PIGS Get Snouts in Trough in Brum

One of Birmingham's leading nightspots, Mechu Bar, played host to the inaugural Glassex Publicity In Glazing Society event. On the Sunday night of the show, well over a hundred of the industry's leading marketing, advertising and PR professionals got together for the glass and glazing markets only dedicated networking event.

With the bar sponsored by amongst others Glassex, WHS Halo, Impact, Plastmo, The Installer, Facta PR, McInnes Communications, Clearview, Windows Active and Fenestra Journal an excellent evening was enjoyed by all.

Plans for a bigger networking social at next years event are already in hand and potential sponsors should contact Claire Shilling of Glassex/GP&T on 0208 277 5533.

The next PIGS Night in London has been scheduled for early May with a new venue to be confirmed.

Romsey Snatches Glassex Installer of the Year Title for Second Year Running

Laurence Wood and Gavin Stainburn have reaffirmed their skills and superiority in the annual Glassex Challenge as the duo from the Romsey Conservatory Company swept the board for the second year running to become the Glassex Installer of the Year 2006.

The Romsey pair romped home by taking the Daily title for Wednesday, to then take the Conservatory Installer title by completing the installation in just 16 minutes. At the end of four days of intensive competition the judges totted up the scores and declared Romsey to be the clear overall winner for the second time in the three years of the contest's history.

Daily winners for the heats on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday of the 2006 Glassex Challenge were:

Sunday: Trevor Barnes and Malcolm Heath of Stoke on Trent based Insta Service (UK) Ltd;

Monday: Darren Clarke and Andre Dessa for Astral Conservatory Systems of Mitcham;

Tuesday: Colin Powley and Stefan Mills of Halesworth, Suffolk-based Waveney Windows.

Every competitor was presented with a DeWalt 90-piece drill set, with daily winners carrying off a superb DeWalt Chop Saw.  

Outright winners of the Glassex Challenge Laurence Wood and Gavin Stainburn of Romsey Conservatory Company, receive their trophies from Phil Thomas of TEST (l), and Gerry Sherwood of EMAP Maclaren

Every competitor was presented with a DeWalt 90-piece drill set, with daily winners carrying off a superb DeWalt Chop Saw. For their supreme efforts Romsey added to an already comprehensive tool shed from last year with the addition of £5,000 of DeWalt power tools of their choice. Major sponsor Glass Qualifications Authority (GQA) presented vouchers redeemable against its training services.

Director of the Romsey Conservatory Company Simon Cornell was ecstatic about his team's second win, particularly as he fully appreciates the value of the victory: ‘Winning the Glassex Installer of the Year title last year was probably worth upwards of £30,000 to us in sales so we are especially delighted to win again - you can't buy advertising like this!’

The Glassex Challenge is an annual feature of Glassex, the showcase for the UK window, door and conservatory industry. Teams are invited to compete against each other, the clock and a tight set of rules that govern safety, quality and such issues as technique and teamwork, to install a bay window, flat window, residential door and conservatory roof in rigs set in the specially constructed Glassex Challenge arena. Judging was carried out by industry trainers The Essential Support Team (TEST), who have supervised the event since its inception.

A full panel of sponsors backed the Glassex Challenge including DeWalt, systems supplier Aluplast, fabricators Rapidframe and Seal-Light who provided window frames and doors; VS specialist Masterframe; self-build conservatory specialist Best Value Conservatories; and the glass and glass related qualifications awarding body the Glass Qualifications Authority (GQA).

Synseal is Number One at Glassex

Synseal, market leader in windows and conservatories, has announced another fantastic show at Glassex.

'There were ten people from Synseal on the stand this year that were kept busy all day, every day,' explains Nick Dutton, Synseal’s Sales and Marketing Director.

'Glassex is a great opportunity to show customers and potential customers new products. And we have lots to offer this year. It was the first time Legend70 has been exhibited at Glassex and we had lots of interest in it. Especially as now we also announced all profile is now available in five new colours – black, grey, red, blue and green.

