Glassex
05: A Golden Arrow in a Niche Target
Glassex 2005 proved a point. No other show can attract the type of visitor
that Glassex delivers, and to that end provide its exhibitors with the
audience it desires. The lobby in favour of amalgamating Glassex and Interbuild
will have to reconsider its options: our industry remains the biggest
chunk of the construction 'envelope' so we remain the loudest voice.
The feedback from exhibitors at this years show was, in the main positive,
with the bulk of business being conducted in the middle two days of the
show. This raises the question, 'should Glassex remain a four day event?'
Given that Sunday is dangerously prone to events that discourage the visitor,
whether it be the weather, sport or just the fact that it is the weekend,
would it not be better to have three busy days, rather than two flanked
by two mixed days as this year turned out?
In a similar
vein, how about a closing time of 4pm, since the show markedly tailed
off from about 3.30, and this would have the added benefit of getting
visitors on their way before the rush hour.
Figures released yesterday by the organisers, show a slight drop on last year (9003 compared to 9010), continuing the downward trend for the fourth consecutive year.
That said The Gl@zine stand (pictured above) enjoyed two days of continuous
activity, as exhibitors and visitors alike voiced their approval of the
ezine concept, and its effectiveness in driving business to web sites
as well as being their favoured choice for recruitment. The flowing champagne
- and state-of-the-art stand design - of course had nothing to do with
it!
Glassex
Does it Again for Synseal
‘In
the lead up to Glassex a number of people were talking about flat markets
and lack of confidence,’ says Nick Dutton, Synseal’s
Sales and Marketing Director. ‘But based on our experience the people
who came onto our stand were full of enthusiasm for new products and new
markets. Things were so busy we didn’t get off the stand to see whether
others had this experience.
Global is going from strength to strength attracting lots of interest
from companies anxious to switch to a roof that sells. And SynerJy, the
first complete 4th generation system that seamlessly integrates windows,
doors, patios and conservatories, surpassed even our high expectations.
But it’s not just down to innovation – exhibiting new products
that are available now rather than later in the year may have contributed
to that.
‘I know many others were counting leads during the show – I’m
happy they found time to count them. All I can say is, from our count
today, we’ve had in excess of 200 quality enquiries. Everything that
happened at Glassex was a true endorsement of our complete conservatory
concept – especially the overwhelming response to the SynerJy system
and the Global roof with the SynerJy trim pack.’
http://www.globalroof.co.uk
http://www.synerjyprofile.co.uk
The
‘Bohle Expo Shop’ concept at Glassex proved to be an eyecatching
and successful way to attract visitors to its stand. The familiar open
stand design, which encourages visitors to walk around the product displays
and watch demonstrations in dedicated areas, was augmented by a counter
where Bohle products could be purchased at special show discounts of up
to 38%.
The decision to concentrate on its range for the window and glazing market
clearly paid dividends and the Bohle team on the stand were pleased to
note the number of new enquiries from potential customers who had not
previously thought of buying from the company.
Among the products demonstrated was a new glass marking system, the Pentagon
Pro-Marker 220, which is suitable for marking glass with toughened and
laminated regulations. There was a great deal of interest in this quick
and easy system, which includes a dust-removing suction feature, and several
were sold from the stand during the exhibition.
Gary Dean, Bohle UK’s Managing Director, says, ‘We had a good
show with a consistent flow of visitors, and are delighted to have met
so many new as well as existing customers. Our ‘Expo Shop’ concept
was a winner as customers were able to pick up bargains, and our standing
as a specialist supplier to the window and fabricator market was greatly
enhanced.’
Tel: (+44) 0800 616151
Web: http://www.bohle.ltd.uk
K2 Glass 'Triumphs' with Heat Tunnel
K2,
Glass, the UK's leading supplier of thermal performance glass for conservatory
roofs enjoyed great success at Glassex 2005, where the company demonstrated
the advantages of its technically advanced range with an inventive 'heat
tunnel' display. Visitors to the K2 Glass stand enjoyed walking through the 'K2 Glass heat tunnel'; which was specially designed to incorporate polycarbonate, standard glass and Celsius glass fitted at intervals throughout its length. Heat lamps were placed behind each section of the tunnel and visitors were able to experience the 'Celsius effect'; a noticeably cooler environment than that provided by standard glass or polycarbonate.
