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OFCOM Investigates British Telecom's ‘Privacy at Home’ Service

British Telecom's 'Privacy at Home' service was in the spotlight on February 7th when the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) met with OFCOM. The GGF asked the telecoms regulator to consider if BT's promotion and marketing of the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) is a direct attempt to stifle competition in the Telecoms market by limiting opportunities for its competitors to access its own existing customer base yet allowing itself an exemption to market its own services.

British Telecom launched its ‘Privacy at Home’ package in July 2005. It automatically registers BT customers with TPS, which prohibits unsolicited marketing and sales calls, unless they decline. The GGF was one of TPS's founding members. To date, there are over 11 million TPS registered numbers - this number has increased markedly since the launch of the BT campaign in July.

Rival telephone companies, which use Telemarketing as a prime marketing tool to contact consumers, are prevented from contacting BT customers. BT though has given itself an exemption from TPS - in the form of an implied consent from its customers that they can receive calls from BT. This allows BT to continue telemarketing to customers, where rivals cannot. This has also prevented charities and political organisations from using telemarketing.

Ian Chisholm, GGF Deputy Chief Executive, said: ‘We met with OFCOM to voice our concerns over an issue that has troubled us for some time. This is a double whammy from BT which is at the very least giving the impression of trying to stifle competition by not only making Tele-canvassing of its customers almost impossible but is also trying to limit door to door sales via no calling zones and a campaign against door step selling. BT is exhibiting classic behaviour of a company in a monopoly position trying to retain its monopoly.’

OFCOM will now consider the GGF's case and report back within two weeks.

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

Solaglas Comes Clean (and Clear)!

Solaglas has gone on the road again, this time to explain the benefits of SGG BIOCLEAN®, which it claims is the most neutral of the true, dual action self-cleaning glasses on the market.

Solaglas Marketing Manager, Kathryn Dalgleish, commented, ‘The coming months are sure to be an exciting time for self-cleaning glass, with so much promotional activity being carried out by Saint-Gobain Glass and Solaglas as well as a high profile TV advertising campaign for this category of glass products. We wanted to ensure that our customers are absolutely ready for the anticipated surge in interest. By holding these events, we were able to explain the full extent of our self-cleaning glass range and the extensive support that we are able to offer our customers in successfully marketing these products.’

SGG BIOCLEAN is both photocatalytic and hydrophilic. This means that it harnesses the power of UV rays to break down dirt on the surface of the glass and then it attracts water across the surface of the glass thus creating a moving sheet (rather than individual droplets) that washes the dirt away.

Solaglas states that the main advantage of SGG BIOCLEAN dual-action self cleaning glass is that it is neutral in appearance (so no yellow or blue tint). This makes SGG BIOCLEAN very well suited to the domestic home improvement window and door markets, where neutral glass is seen as desirable. SGG BIOCLEAN is also available in the branded Solaglas DGU, SGG CLIMAPLUS® COMFORT+, which does have a blue tint as it is designed for use in conservatory roofs.

SGG BIOCLEAN is available nationally from Solaglas and is used on a wide variety of projects in different market sectors. To find out more details, you can contact the company by emailing solaglas.msn@saint-gobain-glass.com.

First Double Glazed A-rated Window Used SGG PLANITHERM®

Saint Gobain Glass congratulates Tradelink for achieving the UK's first double glazed 'A' rated window under the BFRC window energy rating scheme. This new generation of commercially viable, energy efficient window is only made possible through the use of high performance materials such as SGG PLANITHERM®.

‘The choice of low-E glass was an essential element in producing the 'A' rated window.’ says Derek Dragten, marketing manager, Saint-Gobain Glass. ‘The independent calculations showed that an equivalent DGU incorporating traditional hard coat low-E glass could not achieve the required energy index for an A rating.’

