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Major Homeowner Survey gives New Hope to the Replacement Window Industry

'Most research on the home improvement window market (including our own) is trade based.’ says Palmer Market Research. ‘Only rarely are the attitudes of homeowners researched. This is probably because of the expense and difficulty in interviewing sufficient numbers for the results to be credible. That's a pity because the replacement window market, the mainstay of the domestic glazing industry, is showing increasing signs of saturation. If homeowners stop buying replacement windows then a £5 billion market could shrink - permanently - by up to 40%. Scary stuff.

‘The figures now seem indisputable, confirmed both by our own research and from the English House Condition Survey; four fifths of windows in owner occupied properties (which are 70% of all domestic properties) have already been replaced.

So, is there a future for the industry, in particular for replacement windows?

‘In our latest homeowner survey, ‘Windows - Replace or Repair? A Survey of Homeowners in the UK’, carried out in June this year, 6,000 adults were interviewed, of which 3,000 qualified as being heads of households (or their partners) of owner occupier properties. The results show that there is good news and bad news for companies to work on.

‘The bad news is that 85% of homeowners think their currently installed windows are in a good or excellent condition. So on the face of it they're probably not considering replacing them any time soon. But the good news is that this could change because the reasons for replacing windows are changing. Of those that had had their windows replaced in the last two years the two main reasons given were to improve appearance and improve security. In a comparable homeowner survey we carried out nine years ago, poor condition of the windows was easily the most important reason and twice as important as appearance.

‘And there was further good news about the replacement of replacements. Currently, a quarter of old windows taken out as part of replacement work were PVC-U, a big jump from our last trade survey for 2003 which indicated only 10% were PVC-U. This means that over one and a half million windows last year were replacement of replacements. The industry's Holy Grail is perhaps attainable after all.

‘For companies planning new marketing strategies the survey highlights some important regional differences (for this survey the country is divided into 11 regions). For instance the percentage of homes in the North West of England which still have single glazed windows installed is nearly twice that of homes in the neighbouring North East; an opportunity here perhaps. And the age of homeowners could also be crucial in any sales pitch; appearance is twice as likely to be a reason for replacing a window among younger as older homeowners.

‘And there are opportunities for companies with specialist niches such as replacement installations in conservation areas. The research shows that 11% of owner occupied households are now in conservation areas. But again there are big regional differences. And the findings show a surprisingly high percentage of properties in conservation areas with PVC-U windows already installed. How are these to be replaced?

‘But the survey is not just about replacement windows. Some homeowners are also turning to repair rather than replacement. This is not as important as replacement, yet. By far the most important reason for repair was broken or failed sealed units, particularly for PVC-U windows. But this is much more likely to be carried out by a double glazing company than by either a specialist repair company or a builder. At least at the moment.

‘The replacement window industry may be going through a bad time not only because of saturation but more immediately because of a collapsing housing market. But this research shows that there are some encouraging signs which, although unlikely to restore the industry to its former glory, more than just hint at some important attitude changes among homeowners. It only now leaves the industry to exploit those changes.’

To find out more email mailto:info@palmermarketresearch.co.uk

The company has an expansion strategy which includes both organic growth and further acquisitions in the window and conservatory market and other building product sectors.

The trade and assets of Newdawn & Sun Ltd are being acquired from the shareholders, the Reddiplex Group and Newdawn’s Managing Director, Mr Mike Newey, who will be retiring from the company on completion of the sale.

LtoR, Nigel Richmond of Bowater Building Products with Mike Newey of Newdawn & Sun Ltd

Commenting on the acquisition, Bowater Building Products Chief Operating Officer, Nigel Richmond said;

'As part of Bowater Building Products, it will be very much 'business as usual' for Newdown customers as we intend to retain all staff and continue to operate independently at Alcester.'

'Newdawn was one of the pioneers of the glazed roof construction sector and has many loyal customers who are the bedrock of the business.'

'Our primary goal is to continue to support existing customers and bring additional resources, which will improve the level of service and increase the rate of new product development.'

'This is also a logical step for Bowater Building Products. As the conservatory market matures and with new legislation on the horizon, the development of the roof, window and wall systems will become far more integrated.'

'There are obvious synergies in Newdawn being able to work with the profile systems with the profile systems business, WHS Halo, and the conservatory division of Zenith Staybrite.'

'Although the window and conservatory market is currently suffering difficult trading conditions, with the consumer economy slowdown, we are very confident in the future of the sector and this is a time when the stronger Groups in the industry can consolidate and expand.'

'Newdawn is an excellent first step in our growth programme.'

Bowater Building Products is based in Hockley Heath, nr Birmingham and Newdawn & Sun Ltd is based in Alcester, Warwickshire.

http://www.Bowaterbuildngproducts.com

Advantage Partners Leivers and Millership

Advantage Windows and Conservatories Ltd has signed a 12 month supply agreement with its customer, Nottingham based window company Leivers and Millership, to supply fabricated K2 roofs.

Leivers and Millership has been established for 15 years and has recently moved to a purpose built factory and showroom. On its new premises in Newstead in Nottingham, the company manufactures its own window frames and has a retail showroom and a trade counter.

The company currently supplies only, and supplies and fits, an average of nine conservatories a week, all of which feature Advantage's K2 roofs. Currently around 40% of the company’s business is made up of domestic retail sales and 60% is trade sales which includes the supply of facias, trims and soffits. Leivers has nine full time fitting teams who are kept constantly busy with a steady stream of local jobs as the company says that it has built up an enviable reputation for quality, value and service.