Comments Managing Director of K2 Glass, Dave Bradshaw: 'We received as many enquiries during the first two days of Glassex as we did during the entire show at our last appearance in 2003 and by the end of the show had dealt with more than double the amount of customers.
'We found that visitors to the stand really enjoyed personally experiencing the differences in temperature between standard glass, polycarbonate and thermal performance Celsius glass. This personal experience of the product, combined with our 'customer pledge' of faxback quotations on new orders within 15 minutes and delivery of the order within 5-7 working days, demonstrated to visitors that we offer both high quality products and excellent service and attracted a lot of positive feedback and interest throughout the show.'
Remote
Locking Sparks Interest for Groupco and Fuhr
Hardware
manufacturer Fuhr together with specialist distributor Groupco were encouraged
to note the amount of interest centred on the Multitronic multipoint electromechanical
locking system, displayed for the first time in the UK on the German firm’s
stand.
One of the main advantages of Fuhr exhibiting at the show, according to
Richard Duncan, Managing Director of Groupco, was that visitors could
see for themselves the Multritronic in operation as well as getting a
clear insight into how little extra preparation is needed for installation.
The lock operates by remote control, and the multi-point locking system
is automatically activated when the door is pushed shut. ‘One minute
people are playing with the key fob remote control and seeing how simple
it is,’ says Richard, ‘and the next, on another display, they
can see how it is actually installed. A standard product demonstration
can’t replicate that.’
Remote locking sparks interest for Groupco and
Fuhr (from left to right) Richard Duncan, MD Groupco; Andrea Koster, Marketing
Manager Fuhr; Florian Hesse, MD Fuhr; Klaus Becker, Export Manager Fuhr
While he felt the exhibition was smaller than in the past, Richard says
he noticed visitors from all over the UK, and that ‘most of those
from the extreme points of the country were there on a mission’.
Fuhr was also satisfied with the show as it gave the company the opportunity
to demonstrate its panic hardware as well as the Multitronic and the Multisafe
ranges which have been developed specifically with the UK market in mind.
‘While Fuhr found there was a lot of interest in its products, it
is difficult to gauge the actual success of a show,’ continues Richard.
‘This is in keeping with most of the exhibitions we visit and we
will be working hard with our longstanding suppliers to maximise the sales
leads generated.’
Web: http://www.groupcoltd.co.uk
Stuga
Enjoyed Good Business at a Quieter Show
'We
felt that Monday was disappointing in terms of numbers but nevertheless
had some excellent leads and fewer time wasters, but we had an amazing
day on Tuesday with loads of leads and a couple of sales' said Steve Haines.
'On Wednesday it was quiet but we had some more good leads and sold one
of our new Flowline ZX4 machines to Solar Windows in Caerphilly.
'The amount of interest in the new ZX4 Flowline was very encouraging especially
considering that it is quite a bit more expensive than the standard version.
The ZX4 can cut and prep in the region of 900 to 1,100 internally glazed
windows per week.
'We were also surprised at how many enquiries the company had for automatic
machinery from customers making aluminium windows and window related products.
As a result the company may consider allotting more development time to
this area of the market place.
'Perhaps one of the nicest aspects of Stuga’s day was the number
of current customers coming on the stand to say how pleased they were
with the company’s performance in terms of doing everything they
said they would do at time of sale and also how excellent the back-up
had been after installation. This is particularly heartening considering
how much time and money Stuga has invested in giving top class service
and the fact that the service team is currently being increased with an
additional two geographically placed service engineers.'
Tel: 01455 554203
Email: mailto:steveh@stuga.co.uk
Green
was the colour, footfall was the game at Glassex this year as Ultraframe
exhibited at the event in dramatic style. It was an especially successful
and high profile show for the company which unveiled its new roofing system,
Sunroom. Ultraframe, which sponsored the Conservatory Design Competition
and the Silver Bar, also seized the opportunity to unveil improvements
to its Classic system and announce a number of important new service initiatives
designed to give its customers the competitive edge in a challenging market.