The simulations indicate that for a window with a 30% frame factor (i.e. 70% of the window's sighted surface area is glass), changing the inner pane from a traditional hard coated low-E glass to SGG PLANITHERM® TOTAL 1.1 will improve the energy index by more than 5 kWh/m2 /year. This considerable improvement is almost equivalent to that seen when changing the outer pane from float glass to SGG DIAMANT® (low-iron glass) and the effect becomes even more pronounced as the glazing area increases through innovative frame design.

The company says that it is the crucial balance of very low U-value and high solar gain that makes SGG PLANITHERM® TOTAL 1.1 the most energy efficient Low-E glass available under the BFRC energy rating scheme. This significant performance advantage is likely to evolve as continued product innovation leads to the launch of new PLANITHERM products, incorporating further improvements to this critical balance between U-value and solar gain.

‘SGG PLANITHERM TOTAL 1.1 is a truly innovative product set to revolutionise the UK low-E market. Its unique coating is the worlds first 'single stock' high performance low-E glass. In addition to its superior appearance and thermal performance, SGG PLANITHERM TOTAL 1.1 is clearly also the low-E product of choice to achieve the highest possible window energy ratings’.

Synseal Customers Get Steel Cut for Free

'Six metre lengths of steel are difficult to manoeuvre and wastage is high for many customers,' explains Nick Dutton. 'We asked how we could make it easier for our customers. We thought about supplying shorter lengths for easier handling but that just creates more waste.

'Our solution is a complete range of ready to use lengths, boxed for delivery. And Synseal hasn't changed the price - pre-cut steel is the same linear price as a 6m length.'

When Nick told one customer about Synseal's pre-cut steel he was amazed to get this additional service for free.

'It really is that simple,' adds Nick. 'It's one of the dirtiest and time consuming jobs in the factory, making swarf and sparks and no-one really wants to do it, not to mention significant Health and Safety issues. This way you don't have to. Just order the lengths you require, and we cut it for FREE. It's a steel!'

http://www.synseal.co.uk

Calling all Marketeers, Editors, Advertising, PR and Media People…PIGS is Back!

The glazing industry’s very own networking event, PIGS reconvenes this Thursday, 16th February in London. PIGS is the Publicity In Glazing Society, an informal networking event, open to anyone who is connected with advertising and publicity in the glazing market. The evening provides an opportunity for people to meet and enjoy a free drink courtesy of the generosity of our sponsors.

The venue is the former Slug & Lettuce in Upper Saint Martins Lane near Leicester Square. The Slug closed its doors following the last PIGS event in September, despite PIGS best efforts to double the turnover. The bar only reopened six weeks ago with a new name, Babbelaas, which apparently means 'hangover' in Zulu according to the South African manager.

Since only the name, not the venue has changed previous attendees will know where to go. For newcomers directions are the same as ever - take the tube to Leicester Square. Come out of the Covent Garden exit, go to the top of Cranbourne Street and turn left on to Upper St. Martins Lane. Babbelaas is the pink place next door to Stringfellows opposite The Ivy.

The sponsored bar is downstairs and will commence at 6pm. We have lined up a selection of bar sponsors for this pre-Glassex event including John Ropers new magazine 'The Fabricator', the irrepressible Paul Godwin of Vast PR will be digging deep, Gary Morton of Duraflex will be extruding his plastic and the Glassex team have agreed to start their exhibition festivities early too.

Thanks go to our official sponsors in September including Steve Wightman of SAS, Jane and her ladies from Michael Rigby Associates, Matt and Anne of Pilkington Glass, Jason of WHS Halo, John Hatcher of Window Industries and also to our unofficial sponsors who kept the bar open and free, Steve Wightman of SAS again (No colour seps please), Steve Gravestock of Windows Active and Dave Broxton of Britespot Publishing's FJ.

Claire Shilling of Emap Maclaren, organisers of Glassex and GP&T, will be helping to coordinate PIGS from now on and will be developing a new email list so that everyone is notified of forthcoming events. Her email address is claire.shilling@emap.com. Please drop her line if you wish to participate in the PIGS experience.

Abbseal - New Image Hits the Road

As part of its ongoing improvement plan Abbseal UK Ltd has unveiled new vehicles decked out in livery based on the company’s new corporate identity.

