Sign
Up to Trustmark to Win Business
A
new scheme to protect consumers from cowboy builders is open for business
and ready to take its first applications Construction Minister Alun Michael
announced on 15th June. 'TrustMark is about being able to trust builders
as professionals who will deliver' said Mr Michael.
Botched home improvement work costs consumers £1.5 billion annually.
Over 111,000 complaints about cowboy builders were registered with trading
standards officers last year. Complaints are growing and substantially
outstrip those about the next highest category, second hand car dealers.
The
scheme will 'go live' in the autumn when consumers will be able to use
TrustMark to help them source a reputable firm for a wide range of work.
Speaking to senior building trade representatives Alun Michael urged them
to sign up and support the scheme. He said:
'There is strong public demand for this type of scheme and I am pleased
that your Industry has recognised the need for action and the need to
protect their customers from cowboy traders. I hope this enthusiasm and
commitment will be reflected across the industry.
'Only enthusiastic and consistent construction Industry involvement and
support will make TrustMark a success and help to drive up standards.
I'm glad Government has supported and facilitated this scheme but now
it's over to you.
'I urge everyone in the construction industry to sign up to become approved
scheme operators and help make TrustMark a valued and respected scheme.'
In future, consumers using a firm registered with TrustMark will know
that the firm they have chosen has:
* signed up to an industry code of practice and rigorous complaints handling
process;
* allowed the quality of work and trading practices of the business to
be regularly checked; and
* agreed to make clients aware of any building control notifications required
to cover the work involved (or is provided with a certificate of compliance
where the firm has Competent Persons self-certification rights);
The Government has committed £2 million to set up and support TrustMark
while it establishes itself. The scheme is expected to become self-financing
within two years through the registration fees of members.
Around 25 trade organisations have already expressed an interest in becoming
approved scheme operators that could deliver up to 14,000 TrustMark registered
firms.
TrustMark is based on the existing set of core standards for the construction
industry and includes the improvements in quality that trade bodies have
made in recent years to raise standards and offer better, more responsive
customer care.
Industry trade associations, certification bodies, Competent Persons schemes
and commercial organisations can apply to become approved scheme operators
for TrustMark with a licence to award the TrustMark to their registered
firms, such as general builders and specialist trades.
Dan Bernard, chair of TrustMark said:
'I am delighted to have been able to work with so many in the industry
to make TrustMark a reality. Having learned the lessons from previous
efforts in this area, I am confident that TrustMark will be a success
and make a real difference for consumers and for the industry.'
Graham Bowler of AJA Registrars, one of the first organisations to apply
to become an approved scheme operator for TrustMark, said:
'From our experience, Government supported schemes such as TrustMark help
to generate consumer confidence within an industry.'
Ian Davis, Director General of the Federation of Master Builders said:
'TrustMark is a major achievement. It will bring confidence for consumers
and more work for good builders.'
Pete Tynan from Which? said:
'It's very difficult for a consumer to choose a reputable tradesperson.
We have to rely on word-of-mouth recommendations or take a gamble. TrustMark
should help people identify firms that meet standards of workmanship and
have signed up to systems that protect consumers if there are problems.
Consumers should have confidence that they're choosing the right person
to do the work.'
The key requirements of the new scheme can be found on the TrustMark website:
http://www.trustmark.org.uk
Conservatory
Factory and Swift Frames Swap Customers in Strategic Alliance
The
Conservatory Factory Ltd and Swift Frame Ltd have recently formed a strategic
alliance to increase the business and further improve the service of both
companies.
The Conservatory Factory supplies Synseal Extrusions Ltd’s Global
roof system directly to Swift’s window customers. Richard Iles, Sales
Director of Swift Frame, an independent systems and fabrication company,
explains the benefits of the relationship with the Conservatory Factory:
‘We wanted to tie up with a roof fabricator so our customers could
offer a complete package. With The Conservatory Factory our customers
get all the technical expertise they need. Installers like the Global
range because it’s fitter friendly. If necessary, The Conservatory
Factory can take ultimate responsibility for the project. They tell us
the design of the roof and the spacings and we make the doors and windows
to suit the roof. For complicated conservatories, The Conservatory Factory
will even come to site to survey. It was important to us to find a company
who can offer the same high level of service as our customers are used
to.’
Bob Lilley, owner of the Conservatory Factory adds: ‘Since moving to Global we have doubled the number of roofs we make to in excess of 50 a week. The biggest advantage of dealing with Synseal is that the company really listens. We did our homework before joining the Synseal Global network and the company hasn’t let us down. We are a service orientated company and, like Synseal, we’re good at what we do. We recently joined forces with Swift Frames – they recommend us for conservatory roofs and we recommend them for windows. We deal directly with their customers and, although it’s early days, the strategic alliance has brought in new business for both companies. We expect sales to go through the roof next year – no pun intended!’
Fort
Dunlop is Landmark Project Boost for Solaglas
After
five years of planning and capital funding, Fort Dunlop, the old Birmingham
tyre warehouse is getting its long awaited makeover.
The famous landmark will be transformed into mixed development of contemporary
offices, shops, bars and hotel accommodation. The ambitious project is
the latest development to be undertaken by Urban Splash working with regeneration
consortium Advantage West Midlands as part of a plan to revitalise the
West Midlands.
