Gretsch-Unitas
and DJ Locks Join Forces
Gretsch-Unitas
and DJ Locks Ltd have joined forces in a partnership which will see the
leading distributor supply G-U’s extensive multi-point lock portfolio
to a wide range of customers.
One of the favourite brands in the door and window industry for over 30
years, Gretsch-Unitas and the FERCO brand, have long been synonymous with
quality and excellence and G-U believes that this new partnership will
allow the company to extend the brand even further.
Ian Ward, sales manager for G-U, said: 'DJ Locks has extensive knowledge,
especially in the composite door market, and this experience will be invaluable
as we target this sector with the new range of FERCO multi-point locks.'
David Inkster, managing director of DJ Locks, said: 'We are delighted
to have joined forces with Gretsch-Unitas and we’re looking forward
to establishing a successful relationship.
'We felt that to be treated seriously as a distributor we needed to have
the backing of a major hardware company. Everyone in the industry has
heard of G-U and the FERCO brand and we feel the company will provide
us with something extra when it comes to giving our customers the best
possible service.'
For more information on G-U products and the FERCO range call 02476 217
900 or email info@g-u.co.uk. For further
information on DJ Locks call 0121 520 5435.
Novaseal
Enjoying its most Successful Year to Date
Deceuninck
fabricator Novaseal is enjoying its most successful year of trading in
its nine year history. Turnover has hit a new high and, unlike many of
its competitors, the company is finding the market buoyant.
Novaseal
attributes its success to a tried and tested combination. Gary Grundy,
Novaseal’s Director, explains: ‘We offer an unbeatable combination
of high quality products backed up with a reliable service, it’s
as simple as that.’
Novaseal has just started fabricating the Deceuninck 2500 chamfered suite
and the system is proving very popular with its trade customers. Gary
Grundy comments, ‘We have always been very impressed with the standard
of Deceuninck products and the 2500 chamfered suite is no exception. It’s
a high quality system that’s bringing us plenty of new business.’
Gary believes hard work from everyone involved ensured the successful
switchover and immediate upturn in sales. For many companies, changing
systems would involve an element of risk, but in Novaseal’s case
the risk was minimal. That’s because the company has been with Deceuninck
for nine years and has first-hand experience of its products and service.
Novaseal originally partnered with Status and has had no reason to switch
suppliers since the merger of the two companies.
And as for customer service, how has that contributed to Novaseal’s
growth? Gary explains: ‘We have a reputation for offering excellent
customer service and our customers know they can rely on us. But we couldn’t
offer this level of service without support from Deceuninck. Everyone
there is very proactive, and our account manager, Sally Gingell, is particularly
efficient and supportive of our aims. With Deceuninck’s support we
can look forward to a very bright future!’
Novaseal is a trade fabricator based in Fareham, Hampshire. The company
has a trade counter that opens 07.30 to 17.30 Monday to Friday and 07.30
to 13.00 on Saturdays. The company offers an impressive range of window
and door products along with conservatories, manufactured from Deceuninck
profile. Novaseal also manufactures and supplies its own conservatory
roofing system. Their products are backed up with a reliable delivery
service which is free of charge within a 50-mile radius of the company’s
headquarters. As well as the Deceuninck 2500 chamfered suite, Novaseal
also offers a selection of Deeplas building and Roofline products.
Tel: 01329 233 500
Web: http://www.novaseal.co.uk
Performance
Window Group (PWG) Acquires Clearwood UK
The
Performance Window Group (PWG) has acquired the assets and trade of Clearwood
UK, based in Redruth, Cornwall from the Rowe Group. A new company, Clearwood
Windows and Doors Ltd, has been formed to continue to offer the Clearwood
UK products in its strong South West market.
This
is PWG’s second acquisition since its formation by Roy Wakeman (pictured),
executive chairman of The Performance Window Group, in the summer of last
year. PWG made its first acquisition in October 2006 when it bought the
leading quality brand in timber windows, Mumford and Wood Ltd. It is a
further step in realising the strategic objective set by the PWG board
to build a group of well known brands of external joinery products that
whilst operating independently, extracts synergies and consolidates volume
efficiency between themselves.
Clearwood Joinery has established itself as a major provider of quality
timber windows in the South West despite only trading since 2000 when
it was established by the Rowe Group. A spokesman for the Rowe Group said
that Clearwood had grown into a major force in the timber window sector
and that he was delighted to be able to see it now pass into the PWG group
where manufacturing expertise, market knowledge and future direction was
assured. The acquisition of Clearwood Joinery is another step in the current
strategy of focusing on the Rowe Group’s core activities of property
development and housebuilding.
Roy Wakeman said: ‘With its strong brand and presence in the South
West, Clearwood UK will be an important addition to the Group’s activities
in the timber window and external doorset market. The intention is to
develop the production and sales of Clearwood’s casement window ranges,
together with their doorset and French window products.’ There will
also be opportunities to help further develop PWG’s other unique
products in conservation sash and casement ranges in Clearwood’s
market place.
Treve Temby, managing director designate, said: ‘Everyone involved
with Clearwood is excited about this opportunity as we are confident that
with the help of PWG, Clearwood has a bright future.’
Tel: 01621 818155
Web: http://www.clearwooduk.com
Regal
Windows Expands into New Premises
Deceuninck
fabricator Regal Windows has announced that the company will be moving
to larger premises to accommodate its growing business.
The new factory will allow Regal Windows to have a bespoke manufacturing
unit for tilt and turns, vertical sliders and Tecnocor 2 Patio. This unit
will sit alongside its existing factory that manufactures casements and
doors. The company, which manufactures Deceuninck’s 2500 Chamfered
system as well as its vertical sliders and Tecnocor 2 Patio, hopes the
expansion will provide the capacity to meet increasing demand in the short
and medium terms.
Nigel
Wadworth (far left) of Regal Windows with his three sons, Nigel, Duncan
and Douglas
Nigel
Wadworth, Regal’s Managing Director, is understandably excited about
the expansion, but quick to point out that success has been a team effort:
‘We’ve been trading for eight years now and we’re delighted
to have reached the point where we need to expand so quickly. Everyone
here has worked very hard to put us where we are today. And that hard
work has been matched by our systems partner, Deceuninck.’
Regal Windows was originally with Status but has seen no reason to switch
profile suppliers since the merger with Deceuninck. Nigel Wadworth explains
why: ‘It goes without saying that Deceuninck’s product range
and quality are both excellent, but the company’s customer service
is second to none too. Regal Windows is a family-run business, as is Deceuninck,
and I think that’s reflected in the personalised, caring customer
service we both offer. Like us, Deceuninck is always willing to ‘go
the extra mile’.’
He goes on to add, ‘I hope all our customers feel that everyone at
Regal is working to support them. That’s certainly something we get
from Deceuninck. Our account manager, Sally Gingell, and our technical
service engineer, Mel Jones, are always on hand to provide any support
we need or suggest training that might benefit our company.’
Regal Windows is a trade fabricator based in Rushton, Northamptonshire.
The company prides itself on offering a high quality and reliable service
to the local trade. And it certainly seems that the combination of the
team at Regal and the team at Deceuninck will ensure this expansion will
only be the first step to further growth!
Sapa
Invests to Double the Capacity in China
Sapa
is investing 430 MSEK to extend the production capacity for the production
of heat exchanger strip at the Sapa Heat Transfer Shanghai plant. The
investment will almost double the production capacity to 80,000 tonnes
per year and the investment includes both property and machinery.
The project is initiated immediately with planning and procurement. The
investment also takes into consideration future demands for heat exchanger
material. It will also lead to an increase in efficiency at the heat transfer
plant in Shanghai.
‘We expect a continuing positive growth in China and Asia. Especially
the automotive industry in China is developing very well’, says Michael
Mononen, Vice President, Heat Transfer. ‘The investment is a natural
step in our continuing focus to support the heat exchanger industry globally.’
The investment is scheduled to be in operation in 2010.
Web: http://www.sapagroup.com
Mulholland
Takes up Marketing Reins at WHS Halo
WHS
Halo has announced the appointment of Dave Mulholland - formerly of the
Latium Group - as its new Marketing Director. The appointment follows
the decision by incumbent Mike Stevenson to return home to Scotland at
Christmas, for family reasons, where he will also take up a senior position
in the timber frame buildings division of Robertson Group.