Leivers and Millership's Operations Director, Alex Leivers said: ‘the move to our new premises represents a significant investment in the future of the company. We needed to be sure that our key suppliers such as Advantage were firmly behind us. The support that we have received from Advantage has been excellent. The company has assisted us with roofs for our new showroom and its levels of service and technical advice have been invaluable. If fact we are so confident of our products that we are planning a series of open days to showcase our complete range.’

Danny Hague, Advantage's Group Commercial Director said ‘Leivers and Millership is yet another example of how we are working in partnership with our customers in order to help them grow and become more successful. We know that all of our customers need high quality, well designed products that are competitively priced and delivered on time. That's why Leivers and Millership has committed to Advantage and we are delighted that our partnership has been strengthened by the signing of this agreement.’

Advantage Windows and Conservatories Ltd
Tel: 01625 856488

Leivers and Millership Ltd
Tel: 01623 756584

Stuga Flowline ZX4 for Future Products

Future Products, the successful Synseal fabricator in Synseal’s home town of Mansfield has ordered the latest version of the Stuga Flowline, known as the Flowline ZX4 (pictured).

Rapid expansion at Future Products, formerly known as Future Fabrications, has seen window production escalate to such a degree that the machine has been ordered for their new purpose built headquarters currently being erected on the outskirts of Mansfield.

Capable of producing in the region of 900 to 1,000 windows per week the Flowline ZX4 joins the original Flowline-1 purchased in 2000 that currently works flat out producing in the region of 650 to 700 windows per week. After five years hard graft Future Fabrications felt that the Flowline had proved itself to be the machine for them, especially given the superb back-up they have enjoyed from Stuga during that time. The Flowline-1 has constantly worked flat out since July 2000 and still performs as well today as it did then, dispelling comments from the German manufacturers that Stuga machines are lightweight, when really they are designed to be the correct weight.

Future Products employ nearly two hundred people throughout their group where they manufacturer uPVC windows and doors, Global Plus conservatory roofs, Bevelpane door panels and a full range of composite door systems. All glass products are also manufactured in house where they have their own toughening plant.

The Future Products group of companies was founded over 21 years ago and Stuga was founded 31 years ago.

In line with Future Products every company that purchased the Flowline in the year 2000 is still running the machine flat out and are getting the same performance or better than day one, to the degree that Interframe (part of the Shepley Group) purchased a second Flowline in 2003 and Whiteline Group, the dynamic Kömmerling fabricator from Eastbourne, purchased two more Flowlines after eighteen months.

Stuga looked very carefully at established machines from Germany before designing the Flowline and were convinced that in the main they were over engineered, oversized and over complicated. The Stuga design office then set about designing a machine that was more than strong enough for the job and that utilised well known, good quality, components that were readily available in this country.

The Flowline ZX-4 is an extension of the established technology with twice as many prepping heads and several other special features that the competition will have to work out for themselves, but with output 35 percent higher than on the Flowline-3 this machine is aimed at the larger fabricator. Five ZX4’s have been sold to date.

At the heart of the Flowline is the rotary tooling system and the only answer the competition can give to this extremely flexible tooling method is to suggest that it is unreliable because it is complicated. This system has been used in the machine industry for nearly one hundred years and is not only reliable but is actually not even complicated. Stuga enjoy showing visitors to their factory in Great Yarmouth how simple and reliable this system is.

'Stuga will be surprised if its competitors do not soon copy more aspects of its innovative designs, especially the Rotary tooling head system, that they have been so keen to decry for many years', the company says.

Call 0800 169 544 for further information or go to www.stuga.co.uk

James Godfrey Wins 2005 Schüco Karting Challenge

The UK final of the 2005 Schüco Karting Challenge was held at Whilton Mill on Thursday, 28th July and it was James Godfrey of Balfour Beatty Construction who came away with the title.

The competition is open to all those who work in the UK construction industry and it attracted nearly 300 entrants. Six regional qualifying rounds were held at five venues throughout the UK during May. The top five from each round then competed at Whilton Mill for the 2005 title and an array of top prizes.

The day was interrupted by rain showers but that didn't dampen the enthusiasm and competitiveness of the drivers taking part. After an hour long practice session each competitor drove in three 10 minute heats scoring points based on their finishing positions.

In total there were six heats completed in a variety of weather conditions but all drivers got a taste of 2-stroke, Club 100, outdoor karting in dry or nearly dry conditions!

The top 20 drivers on the day qualified for the 15 minute Final and this proved to be a hard fought contest on a wet but drying track. James Godfrey of Balfour Beatty just held off Jonathan Lisseter from the ATP Group (the 2003 Schüco Karting Champion) to take the chequered flag a mere 1.68 seconds ahead.

James Burton of DLA Architecture initially dropped down the field after a short 'off' but fought his way back to finish third, a further 4.3 seconds behind Jonathan. The top three all now qualify for the European Schüco Karting Challenge in Majorca in October.

James also wins VIP hospitality at the 2006 British Grand Prix and gets to look after the enormous Schüco Challenge Cup for the next 12 months!

In parallel with the individual competition, the day included an hour long endurance race for three-driver teams who had also qualified at the regional events.

This again proved highly competitive with the team from Foster Wheeler (Nathan Sperry, John Barnett & Tim Fox) finishing just 4.5 seconds in front of a team from Briggs & Forrester. The Foster Wheeler trio also qualify to take part in the Majorcan event in October.