Many commercial projects like schools and hospitals use coloured profiles, and offering these colours off the shelf means our customers can get what they want, when they want it. And the colours are available for all our customers, so domestic installers can offer homeowners a choice too.

'Global 600 was also a big hit. Launched in the autumn last year, the low pitch roof topped one of the two full sized conservatories on the stand.

'The stand was designed to make it easy for visitors to see exactly what we have to offer and the position of the stand was great too. Being the number one stand as visitors walked through the door means we’ve spoken to virtually everyone who came to Glassex!'

Glassex - Time to Think Again?

Reflections on Glassex and its future by regular exhibitor Newdawn & Sun.

After a slow start on the Sunday Newdawn was delighted with the quality if not the quantity of existing and potential customers on the stand - Monday saw many longstanding customers calling for a full update on over 30 new products launched since the Bowater Group acquired Newdawn back in August 2005. Star of the show proved to be the 'flying wing' which caused comment - and not a little consternation with fabricators anxious to know if the new design would ever replace the standard 'Vicky'

Tuesday proved the busiest day with the old 'Glassex Buzz' around the stand but one day does not make a successful exhibition and questions have got to be asked as the numbers seem to have resumed their previous downward trend with figures of less than 7500 being quoted unofficially for the full show.

The opportunity to catch up on old friends, renew acquaintances and listen to the current gossip are all important but visitors underpin the financial logic of the show and without them the continued annual event must be questioned. That such an important industry cannot support one good trade show a year is a disappointment to all involved but perhaps it is time to look at joining Interbuild or holding the show every 2 years.

In a maturing market with cash tight and consolidation the order of the day alternatives need to be considered at an early date.

Masterframe's 15th Year at Glassex Best Yet

Specialist sliding sash manufacturer Masterframe Windows has taken a stand for 15 consecutive years at Glassex - and for quality of leads this year may be the best yet, according to Managing Director Alan Burgess.

‘Our Bygone Collection 'C' rated window - the only Energy Saving Recommended vertical slider on the market - got particular attention. With a white woodgrain foil finish and authentic features including continuous horns, it's virtually indistinguishable from timber. It just doesn't look like a typical shiny plastic window.

Our trade ranges Vintage, Classic and Heritage were also on show.

Although the specification is slightly lower on these windows, visitors to the stand told us the quality is still far higher than anything else on the market.

‘We were also delighted that our Bygone Preferred Installer Romsey Conservatory Company won the Installer Challenge for all the disciplines - for the second year in a row! In fact the company’s highly trained fitting team installed Masterframe's Bygone Collection window in just 18 minutes - three times quicker than the time allowed. It was one more thing to celebrate at Glassex. Roll on Interbuild!’

Tel: 01376 510410
Web: http://www.masterframe.co.uk

Ultraframe Pioneers Major Technological and Service Developments at Glassex 2006

Ultraframe, the designer and manufacturer of conservatory roofing systems, unveiled a number of new products on its stands B90 and B100 at Glassex 2006. New product innovations on display included Framelock, the Clicklock side frame connection system, a Tie Bar Replacement Kit for Classic, the fitter friendly alternative to the traditional tie bar, and Polyspan Optimum, a polycarbonate that is efficient at reflecting the sun's solar energy, as well as a range of new customer support offerings.

The company says that, Framelock is the only dedicated conservatory side frame system which, when joined to the Ultraframe roof, guarantees for the first time the structural performance of the entire conservatory structure. The Framelock system consists of aluminium pillars and rails that form a series of structural frames which attach to the cill, eaves and Ultraframe roof. Traditionally manufactured PVC frames, from major window systems manufacturers, can be fitted with Framelock to create the required conservatory design.

