OFT
Enquiry into St Helens Glass ends in Company Collapse
Brian
Kennedy appears to have paid the price for his hands-off approach with
St Helens Glass Ltd, which ceased to trade on 8 March 2007 pending entering
into a formal insolvency procedure (Creditors Voluntary Liquidation).
The company was bought for an undisclosed fee by Brian Kennedy's Latium
in 2001, and had an annual turnover in the region of £15m. At the
time the acquisition was described as the 'most exciting development in
the company's 30 year history'.
He
said: ‘I was a significant investor in St Helens Glass but was not
either a director or someone involved in the management of the business.
‘I am naturally very disappointed that I have lost my investment
and that the trading conditions of St Helens Glass have led the directors
to conclude that regrettably they had no alternative but to place the
business into liquidation.’
However, it has since been the subject of an Office of Fair Trading investigation
into alleged bad practice and the firm's directors have failed to file
their accounts with Companies House in August last year.
In
February 2006 St Helens Glass gave undertakings concerning the goods and
services it would provide thereafter, following action by the OFT.
The case was referred to the OFT after dissatisfied customers mainly in
the north of England contacted their local Trading Standards Services
about the company. The complaints ranged from customers being concerned
about poor installation of windows and conservatories, to the length of
time it took for the work to be completed.
After the collapse last week, hundreds of angry customers bombarded St
Helens Council's trading standards department with complaints over unfinished
work and outstanding monies.
Chief trading standards officer Darrell Wilson said: ‘The amount
of complaints we have received so far has been high for such a short space
of time.
'We have had a feeling that the company might fold because of the trouble
it has been in of late. We have had to deal with numerous queries, especially
over recent months. Cash backs have not been followed through and deposits
have not been returned.’
However, a statement on the now defunct website says: 'Any consumer who
has any outstanding work or an unfulfilled order with the Company is advised
to contact the national consumer advice service Consumer Direct.
'St Helens Glass Ltd was a member of the Glass and Glazing Federation.
Customers who have paid deposits may be able to recover up to a maximum
value of £3,000 (via a voucher system). St Helens Glass was also
a member of Quality Assured National Warranties. Customers who have an
insurance backed guarantee certificate (ie in addition to the general
warrantee issued on installation) may be able to submit a claim under
the insurance cover to Quality Assured National Warranties. St Helens
Glass also operated a cashback system, with the appropriate cash back
value to be reclaimed by the customer after the expiry of a period of
time after the goods were installed. Such claims may be covered by Section
75 Consumer Credit Act 1974 and in such circumstances the Trading Standards
Office may be able to assist.
Company
director John Davies said the company had failed to break even for two
and half years but that bosses had been desperately working towards creating
a rescue package in the days leading up the company's closure.
‘The double-glazing business is coming to the end of its life, and
sales have really struggled. The factory has been extremely slow.
‘We have not been able to generate enough sales to keep all those
people in work, there really was nothing anybody could do to keep it going.
‘There should be some information on the website for customers and
employees advising them of what to do next, and I send my best wishes
to those who have really suffered from this closure and I hope they can
get something from this in the future.’
Mr Davies added: ‘We have been running on a loss of more than £3
million for the past two and a half years. We have tried to create a rescue
package but no one will back it.’
The news was delivered by marketing director Richard Harris just before
lunchtime, and by late afternoon the Corporation Street headquarters were
almost empty.
According to local news reports, many of the employees were given little
more than an hour's notice before they were told to leave and staff were
seen loading car boots with files and desk mementos.
Staff were seen leaving the premises in tears, while others hugged colleagues.
Many waited at site for several hours for announcements.
St Helens Glass was established 37 years ago and over the past five years
the company has been investigated by the Office of Fair Trading, Watchdog
and received terrible reviews from irate customers on the internet.
Liquidators DTE Leonard Curtis have confirmed that the company has ceased
trading and all employees have been made redundant.
A spokesperson said: ‘We are currently dealing with employee and
creditor enquiries and meetings between shareholders and creditors will
be held in approximately two weeks time.’
• On 21st February this year, Staff at St Helens Glass in Perth found
that stock, furniture, files and equipment had been shifted when they
arrived on Monday. Removal men had even taken the 30 workers' chocolate
biscuits from the site on Inveralmond Industrial Estate, Perth.
Laird
Group Plc Announces 2006 Record Profits
The
Laird Group Plc (‘Laird’) has announced record profits for 2006,
the proposed divestment of its Security Systems Division for £242.5
million (to Lupus Investment, which already owns Schlegel) to create a
focused electronics and technology company, and a proposed return of cash
to shareholders of £100 million. Laird Security Systems comprises
the following companies: Amesbury Group, ERA Products Ltd, EWS Manufacturing
Ltd, Homesafe Lindman, Laird Lifestyle Products Ltd, Laird Security Hardware
Ltd, Linear Ltd, LSS (Ningbo) Ltd, LSS (Polska) Sp zoo, Securidor Ltd
and Ventrolla Ltd
Results Highlights for the year ended 31 December 2006
•
Revenue from continuing operations up 24% to £608.3 million (2005:
£490.3 million). Organic revenue growth for the Group of 11%.
• Underlying profit before tax up 33% to a record £73.3 million
(2005: £55.1 million).
• Profit before tax from continuing operations up 94% to £66.4
million (2005: £34.3 million).
• Trading cash flow up 50% to £50.9 million (2005: £34.0
million).
• Underlying earnings per share up 16% to 31.7 pence (2005: 27.3
pence).
• Strong performance from Laird Technologies: organic revenue growth
of 23% and underlying operating profit up 47% to £55.4 million.
• Further good progress achieved, accelerating the momentum established
in recent years.
Proposed divestment of the Security Systems division
• Security Systems division proposed to be sold to Lupus Capital
plc (‘Lupus’) for an aggregate consideration of £242.5
million, of which £230.0 million is payable on completion and £12.5
million after one year on a non-contingent basis.
• Circular to be posted to shareholders convening an extraordinary
general meeting to seek approval for the disposal.
