Industry Needs to Speak as One

Dear Richard

I am writing in response to Tony Walsh's recent comments (The Gl@zine 25th March) regarding the need for the industry to be more proactive in defending itself, and indeed generating some positive PR in the face of attacks from the green lobby and more recently the timber industry.

I applaud the stance that Freefoam is taking in suggesting that it is willing to lead in setting aside funds and resources to this end. The need for a concerted and sustained effort from as many of the leading industry players - manufacturers, distributors and end-users - should be evident for all to see. The recent pieces of correspondence from Jim Rawson, Tony Crutcher, Sam Kennedy and Tony Walsh have all made valid points, but to make a real difference the industry needs to speak as one.

Unfortunately, the likelihood of overcoming the combination of current competitive pressures, colourful leading characters and past history to collude successfully on this issue appears to be small at best at present.

At Refocus, as ex-owners and Directors of Omnico Plastics, we have long-standing, interpersonal relationships with nearly all of the key players in this industry, including Tony Walsh, Aidan and most of their competitors. As a totally independent company we would be very happy to champion this much needed cause by orchestrating a campaign that spans the whole PVC-U supply chain, eliminating the problems caused by mistrust and attempted points-scoring - essentially we would be harnessing all that is good in the industry (and I do believe that this industry does have the combined capability and intellect to make a real difference) and using that power to elevate the message to the levels required to change the wider perceptions of PVC-U.

We would be promoting the many positives that should be taken from the industry without endorsing any individual brands or betraying any confidences. All that you and your peers would need to contribute would be time to talk to us, trust and sufficient funding to make a cumulative difference.

From what I have recently read in this and other publications, those who make a living from the sales and installation of PVC-U building products feel the time is right to make a stand. What remains to be seen is whether the industry is big enough to accept the need to work together to start making the required changes. I would be very pleased to hear from any manufacturers, merchants or installers who would like to start the ball rolling.

Yours sincerely

Colin Evans
Managing Partner
Refocus Consultants Ltd.

Tel: 01202 894285
Email: colin@refocusonline.co.uk
Web: http://www.refocusonline.co.uk