To give drivers and spectators alike a feeling for what can be achieved in karting, former World Karting Champion, Colin Brown, demonstrated the Birel Easy Kart during the afternoon and showed just how quickly you can lap the 1.1km Whilton Mill track!

The Schüco Karting Challenge is organised by Walnut Motorsport, the marketing, event management and corporate hospitality company which specialises in motorsport events for the construction industry. The full results and photographs can be found on the company’s website at http://www.walnutmotorsport.com.

For more information about this and other motorsport events contact Nick Moss at Walnut Motorsport on 01386 710106 or at mailto:nick.moss@walnutmotorsport.com.

Double Celebrations for Veka's Gemini

Oldham based trade fabricator Gemini UPVC Ltd recently celebrated two important milestones with a factory Open Day event on 22nd July: Twenty years in business, and one year since the company opted to switch to Veka's Matrix 70mm fully sculptured system, a decision that has helped increase the company's weekly window output from 200 to 300 within that period. The company attracted existing and potential new customers to a very successful Open Day which featured special prizes and Veka's impressive Big Rig mobile exhibition unit.

Founded in 1985, Gemini UPVC Ltd is now run by brothers Paul & Michael Griffiths, who joined their father and original co-founder Robert Griffiths as board directors a few years ago. The decision to change PVC-u supplier came at a time when Gemini was already on the cusp of significant growth following its move to a new 9000 sq ft factory double the size of its previous site. However, switching to Veka also made a big difference, says Michael Griffiths:

‘It is simply one of the best decisions we made and has brought us quite a bit of new business. We work very well with Veka and the company supports us a great deal. With Veka’s help, and that of a consultant we have recently employed, we anticipate that we will be able to extend our output to 500 frames per week within the next 12 to 18 months.’

The Open Day was well attended and the special events organised by Gemini proved very popular, which including the opportunity to try a racing car simulator, with prizes being given for the best performance on the day. Invitees were originally sent a jigsaw piece which, if it fitted a space missing in the puzzle held by Gemini at the Open Day, won a weekend break for two. Attendees were also able to learn everything they need to know about Veka products from the company's Big Rig touring exhibition unit, which attracted a great deal of interest throughout the day.

In addition to its move to new factory premises, Gemini has also made a number of other important recent investments. A Stuga Eco-Line CNC prepping centre has boosted manufacturing capacity, while a new Business Micros Evolution package has synchronised order processing, production and delivery.

For further information please contact Michael Griffiths at Gemini UPVC Ltd.
Tel: 0161 626 6366

Pilkington Gets 'Activ' Again with Architects

In the second series of special seminars organised by Pilkington in association with architectural journal Architecture Today, more than a hundred architects from around the country enjoyed presentations from the UK's leading architects, staged in landmark buildings in Bristol, Birmingham, Cambridge and London.

In the seminars, entitled Clear Visions: Design and Maintenance of the Glazed Envelope, four of the UK's leading, award winning architects headed evening programmes at which they discussed their many prize winning projects, their philosophies, goals and desires - three of them doing so in a venue they created.

At the extraordinary £97 million At Bristol science and learning centre that he designed, double Sterling Prize winner Chris Wilkinson of Wilkinson Eyre discussed the influences and inspirations behind the projects with which he and his partners have stamped their distinctive mark on the British landscape.

Glen Howells took the stage at Birmingham's £114 million Millennium Point and Thinktank Centre, where he discussed his approach to a number of his practices' projects, such as the Urban Splash offices in Manchester, Armagh's Market Place Arts Centre, and the stunning new visitor centre in Windsor Great Park.

The former Professor of Architecture at the Royal College of Art and an expert in museum and gallery design, John Miller of John Miller & Partners, fittingly addressed delegates under the glazed courtyard extension of Cambridge's splendid Fitzwilliam Museum, a project carried out by John and his practice.

The tour's final stop was London, where an enthusiastic audience travelled to the City University's School of Social Sciences, the most recently completed project of guest speaker Alan Stanton of Stanton Williams.

Presentations made by Jerry Almond of specialist glazing contractor Charles Henshaw and Sons, which has a reputation for being one of the World's leading experts on design and installation of large and complex glass cladding systems, supported the architects, together with talks by Pilkington technical specialists, including scientists Tim McKittrick and Kevin Sanderson of the team that invented Pilkington Activ™. Garry Smith of the Pilkington Technical Advisory Service discussed the wider aspects of his office's technical support for specifiers of all glasses.

A number of messages were received following the seminars commenting on the quality and usefulness of the presentations. Matt Buckley, Marketing Director of Pilkington Building Products UK commented: ‘Obviously our intention is to communicate the values of Pilkington Activ™ and our technical services but we also wanted to deliver some quality presentations to the audience from which they would tangibly benefit and enjoy. The keynote speakers in particular were fascinating and the audience response was very positive, with extended Q & A sessions and many questions about Pilkington Activ™.’

Picture: Alan Stanton of Stanton Williams, one of the Who's Who of British architects that took part in the latest Pilkington seminars Clear Visions: Design and Maintenance of the Glazed Envelope.

Web: http://www.pilkington.com

Veka in the Market for Piper Windows

The Veka Big Rig has been hitting the streets again, this time in Romford Market. Veka fabricator, Piper Windows has used the state of the art mobile showroom to highlight its partnering arrangement with the London Borough of Havering’s Decent Homes Scheme. The contract is worth around £3m per year to Piper over the next three to five years and involves the refurbishment of doors and windows to the Borough’s existing housing stock.