Mike says of the move: ‘While I'm happy to be moving back to the
'auld' country, I have thoroughly enjoyed my six years at WHS Halo - and,
had family circumstances permitted, would have been keen to continue to
add to its considerable achievements. WHS Halo has deliberately developed
strength in depth among the team and I am sure that Dave, particularly
with his knowledge of the New Build sector, will add to the skill set
and take the company further ahead.’
Dave
Mulholland (centre) is welcomed to WHS Halo by Andrew Keir, Chief Executive,
Commercial Sector (left); Mike Stevenson, outgoing Marketing Director
(right) and the sales team.
Dave,
43, joins WHS Halo with many years of experience in the fenestration sector,
most recently as a Sales and Marketing Director at a Latium Group company.
He has an enviable track record of delivering sales growth, enhanced customer
relations and powerful strategic positioning within the industry; and
his joining comes at a time when WHS Halo continues to strengthen its
position in the face of difficult market conditions.
Dave, commenting on his appointment, says: ‘I have admired and respected
WHS Halo from the outside. In meeting the team and seeing the inside,
it becomes obvious why the company and its customers have been successful.
‘The company has a clear vision of how it and its customers can prosper
in an industry where consolidation will present challenges, but also many
opportunities. Furthermore, WHS Halo seems to be the only major extruder
making significant investment in new products, processes and materials
that are relevant to the new carbon conscious agenda’.
Winston Duguid, Managing Director of Bowater Building Products, has only
praise for Stevenson - and Mulholland: ‘It would have been impossible
for Mike to carry on in his current role for us based in Stirling. We
are very grateful to Mike for what he has achieved both for us and the
industry. He took WHS Halo to a new level of understanding of both public
sector needs and the challenges of sustainability. His work through the
BPF will help many apart from ourselves and we hope to collaborate further
together in the construction sector, north of the border. Dave is a proven
professional and we are fortunate in having secured someone of his calibre,
drive and integrity to join our team.’
Tel: 0121 749 3000
Web: http://www.whs-halo.co.uk
Management
Buyout at Avocet Hardware
Brighouse-based
Avocet Hardware Ltd, a designer, manufacturer and distributor of locks,
handles and other hardware for windows and doors, has been the subject
of a management buyout.
A management team led by finance director Ian Jones and sales and marketing
director Michael Tuck has acquired the company for an undisclosed sum
from US-based MASCO Corporation, which owns several other UK and European-based
companies in the home improvement and new home construction field.
Avocet Hardware employs around 220 people at its Brighouse headquarters
and approximately 1000 more at its facilities in China and Taiwan.
It operates two divisions; the Door & Window Division manufactures
door and window hardware in its two factories in China for PVCu windows,
doors and conservatories; the Hardware Division sources and imports fixings
and hardware products from overseas for the UK DIY and builders' merchants
markets. It supplies the UK's biggest DIY retailers including Focus, Wickes
and B&Q, which presented Avocet with the Supplier of the Year Award
in both 2006 and 2007. Combined turnover last year was in excess of £40m.
Ian
Jones becomes chief executive of the business while Michael Tuck takes
on the role of managing director, Hardware Division. Kevin Harvey, a former
sales director of Avocet Hardware, is rejoining the company as managing
director, Door & Window Division.
Existing chief executive Jim McCarthy will assist with the transition
of ownership before leaving the company at the end of the year.
Ian Jones commented: ‘The acquisition reflects the management team's
confidence that the business is well placed to enter a new and exciting
phase of business growth, which is great news for our staff and great
news for the area. This year we will see sales grow by over 15% and similar
growth is expected in future years as we continue to take market share
away from our competitors.’
Michael Tuck added: ‘The last few years has been a period of building
and developing the business making it ready for the future. That period
of consolidation is now complete and the business is well positioned to
expand.’
Avocet Hardware: http://www.avocet-hardware.co.uk
Masco Corporation: http://www.masco.com
Trade
Windows Prospects Open Up with Duraflex
Moving
from rented premises in Carlisle city centre, to 5,300sq.ft. of leasehold
workshops and offices is paying off for Trade Windows & Doors Centre,
a Duraflex fabricator for the past four years.
‘We've
never looked back since we became a Duraflex customer,’ says director
and co-founder, Ian Goode. ‘We buy the Diamond 70 range and cannot
fault the company in any way on quality or delivery.’
While the product, of course, is a major factor in the 10-year old company's
success, so too is the new-look workshop, the lay-out of which is better
organised than in the old premises, with improved product flow from one
process to the next.
This has been a major contributor to Trade Windows & Doors' increased
output, with an additional boost provided by improved access to the new
premises compared with those the company left in July.
‘Now, an articulated wagon can pull right up to the door,’ says
Ian. ‘and the profiles are offloaded in no time. At the old premises
access was very difficult and everything had to be unloaded by hand.
‘This meant taking our guys off window production and everyone getting
stuck in to unload the latest consignment, which took much longer and
affected production. Simply by removing that factor, we've benefited in
terms of output and improved delivery times.’
Ian is very up-front about the reason for changing to Duraflex. Problems
with an existing supplier meant looking for an alternative source and
enquiries kept throwing up the name Duraflex. The offer the company made
was, he freely admits, ‘the most attractive’ and this remains
the case today.
Couple that with his opinion of Staff Newham, Duraflex's Area Sales Manager,
who is, as Ian says, ‘a canny bloke’, and that counts as high
praise indeed up in the North West.
With business split pretty equally, 50:50 (supply-only compared to supply
and fit) Trade Windows & Doors is riding high with an expanding customer
base in the North East, North West and Scotland.
The business has moved from its origins of trade-only to take in the retail
market as well now. This, along with the guaranteed quality and delivery
reinforced by the link with Duraflex, has meant many former customers
who had started using the retail outlets coming back to Trade Windows
& Doors.
With nine employees, the company currently operates a single 8-hour shift.
However, with the customer base expanding, the workshop working well,
and a healthy spread between trade-only and supply and fit, there is room
for growth in every direction at Trade Windows & Doors.
Tel: 08705 351351
Web: http://www.duraflex.co.uk
CWG
Choices is 'Heating the Home - Not the Planet' with ERWs
CWG
Choices now offers energy rated windows. Having achieved the British Fenestration
Rating Council's window energy ratings from A to C, the company offers
a range of windows fabricated from Rehau, Shield or Kommerling that can
be endorsed under the Energy Saving Trust's Saving Recommendation scheme.
The windows fabricated under this scheme will show the coveted 'Energy
Saving Recommended' blue triangle and the Energy Efficiency tag.
To support the Trade customer, CWG has introduced a 'Choices' branded
four sided leaflet that does not mention CWG, but is printed with the
Trade customer's name and any other details requested. This ensures that
the Trade customer has his own 'branding' for presentation to the end
user, at a very low cost, direct from CWG and so no hassle with printing.
Tel: +44 (0)870 626 7510
Web: http://www.cwgchoices.com
Glazerite
Record-Breaking Year
Wellingborough-based
trade fabricator Glazerite Windows announced its end-of-year sales figures
recently. Sales were significantly up on last year, despite the general
downturn in the market.
Glazerite has shown an ability to buck market trends in the recent past,
so it's perhaps hardly surprising that sales were up. In the past five
years, for example, sales have increased by an average of 29.6% year-on-year.
Andrew Colley, Glazerite's Sales and Marketing Manager, expressed the
company's delight at the sales increase but also explained the reasons
behind the continuing growth. ‘Everyone at Glazerite is wholeheartedly
committed to working in partnership with the customer and everything we
do is aimed at helping our customers to make their business a success.
We realise that without our customer's success we wouldn't be in such
a strong position and we appreciate not only their valued business but
we continually invest to ensure we can give them something back.’
That
commitment to supporting the customer can be seen in two areas: product
and customer service. Glazerite's commitment to continuous investment
in plant, machinery and staff to constantly improve product quality is
well-known, £550,000 in the past 12 months alone, plus the recruitment
of several new members of staff.
Furthermore the company has recently been rewarded for its commitment
to quality having received Kitemark approval on both its 58mm and 70mm
products having achieved BS7412 for weather performance and BS7950/7412
for enhanced security levels. But it's the company's commitment to customer
service that is perhaps less well-known.
One example of the company’s customer service is in the practical
support it offers. Realising that many of its clients don't have the time
or resources to put together marketing materials that reflect their portfolio's
quality, Glazerite offers a comprehensive marketing package to support
them as they seek new customers.
