Boost
for Energy Performance Certificates to Help Tackle Climate Change as Part
of 1st June HIPs Package
A
new consultation published last week will boost efforts to tackle climate
change and promote energy efficiency by proposing estate agents must include
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) with their property particulars
for the first time.
This would give consumers better access to information, helping them make
new green choices by comparing energy costs between homes.
EPCs, energy ratings for homes, will give consumers for the first time
information about the energy efficiency of properties, and practical steps
to reduce carbon emissions and save on energy bills.
To increase awareness of the benefits of undertaking environmental improvements,
the Government is also proposing to make the EPC the first document in
the Home Information Pack when launched on 1st June. The introduction
of the EPCs has been given added urgency following the recent publication
of the Stern report into climate change.
The consultation also includes changes to speed up the home buying process
based on the evidence of rigorous testing in area trials. It proposes
changes to accelerate the delivery of local searches which can take more
than 4 weeks in some areas, and tackling the post code lottery of different
levels of service and different charges for consumers.
Ministers are also in discussion with the financial services industry
about providing green mortgages which fund the improvements suggested
in EPCs, as well as exploring options for linking EPCs to incentives to
encourage energy efficiency such as the council tax rebates some local
authorities are offering in conjunction with energy suppliers.
The consultation also sets out the following steps:
* The Government will be issuing new guidance to local authorities on
providing prompt access to all search information, speeding up the process
and setting charges that are fair to consumers, after area trials have
shown that obtaining searches and leasehold documents can cause delays
of four weeks or more in producing packs.
* While action on searches is being implemented, there will be transitional
measures to ensure the smooth implementation of HIPs in June, based on
evidence from the area trials. Sellers will be able, for an initial transitional
period, to market their home as soon as an EPC and key legal documents
are provided as long as searches and leasehold documents (where relevant)
have been commissioned. These transitional arrangements will be reviewed
after six months to see whether they are still needed.
* Where relevant, flood and ground stability searches will be required
in packs as soon as systems are available to enable pack providers to
find out quickly and cheaply whether a property is in an ‘at risk’
area. This will give buyers key information without putting sellers to
the expense of providing extra searches in areas in which these are not
relevant.
* The fines for estate agents who fail to produce Home Information Packs
(including Energy Performance Certificates) will be reviewed in the light
of experience from June 1st and could be raised from £200 to £500
if they fail to meet their commitments.
Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly said:
‘This is an important opportunity to improve the buying and selling
process for consumers. We want to promote a greener housing market for
consumers and Energy Performance Certificates can play a key part in this.
By providing more information on the energy efficiency of homes, we can
help consumers make more informed choices about the homes they buy and
their impact on climate change.’
Housing Minister Yvette Cooper said:
‘Most people have no idea about things like the lagging in the loft
when they buy a new home. But this will tell people how they can save
money on their fuel bills and cut their carbon emissions at the same time.
The trials have also shown we need to tackle the unfair postcode lottery
in searches which can cause homebuyers all kinds of costs and delays.’
New independent research published on Friday 25th January confirms that
the current home buying and selling process is slow, expensive and uncertain
for consumers. It shows that the home buying process is fraught with information
failures and a lack of transparency for both sellers and buyers.
The Mori HIPs baseline report found that buyers and sellers currently
face transaction times which average more than 6 months from marketing
to completion, making them among the slowest in Europe. One sale in four
took 8 and half months to complete and 23 per cent of buyers who completed
a sale had at least one failed transaction.
Polishing
Up Pilkingtons Brand Reputation
A
new year brings a different trade advertising campaign for Pilkington
- 'A Passion for Glass'.
Based
around the Pilkington logo and what it portrays, the campaign is set to
re-emphasise the benefits of the Pilkington brand and its values.
The logo is an important asset for Pilkington and its customers, in terms
of the benefits of working with a brand that is well known to householders
across the UK and Ireland.
Pilkington has chosen four key areas to demonstrate what its brand conveys;
service, brand names, products and technical expertise, and these will
be represented in the adverts in an unusual way, designed to encourage
readers to look again at the detail. All use the overreaching slogan 'A
Passion for Glass', which aims to represent the work it puts into providing
the best products, service and support to customers.
Matt Buckley, Pilkington Marketing Director, said: 'As with other well-known
brands, the values that the Pilkington brand portrays are embodied in
the logo, and this makes it an extremely important asset for us and our
customers. Our brand is well-known amongst householders across the UK
and Ireland, and they recognise it as a good one.
'We want to re-emphasise the benefits of working with us and we feel the
series of adverts will do this effectively.'
Starting in January, the advertisements will run until April 2007 and
will be placed in the leading trade journals. For example, January's advert
on service shows just how far Pilkington go to provide the service its
customers needs. The campaign will also encourage customers to visit the
trade customer pages of the updated Pilkington website at http://www.pilkington.co.uk/trade
to find a wealth of useful information available around the clock.
For more information e-mail Pilkington@respond.uk.com,
telephone the Technical Helpline on 01744 692000 or visit http://www.pilkington.co.uk/trade.
Super
Spacer® UK Sales up 68% as the Industry's Drive for Greater Energy
Efficiency Intensifies
Edgetech’s
latest sales figures show market demand for Super Spacer, the leading
warm edge technology, continued to grow in 2006 with sales up 68% year-on-year.
Sales for 2007 are forecast to increase by a further 55%, continuing the
upward trend.
Andy Ball, Marketing & Business Development Manager, comments on these
latest strong results: '2006 was a fantastic year for Edgetech and our
customers as the industry’s drive for superior performance energy
efficient products gathered momentum. Market enthusiasm for the Window
Energy Ratings resulted in fourteen automated Super Spacer application
IG lines sold or installed in the UK over the last 12 months bringing
the total number to 23 vertical lines. This amounts to over £7 million
investment by Edgetech’s customers in the UK last year, and will
ensure that forward thinking sealed unit manufacturers, fabricators and
installers are well placed to stay ahead of the anticipated demand by
home owners for WER windows. Edgetech has experienced a remarkable 400%
growth in the UK and Ireland since 2004 demonstrating that the window
industry is embracing warm edge technology.'