Architects Shedkm has designed a scheme which combines the original character
of Fort Dunlop with bold contemporary additions. The final development
will consist of 300,000 sq. ft of office space, 45,000 sq ft of retail
and leisure space, a 100-bedroom hotel, secure car parking for 1,500 and
a roof garden designed by renowned landscape architects, Martha Schwartz
Inc.
Solaglas Structural Contracting was awarded the prestigious project to
glaze Fort Dunlop from Urban Splash in May 2005. The company’s remit
will be to provide over 6,000m2 of structural glazing which will be manufactured
by the company's two German plants in Dresden and Cologne. Once on site,
the 60mm double glazed units up to 4.5m x 1.5m in size, will be craned
into position, butt jointed and silicone sealed. Solaglas is using two
types of double glazed units, laminated safety glass SGG STADIP and SGG
STADIP SECURIT a toughened, laminated safety glass, both types will be
coated with low E SGG PLANITHERM. To the new southeast elevation of the
structure, the glazing will be installed in large open apertures while
in the original part of the structure, it will be set back behind the
original window space to form a service walkway.
Jeff Upton Commercial Manager for Solaglas Structural says ‘We are
delighted to be working with Urban Splash on this important landmark project.
Although usual site access limitations won't apply in this case, craning
individual units weighing upto 750Kg to a height of 30m will be quite
a challenge!’
Glazing will commence in late June and the building is due for completion
by the end of 2006.
BPF
and PlasticsEurope Meet to Discuss the Forthcoming UK Presidency
Peter
Davis (BPF), Jan te Bos and Klaus Vorspohl (PlasticsEurope) met in London
with a delegation of the Department of Trade and Industry to discuss the
priorities of the upcoming UK Presidency of the EU especially in the field
of sustainable use of resources and the planned revision of the Waste
Framework Directive.
This meeting offered an opportunity to put forward the views of the plastics
industry on issues like the flexibility of the European Waste Hierarchy,
optimisation of recovery routes, recycling waste-to-energy and the overall
qualities of plastics as a valuable resource. A paper was presented giving
the BPF and PlasticsEurope’s position on the different elements of
the revision of the Waste Framework Directive. The UK representatives
indicated that a lot of the priorities put forward by the plastics industry
coincided with the priorities of the Presidency in fields like climate
change and better regulation.
The officials found the presentation ‘extremely informative and useful’
and invited the BPF and PlasticsEurope to keep in regular contact on these
issues and provide detailed information. The BPF and PlasticsEurope
were also asked to use their pan-European plastics network to spread the
message across Europe in order to stimulate the debate in the Council
of Ministers.
Peter Davis, Director General of the BPF said, 'This was the second major
meeting we have organised between our Government officials dealing with
the forthcoming British Presidency and ourselves on plastics related issues.
'The first was on 11th March when the BPF and EuPC made proposals in a
presentation to officials on REACH and Regulatory Reform.'
Web: http://www.bpf.co.uk
Blood
Sweat & Gears
The GM Fundraising John O’ Groats to Lands End charity cycle ride
finished as it started, in glorious sunshine on Saturday 18 June at 4pm.
After thirteen days, 975 miles and too many sores to count after a cumulative
65 hours in the saddle, the System zendow sponsored event came to a natural
conclusion when the team ran out of road at Lands End. An emotional reunion
with family and friends was followed by a celebration dinner in St. Ives
where all the riders and support team received commemorative glass trophies
from GM Fundraising founder, Gary Morton.
Individual
prizes were also awarded. A signed Yellow jersey for 'Rider of the Tour'
Award went to Wendland’s Iain McInnes with Gary Morton collecting
the XXL Pink jersey 'Booby Prize' for most embarrassing moment. Amongst
other things he fell into a ditch after leading the pelaton up a closed
road into a trench of wet concrete (You could not make it up!). Team Manager,
Allen McDougall, formerly of JAG Glazing, received the latest Lance Armstrong
kit from the riders for supporting the team during training and throughout
every mile of the ride. Proposing the vote of thanks on behalf of the
cyclists, Shepley’s Gary Torr crystallized the whole event with his
reflections on the ride and the team’s visit to Hope House Hospice
in Oswestry.
Support from Deceuninck-Status means that every penny of sponsorship will
go to the children at Hope House. The GM Fundraising team are appealing
for final pledges from the glass and glazing industry in a bid to reach
a sponsorship total of £40,000. Readers of the Glazine can pledge
funds by email at gary@garymorton.co.uk
or visit the Hope House website at www.hopehouse.org.uk.
In recognition of the tremendous achievement of cycling the length of
Britain the participating riders were- Alan & Phil Rothwell (Patterson
& Rothwell), Jim Bergson (Bergson & Eaton), Gary Torr (Shepley),
Alan Sadler (Fabstore), Graeme Bailey, Adrian Girling, Keith Aspinall
(All of Business Micros), Iain McInnes (Wendland) and Gary Morton of GM
Fundraising.
A full report of the whole event will appear in next week's Glazine.
Crowning
Moment As Darby Scoops Glass Co Of Year Award
Darby Glass winning top industry honour of Glass Company of the Year at
the G 05 Awards crowns a remarkable period of growth and success for the
company. However, the company firmly believes that this is just the beginning
of the next phase in its development. It is consistently taking major
strides forward with its dynamic new management team and substantial investment
in new products and technology.