Veka’s Big Rig is a tenant consultation device for public sector refurbishment projects, providing tenants and end users with comfortable surroundings in which to view Veka’s product ranges and consult with fabricators. The 32ft long unit is the second model to be introduced by Veka, incorporating the latest multi media technology with sophisticated audio visual systems for presentations. It comes complete with display equipment and refreshment facilities and can be assembled within a short timescale. In line with current legislation, disabled access has been significantly improved for the new unit.

‘The Veka Big Rig has proved an extremely valuable marketing tool for Piper,’ comments Barry Manley of Pipers. ‘It was very well attended throughout the day not only by interested residents but also by Havering Council officials, including the Lead member for Housing, a number of Resident Liaison Officers and health and safety advisors. In addition, other local authorities visited to see the proposed systems that we are using in the Decent Homes Scheme.’ Tenants were particularly interested in the selection of Veka PVC-u doors on display, with a range of designs on offer.

The Veka Big Rig has proved immensely versatile, lending itself equally to launch events, regional fairs and local authority/ housing association tenant meetings, for which the unit may be set up in the heart of a community.

Caption: In the Veka Big Rig (from left to right) Councillor Mike Armstrong, London Borough of Havering, Lead Member for Housing; Barry Manley, Commercial Sales Manager and Graham Winzar, Commercial Manager, Piper Double Glazing Ltd; Trevor Ranns, Specification Executive, Veka plc.

Pilkington CEO Presents Prize to ‘Activ In Architecture’ Competition Winner

Fittingly The Brunswick Centre in Bloomsbury, London – the winning project of the 2005 ‘Activ in Architecture’ competition organised by Pilkington - was the scene for a presentation ceremony at which Pilkington plc Chief Executive, Stuart Chambers, formally presented the prize to the winning entrant, architects for the project Levitt Bernstein Associates.

Levitt Bernstein managing director, Matthew Gaulcher, accepted the presentation on behalf of colleague Peter Sanders who entered the project into the competition, which was run in association with RIBA Journal to find the most innovative and appropriate ‘live’ British projects for the world's most innovative glass. As the winning entry, the extensive stepped ‘winter garden’ glazing that characterises The Brunswick Centre will now benefit from a free upgrade to Pilkington Activ™ self cleaning glass.

Neil Carron who represented Allied London, which owns the development, and representatives of The London Borough of Camden, which leases The Brunswick Centre, also attended the ceremony.

Located between Kings Cross and Russell Square the grade-II listed Brunswick Centre was judged the clear winner of the competition due to its extremely unusual design and the complexity of its glazing. Originally conceived by architect Patrick Hodgkinson, the Centre is one of London’s most recognisable and iconic buildings from the 1960s, providing low-rise high-density housing, shops, offices/studios, a cinema and car parking within a large concrete and glass mega structure comprising 314 individual winter gardens. The winter gardens have long presented a maintenance problem, with the rolling gantries installed when the Centre was built seldom working properly. Cleaning has therefore been undertaken by operatives clinging precariously to the guttering beneath each of the gardens. Some of the 314 properties are seven stories high and others quite inaccessible, which means that much of the glazing has not been cleaned properly for years. The project is expected to be completed by August 2006.

 
The Brunswick Centre in Bloomsbury, London – the winner of the 2005 ‘Activ in Architecture’ competition organised by Pilkington - was the scene for a presentation ceremony at which Pilkington plc Chief Executive, Stuart Chambers, formally presented the prize to the winning entrant, architects for the project Levitt Bernstein Associates. Left to right are: Councillor Raj Chada, Executive Member for Housing, The London Borough of Camden; Matthew Gaulcher, managing director of project architects Levitt Bernstein; Stuart Chambers Chief Executive of Pilkington plc; and Neil Carron of Allied London, owner of The Brunswick Centre.

Active and Passive Fire Protection 'Explained Days'

Chiltern International Fire is staging a range of active and passive fire protection events to cater for the needs of the fire services, specifiers, manufacturers, regulators and managers or owners of buildings and residential properties.

The training days will take place either at the company's head office, near High Wycombe or at the Taylor Woodrow Technology Centre in Leighton Buzzard.

Three key areas will be covered: reaction to fire, water mist suppression and fire doors. All three events will include live demonstrations, an aspect of the training courses which has stimulated considerable demand for all three events, according to Marketing Manager Tom Gregory. 'We have developed an effective mix of technical content and practical demonstration. After each seminar there has been clear demand for a next one.'

Reaction to fire performance relates to the combustibility and ignitability of a material, ie its contribution to fire growth, rather than its ability to provide a barrier to the passage of fire. Reaction to Fire Explained will include demonstration of the tests for Single Burning Item (SBI) - EN 13823: 2002 and Single Flame Ignitability (SFI) - EN ISO 11925: 2002. Cost : £120 plus VAT for Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA) Members and £145.00 plus VAT for non-members.

Water Mist Suppression Explained will include demonstrations of key aspects of suppression of residential fire (Class A) in a living room-sized compartment; suppression of jet fire - leak in a high pressure diesel pipe (based on IMO 913 test for machinery spaces); and suppression of a shielded pool fire (Class B) - diesel in a pan. Cost: £120 plus VAT for Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA) Members and £140.00 plus VAT for non-members.

Fire Doors Explained includes a full-scale fire test on two similar doorsets, demonstrating testing procedure and illustrating how seemingly minor flaws in design, manufacture and installation incorporated into one of the doors can have a significant impact on its fire resisting performance. Cost: £195 plus VAT all delegates.