As well as Framelock, Ultraframe showcased a further structural first, a new Tie Bar Replacement Kit. Linda Doughty, Marketing Director at Ultraframe commented; 'The Tie Bar Replacement Kit offers very simple installation and provides a less obtrusive alternative to the traditional tie bar which is often required on larger span or glass-roofed conservatories. The kit is available for the Ultraframe Classic range. It guarantees a greater level of structural stability than that on offer for any other roofing system. One key element to the kit is the new ridge bolster beam which reinforces the roof’s ridge to virtually eliminate the need for tie bars.'

Ultraframe also displayed Polyspan Optimum, an efficient polycarbonate. Unique to Ultraframe, new Polyspan Optimum provides the ultimate in solar control, coupled with excellent light transmission properties and market leading thermal efficiency.

The benefits of Ultraframe’ssuccessful Guild Approved Ultra Installer Scheme were also exhibited, including its Marketing Toolbox, designed to help installers create marketing campaigns with minimal cost and effort. The Toolbox, available exclusively to Ultra Installers, contains a wide range of promotional items and templates for personalisation to help make marketing both easy and effective. New additions to the Marketing Toolbox include a branded clothing range, and branded corporate stationery to further enhance the image of Scheme members.

New promotional literature and software was on display, such as the recently launched Ultranet Order-Manager, a new online ordering system designed to speed up and simplify the ordering process whilst maximising order accuracy. The Ultranet Order-Manager programme enables customers to complete the entire order process, from configuring a roof to placing the order online.

Linda Doughty concluded; 'At Ultraframe we know we cannot get complacent. As well as investing in new and innovative products and pioneering major technological developments, we recognise the importance of investing and striving to improve our existing product ranges and services to ensure they always meet the demands of a changing market. After listening to our customers Ultraframe has responded with products and services that set new industry standards for the structural integrity of conservatories, pre-empt the introduction of building regulations for conservatory installers and equip Ultraframe customers to succeed in a competitive marketplace.'

REHAU launched two new brands into the conservatory market place.
The first is REHAU-Dimension – the new REHAU conservatory roof which will enable fabricators to offer a conservatory roof exactly matched to REHAU windows and doors conservatory for the first time and the second is
REHAU-Dimension Plus – the Complete Conservatory Superstructure System with proven structural integrity.

REHAU has taken the decision to separate the two brands because it believes there is a defined marketplace for each. REHAU’s Alan Hickman, who is responsible for the launch, says: 'I am very confident that all our customers who just want to be able to offer a REHAU roof alongside REHAU walls will be delighted with the launch of REHAU-Dimension.

'Similarly, those customers who buy into the concept of a future proof conservatory which enables them to offer customers a guarantee of structural integrity will welcome REHAU-Dimension Plus. Our research has indicated that there is room for both products and that they will each appeal to a distinct section of our customer base.'

The REHAU-Dimension roof was developed in conjunction with Wendland so is of excellent quality with inherent extra strength. It offers good value for money as well as huge flexibility in shape, size and pitch configuration.
REHAU is providing the majority of PVC-U components for the roof so it matches perfectly with its window profile in terms of colour and aesthetics and it carries with it the REHAU branding which is so strong in the consumer marketplace.

The REHAU-Dimension roof will be available to REHAU fabricators in bar lengths or kits.

In terms of installation, REHAU is emphasising that the roof will be very easy to fit with step by step installation instructions made even easier by the fact that all the packages will carry numbered labels so that they can be opened in the order they are required on site.

Installers will be supported with bespoke software to enable them to design and price conservatories simply and efficiently and with high quality consumer literature and sample cases.

The REHAU-Dimension Plus complete conservatory superstructure system is available alongside the REHAU-Dimension roof to customers who want to manufacture and install the future proofed system with guaranteed structural integrity for which REHAU will carry full design and product liability.

It will be marketed separately and will be available exclusively to installers joining the REHAU-Dimension Plus Registered Installer Scheme

BBA Approval for Swish

Swish Window and Door Systems has received British Board of Agrément (BBA) approval for its new Traditional 70 chamfered 70mm profile suite.

The five-chambered system was officially launched at Glassex 2006 where the certificate of compliance was presented to Swish general manager Paul Lindsay by BBA sales and marketing director Alan Thomas.