• The Board believes that the disposal:
• will crystallise the value generated by the Group's development
of the Security Systems division, for a consideration which is a fair
reflection of the prospects for the business;
• will increase shareholder value by the re-deployment of capital
into the higher growth Laird Technologies;
• will establish Laird as a focused electronics and technology company,
operating in specialist high growth markets with a broad range of proprietary
products and strong customer relationships;
• will enable Laird to continue to fund its already attractive organic
growth prospects and to supplement these with complementary, value adding
acquisitions.
• In the year to 31 December 2006, the Security Systems division
reported an underlying operating profit after central charges of £27.8
million, broadly level with that achieved in 2005, performing creditably
in difficult market conditions. Gross assets of the division at 31st December
2006 were £155.8 million.
Proposed return of cash to shareholders
• The Board believes that it is important that Laird maintains an
efficient capital structure, while also retaining sufficient financial
resources to continue to fund the ongoing development of the Group.
• The Board further believes that it is appropriate that shareholders
participate directly in the crystallisation of value to be realised through
the proposed disposal.
• Accordingly, the Board is proposing that a special dividend of
50 pence per ordinary share, equivalent to approximately £100 million,
be paid as soon as practicable following the completion of the disposal.
• The total amount of the return of cash is equivalent to approximately
11% of the Group's market capitalisation on 16 March 2007. The Board is
proposing, for consideration at the forthcoming Extraordinary General
Meeting, a consolidation of the Group's Ordinary Shares on the basis of
8 new shares for 9 old ones.
Peter Hill, Chief Executive of Laird, commented:
‘2006 was another excellent year for Laird. We delivered strong revenue
growth and a record underlying pre-tax profit of £73.3 million,
33% ahead of the previous year.
‘At Laird Technologies, organic revenue growth was 23% and underlying
operating profits were up nearly 50% as we continued to strengthen the
division through organic investment and value adding acquisitions. This
process has continued into 2007.
‘The proposed divestment of our Security Systems division achieves
two important strategic aims. First, it will increase shareholder value
through the redeployment of capital into the higher growth Laird Technologies
division, and second, it establishes Laird as a focused electronics and
technology company operating in specialist, high growth markets. Our proposed
return of cash allows shareholders to participate directly in the crystallisation
of the value we have created through our development of the Security Systems
division.
‘We
are confident that Laird will make further good progress in 2007.’
The Power Behind Lupus
Lupus Holdings is run by Greg Hutchings (pictured), who built up the 'buns-to-guns
conglomerate' Tomkins in the 1980s which he transformed from a £6m
minnow into a £5bn global powerhouse.
The last time Mr Hutchings made a purchase he spent £84m on Schlegel,
a maker of seals for doors and windows. Lupus, which is valued at £124m,
also owns Gall Thomson, a specialist manufacturer of valves for the oil
industry.
He took over at Tomkins in 1984 and during the next 16 years embarked
on a series of high-profile acquisitions, including the US gun company
Smith & Wesson and the flour and food group Rank Hovis McDougall.
The businessman's time at Tomkins, which at one point comprised 70 disparate
businesses, came to an end in October 2000 amid allegations of corporate
excess. His wife and housekeeper were found to have appeared on the company's
payroll and he was accused of misusing the company's jet.
Complaint
Against Safestyle UK Upheld
A
complaint objecting to a TV ad for windows and doors from Safestyle UK
was upheld on both of the two objections according to information published
by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).
A TV ad for windows and doors from Safestyle UK featured a voice-over
that stated ‘Remember the BOGOF offer from Safestyle UK? Well it's
back ... And you can still buy now and pay next year, plus there's flexible
monthly payments to suit you ...’. Large on-screen text stated ‘BUY
NOW PAY NEXT YEAR’ and ‘FLEXIBLE MONTHLY PAYMENTS’; small
print underneath stated ‘Subject to status. Written details from
Safestyle UK, Tel 0800 xxx xxx.’
Issue
1. The viewer, who believed he could pay the total amount in one lump
sum after 12 months but was told that was not the case, thought the ad
was misleading because it did not make clear that the ‘BUY NOW PAY
NEXT YEAR’ offer was a credit agreement.
2. The ASA challenged whether the ad should have included the important
conditions of the credit agreement.
BCAP TV Advertising Code: 5.1;9.2;9.3
Response
Safestyle UK (Safestyle) pointed out that the ad merely stated ‘buy
now pay next year’, did not state that payment would be required
after 12 months and made no reference to the timescale for payments. They
said the ad was broadcast from September 2006 for products fitted in November
and December and payment would start to be collected the following January
and February respectively.
Safestyle asserted that they had sought advice on the term ‘flexible
monthly payments’ from their Trading Standards Home Authority. They
maintained that their Home Authority told them the inclusion of the term
‘flexible monthly payments’ in the ad triggered no requirement
for any further credit information and sent an e-mail from the Home Authority
which, they asserted, confirmed that. They said they had also sought legal
advice and were informed that, because the term was generic, there was
no requirement to display any Annual Percentage Rate (APR) under Regulation
8(b) of the Consumer Credit Advertisements Regulations. They sent the
details of their credit agreement.
Safestyle believed the complainant might have confused the credit offer
in the ad with different credit offers shown in similar ads they had been
broadcasting at that time.
The Broadcast Advertising Clearance Centre (BACC) said they had nothing
further to add to Safestyle's response.
Assessment
1. Upheld
The ASA noted the ad stated ‘BUY NOW PAY NEXT YEAR’ and ‘FLEXIBLE
MONTHLY PAYMENTS’ and made no mention of a timescale for payments.
We considered that the ad implied the consumer would pay nothing until
the following year but payment would be complete by the end of that year.
We understood, however, that payments started the following year but would
continue in monthly instalments for several years. Because the ad did
not make that clear, we considered it misleading.
On this point, the ad breached CAP (Broadcast) TV Advertising Standards
Code rules 5.1 (Misleading advertising) and 9.3 (Finance and investment
- Misleading advertising).
2. Upheld
We contacted Safestyle's Trading Standards Home Authority, which told
us that they had informed Safestyle that they needed to include the typical
APR in their TV ads that stated both ‘flexible monthly payments’
and ‘buy now pay next year’ but no further information was required.