The company also makes sure that this level of support is offered to all
clients, from those that have been with it since the beginning to the
ones that have joined Glazerite more recently. Glazerite Windows is a
member of the Network VEKA group. The company’s portfolio includes
doors and windows along with bespoke products such as bi-folding doors,
stable doors and vertical sliders.
Tel: 01933 443222
Email: andy@glazerite.net
Web: http://www.glazeritewindows.co.uk
Fashion
Disaster Yields GM Fundraising Bonanza
Over 300 supporters of GM Fundraising donned 70s garb and danced the night away at the 10th GMF Gala Dinner last Saturday night. Held at Birmingham's Holiday Inn, the event was supported by many glazing industry stalwarts from Wegoma, Business Micros, Haffner, Deceuninck, Eurocell, Mila, Select Window Systems, KEB Fabrications, Patterson & Rothwell, Thermoseal Group, Fabstore, Central CRC and West Yorkshire Windows, as well as members of the trade press.
Spokesperson,
Gary Morton was effusive, 'Once again I am amazed at the glazing industry's
capacity to embrace the GM Fundraising cause. Through the generosity of
our sponsors and supporters we will be handing Hope House Children‚s
Hospice over £30,000 from the night. I think the combination of
everyone dressing up in fashion from the decade taste forgot, the room
being dressed in 70's style and truly great entertainment, means this
was probably the most enjoyable GMF Gala Dinner yet.'
With the organising team adopting a Butlins Red Coat theme, other fashion
disasters included a Bay City Rollers/Sex Pistols hybrid table, too many
afro wigs and pimp outfits to count, as well as guest appearances by Noddy
Holder, Darth Vader, Princess Leia, Arsenal's Charlie George, Elvis Presley,
Richard O'Brien, Ozzy Osbourne and various members of Abba. As usual,
the last word went to Morton 'Supporting the kids and families of Hope
House is a serious business for us but I am delighted that GM Fundraising
lived up to its motto of putting the fun into fundraising and nobody parties
like the glazing industry!'
AGC
Flat Glass Europe Wins Batimat d'Or and Médaille d'Or at Batimat
On
5th November 2007 in Paris, AGC Flat Glass Europe (formerly Glaverbel)
won the Batimat d'Or, the highest prize awarded at the world's largest
construction show, for its AntiBacterial Glass™. In even more good
news, Glassiled (the company's new glass product featuring built-in LEDs)
won the Médaille d'Or at the Design Trophies in the 'Floor, Wall
and Ceiling Coverings' category.
AntiBacterial
Glass™: world first honoured
The Batimat d'Or is the highest prize awarded at Batimat (across all categories).
It aims to reward and promote innovation in the construction sector, in
this case paying tribute to a world first: AGC Flat Glass Europe's AntiBacterial
Glass™, which kills 99.9% of bacteria and halts the proliferation
of fungi. AntiBacterial Glass™ eliminates microorganisms as soon
as they come into contact with the surface via a patented process that
consists of distributing silver ions in the upper layers of the glass.
The silver ions halt the process of bacterial division, thus destroying
them.
AntiBacterial Glass™ is a major innovation in the struggle against
nosocomial infections (1), which, according to European statistics, cause
more casualties than traffic accidents. AntiBacterial Glass™ can
be used wherever a sterile environment is required (wall coverings, partitions
and windows in hospitals, bathrooms, hotels, etc.).
Médaille d'Or for a combination of glass and light
The Design Trophies recognise those companies that have successfully integrated
an industrial design approach in their development strategy. In Glassiled,
LEDs (2) are sandwiched in the glazing without any visible wires. Designed
for use in facade and interior decoration applications, Glassiled features
all the benefits of laminated glass (3) and LED technology: enhanced safety,
variation in colours (RGB) and light intensity, high performance and longevity.
This industry first from AGC Flat Glass Europe creates a new niche by
expanding the concept of how glass can be used. It is now a significant
medium of communication, both during the day and at night.
Glassiled is destined to inspire the creativity of architects and designers,
who will be keen to unleash the potential offered by the combination of
light and glass.
‘With AntiBacterial Glass and Glassiled, AGC Flat Glass Europe has
once again expanded the range of potential glass applications, in line
with its ambition to make a name for itself as a leading innovator in
the glass industry. These two awards are confirmation that we are taking
the right approach,’ said company President & CEO Jean-François
Heris.
1: Illnesses contracted during a stay in hospital or other health care
unit.
2: Light Emitting Diodes
3: Glazing made up of two or more sheets of glass separated by one or
more plastic film interlayers.
Web: http://www.yourglass.com
While
some companies simply opt for a factory tour or sporting activity for
their corporate open day, AGC Flat Glass UK gave its customers a crash
course in glass blowing at its recent Great AGC Glass Experience in Bath.
Organised by AGC UK's Marketing Manager, Hannah Gration, the event attracted
nearly 100 participants from glass companies across the UK.
Choosing
something that had broad appeal and would top last year's event, when
the company challenged its customers to walk barefoot on broken glass,
was quite a challenge says Hannah. ‘I didn't want a 'been there,
done that, got the T-shirt' event like go-karting or paint balling and
it seemed a good idea to keep the focus on glass, but from a new and exciting
angle.’
The Open Day kicked off in more traditional style with a welcoming address
from Christian Dauby, AGC's Chief Executive of Sales and Marketing, who
took the opportunity to update customers on recent developments, particularly
the change of name from Glaverbel to AGC Flat Glass Europe as part of
a global rebranding to unite all AGC companies under a single corporate
identity. Christian Dauby explained how a unified brand allows customers
to benefit from the strengths of a world-class group and makes it easier
to recognise the group's products all around the globe.
It was also a chance to give customers an overview of AGC's latest product
developments. As expected from a company that can claim many industry
firsts, a number of new products were unveiled to an eager audience. These
included the AntiBacterial Glass™ (AB), which uses a silver-based
technology to kill 99.9% of bacteria and stop the spread of fungi. This
latest invention marks a major milestone in the fight against antibiotic
resistant bacteria and hospital-caught infections and also represents
a profitable new sales and marketing opportunity for glass companies.
Other announcements included the soon-to-be-launched Glassiled glass with
embedded LEDs and Mirox 3G - a scratch-resistant mirrored glass that's
virtually lead-free. Commenting on the reaction to the new products, Hannah
says, ‘We knew AB glass would be popular but the interest in Glassiled
in particular has far exceeded our expectations.’
After lunch it was time for a magical mystery tour as the group boarded
a coach for an undisclosed destination. ‘We didn't tell people where
we were going but asked them to sign a health and safety form, which really
got them guessing!’ says Hannah. The party arrived at the nearby
Liquid Glass Centre in Bath for an afternoon of fun with glass using traditional
techniques. The hands-on experience got underway with a go at glassblowing
with the prize of a magnum of Moet for the largest bubble - a massive
16 inches! There was also a lesson in cutting and fusing glass to produce
a coaster and in making a decorative glass paperweight. To everyone's
amazement, plus a certain amount of trepidation, this involved rolling
a molten glass ball by hand with only a wad of wet newspaper for protection!
The Open Day generated plenty of positive feedback and according to Stephen
Holden of HW Glass Ltd, ‘the Great AGC Glass Experience is THE event
for the independent glass company to be seen at’. Andy Frampton of
Glass Express was equally enthusiastic, ‘The set up and organisation
was first class and the glass blowing experience was truly impressive,’
he said, while Nicholas Cunningham of Ravensby Glass also enjoyed the
day and found the excursion to the Liquid Glass Centre ‘highly educational’.
Summing up a successful event for both AGC and its customers, Hannah Gration
says, ‘We're very grateful to the team at the Liquid Glass Centre
who were excellent hosts and it's certainly going to be a challenge to
come up with an even bigger and better event next year!’
Tel: 01788 535353
Web: http://www.agc-flatglass.eu
GAP
Driver Wins Combilift's Regional Driver of the Year Event
Combilift
Ltd, the originator of the Combilift range of 4-way forklifts, recently
held its first Regional Driver of the Year event for the North West at
Haydock Park. The winner was Mark Thompson, Health and Safety officer
of the Blackburn branch of GAP. The event attracted participants from
a wide range of industry sectors as well as the best of the autumn weather.
Drivers were put through their paces around a course especially devised
by Combilift's Steve Tomlinson and Mark Buffham, with assistance from
Mentor Training - the UK's leading provider of operator training. The
4-way capability of the Combilift forklifts meant that drivers were not
only tested on their skills whilst operating in forward and reverse modes,
but also had to prove their control and accuracy with the trucks whilst
travelling sideways.