To find out more about how Window Energy Ratings can benefit your business
just visit Edgetech’s ‘Taking the Stress out of window energy
ratings’ stand at Glassex, no. G120, Hall 17
Little
Hope for Roplasto Germany
After
a week of discussions with the Insolvency Service, German PVC-U profile
company Roplasto, based in Bergisch Gladbach, appears to be on the brink
of closing down with the loss of 100 employees, according to local newspapers.
Production
at the extrusion plant is unlikely to start up again, said insolvency
practitioner Hans-Gerd Jauch, however, there is interest from a British
investor in taking the company over. This would include some smaller eastern
European subsidiaries.
The main reason for the collapse, appears to be rapidly rising raw material
prices, but there has also been a lack of investment in the German plant,
as the group concentrated its efforts in the east.
Roplasto has been involved in the development and production of plastic
window profiles for over 50 years, and the group has subsidiaries in 15
European countries.
In the UK Roplasto was invlolved with WHS Halo / Bowater until the buyout
in 2003.
Karl
Williams Disqualified for 11 Years
Karl
Williams - whose Coldseal Group went bust with debts of £7,745,372
- has been banned from acting as a company director for 11 years. According
to the Insolvency Service Williams payed himself £750,000, another
£250,000 disappeared into the hands of two overseas companies and
£850,000 went to fund his hobby, non-league Hornchurch football
club.
The company structure included Coldseal Group Ltd, Ambergate Financial
Services Ltd, Bluebell Glass Ltd, Coldseal (Manufacturing) Ltd, Coldseal
(North) Ltd, Coldseal (Midlands) Ltd, and Coldseal (South) Ltd, all now
in liquidation.
From 23 August 2003 and 12 December 2003 between £291,000 and £1,461,014
was unpaid for PAYE/NIC and between £871,309 and £1,909,827.33
was unpaid for VAT. Between 29 August 2003 and 12 December 2003 no less
than £8,658,539 was paid out of Coldseal Limited’s bank account
with HSBC (in respect of payments in excess of £100,000 alone) at
a time when no payments were being made to HMRC for PAYE/NIC and VAT.
From no later than 1 October 2003, he was aware that it was proposed Coldseal
Limited would sell its business to Coldseal Group Limited under a sale
agreement which would transfer all of Coldseal Limited’s assets and
liabilities save primarily for its liabilities to HMRC: this transfer
was completed on 12 December 2003. During this time he failed to take
steps to ensure HMRC would be paid its current liabilities prior to the
sale.
Having been a director of Coldseal Limited which failed to make any payments
in respect of its current liabilities for PAYE/NIC and VAT for the period
23 August 2003 to 12 December 2003, he caused no payments to be made by
Coldseal Group Limited to HMRC throughout the substantive period of its
trading life, i.e. between 13 December 2003 and 14 July 2004.
No less than £1,651,565 and no more than £2,062,993 was unpaid
for PAYE/NIC in respect of the period 13 December 2003 to 14 July 2004
and £829,909 was unpaid for VAT in respect of the period 13 December
2003 to 14 July 2004.
At the date of Coldseal Group Limited’s liquidation, HMRC represented
over seventy percent of third party creditors.
Between 2 February 2004 and 2 July 2004 £31,203,866 was paid out
of Coldseal Group Limited’s bank account with HSBC of which no less
than £14,573,753 was in respect of wages, installation and self
employed staff and £10,682,519 in respect of regular suppliers at
a time when no payments were being made to HMRC for PAYE/NIC and VAT.
Additional payments of no less than £1,825,000 were made from Coldseal
Group Ltd’s bank account at a time when no payments were being made
to HMRC throughout its trading life as follows: no less than £750,000
to him personally, £225,000 was paid to two overseas companies for
no apparent consideration and £850,000 to Hornchurch football club.
From no later than 9 June 2004 he was aware that it was proposed Coldseal
Group Limited would sell its business to The Carthium Group Limited which
sale agreement would transfer all of Coldseal Group’s assets and
liabilities save primarily for its liabilities to HMRC: this transfer
was completed on 14 July 2004. During this time he failed to take steps
to ensure HMRC would be paid its current liabilities.
He caused Coldseal Group Limited to fail to meet its statutory obligations
in that between 13 December 2003 and 14 July 2004 it failed to file returns
in respect of VAT or to make any payments of PAYE/NIC and VAT.
Between 15 July and 2 November 2004 he caused Ambergate Financial Services
Limited, Bluebell Glass Limited, Coldseal (Manufacturing) Limited, Coldseal
(North) Limited, Coldseal (Midlands) Limited and Coldseal (South) Limited
(together 'the Carthium group') to fail to make any payments or to make
provision for payments to HMRC for PAYE/NIC and for VAT.
Having been a director of Coldseal Limited and Coldseal Group Limited
which failed to make any payments in respect of its current liabilities
for PAYE/NIC and VAT for the total period 23 August 2003 to 14 July 2004
he caused no payments to be made by the Carthium group to HMRC for these
liabilities throughout the substantive period of the trading life of these
companies, i.e. between 15 July 2004 and 2 November 2004.
No less than £667,921 remained unpaid for PAYE/NIC in respect of
the period 15 July 2004 to 2 November 2004 for the Carthium Group. §
£41,816 was unpaid for VAT in respect of the period 15 July 2004
to 2 November 2004.
The Carthium group failed to maintain sufficient summary records from
which it is possible to determine the level of payments made in relation
to each company within the Carthium group. However, a cashflow statement
exists in relation to all of the companies in the Carthium group together
with six further companies which formed the whole trading group and which
carried on the substantive business of the earlier businesses of Coldseal
Limited and Coldseal Group Limited.
