consumers have come to expect from their home improvement installers too.

“There’s also a 24-hour window after registration to correct any errors. After this, passed certificates are locked and emailed to consumers within 48 hours of member’s sign-off. Certificates will be in PDF format, so they can be stored digitally or printed by installers as part of their handover information.”

“That’s why we’ve made our certificates available electronically. It’s doesn’t only help homeowners, it makes life easier for members too. When a Certass installer registers an installation with an email address, an email is sent with full de-

Certass specialises in installer and product certification for a wide range of home improvements, ranging from glazing and solid conservatory roofs to roofline and extensions. www.certass.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

8 In 10 Small Firms

Shun Zero-Hours

Contracts While Employment Costs Surge The overwhelming majority of UK small businesses are not using zero-hours contracts, and more than half were paying all staff the new NLW before it was introduced in April, according to the latest findings from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). The vast majority (84%) of small firms do not hire workers on non-guaranteed hours contracts. Six in ten (60%) were paying every employee at least £7.83 an hour before this became the NLW rate for over 25s in April 2018. FSB National Chairman Mike Cherry said: “Very few of our members use zero-hours contracts. Where they do, they’re creating arrangements that work for both employer and employee

alike. “Small firms often play host to the kinds of supportive, flexible and family-centred working environments than can be found lacking in big corporates. What today’s findings show, once again, is that they also reward staff fairly.” Amid a plunge in the number of apprenticeship starts across the UK, FSB is calling on the Government to raise the Apprenticeship Minimum Wage (AMW) rate. Apprentices under the age of 19 are currently paid £3.70 an hour. With 70 per cent of small firms saying school leavers are ill-prepared for the workplace, FSB is also urging policymakers to bring back compulsory work experi-

10 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018

ence for students under the age of 16. Mike Cherry continued: “Young people taking on apprenticeships should not be paid so little. If we really want to create parity of esteem between academic and vocational routes into work, then paying apprentices £25 a day is not helpful. Equally, any Government which prides itself on backing free enterprise should look at bringing work experience back into every school. “The Apprenticeship Levy is not working as intended. More should be done to ensure levy funding can be shared across supply chains. That means increasing the current 10% cap on transfers. We also need to see the exemption for training and assessment costs – which currently only applies to those with under 50 employees – extended to all small firms.”

TRADE NEWS

Among small businesses that have seen wage bills rise as the result of April’s NLW increase, seven in ten (70%) are reducing profitability or absorbing costs. Four in ten (41%) are increasing prices and one in three (30%) are curtailing investment plans.

Window And Door Manufacturer

Opens Training Facility

For Young Adults

The impact of a higher NLW is felt particularly acutely in certain sectors. A significant majority of both small retailers (60%) and accommodation & food services firms (71%) report that the new rate is putting upward pressure on wages. The rise in the NLW this year coincided with a hike in employer auto-enrolment contributions, increases in business rates and a cut to the Dividend Allowance. Mike Cherry added: “The vast majority of small business owners absorb rising wage bills by taking less for themselves. Ultimately though, high employment costs dent the ability to invest in productivity-enhancing tech, innovation and training. “Small firms operating in labour-intensive industries, especially retailers and childcare providers, are hit particularly hard by rising wages. Maintaining the Employment Allowance and delivering on the promise of National Insurance holidays for small firms that employ those furthest from work need to be priorities for the Chancellor at the Autumn Budget. “Our high streets are up against a perfect storm of surging business rates, high inflation and rising employment costs. Childcare providers are also struggling to keep their heads above water. The least the Government can do is follow Scotland’s lead by making childcare providers in England exempt from the regressive business rates tax.” www.fsb.org.uk

Terry Richardson – TWR Group Managing Director

Shelforce, a leading manufacturer and installer of PVC-u windows and doors that employs people with a range of disabilities, is set to open a dedicated training facility to provide regular work experience placements and invest in the future. Once the facility is complete, the firm will welcome students from nearby schools, including special needs schools, to its Erdington factory for a valuable introduction to the world of work, and an insight into life at a proudly inclusive local employer. The training facility will be refurbished by Keepmoat, one of Shelforce’s construction partners. The Birmingham-based Shelforce provide high-quality products to local authority building projects around the country, including for Birmingham City Council, and Howard Trotter, Shelforce Business Manager, commented: “By offering regular work experience placements, we want to help young adults of all abilities take their first steps into the workplace – and continue a proud legacy of

supporting Birmingham’s population that stems back to 1839. “Having an integrated approach to employment requires an unconventional recruitment process, and a hands-on, practical approach to training that replicates the factory floor operations – but if you’re willing to make that initial investment, you’re rewarded with the most passionate and dedicated workers you could ask for. “Everyone here is hugely excited to welcome the young adults to the factory to show them the fantastic quality work we do here.” One of Shelforce’s longest-serving staff members, Trevor Pettifer, has gone back to college at the age of 64 to complete a training certificate so the company can offer students the best possible experience. Founded in Harborne in 1839 as part of the Royal School for the Blind, Shelforce is a Eurocell supply partner that provides high-quality products to local authority building projects around the country. www.shelforce.com WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 11

TRADE NEWS

Blueprint

For Growth D Glass Signs To aluplast components and A++ with specific profiles and IGUs. It’s part of a comprehensive offering, which also includes its new Ideal 4000, contemporary SquareLine system and its new Lift-and-Slide door majors on a Passive Haus equivalent standard thermal efficiency, both of which are also available in aluplast’s aluskin external aluminium fascia system. Ian Cocken, Director of Sales and Marketing UK & Ireland, aluplast, said: “Our agreement with D Glass builds on aluplast’s growing reach in specification and new build sectors. aluplast has continued its rapid growth in the UK, agreeing a new supply deal with new build and architectural specification specialist D Glass. With extensive experience in the construction sector, D Glass supplies the trade and developers across Southern England. As part of its agreement with aluplast, it will supply Ideal 70, aluplast’s slimline and highly popular system as part of its core PVC-U offer. James Clayson, General Manager D Glass, said: “The quality in the aluplast product shows through in the finish, in the construction of its thermally efficient chambers and the options that it gives you. It’s a also a highly accredited product, which means that we know it will do what we need it to do. “It’s what you would expect from a German-engineered system and as a German-engineered system, it also appeals to developers and architects.” aluplast’s slimline and Ideal 70 system, is available in an extensive choice of finishes including dual colour options. With a choice of 24mm to optimum 40mm triple glazed options, it also easily achieves a WER A+ rating with standard 12 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018

“While our product portfolio delivers a high degree of flexibility across markets, the Ideal 70 and Ideal 4000, offer significant opportunities to architects, house builders and specifiers including a choice of highly flexible finish options and ecotech our green option.” ecotech uses a pioneering production process to return pre and post extrusion product and post fabrication waste plus known source post installation pelletized, PVC-U into the extrusion process. This uses two compound screw feeds to push recycled and virgin material simultaneously through the profile dye to create the profile, while maintaining a distinct separation between the two. This separates and at the same time isolates recycled material away from any external face or area which performs a structural role, which means that aluplast can guarantee surface and finish quality. “ecotech is just one example of how aluplast’s investment in product innovation is delivering significant advantages to its customers in new build and specification, in addition to the through-life benefits our products offer the end-user”, concluded Cocken. For more information visit www.aluplast.co.uk.

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TRADE NEWS

Plastic Building Reliable Passive Fire Protection Can Make Every Week A ‘Fire

Supplies Celebrates 30 Years Door Safety Week’ In Business With A Year To Remember Plastic Building Supplies Ltd will be celebrating 30 years in business in 2018, with a year of promotions and giveaways to share the spotlight with its trade customers. Established in 1988, Plastic Building Supplies (PBS) is a specialist PVC-U supplier with branches across East Anglia and a nationwide customer base. Part of the PBS Group is Ledan Windows, which makes the company’s PVC-U window and door products. Ledan Windows is a REHAU authorised partner, specialising in the fabrication of windows for trade and retail customers. To celebrate PBS’s 30th year in business, the company has organised 30 promotions with its suppliers, including REHAU, which has donated £500 as a discount for one lucky customer. REHAU has also donated £100 to PBS’s chosen charity EACH (East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices). As well as the 30 customer promotions running throughout 2018, PBS will also be holding special open days on 13 and 14 September at each of its four branches – in Norwich, Kings’ Lynn, Gorleston and Thetford – offering incredible one-off deals and discounts along with free refreshments and the chance to do some networking with suppliers and other local trades. Glyn Rogers and Sam Tynan from REHAU will be attending the events in the Norwich branch. pbs-limited.co.uk or rehau.uk

Fire, thermal and acoustic insulation manufacturer Promat UK is urging fire door producers and specifiers to use the focal point of the 2018 Fire Door Safety Week to take a fresh look at the design of their doors, and scrutinise every detail to eliminate risk in these life-saving products. Promat UK, which is a long established manufacturer of passive fire protection products, including fire resistant glass, intumescent seals and door slab core materials, welcomes the annual spotlight that Fire Door Safety Week puts on the importance of fire doors, but believes much more needs to be done to design-out risk. The company is working alongside other leading manufacturers in the door and window sector to drive up standards, including as an active member of the Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF) Fire Resistant Glazing Group, to educate designers, manufacturers, specifiers and installers of fire rated doorsets to help avoid the mistakes of the past. Cath McLean, Promat UK Segment Manager – Glass, says: “Fire Door Safety Week is an excellent initiative, which has a tremendously positive impact, particularly in respect of reminding building owners, managers and users why fire doors are so important and reducing the dangers caused by complacency. However, as an industry we can do so much more to design-out risks in the performance of the doorsets, and that requires an all year round focus on the components and products that deliver passive fire protection. It

14 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018

is incumbent on us all to make every week a Fire Door Safety Week. “Our current marketing campaign centres around the ‘Specified for a Reason®’ message, and we are working hard to educate and support everyone in the fire door supply chain to ensure that critical products are not incorrectly specified or poorly applied. Unfortunately, we still see too many examples of corners being cut to save a few pounds on a doorset that is designed to protect lives and valuable assets, and that is something that the industry needs to rid itself of quickly if we are to avoid future tragedies.” With a heritage in manufacturing fire, thermal and acoustic insulation that goes back more than 50 years, Promat UK provides a complete design, manufacture and processing service for fire resistant products used to create fire rated doorsets. By carefully controlling all these stages in the supply chain for critical products, the ISO 9001: 2015 and ISO 14001: 2015 registered company helps to eliminate the risk of product substitution or sub-standard processing which could compromise the doorset’s real-life performance and endanger lives. Find out more about at www.promat-industry.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

Zero Landfill Target Hit By

CMS Window Systems Waste recycling and re-use levels at CMS Window Systems reached 100% for the financial year 20172018 to hit its ambitious target to completely eliminate waste being sent to landfill. Recognised for its environmental excellence last year by winning a prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise, CMS Window Systems has redefined the way replacement window and door contracts are delivered through its ‘closed-loop’ approach, which is facilitated by its comprehensive in-house waste separation and recycling processes. The company’s dedication to minimising landfill waste from day one has now enabled it to reach the long term 100% goal, which it has hit during a record trading period with production output at times up to 2000 frames per week. CMS Window Systems has been able to divert all waste away from landfill thanks to a continuous review and improvement of its waste collection, separation and management processes. These also ensure that all post-use windows and doors can be brought from site to be broken down and separated into seven different waste streams, including plastic, mixed metals, timber and glass before being sent away for re-processing.

David Ritchie, Chief Executive Officer at CMS Window Systems says, “Hitting our zero landfill target is a tremendous achievement which reflects the focus and effort of everyone in the CMS team to re-use and recycle. It’s a vitally important milestone in being one of the most sustainable fenestration partners in the UK market and is coupled with our strategy to minimise resource use by designing out waste at project inception. Waste is also minimised during manufacture and installation and our range of windows and doors are designed to help our end-customers cut their own energy consumption.” Operating from its 15-acre main manufacturing and recycling facility and HQ at Castlecary near Cumbernauld, together with its new door manufacturing and recycling plant in Kirkcaldy, Fife, CMS Window Systems continues to be one of Scotland’s fastest growing manufacturing businesses. The company has been backed by mid-market private equity investor LDC since May 2016, when it secured a significant minority investment to further support the business’ expansion across Scotland and England. Find out more about CMS Window Systems at www.cmswindows.com WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 15

TRADE NEWS

Scorching July Means Sales Record For Teal

Teal Products is celebrating after posting record sales figures for a single month thanks to a blistering July.

the team due to the increased demand for our products and we would like to thank all of our customers for their support. We have some exciting plans in the pipeline and are looking forward to a fantastic future.”

The Gloucestershire-based firm is one of the UK’s foremost suppliers of window controls, openers and actuators, and its months like July which are driving the company even further forward. And in a twist of fate, the record-breaking trade figure topped the previous record – July 2017. Sam Yiend, Director of Teal Products, commented: “July was a huge month for Teal and it is a

reflection on all the enormous hard work the team has put in.

Teal has an extensive product range of window controls, openers and actuators from leading brands including Windowmaster, Mingardi and Highline. And due to the large number of products they have in stock, the company says they can deliver rapid turnarounds including next day delivery on most orders.

“We have recently strengthened

www.tealproducts.com

Teal Products Directors Sam (left) and Ben Yiend (right)

October Home Security Initiative Will Sell More Doors And Windows, Says

Quickslide Sponsored by security brand Yale and supported by leading window and door fabricator Quickslide, National Home Security Month is returning this October in its fourth year, aimed at encouraging homeowners to reconsider every aspect of the security of their properties.

NHSM will cover a different security topic each week including home security measures – predominantly focusing on window and door locks as well as how to safeguard valuables inside a home. And Quickslide, as industry leaders in high-quality windows and doors fitted with pioneering security features, is encouraging its installer customers

Quickslide’s Sales & Marketing Director, Tom Swallow

to make the most of the heightened awareness that this event will generate, by emphasising to their customers the upgraded security features available as standard on its products. “Usually the first thing a buyer considers is aesthetics, closely followed

16 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018

by security, then price,” advised Quickslide’s Sales & Marketing Director Tom Swallow. “National Home Security Month will encourage homeowners to think even more about the security features on windows and doors they may be considering and retail installers should take the opportunity to place even more emphasis on the security features of our doors and windows during this time.” Various promotions, offers and giveaways will help to drive the campaign, and Quickslide recommends that installers draw attention to the campaign themselves by including a link on their websites and other material. Visit www.homesecuritymonth.com and www.quickslide.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

Incarnation Defies

Dekko Celebrates

Summer Lull With Soaring

Secondary Sales product only suited to a few very specific contexts. Most notably, it’s known for use on conservation properties – and there’s no question, secondary excels in that context.

Successful Belgium Business

“But now, there’s a growing appreciation that there’s a lot more to secondary than that. Secondary glazing is one of – if not the most – versatile fenestration types in existence.

Trip With 60 Customers Continuing their overriding commitment to going above and beyond for their customers, premium fabricator Dekko Window Systems recently took 60 of their installer customers on a trip to Belgium. The three-day trip took Dekko customers including Emerald Windows, Keswick Superglaze and McDermott Windows on a guided tour of the global headquarters of both Deceuninck and Reynaers. The group was able to go behind the scenes at both systems houses exploring the technology that helps shape both Dekko’s seamless Infinity uPVC collection and their luxury Räum aluminium range.

“Old or new, residential or commercial, cost-conscious or bigbudget, it can bring outstanding thermal and acoustic performance to virtually any project or property.” Incarnation Director, Paul Bygrave

Today, Incarnation offers two complete secondary glazing suites – the Classic Collection, and the Optimum Collection.

Defying typical trends in secondary glazing, up-and-coming manufacturer Incarnation is enjoying a surge in leads and sales.

The Classic Collection is aimed squarely at the domestic and heritage markets, featuring an extensive array of ultra-slim profiles to suit virtually any style.

“We wanted to take our customers to Belgium to not only reward their hard work and success but to give them the inside track directly from two of the industry’s leading designers and extruders,” comments Kurt Greatrex, Sales Director at Dekko. “We are really pleased with the trip’s success and the positive response we received from our customers and we thank both Deceuninck and Reynaers for their hospitality”

Traditionally, interest in secondary glazing is strong throughout the winter months, when improving thermal efficiency and cutting energy bills is very much on people’s minds, but then drops off during the summer.

All Classic units are available with three outer frame options, easily identified on Incarnation’s recently revamped order forms. They offer a glazing capacity of up to 6.4mm for acoustic projects and can be fitted with discrete locking hardware.

For more information visit www.dekkowindows.com

“Once, secondary glazing was often written off as a niche

This year, however, Incarnation is bucking that trend – something Director Paul Bygrave is attributing to increased awareness that secondary glazing is more than just a one-trick pony.