Linda
Doughty, Marketing Director at Ultraframe, said: 'We had so many new products
and ideas to showcase at Glassex we had to take two adjacent stands, one
dedicated to our quality products and the other to our complete service
offering. There was a great atmosphere at the show and a real buzz around
our stands. Our new roof, Sunroom, got an incredibly positive response
from visitors. Sunroom is designed to give installers the flexibility
to create eye catching conservatory shapes on almost any site while offering
homeowners the best possible thermal performance and guaranteed structural
integrity.'
Steve Nahid, General Manager of Crofton Conservatory Centre was particularly
impressed with Ultraframe’s latest roof. 'Demand for complex, larger
roofs is increasing all the time so installers are definitely going to
appreciate Sunroom which speeds up the installation of larger, awkward
roofs with the use of Clicklock technology. Features such as box gutters,
valleys and drop-down hips will also make it easier to create different
conservatory shapes so that we can provide conservatories to suit more
homes and customers.'
Ultraframe also displayed its successful interpretation of the lean-to,
Elevation, which was launched last October and unveiled the re-branding
and improvement of its popular Victorian range as Classic. Additions to
the new Classic system include thermally efficient top caps that lower
the roof’s overall U value, making the system 40% more thermally
efficient than some competitor roofs and ensuring it meets expected building
regulations.
On its service stand Ultraframe announced improvements to the Ultraframe
Registered Installers’ Scheme which included the involvement of the
BBA to strengthen the inspection and assessment process. A Certificate
of Authenticity was also launched. This is to act as a mark of quality,
giving homeowners increased peace of mind by clearly demonstrating that
they have invested in a top quality Ultraframe roof.
Ultraframe was also the sponsor of the prestigious Conservatory Design
Competition set up to promote innovative design and quality within the
industry. The competition received a record number of entrants and judges
were highly impressed with the exceptional level of projects submitted.
Winners were chosen in four categories, Innovative Design, Conventional
Commercial, Conventional Domestic and Portals. In addition Ultraframe
awarded a Merit Award in each category for their chosen best in show.
Ultraframe’s representative judge was Technical Director, Chris Richardson.
He commented: 'The number of entries trebled this year, but there was
still an exceptionally high standard across all groups and the projects
really surpassed the quality we were expecting. Personally, I was particularly
impressed with the domestic and innovation categories. These entries reflected
a high regard by the designers for the comfort and environment of their
customers. The competition is an excellent measure of talent within the
industry and the winning designs are truly inspiring.'
Ultraframe also sponsored the Silver Bar in celebration of the 25th anniversary
of Glassex and provided a fascinating timeline of how the industry has
developed over the past 25 years. The bar was a great success and the
timeline provided a major talking point.
Linda concluded: 'It has been a very successful Glassex for us. The positive
response we received to all our new developments, especially Sunroom,
has been overwhelming. Glassex is one of the few times when so much of
the industry is in the same place and therefore it provides a perfect
opportunity to launch new products to the market. We benefited from receiving
immediate feedback from existing and potential customers and could talk
them through our services and products one on one. We also leapt at the
chance to give something back to the industry through some important sponsorship
deals at the event.'
Tel: 0870 414 1007
Web: http://www.ultraframe.com
Windowlink
Shows Latest Upgrades
With
one of the busiest stands at Glassex, the Windowlink team met a steady
stream of potential new customers as well existing users keen to see the
latest additions to the company’s sales presentation software.
The most recent developments to Windowlink’s Vector conservatory
and Focus window and door programs were demonstrated continually throughout
the show. Managing Director Giles Hayhurst and his team were able to explain
first hand the new upgrades to Vector, and there was a great deal of interest
in the brick report, which calculates the exact number of bricks, cement
etc required for a project.
‘It’s essential to be able to calculate the precise cost of
building a conservatory,’ says Giles. ‘Visitors to our stand
were particularly interested in the pricing options, and was a clear indication
they now recognise just how much it can help them, both in terms of speed
and accuracy, when working out the cost of a job.’
The new additions to Focus, such as 3D bays, were also well received as
well as glass sizes and door panel orders which clearly show the panel
designs.