'Our Green trucks are a familiar sight on Britain's roads but the striking new vehicles pictured reflect the fact that Abbseal is moving forward, producing the highest quality sealed units to be delivered on time, every time,’ says Group Transport Manager Alex Rice.

'Abbseal continues to invest in the best of modern processing technology allowing us to offer the most complete range of glass compositions available in the UK.

'As a true independent we can offer a full range of clear, tinted, coated and laminated products from all the major manufacturers giving our customers the best of all possible worlds.'

Avocet Continues to Sharpen its Focus with Sale of Non-Core Electronics Business

Avocet Hardware Ltd has completed the sale of its electronic security division as part of its established strategy to consolidate and develop its position as a leading supplier of window and door hardware, fixings and fastenings for the PVC-U market, DIY multiples and major builders merchants.

Avocet's Electronic Security Division, launched in 1995, established a comprehensive range of access control and door control systems. While a successful division selling electronic locking products and audio and video entry systems, the sale of the division to Securefast plc, Britain's leading supplier of electro and mechanical locks, will allow Avocet to concentrate on its core businesses, the UK window, door and conservatory industry, and the DIY multiple sector.

Chief Executive of Avocet Hardware Ltd Jim McCarthy commented: ‘Our strategy of focusing our efforts on the window, door and conservatory hardware market in addition to our work with the DIY superstores is well known and the sale of our electronic security division is a key part of that. We are returning to do what we do best - to manufacture and sell the glazing industry's best range of hardware plus fixings and fastenings, backed by a service infrastructure that is not just the industry's best, but World Class. This is a deal that is good for Avocet, its employees and its customers, and for Securefast.’

All of the Avocet staff based at the Southport office will be transferring to the new owner.

Glazerite Increases Product Range

Network VEKA trade fabricator, Glazerite Windows, has added the new VEKA 70mm fully sculptured window and door system to the company’s portfolio which complements its successful 58mm Matrix range.

The new 70mm system replicates the traditional appearance of timber frames with its soft curves and sculptured detailing, proving popular with consumers. The windows come with 28mm glazing as standard to provide optimum thermal performance.

Fully welded gaskets have been utilised to further enhance the aesthetic appeal of the window while improving the lifespan of the product. The low sightline gasket perfects the overall product appearance and facilitates easy cleaning of the glass area.

The new 70mm system is available in a choice of finishes including Cherrywood and Rosewood veneers in addition to foil on white.

Commenting on the product introduction, Sales and Marketing Manager of Glazerite Windows, Chris Reeks said: ‘The new 70mm sculptured system is an excellent product that represents a big opportunity for Glazerite's customers. Due to its sculptured detailing, the window is already proving to be extremely popular with consumers as its aesthetics complement today's vogue for softer lines. The take up on the 70mm product has been extremely encouraging.’

Glazerite Windows manufactures an impressive range of products from its trade manufacturing site in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. In addition to offering a complete window and door range in a choice of 58mm and now 70mm systems, the company offers complete conservatories, vertical sliders, composite doors, bi-folding doors and stable doors. Furthermore, all products are backed up by a comprehensive 10 year warranty.

For more information on all the products available from Glazerite call Chris Reeks on 07813 840403.

Email: chris@glazerite.net

Back-to-Back National Recognition for Direct Trade

Doncaster fabricator Direct Trade has had its outstanding performance recognised with a back-to-back success in the Sunday Times annual Fast Track 100; published in December. Not only is the company recognised for the second successive year, but it is also the only business in the sector to have featured in either 2004 or 2005.

Sponsored by Virgin Atlantic, the Sunday Times Fast Track 100 ranks Britain's hundred fastest-growing unquoted companies by 2001-2004 sales growth. Direct Trade ranked 89 in 2004, and has risen to 80 this year.

The company was founded in 1998 by Steve Green and Mick Bowley and its sales have grown 68% a year from £1.6m in 2001 to £6.9m in 2004. Producing around 800 frames per week, Direct Trade manufactures windows, doors and conservatories for the trade.