Chris
Roberts, Sales and Marketing Director, says, 'This is a fantastic endorsement
of the new direction of the company and excellent recognition of everyone’s
efforts over the last year. At the same time, it presents our customers
with a great opportunity to promote to end users that they are using the
Glass Company of the Year – it’s a great selling point.'
Darby’s new management team, which is looking at 50% growth over
the next three years, is part of a major restructuring programme backed
by over £1 million in new equipment, plus an ambitious product development
strategy, and a sales and marketing drive with the focus on customer service.
'The judges clearly liked what they have seen at Darby Glass,' says Chris.
'The speed of the success resulting from our restructuring and investment
programme has been spectacular. Already one of the UK’s leading independent
IGU manufacturers and specialist glass processors and tougheners with
a turnover of around £20 million, we secured 25 new customers during
the last quarter of 2004, representing an annualised increase in sales
of over £3 million.
'New products, new equipment and, of course, the experience and enthusiasm
of our new management team have all contributed to this success,' adds
Chris. 'Darby is planning to boost its presence further through aggressive
sales and marketing, and we will be using our G 05 Award to the full.'
Chris says the accolade is a reward for the dedication and hard work of
all Darby’s employees across the six UK sites as the company forges
ahead in the next phase of its development.
Major
Recognition For Ritec
Ritec has scooped the major honour of being named the Specialist of the
Year in the G 05 Awards. The judges at the leading glass industry awards
recognised the pioneering work of Ritec, which first introduced glass
surface protection to the flat glass industry and created the market for
Low-M (Low Maintenance) Glass® over 20 years ago.
Winning
this prestigious accolade is a huge personal achievement for Ritec’s
Managing Director Stephen Byers, the man behind the company’s ClearShield
concept, as well as marking the contribution of the whole Ritec team.
Stephen Byers says, 'The award is a recognition of the proven benefits
of ClearShield and its contribution to the longevity and reduced lifecycle
costs of a building itself, as well as the wellbeing of its occupants.
It will no doubt also give a boost to companies who apply the ClearShield
technology on behalf of their customers. The esteem created by the awards
will create a wave right down the line to the end user.'
Stephen continues, 'The diverse range of Ritec ClearShield customers is
growing all the time. Projects range from Thameslink stations to giant
P&O cruise ships. It is used on intricately decorated glass as found
in hotels and restaurants as well as in many commercial applications such
as offices, schools and even churches. And there are major international
projects such as the new Bangkok International Airport.'
As architects and interior designers specify more and more glass in all
sorts of buildings, they are increasingly becoming aware that their responsibilities
do not stop at the specification stage, and Ritec’s surface protection
technology can help by keeping the glass pristine for longer.
Stephen says, 'It is realised that for safety and comfort, as well as
aesthetic reasons, unmarked and clean glass is not just desirable but
necessary and – most of all – achievable.'
Three
Daves Fish the Prizes in Total's Contest
Seems
like you couldn't put a rod wrong in the Total Glass Fishing Competition
if your name was Dave. Organisers were left reeling by the coincidence,
for all three winners in the fabricator's third popular annual angling
contest shared the same first name.
Total Glass arranged packed lunches and coach transport from the company's
Liverpool factory to Cheshire for the 57 customers, suppliers and employees
who enjoyed bright June sunshine on the bankside at Hampton Springs, Whitchurch.
First prizewinner Dave Hiehan, of Amazing Glazing in Widnes (pictured
with Roy Carey of Total Glass), netted a flat screen TV and DVD combination
with his 28lb 5oz catch of the day. In second place, guest angler Dave
Molloy won a Sony hi-fi stereo for his 24lb haul, while Dave Halewood
of Merseyside-based Profile Windows came a close third with 23lb 1oz and
wound up with a DVD player. All three were presented with their trophies
by Roy Carey, a Total Glass driver and keen fisherman who helped to organise
the competition with Total's Operations Director, Paul Ierston.
'We couldn't believe it when we discovered they were all called Dave.
It was definitely a lucky day for the Daves, or was something fishy going
on perhaps? Whatever it was, someone up there must have been smiling on
them!' said a stunned Paul.
After six hours fishing in perfect conditions, the party retired to a
nearby watering hole, some to celebrate (no prizes for guessing who!)
and others to drown their sorrows.
For further information on Total Glass, contact Frank Deary on 0151 549
2339 or visit the website at http://www.totalglass.com.
Pilkington
Activ™ Included in Unique ‘Test’ House for Ground-Breaking
Research Project
In
one of the most appropriate uses of the revolutionary product yet, Pilkington
Activ™ self-cleaning glass has been included in the construction
of a unique ‘test’ home designed to highlight how house design
can affect the dynamics of family life. The five bedroom house, which
was recently completed in Sheffield, was designed by David Wilson Homes
as part of a ground-breaking research collaboration between the company
and the Universities of Nottingham and Leicester, known as Project: LIFE.