This shows that from 12 July 2004 to 28 October 2004 £18,693,723
was paid in respect of which £6,158,507 was paid in respect of 'installation
and PAYE wages' and £5,207,029 in relation to 'suppliers- regular'.
He caused the Carthium Group to fail to meet its statutory obligations
in that between 15 July 2004 and 2 November 2004 it failed to file returns
in respect of VAT or to make any payments of PAYE/NIC and VAT.
Whilst there were substantial trade creditors on the liquidation of the
Carthium group, no payments were made to HMRC in respect of its liabilities
throughout the trading life of these companies which were the successor
companies to Coldseal Limited and Coldseal Group Limited which similarly
failed to make any payments in respect of their current HMRC liabilities.
Following
the liquidation of Coldseal Limited on 2 February 2004, he acted as a
director of Coldseal Group Limited which traded with a prohibited name
for the period to 14 July 2004 and that he thereafter acted as a director
of Coldseal (Manufacturing) Limited, Coldseal (North) Limited, Coldseal
(Midlands) Limited and Coldseal (South) Limited all of which names were
prohibited by virtue of the insolvency of Coldseal Limited.
Following the liquidation of Coldseal Group Limited on 14 October 2004,
he acted in breach of section 216 by acting as a director of Coldseal
(Manufacturing) Limited, Coldseal (North) Limited, Coldseal (Midlands)
Limited and Coldseal (South) Limited which traded to 2 November 2004 and
which names were prohibited by virtue of the insolvency of Coldseal Group
Limited. .
New
Product Launch and an Open Invitation from Cervoglass at Glassex
For
Cervoglass, the conservatory glass roof manufacturer, Glassex will once
again provide the perfect arena for a new product to be unveiled. ‘Cervo
Solar Clear’ is a new glass that is suitable for side frame glazing
and will offer installers the ability to provide complete thermal solutions
for conservatory installations.
Additionally,
vistors to Stand D 060 will be invited to take part in a competition to
be run during the exhibition, where a conservatory glass roof worth £1,000
could be won. The Cervoglass team are offering an open invitation to those
visiting the stand to join them at the 'Glass To Glass' Bar for a free
drink in an informal and friendly environment.
‘We will be demonstrating our leading market position on a visually
dynamic stand with a modern, predominantly all glass exhibit that will
clearly display the superiority of the Cervoglass brand,’ said the
company.
‘Last year Glassex proved a phenomenal success story for the company
that is statistically placed as one of the leading Pilkinton Activ Blue
customers. A massive escalation in demand for quality performance glass
for conservatories has arisen through the recognition of more discerning
consumers. Consequently the Cervoglass range is firmly established as
having many advantages over competitors with the new generation glass
range offering superior performance levels to other alternatives.
‘Cervoglass will demonstrate how the brand surpasses other conservatory
glass roof options with the obvious performance benefits being highlighted
as well as the superior support services available that have helped to
establish the company as a primary industry innovator.’
After the launch of the Cervo Activ Blue and Cervo Sol Plus ranges at
the exhibition last year sales have continued to increase at a steady
pace for the Liverpool based company.
‘With solar control and self cleaning properties proving so successful
Cervoglass will demonstrate how glass for conservatory roofs combines
technical superiority with aesthetics that are unmatched in the industry
which is clearly defined by the continual upward trend in orders placed
with the company.’
‘Focus will be placed on additional key benefits available from the
company at the show, including the large delivery fleet that delivers
nationally, direct to customers or to factories, within 5-7 working days.
The flexibility of in-house manufacturing and the superior support services
provided by the Cervoglass team combined with choice, quality, production
control, reliability and progressive attitude continues to place Cervoglass
ahead of competitors within the conservatory roof glass industry.’
Graham Price, Managing Director comments, ‘Glassex proved such a
success for Cervoglass last year we felt it was an important arena to
help introduce additions to the range and highlight the changes, developments
and progression of the firm. The exhibition helped to firmly establish
our products and we feel sure with the additional improvements taking
place at Cervoglass that exhibiting this year will greatly assist in further
confirming our leading market position.’
Cervoglass will be demonstrating the latest information on new generation
glass on stand D060. For more information on the Cervoglass range please
call 0151 522 6604 or alternatively visit the website http://www.cervoglass.co.uk.
Glaverbel
and AFG to be Renamed by Asahi Parent under 'AGC' Brand
Asahi
Glass has chosen the symbol AGC as the unifying Group brand effective
September 2007. This date celebrates the Company's 100th anniversary.
'We are taking this opportunity to adopt a new brand logo and all the
companies in the Group will incorporate 'AGC' in their branding including
legal names,' according to President Masahiro Kadomatsu.
Since the Company has shifted to an 'ln-house Company' system in 2002,
it established the group vision 'Look Beyond" and, improved its global
management implementation to realise this vision.
'Until now we have maintained local and regional brands. For example,
in the flat glass industry 'Glaverbel' (Europe) and AFG (North America),
both acquired companies, have retained their individual brand names. The
AGC brand has been already been unified worldwide in the automotive glass
business.
'Now, we will unify the Group brand globally under 'AGC.' By doing so,
stakeholders will be able to easily recognise the wide range of technologies,
products and services covered by the AGC Croup. We also anticipate that
global branding will strengthen the sense of community and co-operation
among our 57,000 employees, resulting in the synergistic success of our
global growth strategy.
To further solidify AGC brand recognition, we will add 'AGC' to the corporate
name of all individual companies in the Group. All companies in our automotive
glass business have accomplished this transition by using AGC in their
corporate names worldwide. Now, we will achieve brand recognition and
consistency across our businesses in flat glass, display, chemicals, and
electronics & energy as they add AGC to their legal names.