As a window and conservatory package specialist, Direct Trade prides itself on offering complete conservatory packages as well as a full range of window and door products; and incorporates technical support, and both internal and external sales teams. Working out of a 21000ft2 factory - and with 77 staff - Direct Trade has invested around £600,000 in technology and logistics in the last two years and credits its success to an unyielding focus on quality, reliability, professionalism and people.Kitemark accredited to BS 7412, the company fabricates both WHS Halo's Eclipse PCE chamfered suite and Eclipse esthétique five-chambered sculptured profile - having changed to the systems in the spring of 2005. It also offers the Global conservatory roof system.

The Eclipse and Eclipse esthétique PCE system offers aesthetic appeal with compact designs that mirror the slim sightlines of traditional windows, and is a suitable profile choice for those specialising in domestic replacement and refurbishment.

Commenting on its league position, Director of Direct Trade Steve Green says: ‘We are obviously delighted by the recognition afforded by Fast Track 100 - and our consecutive appearances are testimony to the commitment from our staff, our customers and our business partners to working together to ensure that service, quality and reliability are at the heart of our relationships’.

Tel: 01302 880066

Installers to Fit Masterframe Vertical Sliders in Glassex Challenge 2006

Masterframe Windows Ltd, specialist manufacturer of high-quality PVC-U sashes, is sponsoring the Glassex Challenge competition again this year. The competition will run daily, and installers from all over the UK will compete to install a door, a bay-window, a conservatory roof and a Masterframe vertical slider.

Masterframe's Managing Director, Alan Burgess says: ‘Installers are often afraid to install sash windows. They're a bit different, demand accurate fitting and are perceived as expensive. Installers find that innovations like our 'lift-in, lift-out' pivot bars make our vertical sliders easier and quicker than ever to fit, and better profit margins are well worth the effort.’

Because performance is judged by independent experts and takes speed and finish into account as well as health and safety, winning the Glassex Challenge is a real coup for installers, as Romsey Conservatory Company found out, taking UK Installer of the Year and UK Conservatory Installer of the Year in 2005.

To enter the Glassex Challenge or find out more about Masterframe's high quality range of vertical sliders call Sonia Smith on 01376 510410.

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

Pilkington Activ™ Now at Work Inside Classrooms

Pilkington Activ™ self-cleaning glass has made the grade with an appearance in a new range of educational resources to be published for the AQA exam board in April 2006.

Over half of all students taking GCSE Science exams in the UK follow AQA's syllabus. AQA GCSE SCIENCE, from publishers Nelson Thornes Publishers in Cheltenham, will chart some of the most innovative scientific advances of recent years. Within a chapter entitled Nanoscience and nanotechnology, the revolutionary Pilkington Activ™ is pictured and heralded as a truly inventive innovation.

Pilkington Activ™ was developed after years of intensive research and development and emerged three years ago as the world's first self-cleaning glass. The dual action product works through a microscopically thin coating of titanium dioxide, which creates two reactions by which it continually cleans the external surface of the glass. First, a benign chemical reaction is caused by ultra violet light, which breaks down organic dirt particles on the surface of the glass; secondly, the coating causes rain or any water to sheet rather than form beads, thus washing the surface of the glass and preventing streaking. The coating is applied during the manufacture of the glass, which otherwise is a conventional float product, much in the same way as the widely used Pilkington K Glass™.

Since it was introduced, Pilkington Activ™ has been used for many applications, both within the public and private sector, with specifiers recognising the value of the glass in terms of cleaning and maintenance costs.

‘We are delighted that Pilkington Activ™ is being recognised by the educational sector,’ comments Pilkington's Matt Buckley. ‘The product is revolutionary and an asset to an industry that is eager to find new products and methods in order to improve the quality of contemporary construction. We are proud that the work of our scientists is being recognised at educational level for its scientific impact.’