The dates and venues for all courses are set out in the table below.

For further details or to book a place please contact Tom Gregory on 01494 569812 or email mailto:tgregory@chilternfire.co.uk.

Chiltern International Fire - Active & Passive Fire Protection Explained Days

27th September
Reaction to Fire Explained
High Wycombe

29th September
Water Mist Suppression Systems Explained
Leighton Buzzard

1st November
Water Mist Suppression Systems Explained
Leighton Buzzard

9th November
Timber Fire Doors Explained
High Wycombe

17th November
Reaction to Fire Explained
High Wycombe

Interframe Takes on Wendland Modual

Wendland Roof Solutions is now supplying one of its largest customers with its Modual low pitch modular roofing system. Interframe Ltd was founded in 1985 and says that it has gone from strength to strength in the market, being acquired by Shepley Windows Systems Ltd in 2003 but continuing to trade as Interframe Ltd.

From the company’s head office in Paignton and eight trade counters in the South of England, Interframe supplies a range of products to a customer base of almost 400 various sized window and conservatory fitters. ‘The decision to use the Modual system was based on its ease of installation and cost efficiency of using fewer component parts,’ commented Jeremy Fatz, Marketing Manager at Interframe.

‘Wendland organised training for our team and has offered the highest standards of service and support. Modual requires less space to install than more conventional conservatory roofing systems and its simplicity to install is a significant benefit to our customers.’

The modularity of the Modual system also complies with parent company, Shepley's corporate policy of increasing profitability on the conservatory side over the next few years. As a valued client of Wendland since the acquisition, Interframe prides itself on offering the widest range of variations on its product ranges and insists upon the highest quality from its suppliers. Wendland says that it has a well earned reputation within the industry, supplying components for over 20,000 conservatories per annum. The company's commitment to continuous new product development led it to become the first conservatory company in the UK to gain the government accredited BBA Certification for product quality.

‘We are looking forward to a continued and long lasting relationship with Wendland,’ continues Jeremy Fatz. ‘With sales increasing in conservatory installations, we can offer the market top quality components at highly competitive prices.’

10,000 Doors and Not One Late

Providing consistently efficient, reliable deliveries can be difficult for a lot of companies. Many don’t have the resources or the efficient procedures in place to make it happen. GAP, Europe’s fourth largest door panel manufacturer, says that it has broken the mould with not one late delivery in the 10,000 doors manufactured during June.

Charles Greensmith, Joint Managing Director of GAP comments: ‘We pride ourselves on team work and effective communication throughout the manufacturing and distribution process. We also have procedures in place that mean each individual is accountable. GAP has dedicated staff that are committed to providing a great level of service. Late deliveries hold everything up in the supply chain which is why we aim to have as few late as possible. And not one late delivery in 10,000 doors shows how committed we are to this.’

Tel: 01254 682888

Every Letter under the Sun

Newdawn Northern Area Business Manager, Andrew Buglass recently celebrated the sale of his 1000th kit roof this year. Having successfully helped establish a chain of retail conservatory outlets across the North of England Andrew has created a great opportunity for his local fabricators and a major challenge for Newdawn.

The increasing demand has put extra pressure on the company’s roof kit production unit as more conservatory retailer's turn to Newdawn for the bigger and more complex roof structures where the company says that the quality and finish of components, correct architectural styling and intricate design calculations all set them apart from the cheaper end of the market.

Andrew Buglass (pictured) added ‘Newdawn's kit factory specialises in supporting its fabricators, we never compete with them and by building the big, awkward or just plain difficult roofs ensure they can keep to quoted delivery times but having to supply so many large and complex designs can be a major headache. We regularly build 'P shapes', 'T shapes' and 'L shapes' but over the past month have built 'Z shapes', 'F shapes' and 'H shapes' they just keep getting bigger and more complicated, the latest is a 'U shape' over 30m long!’

Commenting on his success Newdawn's National Sales Manager Alan Cockayne said 'Andrew has made a tremendous impact on the Area since joining us just over two years ago - he came from outside the industry with a strong sales and marketing background which enabled him to rapidly secure a number of high profile major new accounts, which like the conservatories, just keep growing - it's a challenge for us, but the sort we like!'

Tel: 01789 764444
Email: mailto:sales@newdawn-sun.co.uk

Caption: Andrew Buglass with his 1000th roof kit

New World Breaks its Own Record with Apeer

New World Developments says that it has broken its own record with a 38% increase in sales over last year.

This has been mostly due to its Apeer door which is surpassing targets with June the best month ever. Major projects going through the factory include the 400+ doorsets for Sefton Borough Council. Also New World PVCu panel sales are steadily increasing in a difficult climate, so market share has been gained.

The latest results were an endorsement of managing director Austin McGillian’s confidence in Apeer and the recently launched Monno. 'As a privately-owned company, continuing investment currently passing £3m was a serious commitment.  After Apeer’s launch at Glassex ’04 there was great interest and a steady growth but since Glasses’05 the sales graph has never stopped climbing.'

'For the New World single rebate doorset exhibited at Housing ’05 for the first time, the local authority market is more competitive but Monno has all the qualities that ensures it will be  a best seller. The recently re-organised factory now has two dedicated lines for Apeer and one for Monno.'

With new appointments, new equipment and more transport vehicles, New World says that it intends to keep the level of service and quality high.

