The
industry's annual 'G' Awards ceremony is always an event that never fails
to deliver an evening of top entertainment that engages its audience perfectly
and this year's show was certainly no different. But as with anything
of this nature, even the best laid plans can sometimes be prone to the
odd mishap once in a while, creating a last minute headache for the organisers.
Just hours before the main presentation event was due to begin, it became
clear that the awards were missing and despite frantic attempts to locate
them, all leads resulted in the same outcome...no awards! Frantic enquiries
failed to produce the trophies with G07 organiser faced with the unthinkable
- an Awards Ceremony without the Awards when the courier failed to turn
up!
Last year a number of awards turned up broken, but always the true professionals
one of Bohle's guests had a glass bonding kit in the boot of his car and,
using considerable skill, got the trophies in perfect order for the beginning
of the ceremony. And even when there were no trophies at all Bohle came
to the rescue.
The day - or rather evening - was saved by Bohle's Gary Dean who had brought
along the company's own unique offering for the winner of the Bohle Glass
Student of the Year Award, which is presented during the G ceremony. Thinking
quickly on their feet - and to much hilarity when celebrity host Rob Bryden
announced the 'slight change to the proceedings' it was agreed that the
Bohle Trophy would be recycled throughout the presentations. The upshot
was a seamless passing back of the trophy after each presentation although
it was well fingerprinted by the end of the evening.Bohle's UK managing
director commented:
'We were delighted to help! Having the only award onsite and being given
the privilege to present our Award at G07, it was our duty to offer up
our trophy as a universal, shared award. A lot more people than we anticipated
got their hands on the Glass Student of the Year Award this year!'.
Darby
Glass Top of its Class Again at G07 Awards
For
the second time in three years Darby Glass has won the prestigious G07
Glass Company of the Year Award, becoming the first company in the history
of the awards to win it twice.
‘This is a wonderful accolade for a company that has undergone considerable
change in the past couple of years,’ said Adrian Edwards, Managing
Director, ‘and is recognition for our employees, who have delivered
our strategy of re-aligning Darby Glass to concentrate on its core business
of IGUs and street furniture’.
Receiving
the award, Adrian Edwards - Managing Director, Robin Cooper - Finance
Director, and Paul McCulloch - Human Resources Manager.
Darby
Glass is now a more focused manufacturer, with each of its five sites
able to produce hard and soft coat glass types. The five sites are strategically
placed in the UK - at Scunthorpe, Portsmouth, Wolverhampton, Birtley (near
Newcastle) and Glengarnock in Scotland - giving excellent geographical
coverage.
Furthermore, each site is now a semi-autonomous business in its own right
and Darby Glass has staffed each accordingly, with sales, production and
quality assurance, guaranteeing output quality, delivery on time and competitive
pricing.
‘At the heart of our business, systems are in place to encourage
employees to take ownership of their business,’ said Adrian. ‘They
now feel they can be involved in the decision-making processes needed
to keep the company at the forefront of the industry. This, in turn, supports
our key objective of customer satisfaction’.
‘Winning Glass Company of the Year once again is testament to the
quality and loyalty of our employees, after all the hard work they've
put in. We are all very proud of our achievement’.
Tel: 01724 280044
Web: http://www.darbyglass.co.uk
Builders
Back Cameron Says Industry Survey
An
online poll reveals that 63 per cent of the construction industry rate
David Cameron's Conservative policies over Gordon Brown's Labour government.
Over 1,200 respondents visited the website Interbuild.com to register
their vote in the build-up to the UK's biggest building trade exhibition,
Interbuild, taking place at Birmingham's NEC arena, Sunday 28th October
to Thursday 1st November 2007.
‘This was a surprising result from what has traditionally been a
very pro-labour market,’ says Interbuild Event Director Gordon Thomas.
‘I believe it to be a direct result of a lack of clarity in current
government policy.’
Out of the total 1,274 participants, 797 supported Cameron while just
477 preferred policies proposed by the current Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
The quick 'dipstick' survey was carried out over a six day period (18
- 23 October) where exhibitors and visitors alike were invited to visit
the site to take part in the opinion poll.
‘The range of visitors to Interbuild is wide and varied from all
levels of the market - from multi-disciplined specifiers through to specialist
contractors, general builders, installers and end users - so this gives
a pretty strong indication of the vibe across the entire construction
industry,’ says Thomas.
‘Despite Brown's pledge to provide three million new homes by 2020,
it seems the construction industry is yet to be convinced that Brown's
Britain really is best for the trade.’
Web: http://www.interbuild.com
Fresh
New Format for Test The Trades
In
a twist to this year's Test The Trades (TTT) format, 12 game tutors from
South Birmingham college will kick-start the games at Interbuild's centre
piece event, sponsored by Dewalt.
Starting on Sunday 28th October through to Thursday 1st November at Birmingham's
NEC, tutors and students from South Birmingham College are set to showcase
their skills in front of an audience of 40,000 at the UK's biggest building
trade exhibition.
The tutors will take to the 'Test The Trades' challenge on the first day
of the show followed by four days of duress as their student roofers,
plumbers, builders and floorers battle it out for the title of Birmingham's
most skilful trade apprentice team.