18 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018

Optimum, on the other hand, is specifically designed for largescale and commercial projects, and is increasingly in demand. Incarnation also offers a ‘best-inclass’ Deluxe option. www.incarnationwindows.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

Don’t Be Limited On Choice

When It Comes To Prepped Doors

Senior’s In-House Services

Deliver Speedy Results Trade contractors looking for quick deliveries, short-lead times and a reliable powder coating service are increasingly turning to Senior Architectural Systems, with the fenestration systems manufacturer reporting a significant rise in the number of trade customers asking for its recently launched Ali range of aluminium doors and windows. Following a number of new product developments, Senior has strengthened its domestic offering to include the Ali VU window and Ali FOLD door range and has gone on to secure both new trade accounts and new domestic contracts. With a strong heritage in the commercial construction sector, Senior’s commitment to delivering unrivalled customer service has seen the company make a number of key investments in its in-house facilities, ranging from upgrading its delivery fleet

to improving the efficiency of it state of the art powder-coating line. In response to demand, Senior has recently expanded its storage capacity for its Ali aluminium patio and bi-folding door profiles. The new 10,000 sq ft facility enables Senior to hold a greater amount of stock and offer some of the shortest lead times in the industry, with delivery of stocked single and dual colour profiles (anthracite grey and hipca white) available within just three days. Short lead times for non-standard colour powder coated profiles can also be guaranteed as rather than outsourcing, all powder-coating can be done at Senior’s in-house facility which is one of the most advanced in the UK. As well as Senior’s HQ in Denaby Main near Doncaster, the company also has distribution

centres in Wales and Scotland and the company’s own fleet of 17 five star eco delivery vehicles that make regular deliveries across the UK and Ireland. Commenting, Senior’s sales director James Keeling-Heane said: “We are always looking at ways to enhance and maintain our high levels of customer service and a key part of this is ensuring that we not only have the products that our customers need but that they are delivered when they need them. Investment in our in –house resources means that we can provide a reliable ‘one stop shop’ service and through the additional support that our nationwide team of technical sales managers offer, we are looking forward to continuing to build our network of trade customers working in the domestic glazing market.” www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 19

TRADE NEWS

Given the continuing rise of high-end glazing, fuelled by aspirational end-users looking for products that boast both stunning aesthetics and outstanding performance, West Port saw a huge opportunity to make headway in the trade sector, as Managing Director Sean Parnaby explains: “Consumer tastes have changed drastically over the last ten to fifteen years. Where once homeowners were happy with white uPVC, many are now interested in anything but.

Wood Experts West Port

“We’ve seen the rise of aluminium, then so-called ‘timber alternatives’, as end-users sought out timber aesthetics without the supposed drawbacks.

Gain Their 50th Trade

“But they’re now discovering that those ‘drawbacks’ no longer exist. Modern timber is the most stylish, sustainable and versatile material on the market.

Timber manufacturer West Port is celebrating signing up its 50th new trade customer in a year of incredible growth.

“And as homeowners have woken up to the many benefits of timber windows and doors, more and more installers are realising that selling them is a fantastic way to increase their margins and help their businesses grow.

Over twenty years, the Cumbria business has established itself at the forefront of Britain’s timber fenestration sector, providing some of the country’s finest wood windows and doors, and working with some of the biggest names in UK construction.

“That, combined with the world-class craftsmanship and exceptional service we offer here at West Port, account for the flood of new customers we’ve brought on board this year. We’ve had 50 since January, and expect many more before the year is over.

Until recently, however, the firm’s footprint in the trade sector has been relatively small. Classically, West Port has been a commercially-focused company – but last year, that all changed.

“If you’re interested in learning more about what West Port can do for your business, don’t hesitate to contact us today.” www.west-port.co.uk

Customer In 2018

CentralRPL Achieves ‘Secured By Design’ Status ast growing Midlands based Fabricator, CentralRPL Ltd announces their PVC-U windows and doors now offer enhanced security performance following ‘Secured By Design’ approval across their entire product range. Gary Morton, MD of CentralRPL explains: “Incorporating the most demanding of standards, ‘Secured By Design’ is the official UK Police flagship initiative combining the principles of ‘designing out crime’ with physical security. “Since the acquisition of CentralRPL by the Boing Boing Group in

ucts, resulting in ‘Secured By Design’ approval on our entire product range.

2015, we’ve been working hard to align our product and service portfolio, including a full system move and selection of the very best hardware and ancillary products on the market. With that process now complete, we commissioned some very rigorous independent testing of our PVC-U window and door prod-

20 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018

“In addition, we were also able to get SBD approval across the aluminium products we offer through our sister company, CentralASL, thanks to the PAS24 status of the Optimo range of windows and bi-fold, entrance and patio doors designed by AluK”. For more information about the products and services available from CentralRPL visit: www.centralrpl.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

Austin Barcley, managing director of Improveasy

Improveasy Launch

‘Buy Now Pay Later’ Finance Options For Installers Improveasy, the glazing industry’s finance specialists, have strengthened their range of accessible consumer finance solutions for installers with the launch of their new ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ finance option. Open to installers of all sizes, ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ enables installers and glazing companies to offer flexible finance directly to the customer at the point of sale. With optional consumer deposits and 12-month payment-free periods, ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ is designed to not only meet the changing buying habits of today’s consumers but to level the playing field between installers and their national competition. “For many years the ‘shop local’ revolution has lagged behind in the glazing industry simply because

installers couldn’t provide the flexible payment options that the big national brands can offer and that consumers ultimately desire,” comments Austin Barcley, Managing Director of Improveasy. “We are delighted to announce the launch of ‘Buy Now Pay Later’, which will undoubtedly help installers not only increase their orders but increase the value of their projects and deliver a more attractive proposition to their customers. “When you consider 45% of homeowners are more likely to purchase if they were able to buy now and pay later, it’s an incredibly valuable opportunity that installers cannot afford to miss. 83% of consumers say retailers offering flexible ways to pay influenced their decision to purchase, so it’s a really powerful, transformational tool which can help businesses grow.”

22 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018

The ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ finance package is just one of a full range of flexible finance solutions offered by Improveasy including 0% interest-free finance and a range of APRs to suit any product. Working with Improveasy means glazing companies do not need to be FCA approved, instead becoming an Approved Representative (AR). This allows customers to start offering finance within just 10 days either using their own branding or under the Improveasy banner. Improveasy has recently launched a full range of Business Finance solutions including Asset Finance, Hire Purchase and New-Start Company Loans designed to enable business growth at every level. With their new service, businesses across the industry can not only extend their proposition but fund investments such as new machinery, equipment and vehicles with ease. To find out more visit the new application platform www.buynow-paylater.finance and enter your details at the bottom of the page.

TRADE NEWS

The Window Company (Contracts) Appointed To LHC

Frameworks For First Time

Bayfield Bespoke

Working With West Port Timber Award winning commercial installer The Window Company (Contracts) has become an LHC Appointed Company for the first time, after being appointed to the public sector procurement group’s Framework Agreements for both PVC-U and timber window and door products. From 1st August 2018, the Chelmsford based company is listed on the Home Counties, London and East Anglia frameworks for PVC-U and on the South East England framework for timber. This was the first time that the Chelmsford based company had tendered to join any LHC framework, so it was a significant achievement to be named on both at the first attempt. Commercial Director Mark Crane said: “The LHC Frameworks obviously give us access to key public sector clients and in return provide those clients with fast track procurement and transparent rates. As a specialist commercial installer with vast experience in the public sector, we’re very proud to have been appointed, and are looking forward to building strong and effi-

cient working relationships.” The appointment comes at the end of a tender process lasting around six months, during which The Window Company (Contracts) Ltd had to demonstrate its ability to provide a service focused around quality and value. It was led by newly appointed Commercial Director Mark Crane, who made the switch from client to sub-contractor earlier this year after a long and successful career with Keepmoat Regeneration. The Window Company (Contracts) drew upon its successful track record in the public and social housing sector, for clients such as Basildon and Ipswich Councils and Moat housing association, and its strong partnerships with some of the UK’s leading timber and PVC-U fabricators. Mark Crane added: “Within the Framework Agreements, we can guarantee the highest standards in installation thanks to our BSI Kitemark and in health and safety thanks to our Gold award in the GGF GLASS Charter merit scheme.” More info at www.thewinco.co.uk

A respected Manchester installer is thriving thanks to West Port’s window and doors.

Offering a huge range of quality home improvement products, and operating across the Manchester, Altrincham and Didsbury areas, Bayfield Bespoke is one of the region’s window replacement specialists. Now, the company is experiencing surging demand for the outstanding timber window and doors that it supplies and installs through Cumbrian fabricator West Port. “We’re finding that more and more homeowners are waking up to the benefits of timber,” comments Bayfield Bespoke’s Emma Green. “There’s always been an appreciation of its timeless aesthetics – but now there’s a growing awareness of its sustainability, long life and low maintenance too. “What’s more, it’s hugely versatile. Thanks to West Port’s stateof-the-art in-house colouring facility, we’re able to offer products in a vast range of different colours and finishes, allowing us to tailor them to a customer’s exact specifications.” www.west-port.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 23

DEAR GERALD

Dear

Gerald Dear Gerald Following the Government’s announcement (31 July) that five manufacturers’ fire doors failed to meet fire performance standards after an on-going investigation by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), Tradesmith is suspending the sale of boughtin fire-rated composite doors until further tests have been carried out and the results published. I expect others who buy fire doors for resale will be doing the same. The Secretary of State for Communities James Brokenshire has instructed major fire door suppliers to meet this week and agree a clear plan of action to tackle the failings, with weekly reports to update him saying: “there is a broader issue across the fire door market”. The tests are ongoing, and doors that failed have been withdrawn from the market and local trading standards informed. But when five out of six doors tested fail – all big names in the industry – is this the canary in the mine? As an industry we talk a lot about standards and quality, and as a trade fabricator in the South East, Tradesmith is frankly obsessive about quality and standards, so I’m surprised and appalled by the announcement because we rely on fire doors for our lives. The investigations are focusing on fire, because of Grenfell, so we can nail what went wrong and 24 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018

put it right. But if this is a broader issue as Mr Brokenshire says, are we not taking fire seriously, or not taking standards and certification seriously? That’s worrying because you can’t put attitudes and behaviour into compartments – they permeate an organisation. So, is it ‘just’ confined to fire? We want our buildings to be safe from fire, secure from break-ins, well insulated, and protected from the weather and unwanted noise. And we need products to perform as promised, and standards and certification to mean what they say. We don’t want the equivalent of a VW CO2 emissions testing scandal here. Nor the media pointing a finger at cowboy behaviour. There’s been enough of that in the past, and the industry is a lot better than it was. Or is that just on the surface? If we sell and install an FD30 composite fire door we, our customers and the public desperately need it to be an FD30 that gives them 30 minutes to get out safely in the event of a fire. We need to trust that it does what it says on the label. Branding as we know it today originated as an antidote to product cheapening and food adulteration that, like some recent quality scandals in China today, killed customers in large numbers. So, manufacturers put their own name on the products, branding them, so the public could buy with confidence. How does the industry win that trust back after this? Sincerely Mark Hutchinson MD Tradesmith

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DEAR GERALD

Dear Gerald Not before time perhaps, the wider industry seems to have woken up to the realities of the skills shortage and the need to train the next generation of employees. We all know the main reasons of course – from uncertainty around Brexit to poor perceptions of the industry amongst young people; but I don’t think any of them are insurmountable obstacles. Certainly, our experience of employing school leavers and investing in training them ourselves has been nothing but positive. We have five support technicians here at BM Aluminium who we have recruited over recent years either direct from school at 18 or from short term, unskilled jobs in their early 20s. They are all now well on the way to establishing successful careers with us and, just as importantly, are doing a brilliant job for customers. Even though we are a relatively small business, we have shown that it is perfectly possible to create a structured, bespoke training programme which equips young recruits with exactly the skills we need and embeds them firmly within our company culture, without it costing a fortune. What is worth pointing out though, and what might be interesting to other businesses, is that we have opted not to go down the formal apprenticeship route. For us, the schemes on offer were too generic and just not tailored enough to the skills that we need. More than that though, they were so poorly paid that we felt they were demotivating and potentially unfair to the young people. Surely, there’s no point in training staff if they are going to leave as soon as they become valuable to you, simply because they don’t feel valued themselves? Yours sincerely Dean Hodges Managing Director BM Aluminium

26 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018

Dear Gerald According to the Met Office, since 2002 we’ve had nine of the 10 hottest years in the last 100. Climate change scientists say this summer’s heatwave could soon be the norm. We’re sweltering! But, how are your foiled and colour windows, doors and conservatories? Some say, not so well. There’s been more of the usual crop of problems from people cutting corners and ignoring systems companies’ (Syscos) prudent recommendations. Some cut corners and risk it. But when the weather warms they get problems. As the US billionaire Warren Buffet says, it’s only when the tide goes out do you discover who’s been swimming naked. A letter isn’t the place to go into detail of problems or solutions, but like other Syscos, Deceuninck’s relevant recommendations cover proper storage and manufacturing practice, proper reinforcement – and proper foiled reinforcement parameters. Syscos spend a lot on testing their windows and doors for a reason! If, and I’m sure other systems companies say the same, Deceuninck windows are not reinforced with Deceuninck reinforcement, there is no Deceuninck warranty. Fabricators who use non-specified reinforcement take a risk, but they shoulder that risk themselves. Our recommendations are included in our ‘Technical Guide – welding uPVC window profiles’; our ‘Technical Guide – correct design and use of coloured PVC profiles for windows and front doors’; ‘The use of reinforcement not supplied by System Suppliers’ – BPF Windows Group (June 18); and in ‘Cleaning and Care of PVC windows’. I recommend fabricators and installers read these and other systems company recommendations carefully to avoid problems. Follow these recommendations and sleep easy. I’m not being glib, but a few people have drawn the wrong conclusions from the problems they’re suffer-

DEAR GERALD

ing, blaming colour and foiled frames. But if you skip reinforcement or don’t use enough, or use different reinforcement from that specified, or leave profile out in the sun in poorly ventilated transparent wrapping; or go beyond the maximum frame size, or don’t follow correct installation instructions, for example, you will have trouble. It’s just a question of where, when and how much.

According to the ONS, the average person in England has a 2.4% chance of being burgled but averages are not very comforting if you live in or near a high crime rate area. If you or someone who lives near you has been burgled, you also stand a much higher chance of being burgled again. None of us wants to bump into a burglar, or find they’ve had the run of the house while we were sleeping, however unlikely that is.

Blaming colour and the climate is like Buffet’s naked bathers blaming the tide! Homeowners have fallen for colour in a big way. Colour is growing fast in Britain, but we’re only now catching up with the Continent where most countries are ahead of the UK.

The problem is, homeowners think they are buying security with their doors and windows, and they expect the locks and hardware to withstand break-ins. They don’t want the uncertainty of degrees of protection either: they want to be protected, full stop. And they look for the peace of mind and reassurance that comes from secure products that are backed by a solid and effective manufacturer’s guarantee.

Deceuninck is ahead of the market with many Deceuninck fabricators selling a high proportion of colour. Most of our largest fabricators are already over 50% colour and we expect our foiled and colour sales to hit 60% at year end. We are No 1 for colour and go out of our way to help Deceuninck fabricators and installers sell colour because demand is strong, and it’s an attractive market. Do it right and you’ll do well with colour. Colour shouldn’t be a problem. If it is, call me: Deceuninck fabricators and installers are fully #ColourEnabled. Sincerely Rob McGlennon Managing Director Deceuninck UK & Ireland

Dear Gerald We hear a lot about crime in the media, and it’s that awareness of crime that drives perceptions and magnifies our fear. So homeowners feel vulnerable when they hear that some police forces have stopped investigating burglaries because they say they don’t have the time or budget to investigate them, and the chances of bringing someone to book are very low. Homeowners also puzzle over conflicting reports about crime. Depending on the source of statistics, the type of crime, how it’s recorded, and who is recording it, crime may be going down or going up! It’s confusing, and your risk of being a crime statistic also depends on where you are and who you are.