Giles says he was very pleased with the show. ‘There was consistent
interest in our stand throughout the duration. It was especially gratifying
that people were telling us that, having taken a look around the exhibition,
the Windowlink software left the others standing. With our ongoing programme
of software enhancements, we’re confident it will stay that way.’
Tel: 0870 7701640
Web: http://www.windowlink.com
International
Interest in RoofWright
‘Glassex
05 will be remembered for the number of overseas visitors to our stand
and for the number of different accents and languages spoken.
As well as renewing contacts with our many valued customers across the
world, we met significant new people from Australia, Poland, France, USA,
Belgium, Russia, Romania and Germany,’ explained Sales Director Jon
Twigge.
‘It is clear that Britain leads the world in conservatory software
and that overseas entrepreneurs are watching and learning from the big
UK players. We attracted serious interest and recognition of the value
of RoofWright to streamline the sales, design, pricing and manufacturing
process. New entrants into this market have already identified the cost
savings and many other advantages of an integrated software system and
we are looking forward to significant new business. Glassex 05 was certainly
our most successful show yet.’
Free evaluations from http://www.roofwright.co.uk
or 0161 426 1120
Kömmerling
fabricator Everglade Windows expects
to gain at least six new trade customers thanks to Glassex 2005.
‘We converted six leads from last year’s Glassex into customers,
and because of the good, serious interest in the products on our stand
this year – especially the new products which we launched at the
show – I fully expect us to exceed that number this time,’ says
MD Vinod Gopal (pictured).
One of those new products on display was Everglade’s composite door
within a Kömmerling PVC-U frame.
And another, was the new Winkhaus Cobra AV2 Automatic Multi-Point Door
Locking System which automatically throws mechanical sprung-loaded steel
hooks when the door closes, doing away with the need to raise the handle
to activate the catches. ‘This is available immediately on our Kömmerling
Connoisseur door,’ says Vinod Gopal. ‘It raised considerable
interest amongst potential new customers, as well as existing customers
who visited our stand.
‘In terms of giving us an excellent opportunity to increase our customer
base, Glassex has certainly worked for us again.’
Quantal
Conservatory Roofing Systems
has reported a tremendous response from visitors to the company's silver
and purple stand at Glassex 2005. One of the main attractions was a robotic
model demonstrating the new Rotafit twist-on bar-to-gallery fixing system.
Also on display were UniRidge, a new ridge with a range of 22-30 degrees,
TwinFast fitter-friendly glazing bar fixings, a newly designed clip-on
ridge and Heritage cladding for superior internal aesthetics.
Tony Marshall, Director of Sales, says, 'The exhibition has been a huge
success for us. The new products have generated a lot of interest and
been enthusiastically received by existing customers and prospects.
'Our technical team have been developing a range of innovations designed
to shorten installation times and reduce the number of components needed,
and generally make life much easier for fabricators and installers alike.
'We also took the opportunity to present our annual Regional Installer
and Fabricator awards, and it was good to see so many old friends,' concludes
Tony.
The Quantal roofing system has a polyester powder-coated aluminium external
finish, internally clad with PVC-U for thermal efficiency.
For further information on products and services telephone Quantal on
08700 110195 or visit http://www.quantal.co.uk
HIS
Systems Enjoys 'Fivestar' Glassex
HIS
Systems'
last minute decision to exhibit at Glassex 2005 proved to be a wise move,
according to General Manager Gary Firth.
'We
were surprisingly busy', explains Gary. 'The stand attracted some very
hot prospects and I am looking forward to following them up.
'There has been considerable interest in our Fivestar pre-gasketed 70mm
window and door system, because it is simple to fabricate and easy to
fit, as well as being one of the most thermally efficient systems on the
market.
'We are particularly attracting fabricators who are growing quickly but
don't feel that their existing systems company is offering them enough
support. They like Fivestar because it gives them a unique advantage in
the market.'
The successful exhibition follows twelve months of major investment and
expansion at HIS Systems' South Wales factory, which includes a new 55,000
sq ft warehouse and showroom.
