GGF
Sets Out Environmental Credentials with Launch of Project Green
The
GGF is launching a major environmental initiative for the glazing industry,
called ‘Project Green’. To help its members maximise sales of
energy efficient windows, the GGF has invested in a powerful software
tool which will be used in the coming weeks to paint an accurate picture
of UK housing stock, and its environmental credentials.
Rick
Wilberforce (pictured), President of the GGF, discussing the initiative
with The Gl@zine said:
'This
new software will be able to work out the savings from having energy rated
windows on a national level. We also intend to tailor the software to
allow our members to use it in their own sales and marketing initiatives
in the future.
'No
industry can afford to sit back and think global warming isn’t its
concern. Everyone has a duty to do something. In our case we are fortunate,
because the products we make and sell – Energy Efficient Windows
– are hugely beneficial to the environment.
'Therefore, Project Green will quantify and promote these benefits –
both to individual householders and to the government. The objectives
are to increase sales and to obtain favourable legislative changes. But
we also need to examine our own environmental performance. As an industry
we feel it is imperative to help our members reduce their carbon footprint.
This should not only help our members to save money, but will demonstrate
our genuine commitment to the environment.
The reason Energy Efficient Windows (EEWs) can make such an impact is
revealed in the government’s recent Energy Review:
• UK Homes unnecessarily emit 3.5 million tonnes of CO2 and waste
£370m per annum, through poorly insulated windows.
• Homes are responsible for 28% of all UK CO2 emissions (compared
to 5.5% for air travel)
• Non-Energy Efficient Windows are responsible for 20% of all heat
loss.
The aim of ‘Project Green’ is to increase awareness of EEWs
and drive sales by demonstrating how they can benefit the environment
and potentially save consumers money.
'At a time when the replacement window market seems to have slowed there
is an immense need to change this trend,' comments Rick Wilberforce. 'To
do this the GGF will be embarking on a proactive national and regional
press campaign to reach consumers. We will be looking to raise awareness
of EEWs, educating consumers about the BFRC ratings system and providing
them with all the facts and figures they need to make informed choices
when purchasing glazing products.
'We will demonstrate how EEWs can not only reduce CO2 emissions, but also
save money on energy bills. For example, current (2004) annual carbon
emissions from an average dwelling are 1.6 tonnes. Installing EEWs would
reduce the emissions of a single glazed dwelling by 18% and cut the householder’s
fuel bill by around £157.00 per year.'
To provide a framework for ‘Project Green’ - and more importantly,
to practise what it is preaching - the GGF will also be establishing its
own environmental credentials and that of its members. It is launching
an internal campaign to investigate ways the industry as a whole can become
more environmentally aware and to position the Federation, its Members
and their products as positive contributors to the environment. It will
look at fenestration products from raw materials, through production,
service life and recycling to show the full effect of the complete life
of the product, the effects on the environment and the energy efficiency
potential.
To kick off the campaign internally the GGF is conducting a detailed survey
among its members to acquire data relating to recycling activities and
will use the results to suggest improvements and increase overall energy
efficiency. It is also in discussions with Envirowise to produce guidance
and advice for its members and will publish an industry-wide CSR blueprint
later in the year for members to work towards. Additionally, since taking
over the administration of the British Fenestration Rating Council, the
GGF has redeveloped the website (launched at Glassex 07) and guidance
notes and manuals for Operations and Simulators have been redesigned.
'This is the beginning of an exciting new phase in the development of
the GGF.' concludes Rick Wilberforce. 'It is an ambitious industry initiative,
but one we feel is imperative and has the potential to benefit us all.'
Web: http://www.ggf.co.uk
SynerJy
profile with 28mm glazed unit gets ‘A’ rating
It’s
just four weeks since Shield achieved its first ‘A’ rated window,
now Synseal, the UK’s number one choice in windows and conservatories,
announces SynerJy gets the top rating too.
Unlike other systems, SynerJy uses standard profiles and a 28mm glazed
unit. The upgraded glass and leading warm edge spacer bar were the only
changes to a standard window.
Synseal
customer Pioneer is the first company to have achieved the ‘A’
ratings on both SynerJy and Shield.
Danny Williams, owner of Pioneer, explains why he believes energy efficient
window are so important in today’s market: '‘A’-‘C’
rated windows will soon become the norm as homes have to comply with higher
energy efficiencies. Home Information Packs will spur these changes, and
because the loss of heat from windows can be up to 24 per cent of the
total, changing the windows can make a huge difference to the energy loss
from homes.
'But many windows have to be modified to get the top rating. Not so with
SynerJy, the frame is from standard Synseal profiles and the glazed unit
is 28mm.'