But once you start looking at guarantees from the homeowner’s perspective, few stand up to scrutiny. Many are vague or buried under pages of small print and slippery legalese, so it’s hard to see what is really guaranteed. Some are worded with what looks suspiciously like get-out conditions and clauses – so they’re hard to claim against. Very few inspire confidence. Very few give installers the backing they need to sell with confidence. VBH took the view that if the products perform as promised, as we know they do, the cost of homeowners claiming against you will be small so why not give homeowners the real thing? Why not give installers a strong and effective guarantee in plain English that ‘does what it says on the tin’; one that gives homeowners the reassurance they want and gives installers a powerful selling tool? That’s why we produced the Q-secure guarantee. This isn’t the place to list what it covers, but it’s a very different kind of guarantee that’s good for both homeowners and installers: http://qsecure.co.uk/. We think if more in the industry followed our lead on clear, strong guarantees it would reassure homeowners and help to improve the reputation of the industry. Yours sincerely Simon Monks Managing Director, VBH (GB) WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 27

PEOPLE

customer base. Steve has worked with all types of customers, from sole traders and SME’s to large national companies and major housebuilders. Out of work Steve is a keen sportsman, regularly running and playing football for the Welsh Veterans League.

Freefoam Steve Shaw

Welcome New Members

To Sales Team Freefoam Building Products has announced two new members of its sales team.

Shaw Steve is supporting customers and developing new business in the South Wales, Bristol and Gloucestershire area. With over 20 years experience in sales and 18+ years as a manager and buyer in the heating, plumbing and bathroom industry, Steve brings a lot of knowledge and expertise to the team. Skills such as selling, negotiating and merchandising will mean he is well placed to support Freefoam’s

Kimberley Rolph

28 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018

Kim Rolph joins Freefoam to work in the South East region of the UK, getting to know existing customers and working to develop new leads and business for them. Kim did a degree in psychology and has worked as an external support role at Knauf Insulation for builders merchants and large distribution chains. She also worked across Australia for two years in a sales role, so certainly knows a bit about travelling! Kim brings customer service and merchandising skills to the business and says she is looking forward to building relationships with existing customers, working with the experienced sales team at Freefoam and supporting independent stockists in a business development role. Richard Jackson National Sales Manager commented “I’m looking forward to working with Steve and Kim. We’ve got a great mix of team members in our sales team, some who have come from more conventional backgrounds like Steve and some like Kim who are fairly new to the industry and we value both. Essentially we’re looking for people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and will grow with us. Both of these roles have become vacant following internal promotion’s, which also highlights our commitment to developing and supporting team members to reach their potential.” www.freefoam.com

Manufacturers of window and door hardware dedicated to the timber, PVCu and aluminium markets for over 40 years. • Cylinders • Handles • Fasteners • Espags • Shootbolts • Hinges • Locks • Restrictors

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PEOPLE

Conservatory Outlet Ltd Appoints

National Sales Manager

from left to right Gareth Jones with Brian McDonald.

UK fabricator, Conservatory Outlet Ltd has appointed a new National Sales Manager – Jason Earl – to drive its strategic plan to achieve full UK Network coverage. The newly created role has been introduced to support Business Development Director, Andy Miller in recruiting new retailer-installers to the Conservatory Outlet Network in untapped areas of the UK. As National Sales Manager, Jason is challenged with securing new network members that will have real influence and impact on the network, with the same ambition to grow and innovate that the Conservatory Outlet installers share. Having worked in sales and business development for over 20 years within the home improvement sector, Jason is well equipped for identifying and successfully signing valuable new retailers. www.conservatoryoutlet.co.uk

Kömmerling’s

Double Director Appointment profine UK Ltd have appointed Gareth Jones as their new managing director, along with the promotion of Brian McDonald to sales director, to oversee the further development of the KÖMMERLING brand in the UK window and door systems market.

These important appointments are part of a big commitment by the parent company profine Group, who have bold ambitions for the UK market with increased investment and an objective to achieving further growth. Gareth Jones said of his appointment ‘After discussions with the owners of profine Group, it was clear that they had clear objectives for KÖMMERLING in the UK and that we are part of the long-term strategic vision for the group worldwide. It’s a fantastic business with outstanding products, including the new System 76 and I’m looking forward to driv-

30 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018

ing the business forward with our team for our valued manufacturing partners.

He added: ‘Brian’s appointment and that of a newly focussed sales team represents a new beginning for us and an opportunity to really put the KÖMMERLING brand back on the map as one of the most influential systems companies in the UK.’ Brian McDonald, sales director concluded: ‘I already know Gareth well from the Systems House group of the GGF and together we’re looking forward to a new era for KÖMMERLING in the UK, with a clear direction and a commitment to serving our customers well. We are also fully committed to a new range of marketing literature for System 70 and System 76, before we attend the FIT Show next year with our largest ever stand at this important trade event.’

PEOPLE

New Appointment

Stephanie Tague appointed as Head of Building Our

Skills – Making Fenestration a Career of Choice The two key organisations behind Building Our Skills – Making Fenestration a Career of Choice, the newly launched awareness campaign to attract youngsters and newcomers to join the Fenestration industry, have appointed Stephanie Tague to head up the campaign.

in the education sectors are well informed, and continue to lobby the cause at every possible opportunity. “Stephanie will manage and take responsibility for the day-to-day running of Building Our Skills, helping to identify and develop networking and partnership opportunities, create ideas to promote wider awareness and of campaign and become its chief ambassador. Stephanie will remain part of the Inside The Box Marketing team, but will be managing Building Our Skills full-time” Chris said.

Industry awarding body, GQA Qualifications Limited and specialist Fenestration Marketing and PR agency Inside The Box Marketing have seen an overwhelming and supportive response for the initiative since its launch in June this year. Mick Clayton, CEO for GQA Qualifications commented: “GQA has proactively promoted the development and training of youngsters and newcomers to provide practical training and qualifications for the last 25-years. However, lately we have seen a significant shortage of young people looking for a career in Fenestration – creating a widening skills gap within the industry. “The Building Our Skills campaign is key to heightening awareness of the industry to those leaving the educational sector, and those looking for

a change of direction in their career. It’s great that Stephanie has accepted the role and will manage the campaign.” Chris Globe, Director for Inside The Box Marketing, comments: “Stephanie is a very well-known figure, having worked alongside many renowned businesses over her 20-year career in the industry. Her energy and drive are perfect to take this campaign forward, and her appointment is key to ensuring the campaign’s supporters and partners, along with the industry’s media and organisations

“Having worked in the industry for most of my adult life, the new position is a real personal way for me to give back something, that in my opinion can only be beneficial to the long-term survival of the industry,” Stephanie adds. “The scope of the campaign is massive with a vast number of variables to consider, but those who know me, know I’m always up for a challenge and thrive on its success. I’m looking forward to driving the campaign on, along with the support of the industry.” For more details on Building Our Skills – Making Fenestration a Career of Choice or to contact Stephanie call 0114 481 0059 or 07789 344479, or visit – www.buildingourskills.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 31

PEOPLE

Industry Veteran To

Head Up Viiu Key

Dealer Network

“I’ll also be using my extensive contacts and experience to seek out new revenue streams while consolidating our position with our existing customers and promoting the benefits of becoming a Viiu Key Dealer.

Titon Appoints

New Area Sales

“When you choose Viiu, you don’t just get an outstanding product. Our Key Dealers get a comprehensive package – including extensive training, sales and marketing support, and more.

Manager For Timber

And PVCu Division Leading ventilation and window hardware manufacturer Titon has appointed Mark Barzotelli as Area Sales Manager for its Timber and PVCu division.

Mark will be covering the South and South West area of England, along with South Wales. Reporting to Titon’s National Sales Manager Matthew Yates, he will be responsible for sales and specification of Titon’s expanding window and door hardware ranges – including trickle vents – to fabricators of PVCu or timber windows and doors. Formerly a Sales Manager for Essex-based hinge, fitting and window hardware producer Nico Manufacturing, where he worked for 11 years, Mark brings with him a wealth of experience in window and door hardware. He also has an HNC diploma in building construction. Commenting on his new role, Mark said: “Having been in the industry for some time, I know the Titon team well and I’m delighted to have joined them at such an exciting time for the company. I’m looking forward to working on increasing sales and developing awareness of the brand’s excellent products.” www.titon.co.uk

Rod Tate and Wayne Maycock

An industry veteran has joined the Viiu team to oversee the firm’s trusted network of Key Dealers. Wayne Maycock worked for one of Europe’s leading aluminium systems companies for twelve years before accepting the role of National Key Dealer Network Consultant. He’ll be tasked with managing and expanding Viiu’s list of expert installers and ensuring they adhere to the brand’s strict quality standards. “This is a brand-new role – up until recently, most customer contact has been phone and email-based,” comments Wayne. “Now, that’s going to change – and we’re confident it’s going to mean we offer clients an even more outstanding level of service.

32 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018

“It’s an approach that treats customers as valued trade partners, not just sources of income. “But we ask something of our Key Dealers in return. We expect them to uphold a strict code of conduct. That means no pushy sales tactics, reliable service, politeness and honest communication from initial enquiry right through to installation. “If you’re interested in finding out more, don’t hesitate to get in touch!” Rod Tate, Viiu Sales Director, comments: “We’re delighted to be welcoming someone with Wayne’s considerable experience to the team. With his support, I’ve got no doubt that the Viiu brand will continue to go from strength to strength, and that, before long, our Key Dealer network will have national coverage.” For more information visit www.viiu.co.uk

PEOPLE industry and our employees is of utmost importance. I have been fortunate enough to reach a stage in my career where the decisions I make drive our fiscal business to new heights; something I can now underpin with the approaches I have learned in my training. “Our chief executive Andrew Fowlds is also a chartered director, and so the support I received from my colleagues has been unwavering. I am immensely proud of the personal reward that my efforts have already achieved, and if on 18 October this is magnified, I can’t ask for any more. Vickie’s qualification enhances the ever-growing stronghold of female directors who are seen to be taking leading roles in UK businesses.

Vickie Brown Receives Top Marks As Chartered Director With just over 1500 chartered directors operating across the world, achieving the Institute of Directors’ most prestigious qualification is no simple task, and one attempted by very few. Vickie Brown, Finance Director at Distinction Doors in Barnsley recently joined the honoured cohort, where each member is recognised for their commitment to leadership, decision-making prowess and professional development. Exampling her outstanding determination further, Vickie also triumphed her exams with one of

the highest marks the course has received this year. In October, the IoDs Director of the Year finals, which are being held at the exquisite Royal Horticultural Halls near Westminster, will reveal if Vickie is the country’s top newly qualified director. The winner of the Chartered Director Award will have demonstrated outstanding performances in their exams, and during the subsequent interview process. Vickie explained: “As a finance director and shareholder, the way I interact with my

“I think it is vital we show our employees that directors are still interested in furthering their knowledge and contributing to a balanced boardroom.” In operation since 2004, Distinction Doors are renowned for producing high performance, innovative composite doors that have been supplied for more than three million entranceways. In keeping with their ambitions to remain one of the leading names in the industry, 2019 will see the firm host its own event alongside the IoD to encourage more directors take up the qualification and to accredit their positions. Natalie Sykes, Regional Director of the IoD in Yorkshire and the North East understands the undertaking the qualification requires, having completed it herself. She said: “This is an incredible achievement by Vickie. Maintaining a focus on day-today business alongside studying demands huge effort. We are delighted to have her on our South Yorkshire committee and look forward to our chartered director event early next year.” www.distinctiondoors.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 33

PEOPLE

Richard Fraser Joins Window Ware customers immensely! I know he’ll make a brilliant addition to the team!”

Richard Fraser has joined door and window hardware supplier Window Ware as its new Business Development Manager (Aluminium). Richard will be calling upon over 30 years’ industry experience to strengthen the Window Ware sales team with specialist knowledge and expertise that ensures UK customers in the aluminium fabrication sector get the very best advice and proven hardware solutions. He’ll also be helping to guide

and implement Window Ware’s strategic plans to expand its aluminium product offering to support fabricators and installers as they shift their production and portfolio to meet the growing demand for aluminium products. Commercial Director, Richard Bryant is excited at the prospect of adding to Window Ware’s already extensive knowledge pool. He claims, “Richard brings with him fresh expertise and practical know-how which will benefit our

Teal Products Expands Team

With New Appointments

Richard Fraser is equally enthusiastic about his new position. He points out, “This job marks the start of the next exciting chapter in my career. Window Ware has a fantastic product range and I’m definitely looking forward to joining their team. When I told people where I’d be working, I got some really positive feedback about my new employers. They have the reputation of being a great company to deal with and that’s reassuring to know when you’re about to become part of the crew! Their excellent standing as a leading hardware provider should make my job a little easier too – when you’re trying to win new business and grow your network, half the battle is about building trust. It sounds like Window Ware has already done a great job of gaining the confidence of professionals across the UK door and window industry!” www.windowware.co.uk the beginning of April, taking the number of staff to eight. Sam Yiend, Director of Teal Products, commented: “Over the past 12 months demand for our products has grown massively, so investing in new staff is really important as we become busier and demand increases. “It is an exciting time at Teal and we are absolutely delighted to welcome Bryony and Roger to the company and they bring the skills that will help drive the business forward.

Teal Products has built on its continued success by welcoming two new members to the company.

Strengthening the sales team is Bryony Denne, who joined the team in June, while Roger Allen joined as technical support at

34 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018

“Bryony has already proved an invaluable addition to the sales team and, as a trained electrician, Roger has a wealth of experience which provides customers with peace of mind.” tealproducts.com

PEOPLE progress alongside them and the business, especially when we’re involved with new products, systems and initiatives. “There is always lots going on at work, with both the job itself and internal developments which means you always have to be on the ball and that creates a nice pressure – I like the lively atmosphere and it challenges a lot of areas where I believe my strengths lie.”

Amy Perrin Celebrating 5 Years And Counting When Quickslide Chairman Adrian Barraclough first saw new recruit Amy Perrin in the sales processing centre, he had some reservations. Despite delivering a positive interview at just eighteen years of age, her employment experiences were limited and she had no experience within the glazing industry or knowledge of the company’s operating systems. However, she was pleasant with a genuine desire to be given a chance. “I remember having a really positive interview and got good vibes from that,” explained Amy, “It seemed like a nice place to work

and the staff I met at the time seemed happy to be here.” Since that day, Amy has applied herself admirably to her role and become a very popular account manager, displaying great initiative and an enviable product knowledge. Five and a half years on she is modest about her fame within the sector: “I love my job and having been here for so long my experience only builds, and I’ve developed a wonderful understanding of my clients. Most of my colleagues have also been here a similar time so it’s been nice to

Chairman Adrian speaks highly of Amy, as he recalls an exchange with one of her customers: “A couple of years ago a customer called me to compliment Amy and her initiative. His client had requested an illustration of a certain window style from the website. “Sadly, we don’t have it,” said Amy, “but I do remember processing a similar window style that should now be awaiting delivery.” She promptly slipped on her hi-vis, found the window, took a photo and sent it on. Her customer was then able to satisfy their client straight away, and subsequently received an order. Most would just say ‘sorry, no’ but Amy’s initiative made the difference.” In an age where everyone is faced with technological alternatives to real, human exchange, staff like Amy are a quality find. Coined by Quickslide as the ‘Messi of our industry’ but Amy definitely isn’t available for transfer! www.quickslide.co.uk

New Business Development Manager Appointed At HOPPE (UK) HOPPE (UK) has appointed Rick Corkhill as the door and window business development manager for the north. Rick started out at Coleman Plastics (then part of Travis Perkins) in 1994, supplying plumbers, heating engineers, builders, roofers, window manufacturing companies and window installers. From there

he moved to Premier Profiles and has remained within the fenestration industry ever since. Rick is joining HOPPE (UK) from ERA where he was also a business development manager, bringing with him over two decades of experience working in the industry. www.hoppe.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 35

ALUMINIUM

The Rise Of Passivhaus

The basic principles of Passivhaus is its ability to reduce the permitted space heating demand and primary energy consumption. This is achieved in several ways, but primarily by designing a building envelope with high insulation with minimal thermal bridging. By adding the crucial element of fresh outdoor air being circulated with extensive heat recovery means that energy consumption is kept at a minimum. The best use of natural daylight, including some solar gain, further enhances the energy savings in this unique form of construction. The BRE refer to the following functional definition of Passivhaus: “A Passivhaus is a building, for which thermal comfort can be achieved solely by post-heat-

ing or post-cooling of the fresh air mass, which is required to achieve sufficient indoor air quality conditions – without the need for additional recirculation of air.”