Tel: 028 2563 2200 
Email: mailto:linda.tomb@nwd.uk.com  
Web: http://www.nwd.uk.com

Tradelink Completes Rebrand Of MPM Windows

Tradelink, the East Anglian trade fabricator, has announced that it has completed the rebrand of MPM Windows, the Mildenhall based fabricator it acquired in December 2000.

Following the strategic acquisition, Tradelink undertook a total restructure of the MPM Windows business, instilling the business disciplines that have been the foundations and success of the Tradelink brand. Significant investment has also been made, with over £300,000 worth of new machinery being commissioned last month alone. Together with the restructure, the investment has resulted in significant improvements in productivity and profitability, culminating in the announcement of a single brand.

‘It was always the intention to build on the Tradelink brand by rebranding MPM Windows as Tradelink,’ commented Jim Moody, Tradelink Managing Director. ‘Supporting two brands with separate distribution channels while still maintaining the same service, support and quality principles and procedural direction offers little business benefit. Now is the right time to send the clear message of one single brand, reinforcing Tradelink as the region's leading trade fabricator.’

‘As well as building on the Tradelink name, the rebrand will give us the opportunity to combine the two distribution departments, streamlining operations and providing a significantly enhanced delivery network,’ continues Jim. ‘For our existing MPM Windows customers, it is a case of all change and no change. The biggest change our customers will see is a new delivery vehicle and a new logo on their next invoice!’

Just Rewards for KAT UK's John

KAT UK fabricator, John Hitchener, has been rewarded for a waste reducing idea that will save the company up to £15,000 per year.

After a few months working on steel reinforcement for patios, John realised that the majority of patios he was making were only 2 metres long.

He therefore suggested buying in aluminium interlocks at 2.1 metres rather than 2.4 metres and the bright idea netted him £200 from KAT UK managing director, David Richards.

David created the suggestion and incentive scheme over four years ago when KAT UK was working towards Investors in People.

The company was recognised as Investors in People in January 2004 and the suggestion scheme continues to play an important role in the company's success to this day.

Commenting on his reward, John said: ‘I'm delighted to have been awarded the £200. I'm a keen gardener so the money is likely to be spent on gardening equipment.’

Tel: 01625 412558
Email: mailto:sales@katuk.co.uk
Web: http://www.katuk.co.uk

Kestrel: New Lorries, New Livery

A fleet of five new Kestrel BCE lorries with distinctive graphics have recently been delivered to the company and are now to be seen on the highways and byways of the UK, delivering the company’s products to customers.

Commissioned by the company’s Sales & Marketing department, the vehicles demonstrate another area of the ongoing investment being made in all areas of the business.

They prominently display the Kestrel BCE brand name and clearly illustrate what the company does. The new design is much more eye catching than the previous livery and uses the latest ink jet technology to vividly render the designs.

Comments Shirley Henderson, Managing Director of Kestrel BCE, ‘This latest investment underlines our commitment to the Roofline business, our staff and our customers. The new vehicles are customised to suit the nature of our business and our customer profile. Running and maintaining a vehicle, and employing a driver, is a not inconsiderable expense. So it is important we achieve maximum efficiency and value for money. For this reason the new vehicles have been customised so they can transport more product than an ‘off the shelf’ unit, and can carry a fork lift for loading and unloading at the customer’s premises.

‘The new vehicles do much more that deliver products, for many of our customers our drivers are the most frequent point of contact with the business. They are our ambassadors meeting our customers face to face and we feel obliged to equip them with the best vehicles on the market. Together with our people at our Central Distribution Centre, they ensure Kestrel BCE continues to provide industry-leading service. We consistently achieve a minimum of 98% of products delivered error free.’

Tel: 01724 281440

Emphasis on Ventilation at Titon

Highlighting the importance of its new expanded range of both passive and mechanical ventilation products for the new build and refurbishment markets, Titon has announced a restructure of its sales and marketing activity with the launch of a new division for domestic ventilation systems, headed up by Nick Howlett, Product Development Director. Titon has also made a key appointment in Nick Howlett (pictured), who has joined the team from Vent-Axia as National Sales Manager for the new division, with vast experience in the mechanical ventilation market.

In 2004 Titon launched a number of mechanical ventilation products which have been well received, and Titon's expertise in planning ventilation solutions has been even more in demand as a result. Tyson Anderson, Marketing Director, explains, ‘We have been a reference point on background ventilation for many industry professionals for over 30 years, but as we have expanded our product range, we've also become a source of advice for mechanical ventilation. It therefore seemed logical, to form a division to allow us to focus more resources on supporting the customer and specifier.’

The timing of this re-structuring is key, with the imminent arrival of a revised 'Part F' (Ventilation) of the Building Regulations for England & Wales.

The content of the consultation paper last year gives clear indications that the new document will be more complex than the existing Regulation. This will require a more in-depth understanding by the specifier of differing ventilation systems and their performance, and this is where Titon's new division comes in, imparting exactly that specialist knowledge and support.

Titon has been running an Update Service on the revision to the Regulation; please email mailto:adf@titon.co.uk to request information.

£60,000 More Flexibility for Newstead’s Customers

With the core casement replacement sector rapidly declining, diversification is the way forward for installers. Niche markets like arched windows and doors are proving popular, with potential for growth and profit. That’s why Newstead Trade Frames has just invested £60,000 in a new profile bending machine from Universal Arches.

