Glassex Review Part 2 here
Glassex Review Part 1 here

Mixed Reports from Glassex are No Coincidence

Andy Ball, Marketing and Business Development Manager of Edgetech UK and Ireland, comments on the discrepancy on feedback from Glassex - some exhibitors heralded it as the best show ever, while others (albeit less publicly) were disappointed about how quiet their stands were.

‘Many people in marketing will be familiar with the story about R.J Wrigley, a former CEO of the Wrigley chewing gum company. The story goes that on a transatlantic flight, the man sitting next to the CEO asked him why the company continued to invest so much time and energy into their marketing and advertising when they were already in Number 1 position and enjoying record sales. RJ Wrigley replied: ‘I continue to support our brands with consistent marketing, for the same reason that the pilot keeps our plane's engines running, even though we're already in the air.’

Wrigley clearly understood the value of businesses keeping a foot on the accelerator, even when in pole position. It doesn't matter how big the company, how well known the brand or even the budgets, there's never a good reason to pull back. Unless you want to stop growing.

‘What has this got to do with Glassex? Against a back drop of many mixed post show reports among exhibitors, I don't believe the contrast was sheer coincidence. There is a simple correlation. Those companies whose emphasis was placed on marketing before, during and after the show reaped the rewards, in contrast with those who didn't.

‘An exhibition presence is the same as running a business. You can't just invest money into something, whether it's a new product, new machinery or an industry show and then sit back and relax. That's not how it works. You have to invest money to set it up, invest consistent amounts of time and effort to ensure you build on those foundations, and like Wrigley said, keep the engines running relentlessly.

‘The exhibitors that had a good show made sure everyone knew they were going to be there, were proactively getting people on to the stand while there, and will be following up people who did and didn't attend in these weeks following the show. Glassex is no different to the overall view of business for any company - there is never a good or right time to be complacent. Glassex is a changing show, its organisers have said it's a show that represents the industry as it exists in the 21st century, not past decades. So it's up to the companies that represent the industry today to keep up the momentum for tomorrow, whether through trade exhibitions, direct mail, advertising, PR or actively encouraging word of mouth.’

Thermoseal Group Leads the Way in Energy Efficiency at Glassex

The Glassex 2007 Energy Efficiency Zone at the NEC in Birmingham proved to be an ideal platform for Thermoseal Group to address window manufacturers and sealed unit producers with its comprehensive range of double glazing consumables.

The Energy Efficiency Zone was buzzing with the many manufacturers visiting the show who were drawn to its new energy-efficient offerings and the Thermoseal Group stand received a great deal of attention.

Thermoseal's TX.N warm-edge spacer bar, its new Inter-bar and Duplex spacer systems were of most interest.

Thermoseal is the UK's largest supplier of Thermix TX.N warm-edge spacer bar – a high performance engineering plastic with an integrated metallic diffusion barrier made of stainless steel. It is designed to keep glass at the edge of double glazed windows warm enabling it to retain thermal energy and virtually eliminate condensation.

Inter-bar and Duplex spacer systems from Thermoseal make a modern window incorporating one glass sealed unit to appear like a genuine individual multi-pane Georgian window at close inspection.

Mark Hickox, Sales and Marketing Director at Thermoseal Group attended the show. Mark Says: ‘We were delighted with the show and particularly impressed with the new Energy Efficiency Zone. It was one of the busiest areas which put us right in the middle of the action.

‘As we expected, our warm edge TX.N spacer tube was very popular. The show proved a great forum for us to sit down with our key customers and demonstrate the high quality and exceptional window energy ratings attainable with TX.N.

‘It always amazes me that window suppliers main interest is whether double glazing is 'A' rated. Although the rating is important, to achieve the best price and meet current Euro standards, there is so much more to consider when selecting the best quality product that will live up to the ten year guarantee period on double-glazed windows.

‘TX.N is being specified continuously because it contributes to an above average energy rating while providing a structurally sound product that will produce a superior sealed unit that maintains its thermally efficient properties for years to come.

‘Our new Inter-bar and Duplex spacer systems were received well too. We gave visitors a close-up demonstration of the technology behind our customer's modern Georgian windows.’

For further information about the comprehensive range available from Thermoseal Group, call 0121 331 3950 or visit http://www.thermosealgroup.com.

Thermoseal Group Showcases its Machinery Range at Glassex

The Thermoseal stand was positioned in the new Energy Efficiency Zone which was buzzing with visitors interested in the vast range of machinery and comprehensive range of energy-efficient consumables it produces.