Test The Trades will once again be hosted by original Big Brother winner
and celebrity builder, Craig Phillips and is to be staged in a live arena
in the Truck and Tool area (Hall 4) over the full five days.
Each of the teams from South Birmingham College will compete in a series
of four practical challenges followed by a quick-fire question and answer
round. The winner from each day will gain points for their respective
team and on the final day the team with the most points over the five
days will take home the coveted title to be presented at 3.15pm on Thursday
1st November.
Interbuild Event Director, Gordon Thomas, says: ‘Due to last year's
runaway success, we've extended Test The Trades from one day to all five
and brought in students to replace last year's professionals.
‘As professional trade skills become scarcer and harder to replace,
there is a responsibility at all levels of the industry to keep the issue
of skills shortage firmly on the national agenda. Test The Trades is a
celebration and recognition of the important skills of today's trainees
- tomorrow's professional tradesmen.’
Individual Test The Trades challenges across the four trade disciplines
have been set by Web Dynamics, Multipipe, Kevington Building Products
and Floors-2-Go. Test The Trades' main sponsor, Dewalt, will donate £4,000
worth of premium trade tools to the college and participating students,
which means there's everything to play for.
Each day every student taking part will also receive a Dewalt Accessory
pack which retails at £49.50 and Scruffs workwear has also kindly
donated a prize pot of more than £500 in clothing and accessories
to the daily winners. The 12 tutors also taking part in Test The Trades
will receive a special goodie bag from Bahco Tools.
So, with the trade teams now lined up to do battle, there is only one
question left to answer. Who will be crowned Britain's Most Skilful Apprentice?
Do student builders know more than trainee heating and plumbing engineers?
Are roofing applications the ultimate test of skill or do floorers have
all the answers?
Make sure you have a ring side seat to support your trade at the NEC,
Birmingham, 28th October – 1st November, when all will be revealed!
Entry is free to the trade. Visit http://www.interbuild.com
to pre-register for the show and save the £20 entry fee.
Kurawood
Launches Hardwood Alternative at Interbuild 2007
Kurawood
plc, is launching a range of wood products crafted from VECOwood®,
the world's only softwood that has been organically modified to match
the beauty and performance of hardwood. The announcement was made yesterday
on Stand G105, NEC Hall 5, at Interbuild 2007, the UK's building trade
show.
VECOwood® is created by impregnating timber with a simple organic,
proprietary non-toxic formulation that, once cured inside the timber,
adds colour and strength all the way through to deliver performance usually
associated only with hardwood timber.
‘Builders have always favoured hardwoods such as oak and mahogany
because of their durability and natural beauty. But this demand has had
a devastating effect on tropical forests,’ said Roy Tilleard, chairman
of Kurawood, plc. ‘Now we are offering a real alternative that gives
all the benefits of hardwood without plundering the environment.’
Only sustainable fast-growing plantation timber is used to make VECOwood®
meaning that there is an almost endless supply of premium timber to craft
Kurawood products. VECOwood® can be created from a number of timber
species and only sawn and graded timber is used. The formulation used
to create VECOwood® is based on simple organic compounds which have
none of the harsh side effects of many timber treatments.
In addition, VECOwood®'s manufacturing methodology means that Kurawood
products have:
1. a distinctive knot-free finish
2. consistency in weight and colour
3. superior performance to many traditional species, so you get cherry
with the strength of oak
4. improved dimensional stability due to moisture resistance, and
5. superior finish due to improved ability to glue, machine and coat the
wood.
The VECOwood® process consists of a non-toxic water-based and water
thin formulation which is impregnated into the timber. The VECOwood®
formulation, consisting of a natural vegetable oil and resin together
with other modifiers and polymerising agents, forms a rigid, insoluble
polymer within the wood cells which mimic and enhance the properties of
the source timber.
The impregnated timber is then kiln dried at specific rates for the VECOwood®
formulation to cure. As a result, a number of physical and aesthetic properties
of the wood are improved as the formulation reacts with the timber chemically.
These include dimensional stability, hardness, strength and machineability
among other benefits.
Tel: +44 (0) 870 4608429
Email: kevin.fraser@kurawood
Web: http://www.kurawood.com
Cincinnati's
Raffle to Win an Extruder
Cincinnati
Extrusion is raffling off its 500th Alpha extruder to those who have entered
its draw. If you have not done so already, an entry can be handed to the
company on its stand Hall 16, D22-4 at K 2007 this week. The draw will
take place on 30th October at 3pm on Cincinnati's exhibition stand.
It was at K 2001 that the Viennese extruder manufacturer launched two
standardised single-screw extruder models, the Alpha 45 and the Alpha
60.
Alpha extruders are designed for the production of small technical profiles,
and were the first 'cash-and-carry' machines in the industry, says the
company. They can function as universal machines and as coextruders.
Web: http://www.cet-austria.com
Door
to your Door Service in just Three Days
Synseal
is making Global composite doors available in a three day turnaround.
