Chubb
Audited Preliminary Results for the year ended 31st December 2002
Chubb
plc, the worldwide security services provider, has announced its audited
Preliminary Results for the year ended 31st December 2002.
2002 Highlights
* Total Group sales up 6% to £1,501.6m (1)
* Profit before tax on continuing operations of £110.1m (2001:£105.3m)
(2)
* Statutory profit before tax of £41.7m (2001:£6.5m)
* 50% improvement in cashflow from operating activities to £231.3m
* Working capital to sales ratio down to 6.7% at 31 December 2002 (2001:10.1%)
* Adjusted earnings per share 9.0p (2001:9.2p) (2,3)
* Proposed final dividend 1.55p per share making 2.35p per share for the
full year, up 4.4% over 2001
* Net debt down by £38.6m to £472.8m
* Interest cover increased to 4.3x (2001:4.0x) (4)
1 Continuing operations at constant exchange rates. At actual exchange
rates the increase was 4%. Comparisons with prior year numbers restated
to constant exchange rates have been provided in order to facilitate an
understanding of the underlying trading performance.
2 Profit before tax and adjusted earnings per share are stated prior to
acquisition reorganisation costs, exceptional items and goodwill amortisation.
3 Basic earnings per share 1.1p (2001:loss 2.4p).
4 Interest cover is expressed as a multiple of operating profit before
acquisition reorganisation costs and goodwill amortisation.
The
Board of Chubb plc announced on the 19th February that Jonathan Findler,
previously Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer, has been
appointed to the position of Chief Executive of Chubb plc with immediate
effect.
Sir Robert Horton, Chairman said:
'Jonathan has been instrumental in driving some of the changes in working
practices at Chubb over the last two years. I am confident that the combination
of expertise and pragmatism that he will bring to the role of Chief Executive
will help Chubb build on its current position, both exploiting the opportunities
and addressing the challenges in our markets.'
Jonathan Findler, said:
'The majority of our businesses have delivered strong growth and gains
in market share. Whilst extremely encouraging for the future, this progress
has been constrained by challenging trading conditions in Asia Pacific
where recovery programmes are already underway.
'We are now in a better position to fulfill our ambition to build the
world’s leading portfolio of security services.'
Download the report here.
Assa
Abloy Report for the Fourth Quarter of 2002 (Year-End Report)
*
Sales increased 3% for the quarter, 12% in local currencies, 2% organic
growth
* Income before tax increased 17% for the quarter and 23% for the full
year
* Operating margin, EBITA, was 14.6% for the quarter
* Strong operating cash flow of SEK 994 M for the quarter and SEK 3,525
M for the full year
* Successful integration of Besam - many collaborative projects initiated
Sales and Earnings
Sales for the fourth quarter increased by 3% to SEK 6,389 M. In local
currencies the increase amounted to 12%. Acquired units contributed 10%
to the increase in volume. Organic growth was 2%. Exchange-rate effects
affected sales negatively by SEK 543 M compared with the fourth quarter
last year.
Sales for the full year 2002 totaled SEK 25,397 M, which represents an
increase of 13%. Organic growth was 2%. Acquired units contributed 15%
to the increase in volume. Exchange-rate effects affected sales negatively
by SEK 876 M compared with 2001.
The Group's income before tax for the fourth quarter increased by 17%
to SEK 547 M (4691). Exchange-rate variations when translating foreign
subsidiaries' earnings affected income negatively by SEK 52 M. Operating
margin before goodwill amortisation was 14.6%. The Group's integration
and rationalisation projects are proceeding successfully. The quarter's
results include one-off costs of around SEK 50 M associated with the coordination
of certain production in Europe and the USA.
The Group's income before tax for the full year increased by 23% to SEK
2.015 M (1,6421). Exchange-rate variations when translating foreign subsidiaries'
earnings affected income negatively by SEK 88 M.
Earnings per share after tax and full conversion amounted to SEK 1.00
(0.861) for the quarter, an increase of 16%. Earnings per share after
tax and full conversion but excluding goodwill amortisation amounted to
SEK 1.65. For the full year, earnings per share after tax and full conversion
rose by 18% to SEK 3.53 (2.981), and earnings per share after tax and
full conversion but excluding goodwill amortisation amounted to SEK 6.13
(5.391). Cash flow per share for the full year was SEK 9.08 (8.071) per
share.
In the fourth quarter operating cash flow before tax and company acquisitions
totaled SEK 994 M (855), which represents 182% of income before tax. Cash
flow for the full year was SEK 3,525 M (2,338). Initiatives to simplify
work flows, improve control of material and coordinate production are
contributing to the strong cash flow, and there is significant potential
for further improvements.