‘Once you are familiar with the 4-way Combilifts, they are actually
very straightforward to operate,’ says Steve, ‘but we wanted
to add that extra challenge by designing a course which involved picking
up and carrying large and bulky loads around obstacles, tight corners
and, just for fun, backwards and forwards through a figure of eight -
all against the clock!’
Neil Beard, a Mentor Field Training Manager, judged the individual performances.
‘The standard was very impressive, but Mark achieved an outstanding
score, equivalent to a distinction on a Mentor Training Course.’
GAP is a leading UK supplier of home improvement products such as a roofline
range and door panels. The company has 11 warehouses across the country
and operates Combilifts in most of these.
Visitors also had the opportunity to check out a number of different models
from Combilift's wide range of 4-way forklifts and meet Combilift staff
and trainers.
Combilift will post details of further Regional Driver of the Year events
on its website, so keep an eye out for this and details of how to enter
at http://www.combilift.com.
Tel UK: 07968 490051
Kestrel
Launches Kestrel Extra
The
no lead, no tin brand of PVC-UE and PVC-U roofline, cladding and window
trim products, Kestrel, has launched Kestrel Extra, a group of products
within its 800 wide product portfolio, that are either entirely unique
or rare in the market place.
Tony Crutcher, Sales and Marketing Director of the Kestrel brand explains
the philosophy behind Kestrel Extra: ‘We believe we have always had
one of the widest and deepest product ranges in the industry, but there's
a lot in the range that makes us different that we don't shout about.
Kestrel Extra is about highlighting the range of products that when grouped
together, is entirety unique to Kestrel and therefore our customers, which
adds value for distributors, installers and consumers. Products in the
range include our hollow board with protective film, grooved square fascia
and a full range of double edge boards.’
For more information on this range, visit http://www.kbp.co.uk.
REHAU
Awards Prize to Leading Herefordshire Artist
Painter
Doug Eaton was selected as the winner of the REHAU prize at the recent
H-Art Open Exhibition showcasing the work of leading artists in Herefordshire.
European polymer group REHAU sponsored the prize to highlight its focus
on design and creative solutions and Doug received not only £1000
in prize money but the opportunity to exhibit his work at REHAU's HQ in
Ross on Wye and at REHAU in Germany.
Doug produces colourful, semi-abstract paintings largely inspired by the
landscape of Ross and the nearby Forest of Dean. His work was chosen by
a judging panel which included REHAU's Chief Executive in the UK Martin
Hitchin.
Martin said: ‘Doug's work is striking and uplifting which seemed
to fit very well with the spirit of our prize. We wanted to demonstrate
our commitment to design and creativity and use that to forge a positive
and inspirational link with our local community.’
Doug visited REHAU's Ross on Wye facility to receive his cheque and will
display selected works there during the remainder of 2007. In 2008, his
work will be shipped by REHAU to Germany for an exhibition there.
Tel: 01989 762600
Screwfix
Email Offer ‘Misleading’ says ASA
According
to information provided by the Advertiing Standards Authority (ASA) an
email offer from Screwfix Direct Ltd was misleading.
The e-mail, had the subject heading 'Summer Sale - Massive Savings'. The
ad featured an image of a DeWalt power tool and stated ‘SAVE UP TO
40% POWER TOOLS NOW FROM ONLY £49.79 SEE ALL’.
The complainant objected that the ad was misleading, because the DeWalt
power tool shown in the ad cost £249.99.
Response
Screwfix Direct Ltd (Screwfix) said customers who clicked on the ‘see
all’ link would be directed straight to a list of the discounted
items together with an image of each power tool on their website. They
said the price of a selected product was 100% clear at all times and there
was no risk of a consumer being misled. They said the use of the DeWalt
power tool in the e-mail to designate ‘power tools’ was not
intended to mislead consumers into thinking they would be able to obtain
a power tool that normally cost £350, for less than £50. They
believed it was clear that the ‘save up to 40%’ claim related
to all power tools in the summer sale. They said, in addition, it was
clear that the range of power tools in the sale started at £49.79
and there was a click through for customers to ‘see all’. They
said all of that was intended to refer to the range and was not, in their
view, designating the price of the pictured power tool.
Screwfix said they had sent the e-mail to over 800,000 customers and pointed
out there had only been one complaint. They maintained that if a consumer
had known about the usual cost of a DeWalt power tool then they would
not have been misled, because they would have known that the pictured
item would not be available for £49.79. Alternatively, they said
if a consumer was unaware of the DeWalt brand and the cost of their power
tools, they could not have been misled as they would have just clicked
through to look at the range, which did include a power tool for £49.79.
Screwfix provided a list of the discounts available on power tools during
the sale. The discounts ranged from 14% to 40% and the prices from £49.79
to £249.99.
Assessment
Upheld
The ASA noted the ad included a direct link to a page on their website,
which listed each of the products on offer and their prices. We also noted
the price was prefixed with ‘from’.
However, we noted the model shown was the most expensive in the sale and
that the text ‘Now from only £49.79’ was listed directly
below the image. We considered that consumers could be led to believe
that it was possible to purchase the depicted product for the price shown.
We concluded that the ad was likely to mislead.
The ad breached CAP Code clauses 7.1 (Truthfulness), 15.1 and 15.4 (Prices).
Action
We told Screwfix not to repeat the approach. We advised them to seek guidance
from the CAP Copy Advice team for their future ads.
Craftsman
Licensed to Manufacture and Offer SPD-Smart Products
Craftsman
Fabricated Glass, Ltd. has acquired a license from Research Frontiers
Inc. to make SPD-Smart™ laminated glass and plastic products using
Research Frontiers' patented SPD light-control film. When integrated with
glass or plastic panels, SPD-Smart film gives users the ability to rapidly,
precisely and uniformly control the amount of light passing through glass
or plastic.
Under the worldwide license agreement, Craftsman's SPD-Smart glass and
plastic panels can be supplied to Research Frontiers' licensed end-product
manufacturers for use in SPD-Smart windows, skylights, sunroofs, partitions,
light tubes and many other products used every day in homes, buildings,
cars, aircraft, boats, trains and motorcoaches.
Craftsman recently completed the installation of a new lamination line
at its 230,000 square foot facility in Houston, Texas. This state-of-the-art
line features advanced robotics and automation to reduce the handling
of glass, thus ensuring superior quality. Additionally, the line is equipped
with a digital PVB/PU (polyvinyl butyral/polyurethane) optimiser and upper
level PVB/PU selector and storage system. The large capacity autoclave
also has full heat-soak capabilities and is considered to be one of the
most advanced laminating lines in the world. Craftsman's SPD-Smart laminated
products will be produced at this facility.
'Craftsman Fabricated Glass is a tremendous addition to the SPD infrastructure,'
noted Joseph M. Harary, President of Research Frontiers. 'It is a world-class
company with significant production capacity, a commitment to superior
product quality, and a management team highly regarded throughout the
glass industry.'
'We have built our reputation on offering customers the quality products
they demand,' said Bob Lawrence, President of Craftsman. 'SPD light-control
technology is among the most advanced glazing technologies in the world
today and it will be a very important part of our new laminated glass
product line.'
About Craftsman Fabricated Glass, Ltd.
As one of the largest independent glass fabricators in the United States,
Craftsman Fabricated Glass, Ltd. is an industry leader in the fabrication
of tempered, insulated and all flat glass products. Committed to excellence,
Craftsman says that it sets the standard for providing an extensive array
of quality commercial, residential and other products, manufactured with
state-of-the-art equipment, and offered with unparalleled customer service
before and after the sale.
About SPD Technology and Research Frontiers Incorporated
Research Frontiers Incorporated develops and licenses suspended particle
device (SPD) technology used in VaryFast™ SPD-Smart controllable
glass and plastic products. SPD technology, made possible by a flexible
light-control film invented by Research Frontiers, allows the user to
instantly and precisely control the shading of glass or plastic, either
manually or automatically. SPD technology product applications include:
SPD-Smart windows, sunshades, skylights and interior partitions for homes
and buildings; automotive windows, sunroofs, sunvisors, sunshades, and
mirrors; aircraft and marine windows and window shades; eyewear products;
and flat panel displays for electronic products.