Initiated by renowned house builder David Wilson Homes, the aim of Project:
LIFE is to understand how home design affects the way people live together
and to enable future houses to incorporate elements needed for today’s
lifestyles. From June 2005, a test family – comprising parents Nick
and Sue Parnell and their daughters Lucy, 16, and Hazel, 13 – will
occupy the house for a six month period and will be monitored using radio
frequency identification (RFID) tagging technology. This will identify
how the family uses the home on a day-to-day basis and will provide valuable
insights into the needs of the modern family home.
For three two-week periods, spaced throughout the six month project, each
member of the family will wear a wristband tag which sends signals to
sensors in every room, with data collected by a computer on-site for analysis.
The family will also be interviewed regularly to gauge lived experiences.
The research findings, which will be
assessed by experts at the University of Nottingham’s School of the
Built Environment and the University of Leicester Management Centre, will
then be published in early 2006.
Pilkington
Activ™ self cleaning glass is part of the construction of a unique
‘test’ home in Sheffield designed by David Wilson Homes as part
of a ground-breaking research collaboration between the company and the
Universities of Nottingham and Leicester, known as Project:LIFE.
The 3,500 square foot test house is unusually built over four floors,
incorporating a basement for efficient use of space. The location of the
house, on the edge of a bluff overlooking the Peak District, allowed a
split-level design. Pilkington Activ™ self-cleaning glass was considered
ideally compatible with the design of the house, which includes a highly
glazed rear elevation with a balcony to make the most of the stunning
local views. The combination of an exceptionally high ceiling and a wall
of glass also provide a stunning backdrop for the lounge. This distinctive
use of extensive glazing linked with balconies brings the garden and living
space closer together and makes maximum use of natural daylight, thought
to be a vital factor for modern house buyers. The house is also being
assessed for environmental performance and energy consumption and includes
many other special features provided by other partner companies.
David Wilson Homes’ Group Development Director, James Wilson, is
grateful for the assistance he has received from Pilkington and others:
‘The support of our partners has brought this ambition to reality.
Houses haven’t changed that much over the decades since the 1920s,
yet the family structure has evolved significantly. The Project: LIFE
house will allow us to monitor how the modern family operates, what works
well and what works less well, so that we can design the best possible
solution.'
Ian Spokes, National Product Manager for Pilkington Activ™, is delighted
that the product has featured in such a landmark project:
‘It is natural that a home designed using advanced technology to
enhance the living experience should be fitted with advanced glazing technology
that literally keeps itself clean. The environmental benefits of such
a revolutionary product, not to mention its advantages as part of a more
hectic, modern lifestyle, are obvious. We are very proud to have been
involved in such a worthwhile project that is also so compatible with
our own objectives in developing the Pilkington Activ™ product.’
Web: http://www.pilkington.com
Caption: Pilkington Activ™ self cleaning glass is part of the
construction of a unique ‘test’ home in Sheffield designed by
David Wilson Homes as part of a ground-breaking research collaboration
between the company and the Universities of Nottingham and Leicester,
known as Project:LIFE.
Consistent
Top Quality for Synseal
Consistent
quality is important at any level of the supply chain. But when levels
of output are as great as they are at Synseal Extrusions Ltd, it’s
imperative. ‘That’s why we don’t just rely on the standard
and compulsory tests,’ explains Gareth Edwards, Commercial Director
of Synseal.
‘We also use a microtome test to ensure the consistency in the mix.
It’s like bread, an uneven slice with big holes and your sandwich
falls apart, but a finer consistency makes a better loaf. The microtome
test takes a very fine slice of extruded plastic and the slice is then
examined under a microscope.
Any impurities show up like craters at this level of magnification. The
better the consistency, the better it is for fabricators. Workshops and
factories are not the warmest of places and at colder temperatures impurities
or inconsistency in the mix can cause chipping or juddering when cut.
Getting it right means cutting extruded plastic should be like putting
a knife through butter. To make sure we get the best quality every time
we run a 20 minute mini extrusion test while the delivery vehicle waits.
Only when the raw materials have passed this test does it get unloaded,
that way we can guarantee the best quality.’
Tel: 01623 443 200
Quantal
and Trade Plas - Rocking all Over the World
On
a trip to the UK, the production manager of rock giants Bon Jovi and Prince
was very taken with the British idea of building a conservatory to bring
the garden into the heart of the home, and thought that it would be a
perfect addition to his house in Wisconsin. While on tour in Minneapolis,
he visited Approved Quantal Fabricator Trade Plas' American showroom,
'English Heritage', and set about planning and designing a conservatory
to complement his country home.
The Quantal roof and aluminium windows were fabricated at Trade Plas'
Nailsworth factory, and transported with all the sealed units in a container
to site in Wisconsin. Once there, even though temperatures dropped to
minus 30oC, work started immediately.
Measuring 4.9 m x 4.9 m, the conservatory is a conventional five-facet
Victorian. However, it is unusual because it has been constructed with
a basement underneath. The aesthetics of the polyester powder coated Quantal
roof complement the attractive styling of the house, and it is glazed
with self-cleaning, laminated glass. The base of the conservatory was
finished in stone cladding to match the house.
Richard Phelps, Production Manager for Trade Plas, explains: 'The main
concern with this installation was the extremes of weather it would endure.
Because the Quantal roof is all externally aluminium, it is strong enough
to withstand the harsh conditions and it complies with strict local building
regulations.