Development of the Subsidiaries
The Scandinavian units increased sales by 1% for the quarter, and the
increase for the full year was 3%. Margins are continuing to improve.
The launching of new higher-security products is continuing, among which
the CLIQ cylinder is arousing great interest. Norway is generally reporting
the strongest rises, although even there growth weakened somewhat in the
fourth quarter.
The quarter's sales in Finland were comparable with those for the fourth
quarter last year, while for the year as a whole sales increased by 1%.
Coordination of Abloy's and Besam's sales and service of door automatics
is underway, which will result in Abloy becoming the first Group company
able to offer complete door solutions.
Development in Central Europe is still weak for the quarter and for the
year as a whole sales were 1% down on last year. The ongoing reconstruction
programme is proceeding according to plan. The total cost will amount
to EUR 7 M, and it is expected to result in a significant improvement
in earnings in 2003. The corresponding cost for the period amounts to
about EUR 3 M. Integration of the German fittings manufacturer Melchert
is proceeding as planned.
South Europe increased sales for the full year by 1%, although there was
a slight downturn in the fourth quarter. The French units reported increased
sales and margins. Integration of TESA in Spain is proceeding well; operations
have been combined with those of AZBE, the Group's other Spanish company.
The Italian companies increased their focus on the home market, and the
winding up of unprofitable exports will lead to rather lower growth in
the short term. The operation to reduce working capital is highly successful
and cash flow in the region is generally very strong.
Sales in Great Britain rose by 1% for both the quarter and the full year.
The new business strategy by which the three brands Yale, Chubb and Union
each focus on their own market segment has now been implemented. Major
projects that involve many of the Group's products are handled by a joint
organisation, Union Design Centre. Car lock production in England has
been moved to the sister company FAB in the Czech Republic, which is expected
to produce significant improvements in income.
Growth for the North American operations amounted to 2% for both the quarter
and the full year. Weakening in the commercial market segment seems to
have leveled out. Growth in the electromechanical and high-security segments
is good. Some softening can be noted in the institutional segment but
the large proportion of aftermarket sales and an increased focus on security
are having positive effects. The cessation of door-frame manufacture in
Oklahoma has been accomplished and production has moved to Currie's production
plant in Mason City. Rising margins have thereby been maintained despite
the weak market. Emtek's successes in the private market are continuing,
with highly satisfactory volume and margin growth. The Mexican and Canadian
units are developing well.
Australia and New Zealand increased their growth rate to 13% in the fourth
quarter, and sales for the full year rose by 10%. In Australia sales to
the private market in particular are rising strongly, while Interlock
in New Zealand is mainly increasing its sales to OEM customers in Asia
and America. All companies in the region report significantly increased
income.
New Markets showed good growth of 10% for the quarter. For the full year
sales increased by 4% after a weak start which saw the elimination of
unprofitable products. Growth is especially good in South Africa, Brazil
and eastern Europe. Mul-T-Lock is also now reporting increasing volumes
since the company's sales on the Asian market stabilised. Cash flow and
income both improved significantly.
The hotel segment has again weakened to some extent, probably because
of the risk of war in the Middle East. For both the quarter and the full
year sales fell by 10% compared with last year, but at the same time income
improved. The Group's marketing to the hotel segment with the, Elsafe,
Timelox,VingCard and Inhova brands has now been coordinated through a
new organisation, Assa Abloy Hospitality. This is expected to increase
the Group's effectiveness when dealing with the large international hotel
chains.
Growth in the Identification sector remains strong, increasing to 19%
during the quarter and totaling 10% for the year. The rise is linked to
a generally increased focus on security and increased demand for electronic
access-control systems. A number of successful product launches have also
been made.
The integration of Besam is continuing to go well. Despite a weak market,
especially in the trade segment in the USA, the company reports increasing
margins. The operation to coordinate the Group's sales to major customers
is ongoing and Besam will play an important role in this.
Other Events
Disputes
Assa Abloy's dispute regarding VingCard's liability to pay damages to
Merrimac, for which SEK 166 M was reserved in the 2001 accounts, has been
finalised in line with the earlier judgment. However, thereafter another
company, Ibertech, has sued VingCard based on the same contractual dispute.
Ibertech is a sales company for the restaurant market which had a sales
agreement with Merrimac. Settlement negotiations are ongoing and it is
still too early to estimate the final outcome of this dispute. No reservation
has therefore been made in the accounts.
In the 2001 Annual Report Assa Abloy reported a dispute in which the former
owner of Mul-T-Lock was claiming a sum of about USD 45 M. After Assa Abloy
won an important interim court judgment in Tel Aviv, the parties have
come to a settlement without significant net cost for Assa Abloy.
