Synseal Times Issue 33 by Synseal Extrusions Ltd

Synseal Times ISSUE 33

IN THIS ISSUE Synseal wins Nottinghamshire Company of the Year Award

Meet Kevin Bush - HR Director

Global Glass - Synsealâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest acquisition

Focus on customer care

Synseal press day

How everyone can profit from the lucrative VS market

Colour helps lead the market

Synflash lead alternative

The Simplified Energy Licence (SEL)

Synseal invests in its future

Silicones & Stuff! One stop shop for all accessories

Welcome to Synseal - introducing our new team members

Synseal Extrusions Ltd. Common Road, Huthwaite, Nottinghamshire NG17 6AD Tel: 01623 443200 Fax: 01623 550243 www.synseal.com

ISSUE 33 SYNSEAL TIMES

NEWS FROM SYNSEAL 2

It’s not all doom and gloom! You could be forgiven if after reading about the state of Greek, Italian and Spanish debt (delete as appropriate) you have lost the will to live. The state of British pensions may also make you quiver with fright. Global tensions, religious or racial may be overwhelming you with a feeling of helplessness. Shortages of raw materials, water, skilled labour, or actual real currency are all shocking headline news again!

However we don’t want to talk about any of that depressing stuff! We want to talk about what’s good in the news and what it means for us all. We want to tell you about what we’re doing to make life better for you and your customers. I think it’s best to leave the whinging to others and crack on with improving our businesses together.

This edition of the Synseal Times is all about what we are doing to help:

The good news is that the government wants to increase the quality of our homes by helping us to improve their energy efficiency with initiatives such as the Green Deal. We are also to be encouraged back to building 100,000 more houses by the government’s new housing policy. Recycling is alive and well in Britain and landfill is becoming less and less acceptable. Also according to the market pundits the speed of decline within the window industry has slowed and will slow further.

• Supporting fabricators

It’s not all bad news. The window industry is a great place to work with such a lot to offer our customers – let’s get on and sell the benefits!

• Growing your commercial opportunities • Recruiting new people

• Negotiating licences on our fabricators behalf • Developing our roof and portal systems • Making colour more available and cheaper • Helping you increase sales of accessories to your customers • Growing our vertical slider range • Improving our communication of new products and technical improvements • Plus loads of new product information.

David Leng Chief Executive

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ISSUE 33 3

Synseal wins Nottinghamshire Company of the Year Award Synseal Extrusions Ltd. has won the prestigious Nottinghamshire Company of the Year Award, part of the Nottingham Post Business Awards and the top accolade of its type in the East Midlands region. The KPMG and Nottinghamshire County Council sponsored award was presented on the 7th July during a ceremony held at the Council House, with the evening sponsored by the University of Nottingham. Synseal was recognised for moving robustly to combat declining traditional markets and now making a name for itself in the new-build and commercial property sectors. The company has increased its market share against struggling peers while investing up to £4 million a year in plant, people and new products – sustaining double-digit operating profit during a period over which many competitors have either ceased trading, been swallowed up, or have sustained worsening financial performance. The 30 year old company is the largest British-owned PVCu window systems extruder, turning over more than £70 million while employing some 500 people locally, placing Synseal in the top three of its kind in the UK. Chief Executive David Leng, who led the management buyout of the company late in 2009 and who accepted the Award at the presentation said: “This Award has been gained thanks to the efforts of all our staff; they can feel very proud of themselves. It is also recognition of manufacturing businesses and those involved in construction, especially those in the window industry, all of which have become unfashionable in recent years. The window industry is a vibrant, dynamic sector that is a major employer bringing significant benefits to the UK and its economy and this award is for the industry as a whole as well as Synseal.”

Synseal CEO David Leng proudly accepts the Award

The award is now in its 25th year and past winners include; Experian, Hilton Building Services, Hardys & Hanson Plc and North Midland Construction Plc. Synseal faced stiff competition from various sectors for the 2011 award, including Direct Health Group Ltd, Heart Internet Ltd and SMS Electronics Ltd.

Synseal acquires IGU processing capability Synseal has acquired the assets of Midland Glass Ltd, the Mansfield-based insulated glass unit manufacturer. Synseal has purchased the production machinery and associated handling equipment in a move that greatly extends Synseal’s support capabilities for its customers, in addition to offering excellent potential for future product development. Synseal will operate its new glass division - Global Glass from the 43,000 sq ft premises formerly occupied by MGL. This news coincided with announcement of three new managers joining Synseal to head up the company’s foray into the IGU market. Mark Cerrone (formerly of MGL) has been appointed Glass Manufacturing Manager, Kelly Toor (formerly of MGL) has been appointed Customer Services Manager and Brian McDonald (formerly of Hegler) has been appointed Commercial Manager.

Explaining the decision David Leng, Synseal Chief Executive said: “We have seen a steady movement from polycarbonate to glass in conservatory roofs and our demand for glass for our bespoke vertical sliding windows range is growing at a very healthy rate. Enquiries are also building for our new triple glazed system so it makes sense for us to be able to offer IGUs to our customers, in addition to engaging ourselves with the technical side of glass manufacture. As the performance of replacement windows and conservatories is now inextricably interdependent it will give us a great advantage to engineer both the profile and the IGU in parallel to ensure that the most cost effective solution can be delivered to the market” added David. “Global Glass offers us an excellent opportunity just at the right time. I’m also delighted that we were able to secure such good quality people to take this forward. We are looking at a number of other acquisitions in the glass related sector and will expand our capability when possible, and it is crucial that we have the right people to work with us.”

From left: Brian McDonald, Steve Musgrave, Kelly Toor, Mark Cerrone and David Leng

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ISSUE 33 4

Synseal press day We hosted a press day on the 12th May 2011 for the key trade journals within our industry, the event was attended by 11 journalists from across the sector. The main aim of the press day was to open our doors to the world and show why Synseal is the leader in the industry and will continue to move the market forward and grow. The day consisted of a presentation from myself, around why we bought the business, our marketplace, what we have done so far and future plans for growth and development, followed by tours of the site:1. Showroom A detailed look at the new products we have developed over the past few years, our approach to tackling industry issues, such as recycling, energy engineering and a discussion on how Synseal supports its customers to help them be successful. 2. Extrusion hall To give an insight into best in class PVCu production, our industry leading efficiency and how Synseal differs from the competition we showcased our complete process from blending the raw material right through to our stringent quality control procedures. 3. Manufacturing and warehousing

In the photograph - from left to right: Keeley Portway, Christina Shaw (Glass News), John Hatcher (Window Industries), Nathan Bushell, Tony Higgin (Glazine), Mark Stacey (Vision), Sophie Stevens (Glass & Glazing Products), Diane Durmaz (Clearview), Dominic Bentham (Glass Times), Lee Clarke (Clearview) & Brian Shillibeer (The Installer). Below is some feedback from the journalists: “Synseal has the ability to comment on issues that really matter in the industry”. “I’m amazed at the degree with which Synseal works with customers”. “Clear, targeted strategy for going forward, passion for developing product, open and honest”.