Web: http://www.pilkington.com

Safestyle UK Receives Trustmark Recognition

Safestyle UK, the key consumer arm of Bradford-based Style Group UK - the independent PVCu replacement windows and doors manufacturer and retailer - has become one of the first organisations to receive the newly formed and Government backed Trustmark accreditation designed to give the public greater peace of mind and eliminate rogue traders.

In an era where legislation has become more complex and an increasingly informed consumer is demanding ever higher standards in quality, service and honesty, Safestyle UK has satisfied assessors that the company’s operations comply with Trustmark's demanding consumer protection standards and demonstrated that its codes of practice are fit for purpose.

A delighted Style Group UK Chief Executive, John Ross was keen to point out the importance of Trustmark: ‘This is a new initiative supported by the Government, consumer groups and industry, which has to be applauded and is not a day too soon. It is designed to protect the public from the problem of cowboy builders and botched home improvement work - unreliable and untrustworthy businesses already cost consumers £1.5 billion annually.

‘This is far more than another industry certificate - Trustmark offers consumers true peace of mind and a confidence that are dealing only with reputable, high quality businesses and that they will get a job well done at a fair price.

‘Our governing body, the Glass and Glazing Federation has spent a considerable time working closely with Trustmark to ensure complying members are fit for purpose. We have proved our codes of practice comply with those strict requirements set out by Trustmark, which will be reassuring for our customers,’ concluded John Ross.

Overall, Trustmark acts as a web portal and advice centre for the general public to find reputable and registered firms to do repair, maintenance and improvement work in their homes or gardens. All Trustmark registered firms are checked and monitored externally by approved scheme operators, and must comply with their strict codes of conduct and complaints procedures.

New World Wins Major Project near Cork

Irish composite door supplier, New World Developments has won the contract to supply its double GRP skin Apeer doorsets to a Murnane & O’Shea project near Cork, due for completion at end of 2006.

Highfield is one of two new Murnane & O’Shea developments in Ballincollig, which is booming since the recent by-pass diverted the main trunk traffic away from the centre. Consisting of 120 new semi-detached and townhouses, each Highfield home will have an Apeer front entrance. The contractor is rotating the colours red, blue, green and yellow to give individuality and yet unity of style to the development.

Apeer’s reputation for good looks and security features is supported by PAS 23 & 24 as well as Secure by Design and patent pending attributes. Wood-free, Apeer has a 66mm thick aluminium-reinforced construction. The solid door and frame design is safe and snug and each includes a unique triple-glazed cassette which is firmly secured into the door. This makes it impossible to remove externally; it also has the added benefits of no unsightly fixings and makes cleaning easier.

Explains marketing manager Linda Tomb 'Apeer’s triple construction, double rebate, multi-point locking mechanism and unassailable hinges will prove a sound defence against intruders and a beautiful asset to any discerning home. With lasting colour qualities, as well as its distinctive pip detail, it is possible to make Apeer-ances stay true over time.'

Cork is a prosperous city with pharmaceutical giants and Murphy Brewery as employers. Tourists also flock to nearby Cobh harbour from which the famous Titanic sailed.

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

Guarantee Success for Freefoam Installers

Freefoam has announced that Just Fascias from Wakefield Road in Barnsley, has topped the Freefoam guarantee table of total registrations in 2005. The South Yorkshire based company also topped the poll in 2004 signifying its commitment to offering the highest possible standards of customer service and support.

Freefoam is a manufacturer of lead-free PVC Roofline and Rainwater systems for the Northern European market and launched its 20 Year Extended Guarantee scheme early in 2003. Since then, the number of installers participating in the scheme has grown consistently year on year, with registered installations in 2005 showing an increase of 23% on registrations in the previous year. The system has proved an enormous success for both Freefoam and its customers.

Fairco Mcillahagga, based in Duncrue Ind Est in Belfast, is another company availing itself of the benefits of the 20 Year scheme. The company ended the year in 2nd place for number of registrations, and integrates the guarantee into its product offering as standard.