Nick Dutton, Synseal’s Marketing Director, adds: 'Synseal has been
at the forefront of the campaign to reduce VAT on energy efficient windows
in line with other energy efficient building products. We have worked
with Pioneer to help them achieve the top ratings on both systems. We
wanted to be able to use standard profiles. It’s not cost effective
for anyone if non-standard products are used, and we know that the majority
of consumers will not pay a big premium however much they care about the
environment. So being able to use standard profiles reduces the cost differentials.
Pioneer has shown its commitment to this future market by being the first
Synseal customer to achieve the ratings. Congratulations.'.
Another
Industry First for Lister
While
the BFRC Window Energy Ratings scheme is now starting to gain some real
momentum, Lister Trade Frames of Stoke on Trent has been at the forefront
of the initiative since its conception. The company currently holds 16
certificates under the scheme demonstrating its commitment to continual
improvement of its products thermal performance.
Less
than a year since Lister made 'C' energy rated products its standard trade
window, the company has now announced another industry first by adding
the BS7950, Secured by Design Standard, to its new low cost 'A' rated
windows without adding any premium.
The last six months has seen a lot of emphasis being placed on the 'holy
grail' of a low cost 'A' energy rated window with only a handful of manufacturers
achieving it. Lister was one of the first to realise this goal and received
its BFRC accreditation at Glassex earlier this year. So why has the company
now raised the specification even further when this product is already
at the forefront of our industry?
It's all about staying ahead of the market, according to Mark Warren,
Listers Managing Director, 'There has been an enormous amount of energy
(pardon the pun) put into raising the thermal performance of windows over
the last two years, and we have maximised these benefits for our customers.
But just because a window achieves an 'A' energy rating doesn't mean that
it's the best overall product. The fact remains that Window Energy Ratings
are just a single part of what it takes to be the best.
‘Retail window customers are much more discerning about all aspects
of double glazing than they have ever been, and while there is a big rise
in questions about the environment, global warming and rising energy costs,
people are still just as interested in the quality of the product and
its security level.
‘The launch by Lister of our new Elitis A+ Window range seems to
answer all these questions, having a reputation for quality manufacture,
using lead free profiles and now with the top level of both energy and
security performance to the Secured by Design standard, Lister certainly
has one of the most highly specified windows around.
‘This gives our trade customers a real advantage and simplifies their
sales message’ Says Mark, ‘Now they can offer the best specified
product on the market at a single all inclusive price.’
Tel: 01782 205605
Web: http://www.listertf.co.uk
Web: http://www.elitis.co.uk
Masterframe
Makes History with 'A' Rated Sliding Sashes
Masterframe
has given its customers another advantage over the competition with the
first 'A' energy rated vertical slider, certified by the BFRC.
It's the first and only sliding sash in the UK to achieve the ultimate
energy saving rating, and made its first appearance at the Grand Designs
Live show last weekend.
Masterframe's Bygone Collection range now has a complete range of energy
rated windows to suit any pocket - from 'A' to 'E'.
The standard Bygone Collection 'C' rated vertical slider saves 74% of
CO2 emissions and heat loss compared to a single glazed timber sash.
But the 'A' rated sash makes a phenomenal difference to energy performance,
reducing CO2 emissions and heat loss by 100%! It's officially carbon neutral.
‘An 'A' rated sash is a unique selling point,’ explains Masterframe's
Managing Director Alan Burgess.
‘The Grand Designs show focused on energy efficiency, proving the
thirst for energy saving products. Demand will only increase with the
Government's Energy Performance Certificate inevitable introduction this
year.
‘Homeowners love the Bygone Collection sashes for their traditional
looks. Now, as the only Secured by Design vertical slider, with a BBA
life expectancy of at least 20 years and the best energy performance of
any sash in any material, our installers can really differentiate themselves.’
Tel: 01376 510410
Web: http://www.masterframe.co.uk
Twinseal
Ltd, a sister company of the 32 year established A T Cowen & Son has
taken the decision to 'future proof' its products with Edgetech's Super
Spacer® with built in energy saving.
‘Window Energy Ratings are such a big issue for our industry, we
wanted to be able to offer our customers the highest specification units,’
says Billy Cowen, Managing Director of Twinseal. ‘Super Spacer allowed
us to do this.’
Billy goes on to explain why Super Spacer was his preferred choice of
Warm Edge Technologies: ‘We did our research into WET and we believe
Super Spacer is the best. With other high profile companies taking it
on board and so much training, sales and marketing support to accompany
the high performing product, Edgetech offers the whole package.’