State of the art manufacturing equipment and the most efficient processes in the industry enable us to produce the highest quality products with very short lead times. Our stock levels give customers the best possible service. The VS, Patio Door and Portal fabrication enable customers to sell higher value products without the need for large manufacturing facilities and stocks of their own.

“I did not realise they fabricated so many products too!”

The event was a resounding success, it flowed seamlessly and I would like to thank everyone involved for the effort put in making that happen. Our facilities where extremely well presented, and our people came across as highly professional and passionate about what they do.

“A sense of focus and passion from the board to the shop floor”.

“I am confident Synseal will achieve it’s goals of expansion as the whole team inject so much passion and enthusiasm”. “Synseal is approachable and friendly”.

“Very committed team, passionate about products and customers”. A fantastic outcome, once again thank you all.

David Leng

Meet Kevin Bush HR Director After leaving school in Western Australia, Kevin began his working life in the Armed Forces. Upon leaving, he became a Technical Services Manager for a division of the Bass Retail Group. He started his HR career as a Technical Training Manager before moving into generalist HR roles, initially in the Bass Group and then with Carlsberg-Tetley and Experian. Kevin is married with two children. In the five years I have been with Synseal, I have seen some remarkable changes. Coming into a privately owned manufacturing business from a corporate blue chip background was a challenge in itself but, couple that with the market changes facing the company, I certainly joined at an ‘interesting time’! I joined Synseal because I sensed that the people who work here were very passionate about what they do and worked as a team to deliver it. That hasn’t changed one bit. What has changed is the environment in which we operate and the new demands that those changes place on us. Synseal has committed to build on its reputation for quality, innovation and customer service. We are seeing an accelerating pace of change as we launch new products, enter new markets and introduce internal changes to our systems, processes and procedures in our drive for excellent customer service. The old adage: ‘change or die’ has never been more relevant than it is now. Many organisations will fail as they refuse to come to terms with the

need to do things differently. Synseal will not make that mistake. We recognise that to serve our customers better, we have to take positive action. Synseal has invested heavily in making this happen. Equipping our managers with broader skills, improving our manufacturing techniques and developing our customer service capabilities have all been on our agenda for some time and we will continue to invest in these key areas. Putting our money where our mouth is can be no better sign to our customers that we mean business.

Kevin Bush - HR Director

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Colour helps to lead the market Synseal’s philosophy has always been to lead the market. However, since the demand for first time replacement windows has been shrinking, the company has had to look for other opportunities. David Leng, Chief Executive of Synseal, explains how leading the field in coloured profile is giving fabricators and installers the edge in the marketplace.

The inescapable fact is that the overall market is shrinking, However, higher value products are selling well – and these include coloured profile. Fabricators that don’t look beyond white PVCu windows are losing custom because demand from the homeowner is for something ‘different’ and aspirational. And for those companies offering colour, it has been a saviour. When considering replacing tired old white PVCu windows, there are the obvious things we all need to offer, such as better energy performance or improved security, this can help motivate the consumer to consider replacements, but we don’t think that this is enough to move people to actually buy, it’s just not a strong enough pull for everyone. The colour revolution has already taken over Europe, with over 40% of European homes choosing coloured products and the UK is catching on fast. Back in the UK, we’ve had feedback that using Artisan can generate a lot of extra interest. For example, DDG Windows, of Ilford Essex, found that a large project it completed in Newbury Park, using Artisan woodgrain foil, resulted in extra interest from other builders and developers in their area, leading to an increase in high-end projects. Raj Nanji, one of DDG’s directors, said that one benefit of Artisan is that they can compete with the timber boys – it provides the scope of timber but the benefits of PVCu. Raj said they had builders and developers taking a close look at their projects and have been surprised that they are PVCu. As a result, they’ve been asked to work on high-end jobs where they wouldn’t have traditionally been considered.

products. The company’s philosophy is that consumers won’t wait six weeks or more for their windows, so availability is everything. It’s the company’s most important growth area and the strategy is to put even greater effort into colour going forward. Synseal wants the availability of Artisan to match the availability of its standard white products. Following the significant growth in demand for coloured profile and roofs we have decided to dramatically simplify the process of buying and selling Artisan products by stocking a reasonable range of the most popular colours for each system and moving the roofs to match onto normal kit turnaround timescales. So has the introduction and promotion of coloured profile been a success? In Synseal’s case, Artisan and coloured profile have gone from being niche offerings to mainstream stock items. Logistically it is certainly testing but we have the size and infrastructure to meet the demand. Colour has proved to be extremely popular with those fabricators and installers who have been using it. Therefore, if we want to continue to grow this side of the business, then we have to provide it in a timescale similar to white. Colour has delivered on its promise to give fabricators and installers an edge, and we are now promising to deliver. Synseal also manufactures seven different coloured vertical sliders and offers fully suited conservatory roof and profile. The company is taking the colour revolution very seriously, continuing to help its fabricators differentiate themselves from their competitors.

Roof samples like the ones shown above are available for your showroom. A great space saving way to showcase colour options, from only £305+VAT. Call for details: 01623 443200.

Offering colour is only half the story – because of its increasing popularity system suppliers have to stock and supply it in the same way as white PVCu. Synseal offers its fabricators stocked products at highly competitive prices. Synseal fabricators are in the best position to meet consumers’ demand for something different because Synseal holds stocks of colour

Artisan available from stock

Woodgra in W hit e Antique Oa k

Stay ahead of your competition, and give your customers exactly what they want, we are stocking the most popular colours for each system. Profiles: The following profiles are available from stock for fabricators to make windows/

De ep Red Woodgra in Brillia nt

W hit e

Iri sh Oa k

G re y

Bl ue

doors with the external face foiled and the internal face white. Crea m Ru stic Ch erry

Black/Brown, Cream, Grey

Black/Brown, Cream, Chartwell Green

Black/Brown, Cream, Irish Oak

Other colours have a lead time of up to 4 weeks (foiled exterior face/white internal face, or foiled on both faces).

AnTea k

Bla ck

Green

Ch artwell G

re en

Conservatory Roofs: Black/Brown, Cream, Chartwell Green and Grey conservatory roof kits are available on a 3-5 day lead time, external face foiled and internal face white. If the Black/Brown, Cream, Chartwell Green and Grey conservatory roofs require foiling on both the internal and external faces there is a lead time of 2 weeks.