Outlook for 2003
Assa Abloy's development prospects are substantial. The Group's strong
position and security-driven growth, the increased need for user-friendly
locking solutions, the potential for continued rationalisation and the
consolidation of the lock industry create conditions for continued good
development of volumes and profit.
Glass
Processing Days Final Programme
Glass
Processing Days is the largest, non-profit and non-commercial, global
automotive and architectural glass industry conference. It is organised
every other year, the next one taking place from June 15-18th 2003.
The goal of the GPD conference is to collect and distribute information
and to create networking opportunities between research institutes, universities,
and the global glass industry decision-makers. Participant profile of
the GPD 2001 shows that over 70% of the delegates were managers or held
a higher position in their organisation. Download a (650K) 24 page prospectus
here.
GPD programme
GPD 2003 has received a record number of presentations, over 260, which
is over 40% more than in GPD 2001. Please see the enclosed brochure for
the conference programme.
Short Courses
As always several Short Courses are organised prior to the actual conference,
on 13-15th of June. All but one of a total of 20 courses will be held
in Tampere Finland. The short courses are one or half day courses, for
smaller groups, concentrating on one specific topic, answering the delegate's
questions and up-dating the latest know-how. Please see the brochure pages
13-15 of the detailed programme.
Social Programme
Glass Processing Days is also known for its interesting and versatile
social programmes. We have been introducing the participants to the Finnish
gastronomical delights and entertainment on beautiful, light northern
summer evenings, in the land of the midnight sun.
Contact: Mrs. Anita Tihveräinen
Tel. +358 3 372 3240
Email: mailto:anita.tihverainen@tamglass.com
Audit
Commission Shares Association's Fears About School Buildings
The
Audit Commission's report 'Improving School Buildings' reinforces concerns
raised by the Construction Products Association in its recent study 'Achievable
Targets? Is Government Delivering?'.
Commenting on the Commission's findings, Allan Wilen, Economics Director,
said: 'This detailed survey of Government spending on school buildings
has confirmed the Association's fears. The Government is putting huge
amounts of funding into improving the nation's school buildings. It must
ensure that the money is used effectively and that it goes to the schools
where there is the greatest need.
'The Audit Commission has found that most LEAs do not know with sufficient
accuracy how much investment is still required to provide a good learning
environment. In particular asset management planning by a quarter of local
authorities was deemed unsatisfactory, threatening the effective use of
resources to tackle the £7 billion repair backlog. Over the
ten years up to 2005/06, central Government investment in school buildings
will have risen from £0.6 billion to £5.1 billion. The
Government has a duty to the taxpayer to ensure that this additional funding
for building repairs and maintenance are used effectively.
'We fully support the Audit Commission's recommendations that the Government
should better monitor how LEAs are spending their building resources. Ministers
have not given adequate attention to this matter, arguing that they do
not want to put undue bureaucratic burden on local education authorities. We
believe that, as part of its forthcoming review of its funding system,
the DfES should annually publish the findings of Councils' Asset Management
Plans. Better monitoring should ensure that the investment is going
to schools where there is the greatest immediate need and more generally
should verify that schools are spending enough to protect the condition
of their buildings for the longterm.
'The Audit Commission also warns that obtaining value for money from investment
in buildings works is becoming more difficult. We are keen to work with
Government to show how early involvement of construction product suppliers
in the construction process can offer significant efficiencies through
the use of standardised products and the use of innovative products and
techniques, including off-site fabrication.'
Audit Commission report: 'Improving school building'
Summary: Substantial extra money is being invested in repair and
improvement. This is making a real difference to the quality of school
buildings. The report makes recommendations to the Government, LEAs
and schools about ways to improve the educational impact of the continued
investment.
Government should:
* Re-examine funding arrangements and allocate more of the capital resources
to take account of building need
* Reduce the fragmentation of funding streams for school building improvement.
LEAs should:
* Address the inadequacies of the property services available to schools
* Improve the quality oand value for money of building works
* Monitor school investment in their buildings
Schools should:
* Link their building planning to their educational priorities
* Spend sufficient funds from their school budgets to protect their buildings
The full report is available from http://ww.audit-commission.gov.uk
or a printed copy can be ordered by telephone: 0800 502030
Housing
the People - Growing the Economy
Housing
in England has received a multi-billion pound boost as a major part of
the Government's drive to tackle deprivation and shortage of affordable
housing by delivering sustainable communities for all.
The £22bn package, announced on 5th February by the Deputy Prime
Minister, John Prescott, marks a critical step change in delivering the
supply of high quality, affordable housing; reforming the planning system;
reversing the causes of decades of low demand and abandonment; and ensuring
all social housing reaches a decent standard by 2010.