Twinseal opted for Promac's fully automated For.El machine to apply Super
Spacer. ‘There is no point in being able to offer the highest specification
product if you can't make it efficiently,’ continues Billy. ‘Productivity
is so important in today's competitive market, so the fact For.El was
able to demonstrate its machine's fantastic productivity benefits to us
through taking us to existing customers in the UK made our decision a
lot easier.’
Twinseal hopes to up its production by 1000 units a week in the first
3-6 months of the machine being installed, and then achieve continuous
growth after that. The machine is due to be installed at the end of July
and will be fully operational by early August.
PVC
Group PLC says it has 'its finger on the pulse' as it pushes ahead with
ambitious plans for its national distribution arm Pulse Building Plastics
Ltd.
Pulse Managing Director, Jon Torkington, oversaw the opening of Pulse's
newest branch, just a few miles from the PVC Group PLC headquarters in
Chinley, Derbyshire.
Libby Torkington was in the driving seat at the
launch of Pulse Building Plastics Ltd's latest branch at Chapel-en-le-Frith.
Libby is pictured with (from left to right) Jonathan Tawn, Pulse National
Business Development Manager; Justin Christie, Pulse Chapel branch manager
and her father, Jon Torkington, Pulse Managing Director.
‘We
have embarked on an aggressive expansion plan over the next five years
to capitalise on a rapidly expanding and exciting market,’ he said.
‘The launch of Pulse is excellent news for tradesmen as it means
they can source their materials locally. In essence this is a PVCu builders'
merchants,’ said Mr Torkington. ‘This is a local business backed
up by a local PLC.’
Mr Torkington and Justin Christie, manager of the Chapel-en-le-Frith branch,
welcomed the Mayor of the High Peak, Councillor Mrs Jean Wharmby, to the
new premises.
PVC Group PLC, established more than 20 years ago, has developed into
a major international company and one of the largest employers in the
High Peak area. The group is involved in all aspects of PVC from recycling,
raw materials, manufacturing and selling the products to the end user
through the Pulse branches.
Pulse Building Plastics will service the roofline, window and construction
industry through an expanding network of branches in the UK and Ireland
selling its own and ancillary products. The counter will also be open
to the public.
Pulse branches have already opened in Sunderland, Glasgow and Northern
Ireland with another planned for Rochdale this year. Pulse National Business
Development Manager, Jonathan Tawn explained that Pulse aims to open a
dozen branches within the next five years.
The Chapel branch is ideally situated to service builders, roofers, roofline
replacement services, conservatory, double glazing and window companies
in the High Peak and surrounding area through the trade counter and free
delivery service.
Tel: 01663 750221
Email: jon.torkington@pvcgroup.co.uk
Web: http://www.pvcgroup.co.uk
OFT
Launches Groundbreaking Study into UK Housebuilding Market
The
OFT has launched a market study into the £20bn per annum UK housebuilding
industry.
The study will allow the OFT to consider the potential competition and
consumer concerns within the market and will focus on two principal areas:
* delivery of housing - whether land which is suitable for development
is being effectively brought through to the planning approval stage and
whether land with planning permission is being converted effectively into
homes, and
* customer satisfaction - the homebuyer's satisfaction with the properties
available. For many people, buying a house is the largest purchase they
will ever make and the study will look for ways to improve their experience
of buying a new-build home as well as the quality of those homes.
Following the recommendations of the Barker Review of Housing Supply 2004,
the OFT has been monitoring the housebuilding market and is concerned
that it may not be working well for consumers. The OFT will be working
with the industry, and the study will complement other reviews across
government to minimise the burden on the sector. The study, however, will
not look at the overall question of where development should occur or
the environmental impact of new homes.
A short document outlining the focus of the study can be downloaded from
http://www.oft.gov.uk
John Fingleton, Chief Executive, said: 'This is the first in depth examination
of competition and consumer issues in new house-building. This is a hugely
important market for the economy because of its substantial economic impact
and because unresponsive housing supply hinders labour mobility, constrains
economic growth, and harms consumers. Furthermore, for individual house
buyers, even low levels of dissatisfaction can translate into very high
detriment. The study will examine how regulation and competition in the
market might work better for both the economy and individual house buyers.'
The study is expected to report back by summer 2008.
K2
Expands Approved Installer Network
K2
is further expanding its K2/FMB approved installer network with the introduction
of Global Windows and PAP Building Services.
Torquay-based
Global Windows and Weston-Super-Mare based PAP Building Services have
both recently joined the network following a detailed and rigorous vetting
procedure.
Dougie Gerring from Global comments: ‘It's a competitive market and
this badge represents the quality of our installation and our business
practices. We're absolutely delighted.’