Rustic Cherry, Woodgrain White and Green conservatory roofs with a foiled exterior face/white internal face or foiled on both faces carry a lead time of 4 weeks.

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Large span opportunities from Synseal The conservatory market will remain flat if you don’t push it to its potential, believes Synseal’s Chief Executive, David Leng, and it is one reason why the company is forging ahead with its Portals Division. Many assume that because homeowners are not buying conservatories in the numbers they were 10 years ago that the desire for light open spaces has diminished. Not so, David Leng, said. “The market for domestic conservatories may be flat,” he said, “but hotels, leisure centres, and wealthy property owners are widely specifying large portal structures which offer excellent profit margins.” David explained that while these structures resemble large conservatories, the expertise and technical knowledge required to design and install them limit the market to only a handful of players. Synseal, however, has examined this market and has concluded that it represents a significant growth area. As a result, the company has invested heavily in creating a brand new Portals Division, including recruiting some of the industry’s leading players. Colin Poole has joined as General Manager, aided by Mark Carver to handle Technical Sales. Colin and Mark have a wealth of experience in leading the development, design and manufacture of portal frame systems. Colin Poole is regarded as one of the world’s leading exponents of portal design and build, having completed some spectacular structures in locations around the world, for customers that include major commercial groups and even a head of state. Synseal will engage closely with customers – new and existing – in the supply and fix of such products. “We believe that many conservatory companies, both fabricators and installers, will have been approached about large projects, but been forced to walk away from the job because it was not appropriate for a conventional structure,” Colin said. “There must also be clients who simply gave up because they couldn’t find anyone to tackle the job.”

Mark has worked in the construction industry since the late 1970’s and is an experienced joiner. He moved into the window and conservatory sector in the mid 1980’s and brings immense practical experience and understanding with him to Synseal’s Portal Division. Synseal’s involvement in this sector represents a very real business opportunity for its customers. The similarities between the domestic and larger, portal framed versions are only skin deep; portal frames demand design and engineering considerations that are in a different world to the average domestic conservatory. The ‘portal’ is constructed from high-grade aluminium sections that require considerable skill and experience, backed by complex calculations, to design and form the frame that will provide support for what are large spans of glass. There can be no margin for error. As a result, traditional conservatory fabricators have not been able to compete in this market, leaving the glory and excellent profit margins to a select few. Until now, that is. Synseal is now in a position to offer all customers a full and comprehensive service, allowing them to meet current and future needs this market has to offer. Synseal’s Portal Division has the latest CAD/CAM design software and can produce presentation drawings in 2D/3D. Structural calculations include complex wind, snow and general loadings. Training and installation is also part of the offering from this new division that has enjoyed Synseal’s customary thorough preparation and investment. Within six months of creating the division the company has orders worth more than £500,000, and has seen quote levels rise exponentially. “There is a big demand for large glass structures that may have a superficial resemblance to conservatories, but which are very different in an engineering and structural sense,” explained Colin Poole. “We have orders for commercial and private customers, for a range of uses and projects up to 3000 feet2. We are really pleased with the level of export enquires we are receiving.”

Why choose a Synseal portal fra me? · Aesthetics

· Technical advice and back up

· Flexible design capabilities

· One-to-one training on sales development and design

· Designs from 30m2 to 2000m2 · Unsupported clear spans of up to 35m · Powder coated to any RAL colour · Lightweight construction · Ease of erection · Speed of construction · Flat pack storage · Ease of transportation · Accurate joint finishes · High standard of paint finish · Reduced corrosion possibilities · More conducive to multiple roof systems

· Pre-sale design assistance and advise · Development of matrix pricing structure · Survey guidance or assistance · Installation advice and or assistance · 30 years of departmental experience · 2D/3D presentation drawings available · All manufactured in-house and assembled prior to delivery · For use in domestic or commercial applications · Reduces cost and time on site of more traditional builds

“Now that has changed. Our fabricators and their installers can tap into our experience and facilities at every stage of the process, from surveying and costing, engineering and design calculations and drawings, contracts, site management, health and safety, everything. And of course we will manufacture the portal structure in our factory and then work with our partner to install the project, or we can of course handle the whole thing on their behalf.” As a result Synseal is growing – literally – its expertise and market share in the Portals sector, while other companies feel the effects of a sluggish conservatory market. “It may only be considered a niche sector,” Colin said, “but we are confident of providing our customers with the technical knowledge and expertise to make money while others are struggling.”

Synseal eaves beam 2 ton test Now no project is too large! After extensive testing by CMT, an independent UCAS approved company, the Synseal eaves beam has been tested to 2 tons and will support a Georgian roof up to 6.3m and a Victorian roof up to 6.5m! For large span roofs you can be confident that our eaves beam will be up to the job. For even larger roofs call our Portal Frame Department for near limitless possibilities!

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Silicones & Stuff! One stop shop for all accessories When your customer comes to collect their windows, door or conservatory - make sure they purchase everything they need to do a professional job (don’t pass them back to a plastics depot as a sales lead).

O YOUR LOG

HERE

2180 m m

The Synseal Trade Counter will make a visual impact to entice your customers to make that essential purchase. The unit has been designed to contain all of the items shown below. As well as the trade counter you will receive 5 t-shirts, 10 baseball caps, 5 sweatshirts, 2 vinyl banners and 250 brochures which we will overprint with your company details - we will even post them to your database for you!

1280

Total sales price: £2541.89 + VAT (including stand and 2 x sealant racks)

Alan Barraclough from Quickslide takes delivery of his new trade counter

620

*First 50 customers who place an order will receive the Silicones & Stuff stand free of charge. The price of the stand (£469) will be credited back to your account.