We also contacted the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), which told us that
the terms ‘flexible monthly payments’ and ‘buy now pay
next year’ each triggered a requirement for the ad to state the typical
APR but the ad did not need to include any other financial information.
We noted Safestyle had been advised that they were required to include
the typical APR for the credit agreement in their ad. We concluded that,
because the ad should have made clear the typical APR for the agreement,
it was misleading.
On this point, the ad breached CAP (Broadcast) TV Advertising Standards
Code rules 9.2 (Finance and investment - Legal responsibility) and 9.3
(Finance and investment - Misleading advertising).
Action
The ad must not be broadcast again in its current form.
Adjudication of the ASA Council (Broadcast)
Synseal's
National Billboard Campaign Starts 24th March
Synseal,
the UK's number one choice in windows and conservatories, continues its
national branding campaign with a nationwide billboard campaign.
The
results from the TV campaign have been superb, with over 600 leads directly
from the TV campaign. The billboards continue to keep Synseal's name in
homeowners' minds.
The billboards have a picture of the actress from the TV campaign alongside
the message 'I want a Synseal conservatory'.
'The branding campaign is designed to support customers' sales by taking
the brand message directly to homeowners,' says Nick Dutton, Synseal's
Sales and Marketing Director.
'The 2007 campaign has just started, but in three weeks consumers already
recognise the Synseal name. The feedback we've had from customers has
been superb.'
John Hume of Marlow Joinery agrees:
'It's only the second week of the campaign and the leads for conservatories
have flooded in. Already we have taken two orders for massive conservatories
and over the next seven days, we have 17 appointments. With the back up
and support in both marketing and technical from Synseal, we couldn't
have chosen a better supplier.'
The national billboard campaign continues the branding message to consumers
to support sales for Synseal's customers. The nationwide campaign starts
on 24 March.
UK's
Largest Fabricator Camden Group Commits to Super Spacer
With
an investment programme totalling £30 million, trade customers now
have more choice with Camden Group - and Super Spacer warm edge technology.
Glassex
always plays host to some of the biggest industry news, and this year
was no exception with the announcement that leading trade fabricator Camden
Group is to offer its 1,000 customer base superior performance sealed
units and windows incorporating Super Spacer. Thermal efficiency featured
heavily on Camden Groups' flagship stand right at the entrance to the
exhibition, an indication of the company's commitment to more energy efficient
products.
News of the opening of the company’s purpose built, fully automated
sealed unit production plant dedicated to fit Super Spacer to all sealed
units is the latest development in Camden's massive expansion programme,
resulting in 300 new jobs over eight factories with an amazing 600,000
sq ft of production. The new facilities include a state of the art cutting
machine, arrissing machine and five IGU lines. Two furnaces enable large
scale toughening on site.
Camden Group's Managing Director Kieran Lavery comments: ‘We took
the decision to move to selling warm edge technology units incorporating
Super Spacer rather than just remaining with aluminium spacers because
we believe warm edge technology is the future. We've seen it happen in
the North American window markets, and now it's driving the market here.
The buzz word at Glassex and across the industry in general is energy
efficiency, and the Camden Group is dedicated to improving the energy
efficiency levels of our sealed units and glazed frames.
‘This is a significant step for Camden Group and is line with our
strategic growth plans, which include providing a range of quality products
using the latest technologies to enable us to expand in existing markets
as well as reach new markets. We have always managed to buck the trend
of a declining UK manufacturing sector by placing an emphasis on innovation.
Investing in Super Spacer is therefore a natural progression to keep our
customers ahead of the competition and at the forefront of market developments.’
Andy Jones adds: ‘Camden's decision to offer Super Spacer marks an
important milestone in the development of the UK and Irish warm edge technology
markets. With the capacity to offer 45,000 sealed units and 16,000 frames
per week, Camden's investment and proactive marketing strategy means more
installers, fabricators, specifiers and homeowners can now benefit from
energy efficient windows.’
Warwick
Windows Wins Contract for 60 Homes
Sunderland
based Synseal fabricator Warwick Windows and Conservatories has started
a renovation contract for Easington Council.
The total contract is to supply and install Synseal's internally glazed
Legend suite with an ogee bead detail to 480 windows and 120 entrance
doors to 60 homes in Mount Stewart Street, Dawdon.
And because it's a coastal area Stallion shoot bolts have been specified
as they give 1,000 hour salt spray resistance for harsh weather areas.
Warwick Windows and Conservatories is working alongside Abercorn Homes
who are responsible for the cavity insulation; wall ties; fascias and
soffits; and rendering.
The work started in October and will carry on for 22 weeks.
Tel: 01623 443200
Web: http://www.synseal.com
Receipt
of European Commission Statement of Objections
Nippon
Sheet Glass Co., Ltd. (‘NSG’) has confirmed that Pilkington
Group Ltd (‘Pilkington’), a member of NSG Group, received a
Statement of Objections on 13th March 2007 from the European Commission.
This relates to alleged violations of competition rules by a number of
glass manufacturers in the European building products glass sector, including
Pilkington.
Pilkington will study the Statement of Objections in detail and will prepare
its response. Pending further steps in the proceedings and until a final
decision by the European Commission, NSG and Pilkington will refrain from
any further comment.
GAP
Supports EDS Supplies' New Trade Counter
GAP
customer EDS Supplies Ltd has opened a new trade counter. The Cannock
based business, which has been trading for two years, opened its new venture
on February 14th.
EDS Supplies started stocking GAP products after they were recommended
by its window supplier. As well as Homeline roofline products, EDS Supplies
also stocks window, doors, glass and flooring. Director Gary Hanton says
he chose GAP because local suppliers didn't offer the same comprehensive
package.
Gary
Hanton (right), Director of EDS Supplies Ltd, with GAP's Area Sales Manager
Rob Taylor.
He
explains: ‘GAP's extensive product range, the Homeline brand, stock
levels, delivery service and excellent customer service makes the company
stand head and shoulders above other suppliers. The products are high
quality and competitively priced too. GAP's stock levels allow us to carry
a floating stock and take advantage of next day delivery.