Brendan Hyland, Freefoam Marketing Manager, comments, ‘We are delighted to have such reputable and service-orientated companies as Just Fascias and Fairco Mcillahagga offering our 20 Year guarantee on completed installations. It not only adds weight to their sales proposal, but it also gives the homeowners greater peace of mind that comes from receiving confirmation of their guarantee direct from the manufacturer’.

For more information or a brochure, contact Freefoam directly on (01604) 759871 in the UK, 021 491 1055 in Ireland, or email marketing@freefoam.com.

Open for Even More Business

Carera Windows Ltd has been trading for 18 years and has recently opened a second showroom in the West Midlands, located in a prime high street location in Halesowen. Partner Mark Crumpton believes that much of Carera's growth is attributed to its ability to stay ahead of consumer needs, by adopting innovative product solutions, like manufacturing its glass units with Edgetech Super Spacer®.

Mark comments: ‘70% of our business is retail so it's important to adjust our products to consumer trends. Customers are increasingly aware of environmental issues - and cost's associated with heating bills- are actively seeking improved, thermal efficient products. By offering the latest technology like Super Spacer, our business is able to guarantee thermally efficient glass units.’

Andy Jones, Edgetech Sales Director and General Manager UK and Ireland adds: ‘Thermal efficiency is an important factor for homeowners, installers and fabricators. Longer life and improved energy performance are just some of the benefits of Super Spacer. It's great to see companies like Carera using it to sell to homeowners.’

Tel: 02476 705570

Uttlesford Council takes Partnership Pledge

Essex-based Uttlesford District Council has specified the complete suite of austenitic stainless steel window hardware from Securistyle.

The council will also benefit from Securistyle's Partnership Pledge scheme, which provides social housing providers with advice and support to ensure that their specification meets all legislative and Secured by Design requirements and is backed by a 10 year audited warranty. The scheme also supports fabricators to ensure that the process of installing the window hardware is problem free.

The refurbishment project involves the replacement of old aluminium windows with UPVC, on a mixture of properties which includes housing for elderly residents.

To ensure the maximum lifespan of the windows, the complete Securistyle hardware suite was specified, which comprises the Defender friction hinge, the Vector Excluder locking mechanism and Vision handle. In line with BS 8213 Securistyle Defender Restrictor hinges were specified in order to enhance tenant safety. The windows have been built and installed by 1st Saxon Property Services Ltd of Fareham.

Brian Thain, senior surveyor at Uttlesford District Council said: ‘Our main concern was to provide our tenants with safe and secure properties. We have an excellent working relationship with Securistyle and the company provided us with some very good advice about how we could address our security issues and upgrade our specification to meet Secured by Design requirements. Securistyle had a professional approach and supported us throughout the project.’

Further information on Securistyle hardware is available by calling Maria Fatica in the Specifications Sales Team on 01242 221200 or visit http://www.securistyle.co.uk.

Wadi Glass Container Plant Opens in Egypt

Wadi Glass Container Co will start production to both the local and export markets from Egypt. The company, with its plant located in Sadat City, Cairo, Egypt, will be one of the largest container glass manufactureres in the Middle East and Africa.

Wadi Glass is a joint venture between Wadi Holdings, Egypt and Hwa Hsia Group, Taiwan. The plant will start with an initial 90 MT day furnace capacity and where three lines each servicing three MT 150 furnaces will be added after the first phase.

The company will cater for the needs of quality specialised container glass bottles and jars for both the local and export markets and will build on its base in Egypt to cover the needs of export markets in the Gulf region and Europe.

Contact: Diaa Ghaly
Tel: 00202-3043839
Email: diaag@wadigroup.com
Web: http://www.wadigroup.com

Trelleborg Acquires EPG of the US

Through its Building Systems business area, Trelleborg has acquired EPG Inc, with about 140 employees and annual sales of approximately SEK 170 M. The company is privately owned and has two production units in Aurora, near Cleveland, Ohio, in the US.