Silicones & Stuff! Stand contents: Description

Quantity

Description

Quantity

Description

Quantity

High Grade Building Silicone (310ml) - Brown

PVCu Silicone (300ml) - White

PU Foam Applicator Guns

High Grade Building Silicone (310ml) - Clear

PVCu Silicone (300ml) - Brown

PVCu Cream Cleaner (1000ml)

High Grade Building Silicone (310ml) - White

LMNT Silicone (300ml) - White

Sureseal Roof & Gutter Sealant

Caulk Acrylic (300ml)

LMNT Silicone (300ml) - Brown

Super Glue (50gm)

Dustsheet - Heavy Cotton (3.6m x 2.4m)

LMNT Silicone (300ml) - Caramel/Oak

Super Glue Activator (200ml) - Aerosol

SX Contractors Gun Grade Expanding Foam (700ml)

LMNT Silicone (300ml) - Rosewood/Black Cherry

Silicone Guns Contractors

SX Contractors Hand Held Expanding Foam (700ml)

LMNT Silicone (300ml) - Clear

Silicone Gun DIY

SX Flameguard Fire Retardant B1 Foam - Gun Grade

MS Polymer (290ml) - White

Winbag

SX Flameguard Fire Retardant B1 Foam - Handheld

MS Polymer (290ml) - Brown

Multi-purpose Cleaning Wipes x 80 (20cm x 30cm)

Small Gap Filler Adhesive (300ml)

MS Polymer (290ml) - Black

Synflash - 150mm x 6m rolls

Small Gap Filler Adhesive (80ml)

MS Polymer (290ml) - Clear

Synflash - 250mm x 6m rolls

Glass Cleaner (1000ml)

Paper Roll 2 Ply (20cm X 150cm) - White

Synflash Clips (Each bag contains 50 clips)

Glass Cleaner (400ml) - Aerosol

PU Foam Cleaner

Butylene-X (310ml) - Grey

Lead Flashing Sealant (300ml) - Grey

Call 01623 443200 to order your stand today!

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Images! Images! Images! It’s all about great images! Synseal are looking for some great photographs of your installations for its marketing material. There are some great projects on the go and we are looking for powerful photography to accompany them. Maybe you’ve got the shot we want? We are looking for images of conservatories, windows, coloured installations and commercial projects. Do you have the perfect shot sat on your hard drive waiting to be seen by the industry! Simply send us your photos, a brief description of the project and Lyn Hughes, Synseal’s Marketing Communications Manager, will do the rest. If she feels that we can use the image, then she will contact you and arrange for a professional photographer to visit the site, take some photos and in return give you some free PR… and you get to keep the photos for your own marketing projects.

Synseal invests in its future Good leaders are vital, helping people and organisations perform and succeed. We have taken steps to develop our management team to ensure they can confidently and effectively contribute to the future of both themselves and Synseal. We have partnered with Maguire Training to implement a leadership management programme which meets the specific needs of Synseal’s managers.

Email photos to: photo@synseal. com

IT system crash...never! Synseal have partnered with ICM Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Services – so we can carry on business as usual – no matter what happens! If the unthinkable happens such as a power cut, localised flood or air conditioning failure that will impact our data or computing environment, then help is only a few hours away. Specialist mobile IT recovery services provide us with a mobile specialist business continuity centre comprising of replica hardware and computer room facilities to ensure we are back up and running as quickly as possible. “If our IT systems fail orders will not be sent out on time and our customers’ operations will be adversely affected” says Jez Newton-Hewlett, Head of IT at Synseal. “We have partnered with ICM as we were looking for a firm that we could trust and who had proven experience. Business continuity planning is vital for our business to ensure our customers have their products on time every time”.

So rest assured whatever happens we are well prepared!

Editorial Information Main picture from left: Andy Slater, Ben Davis, Geoff Nixon, Andy Foster (Maguire Training), Deana Scott, Matt Jones and Jez Newton-Hewlett. Inset: Katie Derbyshire & David Hughes

Contributions are invited for the next edition of Synseal Times. This is a great opportunity to promote what has been happening in your business – our customers have found reading about what’s happening in other business a great source of inspiration, so here’s your chance to promote what you’ve been doing and to share your ideas with the rest of the industry.

The programme consists of a suite of intensive development sessions, covering a range of key management skills. In addition, the team completed a vital business project on New Product Introduction (NPI) which will make a significant contribution to our effectiveness in this area.

If you have anything that you would like to share, then please do get in touch. Send me an email with the details, with some colourful photos and I’ll do the rest.

“The managers at Synseal require an extensive set of capabilities – from planning and delegation to motivation and communication. At Synseal we recognise that effective management is vital to the growth and success of the business and that by investing in our employees our customers will reap the benefits long term. Congratulations to everyone who has achieved this nationally accredited award.” Kevin Bush, HR Director

Lyn Hughes

Marketing Communications Manager Synseal Extrusions Ltd, Common Road, Huthwaite, Nottinghamshire NG17 6AD Email: lyn.hughes@synseal.com | Tel: 01623 443200 | Fax: 01623 550243 www.synseal.com

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How everyone can profit from the lucrative VS market As the vertical slider market continues to win sales where ordinary PVCu windows are struggling, we talk to Sarah Starkey, Synseal’s VS Sales Manager, about how companies can enter this market with no extra investment.

Synseal’s range of VS windows Is the VS market really big enough for Synseal to employ a separate VS Sales Manager?

Is differentiating yourself as simple as offering a white VS window?

Unless my tea-making skills are out of this world, then yes! Since joining Synseal last year, it has become increasingly obvious that when Synseal decides to enter a market sector, then it doesn’t do it half-heartedly - it invests so that it can immediately compete with the big players who have been doing it for a lot longer.

If only! As I said before, it is clear that Synseal aims to be a leader in any sector it operates in. Therefore, our Evolve VS is available in White, Ivory, Cream Woodgrain, Irish Oak, Golden Oak, Cherrywood, White Woodgrain, Golden Oak on White, and Cherrywood on White. Quotes are generated within an hour of enquiry, and all windows are available on a five-day turnaround.

If Synseal just wanted a salesperson, they could have probably trained someone who already worked at the company. However, sales is far more than just selling a product - it is about technical support and industry knowledge. I have been in the window industry for more than 10 years - previously managing director of Victorian Sliders, a business I started from scratch. It went on to produce over 300 VS windows a week.

Sarah Starkey - VS Sales Manager In the end, the proof of the pudding is in the eating, and within the first six months of my appointment, Synseal more than doubled its sales. What do you think is driving this market? Vertical sliders are among a range of products that are aspirational for the homeowner, and offer higher margins for fabricators. I think it is quite clear that the recession has dealt a severe blow to the mainstream element of our industry. Some would argue that the replacement market that previously drove sales of white PVCu casement windows was declining way before the recession, but following it, companies are having to redefine what they offer homeowners. This is where VS’s come in. Along with products such as composite doors, bi-fold doors, orangeries and coloured profile, VS windows present an attractive option to homeowners who want to give their properties a facelift. Don’t forget, the recession hasn’t been felt by everyone. There are homeowners with disposable income who still want to improve their homes. There are also those who can’t afford to move, but can afford to increase the value of their properties in time for when the market is favourable.

Our range of VS frames are also designed to prove acceptable in environmentally sensitive locations and properties by offering a finish that is indistinguishable from high quality timber, but which offers market leading energy rated performance. The fittings and balances are of the highest quality and will outlast anything else available, whatever the frame material, while being competitively priced and easy to install and set up. The Evolve VS window can also exceed the current building regulations: it is C rated as standard, which can be upgraded to an A or B rating.