Saint
Gobain Enjoys 'Best Organic Growth in 10 Years' - Germany Back in Black
The
Salnt-Gobain Group enjoyed very buoyant business levels in 2006 and registered
its best organic growth performance of the last 10 years, at 6.7%, including
a 3.2% volume impact and a 3.5% price effect. The Flat Glass sector notched
up a significant 7.8% rise in sales over the year based on comparable
Group structure and exchange rates (11.5% over the six months to December
31, 2006), thanks to the strong second-half recovery of volumes and sales
prices on the European construction market, and particularly in Germany.
Profitability for the sector improved, to 9.8% in the second half of 2006
(versus 9.4% in second-half 2005), but was slightly down over the full
year, due to the first-half impact of the rise in energy and raw materials
costs.
Businesses related to construction markets (in particular Construction
Products and Building Distribution) proved buoyant and drove the Group's
growth. In Europe, vigorous construction markets, bolstered by the impact
of new European reguiations promoting energy efficiency in the construction
industry, and in the second half of the year by the recovery of the German
market, more than offset the impact of a slowdown in US housing starts.
Businesses exposed to household consumption and industrial production
markets remained on a growth track.
The Group reported ongoing expansion in Asia and emerging countries, delivering
like-for-like growth of 12.7% (14.5% in the second half).
High-Performance
Materials continued to report sustained like-for-like growth of 3.3% for
the-full year (2.8% for the second half), reflecting healthy industrial
markets, particularly in the energy, environment and housing segments.
Ceramics & Plastics and Abrasives scored further gains in profltability,
which climbed to 13.0% (versus 12.9% in 2005). However, the operating
margin of the Reinforcements business narrowed, hit by another retreat
in sales prices, which explains the dip in profitability of the sector
as a whole (10.1% of sales compared with 10.5% of sales in 2005).
The Construction Products sector delivered the Group's highest organic
growth, at 8.7% over the full year (5.8% over the second half), including
a 5.8% price impact and a 2.9% volume effect. All of the sector's businesses
contributed to this performance, despite the slowdown in US housing starts
In the six months to December 31, 2006. The interior building solutions
businesses - Gypsum and lnsulation - reported double-dlgit organic growth
for the year (12.1% and 10.4%, respectively), with significant price rises
thanks to strong demand on most markets, boOsted by a raft of new measures
to promote energy efficiency, particularly in Europe.
The Building Distribution sector posted a strong increase in Ilke-for-like
sales, up 7.0% over the full-year (8.4% over the second half), on the
back of a robust trading performance by the sector's main banners, particularly
in France, Scandinavia, eastern Europe, and, for the first time this year,
Germany. The sector's UK banners delivered moderate growth. The Building
Distribution business continued with its policy of bolt-on acquisitions
in major European countries where it has an operational base. Durlng the
year, it acquired 54 companies representing total annual sales of E630
million. lncluding the contribution to 2006 sales from companies acquired
in 2005, the Building Distribution sector posted 6.6% external growth
in 2006. Operating income for the sector surged past the symlbolic billion-euros
mark.
Edgetech
Customer Oakland Glass Passes EN1279 Part 3
Oakland
Glass is the latest Edgetech customer to pass EN1279 Part 3. The standard
applies to sealed unit manufacturers making gas filled units and is scheduled
to become a legal requirement in March. Relating to the gas leakage rate
of sealed units, Part 3 is proving particularly difficult to achieve.
In passing the standard, Oakland Glass joins an elite number of companies
to achieve it so far.
Jim
McClochlan, Quality Manager at Oakland Glass, explains why achieving this
particular standard is important for the company:
‘We've worked closely with Edgetech's technical team and invested
significant time and resources to achieve this standard so our customers
can continue to enjoy the highest specification units available. As well
as helping us meet the new legal requirements, Part 3 should open up some
new marketing opportunities for Oakland too.’
‘Oakland's fabricator customers are already making energy rated windows
to stay ahead of the energy efficiency drive among consumers,’ says
Edgetech UK's Managing Director Andy Jones.
‘So it was important for Oakland to achieve the correct certification
to ensure its customers can sell Window Energy Rated (WER) products with
confidence. We are pleased that Oakland has become the latest manufacturer
of Super Spacer units to achieve this challenging standard, enabling the
company to supply the fast growing WER market when EN1279 Part 3 comes
into force this year.’
Tel: 02476 705570
Swift
Joinery Converts to Q-Mark
Yorkshire-based
Swift Joinery Manufacturers Ltd has achieved full membership of the BM
TRADA Certification Ltd Q-Mark schemes for Enhanced Security Doors, Enhanced
Security Windows and Timber Windows. The company has also been awarded
BFRC B, C and D energy ratings for its Hawk and Kite 2000 window ranges
by BM TRADA, with further ratings in progress for the Kestrel 2000.
Swift Joinery was established in 1980, manufacturing factory glazed and
finished softwood windows largely for the local authority and housing
association sector. It now supplies both windows and doors throughout
the UK. As Managing Director Owen Swift explained, 'It has always been
our philosophy to supply a quality product, using traditional methods.
Our purpose-built windows are designed with safety, security and quality
as standard, and are continually being reviewed to ensure our customers
benefit from the latest technical advances.'
One of the first manufacturers to achieve a Kitemark under BS 644/7950,
Swift Joinery decided to convert to Q-Mark because of the level of customer
support provided by BM TRADA. 'Also, we had considered other certification
schemes but the Q-Mark better matched our own policy of continuous improvement.
The Q-Mark sets stringent standards which we are proud to have achieved.'
The company's commitment to the environment is another important selling
point. It uses top quality engineered laminated timber, with PEFC chain
of custody certification, which further sets the company apart from competitors.
'The material is defect-free which both minimises waste and further enhances
quality,' Mr Swift added. 'And of course we are one of only a handful
of timber window manufacturers able to offer a BFRC energy rating.'