Customer service is carved into the company's culture. Everybody, from
the person answering the phone to the depot manager, treats you like a
valued customer. GAP's product knowledge has helped us to target sectors
within market more accurately and we would like to thank Rob Taylor for
his help and support in this. GAP's online ordering service allows me
to spend more time in the day with customers, and it is easy to use too.
Using GAP is helping to bring in more business.’
Tel: 01254 682888
Midlands
Manufacturer First for Energy Efficiency
Finesse
Windows & Conservatories has become the first independent domestic
manufacturer/installer of PVCu windows and doors in the Midlands to be
awarded the Energy Saving Trust's 'Energy Saving Recommended' certification.
To qualify, the company had to achieve a minimum 'C' energy rating with
the British Fenestration Rating Council, which it has done for its Thermal-Guard-C
suite of windows and doors, with BFRC-accredited certification body BM
TRADA.
The Thermal-Guard-C range, manufactured at the company's Kings Norton
factory, combines the latest five-chamber Swish extrusion with warm-edge
28mm Argon-filled double-glazing. Swish itself has been so impressed that
it has marked this latest achievement with a special Product Innovation
Award.
Finesse
Managing Director David Bridge (left) receives the Product Innovation
Award from Swish Director Paul Lindsey.
According
to Finesse Sales & Marketing Director David Bown, the range combines
'the best in energy efficiency and security'. It is fully steel-reinforced
and only Secured by Design recommended hardware is used.
The company says that it has, in fact, always led the field in security,
to the extent that it is a Finesse conservatory which has been built onto
the West Midlands Police Community Safety House in Brownhills as a 'Centre
of Excellence for Crime Reduction'.
With global warming very much in the news, however, homeowners are becoming
much more aware about the need to improve the thermal efficiency of their
homes. Mr Bown added, 'It is our aim to meet our customers' needs and
we are proud to be able to offer a product which offers both security
and thermal efficiency.'
For further information on
* Finesse Windows & Conservatories email enquiries@finesse-windows.co.uk;
* BFRC Window Energy Rating Programme contact Andy Sumner of BM TRADA
on 01502 679990 or email asumner@bmtrada.com.
Visit also http://www.bmtrada.com.
New
Investment at Kestrel's Scunthorpe Factory
The
installation of two new board foiling lines at the Kestrel Scunthorpe
manufacturing centre demonstrates the company's commitment to investment
in ‘in-house’ production facilities to ensure consistently high
product quality. The state-of-the-art installation has provided increased
capacity and control to meet growing customer demand for foiled production,
by keeping it in-house instead of outsourcing.
‘The
new lines apply printed foils to PVC-UE boards and trims across all our
range. They are already improving our ability to deliver the highest quality
with flexibility to cope with the increased demand,’ comments Paul
Knowles, Operations Director.
‘With automatic feeds and foil cutting, and a board width capacity
from 75 mm to 450mm, we are able to switch products easily, without affecting
throughput volume. The labour that was previously tied up on the foil
lines can now be redeployed, for example to help us improve our already
stringent quality control checks and continuously update and improve the
foiling department.
‘For our customers, this means even greater quality consistency and
gives them extra reasons for relying on us. As we are in control of this
essential part of production, we can ensure that all costs are kept to
a minimum and manufacturing is in line with our strict environmental guidelines.’
‘Kestrel is a rapidly developing company at the moment,’ confirms
Sales and Marketing Director Tony Crutcher. ‘It marks a new era of
growth and investment for Kestrel, just like our new website.
‘In a highly competitive market, winning increased market share will
be a challenge, but it's one that we believe Kestrel is now in good shape
to achieve. We can build on a well-established reputation for quality
and value in ‘fitter-friendly’ products with continual product
innovation, particularly in the areas of colour match and durability.’
For more information or samples of Kestrel products call Annalize Davy
on 01724 400440 or e-mail info@kestrelbce.co.uk
Web: http://www.kbp.co.uk
At
the invitation of the British Consul General in Milan, Kleentec International
will be exhibiting on the British Embassy stand at the Venice Boat Show,
starting on Saturday.
‘We will be showcasing our newly reformulated Glass Surface Treatment’,
said boss Nigel Whitaker (pictured).
‘As part of the Kleentec Bridge Window Safety System it makes window
wipers completely redundant and gives 100% visibility out of the windows
no matter how bad the weather gets. Since its launch jut over 3 years
ago it is now being used on over 700 vessels worldwide.’
Ashore it has various applications including, overcoming the fingermarking
problem on sandblasted glass, and shower screens.
Difficult to access areas such as atriums, canopies etc. this simple to
apply treatment means they wash themselves clean in the rain and only
need to be accessed every couple of years.
From a Facilities Managers point of view this removes a huge element of
risk out of the building by eliminating the need for window cleaners on
a regular basis.
Tel 08705 134745
Web: http://www.kleentecmarine.com
Shepley
Windows has experienced increased interest in the company’s Visage
in-line patio door from installers but also from fabricators who had previously
bought in patio door kits.
The
Visage patio door has been developed in conjunction with Duraflex to offer
installers a more effective and proven slimline solution.
The door is available with the option of both featured and bevelled glazing
beads which incorporate low line gaskets for improved sightlines and the
colour choice extends to white, golden oak and mahogany or either woodgrain
on white.
Ventilation is also enhanced thanks to a secure second sash position which
allows increased airflow but prevents intrusion or exit from the property.
In addition the door benefits from 2, 3 or 4 pane options, can be offered
with frame couplers and is available with a lower threshold of 39mm. Internal
beading, a midrail to accept any standard letter plate and various ventilation
options complete a feature backed patio door.
Tim Walker sales director of Shepley comments: ‘We offer this product
on a 5 day leadtime from order confirmation. Fabricators buying in patio
door kits and indeed installers should consider the benefits of our Visage/Duraflex
solution. It's cost effective, practical and for fabricators it is a lot
less hassle.’
Shepley's patio door is available directly from the company or through
any one of the Interframe branches.
Contact Shepley on 0161 3392433, e-mail: sales@shepley.com;
or Interframe on 01803 666 633 or e-mail sales@interframe.co.uk.