Quotes are generated within an hour of enquiry, and all windows are available on a five-day turnaround. If the market demands VS windows, why don’t fabricators make them themselves? When a fabricator invests in machinery, factory space and manpower to make windows, he does so on the assumption that he will make X number of windows per week, which will cover his outlay, his running costs, and give him a suitable profit. This works fine for the bread and butter market, but VS windows will never sell in the same consistent quantities as standard PVCu windows. Bearing this in mind, along with the inconvenience of switching production from other more mainstream products, the downtime in setting up for small runs, high scrap levels, poor optimisation of foiled profiles, the cost of large stockholdings of seldom used profiles, multiple glass options, and expensive hardware - then there are usually much better margins for fabricators in outsourcing VS production. By taking on these extra costs and fabricating VS windows on behalf of our customers, we can allow them to compete in a very lucrative market with excellent products and valuable marketing materials with no setup cost to them.

Our VS windows have recently been accredited with the Energy Saving Trust ‘Recommended’ certification. New VS retail brochures and care guides coming soon!

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ISSUE 33 10

Product information sheets Look out for these mailers in the post. They are also available to download from www.synseal.com. Visit the website today and get the information you need to always be ahead of the competition.

Georgian Bars

Synflash lead alternative

Casement windows with a traditional appearance.

Synflash is an aluminium based sheet lead alternative. The product consists of two coil coated, corrosion-resistant, unalloyed layers of aluminium with an inlay of fibre strengthened composite. Synflash can be used for almost every conceivable sort of water-proofing lead covering for new buildings, renovation work and lead replacement.

Synseal’s snap-on astragal-bar system offers an effective, stylish and trouble free solution to anyone wishing to achieve an authentic looking Georgian style double glazed window.

Application possibilities: • Lead flashings & copings • Bow and bay windows • Stepped & corner flashings • Soakers • Window and door joints

• Reduce production time • Fast, efficient installation on site if required • An easy up-sell to consumers, and a good way to get ahead in the new build market • Dedicated cruciform mouldings enable you to square cut the bars and simply snap into place.

• Lintel joints • Chimney connection features • Cavity tray flashings • Apron flashings • Ridge flashings

• Saddles • Secret gutter flashings • Abutment flashings • Valley trough flashing

New mailer available now, includes all the information you require to install the new Georgian Bars. The bars are easy to install and are available in a range of colours:

Synflash is affixed using clips and Butylene-X sealant (available in grey). Shield/SynerJy White

Legend 70 White

Golden Oak

Cherrywood

Mahogany

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ISSUE 33 11

Multi-chambered profiles Using Synseal multi-chambered profiles means you don’t have to reduce your manufacturing efficiency or compromise the integrity of your windows in order to achieve high energy ratings or low U-values, giving you the edge over your competitors in an increasingly competitive market. Code Description

Length

4F5

SynerJy Multi Chambered Outer Frame

6F5

Shield Multi Chambered Outer Frame

5F5

Legend Chamfered Multi Chambered Outer Frame

5F6

Legend Chamfered Multi Chambered Large Outer Frame NEW!

5V8

Legend Chamfered Multi Chambered Vent NEW!

9F5

Legend Ovolo Multi Chambered Outer Frame NEW!

9F6

Legend Ovolo Multi Chambered Large Outer Frame NEW!

9V8

Legend Ovolo Multi Chambered Vent NEW!

• Enhanced thermal performance • Save money with the reduced cost of reinforcing and labour • Reduce the reliance on expensive low iron glass and spacer bar combinations

For further details on the multi-cha mbered profiles visit www.synseal. com to download a product information sheet.

French Casement Window

Plastic thermal reinforcements Using Synseal plastic thermal reinforcements or multi chambered frames means you don’t have to reduce your manufacturing efficiency or compromise the integrity of your windows in order to achieve high energy ratings or low U-values, giving you the edge over your competitors. We have introduced additional plastic thermal reinforcements to the range.

The dummy mullion or floating mullion allows the window to be opened fully to give your customers an unobscured view when open.

Ref No. Description

Code

Description

Length Price

46RA-DMP

SynerJy Dummy Mullion Aluminium Packer

£15.62 per length

46RA-DMP

Shield Dummy Mullion Aluminium Packer

£15.62 per length

5RA-DMP

Legend Dummy Mullion Aluminium Packer

£17.53 per length

Call today for your copy of the French casement window information sheet.

Cross Section

PTI8

Plastic thermal reinforcements to suit Legend 5T2, 5OL2, 9T2, 9OL2

PTI9

Plastic thermal reinforcements to suit Legend 5F2, 9F2

PTI10

Plastic thermal reinforcements to suit SynerJy 4F2, 4T2, 4OL2, Shield F72, T72, OL72, Shield 6, 6F2, 6T2, 6OL2

All the above come in 6m lengths in packs of 5. Also available in cut lengths, ask for details. • Enhanced thermal performance

• Less expensive and lighter than steel

• Made from 100% recycled material

• PVCu frames become 100% recyclable

• No corrosion problems

• Easier and faster to fit

For details on the full range of plastic thermal reinforcements visit www.synseal. com to download a product information sheet.

SYNSEAL TIMES

Focus on customer care What is customer care to Steve Brown, Synseal’s Head of Customer Care? Quite simply it is everything we do that touches our customer. From manufacture to delivery and invoice, and everything in between. Everything we do impacts on our customer’s day to day activities and we must understand this. Once we do, we will then begin to understand that everything we do will have either a positive impact and add value for our customer, or have a negative impact.

ISSUE 33 12

We cannot underestimate the value of a solid relationship built on trust and consistent performance. This type of relationship will break down barriers and allow us to seriously engage with our customers to identify further opportunities that will benefit both parties. I want our customers to talk about Synseal’s customer service with as much passion as I do. I want them to be so confident in us that they see us as a genuine ‘value adding’ service that contributes to their own customer service. Each customer care coordinator will have their own portfolio of accounts and they will have ultimate responsibility for their customer’s satisfaction. Our vision for this new function is for our customer to have total confidence in us to the point that he or she trusts us implicitly to deal with all aspects of customer care from profile order processing to resolving issues, to discussing conservatory roof quotes to invoicing goods.

