News @ The GL@ZINE

Is The Window Industry Warming to Kyoto?

Paul Lindsay, general manager of Swish Window and Door Systems, comments on the recent news that Britain is likely to miss its 2010 Carbon emissions target.

'Last Wednesday, a government policy review revealed that rather than achieving a 20 per cent cut in emissions by 2010, Britain would be likely to cut emissions by just 15 to 18 per cent. With this announcement, Tony Blair called for a 'technological revolution comparable to the internet' to slow down global warming.

Such an ambition is to be admired, but we in the fenestration industry already have some of the technologies that could help homeowners cut down on energy loss (and bills!) and therefore make their own contribution to the 'green-revolution' Mr Blair is espousing.

What we need to remember is that reducing emissions is as much an individual responsibility as a governmental one. Poorly insulated homes not only lose heat and cost the owner money, but directly contribute to the need for energy production and therefore to carbon emissions and global warming.

Yet there are still many households in the UK still without the benefits of thermally efficient glazing, or have first generation products that do not offer the thermal performance of today’s technologies.

However, with whisperings of new energy consumption related ‘green taxes’ afoot, gas and electric bills rising by as much as 25 per cent as the wholesale costs of fuel quadruple, there has never been a more persuasive case to upgrade a house.

Sales messages have just got to catch up with the times and companies must use the opportunities presented by Window Energy Ratings, changes in regulations and sophistication of their products to sell the benefits of high performance, high-quality windows and doors to consumers.

As well as the obvious benefits presented by energy efficient products, changes to the Building Regulations Document L means not using them could see homeowners breaking the law. Compliance with the revised document has now become part of the standard property search. If the search shows that non-compliant, non energy efficient products have been fitted the homeowner could be prosecuted and forced to fit compliant products at their own expense.

We should assume a reasonable level of knowledge among the general public when it comes to energy efficiency, but it is up to the industry to take the lead in educating them about the range of fantastic, money-saving products now available to them. And, rather than eating away at margins to win business, I would urge you to think about justifying a price for a product that’s going to play an increasingly important role in meeting our environmental obligations for years to come.

Swish supplies a full range of energy efficient window, door and hardware products as well as providing branding and marketing support for a national network of Swish Authorised Fabricators and Installers.

To find out more, visit: www.swishwindows.co.uk

Window hardware supplier Securistyle is urging fabricators and installers to take advice before replacing windows to ensure that recent changes to Building Regulations compliance regarding fire egress are met.

Ken Evans at Securistyle explains: 'FENSA under the directive from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) is having to change its guidance where means of escape windows are concerned. We believe this is a huge issue for the window industry as it means that in some instances there may be a requirement to redesign the window.

'The new directive means that matters cannot be made worse by either change of design or by change of material, even if the proportion of the window (mullion centres) are maintained. For example, changing from a metal window to a PVC-u frame window will result in the opening being reduced, simply because of the material change.

'As we understand it if the original window conformed and the change in material produces a reduction of opening to less than the minimum size required in the Building Regulations then a redesign will be necessary.

'It appears the ODPM and FENSA are not prepared to compromise on this issue. FENSA has been instructed to ensure its registered businesses follow the new rules and therefore all future inspections will be on that basis.'

'Like for like replacements may not always be possible under the new requirements, therefore we believe the person or organisation taking the order from the client, becomes the designer, and therefore responsible for the risk assessment. All window companies should be aware of the full implications of this responsibility and seek further advice.'

UK manufacturer Securistyle has more than 25 years’ experience of developing products and solutions for the UK window industry. It is halfway through a five-year £5 million investment programme, which has seen 80% of its product range redesigned to comply with recent and forthcoming changes to Building Regulations, British and European Standards.

Says Ken Evans: 'We realise that any changes in regulations can cause considerable confusion we are more than happy to put forward our experience in helping window companies, both fabricators and installers, find the right solutions to these issues.

'Securistyle’s enhanced Defender Egress friction hinge with centre track fixing provides improved weathersealing, smoother closure and greater stability and may form part of the solution to this latest requirement by the ODPM. Our advice to fabricators and installers is not to panic and to seek advice. The regulations are complex but by working with a reputable hardware supplier such as Securistyle you will be able to find the right solution and protect yourself from potential prosecution.'