So if you are a fabricator, perhaps you should ditch your kit!
What
do you get if you cross a market-leading hardware and ventilation systems
company with a leading door lock manufacturer?
According
to SIEGENIA-AUBI general manager, Léann Hearne, you get a technical
sales team that's raring to go and a comprehensive product range that
offers scope to create broad ranging, superior quality door, window and
ventilation solutions.
SIEGENIA-AUBI's acquisition of door lock manufacturer KFV last year added
another product string to the SIEGENIA-AUBI bow, along with three salesmen
keen to expand their knowledge of door lock technology into new product
areas.
Shaun Adams, John Chambers and Richard Bamber joined the four-strong SIEGENIA-AUBI
sales team in October. Since then, under national sales manager Alastair
Wheeler's guidance, the two teams have been working closely together,
sharing market and product knowledge to create an integrated technical
sales force that is keen to get out into the marketplace with an impressive
product portfolio.
Says Léann; ‘The KFV acquisition gave us scope to enhance
our existing hardware and ventilation product ranges with high quality
door lock technology.
‘This, combined with our best-selling Portal range of sliding door
hardware that has gone from strength to strength in the last twelve months;
the newly launched axxent concealed aluminium hardware that is already
saving fabricators significant time and money; and our Trident three-in-one
security, safety and egress casement solution, means we're well placed
to start increasing our market share through 2007.’
Backed by technical and customer service teams at the firm's Coventry
headquarters, Léann and the team are now embarking on a product
rationalisation programme that will pave the way for innovative new product
development.
‘Like SIEGENIA-AUBI, KFV is well known for its focus on quality and
innovation,’ she says. ‘That focus will remain a core part of
the business going forward, and there are some exciting new product developments
for the UK market on the horizon.’
Tel: 2476-62 20 00
Email: info-UK@siegenia-aubi.com
Rigby
Research Maintains Standards of Excellence
Gloucestershire
based market research company Rigby Research, a division of Michael Rigby
Associates, is celebrating its seventh consecutive year of achieving the
research quality standard BS7911: 2003.
This latest approval from the British Standard's assessor approves the
Rigby Research Division as a provider of the highest quality research.
‘We are delighted with this achievement for the seventh year running’
says Stephanie Bradfield, Rigby Research Manager. ‘The team works
hard to maintain standards of excellence in research work across all our
clients. The BS7911: 2003 accreditation gives future clients the reassurance
that Rigby Research meets stringent requirements in order to achieve the
highest standards of work for all projects’.
The BS7911:2003 standard for market research is recognised as the most
rigorous test in the industry. A company needs to show a completely systematic
and transparent approach to projects as well as evidence of up-to-date
quality control checks and easy to use filing systems.
‘The assessor picked random projects to check that all correct procedures
had been followed and documented’ explains Stephanie.
Tel: 01453 52162
Email: stephanie@rigby-research.co.uk
CCS
Helps Glazing Businesses Bounce Back from Black Horse Pull-Out
Home
improvement finance specialist Consumer Credit Solutions (CCS) has been
quick to step in to help glazing and conservatory specialists bounce back
from the withdrawal of Black Horse Retail Finance from the market.
Double glazing firms were hit particularly hard when Black Horse announced
in December that it would be terminating many trading relationships with
home improvement businesses in January. CCS, already established in the
industry, was suitably placed to offer a reputable and competitive alternative
to Black Horse.
CCS acts as an independent finance provider and has already started working
with a number of Black Horse's former clients. The company has used its
£150million buying power and impartiality to offer finance products
from a select group of blue-chip lenders.
The
CCS Business Development Team is talking to window and conservatory companies
looking to offer their customers competitive credit. (l-r: Paul Campbell,
Adam Turvey, Sinclair Bhagat, Mike Whelan)
Credit
offerings include interest-free, buy now pay later and low-repayment terms,
including CCS's newly-developed and unique Bankbuster, which at 4.9% is
currently the UK's lowest unsecured loan rate.
One new partner is Europlas, a conservatory and double glazing specialist.
Finance Manager for Europlas, Jez Simpson, said: ‘It is crucial to
our business that we can be a 'one-stop-shop' for people to realise their
aspirations for their homes - we need to provide the designs, the products
and the finance options to make everything happen. So when we heard about
Black Horse pulling out of the market we had to find another provider
of consumer credit fast. With a strong reputation to protect and over
30 years at the forefront of the market, we didn't want just anyone. We
needed a finance partner that was totally reliable and would give our
customers a good deal.’
Lancashire Double Glazing is another former Black Horse client now working
with CCS. Albert Orr, Sales Manager of the Preston-based PVCu windows,
doors and conservatories firm was keen to make sure the company’s
customers weren't affected by Black Horse's withdrawal: ‘We were
delighted when CCS stepped in. As a home improvement specialist, the company
was already working with a number of double glazing firms and so it already
understood the industry. Despite that, CCS still spent a lot of time making
sure that we got exactly what we needed. The company set up the arrangements
quickly so we had no interruption of our service to customers,’ he
said.
Andy Wallace, CCS Managing Partner said: ‘Some companies really felt
left in the lurch by Black Horse's exit and it has been a difficult couple
of months for the home improvement industry. We're delighted that so many
have turned to CCS to help keep them on track and we're pleased with how
smooth the transitions have been and how happy our new customers seem
to be. We are looking forward to building strong new relationships and
continuing to offer all our clients great service and excellent finance
options for their customers.’
Web: http://www.hitachicapital.co.uk
Watsons
Glass Raises the Bar for Value Added Glass
Watsons
Glass is a UK manufacturer of bullet resistant, blast resistant and sound
control glass as well as glass to resist physical attack. The company's
processes include PVB laminate, toughened, heat soaking, toughened laminate,
energy efficient and solar control glasses.
Vanceva
Laminated - Colours beyond your wildest dreams.
The comprehensive range of foundation and speciality colours in both transparent
and translucent versions can produce up to 1200 nuances. This offers you
creative freedom, enabling the use of glass where it was previously inconceivable.