Passivhaus is best known for its ability to offer very low energy consumption homes, typically just 15kWh/m2/year, but the concept is being used increasingly on commercial buildings in the UK. It is claimed that the construction method can offer energy savings in use of up to 90% compared to current UK building stock. One of the newest projects is the recently completed, 2,500 m2 research facility for the University of Nottingham, providing laboratory, office and support accommodation for the UK Government

36 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018

Energy Research Acceleration Initiative, known as the ‘RAD’ Building (Research Acceleration & Demonstration) on the Jubilee campus. The building was constructed by Robert Woodhead construction of Nottingham and has been designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent and includes further extensive Passivhaus measures to reduce energy requirements. High performance window, curtain wall and door systems from Aluprof UK have been used throughout the building offering very high levels of insulation. Aluprof systems used were TT50 curtain wall & MB104 windows, the fabricator and installer of the fenestration was Commercial Systems International of Humberside. On completion the

ALUMINIUM building has been extensively tested and has gained the coveted Passivhaus certification. But is the Passivhaus standard suitable for the UK’s temperate climate? Since its introduction in Germany in the early 1990’s, developed by Professors Bo Adamson of Sweden and Wolfgang Feist of Germany, there has been a great deal of discussion and standards revision to accommodate climatic conditions across Europe. It was at the turn of the last century when a EU funded project demonstrated the construction of 221 homes to the Passivhaus standard across four countries. Feedback and resident satisfaction proved the concept beyond doubt and today over 65,000 buildings have been designed, built and tested to the standard worldwide. So how does Passivhaus cope with the high summer temperatures recently enjoyed in the UK? As long as night time cooling is available, by use of natural ventilation, which cools the inside structure of the building, Passivhaus performs well virtually working in reverse. On south facing walls there may be external shading devices to reduce solar gain and the very nature of the high insulation walls and fenestration, helps keep the heat out. With the increasing levels of fuel poverty across the globe and the advancements in the key features of Passivhaus, such as developments in the Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery (MVHR) units as well much higher thermal efficient aluminium systems window systems with triple glazing, such as supplied by Aluprof, construction has become more affordable and efficient. Consequently over the last few years growth of Passivhaus in the UK has begun to flourish. Aluprof UK’s head office and extensive distribution centre is

located in Altrincham, Cheshire. Aluprof systems are increasingly being specified on a wide range of residential and commercial projects across the UK including Passivhaus projects. Systems are designed, fabricated and installed by selected, specially trained companies, to ensure

each fabricated product meets the Aluprof exacting standards. Further information is available on the company’s website at www.aluprof.eu and specialist advice is available directly from Aluprof’s UK offices on 0161 941 4005. WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 37

ALUMINIUM

aïr Brings Slim, Flush Aluminium Window To Market aïr 80HI, high-insulation flush aluminium windows are available now. Featuring super-slim sightlines and incredible energy efficiency, aïr 80HI has been added to the most impressive range of bi-fold doors, lift & slide doors and entrance doors to offer a full suite of premium aluminium glazing for the domestic market. aïr Brand Ambassador, Jay Patel says: “As aïr’s impressive range of doors has grown, so has demand for an aïr window system to complete the aïr collection. “That’s why we have developed 80HI. Just like aïr doors, 80HI

stands out. It’s genuinely different to other systems on the market and offers one of the only high insulation, flush casement aluminium windows on the market,

backed by the extreme engineering and captivating aesthetics that aïr is known for. “The window was launched at our Everglade Trade Customer Conference in July and customers gave us great feedback. They were particularly impressed with how slim the frame was compared to other flush window systems.” aïr 80HI offers U-Values from just 1.0 W/m2K and is available with either double or triple glazing. It is watertight up to 600pa and wind resistant to 2400pa. The window comes with high-security reverse espag locking and is PAS 24 certified as standard. aïr is exclusively manufactured by Everglade Windows. www.evergladetrade.co.uk

Astraseal Offers Customers The Future Of Flush

With New Alitherm 800

Astraseal has created new, valuable opportunities for their customers nationwide with the launch of Alitherm 800, the brand-new aluminium flush casement from Smarts.

Alitherm 800 is designed to provide installers with a highly-desirable and credible flush casement window that’s suited for period applications, contemporary newbuild projects and everything in between. The smooth flush aesthetics and slimline transom mullion profile combine with high-security locking options and friction hinges to create a versatile yet high-performance aluminium flush casement. “We are delighted to strengthen both our extensive aluminium range and our longstanding partnership with Smarts by offering the new Alitherm 800 flush case-

ment,” comments Colin Stanley, Operations Director at Astraseal. “Not only does Alitherm 800 present new opportunities for our customers – capitalising on the huge demand for flush casements, it’s actually far more cost-effective compared to its PVC-u counterparts. “Of course, it has meant some investment on our part to introduce the range – namely a new end milling machine to help with manufacture, but with the strength of the range, we anticipate a strong reception from customers as well as consumers and specifiers. It’s part of our commitment to be the complete trade supplier for our customers, providing cutting-edge products which accurately match the demands of the market.”

commercial applications, Alitherm 800 takes advantage of Smart’s proven thermal break technology to deliver impressive U Values and a Window Energy Rating of ‘A’. The new flush casement is available in any RAL colour and can even be finished using Smart’s Cotswold and Sensations ranges.

Suited to both residential and

www.astraseal.co.uk

38 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018

ALUMINIUM

ard. Each of these standards allow chrome, chrome-free and anodised pretreatment systems to be used. Whilst the BS EN Standard is European, the QUALICOAT Standard has worldwide recognition, the QUALICOAT Standard is also kept up to date continuously with a new edition being issued every two years with regular amendments added between editions.

Which Pretreatment To Use? The debate goes on about which pretreatment is best to use for powder coated aluminium for outdoor construction and infrastructure use. Due to concerns raised by REACH regarding the use of chromium trioxide, many architectural coaters have now moved to chrome free alternatives. Chrome free systems have been around for many years and whilst more difficult to apply consistently, they perform as well as their chrome counterpart. It is relatively straightforward to move from chrome based pretreatment to a chrome free chemical pretreatment system. It usually requires a complete pretreatment plant deep clean with some part replacements, usually taking just a few days to complete. More recently specifiers and facade engineers have begun to specify anodising as a pretreatment for powder coating, sometimes referred to as PREOX

or Flash Anodising. This process requires a completely new plant to be installed at considerable expense. Currently the anodising pretreatment process consists of providing a thin anodised film of just 5 microns created on the surface of the aluminium and then left unsealed. The process of powder coating then needs to be undertaken quickly in order to avoid potential contamination of the surface of the anodising or further oxidisation as the anodising is unsealed. This being the case, it is only powder coat plants with an anodising facility that can offer this form of pretreatment. In the UK there are two main trains of thought on which standard is applicable for specifying architectural powder coated aluminium, either BS EN 12206-1 (2004) or QUALICOAT now in its 15th Edition (2017) of the stand-

Technically, the QUALICOAT standard is more robust as it specifies minimum etch requirements within the pretreatment process and a finished powder coated surface test for filiform corrosion resistance, which the BS EN 12206-1 does not require. Crucial to removing contaminants from the extrusion process is an acid or alkaline etch of 1g/sm, without this potential corrosion could form on the aluminium substrate once coating has been completed. Furthermore, QUALICOAT offer a ‘Seaside’ class of powder coating where the minimum etch is increased to 2g/sm. QUALICOAT, with their global headquarters in Zurich, recognise the increase in specification of anodising as a pretreatment system. They have recently set up a working group to research the application and current knowledge on such systems. Research is being undertaken by QUALICOAT members in collaboration with independent testing laboratories. What will result is a robust anodising pretreatment methodology which is independently monitored and specified in the QUALICOAT Standard. Whilst both standards are similar, in fact, QUALICOAT was heavily involved in the writing of the BS EN 12206-1 in 2004, the BS EN 12206 requires any alternative conversion coating processes to be tested to ISO 8565 (2011) for a duration up to five years ‘Industrial and Coastal Outdoor Weathering’. However QUALICOAT WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 39

ALUMINIUM

uses both accelerated laboratory testing together with Florida and Genoa outdoor weather testing for higher correlation. The matrix of tests laid down in the QUALICOAT standard requires location tests for up to two years duration repeated every three years for all alternative conversion coating processes. So which to use? Like many processes it is down to the quality of the application, each pretreatment process, chrome based, chrome free and anodising are all approved and offer guarantees. Whilst some companies can claim to powder coat to BS EN 12206-1 (2004) it is only QUALICOAT that monitor QUALICOAT licenced applicator plants twice yearly for the correct application and ongoing testing of pretreatment and coatings. Specifiers are recognising the importance of this independent assessment of compliance and as a result the number of QUALICOAT specifications being received by applicators is on the rise, which in turn is increasing membership in QUALICOAT UK & Ireland association. For QUALICOAT applicators to comply with a BS EN 12206-1 (2004) specification the licenced applicator simply must provide data that their selected alternative conversion coating processes has been tested. The next QUALICOAT UK & Ireland members meeting takes place in Norwich in November, please contact the General Secretary, Jan, via the QUALICOAT UK & Ireland website should you wish to attend. For details on the availability of various colours and finishes contact any QUALICOAT UK & Ireland member for more information. For updated information about the use and specification of QUALICOAT in the UK and Ireland, please visit the UK & Ireland associations’ website at www.qualicoatuki.org

Broadgate Circle – Bronze Anodised

The Resurgence Of Architectural

Anodising Back in the 1970’s architectural aluminium, shopfronts, windows and curtain wall, was available in anodised finishes. These finishes were limited to silver, bronze and black. In the day, replacement window companies often offered a silver framed aluminium casement window set in a hardwood frame. The finish was exceptionally robust and if you look round today, some of these home improvement windows are still performing well. So why did we all but stop using anodised finishes? Staying with residential home improvement, in the 1980’s the new material on the market was PVC. Expensive at the time, the product offered good insulation and promised a long life with virtually no maintenance. Over the following decade the PVC revolution decimated the aluminium systems, despite white finishes becoming available

40 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018

for aluminium in both electrophoretic and polyester powder coating finishes.

In the commercial aluminium facade market, polyester powder coating gave architects the ability to use a wide range of bright colours in their designs. The ability of powder coating to ‘cover all’, including blemishes in the extrusion seems the perfect finish and, whilst few people would admit in the industry, aluminium dies were produced cheaper as the surface finish of the profile was often to be covered over with a sixty micron coating of ‘paint’. These same profiles, when used for anodising, often showed ‘die lines’ which whilst not unattractive, specifiers were not comfortable with. Powder coating quickly became more economic to apply than anodising and became the finish of choice. In an interesting turn more recent-

ALUMINIUM

is that it avoids the appearance of a type of corrosion known as filiform corrosion. Anodising plants are also very costly to design and install, utilising high voltage and specialist transformers to rapidly and evenly create an anodised finish. Because of its combined use of a finish in its own right and as a ‘conversion coating’ prior to powder coating, in the UK alone there has been two new anodising plants come online in the last couple of years with further plants planned.

ly, the powder coat industry has introduced ‘anodic’ finishes to mimic anodised finishes. Powder coating has advanced a great deal over the years and offers exceptional quality for architectural aluminium profiles but, architects and specifiers are looking back to the base material itself and want to use it in its natural state. So what is anodising? In simple terms, it is a controlled ‘corrosion’ of the surface of the aluminium, turning aluminium into ‘aluminium oxide’ similar to iron oxide (rust) on steel. The difference with aluminium oxide is that once it has been created on the surface of the aluminium it completely seals the base aluminium from further corrosion, unlike steel. So anodising is not an applied finish but a conversion of the surface of the aluminium, so it will not peel or flake. Done to the right quality, the material life expectancy can last many decades and will not fade. So what about the ‘die lines’? Simply put, extrusion dies that have visible faces require more attention prior to use. These dies need to be polished and

cleaned more regularly as the extrusion process can be quite abrasive on the surface of the die. Aluprof, one of the largest producers of aluminium fenestration systems in Europe, produce dies that are dedicated to each finish. The more expensive, often hand finished dies, are kept for anodising specifications. Another key to creating a good anodised finish is the ability to extrude and anodise within a short space of time, thereby reducing the opportunity for natural oxidisation beginning to occur. Aluprof extrude profile through these higher quality dies which offer higher quality surfaces free from ‘die lines’ and once etched and anodised offer a high quality surface which is both very hard wearing and long lasting. Anodising is also now becoming a choice for pretreatment of aluminium prior to powder coating. A very thin anodising of just five microns seals the aluminium prior to powder coating. This sealing or ‘conversion coating’ has traditionally been completed in chrome or chrome free coatings. The claim for the use of ‘pre-anodising’ or ‘flash anodising’ prior to powder coating

As specifiers tend to specify shades of grey for the majority of fenestration projects, anodising can be specified in both bronze finish and shades of grey. This is created by the introduction of trace metals such as cobalt or tin during the anodising process. Interestingly, as the anodising is ‘clear’, the introduction of these metals forms an optical colour, which cannot fade over time. Crucial for specifiers is the knowledge that higher quality dies should be used for producing profiles for anodising and this is something that should find its way into specification for the finish. Aluprof UK’s head office and extensive distribution centre is located in Altrincham, Cheshire. Aluprof systems are increasingly being specified on a wide range of residential and commercial projects across the UK including Passivhaus projects. Systems are designed, fabricated and installed by selected, specially trained local companies, to ensure each fabricated product meets Aluprof’s exacting standards. Further information is available on the company’s website at www.aluprof.eu and specialist advice is available directly from Aluprof’s UK offices. WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 41

GLASS & GLAZING

Photo © Bartosz Makowski,

Guardian Glass Europe Launches A Double-Silver Coated Solar Control Glass With A Neutral Grey Appearance And Enhanced Performance Guardian Glass has introduced a new double-silver coated solar control glass with a grey, neutral appearance that meets current architectural trends for glass facades and windows. Guardian SunGuard® SuperNeutral™ (SN) 63 not only satisfies current architectural design trends, but also offers a range of performance enhancements, including: • high light transmission (63% in double insulating glass unit (IGU)* and 56% in triple IGU*),

• excellent thermal insulation (Ug value = 1.0 W/M2K in double IGU and 0.5 W/M2K in triple IGU),

make SunGuard SN 63 an ideal choice for double- and triple-glazed windows and façades.

• excellent solar control (33% in double IGU and 30% in triple IGU). • very low external reflection (12% in double IGU and 14% in triple IGU),

Nicolas Gouzou, Product Manager at Guardian Glass Europe comments: “In interior design projects, the colour grey has long since shaken off its image of being gloomy and depressing. Homes, offices and public buildings are now being decorated with fashionable grey, a colour that is extremely versatile. Exterior glass design projects in Europe are follow-

• neutral and low internal reflection (16% in double IGU and 19% in triple IGU). These performance attributes

42 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018

GLASS & GLAZING

ing this same trend. Architects are moving away from glazed facades with a greenish tint appearance towards glass solutions that provide a neutral grey appearance, giving a more sophisticated, classy touch and look to the building.”

Cornwall Glass Investment

Continues With New EVA Laminate Line

With input from the design and architectural community, Guardian Glass developed the product specifically to meet this growing trend. “In addition to its appearance, we’ve also enhanced its performance to provide an exceptional combination of benefits, allowing architects to precisely tune the building envelope to suit the environment, the climate and to provide optimal comfort for building occupants,” adds Gouzou. SunGuard SN 63 is available in both annealed and tempered versions. Guardian Glass is continuously developing and refining its SunGuard range of coated solar control glass products to more closely meet and exceed the demands of architects and designers. * The performance values mentioned are for a double Insulating Glass Unit (IGU) of 6 mm SunGuard SN63 (coating on surface #2) – 16 mm spacer 90% Argon – 4 mm float; and a triple IGU of 8 mm SunGuard SN63 (coating on surface #2) – 16 mm spacer 90% Argon – 4 mm float – 16 mm spacer 90% Argon – ClimaGuard Premium2 44.2 (coating on surface # 5). They are nominal and subject to variations due to manufacturing tolerances. Guardian Glass will showcase SunGuard® SN63 at glasstec – HALL 10 | STAND A24 (2326 October 2018 – Düsseldorf, Germany).

Cornwall Glass has brought increased flexibility to its laminate offer with six-figure investment in a new Tema EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) laminated glass line. Installed in at the glass processor and IGU specialist’s site in Highbridge, Somerset, it supports Cornwall Glass in bringing increased agility to laminate glass supply. This includes the capacity to process individual sheets of 2500X3600mm, something, which according to Simon Hares, General Manager, Cornwall Glass Highbridge, represents a significant advantage for its customers.

offer.” The Tema LPB2536 line, gives Cornwall Glass Highbridge, capacity to manufacture a wide range of laminate products including glass for balustrading, canopies, staircases and walk-on floors and ceilings, in addition to laminated IGUs. Hares continued: “Growth has come from a number of different areas. The obvious one is balustrading which is being used in growing volumes in commercial settings but almost just as significantly – domestically.

“The fact that we can process laminate glass here, in-house gives us far greater flexibility in the service we can offer to our customers”, he said.

“That’s been delivering significant pull-through of double laminates, ranging from 17.5 to 21.5mm. We can also offer, triple laminates, so around 33m for use in specialist applications, for example, walk-on floors and glass ceilings.