These comments were also echoed by Paul Phelan of PAP: ‘We are delighted
to become part of this elite network. It supports our strategy of providing
a complete conservatory service from footings to finishing and will surely
increase our sales opportunities.’
The joint initiative by the Federation of Master Builders, one of the
UK's most respected trade bodies and K2 has proven particularly successful
with installers reporting increased sales and better conversion rates.
The scheme was set up in 2004 and is now regarded as one of the most robust
in the marketplace embracing the strict membership criteria that the FMB
enforces among many other benefits.
Charles Fox, sales director at K2 concludes: ‘It's great to welcome
companies of the calibre of PAP and Global. We're experiencing increased
interest from installers who are looking for something different to compete
with in the market place. Not only do we have the approved installer scheme
but we have arguably the biggest range of products to offer the conservatory
installer including our new aluminium system.’
If you would like to find out more, please log on to http://www.k2conservatories.com
or call the marketing department on 01204 554554.
Bohle
Glass Student of the Year Entries Reach Record Level in Run Up to G07
In
only its second year there has been a rush of entries for the Bohle Glass
Student of the Year Award in the run up to the June 30th closing date
for the competition, which is open to students of all ages studying glass
crafts, arts and technology. The competition, which was conceived and
launched by Bohle, is judged by an independent panel representing academia
and industry, with the Winner announced at the lavish G07 Awards night
organised by The Gl@zine. With the company's strong involvement with colleges
Bohle promotes and organises the Awards scheme, which has attracted entries
from all over Britain.
The standard of entries has not been diluted by volume, says Bohle Managing
Director Gary Dean, with students utilising many different techniques
including lost wax casting, UV bonding, screen printing, fusing and slumping:
‘The average standard in the inaugural year was better than we could
possibly have hoped for but it looks like this will be raised for 2007
despite a significant increase in numbers. The skill level shown by colleges
offering glass art, craft and technology skills is exceptional and we
are delighted to have the opportunity to showcase, recognise and reward
the talent that exists.’
Winning
entry for last year's Bohle Glass Student of the Year Award, 'Empty Vessel'
by Chris Edwards.
An
additional feature of the 2007 Bohle Glass Student of the Year Award will
be the display of the best entries at next years Glass Processing &
Technology (GP&T) exhibition, which will be held at the National Exhibition
Centre (NEC) from 8th - 10th April 2008.
Following the close of the competition in June the judges will set about
the task of distilling the entries down to a short list of 12 of the very
best, which will then be further scrutinised to reduce the number to the
four finalists that will attend the presentation at the glittering G07
Awards to be held at the Hilton Metropole Hotel at the NEC on the evening
of 12th October this year.
The winner will walk away with the accolade of being judged the winning
entry by some of the UK's leading experts in glass art, craft and technology.
This will be sweetened still further with the prize of a Bohle ECO45 Glass
Fusing Kiln and ancillaries worth more than £1,000, and an expenses
paid trip to the Bohle headquarters in Haan, Germany, one of the leading
centres of glass processing technology with a great tradition of glass
working.
Pro-Bend,
The First to Provide Sunburst Glass Size Print Offs
Pro-Bend,
working closely with RPS (Maker of Roofwright), says that it has become
the first company in the UK to be able to provide glass size printouts
for sunburst gable frames.
‘The software having undergone years of development is the first
in the UK to be able to give accurate sunburst glass sizes. The system
also has the ability to email the sizes as a DXF file which can be imported
into glass manufacturer's computer systems. This is a major arm to our
business that helps us reaffirm our position in the market place as the
UK`s leading profile bending company’, Commented Matthew Wilkinson,
Pro-Bend MD.
‘We shall continue testing the sizes for a further 2 months to make
absolutely sure of no errors but after this period we will be able to
fax or email glass sizes at point of order. Our customers always ask that
we get sunburst templates to them quickly and now they will have time
to get the glass at the same time as the frame’, added Matthew.
Tel: 01482 876680
Email: info@Pro-Bend.co.uk
Web: http://www.Pro-Bend.co.uk
Pro-Active
Management Systems Finalises Pro-Quota
Web
based software development company, Pro-Active Management Systems is making
inroads into the PVC industry with the company’s web based quotation
systems. Pro-Active has recently completed profile bending company, Pro-Bend`s
shaped frame quotation system. The system allows users to login and create
or retrieve quotes specifically tailored towards them within seconds.
‘We needed a system that was not only simple to use but it needed
to be self managing. We receive notifications of around 20 quotes a day
being done on the system. That's 20 quotes we haven't had to pay someone
to do,’ commented Matthew Wilkinson, Pro-Bend MD.