SPD-Smart film technology was awarded a 'Best of What's New Award' from
Popular Science magazine for home technology, received the 2007 North
American Frost & Sullivan Award for Excellence in Technology for glass,
and was also recognised as one of the top technologies by the Society
of Automotive Engineers' Aerospace Engineering magazine. SPD technology
is covered by over 500 patents and patent applications held by Research
Frontiers worldwide. Currently 34 companies are licensed to use Research
Frontiers' patented SPD light-control technology in emulsions, films,
or end-products. Further information about SPD-Smart technology, Research
Frontiers and its licensees can be found at http://www.SmartGlass.com.
Interbuild
Generates Good Results for Groupco
The
trade exhibition is alive and well according to Groupco’s MD, Richard
Duncan. The independent hardware distributor described Interbuild as an
ideal way to highlight the positive co-operation between Groupco and its
supply partners. He said, ‘The quality of visitors and large overseas
representation demonstrates that, despite the impact of the Internet,
you can’t beat the face-to-face experience you get at a Show like
Interbuild.’
Groupco’s welcoming, open plan stand provided the perfect showcase
for its successful partnerships with Peder Nielsen and Fuhr. The latest
developments from these two leading European manufacturers generated considerable
interest, particularly among local authority and social housing specifiers
as well as joinery companies, since both Fuhr and PN have developed products
specifically for the timber market. These include Peder Nielsen’s
PN 700 system for outward opening timber and timber/aluminium windows
and doors, which made its debut at Interbuild. A modern hardware concept,
the PN 700 features a smaller, neater groove for greater fitting flexibility.
Fuhr’s electromechanical locks attracted plenty of attention said
Richard Duncan. ‘The electronic locking market has really moved on
since the last Interbuild and the number of enquiries for Fuhr’s
Multitronic locking system reflect how this technology is becoming much
more mainstream.’ Fuhr also unveiled an enhanced version of the Multitronic,
which gives users the option to switch off the motor and operate the system
as a standard locking mechanism - simply switch the motor back on to restore
full automatic locking.
Richard also saw the potential to put together a bespoke electronic security
package at the Show, ‘For example, you could combine a Fuhr Multitronic
locking system with one of the latest fingerprint scanners on one of the
other stands. This is a developing area which offers the opportunity for
adding value and higher margins.'
Summing up this year’s Interbuild, Richard Duncan said he was impressed
with the number of high quality leads Groupco and its partners will now
be following up. ‘Apart from a rather slow start for everyone on
Sunday, we were consistently busy and I’d say visitor numbers were
up overall on 2005. There was a very positive atmosphere and being back
in the original halls, I felt the Show had regained its proper focus on
the building industry.’
Tel: 01733 234750
Web: http://www.groupcoltd.co.uk
Successful
Show for Vista at Interbuild
Vista
Group Plc, has returned from Interbuild 2007 delighted with the response
from a broad cross section of visitors.
‘This was our first Interbuild’, said Keith Sadler, Vista's
managing director, ‘and we went there to promote our 'Welcome Collection'
of GRP composite doors to a wider audience of specifiers.’
On display were several GRP composite doors in a range of colours and
styles including a smart looking door in black. All models featured the
Millenco five point high security lock and were backed by Vista's 10 year
guarantee.
The
company received enquiries from local authorities and social housing organisations,
property developers and the new build sector. Keith Sadler says: ‘We
were very pleased with the quality of leads and the diversity of the visitors.
One thing we didn't expect was that we received a lot of interest from
stockists and suppliers of timber doors who were interested in offering
our door as an alternative to theirs. We also received several enquiries
from companies wanting to become distributors.
‘All in all’, says Keith, ‘I would have to say we were
pleased with the show. Time will tell as we respond to and follow up all
our enquiries, as to the final results but at the moment I'm very optimistic.’
Tel: 0151 608 1423
Email: sales@vista-panels.co.uk
Web: http://www.vistapanels.co.uk
Solaglas
Reaps Rewards of BM TRADA Q-Mark Certification
Solaglas,
the processor, distributor, installer and repairer of specialist glass
products and systems, has been awarded certification under eight different
standards since it transferred its quality management and product certification
to BM TRADA Certification Ltd, under the Q-Mark banner, only six months
ago.
Solaglas
Operations Development Manager Ross Mackenzie was presented with the latest
certificates at Interbuild on 29th October. He said: 'Our confidence in
BM TRADA has been totally justified. We have one clear point of contact
with them and they can talk to us knowledgably about both systems and
products, ensuring a prompt response to any actions needed. The Q-Mark
has definitely added value to our business.'
With a turnover of more than £150 million, Solaglas produces an
extensive range of flat glass products, including laminated and toughened
glass for many safety and security applications, as well as sealed units
for the framing industry. Solaglas also installs and repairs glass and
glazing systems. The certificates presented at Interbuild covered ISO
9001:2000 for all 11 of its glass processing sites, as well as Q-Mark
certification for:
* Sealed unit manufacture under EN 1279-2 & 3 (8 sites)
* Toughened glass under BS EN 12150-2 & BS EN 14179 (10 sites)
* Laminated glass under EN 12543-4/ EN14449
* Anti-bandit glazing under EN 356
* Safety glass for land transport under BS 857.
As part of the Saint-Gobain group, Solaglas sets its own very high quality
standards. A rigorous programme of internal audits of systems, products
and equipment includes daily product quality checks at each site. Monthly
independent laboratory testing of sample units at the specialist Saint-Gobain
facility in Paris is carried out for every DGU line, too, but Ross Mackenzie
added, 'With BM TRADA we now undergo additional random product testing,
which is a further invaluable tool for monitoring quality.'
BM TRADA now has access to the online quality management system recently
introduced by Solaglas, reflecting the mutual respect and confidence between
the two bodies. 'We already share our internal audit data with BM TRADA,
along with information from the Saint-Gobain testing facility. By being
totally transparent and working in partnership, we can learn a great deal
more from each other, ensuring continuous improvement at all our sites,
' said Ross.
For further information on:
* BM TRADA and Q-Mark schemes email aosborn@bmtrada.com
or visit http://www.bmtrada.com
* Solaglas email solaglas.gpd@saint-gobain-glass.com
or visit http://www.solaglas.co.uk.
Caption: Solaglas Operations Development Manager Ross Mackenzie (left)
with BM TRADA Product Certification Manager Simon Beer.
Stourbridge
Glass Artists Reap Rich Rewards in Germany
More
than 20 glass artists from the West Midlands have made substantial sales
and formed new partnerships after exhibiting their work in Bavaria, supported
by UK Trade & Investment.
The
artists, mainly from the Stourbridge area, were given the opportunity
to showcase their skill in the Eisch Gallery in Frauenau, which is the
most prestigious gallery in its field in Europe and the centre of the
Bavarian glass industry.
The event was a joint collaboration between Dudley College's International
Glass Centre and the Eisch Gallery, supported by funding from UK Trade
& Investment and Advantage West Midlands' Net Infinity project.
It was the second part of a project, which started in 2006 with a series
of master classes at the International Glass Centre undertaken by world-renowned
glass artist Mark Angus, who lives in Frauenau, and Bill Gudenrath, from
the Corning Museum of Glass, NY, USA.
The artists sold 55 pieces of work representing about £30,000 during
the week-long exhibition.
UK Trade & Investment international trade adviser Terry Wood, based
at Black Country Chamber of Commerce, has special responsibility for the
glass cluster in the West Midlands region and has helped many glass artists
export their works.
He said: 'The exhibition has been a huge success for all the artists involved.
Several of them have gained continuing commissions as a result of taking
part, and hopefully they will all be able to develop a long-term relationship
with galleries in Bavaria.
'We are now planning further international events for the artists, including
an exhibition at the Corning Museum of Glass next year at the invitation
of Bill Gudenrath.'
Jacqueline Cooley, of Sutton Maddock, Shropshire, one of the glass artists
who took part in the event, said: 'Funding from UK Trade & Investment
has given me the opportunity to invest in promotion for my business and
to exhibit my work for the first time in Europe.
'The trip was inspirational and successful in terms of building contacts
for future exhibitions and collaborations.'
For more information about how UK Trade & Investment can help your
business expand into new markets abroad, contact the international trade
team at your local Chamber of Commerce, or visit the website http://www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk
H
Jarvis Achieves BFRC Hat Trick with BM TRADA
Redcar-based H Jarvis & Son has achieved A, B and C window energy ratings with BM TRADA Certification. The energy rated products are the energiKare Premium (A), based on Pilkington's energiKare glass, the EcoPlus (B) and Eco (C) ranges.