Paul Lindsay said:

‘This means Traditional 70 joins our existing product range in performing to standards specifiers and contractors will recognise. It means our customers are able to use our products with confidence in any sector.’

The launch of Traditional 70 and a range of other new products and support services attracted a high degree of interest from Glassex visitors, generating many new business enquiries for the company.

Traditional 70, along with the rest of the Swish profile suites, are now complemented by a full range of Swish-approved hardware and are compatible with the new Zoom conservatory roof system, also available from Swish.

For further information on Tradtional 70 or any Swish Product please contact Swish on Tel: 01455 555330 or visit: http://www.swishwindows.co.uk

Windowlink's Success Spreads Abroad

In it's 21st appearance at Glassex, the Windowlink team welcomed a steady flow of existing and potential users to its busy stand - and not just from the UK. This year the software developer reported considerable interest from overseas, with enquiries from Sweden, Poland, Cyprus and Malta, as well as a delegation from a Japanese company who had been enthusiastically using Vector for a year and who had travelled to the show all the way from Japan.

Visitors to the stand were able to get their first glimpse of the latest versions of Windowlink's Vector and Focus sales presentation packages for conservatories and windows/doors respectively. New features for Vector include the ability to show steps in any orientation, while Focus can now display letterboxes and trickle vents. Also making its exhibition debut was the new Eden manufacturing software for advanced window production, which incorporates optimisation and scheduling facilities to maximise output efficiency.

Windowlink's one-to-one demonstrations, which ran throughout the Show, were also in great demand, giving fabricators and installers the chance to see the different programs in action and to assess the benefits for their business in terms of enhanced image and profitability.

So all in all it was another successful Show for Windowlink, says Managing Director, Giles Hayhurst: ‘In addition to lots of existing customers, who always like to come along and see our new developments, we spoke to some companies that had bought competitors' software and were now keen to upgrade to Windowlink. The number of international visitors we had on the stand this time also shows that our innovative software solutions are generating interest on a global scale.’

Tel: 0870 7701640
Web: http://www.windowlink.com

Hat Trick for Trade Plas

Nailsworth based Quantal Approved Installer Trade Plas has won an award in the prestigious Glassex Conservatory Design Competition for the third successive year.

Rob Williams, Sales Manager, was presented with the Bronze award in the Innovative Design category by Vanda Murray OBE, MD of Ultraframe, who sponsored the awards for the competition.

The structure was built for a Trade Plas customer in America, to take full advantage of surrounding magnificent views. The conservatory was designed to replace the gable over the kitchen with glass, and to provide a dining room and smoking area stretching out towards a nearby lake.

The conservatory was treated as three separate installations. The entire construction was supported by a complicated portal frame manufactured by a Stroud engineer and shipped over to West Coast USA along with the Quantal roofs, windows, doors and glazing units from the factory in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, to be installed by Trade Plas' own fitters, Ashley Roache and James Tearle.

The original timber roof was removed from the kitchen area of the house and replaced with the first of the three conservatory roofs. Valleys were installed on the existing timber frame. The roof is 6 1/2 metres in length, and overhangs the second roof by 300mm. The second roof has four thermostatically controlled electric roof vents, is 6 1/2 metres in length and again overhangs the third roof by 300mm.

For the third roof, the homeowner wanted a Victorian style conservatory with a gable front. The design features an aluminium sunburst across the gable, which is supported by the Quantal structural gable lintel, is 3 1/2 metres in length with a 300mm overhang at the front.

Rob sums up the installation: ‘This conservatory gives a whole new meaning to 'bespoke', pushing the boundaries of design, fabrication and installation to their very limits. The strength and versatility of the Quantal roof helped to make this possible.

‘We are very proud to have been recognised for the innovative design, manufacture and installation of this unique structure, and equally delighted to be here for the third time running.’