“We’ve been asked more and more frequently for laminate and in processing it here, we can significantly reduce our lead times but also introduce greater flexibility to our product

“These are all growth areas and we can offer real flexibility in supporting our customers far more effectively as they take advantage of them.” www.cornwallglass.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 43

GLASS & GLAZING

Glass, Plastic, Metal Bonding, One Company Fits All Eighteen years ago, and after five years of research, J&S Adhesives introduced its non-UV glass-bonding system, Safe2Bond, which, unlike competing products on the market at the time, didn’t rely on harmful UV light as the catalyst to ‘cure’ the bond of bevel to glass, but used safe white light instead. White light is the light you see and experience all around you, while UV light is something that you normally have to protect yourself against, using dark glasses, skin lotions, or protective clothing. In sunnier parts of the world, that would mean all three methods to protect outside workers who are likely to be exposed to UV. For someone working in a busy decorative glass department

bonding glass bevels to sealed units and mirrors all day long, significant exposure to UV via the UV light box, necessary for that system, held considerable longterm concerns for their health and well-being. A decorative glass worker would usually hold the bevel in place with bare hands while the light box shone UV light through the glass and onto skin and eyes. Not a happy thought, is it? Safe2Bond changed all that, and once the market was educated to

the dangers of UV, the white light system for the most part successfully displaced UV. Not resting on its laurels however, the company went on to develop an additional range of adhesives for glass furniture construction, and plastic bonding. All can be cured using Non UV curing light sources. Nowadays, J&S Adhesives says it is the supplier of the largest range of light curing adhesives in the UK, possibly Europe. The company supplies both UV and non-UV adhesives as some companies do still prefer to use UV adhesive with the correct PPE. J & S Adhesives says it would be pleased to offer advice for existing or potential new applications, and can offer samples for testing. www.nano470.co.uk reduce turnaround times to 48hrs or less.

Mackenzie Glass Scales-Up

Laminate Capability

Mackenzie Glass has completed major investment in a new a new Bottero 515LAMe laminated glass cutting table, shortening turnaround times on cut-to-size laminates.

Delivered in July with an accompanying loading table, its new laminate cutting table also gives Mackenzie

Glass the capacity to handle ‘super-sized’ 4.5m X 3.2m laminated sheets.

Running across two-shifts 24hours a day, Mark Herbert, Joint Managing Director, said that the investment has already allowed Mackenzie Glass to cut delivery times to as little as three-days with ambitions to

44 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018

“Our pre-existing Boterro cutting table (which we’re retaining) takes around 8-minutes to heat thicker laminate glass to splitting temperature compared to just 90 seconds on the new platform”, said Mark. He continued: “That allows us to process laminates far more quickly, significantly reducing lead times. It also gives us scale. “It will cut sheets of 4.5m X 3.2m, compared to a standard cutting table, which will normally be around 3.2m X 2.5m. “This allows us to better align our offer to the market and the demand being placed on our customers for the supply of larger IGUs.” www.mackenzieglass.co.uk

GLASS & GLAZING

Internal Sliding Doors – Fitted In As

Little As 10-Minutes Per Door Bohle has launched a new range of internal sliding doors, which can be fitted in as little as 10-minutes and require no glass processing to install. MasterTrack is a premium internal sliding door system, which combines exceptionally smooth and ultra-quiet running with a series of significant installation efficiencies. Able to accommodate glass thickness from 8mm to 12.76mm and a maximum weights of up to 150kg, MasterTrack is available as either a wall mounted or ceiling hung system. Chloe Baines, Hardware Manager, Bohle said: “MasterTrack is a highly engineered and flexible sliding door system and that’s reflected in the installation efficiencies that it delivers. “There’s no measuring required to install the running carriages, they simply sit flush with the edge of the glass. There’s also no glass processing involved. “That includes no requirement to drill laminate. Glass is simply

clamped between specially developed reprocessed cork pads and tightened. “MasterTrack has also been developed as a modular system with all weight categories employing the same running profile, increasing flexibility”, she added. MasterTrack can accommodate weights of 60kg, 80kg, 120kg and 150kg. This higher weight range, according to Bohle, makes it ideally suited to commercial markets in addition to high-end residential applications. It also employs specially developed hydraulic dampeners, which can be pre-set according to the

weight category for optimum cushioning. The slim sightline system is available in aluminium, stainless steel, black and anthracite grey finishes. “MasterTrack has been developed to maximise opportunities but also margin, in internal sliding door installation across commercial and high-end domestic applications. “It delivers premium quality and optimised operation but at the same time lowers stock holding and simplifies installation.” Baines concluded. For more visit the Bohle website www.bohle-group.com/en-gb. WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 45

HARDWARE / SAFETY & SECURITY

Kingfisher’s New Sweet Standard

Deborah Beeley, sales and marketing manager of Kingfisher Windows

Kingfisher Windows have become one of the first installation companies in the UK to offer the revolutionary Sweet door furniture range as standard, thanks to its innovative design, longevity and unique consumer warranty. Sweet has achieved over 8,000

hours in a salt spray chamber, equivalent to 33 times more than the current 240 hour standard. There’s also the offer of a direct to consumer 10year warranty, so there isn’t the worry for manufacturers or installation companies such as Kingfisher Windows, having to address ongoing pitting issues.

Kingfisher Windows are one of the largest trade manufacturers in Yorkshire and now heading towards their 30th anniversary. Throughout this time the company has been servicing pitting issues with door furniture with little support from the supply chain as Deborah Beeley, sales and marketing manager points out: ‘It seems like we’ve been left to service pitting issues on our own for decades. The opportunity to take Sweet on board right from the outset was an obvious step for us with the launch of our new composite door range. This includes Sweet and Ultion as standard, with the option to upgrade to the high security Lock Lock handle and the initial feedback from customers has been exceptional.’ Nick Dutton, CEO of Brisant Secure concluded: ‘Kingfisher have been one of the first adopters of Sweet and couldn’t get the order in quick enough from our online ordering platform. There’s been a huge amount of interest for Sweet, it’s a game changer for anyone looking for a product with designer appeal, yet backed with unrivalled performance and warranty credentials.’ Please visit www.kingfisherwindows.co.uk

Carl F Groupco Supplies Vent

Solution To Support Scottish Regs Ventilation products are established lines in distributor Carl F Groupco’s hardware catalogue and the company provides a wide ranging product portfolio that meets comprehensive requirements and regulations. In line with this philosophy, the 5000EQA from the Glazpart Link Vent range of plastic injection moulded trickle ventilators

was added to the company’s suite of solutions: the vent is a high performance product that meets stringent building standards requirements, including Scottish Building Regulations. The 5000EQA, which was incorporated into Carl F Groupco’s ventilation solutions in March this year, offers one of

46 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018

the highest decibel ratings for non-acoustic vents and a capability of achieving higher performance, and improved EQA, on smaller vents.

HARDWARE / SAFETY & SECURITY

New Fully Suited Cylinder Pulls And Escutcheons From greenteQ Composite and timber door manufacturers using locks with a high-level Euro profile cylinder position can now use a fully suited solution from greenteQ. The new cylinder pulls and circular escutcheons are available in six stunning finishes. The cylinder pull shrouds the profile cylinder, providing a 20mm

underhang so the user can pull the door open or closed. The underhang is ideal on doors where there is no other ‘pull point’, such as a handle or pad, and discourages misuse of the profile cylinder key or the letterbox flap to open the door. The 51mm diameter circular escutcheon has no underhang and is chamfered to combat unlawful removal.

Internal and external components for both the cylinder pull and circular escutcheons are sold separately, allowing door fabricators to mix and match colours on the inside and outside slab. Colour matched fixings are sold with the internal hardware. For external pulls and escutcheons, a flange is in place to prevent cylinder removal. The two products can also be mixed and matched, as both have a fixing centre of 38mm. Gary Gleeson, Marketing Manager at VBH comments: “Both the cylinder pull and circular escutcheon have been designed with security in mind, as well as appearance. The greenteQ 10-year guarantee also comes as standard across the range.” The greenteQ range is a growing suite of window and door furniture, colour-matched for a seamless and integrated look. www.vbhgb.com

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WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER22/08/2018 2018 47 10:59

HARDWARE / SAFETY & SECURITY

Spectus Adds Siegenia Titan

AF Tilt And Turn Gearing As part of their policy for continuous product improvement, Spectus, an Epwin Window Systems brand, has introduced the Siegenia Titan AF Tilt and Turn gearing. This gearing is suitable for use on both their Elite 70 Tilt and Turn and Flush Tilt and Turn product ranges. Carmen Velilla, Brand Manager for Spectus, said: “The introduction of the new Siegenia Titan AF gearing is a robust and reliable product which will offer benefits for our customers.” The new gearing is now available from stock in 4 variants, Face Fixed-Standard, Face Fixed-PAS 24 Security, Concealed-Standard and Concealed PAS 24 Security. The

gearing offers a reduction in stockholding for Spectus’ fabricators as many components are standard across the range so reducing the parts needed to be held in stock. Furthermore, all PAS 24 extensions are jointed with a clip coupler which eliminates additional cropping and therefore reduces overall assembly time too. For installers, benefits include an integral cam height adjustment which features ‘comfort’ cams on all locking points which automatically compensates for clearance tolerances and therefore reduces site problems. www.spectus.co.uk

Hardware Ordering Is Easy With

Epwin Window Systems In a time-pressed industry, finding ways to save time and make life easier for customers is more important than ever. It’s something Epwin Window Systems has always understood and thanks to its in-house Safeware hardware range, fabricators can order both their profiles and hardware in one single process. Gerald Allen, Marketing Manager at Epwin Window Systems, commented: “Whether fabricators work with Profile 22, Spectus or Swish, they can order their hardware at the same time as their profile order. It means ordering hardware becomes much quicker and easier and keeps paperwork to a minimum. It’s something we know our customers appreciate.” Safeware offers all the benefits you would expect from an Epwin Window Systems brand. The range includes branded locks, hinges, handles, stays, cylinders, vents

and furniture for all Epwin Window Systems’ product types. Every item in the range has been chosen for its exceptional reliability, quality, aesthetics and value. When correctly specified, they also comply with Document Q, hold the Secured by Design accreditation and all relevant BSI Kitemarks for complete peace of mind. The Safeware brand maintains high stock levels at its Telford warehouse so there’s no need to

48 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018

worry about product availability or delays to schedules. There’s also the benefit of having the flexibility to choose exactly the level of security and aesthetics required without having to worry about profile compatibility, something that delivers another tick in the box of simplicity. www.epwin.co.uk

PRODUCT NEWS have engineered into the manufacturing process. The aluplast flush sash can be manufactured with either an Ideal 70 or Ideal 4000 outer frame. “That means as an aluplast fabricator, you can offer flush fit sash casements across two different systems with only minimal additional stock holding. “The other major advantage is that it’s available in aluskin, our click-and-fit, external aluminium cladding system for the Ideal 4000 system. That gives fabricators the flexibility to replicate an aluminium flush casement window in a far more energy efficient but also lower cost PVC-U system.”

aluplast Launches New Modular Flush-Fit

Casement Sash aluplast has continued its investment in the UK window and door industry with the launch of a new slim-sightline and modular PVC-U flush casement. Defined by a slim-sight line chamfer to the IGU, the new aluplast flush sash maximises the glazed area of the window. Designed to integrate seamlessly with the German-system house’s Ideal 70 and Ideal 4000 systems, it features a choice of standard and heritage, deep bottom rail, increasing its appeal among owners of period properties, while also minimising additional stock holding. This includes integration with aluskin, aluplast’s highly innovative external aluminium cladding system for the contemporary SquareLine Ideal 4000 system, allowing fabricators to replicate an aluminium flush casement in an energy efficient PVC-U system. Ian Cocken, Director of Sales and Marketing, aluplast, said: “The market for flush casements is growing rapidly. The aluplast flush casement stands out for a number of reasons.

aluplast has also used the launch of its new flush casement to unveil its new ‘pencil-line’ welding technology. This allows fabricators to deliver an ultra-fine 45° weld using standard welders through aluplast’s investment in specially developed welding blocks. “Seamless welding technology has set a new standard in window and door manufacture – but that takes investment and investment that’s not going to be accessible to every fabricator”, continued Cocken. “Our new sash can be mechanically jointed but we’ve also invested in the development of a unique new welding block technology, which allows fabricators manufacturing the flush fit sash to achieve a 45° weld with an ultrafine joint, using their existing welders. “This leaves a very thin pencil-line joint, which doesn’t require penning on foils – it’s a premium finish for a very small investment compared to the outlay that accompanies seamless welding technologies.” In addition to aluskin, aluplast offers a range of 27 ex-stock and special colours on lead times of 15 working days or less – inclusive of travel time from the Continent. “We’re a very strong combined proposition to market – a new modular flush fit casement sash, which can be integrated with two dedicated systems in the UK, plus the flexibility to replicate an aluminium flush casement delivered through aluskin”, said Cocken.

“The first are the low sightlines that it offers, which we’ve been able to achieve through a reduced front to back sash depth of just.

“This is in addition to a highly flexible foils offer and new welding technologies which make premium pencil-thin welded joints accessible to each and every fabricator – not simply the big players”, he concluded.

“Another key advantage is the flexibility that we

www.aluplast.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 49

PRODUCT NEWS

Entire Rose

Collection

Now Has Top Performing

Spring Balances

Top-Selling ACK5 Chain Actuator Now Has A All three of Roseview’s award-winning Rose Collection windows now come equipped with Caldwell’s UL6 spring balance. The firm’s high-performance Heritage and Ultimate Rose windows have always used Caldwell hardware, but now its cost-competitive Charisma product does too.

5-year Warranty Option

Vent Engineering has launched a free 5-year warranty option on the new TOPP ACK5 window chain actuator.

The ACK5 is Vent Engineering’s first joint product collaboration with TOPP S.r.l. Designed for top-hung, side-hung and The UL6 is the only spring balance bottom-hung windows, as well on the market to achieve AAMA as pitched vents or rooflights, Class 6 (the highest grade possithe ACK5 offers a long-life and ble) in performance testing. highly-versatile solution for automated opening and closing Providing up to 80% assisted lift, applications. A new heavy-duty the UL6’s technology allows for gearbox enables Vent Engineersmooth, quiet operation. Greater ing to offer a further 4-year warspring tension stability along the ranty option in addition to the length of the balance eliminates the standard TOPP 1-year warranty. ‘hop and drop’ issues that affect some types of sash window. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Vent Engineering Caldwell National Sales Manager is the specialist distributor of Alan Hartley commented: “Roseactuators, window controls view and Caldwell are the perfect and openers for natural and pairing – world-leading hardware, smoke ventilation systems. The helping to create world-leading launch of the ACK5 coincides sash windows. We’re delighted with manufacturer TOPP S.r.l. that our products are being used appointing the Poole-based to make the Rose Collection even company as its sole UK agent – more extraordinary.” building on an existing 22-year roseview.co.uk trading relationship. 50 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018

Easy to install, the ACK5 is supplied with a wide variety of brackets to fit probably every window design and is available in both 230v and 240v variants. Standard colour options are white, silver and black, however Vent Engineering can provide a powder coating service in any RAL colour if a bespoke finish is required. Vent Engineering Managing Director Lorenzo Jones said: “With the long life and great value that our new ACK5 chain actuator offers our customers, we believe it looks set to take the title of best-selling window actuator from its predecessor the ACK4. “Add to that our 22-year relationship with TOPP being recently strengthened with our official UK sole agency; we are confident that we supply probably the best product currently available in the market.” www.vent.co.uk

PRODUCT NEWS

Installers Switch On To The Benefits Of R9 Unglazed

exactly the same as a mechanical joint but with no requirement to glass bond for strength because it’s already there. “That delivers a series of benefits to installers. Handling is easier, fitting is exactly the same as a standard PVC-U window, you can buy your glass from your usual supplier and remedial work is much more straight forward. It’s a win all round and every single one of our pre-existing customers has switched onto it without exception.” In addition to its own in-house testing and conducted in partnership with the Residence Collection, the HWL window was put through its paces under PAS24 at the beginning of May by independent testing house, Exova, This returned a series of clear passes under PAS24 test requirements for mechanical load and manual intervention testing.

HWL Trade Frames has said that all of its pre-existing Residence 9 accounts have switched to buying in non-glass bonded frames.

doesn’t need to be glass bonded – a process used in traditionally mechanically jointed R9 sashes to increase their structural strength.

The specialist trade fabricator has led the development of an R9 frame-only offer, pioneering the application of Timberweld® sash-welding technologies in its manufacture.