Like the Q-Mark, the distinctive BFRC label is immediately recognisable
by specifiers, as well as enabling them to compare the energy performance
of different window types. Owen Swift maintains, however, that a double-glazed
timber window 'is nearly 10% more efficient than the same window made
of PVCu and more than 15% more efficient than aluminium. Timber is also
easily repaired and disposed of at the end of its product life.'
For further information on
* Swift Joinery Manufacturers Ltd visit http://www.swift-windows.co.uk
or telephone 01977 551319
* BFRC Window Energy Rating contact Andy Sumner of BM TRADA on 01502 679990
or email asumner@bmtrada.com.
Visit also http://www.bmtrada.com.
Quality
Installation Certification in the Frame with New Sheffield Standard
Sheffield
Homes, Sharrow Industries and WHS Halo System 10 have joined forces to
develop an 'industry first' accredited training programme for window and
door installers that is set to raise standards, boost skills levels and
reduce the number of repair and maintenance requests generated by any
potential poor quality installation.
Every installer operating on the Sheffield Homes Decent Homes programme
is now required to undertake the one-day training course, which covers
a standardised installation method, installation best practice and customer
care issues. Based on careful site research, the 'Sheffield method' dictates
frame preparation, positioning, methods of fixing and glazing, and standards
of 'making good' both internally and externally, to ensure consistency
in installation practice.
Nationally recognised and accredited by the GQA (Glass Qualifications
Authority), the interactive, workshop-style training programme includes
a formal assessment paper that can also contribute towards NVQs. On completion
of the training programme, each successful delegate is then placed on
an approved installer register.
From
left to right: Glyn Wilkinson, a joiner from Bramall Construction; John
Hinchcliffe, Maintenance Officer Investment for Sheffield Homes; Nigel
Tomlinson, Housing Coordinator Investment for
Sheffield Homes; and Jez Brotherton, also a joiner from Bramall Construction
As
part of an ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, Sharrow Industries
- the window manufacturing unit operated by Kier Sheffield - approached
its partners to examine the benefits of a 'Sheffield installation standard',
as General Manager Phil Darlow explains: ‘By investing in the development
of a 'Sheffield method', we are aiming to provide a 'trouble free' product
life cycle. However, it's important to emphasise that the success of this
training programme is reliant upon the buy-in of everyone involved in
the installation process. The agreed installation method is designed to
guide clerks of works, surveyors, site agents and contractors as well
as installers and only with this complete supply chain support are we
really able to raise standards.’
Thousands of windows are being installed in council homes across Sheffield
as part of the largest Decent Homes programme in the country, being delivered
by Sheffield Homes and its partner contractors on behalf of Sheffield
City Council.
Jon Lovibond, Director of Investment at Sheffield Homes, comments: ‘Variations
in the quality of window and door-set installations can have serious repercussions,
resulting in potential complaints from tenants and costly call-backs for
repairs. We immediately welcomed the training programme as a way of preventing
these problems from occurring.’
Mike Stevenson, Marketing Director for WHS Halo System 10, concludes:
‘This initiative is a genuine industry first for the public sector
and has the potential to really raise the bar when it comes to installation
good practice. Plus, by offering funded training opportunities to local
workers, the scheme is also helping to boost earning potential and enhance
skills levels, bringing much wider benefits to the city of Sheffield.’
The training programme has been developed by CJM Consultants for WHS Halo
System 10 as part of its 'In Business Together' support package, and has
been funded by Sharrow Industries. Course materials are sponsored by System
10 and contractors simply need to cover the minimal cost of installer
assessments.
For further details of the installer training programme and information
on the System 10 range of windows, doors and curtain walling, please contact
WHS Halo System 10's Commercial Development Managers on 0121 749 3000
or visit http://www.system10.co.uk.
More information on window and door installation in the public sector
is available at http://www.publicsectornewsline.co.uk.
Admiral's
Instant Sales Boost with Masterframe Sashes
According
to Cambridge-based Admiral Windows & Conservatories, increasing the
order value of sales depends on getting the best of both worlds - an authentic
looking window and long life capabilities. After considering the available
options, Admiral opted for Masterframe's Bygone Collection and hasn't
looked back since.
‘We started to investigate diversifying into vertical sliders in
August 2005,’ explains Rob Watts, Admiral's new Sales Manager, ‘after
sales of conservatories waned. We had a good look at the products available
and now we've joined Masterframe's Bygone Preferred Installer network
to sell the Bygone Collection window - without question the best sash
on the market. Now, we've not only increased sales and order values, but
the quality of leads has leapt up too.’
Rob elaborates: ‘Being close to Cambridge means we get enquiries
from a lot of prospects with high value properties, where most PVC-U sashes
would look tacky and out-of-place. The Bygone Collection sliding sash
appeals to people who want a window that looks like timber - the white
woodgrain foil is particularly authentic - but has all the low maintenance
and long life benefits of PVC-U. It's also the only Energy Saving Recommended
vertical slider and the only Secured By Design sash available too. It's
opened up a whole new market.’
Tel: 01376 510410
Web: http://www.masterframe.co.uk
Kenrick
Easi-Fit - The First Choice for CWG Choices
Hardware
manufacturer Kenrick has signed an exclusive deal with CWG Choices Ltd
- the trade fabrication business recently established by Jason Wilder
and Philip de Clermont - to supply the company with its patented Easi-Fit
multi-point locking system.
CWG
Choices, which operates across two sites in Corby in Northamptonshire
and Aldridge in the Midlands, had previously been using two different
locking systems on its windows.
They had, however found that there were increasing demands for a system
that benefited from bi-directional claws and opposing mushroom cams to
provide greater security and enhanced weather performance.
Having reviewed the options available, CWG Choices chose the reliable
and cost effective Easi-Fit system from Kenrick.