Mark Hickox, Sales and Marketing Director at Thermoseal Group attended the show. Mark Says: ‘We were delighted with the show and particularly impressed with the new Energy Efficiency Zone. It was one of the busiest areas which put us right in the middle of the action.

‘The show proved a great forum for us to sit down with our key customers and demonstrate the high quality and exceptional window energy ratings attainable using our machinery and consumables. Visitors showed particular interest in our new equipment for processing soft coat low-e glasses alongside Thermix TX.N warm edge spacer bar and various new additions to our comprehensive show room sales literature for decorative glass!’

For further information about the comprehensive range of machinery and consumables for the insulated glass and double glazing industry available from Thermoseal Group, call 0121 331 3950 or visit http://www.thermosealgroup.com.

15 New Trade Customers

Kömmerling fabricator Affordable Window Systems expects to gain at least 15 new trade customers thanks to Glassex 2007.

‘We've already converted six leads from Glassex into customers, and because of the good, serious interest in new products which we launched at the show - I fully expect us to exceed that number,’ says MD Eddie Gaughan.

One of those new products on display was Affordables's Heritage Horns feature on the Kömmerling PVC-U window frame.

And another, was the new LockGuard Security Handle used to reinforce and strengthen a door around a traditional UK lever, euro profile or oval profile cylinder mortice lock, preventing cylinder snap forced entry problems such as those highlighted in The Daily Mail's security report last year.

Fitting a mortice lock involves removing frame material and this leaves a very weakened area around the lock. The Security Handle protects the Euro Cylinder to resist a cylinder snap attack and forced entry and so help avoid a burglary. 'This is available immediately on our Kömmerling Connoisseur door,'says Eddie Gaughan.

'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.’

Glassex presented an opportunity to meet customers as Affordable does not employ salesman. The company looks forward to next year when it will offer another free conservatory in the raffle.

Tel: 01253 89 10 10
Web: http://www.affordableconservatoriesgroup.co.uk

Feel the Force at Glassex

Dennis Sumner, Managing Director of Force 8 (pictured) can be seen demonstrating the company's new timber composite door in an arch frame.

The specialist company, dedicated to bending PVC-U profiles, has succeeded in fitting an espagnolette shootbolt along the arch of the door.

'You won't see that anywhere else', says Dennis. The show was extremely successful for force 8, and the company has already booked its stand for 2008.

‘Glassex is the only way we can show the quality of our arch doors and windows and demonstrate our latest developments such as our new locking system’. Comments Dennis.

Force 8 Fabrications is a family-owned and operated and operated business, which manufactures and supplies windows, doors and conservatories to installers and fabricators all over Europe.

Its extensive product portfolio includes a range of design variations to meet every requirement, including arched and unusually shaped styles.

Web: http://www.force8.info

Carl F Reports Interactive Initiatives Maximise Show Interest

Whilst confirming the general view that this year's Glassex was a quieter event than 2006, Carl F - which was represented on the DeWalt stand - reported that a hands-on formula drew a healthy level of visitors to the display.

DeWalt's strong brand and the opportunity to use drills/assemble products had high appeal, particularly with installers, who were able to make on-the-spot purchases.

Commenting, Louise Lai, Carl F Marketing Manager said:
‘From the exhibitor's perspective, Carl F believes that the way forward to create impact at Glassex is to provide a real reason to come onto the stand. People in this industry appreciate being able to test the products and DeWalt excels at offering a workshop environment.’

Among the most popular DeWalt product lines featured in the Carl F direct catalogue and on-line shop was a 36V rotary hammer drill launched at the show which was included in a daily £1,000 prize draw organised by DeWalt.

For Carl F direct enquiries:
Tel: 08453 665566
Email: sales@carlfdirect.co.uk
Web: http://www.carlfdirect.co.uk

GGF 'F' Update at Glassex

The Glass and Glazing Federation provided an update to the ventilations requirements for replacement windows at this year’s Glassex.

Approved document F - ventilation was published Spring 2006, within this document section 3 covered work on existing buildings and made a requirement for trickle ventilators to be fitted in all replacement windows from 1st October. On 22nd September the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) made the following statement:

Ministers have fully considered the evidence, and decided to:
1. withdraw the guidance in Approved Document F recommending fitting trickle ventilators in all replacement windows from 1st October.
2. accept the GGF's offer to produce a good practice guidance. This guidance should reflect an industry view and take account of views from both window fabricators, ventilator suppliers and DCLG. It should be in place as soon as possible.