'The customer and his wife are delighted with the addition to what they
call their 'Gingerbread House'.'
Trade Plas operates a thriving business from its indoor showroom in Minneapolis.
The roof and windows for each conservatory are fabricated in its factory
at Nailsworth by local craftsmen and shipped out, along with furniture,
blinds and flooring if required, to the United States. There they are
installed by Trade Plas' own fitting teams to ensure that the highest
quality is maintained.
As part of the Quantal Fabricator Network, Trade Plas enjoys the benefits
on offer to members, including technical and marketing support.
Tel: 08700 110195
Web: http://www.quantal.co.uk
While
the industry continues to offer mixed reports, but on the whole is struggling,
Newstead is still on the up achieving £0.5 million in February.
Newstead Trade Frames reported a good end to 2004 with sales up 25% to
£6.92m.
‘And there’s no sign of things slowing down for us,’ says
Adrian Locker, Director and General Manager of Newstead. ‘We’ve
just invested over £200,000 in machinery, so we can stay ahead of
this increasing demand. Our growth is due to new customers signing up
and our existing customers continuing to grow.’
Tel: 01782 641 642
Richard
Williams has celebrated his third year with Premier Trade Frames by winning
an in house competition to name the company’s new product ranges.
Christened Castle Standard and Castle Victorian, the new ranges will help
Premier and its customers to continue growing across the Southern half
of the UK and beyond.
‘The Castle name sits well with our existing corporate image and
will help us develop a strong brand going forward’ comments Thom
Emerson, Premier’s Sales & Marketing Director.
Thom
and Richard are pictured with Premier MD, Gareth Thomas in front of Caerphilly
castle, an appropriate backdrop for the naming ceremony.
Exciting
Times Ahead for CR Windows
CR
Windows in Bristol, which has been a Eurocell customer for more than eight
years, is poised to move into large new premises which will make it easier
to meet the requirements of some of the sizeable new contracts it has
secured.
CR
Windows, a partnership between brothers Fred and Bob Wadham, has been
operating from Nags Head Hill in Bristol since it was first formed in
1973. It became a limited company five years later and now supplies windows,
doors, conservatories and fascia to the domestic and trade sectors.
The new premises, also in Bristol, has 22,000 square feet of floor space
- more than twice the size of the company's current 8.000 square-foot
base. This, along with investment in £200,000 worth of new automated
machinery, will enable CR Windows to expand its commercial and domestic
sales.
'We want to do a seven-day turnaround on the supply side,' said Fred.
'We are currently on a two-week delivery to our trade customers, and we're
looking to halve this.'
The company, which employs around 30 people plus 12 teams of installers,
has, over the years, carried out substantial refurbishment projects for
the Ministry of Defence and South Gloucestershire Council. It has now
agreed a three-year rolling contract to refurbish all the windows and
doors in South Gloucestershire Council homes.
It has also secured a contract with local building firm CH Pearce to supply
and install the windows at a large new flats complex.
For Fred and Bob, who began their working lives as a carpenter and plasterer
before moving into the window trade, it's a dream come true.
'We've been installing windows for around 35 years, and it looks like
2005 could be our best year yet,' said Fred.
C R Windows has been dealing with Eurocell for eight years. Not only does
it use Eurocell windows, but it stocks a full supply of its building trims.
Sales representative Ken Allen said the company has established itself
as the leading window fabricator in the district over the years.
'Over the past seven years, I have watched the company grow and the decision
to invest in new machinery and move premises is a brave one,' he said.
'I have been in this industry for a number of years and it takes a lot
to impress me. However, this state-of-the-art equipment the company has
taken on board is very impressive and will enable it to produce even better
quality end products.'
Tel: 01773 842395
Email: mailto:david.wigley@eurocell.co.uk
Sales
Boost for Prize Giving Glazing Company
Black
country firm Easy Fit Roofs and Conservatories has seen record sales even
though the company only opened its showroom doors three months ago.
Over the past twelve weeks the firm has taken on 50 new employees, boosting
the local job market, ran conservatory prize giveaway competitions on
local TV and also managed to persuade 'Im a celebrity' winner; Joe Pasquale
to front the company’s recently recorded commercials.
The company which supplies flat-packed DIY conservatories direct to trade
and public at cut down prices manufactures the products on site at its
impressive Oldbury road factory in Birmingham.
(L-R)
Paul Wilding Easy Fit M.D. with recent TV prize winners Ann and Barry
Johnson from Wolverhampton
Paul
Wilding, Managing Director of Easy Fit say's ‘We seem to have achieved
an awful lot in such a short time but it's certainly not due to 'Good
luck' but hard work and careful planning, especially with our marketing
methods’.
‘Conservatories are big business, we know not everyone can afford
one, so we wanted to give customers an easy alternative, something to
suit all pockets’.
‘By manufacturing the products ourselves on-site, we're able to cut
out the middleman and supply direct to the customer a product that is
delivered quickly, comes flat-packed and is very, very simple to fit’.
Say's Paul.
Regular
Maintenance of Powered Doors is Vital, says DHF
Regular
servicing of powered industrial doors and shutters on industrial sites
is vital for maintaining standards of safety and reliability.
So says the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF), which represents virtually
all of the key players in the UK industrial and commercial doors and shutters
sector.