The laminated glass made with Vanceva® has an extensive durability
data.' Because our colours are based on pigments rather than dyes, they
are extremely stable. This is based on thousands of hours of natural exposure
to sunlight as well as to accelerated weathering conditions.'
New Product/Services
'Glass Design' Incorporating designs with Watsons PVB Interlayer, images
can be captured for life. Resistant against Uv rays and physical damage.
This product is suitable for every application including Exhibition Stands,
Partitions & Conventional applications either in-door or out-door.
'VetroColour coating' combines a priming system with a specialised colouring
technique to permanently bond the coating to the glass surface, giving
depth of colour, vibrancy and versatility. A VetroColour coating applied
to tempered glass provides the strength and durability to suit almost
any architectural application. Custom coloured glass can now be used in
ways never before possible.
The VetroColour system allows glass to be decorated quickly and effectively.
Unlimited colours and effects can be mixed and sprayed without the need
for large batch runs or unnecessary wastage of materials. VetroColour
offers the user an ability to match any specified colour, using its own
specialised formulation system.
The coating can be applied to tempered, annealed, bent, slumped, laminated,
textured and patterned glass. VetroColours unique colour coating system
guarantees a permanent bond between the coating and the glass surface
giving superior durability and outstanding performance with excellent
adhesion and resistance to chemicals and heat.
Other processes include CNC polishing, sandblasting, UV bonding, bevelling
& waterjet cutting, plus our new fitting service (nationwide). Watsons
new brochure gives a detailed insight into the full range of available
products or from the website at http://www.watsons-glass.co.uk.
Tel: 01902 453444
Download a PDF of the brochure here
Open
House for Aluminium Fabricators
Hardware
distributor, Wagner, welcomed customers to its Architectural Aluminium
Division's new premises at Forge Mills Park, Coleshill, from 5th - 7th
March during its Open House week.
Being
only a five minute drive from Birmingham's NEC, many industry notables
combined a visit to Wagner with their annual pilgrimage to Glassex.
Light refreshments were on offer, as was a mini exhibition where a selection
of Wagner's existing, new and imminently available products were on show.
Although aimed primarily at aluminium fabricators, these also included
crossover products including Duco ventilators and louvres, and Spilka
reversible hardware for timber windows.
Three of Wagner's main suppliers erected displays showcasing various products.
Siegenia-Aubi highlighted its new Axxent concealed hinge tilt and turn
system for eurogrooved aluminium profiles, E-Look corrosion resistant
BS7950 TBT hardware and the new Trident security - egress - safety system
for casements.
Maco displayed the company’s RAIL window locking system and Mach
3 one - piece telescopic shootbolt, which will be available later this
year.
Roto took the opportunity to show its ever-popular TSL casement locking
system. Like Siegenia, Roto has recognised the move towards incorporating
eurogrooves in aluminium tilt and turn suites and displayed its solution,
the Alu Royal system.
Further details on Wagner's Architectural Aluminium Division and its products
can be obtained by calling 01675 466411.
Masterframe's
Sashes Shipped to Switzerland
Masterframe's
Bygone range of vertical sliders have been installed in a new build colonial-style
home... in Switzerland! Swiss homeowners Michèle and Jean Claude
Decorges designed and built their dream home in Préverenges, between
Morges and Lausanne on Lake Geneva but couldn't find sliding sashes in
Switzerland - so shipped 18 Masterframe vertical sliders from the UK to
complete the €1,250,000 mansion.
After
looking at several sliding sash manufacturers on the Internet, Michèle
found what she was looking for at www.masterframe.co.uk ‘We wanted
low-maintenance, long lasting windows as we live beside a lake,’
she explains, ‘and the price of most timber sliding sashes was exorbitant.
I contacted several companies in the UK but the quickest reply was from
Masterframe. Communication was easy by email and phone and all of our
questions were answered. We decide to fly to the UK in January to see
the windows and were picked up from the train station and shown around
the whole factory in Witham. Everyone was friendly and helpful and Masterframe's
Sales and Processing Manager, Sonia Smith, took time to explain everything.’
‘Once we found Masterframe (that was the easy part), we needed to
find a local company to install the windows. Sliding sashes aren't used
in Switzerland and the window manufacturers we contacted didn't want to
get involved. A customer recommended Zurbuchen, which manufactures PVC-U
windows and doors here. After checking out Masterframe's website the company
decided to install the windows for us - and is now offering to do the
same for other clients!’
Michèle continues: ‘The high quality of Masterframe's windows
was a big selling point. I am particularly impressed by the astragal Georgian
bars. We've ordered extra ones so that the Swiss company that manufacturers
the doors can use the same ones.’
Tel: 01376 510410
Web: http://www.masterframe.co.uk
Good
Installers Gain a New Route to TrustMark
TrustMark
has approved two new scheme operators, the Confederation of Roofing Contractors
and the British Board of Agrément. There are now 20 approved scheme
operators, with another 15 under consideration.
The Confederation of Roofing Contractors (CRC) was formed in 1985 to protect
the general public against dishonest roofing contractors. Since then the
Confederation has expanded its membership to become an elite organisation
specialising in the provision of roofing services to all market sectors.
Allan Buchan, Director of the CRC says: 'We are delighted to have achieved
scheme operator status for TrustMark. Our objective is to ensure that
the public recognise CRC members as meeting the highest standards within
the roofing industry. We strongly believe that TrustMark is another positive
step that sets apart qualified, reputable tradesmen.'
The British Board of Agrément (BBA) is the UK's major approval
body for new building products and their installation. Its Agrément
Certificates are recognised by specifiers and other industry decision-makers
as proof that the products covered by them have been rigorously assessed
and will allow compliance with Building Regulations to be achieved.
Martyn Reed, Operations Director of the BBA says: 'The BBA is pleased
to announce that it has been approved to become a TrustMark scheme operator.
This will enable installers who are members of schemes run by building
product manufacturers and who meet the BBA‚s stringent requirements
to also gain TrustMark accreditation. It‚s a powerful sign that they
are committed to fair-trading practice.'
Tel: 01344 630880
Pearl
Windows Invests in Evolution Software
Bolton-based
Pearl Windows has invested in a new suite of Evolution software from Business
Micros.