This claw locking mechanism provides secure engagement with a substantial
die-cast keep and exceeds BS7950 security requirements. Critically, it
also features a non-crop design, making it much easier and quicker to
fit than many other multi-point locking systems.
Jason Wilder, CWG Choices' director, says: ‘We fabricate around 1,000
frames a week, so it's very important for us to be able to offer high
security to end users at no extra cost as well as speed of fitting for
our installers. Easi-Fit from Kenrick comfortably ticks both boxes. It
benefits from opposing mushroom cams and reverse claws in the middle and
exceeds BS7950 and we believe it is the best product in its class available.’
Kenrick is a leading supplier of hardware solutions for PVCu, aluminium
and timber window and door systems.
The company has a proud heritage spanning more than 200 years, having
been established By Archibald Kenrick who manufactured buckles and livery
fittings.
Kenrick's range of top quality products includes the Excalibur multi-point
locking system and the four-point Centurion system. The Easi-Fit and Espagnolette
locking systems are cost effective and easy to install.
Tel: 0121 553 2741
Email: sjones@kenricks.co.uk
Web: http://www.kenricks.co.uk
Want
to Know if Your Customers are Satisfied? Commission a CS System
Roy
Kemp, Managing Partner at Surrey-based Synergy Group Media, a specialist
marketing agency to the building and materials sector, outlines the benefits
of good customer communication and why talking to your customers and understanding
what they say can improve your business.
A customer satisfaction (CS) system is a method for identifying the areas
of a business that need constant monitoring against customer satisfaction
levels. A CS system is recommended for companies that are being assessed
against the Quality Management System requirements as defined in ISO 9001:2000.
However, even for those companies not assessed, there are many benefits
to be gained. For example, a good CS system will ensure that regular improvements
can be identified in products and services according to measured customer
satisfaction levels. The system can also be used to spot lost business
at an early enough stage to prevent serious long term losses. It can also
identify areas where a customer is being 'over satisfied' and show potential
problems in the supply chain.
Many companies ask their customers if they are satisfied with the service
they receive. This is often done infrequently and with little or no science
behind it. A true measure of customer satisfaction can only be calculated
once we understand our customers' expectations. Without this half of the
equation, no true measure of satisfaction is possible. For example, a
customer might say they were satisfied with the price they pay for a particular
product or service. However, it could be that price was the least important
factor in their choice of supplier and they would still buy at a higher
price given they were satisfied in other areas.
A good CS system requires feedback from a representative cross section
of customers who are asked their views on key criteria. Once the data
has been collected and assimilated using formulas to show performance
ratings and satisfaction levels, the final outcome will reveal trends,
areas of strength or weakness and detailed satisfaction statistics for
each customer, or each project or each job.
This kind of information is a vital but often overlooked tool in today's
highly competitive environment. A good CS system will provide a fact -
based insight into how well a company is satisfying its customers. It
will identify inefficiencies, spot warning signals and secure customer
retention. Once properly begun, it can be used to compare performance
and trends over a period of time. Secondary information such as readership
preferences or attitudes towards industry events can also be gathered.
Last but not least, a good CS system sends a strong message to customers.
It tells them that you do listen to them and you are committed to improving
your service. A CS system is well worth the investment and if implemented
correctly, should pay its way several times over. Contact Synergy Group
Media on 020 8255 2121.
Web: http://www.synergygm.com
Glory
for Top Glass Apprentices
The
search is on for the country’s most outstanding apprentices in the
process and manufacturing sector. The new award scheme has been launched
by Proskills, the Sector Skills Council for the coatings, glass, print,
building products and extractives industries. The best apprentices in
three categories will be announced at a prestigious ceremony in the autumn,
and entrants from England will also be put forward to the highly regarded
Learning and Skills Council apprenticeship awards.
Nominations are being invited from either individuals or companies by
Friday 20th February 2007 into the categories of Apprentice of the Year
and Personal Achiever of the Year. Judges will select a winner and runner-up
from each category, plus a Personal Achiever of the Year.
Terry Watts from Proskills says: 'One of Proskills’ key objectives
is to encourage more employers in the industries we represent to offer
apprenticeships. They can boost your business by bringing in fresh ideas
and allow you to develop the skilled staff that you need for the future.
To this end, Proskills is continuing to develop apprenticeship frameworks
jointly with employers to ensure that they are relevant and business-focussed.
'This awards scheme will not only benefit apprentices, but the accompanying
media coverage will also raise the profile of the companies that they
work for, particularly as candidates – and their employers –
are put forward to a high profile national award scheme.'
In the categories of Apprentice of the Year and Advanced Apprentice of
the Year, the panel of judges will be looking in particular for:
• Commitment to personal development and progression through learning
• Outstanding contributions to the workplace, in particular areas
or projects where expectations have been exceeded
• Examples of achievement and attainment in learning and work
• Inspirational qualities.
Successful candidates in the Personal Achiever of the Year category will
have displayed true determination in working towards their learning goals,
perhaps overcoming obstacles and barriers in learning or at work.
Winning candidates will receive prizes up to £500, with £200
for the runners-up. They will also be guaranteed regional and national
press coverage, which will promote their achievements and individual profiles.
All English entrants will be put forward for the National Apprenticeship
of the Year Award, run by the Learning Skills Council.
Further guidance and an application form can be obtained from the Proskills’
website: http://www.proskills.co.uk.
Application is free and simple. All applicants must either be working
towards or have completed an apprenticeship / an advanced apprenticeship,
or started their apprenticeship since April 2004.
TrustMark
Appoints Two New Board Members
TrustMark
has appointed Sharon Darcy and Frank Bertie as main board directors.
Sharon Darcy will join Paul Ramsden, Deputy Chief Executive of the Trading
Standards Institute, and Linda Perham, previously MP for Ilford North,
as the consumer champions on the TrustMark Board. Frank Bertie will join
Ian Chisholm, Deputy Chief Executive of the Glass and Glazing Federation
and Steve Hodgson, Technical Services Manager for the British Wood Preserving
Damp-proofing Association, as the representatives from trade bodies and
the industry.