Tel: 01242 225802

John Fredericks in the Frame as Artisan Wins Ultraframe Competition

John Fredericks' approved installer Artisan has scooped the title of Ultraframe Merit Award winner in the innovative design category of the prestigious Glassex Conservatory Design Competition, 2006.

The North Wales-based company, which has also won accolades in Ultraframe's annual conservatory competitions in 2002, 2004 and 2005, won the award for a spectacular project on a grade II listed building in Denbigh, which used an Ultraframe roof.

The project involved removing an unsightly 1960s flat roof from a kitchen extension and replacing it with a conservatory roof which was more in keeping with the traditional style of the property. The four metre square roof is equipped with the latest self-cleaning glass and is very practical for the kitchen as it allows natural light to flood into the room.

Ian Gibson, proprietor of Artisan, said: ‘We have built many conservatories using frames from John Fredericks and Ultraframe and were delighted to receive the Ultraframe merit award in the innovative design category. It reflects our ability to provide imaginative and creative solutions in what can sometimes be challenging circumstances.’

The Glassex Conservatory Design Competition, in association with Ultraframe, aims to recognise, reward and promote excellence in conservatory design, manufacture and installation. The 2006 awards were judged in four categories: Small Conventional, Large Conventional, Innovative Design and Large Span (portal).

Judging panel member Gary Richards, one of the industry's most experienced conservatory manufacturers and installers, said: ‘The variety of designs surpasses even last year. I am very impressed to see the level of aesthetic and structural design across all entries. There was no standardisation in design; each entry was unique in its style and features.’

Tel: 01422 314100
Email: khill@johnfredericksplastics.com
Web: http://www.johnfredericksplastics.com

Promac Group Leads Machinery Innovation at Glassex

Glassex 2006 proved to be one of the best exhibitions ever for Promac in the company's 26 year history, with a large number of orders taken at the show for PVC, aluminium and glass machinery.

Promac used Glassex as a platform to launch a number of industry ‘firsts’ in the machinery sector which included the new Urban SV 530/S corner cleaner and the Ultratech Rapid fully automated cutting and machining centre. In addition a fully automated Super Spacer(r) line from For.El was running throughout the show, identical to the products sold to the Direct Window Co and Leicester Toughened Glass (part of Cleartherm Ltd).

Derek Bonnard, managing director comments: ‘We were absolutely delighted with the show. We were able to display a wide range of machinery to the visitors that will not only set a benchmark for performance, but for value too.’

The company also had the opportunity to promote the recent sales of Urban and Rapid Ultratech machinery to Sovereign Group, Cambrian Windows, Seymour Windows, TJ Grady (Ireland) and TSL Windows (Ireland). In addition, Fast Frame (UK) invested in an Emmegi double mitre saw.
Derek concludes: ‘Anyone looking for the next advancement in machinery technology should come and speak to us. We have a product range and support function that no one else in the industry can match.’

Profitmaker Profits from Glassex 2006

The newest addition to the Profitmaker suite of software, Profitmaker Retail, was launched with great success at Glassex 2006.

‘We had a steady stream of quality leads,’ says Mike Nagle, Sales and Marketing Director of MBN International Systems Ltd, makers of Profitmaker.

‘We had enquiries from all sectors of the window industry, including systems companies, fabricators and installers. Now our software can help all these companies transform their profits. The complete suite now links every part of a company, making production, sales, surveying and installation leaner, more efficient and far easier to manage. Several existing customers are already upgrading their systems to include the new Retail software.’

Mike continues:

‘Profitmaker Retail is specifically designed to generate leads and improve conversion rates for fabricators and installers. It bolts-on to existing websites, allowing homeowners to quote for their new windows and conservatories themselves, and delivers detailed demographic information to the sales office, so reps find it easier to sell. Try a demonstration on our new website http://www.profit-maker.net/ProfitmakerRetail.’

Tel: 0870 241 3089

Plastmo Promises and Delivers at Glassex 2006

Plastmo promised visitors to Glassex a range of products and services that have already enabled existing customers to thrive in difficult market conditions. The company says that judging by the large number of high quality leads, it delivered on its promise.