Pearl, one of the UK's leading trade fabricators in the Duraflex PVC-U
system producing around 1400 frames per week, has purchased the Evolution
manufacturing and costing software and the additional EvoNet order tracking
software complete with bar code scanning.
Pearl had previously used Business Micros WinStar software but upgraded
to Evolution to enable it to improve its efficiency and increase its output.
The software has been installed alongside two new Rapid cutting centres
and together they have already delivered year on year labour savings of
41/2%. Jeff Walsh, the Managing Director, of Pearl Windows says: ‘We
had an efficient, customer focused set up before this new investment but
now I believe we are among the most efficient fabricators in the region.
‘With the introduction of Evolution, we have been able to achieve
output per man levels of 38 frames per week which far exceeds the industry
average of 25. With our current performance, we expect to see payback
on our investment in just 24-36 months.’
The Evolution software is managing every aspect of Pearl's production
from order processing right through manufacture to despatch. Alongside
this, the EvoNet bar code scanning and tracking system tracks every piece
of profile as it progresses through the factory and gives authorised users
instant access to the status of every order.
Business Micros' team of installation engineers installed and commissioned
the software at Pearl and has been working closely with the company to
train its workforce and ensure that the software is also maximising the
capability of the new cutting centres.
Tel: 01925 422957
Email: sales@businessmicros.co.uk
Supertrucks
Racks for Hepworth Framework
Supertrucks
Ltd has just delivered its first glass carrying racks fitted to new VW
Crafter panel vans. These racks have been supplied to long-time Supertrucks
customer, Hepworth Framework Ltd. This Huddersfield-based company is one
of the UK's leading specialist fabricators and installers of aluminium
frames and glazing for commercial buildings.
Richard
Steckles, Hepworth Framework Ltd's managing director, comments, ‘We
like to buy the best for our business and over 20 years' experience with
Supertrucks' glass carrying racks has shown that these are the best available.
They are built to suit our specific requirements and combine light weight
with high strength for a trouble-free operating life.’
To fit the long wheelbase, high roof 3.5 tonne gvw VW Crafter vans Supertrucks
- as part of its continuous new product development programme - has developed
a new, ‘no-drilling-fix’, full height, full length light alloy
rack for the body side and a full length, full width roof rack for this
van. As ordered by the customer, the side rack specification includes
a fold-away carrying ledge and a rear roller is fitted to the roof rack
to assist ladder loading.
Hepworth Framework also specified that both side racks and roof racks
were anodised to maintain a factory-fresh appearance. In addition Supertrucks
provided a same-day fitting service for both of Hepworth Framework's VW
Crafter vans at its St Helens works.
Hepworth Framework, a Council for Aluminium in Building member, works
closely with architects and builders of offices, public buildings and
factories, to custom design and fabricate aluminium frames and glazing.
Its two Supertrucks-equipped VW vans, which will have a three year service
life, are used by its two/three man installation teams to deliver and
install product on sites within a 100 mile radius of Huddersfield.
Supertrucks has a range of glass carrying racks and associated equipment
specifically engineered for all popular makes of panel vans. Its latest
light weight glass racks incorporate many unique features, such as:-
- inclinometer, to give an immediate indication of the angle of the rack
and thus whether it is safe to load/unload the vehicle
- new rubber base blocks, incorporating side reflectors, to provide better
in-transit load protection and improve vehicle visibility/safety
- reflective white safety markers, to effectively define the rack edges
front and rear in poor visibility
- pole rest, to provide convenient, safe storage for securing poles during
load handling
- test certificate, issued with every rack to show maximum safe working
load.
Peter Wright, Supertrucks chairman, explains, ‘We have invested heavily
in design and production facilities to ensure our light-weight glass carrying
racks are the best available - a fact that we are delighted that our long-standing
customers, such as Hepworth Framework, recognise and appreciate.’
Tel: 01744 25348
Web: http://www.supertrucks-uk.com
New
S and SE Packs Mean Extra Value for '07 Plate Van Buyers
The
new registration plate marks the launch of two new options packs for Transporter
buyers, offering them extra equipment as well as extra value.
With the introduction of the S and SE packs, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
is combining a number of popular options into two value-for-money packages.
Available
on Transporter panel vans, the S pack adds an alarm which alone would
cost £115 (RRP excl VAT); full height bulkhead (£135); and
an electric pack (£295) which comprises electric windows, heated
and electrically adjustable wing mirrors and internal central locking
control. To specify these options would cost £545, however the S
pack is priced at just £460, giving customers a saving of over 15
per cent or £85.
The SE pack includes all the items in the S pack, and adds manual air
conditioning (£600) and a driver's comfort seat with armrest (£50)
on top. The SE pack costs £1,000, offering a saving of over 16 per
cent or £195.
Both packs are available in combination with any colour, wheelbase, gross
vehicle weight, roof height or engine.
Not only do the S and SE packs offer customers extra equipment and value
at purchase, they also provide advantages at resale, with CAP Monitor
predicting they will add a premium to the secondhand van of £150
for the S and £500 for the SE after three years.
Prices for the standard Transporter panel van start at £13,465 for
the T26 short wheelbase powered by a 1.9-litre 84 PS TDI PD engine.
A Transporter with the new SE options pack will be showcased at the Commercial
Vehicle Show 2007 from 24 to 26 April at the NEC in Birmingham.
For further information or to find your nearest dedicated Volkswagen Van
Centre, call 0800 717131 or visit http://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk.
Linde Group Emerges from its Reorganisation Stronger
The
technology group The Linde Group has completed its extensive reorganisation
and has continued to implement its strategy of earnings-based growth in
the 2006 financial year.
'In
the course of the year, we have created two new competitive and focused
companies out of the old diversified Linde - The Linde Group and the KION
Group' said Professor Dr Wolfgang Reitzle, Chief Executive Officer of
Linde AG, at the press conference on the annual results. 'At the same
time, we have succeeded in meeting our business objectives in full. Together
with BOC, we will be significantly stronger as we approach the tasks which
lie ahead, and in 2007 we again expect to achieve an increase in sales
and earnings, based on a full financial year with the new Group portfolio.