'Our new facilities mean that fabricators can now come and see our whole
range of products and services for themselves. They can be assured of
regular and complete deliveries, anywhere in the British Isles,' adds
Gary.
For further information on HIS Systems, Fivestar and the complete support
package, telephone Gary Firth on 08700 118061.
Profitmaker
Successful at Glassex 2005
Profitmaker
Software, from MBN International was
back at Glassex this year showcasing its Profitmaker™ suite of next
generation software. The company reports attracting many high quality
leads.
Mike Nagle, Sales and Marketing Director of Profitmaker enthuses: ‘We
received lots of exciting enquiries from a mix of installers and fabricators
especially for Profitmaker.Net, the first internet-based single entry
estimating, ordering and order-tracking system, and Profitmaker Pocket,
which gives sales, surveying, installation and service system teams full
access to estimating and ordering systems as well as diaries via a PDA
or mobile phone.
‘Window companies visited our stand to find out how we could save
them time, hassle, money and ultimately make their business more profitable.’
For further information please contact Mike Nagle on 0870 241 3089
Manufacturers
Mark direct-DEWALT Launch at Glassex
Manufacturers
licensed to sell associated products under the DEWALT brand met at Glassex
2005 to mark the launch of a direct-DEWALT catalogue. The new range revealed
at the show, which is a development of the successful Carl F direct tools
catalogue, was endorsed by suppliers Darren O’Dell of Sterling Safetywear
and Ruth Ward of Cosalt Ballyclare.
Demonstrations of the capabilities of DEWALT’s power tools caught
the eye of visitors and special show offers on clothing, footwear and
accessories drew large numbers of people to the stand.
The popularity of the established Carl F direct catalogue, which has grown
to feature 1,000 tools/accessories, was confirmed at the new catalogue
launch event.
For Carl F direct enquiries:
Tel: 08453 665566 (lo-cost)
Email: mailto:sales@carlfdirect.co.uk
Web: http://www.carlfdirect.co.uk
Glassex
a Success for Universal Arches
Glassex
proved a success for Universal Arches Ltd
and the company's first public display of its FORM8TOR bending equipment,
capable of producing 8 bends simultaneously.
'Our stand proved to be one of the main show attractions, and we are ecstatic
at the many orders, leads and contacts received, including many from Europe
and USA.' said Paula DeGiorgio.
'Our dazzling display of PVCu frames, all manufactured with Veka profile
for the exhibution, proved to the window industry how advanced the company
is, in producing any architectural shaped design that may be required.
All shapes are now possible, in any profile, using the advanced technology
of the Form8tor. The Profile Bending Superstore now offers a complete
service of finished products, various equipment or training packages.'
Tel: 01744 612844
Glassex
2005: ‘A Buying Show’ Say Exhibitors
'It
was a buying show: buyers, buyers and more buyers.' That was how one exhibitor,
Iain McInnes, summarised Glassex 2005. Iain, who is the Marketing Director
of Wendland Roof Solutions, was working throughout Glassex on the Conservatory
Roof Craft stand, run by industry veteran Gary Morton. Gary backed Iain’s
comments with his own summary of the event: 'We took so many orders in
the first two days we could have packed up and gone home. In fact, as
the closing announcement for the event was made at 4pm on the Wednesday
and we started to dismantle the display, a visitor stood on the edge of
the stand and asked for information. 20 minutes later the office called
to tell us this chap had placed an order!'
A comment frequently heard was that the show looked good with exhibitors
dressing their stands effectively and thoughtfully. An abundance of pretty
stand girls and some excellent promotions brought a bubbly, fun atmosphere
to the event. On a more serious note, that there was an increase not only
in the number of exhibitors but also the variety, made for a worthwhile
visit for most of the 9,000 visitors attending.
Aisles
were packed until about 3.30pm, when everyone went home, except the exhibitors,
who mainly began drinking (networking, shurely - ED) until closing
time.
De-duplicated
figures, but subject to audit (last year's figures in brackets):
Sunday 13th March 1968 (2057)
Monday 14th 2376 (2406)
Tuesday 15th 3018 (2865)
Wednesday 16th 1641 1682)
Total 9003 (9010)
Last year many exhibitors went to Glassex with some doubts in their minds,
only to depart relieved and even delighted. Once again the distinct trend
was towards more serious buyers, with the boys’ day out that once
typified Glassex thankfully and finally becoming a thing of the past.