From the launch on Thursday 1st November, order a global composite door,
and three days later it will delivered to you.
‘The research we carried out earlier this year told us customers
would sell more composite doors if delivery times could be shortened,’
said Nick Dutton, Synseal's Marketing Director. ‘That's why we've
made global composite available for delivery in just three days. We won't
keep you hanging around for the others - seven days is the longest you'll
have to wait.
‘Twelve of the sixteen styles are available in just three days with
many glass options. And all hardware options and upgrades are available
in just three days too.’
Synseal customer Brendan Bermingham, Managing Director of Protech agrees.
‘We can see the way the market for composite doors will grow with
three-day delivery. Trade customers and builders will choose composite
doors rather than PVC panels because they won't have to wait more than
a few days. So adding a composite door won't hold up a full house installation.
And it speeds up cash flow. Before we could wait three weeks or longer
for composite doors, so now cash on doors is turned over seven times more
than with our previous supplier.’
Web: http://www.synseal.com
Freefoam's
Permacell Acquisition Anniversary
Freefoam
Plastics, manufacturer of PVC roofline and rainwater systems in the UK,
Irish and Mainland European markets, has recently been celebrating the
success of last year's acquisition of the Permacell product range.
The Permacell acquisition was significant for Freefoam as it widened its
current range of window trim products and complemented the already strong
roofline range. The feedback from former Permacell stockists has been
very positive and they are pleased with the enhanced product range available
from Freefoam.
Tony Walsh, Managing Director, comments, ‘Twelve months on the Permacell
acquisition has proven to be a great success and we are delighted with
the ease with which the products have integrated with and complemented
the existing Freefoam range of products. Former Permacell stockists are
pleased with the continuity of supply and they now have the added choice
from the Freefoam product portfolio.’
For more information, contact Freefoam directly on 01604 759871 in the
UK, 021 4911055 in Ireland, or email marketing@freefoam.com
Never
too Old to Fit the Eurocell IQ750 Conservatory Roof!
A
very happy resident in Salford, Manchester is currently enjoying the benefits
of fitting a new IQ750 conservatory roof from Eurocell Building Plastics.
IQ750 is a new modular low pitch roof system that is claimed to be the
easiest and quickest to fit in the market and Ronny Lever for one isn’t
disputing this.
As he puts it: 'I’m 74 years young so was a bit apprehensive about
fitting a conservatory roof. However, I found the new IQ750 really
simple to install, when I replaced my existing lean-to roof. There was
no need for cutting, drilling or gluing because all the components just
clipped together.'
The Eurocell Building Plastics IQ750 has 750mm glazing bar centres to
let as much light into the home as possible and each component is supplied
in numbered packs to make fitting extremely easy.
Ronny, who has lived in the property for over 20 years, fitted the IQ750
quickly and easily within a day, ably assisted by his sprightly cousin
John, who is a mere 67.
Ronny adds: 'I used to work in one of the laboratories at the University
of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) so know a thing
or two about good product design and quality which is why it was such
a refreshing change to install the IQ750.'
One feature that Ronny particularly liked was that the IQ750 has a single
piece eaves beam which provides a much sturdier construction to the roof
frame. It also meant that the French doors leading onto the patio area
operated much more smoothly than previously.
As Ronny puts it: 'For some reason the conservatory roof I replaced had
a three-piece eaves beam which meant that the whole thing was very unstable.
It also meant that the doors jarred as the roof pushed down on them, not
to mention the poor security because the only fixings where those holding
the door frame into the wall.'
The previous roof on this property had 300mm glazing bar centres, which
restricted the amount of light entering the conservatory and was one of
the main reasons why the roof was replaced. Ronny also disliked the fact
that whenever he and his wife were relaxing in the conservatory there
were dozens of visible dark lines every 300mm between the glazing bars
which looked unsightly.
Attention to detail is something that hasn’t been lost on Ronny who
particularly likes the fact that the lead flashing on the IQ750 product
is hidden in the gable rafter, as he explains: 'On the previous roof the
lead overlapped the polycarbonate which created huge shadows inside the
conservatory. Now it fits neatly into the side frame and you don’t
even know it’s there!'Ronny bought the IQ750 from his local Eurocell
Building Plastics depot in Trafford and comments: 'The depot was absolutely
brilliant when I first approached it with my sketch of what I needed.
As soon as they saw it they recommended the IQ750 product and even gave
me the fitting instructions so I could check back home that everything
would go together.'
Interestingly Ronny’s neighbour also fitted a conservatory roof recently
but now prefers the look of the IQ750! As Ronny puts it: 'We get on really
well but now they keep making comments on how much better our roof looks
than theirs – I keep telling them to get down to Eurocell Building
Plastics to get it put right!'
IQ750 has been designed to make installation as easy as possible. Design
features include components cut to length, numbered packs and easy clipping
together of items rather than gluing or screwing. IQ750 is available in
2.5¾, 5¾, 7.5¾ and 10¾ and is stocked nationally in all 76 EBP depots.