All Securistyle Defender friction hinges come with a 'no quibble' 10-year guarantee and are available in 430 ferritic, and 304 austenitic stainless steel for enhanced corrosion resistance.

For more information on all Securistyle products or to arrange a meeting to discuss Building Regulations and British Standards please call Maria Fatica on 01242 221200 or visit http://www.securistyle.co.uk.

Customers in Scotland and the North East of England stand to benefit from £2.8million investment at Pilkington Cumbernauld. The UK glass manufacturer has announced the opening of a purpose-built manufacturing facility at Wardpark Industrial Estate, Cumbernauld.

Covering 76,600 sq ft in total, the new plant is more than twice the size of the old facility and will process and supply the entire range of Pilkington products, including Pilkington Activ, Pilkington T glass and Pilkington Insulight units.

Production efficiencies and quality levels will be improved thanks to the investment in up-to-date machinery including a toughening furnace, a second cutting table and a second IGU processing line.

The relocation of the facility at Wardpark will result in workforce numbers rising significantly and all employees have been fully trained in the processing operations and safe handling of glass. The new factory also represents a significant economic investment to the wider Cumbernauld area and reinforces Pilkington Building Products - UK's commitment to the future success of glass manufacturing in Scotland.

Geoff Todd, General Manager of Pilkington Cumbernauld, commented: 'The opening of this facility is testament to the success of our operations in the area. The greater capacity within these premises will allow us to increase production levels, leaving us in an even better position to supply our customers, on time and with exactly what they require. The investment in new facilities and equipment will guarantee the continued success of operations in Scotland for many years to come.'

Further information can be obtained by contacting Pilkington Building Products - UK by sending an email to pilkington@respond.uk.com or by calling 01744 692000.

Web: http://www.pilkington.com

VEKA PLC has secured a four-year, multi million pound partnership with Hackney Council to supply replacement windows for thousands of council owned properties. The £40 million contract involves three companies from the Network VEKA scheme - Sovereign, Pipers and Ashford, with work having already commenced after the seasonal break.

The refurbishment programme is Phase II of the Borough housing department's Decent Homes programme, the biggest renewal project in the council's history. The plan aims to improve the housing stock by 2010 when they must comply with the Government's Decent Homes Standard.

Negotiations have been taking place between Hackney and various other organisations over the past 24 months, and VEKA became involved twelve months ago. The framework agreement between Hackney, VEKA and its partners was signed on December 20th 2005.

‘We are delighted to be able to offer our extensive product range and service network to Hackney,’ comments Mike Troubridge of VEKA. ‘The contract represents a long term commitment to improving the housing stock within the borough and we are dedicated to ensuring that, by the deadline set by the Government, all council owned homes in Hackney meet the criteria of the Decent Homes Standard.’

Brunel, now based at Tamworth Staffs, has gone through a substantial set of changes in the last year involving a major downsize and a re-think as to how a UK based manufacturing business supplying hardware can prosper in todays international markets. Having reduced the company's previously large generic product manufacturing volume by 60% in favour of a smaller, leaner niche manufacturing base and a quick strategic supply source for UK customers, the company says that the business is now very well placed to offer :

*Design - Solid works 3D design facility and can offer a plastic or metal prototyping facility. Brunel has a long history in design and manufacture of items such as shootbolts, espags, keeps, door components, fixing lugs, threshold strips etc
*Fast tooling - 4 weeks for diecastings
*Rapid production - zinc diecastings up to 125t , steel or aluminium pressings up to 200t with a typical 2-3 week leadtime.

Enquiries should be directed to Mike Smith
Tel: 01827 65553
Email: mikesmith@bruneltamworth.co.uk

Finesse Windows Ltd of Melchett Road, Kings Norton is hoping to trace all customers that placed orders with the company when it opened its doors for the first time in 1981. The window, door and conservatory company is celebrating twenty five years in business on the 1st April 2006 and to mark the event is looking for all those people that ordered from the company in 1981 to get in touch.

David Bown, Sales and Marketing Director at Finesse said ‘whilst we are commemorating this momentus anniversary with a special sale in April supported by our suppliers Swish and Ultraframe, we thought it would be a nice gesture to also provide a gift to everybody that helped launch the company twenty five years ago.’

The company says that it has built up an excellent relationship with clients throughout the past quarter of a century, winning national awards for it's customer service and also for it's manufacturing.