Graham Howatson, Director, HWL Trade Frames, said: “We carry out regular weld tests as part of our quality control process. The Timberweld unglazed R9 head weld consistently stands up to up to 11 bars or 1100kN/m2 of pressure. That’s consistent with a standard inline PVC-U welded product which ranges from 9-12 bars (900kN/m2 – 1200kN/m2).

This allows HWL to deliver a 90° external and internal butt weld, emulating the appearance of a traditional timber flush casement or mechanically jointed sash. At the same time, because it’s also stronger, the welded sash

“What you get far beyond the ‘standard’ is the 90° butt weld inside and out, so that it looks

These results came less than month after BS EN 6375 – 1 Weather Test results, completed in April, again by Exova. This gave HWL’s R9 non-glass bonded window an Exposure Category of 1600, a Class 3 Air Permeability Rating (600pa); a Class 9A (600pa) Water Tightness Rating; and top Class C4 (1600pa), resistance to wind. Howatson concluded: “It’s not that we’ve abandoned glass bonding or aren’t offering it anymore. It’s there if any of our customers want it and the choice is completely their’s. “What is unequivocal is that once they buy and then fit a non-glass bonded frame they don’t look back because it saves them time, makes their lives far easier and can save them anywhere upwards of £500 per install.” www.hwlwindows.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 51

PRODUCT NEWS

Getting Back To Your Roots

With Force 8 Over recent years the trend has been towards more contemporary composite doors and Force 8 have helped to lead the way with their innovative and unique designs, but lets not forget the traditional door. There are still customers and homes that require a more refined traditional design to blend in with their surroundings, and this market should not be neglected. Force 8 are well-known for their unique profile bending system, creating beautiful unbroken arched frames, and this has been an integral part of their traditional door range for many years. The installation pictured is indicative of the type of traditional installation that Force 8 are well-known for. Fabricating the frame and manufacturing the door within the same factory gives Force 8 the ability match the door to the frame with

perfect precision, which an advantage when dealing with just one supplier rather than two. It also eliminates any problems at the installation stage, which can turn out to be quite costly if measurements have been misinterpreted, either during the survey or at the point of fabrication. Although the modern composite door systems have quite a lot of adjustments that can be made at the point of installation, it has its limits. As far as Force 8 are aware, they are the only company who fabricate arched frames and manufacture composite doors, which gives them and their customers a distinct advantage. Force 8 are aware that quite a few installers have turned work down, simply because of the complications of arched or unusual frames and doors. One customer was let down by two

52 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018

companies before Force 8 got involved and fabricated the perfect frame and door for the property, which resulted in neighbours ordering similar frames and doors. In these uncertain economic times the last thing installers should be doing is turning away work. Force 8 want to encourage installers to contact them if they have to quote for arched or unusual shaped frames or doors. In most cases these will be a traditional design, and Force 8 have an extensive range of styles and colours available, along with a matching hardware selection. The door depicted is the Force 8 Cottage style and is available in two styles: a farmhouse â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;offset etchedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; detailing and a traditional tongue and groove. The arched frame is perfectly coloured to match the Chartwell Green of the door, which is another reason why dealing with one supplier can make all the difference. www.force8.uk or try their new door designer here: www.doordesigner.uk/Force8

PRODUCT NEWS

New Pastel Range And Door

Designs From Solidor Solidor’s continued range development has resulted in the introduction of a new Pastel Range of colours that consists of Twilight Grey, Lavender and Cobalt Blue, along with the launch of two new door designs, namely the Stirling and Trieste. The through colour Pastel Range is a new development from Solidor, increasing the number of finishes and colours inside and out to 23. The new colours of Twilight Grey, Lavender and Cobalt Blue can be specified on any Solidor composite door design and are featured on the Door Designer and on Solidor Cloud 2.0. This enables trade partners to order at the point of sale 24/7, 365 days a year. The Stirling is the latest com-

these two new doors also feature online for consumers and the trade, for what has become one of the most exciting product ranges in the composite door sector, claim Solidor. Gareth Busson, head of sales and marketing at Solidor Group commented: ‘The new Pastel Range is an important introduction for us and helps sets us apart as a brand, while enticing consumers with the latest colour trends. At the same time, we’re launching two new door designs on the back of a new square glazing cassette, ultimately giving our customers greater design choice.

posite door design from Solidor, inspired from the 1930’s with a distinctive new square glazing cassette which also features on the new Triste, which is an addition to the popular Italia Collection that was launched back in 2009. Like the Pastel Range,

He continued: ‘With all of these new developments now on the Door Designer and on Solidor Cloud 2.0, there’s also the re-assurance that we can deliver these new specifications with consistent world-class OTIF levels of 99%.’ www.solidor.co.uk

Composite Doors Of Quality From ODL When you’re supplying a product as popular as composite doors, you need to choose your products wisely. For Nathan Barr, Managing Director of ODL Europe, there’s only one answer: “We are the exclusive UK partners of the internationally renowned Capstone Engineering Ltd composite door. As the only UK seller of the technically superior Capstone Composite Door, our customers have the reassurance of offering a composite door that delivers both exceptional quality and value that sets them apart from the competition. It means our doors offer a superior pedigree.” The company claims Capstone doors are stronger and heavier than standard composite doors because they’re manufactured with LVL (laminated veneered lumber),

core delivers exceptional thermal performance with typical U values of 0.9 W/m2K for solid doors and 1.4 W/m2K for half glazed doors. And security is assured because the door slabs meet PAS 24:2016 requirements as standard.

which gives the door a stronger resistance to twisting, bowing and warping. There is no finger jointing either: the laminated one piece construction features a glue line every 3mm for extra strength and stability. The high density polyurethane

The doors are manufactured with a 100% pure PVC composite rail which gives excellent screw retention compared to many competitors’ products which, the company claims, are only 70% PVC. It also means there’s no need for fillers or edge banding. There are numerous designs and colours available, All feature a 2mm high density pigmented woodgrain GRP skin that delivers durability and security for long-lasting good looks. www.aperturesolutions.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 53

PRODUCT NEWS

Kingston Joinery

And West Port Windows

And Doors Join Forces

To Bring ‘Exceptional’ New Fire Door Product To Market

“The product we’re offering is an ideal solution for local authorities with high-rise towers, and is perfectly suited for flat entrance doors, communal doors, corridor doors and stairwell doors,” comments Craig O’Leary, Kingston Joinery’s Managing Director. “Developed with one of the UK’s leading timber window manufacturers, and delivering the highest standard of fire protection, it’s an outstanding way to meet and excess increasingly stringent fire regulations. “We’re delighted to be working with West Port to offer such comprehensive installation and accreditation package and feel it could make a really positive impact in the commercial development and refurbishment sectors.” Sean Parnaby, West Port Managing Director, comments: “Grenfell Tower was a long-overdue wakeup call for everyone in construction. Finally, fire safety regulations are being tightened, and now, as an industry, we’re responsible for producing and fitting fire doorsets that perform to the highest standards. Together, that’s what West Port and Kingston can offer. “Every door we provide has exceeded standard fire resistance times by 40% and comes supplied with relevant markings to verify the door’s fire integrity, as well as low-level thresholds for disability access.

Two of Britain’s leading timber fenestration businesses are joining forces to bring a new high-performance fire door-set to market. A new distribution deal will see East Yorkshire’s Kingston Joinery and Cumbria’s West Port Windows offer a complete turnkey package to some of the UK’s biggest commercial developers and contractors. West Port’s Secured by De-

sign-accredited fire door has withstood temperatures of almost 1000 degrees Celsius in testing and contained fires for 42 minutes – 40% longer than required for FD30 status.

“Available with five to seven-week lead times, this is an ideal solution for major UK developers, main contractors, local councils and housing associations.”

Kingston Joinery, meanwhile, are registered with International Fire Consultants (IFC), allowing their supervisors to self-certify on site, offering clients a quick and easy route to fully-accredited installations.

Kingston Joinery has previously worked on large-scale developments for the likes of Bam, Balfour Beatty, Galliard Homes, Galliford Try, Interserve, Kier and Morgan Sindall.

54 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018

www.west-port.co.uk

PRODUCT NEWS

Viiu Slimline Sliding Door Becomes PAS24-2016 Accredited The Viiu (pronounced ‘view) slimline sliding door has become the first product of its type to pass the new more stringent security standard PAS24-2016, claim the company.

Viiu offers ultra-slim sightlines, secure laminated glass throughout and an ingenious, unobtrusive design. With the outer-frame entirely built into the façade, it gives the appearance of a wall of glass, strong enough to support moving glass sections of up to 750kg, and fixed glass sections up to 1200kg. But it’s the product’s unusually slim but robust interlock section that’s allowed it to achieve much sought-after PAS24-2016 accred-

itation.

“The PAS24-2016 process is extremely challenging,” explains Viiu Sales Director Rod Tate. “It was recently updated to stipulate the interlocks should not part by 50mm under 450kgs of force from both sides. As a result, most systems on the market found themselves in trouble. They simply hadn’t been designed to withstand that level of force. “During testing, most slim interlocks bend under the pressure, often resulting in gaps bigger than the magic figure of 50mm – the minimum amount of space a would-be intruder could realistically get their arm through.

“Viiu is the first and as-yet only system to stand up to that level of force. A simple look at the shape and size of the Viiu interlock shows that by design it has the strength required to pass the test. We have video evidence showing there was no gap at all between Viiu’s inside and outside interlock.” A motorised option is also available – and its drive gear is discreetly housed in the unit’s 100m head profile, which itself is hidden behind the building’s façade. According to Viiu, most competitor products, by contrast, require chunky head profiles up to 300mm in height. The motor can be easily accessed from below for maintenance or repair without the need for ugly internal access panels inside the home. Viiu also comes with automatic obstruction detection on motorised models, and a choice of wall-mounted or key fob operation. www.viiu.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 55

PRODUCT NEWS

Coastal Group Launches HS Portal SSC

Lift And Slide System

Hardware specialist Coastal Group has launched a new straight sliding door system – HS Portal SCV Lift and Slide System – which they say not only makes manufacturing easier and quicker but comes with a dedicated full technical support package.

visible screw holes.

The company has incorporated innovative hardware technology into the new system designed to reduce manufacturing time and deliver an enhanced life span. It was designed after listening to feedback from joiners and homeowners alike to identify ways to improve existing sliding door systems. Key features of the new system include:

Soft Open/Close Feature to meet the current trend for larger door leaves whilst retaining control of the door, innovative hardware technology means even a sash weighing up to 400kg can be operated safely, conveniently and effortlessly. The new soft close and open option provides much greater control over the door, helping prevent injury and damage to the frame.

Clean Minimalistic Look with concealed top track in the head of the frame and slim bottom rail with no

Durodeen weatherproof profiles – Rot-proof, recyclable and premachined, the new Durodeen profiles

Custom designed security Hook Lock with safer Flush Plate Keeps that have no protruding bolts to potentially harm users. Additional Lockable Night Vent feature enables air circulation.

56 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018

feature excellent paint adherence to match the door-frame, they also provide a double weather seal for enhanced performance. Hollodeen Premachined Resin Thresholds – stone lookalike resin threshold option not only saves production time, but comes with a lifetime guarantee. It also helps the thermal values of the door with an excellent ‘U-value’ of 0.4W/m2 K Backing up the innovative system, which is held in stock, is a full customer support package, says Coastal. In addition to a new 16-page brochure on the system, Coastal has also created a series of films explaining the main features and benefits of it, which can be viewed at: coastal-group.com

PRODUCT NEWS

Keswick Superglaze Delivers First-class Installations with Icotherm we give to our clients.”

Keswick Superglaze is a family-run business that has been installing windows, doors and conservatories in homes across Cumbria for more than 30 years.

For Cumbria-based installer, Keswick Superglaze, working with Icotherm Roof Systems helps them to deliver a first-class installation for homeowners. Craig Robinson, Account Manager at Keswick Superglaze said: “At Keswick Superglaze, we aim to make choosing the right conservatory, orangery, double glazed replacement windows, doors or roofline products an absolute pleasure,

but we are only as good as our suppliers. “When we work with customers, it is extremely important that they receive the very best service and that means working with the very best suppliers. When a customer comes to us, wanting a first-class solid roof installation, our thoughts turn to Icotherm – we know we’re going to get a great product and that enhances the service

Ultraroof All Tile – Build Any Extension With An

Ultraframe Roof

Ultraframe has launched the Ultraroof All Tile roof system. It does exactly what the name suggests, can accommodate any conventional roof tile such as the Marley Modern, Slates, even the popular Redland Rosemary. Based on the Ultraroof380, the Ultraroof All Tile enables Ultraframe retail partners to further maximise the opportunity presented by the growth in the home extension market. Alex Hewitt, Ultraframe Marketing Director comments: “What the

Ultraroof All Tile gives the retail installer is another opportunity to win home extension work. With the recent launch of the Ultrasky Flat

Craig continues: “We source all our products from sustainable companies, which use the best quality materials, and Icotherm fits into that category. The technical support is superb, staff at Icotherm are easy to deal with and the products are delivered quickly. We’ve got a good relationship with the team – long may it last.” Director at Icotherm, Dave Jackson adds: “We love working with like-minded companies like Keswick Superglaze, who want to offer the very best to their customers. They have worked on some fantastic projects using Icotherm Solid Roofs and I’m looking forward to working closely with them as we both continue to grow.” www.icotherm.co.uk Roof and now with the Ultraroof All Tile a retailer can walk into any home and give the home owner exactly what they want – whether it’s a glazed roof, Livinroof, kitchen extension with a roof light or lantern or a tiled roof to completely match their existing property, it can all be achieved with an Ultraframe roof system.” The Ultraroof All Tile can take the weight of a tile up to 54kg/m2 and is supplied as a ‘naked’ version of the original Ultraroof380 giving the retailer all the structural performance of the Ultraroof but without the unnecessary components such as bargeboards, fascias, rainwater goods and supporting posts. Effectively the Ultraroof All Tile gives the retailer maximum flexibility to design and build any type of extension regardless of roof finish. WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 57

PRODUCT NEWS

Midland Conservatories Makes The Switch To illbruck’s TP650 Trio A celebrated conservatory specialist has become the latest prestigious firm to begin using illbruck’s TP650 Trio installation tape. Over 25 years, Staffordshire’s Midland Conservatories has established itself as one of the region’s leading trade suppliers of premium timber conservatories and orangeries, as well as casement and sliding sash windows, French doors, entrance doors and roof windows. And now, after a successful trial, the respected firm has placed its first order of TP650. TP650 Trio is a pre-compressed, multi-functional polyurethane tape that’s impregnated with flame-retardant

resin. It seals and protects corner joints from mould and fungi, and it significantly improves acoustic insulation. And it’s the product’s combination of exceptional performance and ease of use that’s made it such a hit with Midland Conservatories, as General Manager Rob Souster explains. “We’ve built our business on offering outstanding quality, backed with outstanding service, and TP650 exactly fits in with that ethos. “It’s incredibly quick and easy to use and leaves end-users with products that offer topof-the-line thermal and acoustic performance.

58 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018

“We were hugely impressed by our initial trial-run with the product and see ourselves using it more and more as time goes on.” David Naylor, TP650 Trio Product Manager at illbruck, comments: “We’re delighted that such a respected company has seen the benefit of using TP650. “Increasingly, we’re seeing businesses across the country wake up to the advantages of using state-of-the-art installation tape. In ten years’ time, I think a large percentage of the UK’s windows, doors and conservatories will be fitted using products like TP650.” www.illbruck.com/en_GB/

PRODUCT NEWS

A Helping Hand For BM

Aluminium’s Helpdesk BM Aluminium’s customers are benefiting from its investment in a new SharePoint intranet platform.

The Tewkesbury based LogiKal software specialist has very much made the Microsoft product its own and has adapted it to track and monitor all of its helpdesk calls. This is enabling BM Aluminium to analyse patterns and trends in the 100-150 calls it receives per week and respond more quickly and effectively than ever before. Technical Implementation Manager Perry Mace explains: “We are logging all of the calls under

specific categories now so that we can pull off reports at any time and see whether there are issues with LogiKal which are common to lots of customers,

All too often, it was a case of ‘the computer says no’ for Cumbernauld based CMS Window Systems when it was dealing with its previous software supplier. It was refreshing then for it to switch to Business Micros and benefit from what CMS describes as a ‘truly customer orientated approach’.

al Planning Manager at CMS, has been very pleased with the service. He says: “What continues to impress us about Business Micros is the flexibility shown by the whole team. They almost never say No to a request from us, but always find a way to adapt the software so that it does what we need it to do.

CMS Window Systems is a specialist window, door and curtain walling fabricator with a large social housing customer base, so has quite specific manufacturing and reporting requirements when compared with a typical trade supplier.