Memories of a stand - with no products on show, just a free bar - having
to be closed down because it was in imminent danger of collapse due to
the sheer weight of people on it, are maybe a thing of the past. Having
said that, the bar did some pretty good business, as this picture shows.
A minority of visitors were more interested in
buying beer
The features introduced in recent years were again highly successful and served well to animate the event, provide advice and a forum for discussion, and indeed a welcome break from prowling the stands. The Glassex Challenge, in which installers compete against the clock, each other and some tough quality and safety criteria, drew some excellent crowds, whilst the results of the Conservatory Design Competition, which attracted almost treble the entries compared with last year, were displayed in an attractive gallery-style setting.
Watching
someone else work? It's always a pleasure isn't it?
A
first, a one-day conference for social housing officers called ‘Glazing
in the Public Sector: Focus on Housing’ was very successful, drawing
excellent attendance from this key sector. The Technical Seminars, aimed
at installers, fabricators and mainstream specifiers, was also successful,
with a strong attendance at the presentations on and related to Part L
indicating that this issue continues to concern the industry.
VEKA, a surprise late entrant to Glassex 05, made their first appearance
at the event since the spectacular launch of the company’s Matrix
system in the mid ‘Nineties. Using the company’s brand new state-of-the-art
‘Big Rig’ exhibition vehicle as the core of its stand, VEKA
was keen to promote its placing as No 1 overall in the recent annual Benchmarking
Report which surveys the attitudes of UK fabricators to extruders.
VEKA's
John Laing explains frame recycling at Tuesday's seminar Making a point:
fabricator County Systems
But the firm was also seeking to impress the housing officers attracted
by the one day ‘Glazing in the Public Sector’ conference. 'We
are generally pleased with the quality and quantity of visitors on our
stand,' remarked Colin Davidson, the company’s National Sales Manager.
'Although we didn’t expect to we talked at length to some large fabricators
who are looking for a change from their existing systems suppliers, in
addition to a number of housing professionals that we had hoped to see.
We’ve signed again for 2006.'
Of course, conservatories continue to provide much of the stimulus for
growth for the glazing industry and, whilst forecasts are more realistic
than the ‘Pot of Gold’ predictions of a couple of years ago,
the market still holds considerable promise for the future of the industry
and this was reflected at Glassex.
Still
don't quite get what all the green thing and traffic light stuff was about,
but thank goodness Marketing Manager Mark Hanson was on hand to explain
some of the firm's latest products - the Sunroom, and the Classic - and
his new marketing initiatives, including the BBA backed Ultra Installer
Scheme, the Certificate of Authenticity and the Marketing Toolbox, more
about all of which in the coming weeks on The Gl@zine
'There was a great atmosphere at Glassex and it was an extremely successful and exciting show for Ultraframe,' commented Linda Doughty, Marketing Director of Ultraframe, which was making a high profile and welcome return to Glassex. 'We managed to create a real buzz around our stand, from the prominent ‘Prepare to be Dazzled’ advertising on the NEC approach to the much anticipated launch of our new roof, Sunroom, for which we sold 60 showroom roofs in just one day! Our sponsorship of the Conservatory Design Competition was also such a success that we were delighted to announce our continued support for an even better competition next year.'
The
Glassex Challenge: Britain's 'Windowlympics' Draws the Crowds
The
winning teams for the 2005 Glassex Challenge,
the window, door and conservatory roof fitting competition introduced
at Glassex 2004 to great acclaim, have been announced.
The event, which for this year was staged in an large arena-style set
in the halls at this years Glassex, drew crowds of visitors fascinated
to discreetly compare their own skills with those taking part, or perhaps
to see what standards may be expected of today's installers.
For those taking part are clearly at the top of their trade and willing
to put their skills to the test against other installers, the clock, and
a tough team of judges that were checking for quality, efficiency, and
of course health and safety; it was not simply a race. However, while
pride in their work and the desire to demonstrate their skills were the
main drivers for those taking part, magnificent prizes of DeWalt power
tools were also a considerable incentive. Daily winners were announced
for each of the first three days, with a prize for the winning roof assembler,
and an overall winner for the event.