‘The ‘Form8tor’ has the ability to mitre any angle,’ explains Paul Baker, Newstead’s Operations Manager. ‘It can produce arched doors and windows in all shapes and sizes so Newstead can now manufacture in-house rather than outsource this job. Our customers can tap into a niche market and offer homeowners a variety of arched products.’

Newstead has turned 1,000ft2 of factory space into an arched frame workshop, which includes a window preparation machine and welder, new benches and two new saws. The machine’s operator has been given extensive training so that Newstead can use the Form8tor to its full capacity.

Paul Baker continues: ‘The ‘Form8tor’ is a totally British made machine with a patent unique to Universal. With 15 years of development it’s the best bending machine on the market. The after sales service is also excellent – so Newstead’s customers can be sure that nothing will stall production. It’s capable of eight bends at a time, on profiles of up to 3 1/2 metres diameter. It can also be adapted to any window profile on the market. Previously we bought in arched frames from Universal, which could take up to 15 days. With the Form8tor the lead time will be reduced to just five days for our customers.

‘As no other company within a 30 mile radius makes arched frames, we’re offering our customers a unique service, which installers can use to differentiate themselves in a competitive market.’

Tel: 01782 641 642

Aluminium Roofline Products Reach Climax

In what is widely accepted as a weak and saturated replacement casement window market, Devon based Climax Windows reports it's continuing to grow due to its forward-looking diversification into the aluminium guttering market. Max Williams, Managing Director of Climax Windows, explains: ‘We are installing Aluminium Roofline Products Mustang® continuous guttering at least twice a week now. Last year we saw a 25% increase on the year before and we expect a further 35% increase this year.’

The inspiration to add aluminium guttering to the company's portfolio came from Max's own home where he has had Mustang® continuous guttering on his house for 26 years, which he testifies is still as good as new. Climax Windows has been established for 26 years and also offers conservatories, roofline, windows, doors and single ply roofing.

With 80% of leads coming from recommendations, Max confirms: ‘What has always been the difficult job of educating people is getting easier as more people know about the product. ARP does a good job of looking after us - the product is excellent and the service is great too - for example the company will help us to calculate the water volume from rainfall and pitch of roof to work out how many down pipes we need, which they also supply. The overall package we receive means it's definitely going to continue to be the way forward for us.’

For more information on Aluminium Roofline Products from ARP call Greg Coetzer on 0116 2894400.

Web: http://www.arp-ltd.com

Increasing Fleet Orders Help Volkswagen Secure Record Sales

Following a record year of sales in 2004, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is on course for a repeat performance, with year to date sales in 2005 already up 23 per cent on last year's results for the same period.

The increase in sales in the UK is mirrored by global growth for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, which saw deliveries in the first six months of 2005 up 32 per cent compared with the same period last year. The brand has delivered 196,000 vehicles against 148,300 in 2004.

'We offer tailored solutions for every transport need. That means we are gaining ever more customers' commented Dr Bernd Wiedemann, Head of the Board of Management.

The brand's strong sales results in this country have been boosted by a healthy bank of fleet orders, including one for 150 Caddy vans from FPS Distribution, the largest automotive parts wholesale distributor in the UK.

FPS Distribution has ordered 150 vans in total - the first 70 Caddy 1.9-litre TDI vans were delivered in February and a further 80 are due for delivery imminently. The vans, part of a fleet of 230 vehicles, operate nationally from 19 distribution centres throughout the UK, delivering motor parts from a £20 million stock holding to automotive aftermarket customers.

Founded in 1934, FPS is dedicated to supporting its customer base. Selecting the right vehicle for making deliveries is crucial to the continued success of the company.

'Looking at how FPS can enhance its customer service is part of our company philosophy,' said Neil Davis, Finance Director at FPS. 'That is why we chose the Volkswagen Caddy as it offered a high quality, reliable and well specified van at a competitive price.'

In 2004, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles achieved sales of 20,803 in the UK, a 27.2 per cent increase over 2003 - itself a record year. The record-breaking figure gave the brand a 6.2 per cent share of the UK light commercial vehicle market.

By the end of June, year to date sales figures were 11,344 units compared with 9,196 for the same period in 2004, representing an increase of 23.4 per cent.

For more information on the Caddy van or the award-winning range of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles call 0800 717131.

Web: http://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk

OFT Refers Acquisition by Ardagh of Redfearn Glass

The OFT recently referred the completed acquisition by Ardagh International Holdings Ltd of Redfearn Glass Limited (previously Rexam Glass Barnsley Limited) to the Competition Commission.

The OFT has decided that the test for reference is met in relation to the supply of glass containers (excluding those used for pharmaceutical and cosmetic purposes) in the UK.

Vincent Smith, OFT Competition Enforcement Director, said:
'The merged entity controls 50 per cent of most types of glass containers in the United Kingdom. The key question here is whether alternative suppliers, both in the UK and abroad, are a competitive constraint post-merger. The evidence is mixed, and, together with the substantial customer concerns received by the OFT, these factors lead the OFT to refer the merger to the Competition Commission for further examination.'

The CC is expected to report in four months.

Accreditation is a Reality

The majority of us scorn any mention of Public Sector accreditation as a marketing ploy but how many of us actually understand what it means, why it is needed and how it can increase opportunities? The UK Trades Confederation investigates...

It is a fact that Local Authorities are now in the process of auditing their supplier databases which could mean new openings for small suppliers. Long gone are the days when supplier contracts were won over a game of golf and a transparent system means the Public Sector marketplace is not just for the 'fat cats'- everyone can have a slice of the cake. The Public Sector Authority marketplace is worth £140bn per year in supplier contracts, making this one of the largest buying sectors in the UK.