‘Since completing the Pro-Quota software we have had many enquiries
from companies requiring bespoke software themselves for applications
such as window & door and also conservatory roof quoting. We are happy
to deal with any companies individual requirements however big or small,’
added Pat Denman, Pro-Active Manager.
For more details on the products and services Pro-Active Management Systems
can provide, please contact:
Tel: 01482 845700
Email: info@Pro-ActiveMS.co.uk
Web: http://www.Pro-ActiveMS.co.uk
The
Window Store Introduces Shapely Alternative to Timber
Roofline
and window and door specialist supplier The Window Store has added the
70mm Premium Sculptured suite to its extensive range.
With a slim sculptured edge the 70mm Premium Sculptured profile has been
designed to replicate the classic appeal of a traditional timber-framed
product.
Low maintenance and easy to clean, the range is available in casement
and tilt and turn styles and in a choice of either Rosewood, Antique Oak
and White finishes or Wood Grain on White.
With a four chamber design the Premium Sculptured products are also energy
efficient, easily achieving a 1.8 U-value and comply fully with the latest
building regulations.
Justin Davis, general manager, The Window Store, said: ‘The 70mm
Premium Sculptured range has huge consumer appeal. Whether you're looking
at it close-up or from a distance, the sculptured edge to the frame is
almost impossible to distinguish from wood.
'While it looks great, it continues to deliver the performance consumers
expect from PVC-U and is low maintenance and energy efficient. We believe
it should give our customers an added edge in the market place.’
For further information on the new 70mm Premium Sculptured range from
The Window Store or to find your local branch call 01278 420425 or visit
http://www.windowstoreplastics.com.
Window
Installers Warehouse (WIW) branches have been springing up regularly right
across the country since the initiative was first launched by Advantage
Windows and Conservatories Ltd in January of last year.
To
date, 35 branches have opened and there are several more in the pipeline.
Each one is structured around exclusive post coded territories.
Danny Hague, Advantage's Group Commercial Manager was instrumental in
launching the new chain of WIW trade counters.
He
says: ‘the response from the market has been tremendous. So many
branches now open proves that our package of top quality products, excellent
prices and marketing support has struck a cord with window industry entrepreneurs
wanting to owner - manage their own trade counters in a market with an
estimated worth of £500 million per year.’
Danny continues: ‘My team and I have worked extremely hard to support
and encourage each new WIW branch. Our comprehensive manual is designed
to provide answers to virtually every question someone looking to open
a trade counter might ask.
All the researching of suppliers has already been done, saving a huge amount of time and effort. We have carefully allocated each branch its own unique territory via exclusive postcodes.
There
are still many prime areas not yet covered and we would like to talk to
anyone with drive and ambition who would like to be part of the most successful
trade counter initiative the window industry has ever seen.’
Tel: 01625 856488
Web: http://www.windowinstallerswarehouse.co.uk
PEET
Backs Young Campaign to Tackle Climate Change
Pilkington
Energy Efficiency Trust (PEET), the organisation established to give financial
support for energy efficiency research, testing or evaluation projects
for the built-environment, has backed the Woodcraft Folk and its ambitious
C-Change Project (http://www.switchonswitchoff.org)
by funding the development of a key element of the project, Climate: Mobile,
a mobile-phone based carbon calculator for young people primarily in the
11-21 age group.
The aim of the application is to assist young people, to whom the calculator
will be available free of charge, in making informed decisions about life-style
changes they can make to reduce their carbon footprint. By the age of
12 nearly all young people (94%*) own a mobile phone and they are amongst
the next generation of consumers and decision makers most likely to be
affected by climate change. Woodcraft Folk therefore believe it is important
to influence this group using channels of communication that they are
familiar and comfortable with.
Using data from the Centre for Alternative Technology’s carbon calculator
– a tool that is highly regarded by major sustainability organisations,
Climate: Mobile asks a series of life-style questions to estimate the
user’s carbon footprint with questions covering home energy, transport,
flights, food and general consumption. The calculator shows total emissions,
emissions broken down by sector, and a comparison with UK averages. Once
the user has answered all of the questions they will be given tips on
reducing their emissions relevant to the response they give.
Climate: Mobile will be distributed free from the C-Change website and
by text and Bluetooth transfer. The calculator is being advertised and
distributed at events including the Glastonbury Festival and others which
are being organised as part of the C-Change project, and through Woodcraft
Folk publications and website.
This research element of the project will evaluate the effectiveness of
mobile technology, such as Climate: Mobile, in bringing about attitude
and behaviour changes with regard to energy use by young people.