During further discussions with DCLG we have agreed that there should be two documents:
1. A consumer orientated guide to promote the use of trickle ventilation.
2. Guidance for industry to determine where trickle ventilators should be used within replacement windows.

The GGF had hoped to have these to present at Glassex, unfortunately we still have not had approval by all parties, we hope to have these available in the very near future.

Tel: 0870 042 4255
Web: http://www.ggf.org.uk

Gallery Enters the Black Arts at Glassex

Gallery Composite Doors entered the market back in March 2006 aimed at becoming the leading composite door collection for quality.

Launched by Lister Trade Frames and Thermaseal with the support of their systems supplier Bowater Halo, the range of options was deliberately limited to ensure that all the necessary processes from construction through to delivery were robust and reliable.

One year on and the Gallery range has made its mark and is now starting to flex its muscles with some new additions.

Glassex 2007 saw the launch of the new Black Gallery Door option. Available in full black or black on white, the doors have the option of a white outer frame or matching black profiles straight from stock. They also have the advantage of five threshold options and a very stylish matching colour drip rail.

‘Black has been the most requested new product for our range to date.’ Says Graham Jerwood, Thermaseal's MD. ‘It has taken us a while to get the product just right to match the profiles, but more importantly to have the confidence of offering black with a full 10 year guarantee.’

In March the Gallery collection received awards for achieving Secured by Design, PAS23 and PAS24 for security, endurance and weather tightness adding to customer confidence. And just to underline their focus on making this a quality door, the scope covered the full range, not just a single token door.

‘The black addition and the quality accreditations are just the start of the expansion of the Gallery collection’ Mark Warren, Listers MD states. ‘This year we are focused on providing our customers with more options, styles and value for money. But most important, we will be making sure that we stay at the forefront of the market for quality composite doors.’

More information about the Gallery Composite Door Range can be found at http://www.gallery-doors.com or through the contacts below.

Lister Trade Frames 01782 205605, http://www.listertf.co.uk.
Thermaseal Windows 01268 561717, http://www.thermasealwindowsystems.co.uk

BSI Product Services 'Not Disappointed'

'As a regular Glassex Exhibitor, BSI Product Services returned in 2007 with optimism that the 'new' show would be an improvement on the previous - and we were not disappointed!

'We had a consistent flow of enquiries from specifiers, manufacturers and installers, particularly those interested in our Kitemark scheme for Window Installations and our independent agency status for BFRC Energy Rating, which our two seminar sessions had prompted interest in.

Barnet Windows - one of Masterframe Windows Ltd 'Bygone Preferred Installers' are awarded the Kitemark for Window Installations at Glassex 07

'We capitalised on the attendance of key industry players expected at Glassex, by arranging a number of presentations to clients who have recently been awarded Kitemark licences - each client has demonstrated a commitment to the highest standards of either manufacture or installation; and we wish them all the success in the future as they benefit from the distinction and market access which the Kitemark gives them. '

Web: http://www.bsi-global.com

Haffner GB Celebrates 25 Firm Enquiries at Glassex

Haffner GB Ltd finished last week's Glassex on a high. The company had over 25 firm enquiries for its SBA Cutting and Machining Centre at the show, not to mention two firm orders.

Dave Thomas, Haffner's Managing Director, said: ‘We weren't expecting this year's Glassex to be as successful as in previous years, but we're delighted to have been proved wrong. It's great to see the market so unexpectedly buoyant. It's true that the numbers of visitors were down on previous years, but the quality of those visitors was definitely up.’

The SBA Centre received rave reviews at the show. One of the companies that placed an order, Pyramid in Norwich, called it the best machining centre of its type on the market. It's also cementing its reputation amongst existing customers: the other buyer at the show was Superseal in Ireland, which took the opportunity to invest in its third SBA machine.

It's perhaps hardly surprising that the Centre received such praise. Although the machine started life several years ago, constant developments mean it's still at the cutting edge (excuse the pun). Recent developments include an additional saw unit that increases production by up to 25%, making it the fastest machine of its type. It also includes a re-enforcing station that demonstrates the machine's intelligent and practical engineering. Because fully laden trolleys don't have to be moved to a separate re-enforcing station before being replaced by trolleys for the next batch, both time and space are saved on the factory floor.

The orders and enquiries at Glassex marked a continuing period of success for Haffner. The company will be producing 24 machines to fulfil orders before the end of July. This brings the total number of machines sold since its launch to 110.

Tel: 01785 814032

Stone Quoins Prove a Success for HWL at Glassex

HWL - Highseal Windows Limited says that Glassex has proven a success.