Ian Livsey, Chairman of TrustMark, said: 'I am delighted with these two
new appointments. Sharon and Frank bring with them a wide-ranging relevant
knowledge and skills. The TrustMark board is now complete; we have three
directors with solid experience of consumer protection issues, and three
representing the trade and the reputable tradesman. This will ensure coherent
and balanced decision making at board level.'
Sharon Darcy has extensive experience in the public and not for profit
sectors. A founding member of energywatch, the Government energy consumer
watchdog, she is currently doing strategic and fundraising consultancy
work for charities and Local Authorities. She is a non-executive director
of the Hyde Group Board and the Consumer Council for Water.
Previously, Sharon was the Principal Policy Adviser for the Consumers‚
Association where she carried out extensive research in the energy and
water areas and the Global Policy and Campaigns Officer for Consumers
International, which included the co-ordination of consumer bodies around
the world on food, disadvantaged consumers and women as consumers. She
is also Vice Chair of the Trustees for Sutton Borough Citizens Advice
Bureau.
Frank Bertie is a Director of the National Association of Professional
Inspectors and Testers (NAPIT) and has worked in the electrical industry
for 28 years, including the last 18 at NAPIT and Keiller Test Inspection
Ltd. He is currently Managing Director of NAPIT Inspections and has extensive
experience in the creation of assessment systems and trainer electrical
engineering courses. Previously, Frank spent nine years in Dundee, where
he was responsible for testing and inspection of various contracts, including
the MOD air base electrical installations.
Web: http://www.trustmark.org.uk
Windows
with an Outlook: Fenestration China 2006
Almost
21,000 trade visitors came to Peking for Fenestration China from 5-8 December
2006 and visited 210 exhibitors on some 22,000 square metres of display
area - these are the actual figures. The Chinese building boom was just
as clearly noticeable at the 4th International Exhibition on Windows,
Doors and Components as on the way through and out of the city. The German
exhibitors were correspondingly satisfied with their commitment and new
contacts in China. Initial upshot shortly after closing: It was worth
exhibiting. The bulk of this year's exhibitors should therefore be there
again in 2007, when Fenestration China changes its location to the economic
metropolis of Shanghai.
The building industry shows visitors that the Chinese market is growing
at every step of the way in the capital city of this huge booming country:
Farmland and old town houses make way for one new building after another
and skyscrapers literally shoot up like mushrooms. Conventional buildings
go hand in hand with more striking showpieces like the new Olympic Stadium
or the adjacent indoor swimming pool, also newly built for the 2008 Olympic
Games. Several billion square metres of building land are developed throughout
China every year, so the manufacturers of windows, doors, facade systems,
roof windows, sliding roofs, solar protection, ventilation systems, slatted
blinds and window shutters develop the corresponding market potential
at various quality levels.
The relevant exhibitors at Fenestration China 2006 confirm a lively response
- information material and business cards were often used up in no time
at all on the first morning of the exhibition.
Nevertheless, the exhibition was not just quantity instead of quality,
as German exhibitors registered many surprisingly qualified contacts and
intensive talks on the stand. The visitors included the wholesale trade
plus tradesmen and service providers, including many architects, building
engineers and consultant planners, and not forgetting the door and window
manufacturers themselves. As many as almost 1,300 visitors came from abroad
- one exhibitor from Southern Germany had two new contacts from Malaysia
to show only a few hours after the exhibition started.
Nürnberg Global Fairs, co-organiser of the international arrangements
for Fenestration China and - on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Economics
and Technology - also the organiser of the pavilion for German companies,
received unanimous praise. The organisation and preparation worked like
clockwork from the exhibitors' viewpoint and in some cases the international
subsidiary of NürnbergMesse even provided specific help in finding
contacts during the exhibition in the China International Exhibition Centre.
The main organiser CIEC Exhibition Company Ltd., supported by the China
Construction Metal Structure Association and the China Council for the
Promotion of International Trade, occupied six halls for the exhibition,
which was one more than last year. The ‘Fenestration Days China’
accompanying the exhibition also attracted the interest of the international
experts, who used the two-day conference for knowledge transfer on the
ground.
The international exhibitors prepared themselves in many ways to ensure
that the knowledge conveyed did not turn into a possible copy. These precautions
included showing a limited product spectrum, exhibits that were not so
easy to copy such as steel profiles or industry-specific software or simply
with quality not (yet) comparable with ‘made in Germany’. In
general, however, many exhibitors noticed a growing awareness of product
quality on the Chinese side - which further increases the market potential
especially for German exhibitors of high-quality products and services.
A market potential that is more than clearly reflected in the booming
metropolis of Shanghai, where Fenestration China 2007 opens its doors
for the first time. Following the award of many contracts for Peking in
connection with the approaching Olympic Games, the metropolis of Shanghai
with its 17 million inhabitants and above-average economic growth - even
by Chinese comparison - and as organiser of Expo 2010 is increasingly
attracting the attention of market observers. It will consequently become
the hub and shop window of more than one industry when the 5th International
Exhibition on Windows, Doors and Components opens in the Shanghai Everbright
Convention & Exhibition Centre from 14-17 November 2007.
Web: http://www.nuernbergglobalfairs.com
Glaston
Enters Tool Joint Venture in China
Kyro's
main business segment, Glaston Technologies, has strengthened its production
of glass pre-processing tools in China. Glaston company Bavelloni has
signed an agreement of 70 percent ownerships in two joint ventures for
tool manufacture, with Chinese tool manufacturer NST having a 30 percent
share.
'China is an important market for Glaston', the company says, 'and it
has a machine manufacturing unit in Tianjin. Glaston has now decided to
also begin tool manufacture in its machine manufacturing unit. Entering
a joint venture with a matching partner and developing the sales organisation
and network in China accelerate the gaining of a good market position'.