Why is customer care critical to the business? Customer care is more important than ever before. Times are tough and everyone is breathing in to manage cost. The difficulty for everyone is to manage cost and improve efficiencies without compromising service. We need to remember that good customer service will deliver more sales opportunities for our customers and this may be the difference between survival and failure for many in the current climate. Can you elaborate on this? Synseal have always managed their costs closely so we are now in the best shape to navigate through these difficult times. Our competitors however have not and in their haste to take out cost, they have lost sight of the most important thing which is the customer. How will you know that these cost cutting measures are affecting your business in a negative way? As our competitors strip out cost we will see this through key people leaving the business and a loss of essential knowledge and skills, an increase in shortages, a reduction in quality, and a lack of flexibility. What are Synseal doing differently? Whilst our competitors are being distracted, we are focussing our energy on making life as easy as possible for our customers to do business. We are running courses on Lean Management to enable our customers to manage their own costs in a positive way. We now offer more products from stock than ever before. We are focussing hard on energy ratings, environmental products and our Artisan range, as we recognise that these are great opportunities for our customers to win more business. We have signed up to group Secured By Design and window energy rating schemes to help our customers offer the products they need for their own markets at the lowest cost to them. In your opinion what does the modern customer – supplier relationship look like? It’s a partnership. We have one shared goal which is to increase sales and margins. There needs to be compromise at times by both parties as our costs need to be managed closely and one cannot be expected to pick up the bill for the others inefficiencies. Are you saying that the customer is not always right? That is what I am saying. However if we fail the customer in any way, it is our responsibility to take ownership and solve the problem quickly, with the minimum of disruption. What is the customers role in the partnership? Our customers are very important to us, but they need to understand that if they have failed in some way, we are here to help, but they need to work with us to resolve the problem in the most cost effective way. We all have routines in life and in business. It is these routines that enable us to be efficient and competitive. If these routines are compromised we incur cost. We need to minimise the disruption to our routines, this will ensure the lowest cost product to our customers. If Synseal are picking up the bill for our customers inefficiencies then these costs will ultimately get shared out across the whole of the customer base through price increases. We all need to work hard to drive out any inefficiency so that we can service the end user effectively at the lowest cost. If we all focus on this we will have a shared advantage that our competitors will struggle to compete against. So what else are you doing at Synseal to improve customer care? We are restructuring the internal sales/customer care function to improve our service to add value to the customer and Synseal. We are in the process of developing a multi-skilled team of individuals that will be responsible for the whole customer experience. This structure will give us more opportunities to engage with our customers in a positive way. It also gives them a single point of contact for their day-to-day operational needs.

Steve Brown - Head of Customer Care So you will be talking to the customer about roof quotes? Yes, as part of our increased focus on customer care we would like to introduce a weekly courtesy call. Currently we simply produce the roof quote from the customer inquiry and email it back to the customer, sometimes the order comes back and other times we hear nothing, even a lost quote is an opportunity. If we don’t win the business, I want to understand why? • Is it a particular style? Or colour that we frequently lose out on? • Is there a design improvement that we could make or the addition of a vital component that would secure our customer some new business? • Would it help our customer, if we went with them to visit a potential account to present our product on their behalf? The market is very tough right now. It is our belief that we need to stand shoulder to shoulder with our customer with a new, smarter approach to selling if we are to beat the competition. By gaining greater visibility of your outstanding quotes, we believe that we can improve our customer service. If we can understand where the orders are in the system and when they are likely to be confirmed, we can plan our capacity better and improve our quality and consistency in the future. If the quote is dead we can delete it from our records to avoid it being a distraction. So will this team be responsible for everything? Your area sales manager will be responsible for helping you to grow your business and the credit control contacts will remain unchanged. This team is in place to make day to day business run as smoothly and consistently as possible. I understand that you are also responsible for the technical department? Yes, my message to technical is to ‘add value at every opportunity’. I want my guys to be on the look out for opportunities to improve the fabricators operation. • How can I help to improve efficiency? • What products do we have that this customer could offer but isn’t? • Is there any product training required? • Can I help my customer source a vital piece of equipment? • Can I demonstrate a faster/better way? There will always be a requirement for this team to put on their overalls and get their hands dirty, I want them to adopt the role of the consultant/advisor. This invaluable customer resource will provide support to the customer in the form of training, product presentations, and to develop best manufacturing practice that will deliver manufacturing efficiencies in the factory. The guys will have new uniforms that reflect this new approach. Again we have discussed the importance of good customer care and our ambition for this team is to be an invaluable resource that the customer trusts, respects and relies on. All visits must ‘add value’ and this will be Synseal’s new approach to customer care. My team and I look forward to working closely with you in the days, months and years ahead. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or require any assistance.

SYNSEAL TIMES

ISSUE 33 13

Join the online revolution Synseal has had such a fantastic response to its online ordering system that it has now added a dedicated helpline to deal with the number of customers now switching to the service. Two hundred fabricators were quick to switch from telephone orders to online orders when the process was launched in October 2010, and they can now rely on the support of Vicky Bentley. Vicky, who has been recruited to provide telephone support to Synseal’s customers who want to switch to online ordering, said: “Ordering online brings so many benefits, and it is my job to talk customers through the process so that the transition is straightforward. The people I speak to are keen and enthusiastic, and they can appreciate the benefits that online ordering can bring – so it makes my job easier!” Online ordering will essentially hand more control to Synseal’s customers. It is available 24 hours a day, order confirmation is immediate, and the order history is always available, so there is less risk of duplication. Online ordering reduces fax costs, and cuts down on the amount of paper in the office – which saves money and benefits the environment. Time spent ordering is also reduced so that staff can be getting on with other important duties.

One convert is Stewart Beardall of Cash & Carry Windows based in Mansfield: “What is most surprising is just how much time we spent on the ordering process before we went online,” he said. “You don’t realise just how time consuming something is until you switch. Now, I can view and amend orders on the move, and all the information I need is right where I need it. Also, I don’t have to limit ordering to Synseal’s opening times – they’ve definitely handed more power to the customer, and it really works.” Synseal has more than 5,000 products available to order online, giving customers an up-tothe-minute snapshot of the company’s stockholding. These sit alongside the latest technical documents and other tools, designed to put more control at the customer’s fingertips.

If you would like to move from telephone orders to online ordering, please contact Vicky on 01623 443200 or visit www.synseal.com

The Simplified Energy Licence The SEL is the most cost-effective and flexible way to achieve energy rated windows and the best route for ADL compliance. Synseal’s System House Licence allows you to supply A, B or C rated product – all using the famous rainbow coloured label that homeowners are demanding - using a broad range of products, simply and cheaply! Synseal will do all the administration and the BFRC will supply you with licences that let you use the most cost effective components to achieve each band. The maximum fee for fabricators will be just £560 and you can even earn commission by signing up your installers as BFRC authorised retailers! “The BFRC is leading the development of UK WERs by introducing a process that allows Synseal to include their range of components - frames, mullions, transoms, beads etc plus a selection of IGUs - in the WER licence. This means Synseal’s whole window range can be rated and for Synseal to hold a licence that cascades down to fabricators and installers,” explained BFRC CEO Graham Hinett. “Hundreds of product variations can now be covered by just a handful of BFRC ratings and labels. It is simpler, easier, more flexible, less time consuming and more economical.” You will not be restricted to overly specific frame and glazing combinations. So long as Synseal holds a simulation report of the window you want to make, you will be covered by the BFRC without having to get an extra licence.