‘We wanted to promote HWL as a brand, achieve greater exposure to trade prospects and promote our existing and innovative products’ says David Maybank HWL's Sales and Marketing Manager. ‘We were encouraged by the level of genuine interest received for our BiFolding Doors, Vertical Sliding Sash Windows, Marble / Granite window boards and floor tiles, Stone Quoins and particularly our Priory Conservatory - incorporating stone look gutter shroud, pillars and cill.’

For further details on HWL's products and services please contact David Maybank or visit the web site.

Tel: 01724 275411
Web: http://www.hwlgroup.co.uk

Best Stands and New Products Rated at Glassex '07

Adding a touch of competitive fun to this year's Glassex were Awards for the Best Stands and Best New Products at the show.

Although with the serious intent of highlighting companies that had made a special effort with their stand design and build, as well as companies that brought particularly interesting and innovative products to Glassex for the first time, the Awards were judged and staged in an informal style and atmosphere to add a positive touch to the event.

Selections were made by an independent judging panel who decided amongst stands in three categories and from products submitted by exhibitors prior to Glassex through the event web site.

Winners were presented with certificates at the Glassex Forum. Presented with the Best Small Stand (up to 35 m2) was World Glass Designs (branded as Glass Inserts); Best Medium Stand was a creditable effort by the Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF); and the Best Large Stand (more than 150m2) went to Promac for the way the company tackled one of the most difficult of exhibition challenges: how to display machinery creatively.

Seven Awards were made in the key Glassex product categories for companies showing innovative products and services at Glassex for the first time. The Best New Door Product was won by Vista Panels for its highly effective and timely flood door; the Best New Window Product was actually something that may be seen on windows from any number of systems houses. Cova's new XL woodgrain foils were felt to have advanced veneers to a new level of authenticity, the company claiming them to be the ‘most realistic woodgrains ever.’

Cervoglass (Tuff-X) continued its foray into the specialist conservatory glass sector with Cervo Solar Clear, a side glazing product that offers excellent solar and thermal values, which won the company the Best New Conservatory Product category. J. Banks impressed the judges with its Electronic Fire Egress System, a window restrictor that is wired into the building's fire alarm system for which the company took the Best New Hardware Product vote.

Software pioneer Windowlink showed its development work is as sharp as ever with the issue of its T Card business planning suite for window installers, which took the prize for Best New Software Product.

A surprise winner in the Best New Machinery Product bracket was CK International for its mini waste compactor and baler designed to cope with polythene and cardboard, a major problem for window fabricators. And the Best New Ancillary/Consumables Product winner was Distinction Doors, recognised for its innovative Snap Fit Glazing Cassettes by NanYa which, felt the judges, offer fast fitting and great aesthetics.

Glassex's Dave Broxton, who handed out the certificates to the winners, said that the recipients of the Awards were delighted:

‘The winners were delighted with this simple but effective scheme that rewards companies for making that extra effort. Great looking stands make a great looking show and the consensus is that Glassex was just that this year. But the big pull for visitors are new products and they were there in abundance this year, many from smaller, innovative companies. We could have made several more awards for new products as these were just a sample. Visitors will judge and choose their own winners; they will have another opportunity when we run this again next year!’

GGF Wins Best Stand Design at Glassex

The Glass and Glazing Federation won an award for best stand design for a 35-150m2 sized stand at Glassex this month in Birmingham.

GGF Group Director of PR Catherine Hogan commented,

‘I am delighted that we have won this award and it truly reflects the progress the Federation has made in terms of brand development in the last 11 years.

'Glassex 07 provided the GGF with an excellent forum to highlight the wares the GGF Group now has to offer not only its Members but the Industry as a whole.’

Tel: 0870 042 4255

The Glassex Conservatory Design Competition Hits The Mark Again!

Conceived to reward excellence within the conservatory sector and to share knowledge, ideas and best practice with every Glassex visitor, the Conservatory Design Competition has grown in status year on year seeing it take the prominent centre stage at Glassex 2007 and pulling in the crowds from all over the exhibition hall. It was declared a resounding success by all who attended and all parties involved.

With the level of entries being particularly high in calibre this year, the judging panel had their work cut out to underline those that truly highlighted aesthetical and technological development, skill and application. All of the nominated winners from the five categories were invited to attend the awards presentation that took place during Glassex on the specially built gallery built to show the winning entries. Visitors to the stand were able to examine the highly individual entries, many of which showed extraordinary skill and ability, with the winners also demonstrating an exceptional flair for presentation.