Glaston chose NST, founded in 2003, as the other party of the joint ventures
based on its expertise, quality level of manufacture, production processes
as well as location. Owned by its founders, NST is situated in the town
of Sanhe near Tianjin.
The other one of Bavelloni's and NST's joint ventures, Bavelloni Tools
(Tianjin), completes the semiproducts produced in ltaly into high-quality
tools, sold under the DiaPol brand. The other venture, Sanhe AAA Tools,
continues to manufacture NST's tools. The parties of the joint venture
have an objective of together raising the quality level of NST's products.
Bavelloni and NST have agreed upon not disclosing the amounts invested
in the joint ventures. The agreement will not become effective until the
approval of Chinese officials.
Schott
Opens Sales Office in Dubai
Schott
has expanded its international presence by opening a new sales office
in Dubai. The technology company has identified numerous new and interesting
business contacts in the Gulf Region in areas like solar, architecture
and pharmaceuticals, for example.
The office will be headed by Kiomars Dabbagh, who already obtained experience
working as a sales manager in North America before joining Schott.
Schott now has its own manufacturing and sales organisations in 38 different
countries.
Schott is an international technology group that sees its core purpose
as the lasting improvement of living and working conditions. For this
purpose, special materials, components and systems are developed. The
main areas of focus are the household appliances industry, optics and
opto-electronics, pharmaceuticals and solar energy. The Schott Group has
a presence in proximity to its customers through its production and sales
companies in all its major markets. It has approximately 17,000 employees
producing worldwide sales of approximately 2.2 billion euros. The company's
technological and economic expertise is closely linked with its social
and ecological responsibility.
Web: http://www.schott.com
Quinn
Plastics Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Barcelona Plant
Quinn
Plastics recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of its production plant
in Barcelona. Quinn Plastics, which is part of the multinational Quinn
Group, marked the occasion with gala events involving local staff, representatives
from Quinn Plastics headquarters and customers.
The Barcelona branch of Quinn Plastics was initially founded under the
name of Critesa, S.A, by a local young entrepreneur, Mr Rafael Farriols
Calvo. In May 2004, Quinn Plastics acquired the company’s growing
plastics factory in Barcelona. Since then, the Barcelona plant has become
a successful component in the company becoming one of Europe’s leading
plastics manufacturers.
Judith Sanz, Country Manager of Quinn Plastics, Spain, commented, 'The
ceremony was for the anniversary, but it was also a celebration of the
great success of the Quinn Plastics brand.'
Celebrations took place over an entire weekend with plenty of entertainment
packed in. Guests were invited to attend a Spanish league soccer match
between Barcelona and Villareal on the Saturday. Sunday's celebrations
took on board sightseeing tours, a wine tasting event and finally wrapping
up with a Gala ball in the evening.
Quinn Plastics illustrated the versatility of its brand with all guests
receiving a uniquely crafted picture frame, made using a layered effect
with Quinn CAST material, from the Barcelona plant.
Quinn Plastics is Europe's foremost supplier of transparent plastic sheet.
Its key products are: Quinn XT (extruded PMMA), Quinn CAST (cast PMMA),
Quinn PC (Polycarbonate), Quinn PS (Polystyrene), Quinn PETG (PETG), Quinn
SAN (Styrene AcryloNitrile), Quinn HIPS (Impact Modified Polystyrene)
and Quinn SPC (Multiwall Polycarbonate).
Quinn Plastics also has operating facilities in the UK, Germany, France,
Slovakia and the Czech Republic, as well as sales and support operations
in all major European countries. For further information, please visit
http://www.quinn-plastics.com.
Quinn Plastics is a division of Quinn Group, a leading pan-European manufacturer
of construction industry products. Quinn Group employs over 5,500 people
in Ireland, UK and Europe, and has been in business for over 30 years.
The Quinn Group had sales in 2005 in excess of EUR1.2bn.
sia
Abrasives Posts Solid Growth
In
2006, the sia Group inereased total sales by 8% to CHF 282 million, with
all application areas contributing to this healthy growth. Sales performance
was particularly strong in the markets of Europe, including Switzerland,
and North America. Based on the solid growth, management expects operating
profit before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) and
operating profit before interest and tax (EBIT) to fall within the guidance
ranges.
Healthy growth in all principal markets In 2006, the sia Group increased
sales by 8%, clearly beating the envisaged growth target of 4% to 6%.
Sales rose by CHF 20.6 million to CHF 282.0 million. In local currency,
sales were up by 7%. Last year, the sales growth driven by the acquisition
of sia Abrafoam Ltd., first consolidated in November 2005, was CHF 11.1
million. Sales revenue improved in all the application areas. This positive
development is due to the successful launch of various new products.
Sales increased by 8% in Europe, the international Group's most important
economic region, accounting for 65% of revenue. In Switzerland alone,
the sales growth was 10%. This is due to the successful launch of new
products, system sales with bonded abrasives from Tyrolit and the quality
of service and delivery. The strategy of maintaining a wide range of readily
available products and ensuring fast delivery capability continued to
pay off and led to a further increase in market share.
Based on further healthy sales growth, sia Group management expects results
to fall within the published ranges. The operating profit margin before
interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) will come in at
between 15% and 17%. The operating profit margin before interest and tax
(EBIT) is expected to be within a range of 10% to 12%. With this performance,
the sia Group met all of its targets for last year. The solid results
will lead to high free cash flow, allowing the Board of Directors to propose
the payment of an increased dividend.
This year the sia Group will focus primarily on sales growth and its customer
relationships. This is to be achieved by launching new products, e.g.
for metalworking, and by further expanding existing partnerships, e.g.
with Sika. The foundation has been laid for sales to continue to grow
at a faster rate than the anticipated rate of economic growth.