PEET was approached by Woodcraft Folk to provide funding for the Climate:
Mobile element of C-Change, and funding was approved by the independent
Board of Trustees that decides on which projects are backed. Julie Thorpe,
Project Coordinator for the Woodcraft Folk C-Change Project, says ‘The
backing from PEET has meant that the Climate: Mobile idea has been put
into practise. Mobile phones are so central to young people’s lifestyles
that it seemed like an excellent way of getting the climate change message
across. We hope that thousands of young people will use Climate: Mobile
and pass it on to their friends.’
The Woodcraft Folk – established as an educational movement and charity
in 1925, - have developed the C-Change project with a grant from the Department
for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ (Defra) Climate Challenge
Fund, following research that highlights young people are relatively unaware
of the need to take action about climate change. The Woodcraft Folk C-Change
project, developed in association with de Montfort University and the
Centre for Alternative Technology, seeks to change the attitudes of young
people towards climate change and their role in tackling it by providing
education about global warming and ways in which they may take an active
part in reducing its effects.
Pilkington, one of the world’s largest and most innovative glass
makers, provides the income to the Pilkington Energy Efficiency Trust
(http://www.pilkington.com/peet)
which has provided funding for a large number of academic and practical
energy efficiency projects. Projects submitted do not have to be glass-related.
*Source: The Mobile Life Youth Report 2006 from The Carphone Warehouse.
FENSA,
the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme for companies that self certify
compliance when installing replacement windows and doors in homes, is
planning five technical seminars during Autumn 2007 to support its Registered
Businesses. Two technical seminars will be held in September and October,
and one in November.
FENSA is undertaking an online poll to see which areas of the country
would most benefit from the seminars. To cast your vote please go to http://www.fensaonline.com.
Graham Hinett, Chief Executive at FENSA said, ‘Requests from FENSA's
Registered Businesses for technical seminars have been increasing since
the most recent changes in Building Regulations. The requests have been
from businesses recently registered with FENSA but also from businesses
that have been with FENSA for longer who are looking for a refresher course.’
The format of the seminars will be a speaker presentation by an expert
in the field, followed by a questions and answer session. As well as the
speaker, there will be other experts on the panel to answer questions
in their specific area of expertise. After the formal part of the event,
there will be drinks and nibbles - a chance to network more informally
with other Registered Businesses, members of the FENSA team, and BBA inspectors.
FENSA has also been running a series of FREE Networking Happy Hour events
during the summer which combines the provision of technical help and advice,
with a chance to meet with members of the FENSA team and colleagues in
a relaxed and informal environment. The next Networking Happy Hour event
will be held in Birmingham. There will be 10 minute 'surgery sessions'
available on the day with a BBA inspector to answer any specific technical
questions the Registered Businesses may have. Anyone who attends the event
also has a chance to win FREE dinner for two at the hotel in Birmingham
where the Networking Happy Hour event is being held.
Laura Pottle, Vogue Windows, who attended a previous networking event
held in Bournemouth in April said: ‘It is good to meet with fellow
associates in pleasant surroundings and be able to get correct answers
to the questions asked.’
If you are a FENSA Registered Businesses who would like more information
on the technical seminars during Autumn 2007 or you would like to book
your FREE place at the Birmingham Networking Happy Hour event or have
a 1-2-1 surgery session with a BBA inspector on Wednesday 18th July, please
contact sman@fensa.org.uk or phone
020 7645 3715.
TimberWindows.com
Launches the 'Lead Machine'
It's
a fact: the more you invest, the more sales you generate and the easier
it is to sell. That's why TimberWindows.com, the engineered timber system
company launches its new 'Lead Machine' this summer, to help expand the
total market for its products and customers.
Registered Installers who are most effective at converting leads to sales
now benefit from TimberWindows.com's free leads. Those who earn the most
points will rank highest on the ‘Installer Finder’ at http://www.timberwindows.com
and installers can monitor their performance on a password-protected area
of the site.
Paul Hopkins, Sales Director, explains the system: ‘It's a dynamic
strategy that rewards proactive installers. We don't restrict our customers
geographically but will farm more of the free leads to those with the
best conversion rate, who are most energetically seeking sales.’
Tel: 0845 458 9181
Web: http://www.timberwindows.com
£25
Million Interest-free Funding Benefits UK Entrepreneurs
Pioneering
British entrepreneurs could be in for up to £25 million in funding
following the launch of a unique, high profile national initiative by
Bank of Scotland Corporate - the Entrepreneur Challenge. And one of the
judges is Brian Kennedy of Latium!
The Challenge
The Bank will be making the funding package available entirely free of
interest and arrangement fees for a period of three years. For each of
five regions across the UK, a sum of £5 million is being provided.
One company in each region will succeed in obtaining the funding package.
It will be used by the successful applicants to help turn exceptional
business plans into profitable reality.