Just follow these simple steps:

Contact the BFRC and request membership of the Synseal System House Licence. They will send you all the information required to get started including indicative costs, requirements to join the BFRC scheme, and datasheets of possible combinations of Synseal products.

Complete the introductory audit of your quality management system. This is simply confirming that you have a managed ‘paper trail’ of all the windows that are fabricated, glazed and sold, and that you produce the windows exactly as you say you do.

Pay your fees to receive your labels.

Using the datasheets of window combinations available, pick your favoured window combinations and start labelling!

Visit www.synseal. com for more information

Deana Scott Many of you will have worked with Deana Scott over the past 12 years and we are pleased to announce that she has had a baby girl and is now on maternity leave. Good luck Deana – we look forward to welcoming you back in 2012!

SYNSEAL TIMES

ISSUE 33 14

£7M eco-development chooses Lancashire Double Glazing The Saw Mills

LDG Group Ltd, one of the North West’s largest window companies, has just completed the installation of PVCu windows and doors for the prestigious £7m eco-development at The Saw Mills, an estate just a mile from Blackpool town centre and seafront. The 35 three and four bed-roomed mews homes have been built on a former industrial saw mill site for the developer Great Places Housing Group by R P Tyson Construction Ltd, the projects leading contractor and the official opening took place in June. The homes, which were made available for shared ownership and affordable rent, reach level three in the code for sustainable homes, which means the heating and lighting is very efficient and the materials are from a sustainable source. The £7m development was supported by an investment of £3.7m by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). Working closely with the main contractor, R P Tyson Construction, Lancashire Double Glazing supplied 400 Grey Legend 70 PVCu windows and 71 doors over a 6 month period using Synseal Profile. Whilst the project deadlines were demanding, the installation ran smoothly mainly due to the existing manufacturing infrastructure and large project capabilities at the LDG fabrication centre in Preston. LDG and R P Tyson Construction have a successful trading partnership stretching back over 20 years in which time both companies have gone from strength to strength working on high profile projects across Lancashire and the North West of England. Lee Plummer general manager at Lancashire Double Glazing commented: “This is the second major project we have worked on alongside R P Tyson Construction recently, and it was very satisfying to oversee such a prestigious and valuable project that ran as smoothly as it did. I think credit needs to go out to both the construction team at Tyson’s and the fabricators and installers at LDG for such a job well done”.

Steven Hartley, on behalf of R P Tyson Construction said: “Tyson Construction and Lancashire Double Glazing have worked on several high profile schemes together in the past and this development was an opportunity to extend and build upon that existing close relationship”. The LDG group has been established for over 30 years and has built a successful business on the back of the company’s commitment to quality and our service is provided to some of the regions leading residential, leisure, retail and large construction companies. Lancashire Double Glazing specialises in the retail market and LDG Contracts specialises in the commercial market making up the LDG Group. The group are market leaders in the design, fabrication and installation of aluminium and PVCu products, including curtain walling, window systems, entrance systems, shop fronts and patent glazing. LDG now employ over 200 staff and has its own 60,000 sq ft manufacturing facility all on one site in Preston. The LDG Group was established in 1994 following the successful merger of Lancashire Double Glazing and LDG Contracts and is probably one of very few companies in the country who make, paint and manufacture aluminium products, fabricate PVCu windows, doors and conservatories and now supply their own sealed units. Formed in 1949, R P Tyson Construction Ltd has over 50 years of experience serving the construction needs of the North West. Founded on a philosophy of total quality, Tyson offers a professional service, quality workmanship and value for money. Today their project base ranges from residential refurbishment and new build to bespoke commercial projects. Their continued selection as a preferred partner for local authority and housing association projects demonstrates their commitment to the delivery of a quality service on time and on budget.

Synseal customer workshops At Synseal we value our fabricator partners and we are prepared to significantly invest in helping you develop your business - your success is our success. As part of that investment, we are offering a range of free workshops.

Workshops running in 2012 include: • Secured by Design • Bi-fold door systems • Window and Door Energy Ratings – run by the BFRC • Portal frames and how to sell them • How to sell and install VS windows • Recycling • How to upgrade your trade counter • ISO14001 …With many more planned! If you are interested in any of these workshops please contact lyn.hughes@synseal.com and if you have an idea for a workshop that you would like Synseal to run – let us know! We look forward to welcoming you to Synseal in the very near future - attending the workshops also gives you the opportunity to visit our new showroom!

SYNSEAL TIMES

ISSUE 33 15

From Russia with great affection

Synseal rolled out the metaphoric red carpet recently to welcome Ivan Kruglov, proprietor of Moscow based Britton which fabricates and installs conservatories for wealthy Russian homeowners in and around the capital.

Ivan, whose company uses two large video advertising billboards to generate business on the busy road that passes the Kremlin and on several LED screens in other key locations, paid a visit to Synseal’s Nottinghamshire head office site. There he met the people upon whom he depends for reliable deliveries and the consistent quality that is one of his key sales messages to discerning Muscovites. Synseal’s Chief Executive David Leng was delighted to welcome Ivan: “We are very impressed with the professionalism by which Britton has carved out a very impressive niche in Moscow,” he said. “Ivan sells upmarket to house owners with the majority of Muscovites living in apartments. He therefore builds and installs some very impressive conservatories using the Global system, which is proving more than a match for Russian winters.” While the UK conservatory market is continuing to find new ways of reinventing itself to appeal to homeowners, in Russia demand is growing among the upper classes.

Ivan Kruglov with David Leng

Synseal now supplies a number of overseas market, including Poland, Bulgaria and even Japan, as the company continues to expand its export activities.

Vulcan celebrates successful summer contracts Hull-based Synseal fabricator and installer, Vulcan Windows, completed nine key projects over the summer, including the challenging Dorchester Primary School window replacement contract. Windows fabricated using Synseal’s Shield profile were installed as part of a major improvement scheme at the school, which were put forward as an equal alternative to the windows Hull City Council had previously specified.