So, if you want to continue working within Public Sector or want to get a piece of the action it is important to be aware of the opportunities now available with Local Authorities because of the recent Central Government recommendations:

* Local Authorities must thoroughly audit their supplier database
* Suppliers now have to undergo an extensive vetting procedure
* A mixed economy of service provision, with ready access to a diverse, competitive range of suppliers providing quality services, including small firms, social enterprises and minority businesses and voluntary and community sector groups

This means smaller local suppliers now have the chance to compete alongside the larger national supplier who, because of the economy of scale, can provide the same services cheaper. However it doesn't matter whether you're the local florist or a gardener, you have to make sure your company complies with the necessary guidelines to work in Public Sector and this is where the accreditation process comes in.

The burning question everyone asks is, 'Do I need to be accredited?' The answer is up to the discretion of the Local Authority who is advertising the tender as to whether they will carry out the auditing process internally or use a recognised independent external accreditation specialist. Unfortunately if the Local Authority requires you to be accredited through an independent body, it means a fee will be involved. This may seem unfair as some SMEs will have no choice but to pay to become accredited to work with that particular Local Authority, but there are a number of huge advantages.

Firstly, you only have to go through the audit once, whereas if you are not accredited, you have to go through the same checking and form filling every time a tender is issued. This means you can target a greater number of tenders more effectively without all the paperwork for each submission. Secondly, accreditation means visibility as you will appear on preferred suppliers list which will increase your chances of being invited to tender.

However regardless of who carries out the audit, either an independent accreditation body or the Local Authority internal auditing department, you will be asked to supply evidence of the financial strength of the company, relevant insurances, health and safety, equal opportunities policies and a number of references.

The estimated value of the contract will determine the tender procedure, including how it is advertised, how many suppliers will be asked to quote for the contract and what level of vetting is needed. For example low risk supplier contracts (up to £5k approx) which could include day-to-day supply services, may not be advertised and will be awarded on a 'best value' basis. Therefore it is important that these suppliers have presence online to fall in line with the Government e-procurement initiative 2005 that requires electronic trading to reduce expenditure. These types of suppliers may still be audited either internally or at first level entry by an accreditation body, which will be cost effective to the supplier and gain them visibility on a preferred suppliers list.

Suppliers who provide products or services at a more strategic level or have an ongoing commitment or project at a slightly higher risk level (up to £25K approx) may be required to submit more details for the audit and a written quotation. Suppliers will need to be accredited at second level entry which requires a more robust equal opportunities and financial check. Again, these types of contracts may not be advertised, therefore accreditation is advantageous in giving the supplier more visibility.

Contract values over £25K are most likely to be advertised with a formal tender. Suppliers, contractors or consultants will be required to be accredited to the highest level entry if the auditing process is not done internally. As a high risk category a stringent evaluation will be carried out involving a significant number of checks.

Assess the type of tender you want to apply for by visiting your Local Authority's website where there will be a business procurement guide. Also, the approved accreditation bodies will be able to advise you on what standard of accreditation is required as they will be working the Local Authorities. There are also a number of journals and local publications that will advertise tenders and indicate the qualifying details. You can also gain more information by attending Local Authorities Supplier Briefing Sessions.

Finally, if you become accredited it can increase your business with the Public Sector marketplace but remember it is not an automatic key; you will still need to market yourself and be proactive in seeking tenders.

For more information about free first level accreditation though UK Trades Confederation membership visit http://www.uktc.org

Trelleborg Earnings Improvement in the Second Quarter

The Trelleborg Group increased its net sales to SEK 6,348 M (6,108) in the second quarter of 2005. Organic growth was 4 percent. For continuing operations, excluding restructuring costs and impairment losses, net profit rose 13 percent to SEK 355 M (315). All five business areas reported improved operating profit in the second quarter.

Net sales for the first half of the year increased to SEK 12,142 M (11,923). For continuing operations, excluding restructuring costs and impairment losses, net profit was SEK 600 M (600). Operating cash flow improved to SEK 752 M (603).

• Net sales increased to SEK 6,348 M (6,108) in the second quarter, and to SEK 12,142 M (11,923) in the first half of the year.

• Earnings per share for the second quarter amounted to SEK 3.90 (10.25) and for the first half of the year, SEK 6.60 (13.75).

• Key operating ratios for continuing operations, excluding restructuring costs and impairment losses:

* Operating profit
Second quarter: sek 547 m (517)
First half of 2005: sek 945 m (990)

* Profit before tax
Second quarter: sek 489 m (444)
First half of 2005: sek 825 m (833)

* Profit for the period
Second quarter: sek 355 m (315)
First half of 2005: sek 600 m (600)

* Earnings per share
Second quarter: sek 3:90 (3:50)
First half of 2005: sek 6:60 (6:75)

• Peter Nilsson was appointed as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the Trelleborg Group effective October 1st, 2005. Peter Nilsson is currently the president of Trelleborg Engineered Systems and has been a member of Group management since 2003. He succeeds Fredrik Arp who will leave the Group and his position on the Board of Trelleborg to become the President of the Volvo Car Corporation on October 1st.

• Decision to build a new plant in Shanghai for Trelleborg Sealing Solutions. The plant is expected to be completed in the first half of 2006.

• Decision to upgrade the production capacity of Trelleborg Automotive in India, entailing the relocation and expansion of the current operations.

Web: http://www.trelleborg.com

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