Bank of Scotland Corporate is inviting applications from established businesses
who meet specific entry criteria. Applicants will be existing established
companies with a turnover of at least £2 million per annum and at
least two years’ sustained growth in sales, revenue or profit. The
applicants must also be based in the UK and operating in a substantial
UK or global market and driven by a highly motivated and able management
team.
Leading entrepreneurs
Bank of Scotland Corporate is supported by some of the UK’s leading
entrepreneurs, including John Duffield of New Star Asset Management and
Reading FC Chairman John Madejski, to help judge the applications and
decide which businesses will share the funding pot.
How the competition works
Applicants will enter the Entrepreneur Challenge in five regions across
the UK - Scotland and Northern Ireland; London; Midlands and Mid Wales;
North of England and North Wales; South of England and South Wales.
Each regional finalist will be given the opportunity to present their
business idea to the judging panel and explain why their business should
receive the overall regional prize. The judges will be looking for real
entrepreneurial spirit evidenced through a winning business idea. Each
group of finalists will then be invited to a prestigious event in their
own region where the successful entrepreneur will be announced.
A funding pot of up to £5m is being provided for each region. The
five regional winners will go forward to a national final to be held in
December. In addition to their funding, the overall Bank of Scotland Corporate
Entrepreneur of the Year will receive four days of mentoring from a renowned
entrepreneur.
Peter Cummings, Chief Executive of Bank of Scotland Corporate, said:
'Bank of Scotland Corporate is the bank for entrepreneurs – we’ve
built our reputation on it. Now, with the Entrepreneur Challenge, we're
demonstrating our commitment by backing a new generation of entrepreneurs.
By encouraging enterprising companies, we hope to see new jobs and new
wealth created in our economy.'
Regional judges
Each region will have its own individual judging panel which includes
a number of distinguished business people. Each has created businesses
through sheer entrepreneurial spirit:
Scotland and Northern Ireland: Akmal Khushi (Jacobs and Turner –
Trespass)
Deirdrie Romanes (Dunfermline Press)
London: Ray O'Rourke (Laing O'Rourke Group plc)
John Duffield (New Star Asset Management)
Midlands and Mid Wales: Ranjit Singh (Bosparan Holdings Ltd)
Bob Edmiston (IM Group)
North of England and North Wales: Brian Kennedy (Latium)
South of England and South Wales: John Madejski Reading FC
Peter Cullum (Towergate Partnership Limited)
Accompanying these well known business figures on the judging panels will
be senior representatives from Bank of Scotland Corporate. The Entrepreneur
Challenge is also benefiting from the expertise of Deloitte who will be
joining the judging panels.
For more information – and to download an entry form – visit
http://www.theboschallenge.co.uk
Construction
Centre.co.uk Helps Promote the Use of Sustainable Materials
The
Construction Centre has highlighted its extensive database for architects
and contractors to find recycled and sustainable products in order help
conform to the Site Waste Management Plans (SWMPs) which come into effect
in April 2008.
SWMPs aim to reduce the amount of waste produced on construction sites.
Projects from £250K to £500K will be required to complete
a standard assessment and all those over £500K will need to complete
a detailed assessment. Contractors will need to indicate the type and
amount of waste, what can be re-used or recycled, compliance to the duty
of care regime and a record of the amount of waste actually produced.
Already some of the major firms are implementing SWMPs and seeing real
cost benefits through the use of recycled materials. The Construction
Centre website contains thousands of suppliers providing recycled and
sustainable products and is a valuable resource for specifiers and contractors.
The construction industry creates over 100 million tonnes of waste annually
and is recognising that managing waste in a responsible way not only brings
with it cost benefits but also increased business performance when using
building materials in an efficient way. The building industry has embraced
the need for sustainability and the re-use of building materials and for
some of the major firms this has enhanced their business proposition when
tendering for potential work.
The Construction Centre also has a sister website http://www.therenewableenergycentre.co.uk
and here anyone looking for suppliers or information regarding renewables
will find this a valuable directory. Richard Simmons founder and Managing
Director said ‘We have recognised the need for accurate online information
regarding renewables for both the consumer and the construction industry.
SWMP's will become mandatory next year and it is a very positive sign
that they are already being implemented by some companies in order to
re-use or recycle on site waste. The Construction Centre is a fast and
reliable resource for contractors and architects who need to access product
manufacturers and suppliers providing sustainable solutions.'
The Construction Centre is one of the busiest online resources for the
building industry and has over 10,000 product manufacturers referenced
on the website and they can be found by searching over 97,000 product
terms. The website also has a wealth of additional information regarding
building regulations, Local Authority planning offices, trade associations
and industry publications and also includes UK directories of industry
professionals, tradesmen contractors and merchants.