EPG produces polymer sealing products such as extruded profiles and pipe seals, primarily for the construction industry. EPG is a leader within its niches, mainly in commercial building design, and is capturing an increasing share of the residential market.

'EPG provides us an excellent growth platform for our operations in North America,' says Peter Suter, business area President for Trelleborg Building Systems. 'We hold a leading position in extruded profiles in Europe and will now have the opportunity to develop and transfer our know-how to the US market. We can also see an attractive trend in this market, with increasing demand for high-quality sealing profiles, attributable to factors including the trend in energy costs.'

EPG is expected to provide both technical and commercial synergies within the business area.

Trelleborg Building Systems is a leading supplier of polymer and bitumen-based construction products for sealing and moisture-repelling applications in industrial and consumer markets. Trelleborg Building Systems generates sales of SEK 2.3 billion annually and has approximately 1,400 employees. Production units are located in Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Poland, Germany, Spain and the UK.

Web: http://www.trelleborg.com

Conservatoriesonline.com Conservatory of the Year for 2005

Conservatory web site www.conservatoriesonline.com has bestowed its annual honours on the most impressive conservatory installations to appear on the site during 2005. The 2005 Awards is the third to be held and was created to recognise and reward innovative and stylish conservatory design, and exceptional quality in manufacture and installation.

The Overall Winner is an installation by Heritage Conservatories Ltd (right) (www.heritageconservatories.com), which was chosen by the judging panel for the ‘highly individualistic, imaginative and innovative approach’, taken by its designers in providing a stylish conservatory for a country house.

Manufactured in hardwood and finished in cream to match the house, the conservatory features a 'cathedral' vaulted roof on its two aspects that considerably increase the feeling of space within.

Motorised roof vents are installed to provide ventilation, and concertina-style folding/sliding doors allow the structure to be fully opened on to the garden during warmer weather.

In addition to the company's attention to aesthetics, Heritage also had to pay special attention to damp proofing and drainage as the conservatory and patio are sunk below the main garden.

The ConservatoriesOnline Special Design Award has been given to Richmond Oak Conservatories (below left) (www.oakconservatories.co.uk) for what the judges called ‘an innovative and highly successful practical solution that manages also to provide stylish and highly attractive additional space.’

The owner of the property wanted to join the main house with additional living space in an adjacent building. Richmond provided the solution with the creation of a cloister-style connection between the two properties, with a corridor attached to each building and a highly attractive hexagonal conservatory in between. Richmond constructed the structure in seasoned oak oiled to accentuate the natural grain, using traditional joinery methods, with this adding considerably to the charm of the installation.

The final category in the ConservatoriesOnline.com Awards for 2005 is the 'Editor's Choice'. This installation designed, manufactured and installed by national home improvement giant Zenith Staybrite Conservatories (above right) (www.zenithconservatories.co.uk) succeeded, remarked the judges, in proving that ‘stylish, thoughtful and innovative conservatories are not the exclusive domain of the smaller craft companies.’

The T-shaped conservatory is installed using a rear box gutter and features a glass roof, mahogany-style woodgrain frames, and brickwork closely matched to that of the host property. The result, added the judges, is ‘a cohesive and highly attractive conservatory that has been carefully thought out, and expertly installed.

’Barry Dunlop, Managing Director of eBuilders Ltd the company behind ConservatoriesOnline.com, says that the Conservatory Design Awards provide a very real service for visitors to the site: ‘Our Awards provide people with a showcase and benchmark for what they may realistically expect when choosing a new conservatory, in respect of the quality of design, manufacture and installation, but also for the features and details that can make the difference between a successful and unsatisfactory installation.’

ConservatoriesOnline.com and its related portfolio of web sites provide design and technical advice for millions of homeowners seeking to add a conservatory to their home. It regularly features in the top 10 of the leading search engines and consistently proves itself as a powerful online provider of referrals and leads for its advertisers and partners, providing them with more than 100,000 leads during 2005.

For more information on eBuilders Ltd/ConservatoriesOnline.com please contact Barry Dunlop on 01903 856679, or email barry@ebuilders.co.uk.