The presentation was officially opened by Glassex Sales Director Dave Broxton, with judge Ian Spokes, National Product Manager of event sponsors Pilkington Activ™ presenting the Awards.

The Competition was divided into five categories: Small Conventional; Large Conventional; Portal; Innovative Design; and Energy efficient, with each being judged on design innovation, production innovation, aesthetics, structural integrity and calculations, and the quality of the entry. A winner was decided for each category, with a Supreme winner for the overall event.

Commenting on the success attained by this year's competition, Glassex Sales Director Dave Broxton said: ‘The Glassex Conservatory Design Competition is highly regarded as an event that allows companies within the conservatory sector to showcase their talents to the industry. The whole competition has been a complete success attracting the cream of the crop that this industry sector has to offer; this made our job as judges extremely difficult. I am delighted with the responses and feedback we have had from the winners, as well as the visitors to the onsite gallery this year; the Glassex Conservatory Design Competition has become a significant measure of just how far the conservatory builders' art has been extended and seeing some big industry players vying for the top spot just goes to show that this competition acts as a good platform to showcase those projects that deserve praise.’

The judging panel included: Ian Spokes, National Product Manager of Pilkington Activ; Barry Bunlop, Founder of ConservatoriesOnline.com; Chris Cooper, Architect of Cooper Research, RIBA, and Dave Broxton, Sales Director of Glassex 2007.

Visit our Glassex Show Issue for the full results and more pictures

Sash Reigns Supreme at Glassex Conservatory Design Competition

When it comes to designing, engineering and constructing awe-inspiring luminatrium structures that truly capture the imagination, Sash UK says that it has certainly earned its reputation for being a world leader in this field. As a company that is committed to continually pushing the technical boundaries and being at the forefront of innovation, Sash is set up to deliver an array of breathtaking structures time after time, each one acting as unique testament to its craft... and it is for these precise reasons that Sash took centre stage at this Year's Glassex Conservatory Design Competition to claim its award as the Supreme Winner for 2007.

Entering into just two categories, Portal and Innovative Design, Sash's submission pieces wowed the judging panel seeing it storm both groups hands down taking home two Gold, one Silver and one Bronze...as well as the desirable accolade of Supreme Winner!

For the Innovative Design category, Sash entered its VEKA HQ structure that typifies the size, style and complete commercial versatility its luminatrium range offers. Constructed over 14 days, this gargantuan luminatrium showcased just how a mundane business environment can be totally transformed into a light, spacious business facility - for which the company received Gold. Its second entry in this category highlighted Sash's creativity and ingenuity when it comes to fulfilling a brief...for this the company entered a luminatrium structure that was built into the existing design of a private home to serve as a fully working art studio, offering 360 degree views of the surrounding countryside - this entry scooped up second place and the Silver award.

In the Portal category, Sash continued its winning streak by entering two projects that the judges deemed illustrated its adaptability to fulfil both the commercial and private sectors perfectly. First up to meet the critical gaze of the judging panel was the Diplomat Hotel.

Charged with a brief to create a light and airy structure to house a new restaurant and associated reception area for a privately owned Hotel, Sash not only designed, supplied and installed the luminatrium, but also created a striking application that transfers and extends the property's dynamics, providing an eye catching alternative to traditional build - a Bronze award was given for this project. The second project submitted in this category was the luminatrium that highlighted the construction of a swimming pool enclosure at a private residence situated near Lake Ontario, North America. Tasked with designing and constructing this 2,120 sq ft large span luminatrium, Sash created a tranquil haven for the occupants of the property to enjoy the enchanting views of this world renowned natural wonder, that sits just 30ft from the property, all year round. In fact, this project impressed the judges so much that Sash won two awards for its outstanding craftsmanship...Gold and Supreme Winner, making the clear winners overall.

Commenting on the awards, Sash UK's Joint Managing Director Dave Ruzicka said: ‘I am delighted with the results of this year's Glassex Conservatory Design Competition. Not many companies can enter in four awards and win an award for each entry, not to mention picking up the Supreme Winners title too...but I have to say that this comes as no surprise. Every project we undertake has its own unique complexities and challenges to overcome, but we at Sash take these elements and build on them to continually better our products and services across the board. We are a business that is committed to our industry 100%, investing our time and money in the right areas to ensure that our luminatriums are well received worldwide. Of course these awards don't just underline the achievements of Sash, but more importantly the people that make our business work. I would like to take this opportunity to commend all those involved on these award-winning projects...these awards are for you!’

Web: http://www.sashuk.com

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