For more information visit http://www.theconstructioncentre.co.uk
and http://www.therenewableenergycentre.co.uk
Andover
Shows Off Low Carbon Homes to Minister
Communities
and Local Government Minister Angela Smith recently visited Hockney Green,
Testway Housing's innovative environmentally sustainable housing development
in Andover.
The development is not only green, but also affordable. Of the seventeen
homes on site, thirteen are for social rent and four for shared ownership.
During her visit, Angela Smith was shown internal and external eco-features
of the development, from eco-paint and recycled furniture to roof-top
solar panels and wind cowls.
Three of the houses will be monitored throughout the year for their carbon
consumption and electricity output. One of the houses will be fitted with
both solar panels and a wind turbine to create electricity and hopes to
gain a six star Code level rating in the Code for Sustainable Homes -
if it does so it will be the first home in the country to be rated zero
carbon. A second house has been fitted with the electricity making solar
panels and should be virtually zero carbon - broadly the standard for
a five star rating in the Code. All homes on the site have a range of
energy saving features to reduce the amount of energy they consume.
Angela Smith said:
'We need to build new homes for the next generation but we also need to
make sure that they are eco-friendly and affordable too. This is why we
have announced a new timetable and strategy to make all new homes zero
carbon by 2016.
'It's great that Testway has taken the opportunity to show that green
homes can be affordable homes. By integrating green technology into its
affordable housing, along with high design standards, the company has
demonstrated that practical, cost effective environmentally sustainable
developments are accessible to all.'
One of the new eco-home residents at Hockney Green, 60-year-old Mrs Chris
Windebank, said:
'Living here is a real joy. There is so much light and space. It's also
good to know, as a pensioner, the fuel bills are going to be low too.
'It's just perfect.'
New
Wind Turbine Spins Success for Winning Student
A
revolutionary new design for personal wind turbines won the top prize
at the BSI Sustainability Design Awards 2007.
Ben Storan, an Industrial Design Engineering student from the Royal College
of Art (RCA), has been working for the past year in conjunction with Imperial
College to design an affordable personal wind turbine suited to the urban
environment.
The result is a unique design which uses vertical, rather than traditional
horizontal, rotation. This feature gives a slower rotational speed, which
allows the turbine to capture more energy from turbulent air flow, common
to urban environments. It also means quieter operation.
As a result, it is able to generate more energy than domestic models currently
on the market. Similarly sized existing personal wind turbines claim to
generate 1kW at a wind speed of 12 m/s, but typically produce just 40%
of what is claimed. Ben’s design should realistically produce 3 times
that (1.2kW) of those currently on the market.
The clever vertical rotation design uses lightweight materials, which
means Ben’s turbine is more stable than other personal turbines leading
to better energy capture and making it is easier to install.
Speaking of winning the award and £3,000 first prize, Ben says 'I’m
delighted to win such a prestigious award. Growing up in the windy west
of Ireland I’ve always been acutely aware of the huge potential in
harnessing such a free, clean and renewable source of energy which, along
with a spinning clothes line, gave me the idea in the first place.'
Whilst still at the early stages of development, Ben hopes that his design
will be in production in the not too distant future.
Scottish
Builders Combine with HSE to Offer Guidance on New Regs
Building
firms in the West of Scotland got the chance this week to learn about
new health and safety legislation that will have a significant impact
on their business.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) joined forces with the Scottish
Building Federation (SBF) to organise an event in Renfrew at which the
building industry was given important information and guidance about new
Regulations which came into effect on 6th April.
Bernard Warden, HSE Principal Inspector for the construction industry
in the West of Scotland, said:
'Construction is still one of the most dangerous industries, accounting
for more than a quarter of all deaths of workers. In 2005/06 59 workers
in the industry were killed in the UK, including eight in Scotland, so
it is vital that employers keep up with the latest regulations designed
to reduce this toll.
'We expect the new Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007
(CDM 2007) which came into force in April to bring about a step change
in the health and safety performance of the industry, and the event in
Renfrew is an excellent opportunity for all those in the West of Scotland
who have a part to play in the lifetime of a construction project to learn
how they are affected and what their responsibilities are.
'The new Regulations offer the whole industry - including clients and
those who procure construction work such architects and other designers,
contractors, demolition companies and workers - an opportunity to change
their approach to safety for the better, with the emphasis on greater
co-ordination and co-operation between all those involved.
'A strength of the Regulations is that everyone involved in a construction
project will have clearly defined roles and be aware of the extent of
their responsibilities. The Regulations are sufficiently flexible to take
account of the wide range of contractual arrangements within the industry.'