It points out that powered doors are classed as machinery and therefore
fall within the scope of legislation which places a duty of care on all
building owners and occupiers to ensure their doors are regularly and
competently maintained.
Said Ray Nowell, DHF technical officer: 'Plant and maintenance engineers
recognise the value of regular maintenance of industrial plant to ensure
reliability and to prolong operational life. Legislation places a duty
on the employer to safeguard the health and safety of his employees and
others by ensuring machinery is maintained regularly and that the maintenance
is recorded. But many engineers still do not realise that both powered
and manual doors and shutters fall under this legislation just like any
other piece of plant and machinery in the factory.'
The DHF has been active in getting the maintenance message across to plant
and maintenance engineers. Its repair and service group of members is
devoted to promoting the benefits of regular servicing and has issued
a Code of Practice for the repair and maintenance of industrial and commercial
doors.
Legislation stipulates that a suitable written record is kept as evidence
that the maintenance system is properly implemented. Obtaining regular
maintenance and service from a DHF member company ensures factory managers
meet their obligations under the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations,
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations and Workplace (Health
and Safety and Welfare) Regulations.
Added Ray Nowell: 'Growing regulation of the workplace is putting extra
obligations on employers to meet legislation. They must ensure all equipment,
including doors and shutters, is suitable for its intended purpose, is
in good repair and is subject to a monitored programme of maintenance.'
For more information about the DHF, and to order copies of the Code of
Practice for the repair and maintenance of industrial and commercial doors,
contact the DHF secretary, 42 Heath Street, Tamworth, Staffs B79 7JH.
Phone: 01827 52337. Fax: 01827 310827. Email: mailto:info@dhfonline.org.uk.
Or visit http://www.dhfonline.org.uk.
Technal
Doubles Market Share in Ireland and Announces Plans for Further Expansion
Architectural
aluminium glazing specialist, Technal, has announced ambitious plans to
expand its operations in Ireland. The move follows the success of the
Irish office, which opened three years ago, and during which time sales
have more than doubled.
The plans include the relocation to new, larger premises at Tougher Business
Park in Naas and a number of staff appointments to enable the business
to provide sales and technical support locally.
Commenting on the expansion, General Manager, Bob Welsh, said, ‘Our
investment in an independent base for Technal in Ireland in 2002 and the
move to offering our systems direct, have resulted in us more than doubling
our market share in that short time. This is a fantastic achievement and
a real credit to the team.’
‘It is also further evidence of the success of our customer-focused
approach in both the UK and Ireland. We remain committed to achieving
shorter lead times and the highest quality standards, and providing a
reliable and efficient service to fabricators, architects and contractors.’
‘Demand for our systems is rising in every sector and we are broadening
our product range in response to the changing requirements of both specifiers
and fabricators. The move to the new offices will give us space for our
future expansion, while maintaining the highest levels of customer service.’
‘The volume of curtain walling sales is growing as a reflection of
the move towards more sheer and transparent buildings. Architects increasingly
want a greater proportion of glass to maximise natural light, and specifications
have become more technically demanding. We are undertaking more design
work at the earlier stages of a project to help specifiers achieve the
best practical solution as well as the right aesthetics.’
Technal, part of Hydro Building Systems, is a specialist in the design,
manufacture and distribution of high performance aluminium glazing solutions.
Its portfolio of glazing systems includes curtain walling, door, window
and ground floor framing systems for commercial and residential applications.
Web: http://www.technal.co.uk
Vista
Group PLC is manufacturing GRP Composite doors for Wirral Partnership
Homes as part of a five year partnering agreement that will see in excess
of 9,000 doors replaced in the borough.
Replacing
first generation doors forms a major part of the association's goal to
bring its properties, in line with the Government's 'Decent Homes' programme
and Vista has played its part in identifying Wirral Partnership Homes'
requirements and offering a problem free solution to its needs.
Working closely with its Partners, Vista has ensured that survey and manufacturing
are coordinated to successfully meet the demanding delivery requirements
of the Wirral Partnership Homes programme.
Tenants have a choice of four different colours and five door styles,
all presented in an easy to use 'Tenants Choice' leaflet designed and
provided by Vista.
Four separate estates are currently being improved, with a further five
more being added before the end of the year.
‘Everyone at Vista understands the customer's needs for a problem
free service and we have worked with Wirral Partnership Homes from the
very beginning of this project. Site visits, meetings and installation
training have all taken place as part of this requirement and the feed
back from Wirral has been very positive.’
Brian Simpson, Chief Executive of Wirral Partnership Homes, said: ‘We
looked at a number of potential suppliers and carefully considered what
each had to offer over the coming years.
‘Vista presented an excellent programme delivery service and we look
forward to establishing a close working relationship in order to deliver
a high quality service.’
For any composite door a traditional look is a must and Vista offers the
option of both GRP and PVC skins, both providing guaranteed durability
and an attractive timber appearance. Whichever option is chosen, the skins
are hard wearing adding further protection from surface damage such as
scratches.
Vista doors are Quality and Performance benchmarked by PAS 23 & 24
Certification and 'Secure by Design' Licenced.