‘1981 was a big year for news headlines’ remarked David Bridge one of the original directors of Finesse Windows, ‘it was the year of the first space shuttle launch, the first test tube baby and the year Bob Marley died. I am sure however that if people can remember settling down to watch Bullseye on the television, seeing Bjorn Borg at Wimbledon or buying 'This ole house' by Shakin Stevens, which was number one in the charts the day we first opened our doors, then hopefully they will recall buying their windows or conservatory from us’.

‘We would ask any person that received an installation from Finesse in 1981 to call us so that we can present them with something special’, added David Bown ‘to thank them for their custom and to mark our 25th Anniversary’.

Finesse Windows has moved to a new modern showroom on Melchett Road, Kings Norton Business Centre since those early days and can be contacted on 0121 451 3724.

Manse Masterdor ltd says that it has found a solution to the security issues concerning cylinder locks used in doors, and is urging housing providers not to panic.

Reports, which have featured in several national newspapers, have highlighted that there is a fundamental weakness in cylinder locks that is being exploited by burglars. There are several different proposed solutions being offered, however, few look at the door as a whole, and therefore do not solve the problem.

Manse Masterdor ltd, director, Mike Hudson, explains, ‘The reports are causing alarm in all sectors, but it is not a new problem and therefore something we have been working on for some time. Specifiers and residents alike can be reassured that we have developed a solution by looking at the whole door and not just by tackling one element as some have done.

‘It is important to stay one step ahead of the opportunist thief; to design and develop remedies to flaws in products, and to counter more sophisticated tools when they are brought into use. Extensive and continuous testing and product development has meant that we have been able to do this, and have been manufacturing doors which far outperform current regulations for many years.’

The Masterdor has recently been tested by the Master Locksmiths Association and achieved a rare Silver Sold Secure award. The solution withstood a sustained, determined attack involving the use of power tools.

The handle, lock and cylinder combination will be fitted as standard to all Masterdors and can also be easily and cost effectively retro fitted.

The Masterdor made to measure door-set also exceeded PAS23/24 BSi test standards and its Secured by Design licence covers over 60 different door styles.

In a meeting with the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) David Leng, Eurocell's Managing Director, signed a contract for Eurocell's High Security Window System with BS7950 accreditation to receive Secured by Design member status.

Secured by Design was created by ACPO and is a part of its Crime Prevention Initiative (CPI) department which concentrates on the safety and security at the design and planning stage of new build developments. This government backed initiative sees emphasis on safety and security on new build projects to encourage house builders to create developments offering the best safety and security measures available.

David Leng, Eurocell's managing director said: ‘Gaining member status is a landmark achievement for Eurocell and reiterates the company's commitment and determination to manufacture the best products for our customers, enabling them to meet specific market demands for the new build sector. Eurocell will continue to encourage and help our customers through the BS7950 accreditation process and has negotiated a preferential rate for our customers who are striving to achieve Secured By Design member status in their own right.

‘We've worked hard to gain this accreditation and ensure that our BS7950 accredited High Security Window System is suitable for our customers needs and fits specific market requirements.

‘I met with the Association of Chief Police Officers and think what they are doing to help with new build and regeneration programmes is a real asset to the community and to our industry. In gaining member status we have demonstrated our commitment to helping our fabricators to grow by accessing new markets.’

ETF (Fylde) Ltd, specialist manufacturer of door, window and conservatory components for the trade, is constantly looking at ways of improving production. Having recently incorporated the new fully sculptured Matrix FS profile from VEKA, the company has also upgraded and employed the latest Avocet Pioneer door furniture.

‘We have been using Avocet's hardware for many years and with the recent introduction of Avocet's new Pioneer range, we were impressed with the products design and performance’ comments Scott Law, director at ETF. ‘The decision to upgrade and incorporate the new door system was made based on our plans to produce residential doors, which could comply with industry security standards, PAS24.’

The switch to more advanced products includes the incorporation of the Pioneer stainless steel door locking system, HP door hinge, door handle and cylinder. Conforming fully to PAS23/24, the stainless steel door bolt and keeps has a sashlifter device which allows the door to maintain correct sash to frame alignment for optimum reliability. The door lock has a number of new features including, fully reversible latch and closer hook and cam dimensions for better security and sealing properties. The door bolt can be fitted with shootbolts at both top and bottom for increased flexibility.