H
Jarvis Managing Director Dave Glendinning (left) with BM TRADA's Product
Certification Manager Simon Beer.
Managing
Director Dave Glendinning said, 'When we decided that we wanted to be
able to offer not just an energy rating but an A rating as an option,
we turned to BM TRADA as we enjoy a good working relationship with them
in other areas.' H Jarvis has also received Energy Saving Trust Endorsement.
The company diversified into PVCu windows more than 10 years ago and produces
more than 30,000 units a year. The company uses LB Plastics profiles for
all its window ranges. Details of all products can be found on the company's
newly relaunched website at http://www.hjarvis.co.uk.
* For further information about BM TRADA Q-Mark schemes contact Simon
Beer on 01494 569800 or email sbeer@bmtrada.com.
Windowbase’s
New Housebuilders Database Expands
Ready
for the 2008 market, the latest version of the UK Housebuilders Database
from Windowbase, details over 4,000 housebuilders and provides 5,400 senior
contacts involved in building and developing dwellings across the UK.
Covering specialist builders, developers and partnership contractors,
it represents a 50% increase in the number of companies over the previous
database.
Windowbase's Housebuilders database includes the top one hundred companies,
(and details of their regional offices) but also many others - some building
only two or three homes a year. All information comes from the companies
themselves; for example, respondents were asked company size and the number
of dwellings constructed in the past year. Email and website addresses
are also provided for many companies.
The information is available as a single national database or by region.
Unique to Windowbase is the ability to divide the South East region. 31%
of the companies and an even larger share of the building activity come
from this region.
Windowbase enables customers to split it into two halves (approximately)
along the River Thames, enabling customers to source only the data for
the areas that they want to sell to.
Prices by region can be found interactively on the Windowbase web site
http://www.windowbase.info.
The data can be supplied for unlimited usage on CD, or as a set of mailing
labels with or without telephone follow-up listings.
Regardless of the intention to purchase, just showing the figures online
can help with market planning and target fixing. Once that is done they
can also be ordered on-line!
Also unique to Windowbase is its ‘date validation’, showing
exactly when the information was acquired from each company.
The whole UK database and full information can be purchased for £2,480
+ vat, although a set of mailing labels for a regional grouping can cost
as little as £180 for a set of 650 contacts.
Tel: 01453 845717
Email: info@windowbase.info
Huntsman
Polyurethanes brings Clarity to Glass Lamination with KRYSTALFLEX®
Glass
laminators across Europe are set to benefit from improved quality of service
and product development thanks to Huntsman Polyurethanes.
Huntsman Polyurethanes has brought the commercial sales process and technical
support for its high performance range of KRYSTALFLEX® optical aliphatic
films in-house, significantly improving service and support it can provide
to glass laminators across Europe.
The market for hybrid glass / polycarbonate lamination is growing rapidly
as it is increasingly used in a diverse number of applications where intrinsic
strength combined with transparency is critical; including glazing for
security vehicles, prisons, hospitals, embassies, computer centres and
sensitive research centres.
Bonding together different materials such as glass, polycarbonate and
other plastics, can prove a significant design challenge for manufacturers
of glass laminates. However, the excellent adhesive properties provided
by the KRYSTALFLEX® range of themoplastic polyurethane (TPU) films
overcome this issue and also provide highly effective load transfer between
the different sheets.
Johan Van Tongelen, commercial director Europe, Africa, Middle East &
Indian Sub-continent, said: 'Huntsman has focused on the needs of glass
laminators for more than 20 years and it is through using this knowledge
and understanding of applications and processes that we are able to engineer
tangible performance benefits into aliphatic TPU film interlayer. By bringing
the sales and technical support in-house, we hope to be able to steer
new initiatives, be more responsive to our customer’s needs and further
enhance the performance capabilities of Huntsman’s KRYSTALFLEX®
film range.'
The new key customer contacts for Huntsman Polyurethanes’ KRYSTALFLEX®
range of laminates are:
Jos Couwels, Sales Manager
Tel: +32 2 759 9554 or +32 477 33 23 67
Email: Jos_couwels@huntsman.com
Miss Karen Marchand, Sales Assistant
Tel: +33 1 41 028248 or +33 670 657 329,
Email: karen.marchand@daydream.eu
Web: http://www.huntsman.com
People
to Thank for High Times at Thermal
Record
performance figures for Kömmerling fabricator Thermal Window Systems
have lead the company to invest in new machinery and add further depth
to the team at its Barnsley base.
Directors Paul Hardcastle, Patrick Tighe and Kelvin Greaves founded Thermal
Window Systems as a partnership in 2003, after a collective 60 years’
experience of running major window companies successfully. Thermal has
been experiencing 15% growth year on year since 2003. Paul Hardcastle
said, 'Our work ethic has been the driving force in our success. The commitment
of the production team and their dedication to the quality control is
an invaluable asset to the firm. Indeed everyone from the sales staff
to the delivery team contributes their share.'
Renowned business development manager, Peter Ness, is leading a new campaign,
acquiring clusters of new customers in the Yorkshire region. Paul said,
'Peter has made an immediate impact since joining us a year ago. Another
handful of customers with similar requirements to those who’ve just
joined us, would mean a further investment in machinery. We’re looking
at additional saw centre options for an intended installation date of
late February 2008.'
Thermal has invested in two new CNC corner cleaners, worth in excess of
£100,000; the recent process evolution has increased the company’s
production capacity by 25%. Thermal supplies technical support and a ‘five
days unglazed’ and ‘ten days glazed’ guaranteed delivery
service. Paul said, 'Many of our new customers come to us in search of
a better quality product and reliability. At Thermal it’s simple;
you get a quality product, on-time and to specification.'
Kömmerling became Thermal’s sole supplier in June 2006. All
frames are now made to the Kömmerling Greenline specification, meaning
the profile is Lead-free and colourfast, and will not ‘pink’
or discolour.
For further information on Thermal Window Systems and the Kömmerling
Connoisseur product call Paul Hardcastle on 01226 294 555 or to arrange
a site visit call Peter Ness on 07894 683 939.
Oxford
Builder Best in Britain
A
stunning renovation of an old hillside Wesleyan Chapel, using mainly glass
and brushed steel earned Bybridge Construction of Bucknell the title of
Master Builder of the Year 2007.
The
Oxford firm beat off the best of Britain's builders from every corner
of the UK, all of whom had been nominated by their clients for the first
class quality of their craftsmanship and customer service, in this national
competition, organised by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in association
with Nissan. The winning builder receives the Nissan Light Commercial
Vehicle of their choice worth up to £20,000.
An exciting and unusual sustainable Devon home made of sheep's wool, straw
bales and lime mortar won builder Rob Gulley the energy saving category
and a 20-year old carpentry apprentice from Glasgow took the title 2007
Apprentice of the Year.
The winners were presented with their Awards by expert property developer
and TV presenter Sarah Beeny, at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on
Thursday 8th November in front of over 500 guests.
Details of The Master Builder of the Year, Apprentice of the Year and
the eight national category winners follow.
MASTER BUILDER OF THE YEAR 2007
The Master Builder of the Year title was awarded to Bybridge Construction
for the
complete renovation of an old Wesleyan Chapel, including the addition
of a
stunning glass and steel extension.
Medical trainer, Dr Victoria Hunt had a very specific vision when she
employed Bybridge Construction to restore the shell of a 1928 Wesleyan
Chapel at the bottom of her garden. Not only did she want something very
contemporary within an old shell without destroying the character of the
place, but she also wanted to use specific materials - glass and brushed
steel - bringing the outside in and the inside out.
Starting with a rugged shell, a tight budget and some highly ambitious
plans in a strict conservation area, Bybridge Construction had its work
cut out, but the result was a home that more than matched her vision.
‘I couldn't recommend the company more highly and have already booked
Bybridge for my next project,’ Victoria said.
Bybridge
Managing Director Mark Gaul said ‘The biggest challenge was the site
itself. Set on a hill, next to a stream, it was difficult getting materials
such as huge glass panels for the balustrades, to the site and then storing
them. It was a tough, but interesting job. We enjoyed the build and are
so chuffed with the end result’.
As Master Builder of the Year 2007, Bybridge Construction not only takes
the coveted title, but also the Nissan Light Commercial Vehicle of its
choice courtesy of the Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd. The company’s client
Victoria Hunt will jet away on a fabulous £3,000 holiday.
APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR 2007
Supported by ConstructionSkills & Screwfix Direct
Apprentice: Mark Lynch, Glasgow
Employer: City Building (Glasgow) LLP, Glasgow
A worthy winner of the 2007 Apprentice of the Year, Mark Lynch, 20, has
just completed a four year apprenticeship in Carpentry and Joinery, where
he excelled in terms of his commitment, quality of work, and his dedication
to continued learning. Mark is now employed by City Building (Glasgow)
LLP which had no hesitation in taking him on.
The Master Builder of the Year Awards judges said: ‘Mark has all
the qualities we want to see in all apprentices, including loyalty to
his trade and employer, along with the willingness and ability to continue
learning. The construction industry's future will be assured through the
development of young people such as Mark Lynch.’
As Apprentice of the Year, Mark Lynch wins £1,000.
NATIONAL CATEGORY PRIZE WINNERS
Category 1: Best new home (supported by NHBC and Sage)
Builder: Bernard Tompkins, William Ash Builders Ltd, Great Missenden,
Buckinghamshire
Client: Peter Ellis
With a change of owner mid-build due to a divorce, Bernard Tompkins and
his team at William Ash Builders Ltd effectively had two clients for the
price of one. Also, as they started digging foundations, they unearthed
the large basement structure of the original Victorian vicarage. This
unexpected find included water cisterns, cellars and old steps, and required
Bernard and his team to excavate much deeper foundations to satisfy the
building inspectors.
Eighteen months on, Peter Ellis and his family are delighted with his
property and Bernard and his team continue to do additional work on the
property.
Category
2: Best small renovation (supported by Hilti and Professional Builder
magazine)
This category was won by the Master Builder of the Year 2007, Bybridge
Construction, Oxford
Category 3: Best medium renovation (supported by British Gypsum
and Travis Perkins)
Builder: Linley Developments, St Albans, Herts
Client: Carmen and Tony Redondo
The judges were struck by the care and attention to detail lavished on
this truly stunning conversion of a listed derelict Church near St Albans,
which not only won builder Trevor Hyatt the accolade, but also the heart
of the clients' daughter!
Trevor Hyatt and his team at Linley Developments were given free rein
by clients Carmen and Tony Redondo and worked tirelessly to create a beautiful
space, which works as a warm family home, within the strict parameters
set by the local conservation officer.
Category 4: Best large renovation (supported by American Express
and Buildstore & The National Self Build & Renovation Centre)
Builder: DJ Construction, Rugeley, Staffordshire
Client: Scott Joyce
Staffordshire builder Darren John was asked to restore a ruined mill house
on the outskirts of Lichfield and build a mirror copy on the other side
of the property. He had to sink piles into the boggy marsh and sand area
in front of the house and reclaim land from the stream outside the house.
The owner also wanted to use only reclaimed stone, oak and render, except
for the insulation materials. The result is a beautiful family home with
an indoor swimming pool, set in stunning grounds and a firm friendship
between builder and client.
Category 5: Best commercial builder (supported by AON and Local
Authority Building Control Services)
Builder: Craig Meadows Building Contractors, Lancashire
Client: John and Sam Turner
Craig Meadows Building Contractors transformed the unpromising site of
a derelict former joinery workshop at the foot of Clitheroe's 12th century
Norman Castle into 10 high quality offices, serviced by kitchens, a meeting
room and a managed reception. Being part of Clitheroe Castle meant that
the walls of the lower ground floor were made of hard limestone rock.
Not only did they require tanking to prevent damp penetration, but it
was also no mean feat to create the depth of foundations required by the
building inspector using the tiny digger the site could accommodate.
Category 6: Best use of energy efficiency (supported by The Energy
Saving Trust and Homebuilding and Renovating)
Builder: RJ Gulley, Devon
Client: Jim Carfrae, Totnes
Devon builder Robert Gulley caught the judges' imagination with his work
on a super insulated, sustainable new home in Totnes made from straw bales,
sheep's wool, lime mortar and a traditional jointed timber frame of locally
sourced Douglas Fir. Builder Rob adapted his traditional skills to a completely
new way of building when client Jim Carfrae decided he wanted to build
as sustainable a house as possible for the same £250,000 budget
as a conventional new home.
Category 7: Best use of waste minimisation practices (supported
by Envirowise)
Builder: Stephen Mulligan, M.B. Contracts (Mulligan Brothers), Cookstown,
Northern Ireland
Client: Derek Harrison, Portadown, Northern Ireland
It would be difficult to imagine that this development of beautiful traditional
Irish cottages set on the banks of the stunning Lough Erne, is in fact
made from recycled materials salvaged from the cottages that once stood
on the site.
Mulligan Brothers were determined to keep waste to a minimum, so reused
the original salvaged steel, old timber and tiles they found when demolishing
the derelict cottages. They even bagged up all the old insulation material
from the original roof and re-used it between the studwork walls of the
new cottages.
Category 8: Heavenly Builder (supported by B&CE Benefit Schemes
and HBXL)
Builder: Dave Stowell, DDS General Builders, Milford Haven
Client: David Edwards, Haverfordwest
Dave Stowell of DDS General Builders was taken on to extend the Haverfordwest
home of David Edwards, who has been disabled for 53 years and needs constant
care. Homeowner David was worried about the disruption and about the amount
of dust the project would throw up, due to his breathing difficulties
- but he should not have worried.
Not only did Dave Stowell do a first class building job, but he also went
far beyond the call of duty, making him cups of tea, driving him to and
from friends when the disruption was too great - indeed nothing was too
much trouble for him.
The winners of the National Category Awards and their clients each won
all inclusive luxury UK weekend breaks for two courtesy of the Paramount
Group of Hotels.
Master Builder of the Year 2007 is organised by the Federation of Master
Builders in association with Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd, and supported by American
Express, Aon Ltd, B & CE Benefit Schemes, British Gypsum Ltd, Buildstore
& The National Self Build & Renovation Centre, ConstructionSkills,
Energy Saving Trust, Envirowise, HBXL, Hilti, Homebuilding and Renovating,
LABC, NHBC, Paramount Group of Hotels, Professional Builder Magazine,
Sage (UK) Ltd, Screwfix Direct, Travis Perkins, and Master Builder magazine.
Details of the Master Builder of the Year 2007 winning projects can be
found on both the FMB websites: http://www.fmb.org.uk
and http://www.findabuilder.co.uk
Launch
of Mumford & Wood Installations Ltd
Mumford
& Wood Ltd, the specialist manufacturer of bespoke, premium quality
windows and doors, can now offer the consumer an extended service which
includes a complete survey and installation package through its new sister
company, Mumford & Wood Installations Limited (MWI).
This
new Essex-based facility has been launched by parent company The Performance
Window Group Ltd. (PWG) to meet the growing demands for a complete supply
and fit service. The specification of Mumford & Wood’s windows
will include full survey and technical assessment with the assurance that
installation will be carried out to Mumford & Wood’s standards.
'The problems homeowners face when they decide to purchase timber windows
and doors is ‘who will survey and install them?’', says Shaun
McAllister, Managing Director, Mumford & Wood Installations Limited.
'With the recent introduction of HIPS and necessary compliance with current
Building Regulations and local planning laws, the expertise required to
technically assess and install replacement windows must not be under estimated.
The decision to choose MWI to manage a complete project will give assurance
that all statutory regulations and approvals will be obtained and complied
with.
'We all are aware of rogue traders and the lottery consumers face when
entering the market for a good builder. Our accredited installers have
participated in a product training programme and undergone assessments
before being recruited to the Mumford & Wood Register, providing customers
with total confidence.'
Specialist in the manufacture of sliding sash windows, Mumford & Wood
knows that correct and accurate installation is essential for their smooth
and trouble-free operation. 'In new build projects we normally work with
well constructed facades that have accurate and clean openings which are
perfect for new window installations but in older properties Mumford &
Wood’s technical expertise is fundamental to ensure that the needs
of the customer and requirements of all the regulatory bodies are met.
Accurate measurements and site assessments, together with flexible manufacturing
methods, ensure that bespoke windows are made to fit – every time!'
As project expert, MWI will also take on the onerous responsibility of
obtaining any third party approvals, such as Listed Building consent,
compliance with Article IV, etc: 'Our aim is to make every installation,
old or new, as hassle-free as possible for our customers,' comments Shaun
McAllister.
House builders and homeowners will benefit from being fully compliant
with the company’s manufacturing and installation guarantees.