The Glassex Challenge was organised by Glassex in association with industry
skills training experts T.E.S.T (The Essential Support Team), and backed
by sponsors Total Conservatory Roof Systems, Windowidgets, (GQA) Glass
Qualifications Authority, Masterframe, Corby Windows Group, Panels Plus
and DeWalt. Of their support Steve Redman, Event Manager for Glassex commented:
'The foresight of our sponsors make this exciting event possible. All
have demonstrated a genuine commitment to supporting skills development
at the 'coal face' of the glazing industry. The industry has a dependence
upon installation skills, as it is the key point of contact with the end
customer; the Glassex Challenge is designed to demonstrate and reward
those skills, and to set benchmarks.'
THE GLASSEX CHALLENGE 2005: DAILY AND OVERALL WINNERS:
(Left)
Winner: Day 1 Bayston Hill Windows. Principle contact: Tony Randall,
Team: Malcolm Mitchell, Colin Thomas
(Right) Winner: Day 2 Sherborne Windows & Conservatories Principle
contact: Ruth Jones
Winner:
Day 3 Romsey Conservatory Company Ltd. Principle contact: Mr Simon
Cornell, Team: Laurence Wood, Gavin Stainburn
Fastest
Conservatory Assembly:
Romsey Conservatory Company Ltd
OVERALL WINNER:
Romsey Conservatory Company Ltd
Glassex Conservatory Design Competition Winners Announced
From
almost three times as many entries as received for the inaugural Glass
Conservatory Design Competition last year the judging panel for the 2005
event eventually managed to select finalists, and winners, for each of
the four categories.
Entries were submitted for four categories - Innovative Design; Conventional
Domestic; Conventional Commercial; and Portal Frame – and clearly
stimulated the imagination and skills of designers, manufacturers and
architects to draw a quality of entry that the Chairman of the Judges
called ‘Exceptional’. All of the finalists’ entries were
shown in a special feature area at Glassex ’05, where visitors could
study the designs at leisure.
For each category Gold, Silver, Bronze were chosen, in addition to the
Ultraframe Special Merit Award, which is conferred by Ultraframe’s
own experts to a company in each category.
The judging panel was appointed from a cross section of the industry to
ensure a balance of expertise, views and interests, with referees appointed
from the media to ensure absolute fairness. The panel included: Barry
Dunlop, Founder of Conservatories On Line; Chris Richardson, Technical
Director, Ultraframe; Gary Richards, Operations Director, Conservatory
Roof Craft Ltd; and architect Chris Cooper, of Cooper Research. Chairman
of the Judges was Paul Godwin, Press Officer of Glassex, and the referees
were Roland Ellison of Glass Age, and Ariane Blok of Glass & Glazing
Products.
The Winners and Finalists are:
(Left) PORTAL Gold Franklin Conservatories, Silver AGS Home Improvements,
Bronze Franklin Conservatories
(Right) Ultraframe- Special Merit Fineline
CONVENTIONAL DOMESTIC
Gold Franklin Conservatories
Silver Franklin Conservatories
Bronze AGS Home Improvements
Ultraframe-
Special Merit Artisan Conservatory
CONVENTIONAL
COMMERCIAL
Gold Guernsey Glass & Window Co
Silver MC Glass
Bronze Penicuik Home Improvements
Ultraframe-
Special Merit Guernsey Glass & Window
INNOVATIVE DESIGN
Gold M3 Architects
Silver Guernsey Glass & Window Co
Bronze Tradeplas
Ultraframe-
Special Merit JT Systems
Chairman of the judges, Paul Godwin, commented: ‘The judges were
all immensely impressed by the quality of entries, including the aesthetics,
technical calculations, professionalism and sheer effort that went into
every one.
‘In a sense it was a pity to separate out any for special recognition
as almost all set exceptional standards that would be fine examples for
the industry to follow. As a cross-section of the conservatory designer’s
craft it would indicate that the industry is in very good shape indeed.’