Ronny’s final thoughts on his new conservatory are very encouraging:
'There must be millions of homes like ours in the UK that could benefit
from a new lean to conservatory. If they knew how easy the IQ750 product
was to fit they would be queuing up to buy it.'
To find your nearest Eurocell Building Plastics depot call 01773 842300
or visit the website http://www.eurocell.co.uk.
RIBA
Publishes Climate Change Guidance for Architects and Consumers
The
Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) unveiled a suite of climate
change guidance documents for architects and consumers on 18th October
2007. The launch took place at the RIBA's Small Practice Conference at
the RIBA.
The guidance documents, known collectively as the RIBA Climate Change
Toolkit, are primarily aimed at the construction industry though the first
guide in the series - the Climate Change Briefing - is designed to have
a broad, non-professional appeal.
The RIBA Climate Change Toolkit consists of the following three downloadable
PDFs, also available as A4 printed documents, alongside A5 summary versions:
Climate Change Briefing - 'setting the scene' on the relationship between
buildings and climate change, this guide focuses on the range of fuel
use and carbon dioxide emissions associated with new and existing UK buildings
of different types and with different servicing systems, and identifies
key factors that affect carbon dioxide emissions. The document emphasises
the critical role of the existing building stock, and includes links to
sources of energy and environmental benchmarking data. This document is
an introduction to the key issues, and has been written to appeal to the
consumer, as well as the construction professional.
Guide to Low Carbon Performance Methods and Assessment Methods - focusing
on new and existing buildings, this guidance covers energy and environmental
standards for the main building types (residential, commercial and public),
and includes references and links for more detailed information.
Guide to Low Carbon Design Tools - the third guide covers performance
simulation software for buildings of different types, post-construction
performance testing, and performance monitoring and evaluation methods;
and includes references and links for more detailed information.
Three further climate change guides - a Carbon Literacy Briefing, Guide
to The Principles of Low Carbon Design and Refurbishment and Guide to
Low Carbon Skills and Training - will be published over the following
six months to complete a suite of six documents. The RIBA Climate Change
Toolkit has been produced by a specialist consultant on behalf of the
RIBA.
Speaking about the toolkit, Sunand Prasad, RIBA President, said:
‘This toolkit is one part of an RIBA programme of work designed to
address how the architecture profession, and the institute itself, can
play its part in tacking climate change.
‘We must design and build both to reduce energy use and to de-carbonise
the energy supply. A higher priority needs to be given to improving the
existing stock, and fast. Architects have a central role in achieving
these aims. I believe the RIBA Climate Change Toolkit provides a vital
resource for our members, their clients and industry colleagues, enabling
them to better understand the issues, and encouraging them to build upon
their existing expertise. The architecture profession is ready to make
its contribution to combating climate change.’
The RIBA Climate Change Toolkit was previewed at the RIBA's party conference
events, including an RIBA/ICE reception at the Labour party conference
at which RIBA President, Sunand Prasad, shared the stage with Hazel Blears
MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, and ICE colleagues.
Publication of the toolkit forms part of a long-running programme of work
by the RIBA on climate change. The institute has approved a climate change
policy, highlighting the need for a socially equitable solution to climate
change and pushing for tougher targets for carbon reduction under the
'Contraction and Convergence' model; is undertaking a corporate behaviour
audit and action plan (to be unveiled by the RIBA later in the year) to
reduce its own environmental impact; will be publishing three further
climate change guides for members; and is arranging an ongoing series
of talks, exhibitions and education projects.
The RIBA's Climate Change Toolkit is dowloadable as a PDF from http://www.architecture.com/climatechange.
Copies are available on request from ewan.willars@inst.riba.org
or by calling the RIBA Members Information Line on 020 7307 3800.
Wrightstyle
Invests in Fabrication Service
Wrightstyle,
the Devizes-based supplier of glass and steel glazing systems, has made
a significant investment to additionally offer its customers integrated
supply and fabrication as part of its flexible service.
Wrightstyle’s core business is the development, testing and international
supply of specialist internal and external steel glass and glazing systems,
offering a complete spectrum of protection against fire, ballistic or
blast threats. The company says that it is recognised as a world leader
in integrating high performance designs with aesthetics, and exports its
systems worldwide.
Wrightstyle’s decision to additionally offer a fabrication service
follows market analysis that demonstrated that, for some customers, shortening
the supply and fabrication chain could substantially reduce costs and
improve lead times.
'The rising cost of raw materials coupled with an increased awareness
securing buildings against fire and other threats has had a marked impact
on costs,' explained Simon Bennett, Wrightstyle’s international sales
director. 'In addition, with the current high level of demand for curtain
walling and other glazing systems, there is significant pressure on lead
times.
'By shortening the supply chain and therefore reducing costs, we are able
to offer our customers a more flexible, fully integrated and cost-efficient
service, whilst greatly reducing fabrication and supply cycle times,'
he said.
Wrightstyle has invested in a range of aluminium and steel cutting and
profiling machinery from Elumatec, one of the world’s leading suppliers,
and has begun fabrication from new premises at its Devizes base.
Although Wrightstyle supplies both internal and external glazing systems,
it is the external cladding market that remains most buoyant, worth up
to £25 billion a year in the UK at current prices, and representing
some 15-25% of the cost of the overall construction budget.