Mr Prescott said the transformation of housing was based on putting people
first.
'We have to think about housing and communities together. You cannot build
communities without decent housing. This is a plan focused on the real
needs of real people throughout the country.'
During the next three years £5bn will be invested in new affordable
housing, including £1bn provision for key workers. There will also
be a new focus on private home ownership and new proposals to bring empty
properties back into use.
At least £2.8bn will be allocated towards bringing all council housing
up to a decent standard; £500m will be used to revitalise areas
of low housing demand and abandonment, especially in the North and Midlands;
£259m to tackle homelessness; and legislation to deal with bad landlords
through a licensing system.
Additional investment to ensure decent social housing is supported through
£2bn for Arms Length Management Organisations (ALMOs); £685m
further credits for refurbishment with Private Finance schemes, as well
as making stock transfer accessible to more councils by removing many
of the barriers that prevented it from being used.
The Housing Corporation, which receives an extra £100m for its £200m
Challenge Fund to encourage modern construction, will lead a task force
to review home ownership programmes.
To ensure delivery of the reforms new Regional Housing Boards have been
set up to advise on the strategic use of housing resources.
London and the four growth areas - Thames Gateway, Milton Keynes/South
Midlands, Ashford and London-Stansted-Cambridge - have the potential to
accommodate up to 200,000 homes above levels in current regional planning
guidance.
More than £600 million will be made available for the growth areas
for site assembly and remediation of brownfield land, delivery mechanisms,
additional affordable housing and essential local infrastructure.
Mr. Prescott said:
'The four growth areas provide a fantastic opportunity to build homes
in which people want to live. We are putting in over £600 million
to help the building of houses, schools and health centres.
'This is about creating sustainable communities not sink estates. We have
a dynamic economy - its time we shared the fruits of that success with
the people.'
A new Cabinet Committee, chaired by the Prime Minister, will consider
how far and to what timescale the Thames Gateway should be developed.
The overall scheme could accommodate some 300,000 new jobs by 2031.
Four hundred and forty six million pounds will be made available for the
Thames Gateway. Delivery vehicles will put in place with the necessary
powers to drive forward development. New mechanisms will be set up which
will use Urban Development Corporation powers in the Thames Gateway and
Thurrock.
£164 million will be made available for the remaining three growth
areas. The Milton Keynes/South Midlands area has already demonstrated
dramatic economic success. The growth area study showed potential for
growth to 2031 is for up to 300,000 jobs and some 370,000 homes.
The growth will be allocated in five core areas - Milton Keynes itself;
Luton/Dunstable/Houghton Regis; Beford; Wellingborough/Kettering/Corby;
and Northampton.
Ashford is Britain's gateway to Europe and as such plays a key strategic
role in the economic success of the south east. Growth in the town will
see a diversification of the employment base, redevelopment of the town
centre and an increase in the housing stock to provide at least 31,000
new homes and 28,000 new jobs by 2031, according to the growth area study.
London-Stansted-Cambridge (LSC) is the home of a number of successful
high tech businesses from biotechnology to life sciences. Growth will
be based in four areas: Upper Lea Valley; Harlow; Cambridge; and the north
Essex/south Cambridgeshire area.
The LSC growth area is at an earlier stage of development than the other
three. Nonetheless the options available, according to the growth area
study, could lead to growth from 250,000 up to 500,000 new homes over
the next three decades.
West
Leigh Extends Working Life of Curtain Walls
With
extensive experience in the manufacture and maintenance of metal window
systems, Bermondsey-based West Leigh Ltd claims it can help specifiers
address faults concerning curtainwalling, without the need for costly
replacement.
Building owners and occupants may be faced with such problems as poor
energy performance, suspect structural integrity or unacceptable levels
of solar gain in summer. In almost all cases, West Leigh can provide a
solution that is not only economic, but less disruptive than installing
a completely new system.
Taking the role of either principal contractor or specialist sub-contractor,
West Leigh will carry out detailed condition surveys that can include
loadtesting of anchorages and support systems, determining the extent
of corrosion to the bracketry or deterioration of the concrete.
Handles, hinges and other ironmongery can be overhauled in-situ, at the
West Leigh factory or replaced, while glazing units offering improved
insulation values or containing tinted glass can be installed.
As in the case of London's landmark Centre Point, reglazing with solar
control glass can be accompanied by comprehensive cleaning of the metalwork
and masonry, and redecoration of shabby spandrel panels. West Leigh is
able to recoat aluminium using special techniques, restoring or changing
the colour of the original anodising.