‘Our aim is to increase the quality of our products and by using the latest additions from Avocet we can produce the highest quality door and windows that can conform to industry standards,’ concludes Scott Law.

Ebbw Vale based Anchor Windows believes commitment to continual improvement keeps customers coming back. ‘We're always looking at ways to improve,’ explains Kevin Barnard, Anchor Windows' General Manager.

‘That's why we are offering our customers even more choice by adding Synseal's fully sculptured SynerJy suite. We know it's a difficult market and have seen many companies in the area shut up shop, so we're determined to help our customers however we can. To support this, we've expanded by adding a new building so customers can get everything they need under one roof. And we've increased the number of products available at the trade counter, from fixings and ancillaries to whole conservatories. Our customers also benefit by dealing with our knowledgeable and well trained staff. Everyone in the company is encouraged to get an NVQ. And it's worked; we've all pulled together as a team and are pleased to announce Anchor Windows has passed ISO with flying colours.’

Tel: 01623 443 200

Eurocell Building Plastics (EBP) has recently announced that it will be working closely with a number of selected companies around the country offering them approved stockist status. A & G Trade Plastics in Skipton, North Yorkshire, has signed up as one of the first approved stockist for the Northern Division.

Owned by husband and wife partnership Gary and Allison, who have been in business for over 20 year and launched A & G Trade Plastics as a subsidiary of their thriving business G J Cox Installations. They have been purchasing Eurocell goods from the surrounding EBP branches for many years and felt that this was a great opportunity to build on the relationship that had already been formed. The change to approved stockist has come at a great time for Gary and Alison to expand their business.

The recruitment of A & G Trade Plastics as an approved stockist is part of EBP's expansion strategy to add greater access to EBP's product range in the North and ensure that both parties are satisfying market demand for good quality PVC-u roofline products - coupled with high standards of service. A & G's business has a show room, sales area, workshop and stock area, which gives the company the capability to display and stock an array of roofline, and associated building products.

Eurocell Building Plastics has over 70 trade depots nationwide, adding a stockist like A & G Trade Plastics, which is well established within the area and has a good customer base, will benefit both parties. More importantly customers will benefit by gaining access to more products through a committed supplier - ensuring consistency of supply.

Contact A & G Trade Plastics on 0800 7314089 or Eurocell on 01773 842100

The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers is unveiling its plans for its annual conference in June of this year, the culmination of a successful and rewarding year for the Guild as the voice of the whole architectural ironmongery sector.

The conference, which will take place over four days from 1st to 4th June at the De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel in Southampton, is the key gathering in the architectural ironmongery sector calendar, bringing together all of the industry's key movers and shakers from both the manufacturing and distribution sides of the business.

'The Guild of Architectural ironmongers is the voice of the industry - the only body which truly speaks for the whole trade - manufacturers and distributors, individuals and companies,' comments Peter Spill, the Guild's Director. 'Our conference is an excellent opportunity for members to hear about the latest developments in the industry from an programme of keynote speakers and meet colleagues, customers and friends old and new in a relaxed setting.'

The Guild's conference is a key event on the calendar for the architectural ironmongery industry. The Guild's AGM forms the first part of proceedings with Wayne Harris of Harbrine assuming the presidency of the Guild. This will be followed by a packed programme of speakers, seminars and networking opportunities. One highlight will be a speech by Colonel John Blashford-Snell OBE DSc (Hon) FRSGS, the intrepid explorer famous for his daring expeditions including the first descent and exploration of the Blue Nile, and the first complete navigation of the Congo River.

Since the last conference, the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers has enjoyed continued success as the authentic voice of the sector. Membership is growing steadily across all sections with enquiries from companies across the globe.

As the only organisation in the architectural ironmongery business to operate an accredited training and CPD programme, the Guild's members enjoy a wide range of benefits. The Guild's training and educational schemes - the only such programmes exclusively dedicated to architectural ironmongery - continue to enjoy year-on-year growth.

The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers represents the majority of architectural ironmongers in the UK as well as the leading manufacturers of architectural ironmongery. The Guild also administers the benchmark qualifications for professional architectural ironmongers and is dedicated to raising standards and encouraging best practice in all aspects of the sector.