With significant investments being made in the public sector capital projects,
next-generation office developments under construction in London and elsewhere,
and the sector gearing up for London 2012, pressure on capacity and rising
raw material costs have adversely been affecting the sector’s margins.
'We have invested a significant sum in aluminium and steel processing
machinery to better integrate what we do, and to offer a service to our
customers that gives them comprehensive guarantees at each stage of the
fabrication and supply cycle,' said Simon Bennett.
'There is no doubt that companies involved in the specification and purchase
of steel and aluminium glazing systems, are beginning to look for a cost-effective
one-stop solution, which can better guarantee the quality of the finished
product. There’s no doubt that Wrightstyle is a leader in that trend,
and we’re delighted that, following a rigorous specification process,
the company chose our machinery,' said Phil Heavey, managing director,
Elumatec.
Tel: +44 (0) 1380 722 239
Email: lee.coates@wrightstyle.co.uk
Web: http://www.wrightstyle.co.uk
The
Window Store and Shooting Ace go Head-to-Head
Specialist
supplier of high quality PVC-U products The Window Store has put forward
one of its bravest employees to go head-to-head with shooting champion
and 2008 Olympic hopeful Charlotte Kerwood.
The
Window Store has sponsored Charlotte for three years and to show her appreciation
Charlotte challenged Mark Horn from the Eastbourne branch to take her
on at her local shooting range.
Charlotte entered the limelight at the tender age of 15, when she won
gold in the double trap in the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games. After
that, she switched to a new discipline, Olympic trap at the World Cup
in Cairo and won silver earlier in the year in Santo Domigo.
More recently, Charlotte won a selection shoot at Bisley Gun Club in Surrey
for Olympic Trap and is currently the number one contender for the ladies
Olympic Trap at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Charlotte, who practices at her father's range, Northall Clay Pigeon Shooting
Ground in Fletching, East Sussex, was happy to offer Mark some pointers
as he took to the shooting stand.
Mark
said: ‘Everyone at the shooting club was really welcoming and I really
enjoyed being able to have a go at shooting myself as its something I
haven't tried before. It was great fun but much harder than it looks although
I did manage to hit a couple eventually.
‘It was great to have met Charlotte who took some time out to show
me around the club and talk about her achievements and upcoming competitions.
All in all it was a very enjoyable afternoon.’
After the fun of the shoot, Mark took some time out for a well-deserved
rest and presented Charlotte with her sponsorship cheque. The day was
special for other reasons too, as Charlotte was celebrating her 21st birthday.
Justin Davies of The Window Store said: ‘We are delighted to be supporting
Charlotte with her 2008 Olympic bid and we have high hopes that her sporting
success will continue for a long time to come.’
For further information about The Window Store visit http://www.windowstoreplastics.com
or call 01323 647374 to locate your local branch from one of 14 branches
throughout the South East, South West and South Wales.
Safestyle
Search for Part-Time Mums
Safestyle
UK, the independent PVCu replacement window and door Company, is launching
an intensive search for up to 20 full or part-time mums or parents to
strengthen its award winning customer service department at its Bradford,
West Yorkshire headquarters.
The
company's post-installation customer service team has already won an industry
award for its customer care and service. The team is now seeking to build
upon this by launching an intensive customer service training programme
which will put the customer at the very centre of everything that they
do. The intention is to achieve a level of service that is comparable
with world class companies from any industry and the building bricks are
now being put in place to achieve that objective. The next round of recruitment
is a vital next step in this process.
‘We are looking for high quality staff who can empathise with the
customer and who will take ownership of their problem and make sure that
it is dealt with quickly and correctly at the first attempt,’ explained
John Ross, Chairman of the Safestyle. ‘The profile for when telephone
calls come into the Department is perfect for those seeking a part time
role such as mums or parents who are considering a return to work on a
part-time basis.’
Successful candidates will benefit from a very detailed introductory programme
during which they will learn about all aspects of the company's operations
from the publicly acclaimed marketing campaigns (the infamous BOGOF offer
- you Buy One, you Get One Free) all the way through the contract life
cycle to the no-quibble ten year warranty. They will also learn to use
the leading edge technology used at Head Office and in the Field by the
Service Engineers.
Unlike many customer service jobs, the customer service team at Safestyle
UK is not targeted to achieve added sales. The successful candidates will
genuinely dedicate their time to resolving enquiries and totally satisfying
their customers.
Safestyle UK offers highly competitive salary levels and bonus packages
and candidates can expect potential earnings of between £14,000
and £17,000 per annum (pro-rata) subject to the candidate's previous
customer service experience.
John Ross continued to explain: ‘We have over 40 branches covering
the length and breadth of the country and with our annual turnover exceeding
£100m every year and growing all the time. The customer service
team based at our Bradford headquarters will play a vitally important
role in our future development. We are therefore looking for staff with
that rare mix of experience, enthusiasm and a total commitment to provide
the highest levels of experience every time they are in contact with customers
of Safestyle UK.’