In addition to refurbishing the existing facade, it is also possible to
transform the appearance of a property by overcladding it, as was achieved
for Canada Life at Potters Bar. The dated and badly deteriorated elevations,
unaltered since the Sixties were given a modern appearance through the
installation of a rainscreen. This both made the buiiding weathertight
and greatly improved its energy usage.
West Leigh claims to provide the answer to any type of property, ranging
from Art Deco office lstructures to the ubiquitous 1960's school building.
A guide to curtain wall refurbishment and renewal is available from West
Leigh.
Tel: 020 7232 0030
Email: mailto:info@west-leigh.co.uk
Elite
Greenhouses exonerated
by OFT
The
Director General of Fair Trading has made a decision that Elite Greenhouses
Limited has not entered agreements with its distributors, which seek to
fix selling prices. Therefore, Elite has not infringed the Chapter I prohibition
of the Competition Act 1998 in this regard.
In the light of the judgment of the Competition Commission Appeals Tribunal
of 26th March 2002 on admissibility in the BetterCare case, the Director
has concluded that the views put forward in a letter of 16th September
2002 to Click4Web Limited, the complainant, amounted to a decision that
the Chapter I prohibition had not been infringed.
Dr
Adam Kelsall and Nicola Broadhurst of Glass Technology Services in Sheffield
have recently completed a major study on the migration from glass items
in contact with foodstuffs, simulating wherever possible real conditions
of use.
Commissioned by the Food Standards Agency, the study lasted for two years
and the resulting comprehensive report is set to become a valuable resource
document.
The approach adopted in the study was relatively simple: By first identifying
what types of glassware are in use in the UK for food contact application,
a wide range of samples was collected to ensure sufficient testing of
all key glass compositions in conditions that would replicate the most
common usages.
Testing proved that, despite developments in production practices and
increases in recycling rates, elemental migration is still low from commonly
used glass compositions.
Glass, as a relatively chemically inert material, is used in a wide range
of ways and there are several distinct chemical compositions used in contact
with foodstuffs and beverages under different conditions. For example,
soda lime silicate is used in bottles, jars and tableware; borosilicate
for Pyrex and ovenware and lead crystal for decanters and goblets.
Further, certain types of glassware are often treated, coated, washed,
surface damaged, cooked in, microwaved in and pasteurised during a normal
life cycle.
Copies of the report (No. A03029) can be obtained from:
Dr John Dixon, The Library, Food Standards Agency, Aviation House, 125
Kingsway, London WC2B 6NH.
Tel: 020 7276 8060
Email: mailto:john.dixon@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
Titon
Experiences a Boom in Demand in South East
Titon
trickle ventilators have been fitted to houses in yet more sites within
the South East.
Following on from other previous specifications, Titon Trimvent Select
and Trimvent 4000 window trickle ventilators have been installed into
a 2,3,4 and 4/5 bedroom development for Persimmon Homes at Borges Meadow
on the edge of Highwoods Country Park, Colchester.
Tyson Anderson, Marketing Director, Titon, comments:
'We have experienced a considerable growth in demand throughout the South
East especially within Colchester, which is great as it has been Titon's
hometown for 30 years'.
Titon's Trimvent Select ventilators have been placed on windows and in
conservatories in the homes, ensuring sufficient levels of background
ventilation, to comply with Approved Document (Part) F of the Building
Regulations.
The Trimvent Select range allows the occupant to deflect the incoming
air either up or down or both, and also forms part of the Select Suite
the suited range of ventilator and handles.
This feature means the building's occupant has more choice on levels of
background ventilation. This is important, as every situation is different,
even on the same site. The ventilator also works to optimum efficiency
whatever the application, whether the vent is fitted close to the reveal
or not.
Web: http://www.titon.co.uk
Making
the Grade at Hull College
Sheerframe
fabricator Vulcan Windows has successfully completed phase two of the
major curtainwalling and window replacement programme at Hull College.
During the summer recess, the Hull-based company made and installed over
1400 curtain walling frames, incorporating Sheerframe 7000 fixed Light
and top-hung casement windows as well as colour-matched infill panelled
frames on the whole rear elevation of the six storey main college building.
Project Management played a vital part in the successful completion of
the contract.
Access was difficult, requiring special fixings for the climbing masts
which were erected along the length of the building and via which installers
fitted the frames, from suspended gantries.
The college building occupies a prominent position in the heart of Hull
and is exposed to the ravages of East Coast winters. The timber curtain
walling units which the Sheerframe system replaced had become draughty
and dangerous. Sheerframe curtain walling, which is widely used in educational
buildings throughout the UK, provides a thermally efficient, low-maintenance
and aesthetically attractive alternative.