Some of the project’s more challenging elements included installing screens that were more than 14m long with facetted frames, and aluminium mullions. “One screen was pitched from the centre and all frames incorporated angles which were both difficult to manufacture and install,” explained Peter O’Brien, Vulcan’s Commercial Manager. The Dorchester Primary School contract was one of nine (out of 13 bid for) that Vulcan won through the local authority’s automated bid system. “The contracts all needed to be completed in the six weeks holidays so a quick turn around was needed – everyone in the company pulled all the stops out to achieve client completion dates,” Peter explained. Synseal also provides the profile that is used as part of Vulcan Windows’ curtain walling system which is used in schools and hospitals. “Vulcan Windows is a great ambassador for Synseal.” Brian Walker, Synseal’s Fabricator Development Manager said. “The team is committed to installing the very best products, and they have proved that the commercial and domestic sectors needn’t be exclusive, so long as they have the knowledge and expertise to back it up.”

SYNSEAL TIMES

ISSUE 33 16

Welcome to Synseal We are committed to bring you new products, help you enter new markets and help you sell more, in order to make this happen we have grown our team. Synseal welcomes nine new members. They each bring with them a wealth of experience that will help sustain and build upon the growth that Synseal has enjoyed in recent years.

Ste ve Brown: Head of Custom er Care

John joined Synseal in July as Financial Controller, bringing with him experience in companies which have undergone a management buyout.

Steve Brown’s experience of production processes and customer relations makes him the ideal candidate for Synseal’s Head of Customer Care with responsibility for research and development, technical, quality and customer care.

John trained and qualified as a Chartered Accountant, spending six years with PWC before moving into industry. He has valuable expertise in managing and reducing working capital in companies, particularly in the early days of MBOs.

Steve’s 20 years at Eurocell has included time spent as: Tool and Product Designer; Customer Services Manager; Operations Manager for Sales and Distribution; and Product Manager.

Manufacturing isn’t new to John, since he has experience of upholstery, timber windows, rigid and flexible packaging, security print and flooring.

Steve said the customer/supplier partnership should be valued. “If you are designing a new product, delivering an existing product or resolving a problem, listening to the customer is a critical part of the process,” Steve said. “I have joined Synseal because I feel that they have a fantastic management team with the drive and backing to be very successful over the coming years. As an outsider looking in, I wanted to be part of this evolution and I feel I have the knowledge and experience to make a genuine contribution.”

“I believe it is a great time to be joining Synseal as they have genuine expansion plans,” John said. “Outside of work I enjoy most sports and love the challenge and frustrations of playing golf.”

Adri an Good win: Senior Quality Ma nage r Andrew Langston: Account Manage r Synseal continues to broaden its commercial influence, working directly with clients and main contractors on major projects. As a result, the company has appointed Andrew Langston as Account Manager, who brings with him significant experience in this sector. Andrew previously spent 12 years with Hepworth Drainage, which was bought by Wavin. He held various Area Sales Manager roles within the company, before becoming Divisional Construction Manager in 2008 for the Central Division. Andrew’s role involved implementing and managing framework agreements with national construction companies and their nominated groundwork and plumbing subcontractors.

Glen n Evan s: Health, Safety

and Environmental Man ager

Glenn Evans has joined Synseal as Health, Safety and Environmental Manager. This is a vital role within Synseal, since it underpins the company’s environmental strategy and commitment to a safe working environment. Glenn, who has a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Studies, was previously employed at Safetykleen UK, where he was responsible for ensuring that the company was kept informed of the relevant environmental legislation and that the appropriate systems were put in place to ensure compliance. Glenn has experience of investigating accidents and incidents and has written policies and procedures to ensure compliance with current Health and safety legislation. He can also give advice to employees on health and safety and environmental matters.

Jim Pears: Business Improve ment Technicia n

John Ha mmerton: F inancial Controlle r

Adrian Goodwin, Synseal’s new Senior Quality Manager, has spent 30 years with some of the world’s leading companies looking at ways in which quality can be improved. Adrian’s initial experience was in the petro-chemical industry working on projects throughout Europe on oil rigs and high pressure pipelines - both on land and subsea. He then spent 12 years working for companies such as Shell, Conaco, and British Gas among others. When he decided to stop travelling, he moved to the automotive industry where he supplied safety critical parts for manufacturers such as BMW, Land Rover/Jaguar, Bentley, and Toyota (to name a few). He then spent three years in aerospace and defence working with BAE and Rolls Royce. “I’m hoping to bring some of the quality ideals that I have experienced in the automotive and aerospace industries to help improve business practices here at Synseal,” Adrian said.

Heath er Kirby: Gra phic De sign er Heather studied Graphic Design at the University of Teesside. After graduating she worked in a design studio working on projects for a wide variety of clients gaining invaluable industry experience. Heather then moved to a sole marketing role for an up and coming medical device company, she branded and designed all marketing materials and arranged all marketing activities, including hundreds of events per year which essentially took her focus away from graphic design. Heather says “This new role at Synseal gives me complete focus on design which is what I love to do. It seems a very exciting time to have joined the company and I have some great ideas on how to freshen up and progress the brand”.

Ma ndy Smit h: HR Ma nage r Mandy Smith has returned to Synseal as HR Manager. She originally worked for Synseal in 2009, and her HR experience spans 15 years in a large financial services organisation. At Synseal, Mandy will help to strengthen the HR capability with a particular focus on training and development. She will also have day-to-day responsibility of the HR function. Mandy previously worked for Right Management, where her key achievements were the introduction of a company wide management development programme and the restructure of the sales function which led to efficiencies in business processes and improvement in customer service / sales. “I was pleased to be offered the opportunity to return,” Mandy said. “I believe people are integral to the continuing success and future growth of Synseal, and my experience, skills and knowledge will help drive the employee agenda.”

Jim Pears has joined Synseal from Eurocell, where he gained more than 15 years of experience in extrusion and efficient production methods. As a Business Improvement Technician, it is Jim’s job to look at ways of improving efficiency and reducing costs right across Synseal. The company is keen to improve operations so that they are the leanest and most efficient in the industry, which is why Jim’s help has been enlisted, because he will be able to demonstrate – using tangible data – the validity of proposed improvements. Jim’s first project will be to review the processes for the supply and return of stillages to customers. Stillages represent a significant capital expense for Synseal, and process improvement in this area will be aimed at reducing the need for new stillages.

Matthew Willi ams: Conservatory Roof Tech nicia n Matthew Williams has been employed in the conservatory roof side of the business where he will assist in providing technical advice on: processing; fabrication; remedial site visits; on-site training; and general customer enquiries. Now 30, Matthew started fabricating windows aged 18. By 20 he was fabricating roofs, before becoming production manager at Yorkshire Trade Windows at 21. Matthew has managed and trained a team of six men, producing 30-40 roofs a week including aluminium fabrication of box gutters and specialising in the more difficult roofs. “Having built up extensive knowledge in the industry at a relatively young age I’m looking forward to applying this to Synseal’s innovative systems and products,” Matthew said. “I’m excited at the prospects and challenges ahead.”