He added: ‘Originally we are looking for about 20 new part-time recruits
but this will grow as the business increases in future. It could be ideal
for mums or parents wanting to return to work and they will be given excellent
training for a strong career path. The Company also has a fast track scheme
for candidates who wish to use this role as a stepping stone to a wider
career with the Company. They will be joining a company with a strong
and envious record in employee relations and local community support.’
Web: http://www.safestyle-windows.co.uk
HOPPE
Whisks Customers to the Alps for HQ Visit
Door
and window hardware supplier HOPPE (UK) treated nine of its customers
to a weekend visit to Switzerland and Italy in October to see how its
products are manufactured. Guests, including representatives from Wagner,
Carl F and Warmseal, enjoyed a tour of HOPPE's head office and around
its brass, nylon and aluminium handle manufacturing facilities. The visits,
which take place twice a year, are an opportunity for HOPPE's customers
to get a better feel for the ethos of the Group, its product range and
how its products are manufactured.
Stewart Lamb, HOPPE (UK)'s National Sales Manager, comments: ‘Visits
like this enable us to communicate HOPPE values to customers clearly as
they can experience them first hand. It also helps build long-term relationships
with customers and underlines our commitment to helping them grow.’
Tel: 01902 484400
Web: http://www.hoppe.co.uk
New
Partnership for Profitmaker and James Harcourt (NI)
When
Colin Crothers became Managing Director of James Harcourt (NI) Ltd earlier
this year, one of the first things he did was to introduce Profitmaker's
software.
Colin was familiar with the lean management software, which was used throughout
the installation company he worked for previously. Colin comments: ‘The
software's a real time saver, and has transformed the efficiency of our
service.
‘Using Profitmaker Pocket, a sales rep can visit a homeowner, give
an accurate price and print off a professional estimate there and then.
Profitmaker Pocket is linked to Profitmaker.Net with an updated price
list so margins are instantly checked and orders can be closed that day.
If the homeowner electronically signs, it's downloaded from Profitmaker.Net
and imported straight into Profitmaker Office's system ready for survey.
Without Profitmaker software it could take more than a week for this process
to complete.’
Colin continues: ‘The software allows me to watch sales and surveying
progress in real time. At a weekly sales meeting, the latest figures are
on my laptop and I'll see changes in real time. I can view estimates that
have been won, lost or are pending. Surveys and installation targets can
also be monitored as they occur. Personnel at James Harcourt can access
Profitmaker diaries so customer queries relating to sales, surveyor and
installation can be dealt with immediately - there's no 'can I get the
sales or the installation department to call you back?' scenarios. Profitmaker
saves time, reduces errors and gives us greater profits.’
Web: http://www.jamesharcourt.net
Web: http://www.profit-maker.net
Tel: 0870 241 3089
100%
Success for Heat Shield from GAP
GAP,
the home improvement stockist and door panel manufacturer, has produced
5,000 door panels using its exclusive Heat Shield technology since its
launch earlier this year. As they say 'the proof is in the pudding' and
GAP has reported a 100% success rate with Heat Shield skins, with no returns
for warping, bubbling or cracking due to heat absorption.
Even this summer, with the temperature fluctuating from very hot to cold
(to say nothing of very wet), has not proved a problem for GAP's Heat
Shield panels. GAP's woodgrain finish door panels are able to withstand
temperature fluctuations which would leave an ordinary panel seriously
damaged.
GAP's customers certainly appreciate the Heat Shield product. It means
that they can offer their customers an attractive woodgrain finish in
a maintenance free door panel, without the risk of remedials or costly
call-backs.
Production Manager John Harrop comments: ‘Heat Shield has solved
the old problems associated with woodgrain finishes. Manufacturing our
door panels with Heat Shield means installers can be confident they have
an efficient and economical product to sell’
Tel: 01254 682888
Avocet
Distributes Trident 3-in-1
Hardware
supplier and distributor, Avocet Hardware is now offering a new concept
in casement windows. The three-in-one Trident window locking system is
manufactured by Siegenia-Aubi.
The
Trident, an all in one security, egress and safety single casement window
has been designed with specifiers and fabricators in mind. Its credentials
are exemplary - meeting all relevant legislative requirements including
BS7950 and the prestigious Secured by Design accreditation, the fourth
product in the Siegenia-Aubi portfolio to attain this accolade.
With a 90 degree opening, Trident has an easy release mechanism for emergency
escape with can be fitted at time of fabrication or retro fitted. ‘The
value of the system is the unique hook and cam combination,’ explains
Stephanie Wright, Marketing Manager at Avocet. ‘This advanced security
technology delivers a durable, long term solution with minimal lock wear
to offer maximum strength and security against attempted unauthorised
break-ins.’
The three-in-one concept is welcomed by the industry to provide the safest
and most robust casement window. ‘Having been a long term distributor
of the Siegenia-Aubi brand, we know the quality and high performance standards
associated with the company's product range,’ continues Stephanie
Wright. ‘We are totally confident that this new product will be of
enormous value to specifiers looking for optimum security and safety without
compromising on quality and aesthetic value.’