“Whether that is changing a report in EvoNET or rationalising the customer defaults in Evolution, they make it clear that their priority is to fit the software to our business rather than the other way around.”

Mark Owens, Sales and Operation-

“Then we are addressing those straightaway, either by sending out emails to explain common issues or inviting individual customers in for dedicated training, which in many cases will be free. “With more than 130 separate customers using the helpdesk every week, we can now spot problems as soon as they arise and try to resolve them before they impact on their businesses or efficiency.”

The Computer Says Yes

The team at Business Micros has invested time in understanding this and, over the last four years, has put together what is now a completely bespoke software package based on the Evolution and EvoNET platforms.

or a single customer who might be repeatedly struggling with a particular problem.

CMS has a two day per month support contract with Business Micros so that it can carry out ongoing development of its software. However, Mark says that it is not just the time that Business Micros spends, but the approach which really matters. He adds: “The support team are on call all week for us to contact by phone

The SharePoint analysis is also being used internally to share best practice and continually improve the performance of the BM Aluminium support team. The team can be contacted on: support@bmaluminium.co.uk and we get regular visits from the programmers. They almost seem to enjoy the challenges we set them, and clearly see the development work they do for us as part of a process of continual product improvement.” In terms of payback, CMS calculates the value of the Business Micros software in terms of the ongoing functionality and features it offers. It is continually adding new reports within EvoNET and says that social housing clients appreciate the insight that this brings to their relationship with CMS. Using Evolution and EvoNET, CMS has complete barcode scanning of its factory and can track every profile and glass unit from delivery to despatch. This ensures that it can identify problems or errors before they ever become visible to the client and helps to ensure that it can maintain an efficient, right first time service. www.cmswindows.com www.businessmicros.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 59

MACHINERY

Super-Size’ Manufacture Defining Trend At This Year’s Glasstec Capacity to manufacture on increasingly large scale is one of the defining trends at this year’s Glasstec, 23-26th October, Düsseldorf, according to machinery specialist, Promac Group. With cutting-edge technologies on show at this autumn’s expo from its supply partners including Forel, Mappi, Soft Solution, and Macotec, Promac Group Managing Director, Joe Hague, said Glasstec 2018 was defined by the application of glass products on an increasingly large scale. He said: “The requirement to manufacture large scale product – units around the 4m2 mark, so 2000mm x 2000mm and up – has increased significantly in the last year. “Mirroring growth in aluminium, this includes from the home improvement market, with larger IGU’s going into lift-and-slide and glass-wall type installations and continuing demand from the commercial and

specification sectors. “This makes capacity to manufacture at scale and automation of process key, not simply in terms of handling but quality and efficiency and there are some very exciting products being showcased at this year’s Glasstec which allow you to do it.” Chief among them is Forel, which unveiled its ‘No Limits’ range at Vitrum last year. This includes an IGU line with the capability to process panes of up to 15m long and 3.3m high with a load capacity per linear metre of 350kg for a single pane and 600kg for the assembled unit. The line on show at this year’s Glasstec (Hall 16 A21-A41) with a capacity to manufacture units 3300mm X 9000mm sits close to the mid-point of this heavy-weight offering. It features a washing machine,

60 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018

quality scanner, frame application and inspection station, turning conveyor, gas filling coupling press and sealing robot complete with pumping system – each geared to handle large units. Mappi will also showcase its leading-edge ATS ECO 4.0 High Performance Low Energy Tempering Plant on stand D39 in Hall 16. The ATS ECO 4.0 features a newly refined multi-zonal and intelligent heating systems, delivering significantly increased product quality and efficiency in the tempering of the latest generation of low-e glass, with capacity to temper glass of up to 2700 X 6000mm. Float glass cutting line manufacturer Macotec, will be in Hall 16, Stand D60. Innovations on show include its Master Shape 3.7FR automatic glass cutting table, the Strato Active automatic laminated glass cutting table, plus its automatic cutting lines. Flat glass inspection systems leader SoftSolution will also showcase its range of vertical and horizontal line scanners in Hall 14, Stand D60. For more information See Promac Group at Glasstec, 23-26th October, Düsseldorf, log on at www.promac.co.uk

MACHINERY

Everglade Invests In

Second Emmegi Quadra

machines profiles continuously in 360° without the need to reposition, turn the bar over, or process more than once; and also offers market leading tolerances, with the machine automatically adjusting for different profile sizes and even different systems. Fabricators can typically prepare aluminium profiles using a Quadra up to three times faster than with a conventional machining centre, yet with only minimal manual input required.

Yogesh Gopal and Reena Gjoci from Everglade visited Emmegi in Italy to view a Quadra machine before placing their order

Everglade Windows has just added a second Emmegi Quadra cutting and machining centre to its already impressive manufacturing set up. The London based company is using the new 12 axis machine to step up the manufacturing capacity for its aluminium windows and doors, and give itself scope for even further expansion in the future.

Everglade bought its original Quadra L1 way back in 2012 and it continues to perform so well that the same machine was the obvious choice when it was looking to invest again to meet consistently increasing demand. Emmegi’s flagship Quadra L1 can cut, machine and transom notch all in one operation. It

For Everglade, the Quadra L1 is enabling it to increase the speed and efficiency of its manufacturing once again, and thus minimise lead times for customers. Managing Director Yogesh Gopal explained: “This investment is all about helping us continue to offer great service levels to our customers, with fast delivery and consistently high product quality. We are impressed with how the machine is operating already alongside the original Quadra L1.” www.evergladetrade.co.uk

TruFrame’s Urban Investment

Following on from the commissioning of four new BDM cutting and machining centres at a combined cost of £1.7million, TruFrame have now installed a new Urban welding and cleaning line that’s already offering outstanding levels of product quality, accuracy and consistency and without any additional cost to their customers. The new AKS 6910/8 VARIO has been specified with electrically driven servo motors on each of the welder’s eight heads, which replaces the traditional arrangement of pneumatic cylinders that have been used on this sort of machinery for decades.

These “smart heads” communicate with each other in real-time, allow-

ing them to drive together at the same rate and with the same degree of force. This not only ensures that all frame and transom/mullion elements are welded in perfectly square, but additional controlled pressure at the final “squeeze” point helps to improve overall joint strength. The introduction of the new welder, with its cutting-edge technology, has also allowed TruFrame to fur-

ther improve the visual appearance of all frame corner and transom joints by reducing the weld restriction from 2.5mm to just 0.2mm. The resulting “pencil-thin” weld line on foiled product is a striking visual enhancement, which extends around the entire frame rebate due to the unique profile specific tooling which formed a large part of the entire investment. www.truframe.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 61

ON SITE

Senior Delivers A Hybrid Solution To Harrogate The attractive new offices of Harrogate Borough Council in North Yorkshire have benefitted from an innovative mix of timber and aluminium thanks to use of Senior Architectural Systems’ Hybrid windows, doors and curtain wall. Located within a wooden conservation area in the leafy spa town of Harrogate, the new civic centre has allowed the council to consolidate its facilities in one single-site location. Designed by architects Farrell and Clark, ener-

gy-efficiency was a key requirement of the new build project and the use of Senior’s Hybrid timber aluminium system has provided a high performance, low maintenance solution that perfectly complements the natural beauty of the site.

thetic benefits of timber internally. Offering specifiers the best of both worlds, the robust external aluminium can be powder-coated in any RAL colour whilst the attractive internal timber is available in a range of wood types and finishes.

Installed by Frostree Ltd for main contractor Harry Fairclough Ltd, Senior’s Hybrid doors, curtain walling and windows combine the durability of aluminium externally with the environmental and aes-

For more information about Senior, visit www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk or search for Senior Architectural Systems on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

62 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018

ON SITE

Heath Windows Uses Spectus VS To Restore A Cardiff Property To Its Former Glory Heath Windows & Doors Ltd has recently completed the installation of nine Spectus Vertical Sliders in white woodgrain in two full stone bay windows and one single window at a property in Whitchurch in Cardiff. Hywel Graham, Operations Manager of Heath Windows and Doors, said: “The homeowners approached us because they wanted to replicate the authenticity of their original windows with the modern PVC-U equivalent. The Spectus Vertical Slider is a great looking window and as such is really easy to sell, as it was in this case.” Heath Windows and Doors has been installing Spectus Vertical Sliders for many years. Hywel explains: “Many of the properties in Cardiff still have their Gateshead-based glass and glazing supplier Wadds has just completed the supply and installation of the shop front for a Sainsbury’s Local branch on Chillingham Road in the Heaton district of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Diane Ince, Managing Director of Wadds, commented: “This was a great project to work on and we’re delighted with the quality of the result.” The main contractor on the project was local company J3 Building Solutions and Wadds won the contract to supply and install the shopfront in a competitive tender process. Diane tendered for the project using Exlabesa’s KC51 and KSF shopfronts. Both systems deliver results that maximise the glazed area for stunning aesthetics, meet and exceed current regulatory requirements and offer simple and cost-effective fabrication and installation. Diane said: “We chose the KC51 and KSF shopfronts

ward to install too.” The windows were fabricated by well-established Spectus Vertical Slider manufacturer Windoor Mate in Gelli. The company has built its reputation on the quality of its products and its friendly, approachable service. In the case of the Spectus Vertical Slider it’s fabricating the VS solution that is renowned for its authentic looks and modern day practicality.

original wooden sash windows and they are now in need of replacement. The Spectus VS mirrors the Victorian sliders perfectly but with all the advantages that only a modern day PVC-U window can achieve. The product is very straightfor-

The installation of the new Spectus Vertical Sliders went smoothly and the new windows have transformed the property, restoring it to its former glory. Hywel concludes: “The homeowner is delighted with the result, as are we. The windows are really eye-catching.” www.spectus.co.uk

Wadds Ltd Uses

Exlabesa Shopfronts

because they delivered the solution required.” Wadds supplies, manufactures and installs glass and glazing products to domestic and commercial customers including Newcastle United Football Club, Newcastle

upon Tyne NHS, Newcastle City Council, South Tyneside Council and Sunderland City Council. The company has been a fixture in the north east for over 50 years and is renowned for offering first class customer service every time. www.exlabesa.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 63

ON SITE

Aluprof

Reaches For The Stars A stunning new curtain wall facade has been installed by Aluprof customer, Britplas, at Jodrell Bank Observatory. The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Organisation have set up their new global Headquarters at the world famous location. Working in conjunction with the University of Manchester the new radio telescope will utilise a collection area of almost one million square metres working within the 50 MHz to 20 GHz bandwidth

and will play a major role in answering key questions in modern astrophysics and cosmology. SKA The curtain wall on the North elevation is structural glazed and forms an attractive sawtooth stepped appearance whilst other elevations are finished in traditional 50mm capping. Aluprof systems used on the project were MB70 doors and windows and SR 50N curtain walling, with

64 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018

SKA Building – Jodrell Bank

Trimo Qbiss cladding. The colour specified was RAL9011 from Interpon. The £1.2 million installation was designed by architects Hassell and constructed by Sir Robert McAlpine. Aluprof UK’s head office and extensive distribution centre is located in Altrincham, Cheshire. Aluprof systems are increasingly being specified on a wide range of residential and commercial projects across the UK including Passivhaus projects. Systems are designed, fabricated and installed by selected, specially trained local companies, to ensure each fabricated product meets Aluprof’s exacting standards. Further information is available on the company’s website at www.aluprof.eu and specialist advice is available directly from Aluprof’s UK offices.

ON SITE

Senior’s Glazing Solutions Are On Point In London Combining stylish slim sightlines and enhanced thermal-efficiency, Senior Architectural Systems’ SF52 aluminium curtain walling has been used to create the attractive glazed façade of a landmark new data centre in the heart of London Docklands. Designed by ARC-MC architects, The Point is a new three-storey bespoke built powered shell data centre located on the Isle of Dogs. The scheme’s striking building envelope features an attractive combination of different materials, with the sleek and slim line aluminium frame of Senior’s SF52 curtain walling perfectly complementing the granite cladding. Installed by Visual Concept Ltd for main contractor Metnor Construction, Senior’s high performance aluminium SD commercial doors have also been installed to the building’s main entrance to provide both a prac-

tical and aesthetically pleasing solution. Supply chain collaboration was vital to the successful delivery of the scheme, with Visual Concept Ltd recommending the specification of Senior’s SF52 curtain walling over competitor systems in order to better meet the scheme’s stringent targets for U-values and energy-efficiency. The established quality of Senior’s aluminium fenestration systems, which are designed and manufactured in the UK, was also an important factor. The location of the data centre presented numerous challenges, with access to one of the elevations restricted by the River Thames and the others by the neighbouring buildings. To ensure that the build programme remained on schedule, each phase of work and the delivery

of materials had to be carefully coordinated. Paul Price from Visual Concept Ltd explains: “We are extremely proud to have been involved in the creation of The Point and from inception to completion, it was a pleasure working alongside Metnor Construction and Senior Architectural Systems on such a landmark scheme. We were keen to work with Senior on this contract and the level of service they provided was fantastic, with all the orders expertly inputted, painted and supplied on time throughout the whole phasing procedure. The additional technical and practical support that was made available, particularly from our regional technical sales manager Mark Durose who was our main point of contact throughout the build, was also very impressive. All in all, a great team effort and a project to be proud of!” For more information about Senior, visit www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk or search for Senior Architectural Systems on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 65

ON SITE

Deceuninck 2500 Aluminium-Alternative Window Ideal For Capital House

Bennetts Set For New

Project At New Covent Garden Market

Aluminium glazing specialists Bennett Architectural are set to work on a second project at the revamped New Covent Garden Market. Bennetts will supply and install Kawneer AA110 curtain walling and doors for the new Security Lodge at the Nine Elms site. The new facility forms a crucial part of the support services onsite and will be located at the main entrance and will feature state of the art CCTV technology. Last year work was completed on the Food Exchange building at New Covent Garden Market, which has since been shortlisted for the London Construction Awards for the Architectural Design category, with winners announced at a ceremony on 23rd October at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington. To find out more about Bennett Architectural Aluminium visit www.baasl.co.uk

Deceuninck’s 2500 Tilt & Turn window provides a high-performance alternative to aluminium for Capital House, a bespoke student accommodation complex in Southampton. Opening in September 2018, Capital House is a £20 million refurbishment of an existing 13-storey office building and the development of 11 four-storey student townhouses, providing living spaces for 423 students. Deceuninck fabricator, Dempsey Dyer manufactured and supplied over 1,300 Deceuninck windows for this prestigious development. The repurposing of Capital House, incorporating ribbon windows and horizontal concrete blocks, led to a complex window specification. On the one hand, low U-Values were required for thermal efficiency, while on the other hand the specification called for low solar gain to prevent the building overheating – increasingly important in a period of climate change. Due to the high-rise nature of the office building design, particular care was needed to calculate wind loading. The project also demanded good ventilation and restricted access for students’ personal safety. Deceuninck’s 2500 Tilt & Turn window more than met the spec with outstanding performance: U-Value of 1.3 W/m2K, 0.34 G-Value, Class 4 air permeability, Class 8A water tightness, and Class A5 2000Pa exposure. The Tilt & Turn window is ideal for student and high-rise developments as it gives various ventilation options, ensures residents’ personal safety and can be

66 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018

easily cleaned in the side position. Its smooth, contemporary look closely mimics the appearance of aluminium. In Smooth Matt Grey on Grey Substrate, the installed windows look like aluminium inside and out, even when open, claims Deceuninck. The use of ribbon windows on the 13-storey Capital House building needed special consideration and highlighted both Deceuninck’s and Dempsey Dyer’s technical expertise. These windows run the full perimeter of the building without posts or apertures in between. The two companies worked closely to calculate the wind loading with high levels of accuracy, and use window couplers to ensure safe, secure installation. Over a two-month period Dempsey Dyer supplied 1,341 windows frames for the project, on time and in full. Capital House will provide luxury accommodation for students in the heart of Southampton. Call 01249 816 969 or visit www.deceuninck.co.uk

MARKETING

Freefoam De-Mystify The Process Behind The Products TV Shows and online videos about how everyday objects are made are incredibly popular and can be a powerful marketing tool for many manufacturing companies – with Lego clocking up over 6.5 million views on YouTube! Freefoam Building Products are pleased to announce the launch of another new video featuring all aspects of the production process of its fascia, soffit and guttering products. The video explains each stage, right from the arrival of the raw materials on site, through the extrusion of pvc in the production process to storage and distribution of the finished product. Louise Sanderson,

Marketing Manager explains “This film gives us the opportunity to demystify the process and explain simply and clearly how our products are made. It’s fascinating to see how we take simple raw materials in powder form and create an end product that will still be protecting roofs and homes around the country in 50 years time.” Freefoam have made considerable investment in the UK facilities over the past 19 years – even changing the skyline of Northampton with their 21 metre high ‘Mixing Plant’. The production facility operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week employing 92 people on site. The video also helps to illus-

trate the scale of this manufacturing operation and Warehousing facilities. Geoff Barnett, Technical Operations Manager “We’re proud of what we make and of our site and this video gives us the opportunity to showcase the facilities we operate and the products we produce. Because of the investment we’ve made we have full control of the whole process, managing and fine tuning every stage to create materials that are hard wearing, fit for purpose and guaranteed to last.” You viewe the video here: just click here WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 67

MARKETING

Win Big With

REHAU

REHAU is encouraging its social media followers to like its new centralised Facebook page and enter a competition to win five £100 Amazon vouchers. As REHAU moves all its current social content to one new page it is reaching out to followers on its existing Facebook pages to encourage them to make the move and stay in touch. This is part of a move to create one place for REHAU to share news, activity and competitions on social media avoiding confusion that could be caused by its current multiple pages. Stephen Beresford, Head of Marketing Communications at REHAU said: “We are moving to our new Facebook page but we don’t want to lose our followers, so we hope this competition will spur people on to follow us to our new page. It’s straight forward to enter – just like the post to be in with a chance of winning! “And don’t forget to share with your friends and like the new page as well.” The competition is live until August 14 and REHAU followers simply need to like the page at www.facebook.com/REHAU-UK

UMG Online

UMG (Unique Metal & Glass Ltd) has launched a brand new website, which puts it even further ahead of the competition, says the company. The new website at www.metal-glass.com transforms UMG’s online presence, thanks to a contemporary new design which reflects the cutting edge architectural concepts of the company. It is optimised for use on any type of screen, therefore can be used with ease on a mobile anywhere. The site contains galleries of UMG’s prestigious installations from around the UK, both large and small projects.