Tel: 020 7790 3431
Email: info@gai.org.uk

From the 24th - 28th October 2006, glasstec will once again open its doors to the worldwide glass and glazing industries in Düsseldorf. Over the years, it has earned its rightful reputation as a leading global trade fair, and for 2006, organiser Messe Düsseldorf is planning to make sure it stays right at the top.

First and foremost, glasstec is not just about glass machinery manufacturers. The entire spectrum of glass technology and processing, including finished products and innovative applications will be on show.

Over 1,000 exhibitors from 80 countries have already registered for the show, and somewhere in the region of 54,000 trade visitors are expected, many from overseas. Great Britain is well represented, and the Glass & Glazing Federation is taking a group of exhibitors over once more. Funding is available for companies new to export.

‘Glass Technology Live’, highly popular with architects and engineers, makes its usual appearance at glasstec 2006 again. This technical symposium develops and innovates at each show and this year is no exception. New products, technologies, trends and designs as well as the latest R&D findings for several main themes will be presented. Although the programme is not fully finalised at this stage, expect to see and hear about multi-functional display glass, light reflective coatings, laser technology, vacuum glass, bent or curved glass, pre-fabricated construction systems, nanotechnology and bionics.

There is also a special presentation within Glass Technology Live on ‘Façade-Integrated Photovoltaics’, which covers the latest developments in the heat insulation, sun protection, photovoltaic and solarthermic fields. This event focuses on the current state of product development and the application opportunities in areas that include insulation glass, windows and façades.

glasstec 2006, even more than in previous years, is concentrating on developing into a trade fair that covers every single aspect of the glass and glazing industry. And this is shown in the percentages of visitor interest from the last show in 2004.

Primary focus was on glass processing and finishing, 48%, and glass production, 40%. However glass products and applications registered 37% while tools, spares and wear parts showed 30%. Encouragingly, 20% of the visitors were interested in solar technology and there was a strong interest, 24%, shown in laser technology and special thin glass, used primarily in display glass.

Following a recent survey’s discovery that thousands of business numbers just can’t be found by ‘phone, TagMe™, a new service that connects companies by names instead of numbers is launching in the UK.

Introducing instantly memorable telephone TagNames, such as Tag Windows and Tag Conservatories, instead of numbers, TagMe aims to connect businesses to the millions of customers who call directory enquiries every week after the revelation that as few as 50% of some types of business are traceable through directory listings. Window fabricators and installers who assume directory services will connect them with their customers could be left hanging on the line.

The new TagMe solution connects businesses with their customers using TagNames, and keeps that business in the spotlight with distinctive, eye-catching TagMe signage, instant visual recognition that also encourages consumer awareness of the whole TagMe system. Window fabricators and installers need simply to call any directory enquiry number and ask for Tag Sales to get connected.

Highlighting the opportunities, John Helstrip at TagMe explains, 'Mobile, van-based operations like plumbers, electricians and other trades people at the biggest disadvantage but our survey reveals that many businesses with fixed premises are also untraceable. With directory services taking millions of calls for local services every week, that’s a lot of business to miss out on.'

Tag Car Savings, Tag Van Hire, Tag Mr Windows, Tag Roofing are just some of the names already created and snapped up by early subscribers around the country. Each chosen TagName™ is registered in every directory enquiry service and can be uniquely allocated to a different business number in every, or any of more than 4000 separate UK regions. A business can simply choose or create its own TagName for its own particular area. Once purchased, a TagName provides a fail-safe way of being traced through all the current directory enquiry services, with each unique TagMe-associated phone number routable to any other landline or mobile. A Tag business can be found, and, with a memorable TagName, never forgotten.

Choosing a TagName that highlights an area of new or profitable activity could also help many organisations develop new niche marketing opportunities. A carpenter looking to build new business opportunities might register Tag Loft Conversions, a caterer, Tag Business Lunch. So, just as catchy domain names quickly replaced complicated numbers for identifying websites, it’s time to ditch the digits in favour of instantly memorable TagNames for speedy and reliable access to the business you want.

Peter Gibson, Director at Bristol-based roofing specialists, Paul O’Brien Roofing agrees. His is one of the first businesses to sign up with TagMe, pinning down two TagNames, Tag Roofing and Tag Paul O’Brien for Bristol and surrounding areas. He says, 'We really wanted to be in at the start of what we think will be a great way of generating new business as well as making the most of the promotional impact of our vehicles.'