Web: http://www.avocet-hardware.co.uk
Fenzi
Group at Vitrum 2007: Positive Results and New Objectives
Promoted
as a showcase packed full with new products and ideas, Vitrum 2007 concluded
with higher attendance than initially expected. This success also extended
to the Fenzi Group. Initial estimates of registered visitors showed an
increase of 3.13% for this year's event over 2005. In particular, there
was a considerable influx of foreign visitors (+ 3.69% compared to 2005),
while the number of Italian visitors also increased (+ 2.68% over 2005).
In this prestigious context, Fenzi S.p.A. presented a technologically-upgraded
stand. Its satisfaction with the outcome of the show was expressed by
its President, Dino Fenzi, who commented: ‘Vitrum is always an event
that exceeds expectations.
The current situation in the glass industry is not particularly positive,
given the influence that the construction business (now in recession following
the bursting of the speculative bubble and fears for the future) has on
our market. However, the emerging markets are making up for the declines
in the more mature markets, and this is what we have seen and heard by
speaking to many operators from all over the world’.
Alessandro Fenzi, Managing Director, also commented on the positive climate:
‘This year's exhibition was very positive for us. We had a large
number of meetings at our stand, and we were also very satisfied with
both the quantity and the ‘quality’ of the visitors. The glass
industry is expanding and is also progressing in terms of technology.
In this context, our company's international focus and the significant
investments we have made into research are bringing good results’.
The news presented by Fenzi at the show included the extension of the
Tempver range, increasing from 10 to 16 colour variants, regarding which
Fabio Fenzi, Manager of the ceramic paint division stressed: ‘The
range of Tempver and Decover decorative paints was the subject of numerous
meetings with customers, both established and new. The considerable interest
in these products is due to the quality and the service that Fenzi has
always offered its customers. Customers are now looking for environmentally
friendly products, and in this regard Fenzi has developed both ranges
as water-based and without heavy metals, in compliance with the standards
in force. As regards service, the Decover department can provide samples
in 24 hours from request, through its extensive technical and sales organisation;
Tempver, moreover, announced the new web-based service to access recipes
for mixing the basic colours; this database allows customers an immediate
response to the requests for RAL, Pantone and NCS colours’.
Web: http://www.fenzigroup.com
Dungannon
Windows Grows 250% in Three Years with the Help of Spectus
Dungannon
Windows has grown by 250% in the last three years since specialising in
fabricating the Spectus vertical slider. The Irish market cooled as the
number of new builds dried up. But Tom Givans, Managing Director of Dungannon,
says that the interest in quality vertical sliders is still growing, despite
market forces:
‘We
are a major supplier to the trade in the north and south of Ireland with
the UK market on our radar. Vertical sliders are a real niche market,
and with the right product, growth can be rapid. The Spectus VS is an
authentic replacement for original timber windows in all respects but
with the added benefits of low maintenance and sustainability you get
with PVC-U. It gives us a head start on our competitors because it is
one of the most advanced on the market. The aesthetics and overall design
inside and out are fantastic. This has fuelled its popularity.’
Tom continues: ‘Spectus is an easy company to deal with and the technical
backup is excellent. We are able to talk to the people who designed the
system. Our success is based on quality and we are expanding quickly.
We've recently invested in new delivery vehicles and machinery to cope
with demand. As production keeps
increasing we may have to extend our factory or move to new premises.’
Tel: 01625 420400
Web: http://www.spectus.co.uk
Web: http://www.dungannonwindows.co.uk
Saint-Gobain
Group Third Quarter Results
The Saint-Gobain Group delivered consolidated sales of € 32,630 million for the first nine months of 2007, compared to €30,925 million for the same year-ago period, representing a rise of 5.5% on a reported basis and of 6.7% at constant exchange rates*.
Changes in the scope of consolidation over the first nine months of the
year accounted for an increase of 0.7% in sales, with contributions from
bolt-on acquisitions (mainly in the Construction Products and Building
Distribution sectors) slightly ahead of contributions from divestments
(mainly Desjonquères and Calmar in the Packaging sector and Synflex
in the High-Performance Materials business). Fluctuations in exchange
rates had a negative 1.2% impact, chiefly reflecting the fall in the value
of the US dollar.
On a like-for-like basis (constant Group structure and exchange rates*),
the Group's sales advanced €1,825 million, or 6.0%, buoyed by a significant
rise in sales prices (3.6%) and, to a lesser extent, volumes (2.4%). The
vigorous growth in the first half of the year (organic growth of 6.9%
at end-June), buoyed by the very favourable weather conditions during
the first quarter, continued into the third quarter (up 4.2%), albeit
at a slightly slower pace due to a higher comparison basis (for information,
the Group's organic growth for third-quarter 2006 was 6.2% versus 4.0%
in the three months to June 30th, 2006) as well as more moderate growth
in certain European countries in the third quarter.
All of the Group's business sectors saw a rise in like-for-like sales
for the first nine months of the year, as well as for the third quarter.