Tel: 01621 818155
Web: http://www.mumfordwood.com
NGA
Chairman Presents Association Position on Proposed Energy Efficiency Rating
System
National
Glass Association Chairman Rod Van Buskirk released a position statement
on November 8th to the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) to
be presented at its membership meeting. The statement urges the group
to focus on encouraging the development of new energy efficient products
rather than developing an ill-advised rating system that duplicates work
already being done by the private sector.
'What the NFRC claims it is trying to accomplish for commercial building
fenestration is already being done every day by design professionals and
engineers, and has been for years,' said Van Buskirk, President and Owner
of Bacon Van Buskirk in Champaign, IL. 'This is just another costly and
time-consuming layer of bureaucracy that will not improve energy efficiency
or conservation.'
The NFRC has proposed a controversial plan to use computer technology
to create a Component Modelling (CMA) programme that would compute the
energy characteristics of various types of commercial building fenestration
and assign an energy-efficiency rating to the fenestration. Van Buskirk
was slated to formally present the NGA's official position on the CMA
program at NFRC's annual membership meeting, but was unable to attend
due to illness. In lieu of his appearance, the position paper was sent
to NFRC representatives to be released to all NFRC members.
'CMA labelling only adds costs and impedes the commercial building process.
While the glass industry has undertaken significant efforts to work within
the system to craft a more workable proposal, our concerns have been largely
ignored,' Buskirk continued. 'The bottom line is that the programme as
currently crafted will not provide an accurate and efficient format to
rate the energy impact of commercial fenestration products and will instead
place unnecessary time and financial demands on the commercial glazing
industry.'
The NGA's position statement:
The National Glass Association's Position Regarding an NFRC Commercial
Fenestration Site-Built Programme with Computer Modelling Approach, Certification
Labelling Programme with Related Fee Structure
The National Glass Association congratulates the National Fenestration
Rating Council in its successful efforts to test, certify and label the
thermal performance of American residential fenestration products on behalf
of American consumers since 1989.
The NGA has chosen not to join with the National Fenestration Rating Council
in crafting an NFRC Commercial Fenestration Site-Built Programme with
Computer Modelling Approach, Certification Labelling Programme with Related
Fee Structure. Our membership of commercial fenestration product dealers
and installers regards any such programme as unnecessary and adverse to
the interest of the commercial fenestration industry as a whole, and adverse
to the public interest.
For decades before the time of the founding of the NFRC, American commercial
fenestration manufacturers and fabricators have found incentive and reward
in improving, testing, and quantifying their products' energy performance
for the domestic commercial construction marketplace. American architects,
engineers, commercial building owners, property managers, and code officials
understand and skillfully incorporate commercial fenestration products
into energy-effective commercial building design and have for many years
now. The American commercial construction marketplace utilises and understands
commercial fenestration in ways that already far outpace the NFRC's efforts
to help the public interest. Frankly, the NFRC's efforts to create a systems
approach are unneeded, antiquated, and are simply a waste of the NFRC's
time and resources. If created, it is most likely that a new NFRC site-built
commercial products labelling system will simply be ignored by the domestic
commercial construction industry as the NFRC's current site-built programmes
are.
The NGA would continue to ignore and not bother to advise the NFRC Board
about this matter if the NFRC Board had listened to the wise advice and
counsel of our sister industry associations. However, it is possible if
this unnecessary system is somehow placed into specifications and building
codes, regrettable confusion, costs and delays might adversely affect
the construction marketplace and the American fenestration industry to
some degree. Such a certification system does not increase energy efficiency,
does not aid energy-intelligent commercial design, and increases confusion
and workload for the overburdened code officials and design professionals
of America.
The National Glass Association advises the National Fenestration Rating
Council Board to abandon its efforts to create and enact an NFRC Commercial
Fenestration Site-Built Programme with Computer Modelling Approach, Certification
Labelling Programme with Related Fee Structure. Should the NFRC attempt
to place such a system into building codes and specifications, the NGA
will oppose those efforts on behalf of the American fenestration industry
and the American public.
Web: http://www.glass.org
NHIC
says Using Existing Properties to Create New Homes Solves Several Problems
The
National Home Improvement Council (NHIC) says that building new homes
and all the associated infrastructure problems is never going to totally
solve the nation’s housing needs. So once again it urges Government
and homes providers to look very seriously at the wealth of opportunities
that existing redundant properties provide in meeting the ever-growing
demand for dwellings to house the nation’s burgeoning population.
NHIC Director, Graham Ponting, explains: 'With yet more figures published
on the nation’s housing requirement of 3m new homes by 2020, it’s
even more imperative that Government, local authorities, housing associations
and developers consider the thousands of empty buildings throughout our
towns and cities.
'The vast majority of them are well suited to conversion into `attractive,
energy efficient, affordable-to-run homes for sale or rent. As they are
already part of the local environment the problem of creating new infrastructure
doesn’t arise, because it already exists. And, of course, the very
delicate Green Belt issue does not arise!
'The new occupants of such converted properties can be automatically integrated
into the locality so far as schools and medical facilities are concerned,
and transport would not be a problem.'
Graham Ponting also points out: 'A reduction in the standard rate of VAT
related to home improvement could be a very positive incentive to encourage
all homes providers to bring back into use these redundant properties,
which would go a long way to resolving our housing requirements.'
According to the Government’s own, latest housing statistics as well
as those of a leading building society, today there are as many as 1 million
homes standing empty in the UK. This is 4% of the nation’s total
housing stock and the vast majority of them are sound, well built dwellings
that simply need upgrading with modern, energy efficient systems, double-glazing
and good insulation.
In addition there are more than 700,000 redundant premises such as shops,
offices, churches, and so on in our urban and rural areas, which could
readily be converted into first class homes for sale or to rent.
Tessenderlo
Group: Results as at the End of September 2007
Revenue
for Tessenderlo Group for the first nine months 2007 went from 1,673.3
million EUR to 1,806.9 million EUR, representing an improvement of 8 %,
in particular thanks to the chemicals and plastics converting activities.
The net consolidated result group share, went from -31.2 million EUR to
103.0 million EUR at the end of September 2007, after accounting for non-recurring
items whose net impact is 19.9 million EUR and which chiefly includes
the gain made on the sale in the first quarter of Tessenderlo Davison
Companies (TDC), a commercial joint venture with Davison Petroleum Products
(DPP), Ruston, United States.
The recurring operating result or REBIT for the third quarter 2007 stands
at 43.6 million EUR, representing an improvement compared to that for
the second quarter 2007, which stood at 42.0 million EUR and compared
to that for the third quarter 2006, which was 16.8 million EUR.
Specialities and Chemicals lie behind this improvement in performance
in the third quarter.
REBIT to the end of September 2007 is 121.6 million EUR, representing
an increase of 75.1 million EUR compared to the end of September 2006.
Net cash flow is 195.9 million EUR compared to 99.4 million EUR in the
third quarter 2006. It benefited from non-recurring items totaling 30.5
million EUR.
Plastics Converting
The third quarter for this business group is traditionally weakened by
the slowdown in building during the summer months, and this was especially
true this year for plastic pipe systems.
Results are however comparable with those for the third quarter 2006 despite
a much higher resin price. From the beginning of the year, results to
the end of September 2006-2007 are comparable notwithstanding a slowdown
in the profiles business unit due among other things to poorer performance
in North America.
Outlook 2007
The favourable atmosphere the group is encountering in most of its activities
should continue until the end of the year, although some signs of a slight
slowdown are starting to be felt.
The final quarter 2007 should thus still witness an improvement compared
to the final quarter of 2006, but this will most likely be less spectacular
given the level already reached in the final quarter 2006.
Comments on the Key Figures and the Balance Sheet
The revenue increased by 133.6 million EUR, an improvement by 8.0 %, during
the first three quarters of 2007 compared to the first three quarters
of 2006. This increase was mainly realised in the business group chemicals
(71.1 million EUR or 10.3 %) and in the business group plastics converting
(50.3 million EUR or 8.8 %), especially in the business units compounds
and plastic pipe systems.
The finance costs increased by 0.7 million EUR. In 2006, 1.5 million EUR
was capitalised as capitalised interest charges for the construction of
the new electrolysis facility in Tessenderlo (Belgium). The effective
interest charges are therefore decreasing, the increase of the short term
interest rates being more than compensated by the decrease of the average
outstanding debt.
Web: http://www.tessenderlogroup.com