The
Swindon branch of the successful Window Fitters Mate (WFM) operation has
moved to larger premises to allow further expansion. Set up in May 2000,
Swindon has become one of the fastest growing door and window distribution
depots in the WFM network. Over the past three years the branch has increased
its customer base to several hundred, ranging from small local builders
and independent window companies to regional housebuilders.
WFM
Swindon’s new depot is in a prime location in the town’s Cheney
Manor district, with convenient access to major road links. At 5,500 sq
ft, and approximately three times the size of its previous unit, it provides
plenty of scope for the ambitious plans of Branch Manager, Eugene Norris
and his team: ‘We’re looking to build on our success and expand
the entire operation, including adding new products such as PVC-U fascias,
soffits and cladding.’
There are also plans to employ extra staff to cover increased activity
across all areas of the branch, including sales administration, warehousing
and deliveries.
'In fact, in terms of turnover we’re now doing in a day what we used
to do in a week,'says Eugene. The present team has a wealth of experience
in the building industry. Eugene, who has established connections throughout
the trade, is ably assisted by Derek Cooke, who manages all aspects of
conservatory sales, including bespoke design and site surveys. Mark Norris
(no relation to Eugene!) is another valued member of staff and is described
as a great all-rounder, with excellent attention to detail.
The new premises also provide even more space for stockholding. 'We can
already supply most items within seven working days, even conservatories,
where we break the order down into the individual components of doors
and windows, roof and glass. That way we can source the best delivery
time on each item,' explains Eugene. Of course, in addition to a speedy
turnaround, quality products are equally important to WFM, which believes
in a high specification as standard.
For example, all PVC-U doors are supplied with high security locking mechanisms
and fully adjustable flag hinges. 'And because we’re not tied to
one manufacturer, we only work with suppliers who can provide the best
products and service, which benefits all our customers,' comments Eugene.
WFM offers a wide range of high quality door, window and conservatory
products from leading manufacturers. While PVC-U doors and windows remain
top sellers, conservatories are proving increasingly popular and have
certainly been helping to boost sales at the branch. Eugene continues:
'Conservatories allow homeowners to gain extra space without the expense
and upheaval of adding a brick-built extension. And the woodgrain foil
finishes have improved tremendously, providing a realistic timber look.'
As part of an ongoing expansion programme, WFM Swindon is looking to develop
its customer base still further. 'We don’t necessarily want to attract
bigger companies, just firms that need a reliable source of quality PVC-U
building products at a competitive price, such as local developers and
those involved in building home extensions.'
A subsidiary of Davies & Tate Plc, WFM operates a branch network in
the UK, offering a professional local service with the back-up and purchasing
power of a national operation. It provides a one-stop shop for window,
door and conservatory products and roofing systems from leading manufacturers,
together with all the necessary ancillaries to complete an installation.
Tel: 01825 769133
Web: http://www.woofem.co.uk
Volkswagen
Commercial Vehicles Fleet Sales Hotting Up
UK
Fire - the largest independent manufacturer, supplier and maintainer of
fire and security protection services in the UK - has taken delivery of
a scorching new fleet of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, comprising 19
Caddy vans and 18 Transporters.
The
black vans have all had a distinctive flame graphic applied to the front
and over the wheel arches. The eye-catching livery has proved so popular
that it will now be applied as standard to the whole UK Fire fleet.
The company's fire extinguisher service engineers will use the new Volkswagen
Transporters, as the larger van offers them the space and flexibility
to carry extinguishers and spare parts. The electrical engineers, who
install and service fire alarm systems and detection equipment, will operate
from the Caddy vans. All models on the fleet have been fitted with special
racking to carry tools and equipment.
'We were looking to standardise our entire fleet and wanted reliable,
attractive, quality vehicles that reflected our brand' said David Gunby,
Managing Director of UK Fire. 'The Volkswagen Caddy and Transporter met
these criteria and also look great with the flame graphics.'
The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles range offers fleet operators a flexible
line-up of vans with power, performance and economy. The Caddy and Transporter
vans provide a choice of TDI engines, featuring award-winning Volkswagen
'Pumpe Düse' unit injector technology, along with a host of safety
features as standard, including ABS, traction control and engine braking
control.
Formed in 1968, UK Fire operates from depots across the UK and Europe,
providing a 24-hour service for its customers.
For further information on the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles range or
to find your nearest Volkswagen Van Centre, call 0800 717131 or visit
http://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk
GAP
is ‘Top Supplier’ for the Lord Group
Quality
and quantity of materials are vital for large commercial projects for
The Lord Group, recent winner of SME Contractor of the Year in 2004. The
Lord Group is currently working with First Choice Homes, previously Oldham
Metropolitan Council on its public housing refurbishment programme.
GAP roofline stockist, supplies the Lord Group with everything it needs
on large refurbishment contracts. Simon Stott, Lord’s Contracts Manager,
explains:
‘My last order was for nearly eight miles of fascia, soffit and rainwater
for a housing estate of 120 properties. And that’s just one of six
I’m responsible for. We’ve used GAP for eight years. Most stock
comes from the Manchester Branch but we’ve used all of them for various
projects. They have given us the same consistent high standard of products
and on time deliveries from all branches. GAP delivers onsite when the
product is required so it isn’t hanging around with the risk of getting
damaged on site. GAP is one of our best, most easy to work with suppliers.'