Glassex 2006 proved the perfect opportunity for Plastmo to demonstrate its commitment to fabricators by way of a product range backed by a comprehensive support package. To support this claim a new 8-page newsletter and a number of customer testimonials were on display.

'The Charisma vertical slider continues to lead the market both in appearance and performance and despite some new competitive offerings at the show, fabricators remain convinced that this product remains the benchmark for others to follow,’ says Robert Thiroff, sales and marketing director.

‘We had bold expectations for the show and it didn't disappoint. We had the opportunity to communicate to fabricators and installers, the special relationships we have with our customers and the extra mile we go to in supporting them.’

Robert continues ‘while other companies have decided not to exhibit and indeed have cut their support services, we are investing more than ever. Our customers need ever greater levels of support and we are providing them with this, which has provided us both with a greater level of success. Anyone wanting to deal with a Systems Company which has a genuine belief in their customer base should come and speak to us.’

Hoppe (UK) Proves Popular at Glassex

Hoppe (UK), the supplier of door and window hardware, enjoyed a successful Glassex. Roger Benton, Joint Managing Director, explains why the stand for next year is already booked:

‘The number of visitors that were attracted to our stand exceeded our expectations.

Our new PAS24 solutions were particularly popular. Over the next 18 months we've got more innovations planned, for both our security and standard ranges.

‘Glassex has proven to be a successful and vibrant platform to show how we can help companies add value to their products.

That's why we've already decided to book our stand for next year, only next year it's in one of the most prominent positions.’

Web: http://www.hoppe.co.uk

Glassex Success for Haffner GB

For the past ten years, Haffner GB Ltd has been a regular exhibitor at the annual Glassex exhibition and 2006 was to be no exception. The buzz that surrounds an exhibition and the opportunities it presents in terms of building relationships, developing partnerships and launching new products are immense which is why the company has been a regular exhibitor at the show.

Over the course of the four day show, Haffner says that it was inundated with positive enquiries including twenty-five for the company's SBA machining centre alone.

Understandably, Managing Director of Haffner GB, Dave Thomas is delighted and explains:

‘We have once again been impressed with the quality of the enquiries from the show, which have already resulted in confirmed orders. Our pro-active PR and advertising campaign clearly ensured that people visited our stand in order to see for themselves the considerable advantages of automation which we have consistently promoted with our SBA machining centre.

The improvements in night vent routing speeds of under 10 seconds coupled with the improvements of finished quality on today's profiles were impressive claims and to demonstrate them directly was invaluable. Although considerably smaller in terms of visitors, buyers were able to take their time to study our products and look at the opposition before returning to make the correct decision.’

Trade shows such as Glassex are arduous events. They are hard work and tiring, but in the case of Haffner, ultimately rewarding.

For further information on the products and services from Haffner GB call Dave Thomas on 01785 814032.

Email: dave.Thomas@haffnergb.co.uk

Harnsering the Questions - Worldwide

One of Glassex's most popular exhibits - the new Harnser window crane, from Eazi-Lift - attracted international interest during the four-day show.

The Harnser - a portable crane which sits in the window reveal and lifts glazed and unglazed frames of up 100kgs - made its show debut at the NEC. Inventor Jeff Crowder was on the stand to demonstrate the unit's capability.

‘Some say Glassex was quiet this year, but the Eazi Lift team was kept busy throughout the four days, with interest across the spectrum, not just from the UK but also from mainland Europe and beyond,’ says Jeff.

Whilst Eazi Lift has sole distribution rights for the Harnser in the UK, it is expected that distributors for North America and the Far East will be appointed in the next twelve months.

The Harnser enables installers working alone to lift even pre-glazed windows up to three storeys high. ‘It is clear that the industry is becoming increasingly aware of safety obligations under the new Work at Height Regulations which mean it is no longer feasible to carry window frames up ladders. It may sound corny, but Glassex visitors certainly came away with the feeling that the Harnser provides the answer,’ says Jeff.