The company prides itself on being able to find a unique solution to any frameless glazing, canopy and balustrading problems, nearly all their work is bespoke and specifically designed for the project in hand. The new website now shows a good representation of their work, including case studies and technical details. “As each individual project is unique, we do not have any off the shelf products or

68 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018

solutions”, comments Mike Dyer, Director at UMG. “We work closely with the architect or designer to achieve the desired results. In some cases this means staying within conservation guidelines while trying to use contemporary components, which can be difficult, but we are used to balancing these aspects. The new website is a good reflection of our company and gives a good cross section of the type of projects we have been involved with”, comments Mike. The site was designed and built by Graffika Media & Design who are well-known in the industry for producing new and inventive digital projects. To find out more information about UMG visit the new site: www.metal-glass.com .To keep up-to-date with their latest projects and news you can subscribe via the website to their newsletter, which will feature in-depth details of how solutions were found and problems solved. You can also follow UMG on Twitter and Facebook.

MARKETING

Swish Website Now Optimised

To Boost Leads For Installers Swish Window Systems, an Epwin Window Systems brand, has just upgraded its website to help drive leads for its installers. Gerald Allen, Marketing Manager at Epwin Window Systems, said: “The developments we’ve made to the Swish website will connect homeowners with their local installer much more quickly and easily than ever before.” Two key developments have been made to the homeowner-focused site. Over a thousand landing pages have been developed for all the major towns and cities in the UK to boost search engine optimisation and help drive local traffic

ber installers closest to them.

to the website. The second development is the inclusion of a ‘find an installer’ facility on the website. The facility means visitors can enter their town or postcode and see details of the Excellence as Standard mem-

Fresh New Look For

businessmicros.co.uk

The new developments enhance the visitor experience even further. As well as the new additions, there is plenty of information on all Swish brand products, showcasing their features and benefits plus stunning images to highlight the aesthetics of the products. Visitors can request copies of Swish brochures. They can also read more about the Swish brand, its background and credentials to highlight the reliability and longevity of the brand as well as demonstrate its authority in the market place. www.swishwindows.co.uk It provides much more than just a product showcase however; it allows all customers with support contracts to log in and access help from the team based at Business Micros’ Penpont head office and features a TeamViewer link for instant tech support. A quick browse of the site leaves visitors in no doubt about Business Micros’ position in the industry, with all 15 profile companies and 23 machinery companies it works with listed. An organisational chart shows who’s who, and there is a continually updated news feed as well.

Business Micros has revealed a fresh new look for its website at www.businessmicros.co.uk Created in house by the company’s own software specialists, it

includes an introduction to the complete Business Micros product range and features a video insight into its market leading EvoNET business information system.

Nick Bailey who is responsible for Business Micros’ marketing, said: “The new site echoes the one for our sister company www. bmaluminium.co.uk It is the perfect introduction to what we do and how we do it, and works just as effectively for both new and existing customers.” www.businessmicros.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 69

MARKETING

Modplan Launches New Website Modplan has just launched its new website as part of a shift in how it communicates with its UK customers as well as ensuring new prospects understand the Modplan proposition and product range. Justin Williams, International Sales and Marketing Director at Modplan, said: “For the past 5 years we have developed bespoke software for our Export customers so they can design windows and conservatories and order them via our online portal. It’s made communications easier; reduced turnaround and meant silly mistakes like how a Norwegian writes a 1 (it looks like a 7!) were eliminated. The new Modplan website has taken what we have learnt in that time and apply it to our UK trade customers. That is our primary objective; to make our customers lives easier. Digital is an essential part of the marketing mix these days and we’ve invested heavily in developing a website that delivers what our customers need. The new website encapsulates the Modplan approach: it’s

customer-focused and straightforward.” “For example, we have developed a system that would allow a fitter to photograph anything onsite and raise a non-conformance report instantly that would allow Modplan to react to get the job back on track. All the data is then available on a dashboard to review with our customers to identify improvements we both can make. Modplan also uses the data to drive improvements with our suppliers to benefit our customers”. Every section of the site has been carefully thought through so it’s intuitive and easy-to-navigate. Visitors can browse the site from any device as it’s fully responsive across all platforms. “Prospective customers are able to see our product range more clearly and chat with our staff during office hours with any queries. Neil Gater, Marketing and Commu-

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nications Manager comments: “As a business we are continually focused on helping our customers. The live chat function extends our services even further. In the first week of launching we have already had 4 new trade enquiries with 3 meetings confirmed.” Justin continued: “Modplan customers will have access to our new portal where brochure downloads and technical data will be available. For our customers who operate multiple sites we can also introduce some of the dashboard functionality we use for Export customers to show site by site performance on a range of metrics.” Most importantly, the new website meets all the requirements of the new General Data Protection Regulation because protecting customers’ privacy is a responsibility Modplan takes very seriously. www.modplan.co.uk

MARKETING

New AluK Marketing Hub Lets Customers Put On A Show

SWISSPACER has invested in new livery. Pictured is Agnieszka Wronska, responsible for Sales at SWISSPACER UK.

Spot The

SWISSPACER ‘Putting the Show in your Showroom’ is how AluK is promoting its brand new online Marketing Hub, where customers can select and order from a whole range of stylish marketing materials. With the power of the AluK brand growing in the trade and residential market all the time, the company has made it easy for customers to access a whole range of distinctive marketing resources to support their own sales of AluK products. This includes everything from product and range brochures to showroom posters and even branded mugs. The new Marketing Hub is a bespoke, online ordering portal created within the AluK website at www. aluk.co.uk. Customers receive their own unique log in and can then simply scroll through everything that is available, adding whatever items they want to order to their own virtual shopping basket. When they go through to place that order, a message is sent to AluK so that it can be despatched and delivered as quickly and efficiently as possible. Once they are logged in, customers can manage their own orders, track the delivery and even

create their own reports. The AluK Hub is packed with brochures, fabrication manuals, product data sheets, installation guides, wall charts, showroom support items and branded merchandise. Customers can choose the items which work best for their business and give themselves a real point of difference in both the trade and retail sectors Sioned Webb, AluK’s Marketing Director, said: “We know our marketing material puts us ahead of the competition, and we want to give our customers that same advantage. This is a key part of our commitment to providing the very best customer service in the industry and we’ve made sure it’s a really user friendly platform which we are confident our fabricators and installers will love. “We will be adding the option to personalise all the marketing collateral in the coming months and even creating an image library for customers to download our professional images for their own use.” More details are at: www.aluk.co.uk

Lorry!

Following large investment in its UK Hub in Milton Keynes, SWISSPACER has recently upgraded its delivery vehicles with new branded livery. The new livery, in unmissable SWISSPACER orange, will make deliveries of warm edge solutions across the length and breath of the UK. John Cooper, Commercial Director at SWISSPACER comments: “The new lorry livery is just the latest in a series of SWISSPACER’s UK investments, and complements our new Hub with meeting spaces, warehouse and offices. “SWISSPACER will now stand out even more, and the ‘Edge of Tomorrow’ messaging is now impossible to miss!” SWISSPACER supplies direct customers and approved stockists with thousands of metres of warm edge spacer bar a year, available in 19 widths and 17 colours, as well as a heritage Georgian bar option. www.swisspacer.com WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 71

EVENTS

REHAU Launches Tool To Transform

Construction Industry A new real time project management tool, which could provide a solution to time management issues facing the construction industry, is being showcased by REHAU at an event taking place at its London Hub this week. The REHAU project portal is a digital solution created by GenieBelt and UNLIMITED X – the innovation lab of the REHAU Group – to a problem that has long troubled main contractors managing larger construction sites. The portal will challenge this problem of capturing progress reports from many different teams and companies working on a site at one time by providing a tool that allows the central manager to monitor the status of a construction in real time via the portal, and enables them to communicate with all subcontractors and stakeholders centrally from any device.

The Danish start-up GenieBelt has established the solution and hopes by working with REHAU, which has extensive experience within the construction industry, that the portal will support contractors and greatly reduce time spent capturing updates and communicating with large groups of people working on one site. The tool will be available to trial at the REHAU Hub in London on Thursday (August 30). Ulrik Branner, GenieBelt CEO, said: “We have the innovative real-time project management software, REHAU has a lot of know-how and experience in the construction industry. Together we will be able to offer a huge benefit for the construction industry. Both companies want to set a new market standard for communication and collaboration on construction projects.”

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Stefan Thomas, CDO REHAU and Managing Director UNLIMITED X, added: “It is our mission to fascinate our customers through new digital solutions. Together with GenieBelt we have adapted the software to perfectly suit our customers’ and the market’s needs and to offer additional value to our existing products. We are happy to work with GenieBelt to transform the construction industry.” Anyone that would like to sample the REHAU project portal will be able to do so on Thursday, August 30, from 6pm until 9pm at the showcasing event hosted at the London Hub, titled, ‘Mastering the art of digital construction’. The REHAU Hub can be found at The Building Centre, 26 Store Street, London, WC1E 7B. For more information about the event please visit www.rehau. com/gb-en/the-future-of-digital-construction/2064316

EVENTS

Full House Proves A Winner

For Rowley Aluminium A full house of popular AluK Optio products by Rowley Aluminium was crowned the August winner of AluK’s Installation of the Month competition.

Like all of AluK’s Installation of the Month winners, Rowley Aluminium will receive £100 worth of Screwfix vouchers, exclusive access to an Installation of the Month digital badge to use across their website and social media channels, and an invitation to the winners’ event taking place at the end of the year.

The stunning new build property in Wimborne, Dorset features a bespoke front door in AluK’s 58BD system, with full height gable and windows using the versatile 58BW system, as well as a 5-pane BSF70 bi-fold and a 2-pane BSC94 sliding door. The Anthracite grey frames are perfectly complemented by cedar cladding, ensuring that the house sits perfectly within its wooded setting. For Andy Chapman, the Manager at Rowley Aluminium, the project was a ‘textbook installation’ with all of the windows and doors supplied direct to site and fitted by one of Rowley’s regular builder customers.

um has exclusively been an AluK fabricator partner for more than 3 years, after the business was created to supply its own sister installation business Rowley Home Improvements. Its success since means that it also now supplies builders and installers throughout Dorset and the rest of the south west region.

He said: “For the client who was having the house built, the priority was aesthetics – they wanted the contemporary slim sight lines which you can only really get with aluminium; and the priority for the builder was the quality, durability and ease of installation which you are guaranteed with AluK products.”

Customers can enter the AluK competition at any time, simply by tagging the very best installation photos they post on Twitter or Facebook with the hashtag #MyExpertInstall. There is no need to register or fill in any forms and they can enter as many times as they like.

Based in Poole, Rowley Alumini-

www.aluk.co.uk

GGF Ready

For Members’ Day The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) is all set for its annual Members’ Day with around 100 delegates expected at the Federation’s showcase event of the year, which takes place on Wednesday 12th September at The National Conference Centre (inc. The National Motorcycle Museum) in Solihull, West Midlands.

Members will have their opportunity to ask questions and raise concerns to the GGF Board and Senior Management.

For the second successive year, former BBC Business presenter, Declan Curry will present his view on the economic and political landscape, with a special focus on Brexit. Declan will also moderate the open forum on the day, when

Steve Wycherley, Director of Continuum is an experienced motivational speaker who will present the importance of coaching and keeping good employees. At Members’ Day, Steve will share his approaches and unique techniques.

Anda Gregory is the Managing Director of GGF Commercial and her presentation will cover the progress across the GGF’s group of subsidiaries in 2018 and the plans for future growth. Other special features for Members’ Day include; live voting, video presentations and a fun quiz for what promises to be another memorable day of presentations, healthy debate and networking. In addition to Members’ Day, the GGF will also be hosting a special networking evening before the main event with a Drinks Reception in the National Motorcycle Museum on the 11th September starting at 6.30pm. At the evening event, there will also be an exclusive Members only free tour of the National Motorcycle Museum. www.ggf.org.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 73

CHARITY up to the event is essential. Over 30 REHAU staff are taking part in the Challenge from 7-9 September. They all come from different departments and locations from across the UK, Ireland and Italy, reflecting the company-wide commitment to raising money for Scope.

REHAU Pledges

To Support Scope REHAU has pledged to raise thousands for its new chosen charity Scope, providing vital funds to support disabled people and their families.

The variety of fundraisers will culminate later this year when more than 30 staff from across the UK complete the Three Peaks Challenge in September.

The team at REHAU will be raising money for Scope until the end of 2019. The business chose to donate to this particular cause late in 2017, when the whole company were asked to nominate a charity. Scope was selected from four charities placed into a business-wide vote as the REHAU staff saw very clear connections between the values and principles of the two brands.

So far a number of events have already taken place. Earlier this month (July 14) REHAU’s office in Slough hosted a stand at the Langley Carnival with a penalty shoot-out competition to raise money, alongside a cake sale and face painting, raising £156. And on July 21 REHAU’s two production facilities in Blaenau and Amlwch held a charity football match in Bangor. As well as the football, there was also a bouncy castle and face painter for children, stalls and refreshments, plus an auction to name the trophy. In the end it was named The Anthony McNally Trophy in memory of the former shift manager. All in all the event raised over £850.

Scope aims to make this country a place where disabled people have the same opportunities as everyone else. By 2022, Scope aims to directly reach more than two million disabled people and their families each year with information, advice and support, as well as campaigning for equality and fairness. Now everyone at REHAU is getting behind the fundraising efforts, with national and local activities planned across the country to help meet its ambitious target of £12,000.

The year’s big fundraiser will be the Three Peaks Challenge, a gruelling challenge which involves climbing the three highest peaks of Scotland (Ben Nevis), England (Scafell Pike) and Wales (Snowdon) over a two-day period. Challengers will walk 23 miles across the three peaks with a total ascent of more than 3,000m, so training and preparation in the months leading

74 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018

Other fundraising activities completed to date include dressing up for the royal wedding, a quiz, a Grand National sweepstake and a World Cup day in Slough. Sergio Fonseca, HR Director at REHAU, said: “Each year we support a charity as part of our CSR programme of activities, and this year our employees are going above and beyond with their fundraising efforts for Scope. Whether it’s taking on a huge personal challenge like the Three Peaks Challenge or making cakes for a bake sale, everyone is pulling together to achieve a common goal and there is a fantastic team spirit around the fundraising activities that is really special to be part of. “We set ourselves a big target for Scope, and with the drive and enthusiasm of our employees from around the country, we should meet it by the end of the year which will be of huge benefit to the charity and its work.” Katy Miller, Partnerships Director at disability charity Scope, said: “We’re thrilled that REHAU has chosen to raise money for Scope, and wish the teams the best of luck in their challenge. Scope can only do the amazing work that it does thanks to the generous support we get from our partners and donors. We’re working to drive change in society so that disabled people have equality and fairness, but to achieve that, we all need to work together.” For more information visit www. justgiving.com/fundraising/rehauthree-peaks

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