Tag Roofing, is now firmly fixed across the Paul O’Brien fleet, including five brand new vehicles.

TagMe is delivered with high visibility, personalised TagMe signage for vehicles or premises, eye-catching and memorable for other drivers and passers-by. And let’s face it; few of us can recall a number on a van, especially when faced with a large amount of cluttered information and a short viewing time. The TagNames can also be used as a point of contact in promotional material such as direct mail and advertising, especially radio or TV advertising, where tags roll off the tongue and telephone numbers can be particularly difficult to communicate.

Priced from an annual £150 per name per region, all subscribers get their own distinctive and unique TagName with targeted and exclusive geographic coverage; high visibility vehicle signs fitted to their premises or vehicle; one hundred percent 118 service listing; a permanent phone number and call routing and usage reports.

Now in Bristol, Bath, Reading, Newbury, Oxford, the West Midlands and Basingstoke, TagMe is rolling out to businesses in towns and cities across the UK with a target of full national saturation within 12 months. Call any directory enquiry number and ask for Tag Sales to get connected.

0845Glassman is the brainchild of Manchester born Carole Melia and Wayne Pitt, who have a wealth of experience in the fields of business and the building trade. Carole is no newcomer to success having already enjoyed a highly successful and well-respected business career.

Starting out with just £15,000 redundancy money, she rapidly built up a high profile group of nursery schools in Manchester and in doing so caught the eye of the media, attracting regular coverage in the broadsheets, as well as an appearance on the Richard & Judy Show.

'We are changing how home and business owners think about window replacement.' says Carole.

'Home owners of Manchester will no longer have to agonizingly look through misted windows for weeks on end whilst saving to have their windows replaced yet again. No longer will they have to be confronted by huge cost and delays.'

Manchester based 0845 Glassman has been officially awarded the master license from the USA. With two of its employee’s Robert Hark and Wayne Pitt attending a 10 day training course, 0845Glassman is now gearing to go.

'The 0845Glassman new system allows us to provide an alternative to replacing misted up double glazed units. The 0845Glassman process works by removing the visible moisture that has accumulated over time. Once all the moisture is expelled, the window is returned to its original condition, the result being perfect visibility, at a fraction of the cost of replacement.' continues Carole.

'The replacing of a double glazed unit can be time consuming and expensive. Not only does this method reduce the cost it is also effectively repaired. Meaning the home holder can return to the benefits of having clear windows without being hit hard in the pockets.

'Many experts in the glazing industry have widely tipped this to become a global success.

'This is a huge step forward to a clearer future in the glazing industry with Manchester leading the way.'

Network VEKA members have unanimously welcomed the signing of snooker champion Steve Davis to endorse the organisation in its future advertising and marketing.

Delegates and guests applauded the news when the link was announced at the AGM. But the loudest cheer came when Steve made a surprise appearance in person to explain his admiration for Network VEKA's standards and principles.

‘I know that Network VEKA genuinely does monitor every member to check they are upholding its standards,’ he told members, ‘so I am entirely happy to be associated with those standards.’

Steve Davis will feature in national and local advertising, especially as a resource for members' local campaigns, as well as the marketing material and POS.

The AGM, at the National Motorcycle Museum, also marked the tenth anniversary of Network VEKA.

Self-insurance is a hit
Network VEKA's move to manage its Insurance Backed Guarantee in-house has already shown benefits in its first year - including a freeze on premium cost into 2007.

Commercial insurance solicitor Paul O'Connor (pictured) said the organisation had not only invested £80,000, that would have otherwise gone to corporate insurers' profits, but it had also extended members' cover to include work in progress, Building Regulations and defective workmanship.

He announced: ‘I can tell you that there will be no increase in premium for the year 2006/07.’

‘There will also be a new policy issued to cover pre-April 2005 claims not covered by the previous IBG insurers and the premium for this will be paid from the Network VEKA Contingency Fund.

The best of the best
No Network VEKA AGM would be complete without rewarding those members that have excelled throughout the year. This year, the nine Regional Winners in the Consumer Satisfaction Awards were:

* Scotland: Thistle Windows and Conservatories
* North East: Diamond Seal
* North West: Qualplas
* Midlands: Goliath Windows
* Central England: Prestige Glazing Services
* South West: Stormseal (South West)
* South East: Oakwood Windows
* Wales: Gardinia (West Wales)
* Ireland: David Strain Windows and Conservatories

This year's awards are a second for Prestige and Gardinia, a third for Goliath, a fourth for David Strain and a sixth for Thistle.