Tel: 01773 852311
Web: http://www.litchfield-group.co.uk
Home
Delivery for Profile 22 in Chinese Villas
Woodgrain
PVCu windows have truly international appeal - as shown by these pictures
of an upmarket villa development in Suzhou, China.
A local Profile 22 fabricator in the town manufactured and installed the
Rosewood windows in over 30 villas - each worth over $400,000 or more.
The first phase was completed on time and the company is continuing to
work with the developer on the next building phase. Each villa features
the distinctive white walls and Chinese-style roof, but inside it is tailored
to the customer's specifications.
According to the company, based 40 miles from Shanghai, woodgrain is more
popular than white in this part of China due to property styles and personal
preferences.
'Generally, PVCu windows and doors are becoming more and more popular
in China as people do recognise the low maintenance, security and aesthetic
benefits,' adds Managing Director Jennifer Chan who founded her company
in 1995.
Contact: Keith White
Tel: 01952 290910
Ultraframe
Announces Winners of Conservatory of the Year 2003
Ultraframe,
the international manufacturer and designer of conservatory roofing systems,
has revealed the winners of its ever-popular Conservatory of the Year
competition.
In the absence of any other general industry awards, the competition stands
out as a beacon of opportunity for conservatory companies to demonstrate
their professionalism and observance of best practice. The national competition
sponsored by the company showcases the most well designed and executed
conservatories in the UK.
Competition is fierce; with the organisers receiving well over 600 entries
in five categories: Large Victorian, Small Victorian, Lean-To, Commercial
and New Build; with the number of entries ever increasing year-on-year.
A special Judges' Commendation was also awarded in each of the categories.
The competition, which now in its ninth year, gets better and better.
Peter Allen, Sales Director, Ultraframe (UK) Ltd, said: 'Ultraframe is
delighted to continue to progress and grow its conservatory industry competition;
which serves to reward those displaying high standards of design and installation
within the sector'.
The winners were announced at a gala dinner held at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel,
Clayton-Le-Moors on Friday February 21st 2003.
Ultraframe Award winners 2002-2003
Large Victorian:
Acorn Windows (Nottingham)
Banburys
Gardinia Windows
Great Harwood Windows
Planet PVC Direct
Special commendations were made to:
Acorn Windows (Nottingham)
Gardinia Windows
Small Victorian
Gardinia Windows
Glass House Emporium
JH Leeke
Style Windows
West Yorkshire Windows
A special commendation was made to:
Gardinia Windows
Lean-to
Crestline Systems
Exmoor Fascias
Fortress Windows (Chester)
Philip Whear Windows
POSH
A special commendation was made to:
POSH
Commercial
Admiral Conservatories
Fairco Mcllhagga
JH Leeke
Solayr
Younger Homes
A special commendation was made to:
Solayr
New Build
Chapel Windows
Guernsey Glass & Windows
Maple Leaf Installations
Mike Martin Window Systems
Younger Homes
A special commendation was made to:
Younger Homes
Free
Software Trial Offered to Roofing System Suppliers Prior to Glassex
This
year, prior to Glassex, PST has been offering a limited number of system
companies the opportunity to have their extrusions and connections programmed
to work with their software, free of charge. This opportunity allows potential
customers time to test and realise the full benefits before committing.
During the trial period, engineers from PST work hand in hand with the
system company. This dialogue is helpful in understanding and setting
common objectives for the project with both companies gaining an insight
into how the other works.
'With many of the leading conservatory system companies already working
hand in hand with PST, Glassex 2003 is a further opportunity to demonstrate
the flexibility of our products.' Neil Travers, Managing Director at PST,
says 'we know our software can lead to more accurate and shorter production
times, less trial erection and efficiencies in batch processing large
numbers of jobs.'
Tel: 0114 221 7070
Email: mailto:info@pstonline.co.uk
UKae
Keeps on Rolling with New Delivery Vehicles
Component
manufacturer UKae has added two new delivery vehicles to its distribution
fleet. The extension to UKae's fleet now means that the company operates
in 11 vehicle zones across the UK, from Scotland to Cornwall.
The
two new Mercedes 755 18 tonne vehicles have purpose-built bodies that
are able to accommodate a minimum of 6m in load length, meaning they can
easily carry up to 12 stillages of bulk spacer tube and Georgian profile.
UKae's fleet drivers take identical routes on each journey so that customers
know exactly when they can expect their delivery, whether it's once a
month or three times a week.
This latest boost to UKae's logistics and distribution network will improve
the company's delivery service still further. The company operates on
the basis that it's often the smallest service details that make the biggest
difference, ensuring that the telesales staff contact customers the day
prior to despatch to check that all requirements are actioned and ordered.