Tel: 01254 682888
New
Logo, New Vehicles, New Livery
Spectus
Window Systems is renewing the company’s fleet of delivery vehicles.
The first five of 16 were delivered recently - complete with new livery.
Harry McClurg, Logistics Director says ‘These new vehicles are very
important to us for a number of reasons.
‘They showcase the Spectus brand name and the new logo and illustrate
clearly what we do. The new design is much more eye catching and uses
the latest ink jet technology to render the designs, which is in keeping
with our position as the most dynamic and forward thinking company in
the window industry.
‘Perhaps most importantly this £3/4m investment underlines
our commitment to the U-PVC Window and Door industry at a time when there
is so much uncertainty. The new vehicles are customised to suit the nature
of our business and our customer profile. Running and maintaining a vehicle,
and employing a driver, is a not inconsiderable expense, so it is important
we achieve maximum efficiency and value for money. For this reason the
new vehicles have been customised so they can transport more product than
an ‘off the shelf’ unit, and can carry a fork lift for loading
and unloading at the customer’s premises.’
The Spectus vehicles do much more that deliver profile as, Harry points
out, ‘for many of our customers our drivers are the most frequent
point of contact with Spectus. They are our ambassadors meeting our customers
face to face over 70,000 times per year. Together with our people at our
Central Distribution Centre, they ensure Spectus continues to provide
industry-leading service. We consistently achieve a minimum of 98% of
products delivered error free’
Harry concludes, ‘the new vehicles and the service we provide are
a clear sign of our intention to remain the UK’s leading supplier
of U-PVC window and door systems.’
Tel: 01625 666119
Celuform
Launches New Partnering and Sustainability Documents
As
evidence of commitment to the social housing sector, cellular PVC-ue specialist,
Celuform, has issued two documents that set out the company's strategy
for delivering Sustainability, Best Value, Partnering, and Environmental
Management.
'These
four philosophies are progressive business concepts that are frequently
confused because they are related,' says Andrew Wakelin, Celuform's managing
director.
'We have developed an integrated strategy that allows us to maximise the
benefits from a sound environmental management system and pass them on
to the client in the form of sustainable best practice techniques through
the partnering procurement process.'
Celuform has a long record of serving the local authority, social housing
and new build markets and is major supplier of maintenance-free cellular
plastic roofline, cladding and windowboard systems. The two publications,
'Sustainability' and 'Partnering' look at the company's business philosophies
and ongoing work on issues such as recycling, optimising resources, energy
conservation, training, on time delivery, and packaging.
The Partnering document includes details of performance measuring and
reporting by customers and features a questionnaire that covers key performance
indicators including value for money, after sales service, product satisfaction,
equality and diversity, as well as waste reduction, transport movements,
and packaging management.
'It is very important that our social housing customers understand and
can see how seriously we take sustainable partnering and our commitment
to the principles of Local Agenda 21 and the Egan Review of Skills for
the Sustainable Community,' Andrew Wakelin comments.
The Sustainability brochure also sets out evidence of how PVC-ue has become
the material of choice for many specifiers and installers, who now prefer
it to timber, which is increasingly being recogniseed as a material which
offers limited opportunities for recycling. Cellular plastic products
by contrast are highly traceable, last significantly longer, are recycleable,
cheaper and quicker to install, in addition to requiring almost no maintenance.
Timber production is also being increasingly criticised because it contributes
to the production of 'greenhouse gases'.
There are a full range of Celuform PVC-ue systems to suit all applications.
Features include plain or decorative choices, square or bull-nosed profiles,
as well as a wide selection of white finishes and colours such as Expresso
Brown, Mahogany, Golden Oak and Ebony. Widths range from 150 - 450mm.
Widely specified Celuform brands include Conquest, Elite, Multi-Purpose
Board, Duoform and Emperor.
For copies of the Sustainability and Partnering documents, call 01622
719199, fax 01622 882258 or go to http://www.celuform.co.uk
Hunter
Douglas: Progress Preparations Tender Offer
Hunter
Douglas, the specialist in window coverings and a major manufacturer of
architectural products, and Bergson, a holding company formed by Mr. R.
Sonnenberg, are making progress with the preparations for and discussions
on the proposed reverse bookbuilding tender offer (in Dutch: ‘tenderbod’)
for 10.5 million common shares of Hunter Douglas with a target price (‘richtprijs’)
of EUR 46.00 per common share in cash (cum dividend).
Bergson would make the offer if final agreement has been reached and the
applicable pre offer conditions are fulfilled. These include the issuance
of a new class of preference shares following shareholders' approval,
final agreement on documentation of the financing and the absence of a
material adverse change in the financial markets or the business and prospects
of Hunter Douglas.
From the date on which Bergson informed the Board of its intention to
make an offer, the independent members of the Board of Directors, Messrs.
J.E. Andriessen, C. Boonstra and H.F. van den Hoven have represented Hunter
Douglas in discussions with Bergson regarding the offer. Mr. R. Sonnenberg
and the other Directors have not participated and will not participate
in the deliberations and decisions of Hunter Douglas regarding the offer
and related matters. Hunter Douglas and Bergson aim at reaching final
agreement regarding the offer by mid June 2005. At that time Hunter Douglas
and Bergson expect to make further announcements.