Go active, members urged
Network members have been urged to take a lesson from their most active counterparts - and watch their business benefit.

More and more have transformed passive lip-service membership into running their business the Network way - and benefited enormously as a result, MD John Ogilvie told delegates and guests.

‘We have seen the change on their vehicles and in their showrooms; it's in their brochures and on their advertising, on their workwear and their stationery.

‘It's also helping to address the pressures on their bank balances.

‘Even more exciting is that their transformation is proving inspirational and each success story is encouraging other members to take the plunge.’

Some have seen business as much as double in a year, he said, and he predicted: ‘I am confident this infectious prosperity will go on spreading, as more and more learn the value of committing their business to working the Network VEKA way.’

REHAU launched its first ever registered installer scheme at Glassex specifically for customers fitting the REHAU-Dimension Plus complete conservatory superstructure system.

REHAU has taken the decision that in order to guarantee to consumers that they are purchasing a conservatory with complete structural integrity fabricated and installed precisely to REHAU's specification then it is necessary to inspect and approve businesses which are fitting the system.

Members of the scheme will be registered, trained and then monitored in order to ensure that they uphold the high standards REHAU is setting but in return they will benefit from exclusive sales and marketing support.

The scheme is open to installers who satisfy specific criteria including a successful trading history, supplier, customer and credit references and satisfactory premises and vehicles. Fabricators of REHAU-Dimension Plus will be able to join the scheme if they also have an installation service and will be able to sponsor their customers to join the scheme.

REHAU's intention is to create a nationwide network of high quality installation companies who will uphold the standards set by REHAU whilst benefiting from the very powerful consumer message that the company’s conservatories offer 'complete peace of mind'.

Members will be able to use a new REHAU-Dimension Plus logo in their showrooms and on their vehicles and will have access to exclusive sales and marketing material including consumer literature, advertisements software, and a special 10 year REHAU Insurance Backed Guarantee. Significantly, members of the scheme will be listed in the Registered Installer section of the REHAU-Dimension Plus web site, http://www.REHAUConservaotries.co.uk, and will be able to set up links from this to their own web sites.

Alan Hickman of REHAU who is responsible for the scheme's launch, says: ‘This is the first time REHAU has set up a registered installer scheme of this kind and it offers a real opportunity for installers to benefit directly from the strength of the REHAU brand in the consumer marketplace.

‘Of course, we will be policing the scheme carefully but for those companies who match our high standards REHAU will be providing a level of support and endorsement which has never previously been available from us.’

Tel: 01989 762600

aluplast Commercial Sales Executive Wayne Wing has returned from a short break in Spain just a little older but a lot sadder and wiser. The surprise trip had been organised by Wayne's partner Natasha as a joint celebration of Wayne's birthday and the arrival of the newest member of the Wing clan Jack who was born in January.

The holiday itself was wonderful but on their way home the family fell victim to a scam that would appear to have been carried out by the airport security staff at Malaga airport. A security guard insisted that Wayne place his wallet in a tray to be passed through an X-ray machine on a conveyor. As Wayne and Natasha walked through the full height scanner they were impeded by more security staff who took an overactive interest in the baby and the family's personal welfare, physically preventing Wayne from getting to the conveyor. When they eventually did move aside Wayne found his wallet (containing his money, credit cards etc.) had gone from the tray.

On being told that the wallet had gone the security staff, whose previously excellent command of English appeared to be deserting them, said they would check the video from the security cameras that were trained on the area and that this would take ten minutes. After a half hour wait Wayne was informed that there was no tape in the machine (surprise!). The security staff who had been working the area at the time of the incident were all waved away by a supervisor and replaced and then a policeman was called. The policeman then walked Wayne and Natasha around the airport to see if they could identify anyone! None of the officials or airport staff would give their names or badge numbers and on phoning Monarch Airlines Wayne was told it wasn't their problem before they hung up!

Wayne and Natasha had no option but to board their plane with no money but at least the cabin crew Carol and Fran took pity on them and gave them a meal and some tea. They also gave them a comment card which must have made interesting reading!

Just for good measure, their new buggy got snapped in two during its journey home in the baggage hold!