UKae customer services also acknowledge that customers must be kept abreast
of any difficulties which could affect orders being delivered. Customer
services at UKae's Sutton Coldfield base closely liaise with UKae delivery
drivers by mobile phone so any information such as traffic delays or even
specific delivery times can be relayed back to the customer immediately.
Customers with rolling delivery schedules are also contacted regularly
to confirm that the order is exactly what the customer needs.
UKae's Managing Director Garry Ealing comments:
'We now have the facilities available to deliver to the some of the most
far-reaching points in the UK - such as North Wales and the South West
- something that most other suppliers just cannot offer. Because we operate
from one central hub in the West Midlands rather than offering a localised
depot service, we are also always in full and total control of our distribution
service, which is very important both to us and to our customers.'
Tel: 0121 313 3010
Email: mailto:ukae@minworth.freeserve.co.uk
Technal
Systems Selected for Nuffield's Flagship Hospital
One
of the most advanced independent hospitals in Europe has been completed
in Leeds, featuring extensive use of a range of architectural aluminium
glazing systems from Technal. The £41m flagship scheme is the largest
ever single investment by Nuffield Hospitals.
Carey
Jones Architects specified Technal's MC Trame Horizontale curtain wall
to create a strong identity for the main entrance to the hospital. Here,
the system tapers to a sharp prow-like point, providing a clean, modern
and distinctive architectural feature for the new building.
Commenting on the specification, Nigel Saunders, a Director of Carey Jones
Architects, said, 'The MC Trame system allowed us to give a linear emphasis
to the glazing for the main entrance. We were also able to lose the mullion
detail with the use of a silicone joint. The result is a striking and
imposing entrance and a light, open atrium space.'
Built on a prominent site alongside one of Leeds' main trunk roads, the
tall, narrow building was designed to blend unobtrusively into its dense
urban environment and to provide a pleasant, welcoming feel. Technal's
MC grid curtain walling introduces large amounts of natural light into
the depth of the hospital and is set into sandstone cladding for a subtle
but contemporary appearance. The system is used to form full height towers
at either end of the development, two bays in the centre and to enclose
the top three floors.
Dual colours were selected for the MC curtain walling, allowing the exterior
to be finished in grey and the interior in white. Excellent sound attenuation
is achieved with the use of 10mm grey tinted glass with a 6mm clear inner.
Around 200 fixed light windows from Technal's recently expanded FXi casement
window range were used across the development, and CD automatic sliding
doors were selected for the main entrance. All the systems were fabricated
and installed by Airedale Glass and Glazing.
The 11-storey hospital provides a wide range of acute services and facilities.
There are 32 consulting suites for use by over 300 consultants, 80 ensuite
private patient rooms, 6 operating theatres and an 8-bed intensive care
unit.
Technal's MC curtain walling suite offers a range of options, including
grid curtain walling, top hung or tilt/turn concealed vents, sloped and
roof glazing, and brise soleil sunshading. The MC Trame system gives architects
the flexibility to emphasise the horizontal or vertical lines and soften
the corresponding profiles across the facade for an interesting and dynamic
appearance.
Tel: 0113 296 1400
Web: http://www.technal.co.uk
Latest
national fire statistics covering 2001/02 were issued on 13th February
by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
Fires
First estimates show that the UK fire service attended in the region of
1,030,000 fires and fire alarms during 2001/02 – 11% more than the
previous 12 months. The total number of fires attended in 2001/02 increased
by 17% to 547,700. This increase was largely due to a 14% rise in deliberate
road vehicle fires – (now at 80,600) and a 31% increase to 305,800
in the number of 'secondary' fires – mainly outdoor fires such as
refuse and grassland. There was a marginal increase in the number of fires
in buildings to 111,400 (including a 2% fall in fires in the home to 68,300).
Deaths and Injuries
Injuries resulting from fires rose by 1% to 17,200, although this is still
below figures recorded in recent years (18,200 in 1999). There was an
increase in the number of deaths from 559 in 2000/01 to an estimated level
of 614. This compares with 623 in 1999, 656 in 1998 and 723 in 1997. Within
this category there was also a rise in the number of estimated deaths
from accidental dwelling fires, up to 430 from the previous year’s
estimate of 378, although this is still much lower than figures recorded
in the early 1990s (approx. 550 per year).
False Alarms
The number of false fire alarms increased by 4% to 480,100, although this
is 5% lower than the peak of 507,000 in 1995. Within this category the
number of false alarms due to apparatus rose by 4% to 281,200 and malicious
false alarms increased by 2% to 73,100.
Publication of Fire Statistics
This is the first time that quarterly fire statistics have been published.
The intention to publish quarterly data was first announced on 17th December
2002 with the release of the annual fire statistics covering 2001. The
publication of the next release of quarterly data (covering the period
July 2001 to June 2002) is expected in May 2003.