We have set ourselves a medium-term target of achieving Group operating
profit of more than 3 billion euro in the 2010 financial year.'
In the 2006 financial year, Linde saw 30.8 percent growth in Group sales
to 12.439 billion euro (2005: 9.511 billion euro). On a comparable basis,
i.e. excluding BOC consolidated for the first time, sales increased by
10.6 percent to 10.516 billion euro. The share of Group sales attributable
to the KION Group, the former Material Handling business segment, was
4.020 billion euro (2005: 3.628 billion euro). This represents an increase
in sales of 10.8 percent.
The results of operations have been significantly affected by two non-recurring
items: the profit on disposal of the KION Group of 1.929 billion euro
and exceptional charges arising from the various acquisition and divestment
processes.
Against this background, Group operating profit (EBITDA) of 3.830 billion
euro was more than twice the prior year figure (2005: 1.705 billion euro).
After adjusting for non-recurring items, Linde achieved a 30 percent increase
in EBITDA to 2.216 billion euro. 340 million euro of this figure relates
to BOC. On a comparable basis, excluding non-recurring items and the proportion
of earnings contributed by BOC, EBITDA rose 10 percent to 1.876 billion
euro. The KION Group contributed 611 million euro (2005: 573 million euro)
to Group earnings, which was a 6.6 percent increase over the previous
year.
The figure for earnings before taxes on income (EBT) of 2.527 billion
euro was more than three times the figure for 2005 of 808 million euro,
while net income after minority interests showed a corresponding rise
from 523 million euro to 1.858 billion euro. Earnings per share improved
from 4.30 euro to 13.30 euro. After adjusting for the amortisation of
fair value adjustments identified in the course of the purchase price
allocation (arising from the acquisition of BOC) and for other non-recurring
items, earnings per share stood at 4.66 euro.
The Executive Board and Supervisory Board of Linde AG recommend the proposal
of a resolution at the Shareholders' Meeting on 5th June 2007 to increase
the dividend from 1.40 euro to 1.50 euro per share.
All the divisions contributed to the good business performance of the
Group in 2006.
Gases Division
Following the acquisition of BOC, Linde combined the gases activities
of the former BOC Group and the Linde Gas division and grouped them together
in the new Gases Division. During the financial year, the Gases Division
achieved sales growth of 39.3 percent to 6.195 billion euro (2005: 4.448
billion euro). After adjusting for BOC, the increase in sales was 8.2
percent. On the income side, our gases business also improved considerably.
EBITDA rose 39.5 percent to 1.540 billion euro (2005: 1.104 billion euro).
Excluding BOC, EBITDA was 11 percent above the prior year figure. All
the product areas and geographical regions contributed to this positive
business performance.
In Europe, sales in the 2006 financial year rose 21.1 percent to 3.667
billion euro (2005: 3.028 billion euro). After adjusting for the consolidation
of BOC for the first time, the increase in sales was 9.3 percent.
Sales in North America rose 53.3 percent in comparison with the previous
year to 1.372 billion euro (2005: 895 million euro). Excluding BOC, the
increase was 3 percent. Sales in South America rose 21.7 percent in the
2006 financial year to 420 million euro (2005: 345 million euro).
In the Asia/Pacific growth region, the Gases Division more than trebled
its sales from 178 million euro in 2005 to 573 million euro in 2006. After
adjusting for BOC, the increase in sales in this region was 8 percent.
In Africa, The Linde Group is represented principally by the former BOC
group company African Oxygen Limited (Afrox). Sales rose here from 2 million
euro to 163 million euro.
The Gases Division also saw positive business trends in the individual
product areas. The on-site business achieved growth of 46.1 percent to
1.490 billion euro (2005: 1.020 billion euro). Excluding BOC, the growth
in sales was 13.8 percent. Sales in the bulk business increased by 47.2
percent to 1.788 billion euro (2005: 1.215 billion euro), while the figure
excluding BOC was 9.3 percent. Sales in the cylinder business rose 36.7
percent from 1.644 billion euro in 2005 to 2.247 billion euro in 2006,
or 6.1 percent excluding BOC. The Healthcare business achieved sales growth
of 19.3 percent to 848 million euro (2005: 711 million euro). After adjusting
for BOC being consolidated for the first time, the increase in sales in
the Healthcare business was 6.9 percent.
Gases Division - Outlook
In the next few years, Linde is anticipating market growth in the global
gases industry of around 7 percent per annum. In the medium term, the
Gases Division will seek to grow at a faster rate than the market and
to achieve a disproportionate increase in earnings. Here, the synergies
arising from the BOC acquisition should start to have a positive impact.
Engineering Division
In the engineering business, The Linde Group continued in 2006 on the
profitable growth course set in the record year of 2005, increasing sales
by 14.8 percent to 1.863 billion euro (2005: 1.623 billion euro). After
adjusting for BOC, sales growth was 12.3 percent. The division achieved
a disproportionate increase in EBITDA of 30.8 percent, which rose from
117 million in 2005 to 153 million euro in 2006.
The Engineering Division once again exceeded the exceptionally high level
of incoming orders and orders on hand achieved in 2005. Boosted by high
demand in all the main product areas (natural gas, ethylene, hydrogen
and air separation plants), incoming orders rose from 2.913 billion euro
to 2.992 billion euro. The division achieved a new record level of orders
on hand at 4.518 billion euro (2005: 3.305 billion euro).
Engineering Division - Outlook
International plant construction is also continuing to show signs of growth.
Linde expects an increase in demand in the major product areas of 6 to
8 percent.
Against this background, and given the high level of orders on hand and
the expected processing of orders, Linde anticipates a significant increase
in sales and earnings in the Engineering Division over the next few years.
The Linde Group is a world-leading industrial gases and engineering company
with more than 51,000 employees working in around 70 countries worldwide.
Following the acquisition of The BOC Group plc, the company achieves annual
gases and engineering sales of around 12 billion euro. The strategy of
The Linde Group is geared towards earnings-based growth and focuses on
the expansion of its international business with forward-looking products
and services.
For more information, please see The Linde Group online at http://www.linde.com