Web: http://conservatoriesonline.com

Water Industry Seminar Discusses Recycled Glass

Water companies will hear the results of groundbreaking trials at a seminar to be held in Leeds in February into recycled glass as a media for treating drinking water and wastewater.

The results of trials indicate recycled glass could reduce the cost of filtration and is also kinder to the environment than traditional materials.

Around 100 senior figures from Government, the Environment Agency, Office of Water Services (OFWAT) and filtration equipment manufacturers are expected to attend Recycled Glass Filtration Media - The Facts, at the Royal Armouries, Brewery Wharf, on 23rd February 2006.

They will hear how a series of independent trials funded by WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) and conducted by Wakefield-based water treatment specialists Aqua Enviro have indicated Recycled Glass Filtration Media (RGFM) improves the quality of effluent, compared to traditional sand. It can therefore help companies to meet tough environmental standards and avoid fines, without incurring additional costs.

Attendees will also be told how widespread use of the new material will assist the UK in meeting its target under the European Union packaging directive, which says 60 per cent of glass must be recycled by 2008. The country's current level is 42 per cent.

Full-scale independent trials of RGFM, made to BSI PAS 102 specifications, have taken place since November 2004 with end-users including: vegetable processor JE Hartley, at Thorganby, near York; Croda Chemicals Europe, at Rawcliffe Bridge, near Goole; tissue, paper and packaging giant Georgia Pacific GB at Ramsbottom, near Bury; and Yorkshire Water, at its wastewater treatment plant in Malton, North Yorkshire.

Mark Lowe, consultant, Aqua Enviro, said: 'The results have been encouraging and positive all-round.

'For example, the tests have shown RGFM is more effective than sand at removing suspended solids from effluent. This can be a huge benefit where phosphates are carried in the suspended solids. It is well-known that high levels of phosphates have a detrimental effect in rivers.

'The tests have also shown RGFM delivers more efficient backwash performance than sand - with backwash being required less often and less energy being used in the backwash due to the lower specific density of glass.

'Unlike sand, RGFM has also shown no marked tendency to clog up or blind, when faced with high loadings of suspended material.'

He said that a major benefit of glass is that it is a processed product and as such can be sized to treat specific solids types. As the size of suspended solids decreases, so does the size of the glass required to remove it. Current trials are showing that a two-stage filter process with different grade glass in each is providing optimum filter performance.

The results could have implications for a wide range of industry sectors treating wastewater, including heavy engineering, car manufacture, food and beverage factories, and paper and pulp mills. They could also have impacts on drinking water and aquaculture, including fish farming, as well as water used in swimming pools and spas.

WRAP, a Government-funded, not-for-profit company, established to improve the UK's recycling performance and promote resource efficiency, funded the trials as part of a wider initiative to encourage the use of materials made from recycled glass across a variety of industry sectors. These include brick and tile manufacture, grit blasting and sports turf.

Bronnie Allen, Materials Development Manager (Glass) at WRAP said: 'We have been very pleased with the results of investigations. WRAP-funded research has shown RGFM offers economic and performance benefits in many treatment applications and is a way for companies to demonstrate commitment to the environment.

'There is enormous potential for the recycled glass product. Our job now is to demonstrate the benefits and that it is a commercially viable option to end-users and people who make the decisions in water companies, Government and industry.

'The Leeds event will be of interest to equipment manufacturers which supply filter media and managers responsible for effluent quality requiring a more consistent and sustainable solution to their treatment problems. The seminars will showcase the research projects and the exhibitions will highlight the large number of organisations currently looking to exploit this material.'

Full information about the event and trials is available from http://www.aqua-enviro.net or by contacting Krista Braithwaite (phone: 01924 257891, e-mail: kristabraithwaite@aquaenviro.co.uk). Printed copies of the presentations on the trials will be available at the event or from Bronnie Allen at WRAP on 0808 100 2040.

Web: http://www.wrap.org.uk

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