Portal
Products claims a quality record thanks to stringent quality controls
and a skilled workforce. Returned door panels are rare, representing just
0.3% of annual turnover.
The PVCu door panel and composite door manufacturer puts this success
rate down to rigorous quality checking procedures and a 'no-nonsense'
returns policy ensuring customer satisfaction at all times.
If a panel is delivered damaged or imperfect for any reason and is returned
within 30 days, the customer is not invoiced so avoiding the need for
complicated debit or credit claims.
This policy reflects Portal's confidence in the high quality and standards
of manufacturing of its PVCu and aluminium door panels. All products are
manufactured in accordance with BSI procedures.
The company also attributes its success to its highly trained quality
and technical department employees - half of whom formerly worked in the
mining industry and so are familiar with careful attention to detail and
working to tight tolerances.
Each panel undergoes two full inspections, first after manufacture and
again just before it is packaged prior to dispatch.
National Sales Manager, Haydon Statham, explains: 'If a product needs
to be replaced for any reason, we just ask the customer to return it to
us straight away for inspection and a replacement is sent immediately.
'We're proud of our quality record which we are seeking to continually
improve to ensure the best service for our customers,' he adds.
Tel: 01242 267000
Email: mailto:sales@portal-products.co.uk
Glass
Training pleased with Minister's Response
'Malcolm Berresford-Dutton, the Chair of Glass Training Limited and a
Director of Proskills the SSC for process and manufacturing, including
glass, together with Alan Hearsum, Chief Executive (Designate) of Proskills,
met with the Minister, Ivan Lewis, responsible for the Sector Skills Development
Agency (SSDA) on 5th February 2003 in the company of Margaret Salmon the
Chair of the SSDA.
'We are pleased to report that the Minister was pleased with the progress
being made in the development of Proskills and accepted the need to reconsider
the £1million funding per year, for the next three years, towards
core funding of the SSC. Whilst £1million sounds a lot of money
when there are up to seven industries sharing this amount it only covers
the cost of the staff of Proskills and the administration support required.
It does however mean that services will be available to employers to make
things happen regarding improving productivity and developing skills.
'There is a general desire in the first year to identify a number of champion
companies who will allow a 'Learning for All' strategy to be developed
supported by a Workforce Development Plan. In real terms this means that
all those companies who are determined to improve their performance now
and in the longer term will be supported by the SSC. It is a clever way
of making sure that the SSC has the commitment from its employers.
'Any company that would like to be considered as a champion company should
contact Alan Hearsum as soon as possible. Even to show an interest and
understand more about what is involved will help Alan make the case that
glass industry employers welcome an opportunity to take part and be involved.
We are not just looking for champion companies that are large; we have
to demonstrate that small companies are included. Please email mailto:info@glass-training.co.uk
Other highlights of this issue include the following:
Employer Pension Contributions 'Are Strong'
Contrary to popular belief, almost all employers are still contributing
to company pension schemes, according to new research. For more information
visit here
SSDA To Develop List Of Approved Delivery Bodies
The SSDA has written to SSCs in development, aspirant SSCs and those involved
in merger talks to become aspirant SSCs, to inform them of funding processes
from April 2003. It has similarly written to potential providers of cross-sector
skills services such as administration and customer service. The SSDA
is currently developing a strategy for the delivery of cross sector skills
and is proposing to identify the activities requiring priority funding
for sectors that do not have an SSC. More details at: this
link
LSC Seeks Views On Implementation Of Success For All
The Learning and Skills Council has launched a far-reaching consultation
exercise seeking the views of colleges, employers, higher education institutions,
local authorities and training providers on setting targets for improvement
which will deliver 'something for something' in return for the massive
£1.2bn investment in further education and training over the next
three years. On the back of the circulars, from February 2003, the LSC
will host a series of England-wide consultation and discussion events
for colleges and training providers. The dates and venues will be announced
shortly.
It
was with great sadness that FENSA Chairman Greg O'Donoghue reported the
sudden death of Susan Matthews last weekend. Susan was Operations Manager
at FENSA where she managed the logistics, facilities, purchasing, IT and
registration operations. She brought a wealth of experience from her previous
employment history across different industry sectors. For example, she
was a Crystal Report writer, IT consultant and business consultant and
had previously worked at Arthur Anderson, Richer Sounds PLC, Barking Power
Station, the Training Enterprise Council (Business Advisor) and Business
Link (Consultant Advisor). Her personal hobbies included cats, gardening,
soul, reggae and rural living.
Susan leaves her husband Patrick and three children. The thoughts of the
Staff, Steering Committee and Board are with them at this very sad time.