Overall, demand held firm in all of the Group's construction-related businesses:
vigorous markets in western Europe, bolstered by the impact of regulations
promoting energy efficiency in the building industry, more than offset
the low level of construction activity in the US.
Demand related to industrial output and capital spending remained satisfactory
in both Europe and the US. Lastly, all of the Group's businesses in emerging
countries and Asia continued to report very robust growth (up 17.3%).
(*) Based on average exchange rates for the first nine months of 2006.
Web: http://www.saint-gobain.com
Taking
the Weight Out of Wine Bottles: Lightweighting Comes of Age
The
current uptake of lighter glass bottles by the UK wine industry is set
to save around 6,000 tonnes of glass packaging every year, according to
the Waste & Resources Action Programme.
Supermarkets Morrisons and Tesco, and wine brand owners Constellation
Europe and PLB Wines, have all confirmed that they have been working to
use lighter weight glass bottles for wine. This will impact nearly 90
million wine bottles, generating combined annual carbon savings of nearly
4,500 tonnes, equivalent to taking around 2,500 cars off the road.
Commenting on the news, WRAP glass technology manager Andy Dawe said:
‘It is great to see the wine industry making such significant progress
on optimising packaging which will have environmental, consumer and economic
benefits.’
The news demonstrates the ongoing success of WRAP's GlassRite Wine project,
which has been working with the international wine supply chain to illustrate
the possibilities for using lighter weight glass bottles and increasing
the bulk importation of wine into the UK.
Tesco has been working with Kingsland Wines & Spirits and manufacturer
Quinn Glass to roll out lighter bottles for its Tesco branded wines. This
move will save more than 2,500 tonnes of glass every year. The new bottles
will be on shelf later this year.
Tesco category technical manager Andy Gale said: ‘The lightweight
bottles will make a significant contribution to our target to cut packaging
by 25% by the year 2010.’
Meanwhile, Constellation Europe has been working to introduce lighter
glass bottles for its Stowells and Echo Falls wines which will save 2,800
tonnes of glass every year.
Constellation Europe's packaging development manager Mike Bullock said:
‘The new bottles are significantly lighter than the originals, but
are not radically different in shape and can be used on our filling lines
without any major modifications.’
In addition, Morrisons is working with Corby Bottlers with the intention
of saving over 200 tonnes of glass per year from its Working Dog and William
Grove wines.
Finally, PLB Wines is to supply lighter weight bottles to another major
retailer, saving 320 tonnes of glass per year.
Tel: 01295 819900
Email: glassrite@wrap.org.uk
Web: http://www.wrap.org.uk
RIBA
Response to Housing Green Paper
The
RIBA has submitted its response to the Government's 'Homes for the Future:
More Affordable, More Sustinable' Green Paper.
The RIBA's response calls for the following:
• Design to be entrenched into housing delivery systems
• Systematic use of regional design panels to ensure quality design
• Using the Eco-towns programme to showcase and pioneer the very
best in terms of socially and environmentally sustainable design.
• Care to be taken over proposals to develop design quality assurance
schemes.
• Schemes must be transparent and contain an element of objective
assessment against sound criteria. Self-certification without oversight
will be unacceptable.
Speaking about the response, Sunand Prasad, RIBA President, said:
‘We welcome the Government's commitment to design in the Housing
Green Paper. However, we feel that much more can be done if ambitious
new housing targets are to meet the social and environmental needs of
today's consumer.
‘Design must be entrenched into the system: and we repeat our call
for the systematic use of local design review panels to enable better
design standards in housing. The planning system needs to be geared towards
approving high quality architecture more quickly. The RIBA is developing
standard terms of reference for the operation of local design review panels
to ensure quality and consistency of process and outcome. These should
also inform the development of the proposed design quality assurance schemes.
‘The next decade offers us a unique opportunity to properly implement
principles of social and environmental sustainability on an unprecedented
scale. The Code for Sustainable Homes and proposals for ten new Eco-towns
are important and welcome steps. I am convinced however, that greater
attention to design is needed if we are to balance the energy demand of
construction and use of our homes with the imperative to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions.’
ADS
Increases Productivity Thanks to Haffner GB
Sheffield
fabricator, ADS Ltd has just invested in a Haffner SBA Cutting and Machining
Centre and as a result, immediately increased its manufacturing output
by 30%.
The
SBA cutting and working centre has constantly been promoted by Haffner
as a machine that offers fabricators improved manufacturing efficiencies.
This was a crucial requirement for ADS who wanted to increase its production
output without an increase in overheads. Leo Smith of ADS explains, ‘Our
business has steadily grown over the last few years, so much so that we
needed to increase our production output to cope with demand, but without
increasing overhead costs. In addition, we wanted to improve our manufacturing
efficiency so that the savings we could make in this area could be past
directly onto our customers. The SBA machining centre from Haffner ticked
all the right boxes and we are delighted that we have increased our productivity
as a result of our investment.’
The SBA machining centre, has not only enabled ADS to offer cost savings
on its products to existing customers, but has allowed the company to
competitively tender in the commercial arena with great success. Leo says
‘Because our whole manufacturing ability has become far more efficient
due to the speed and accuracy of the machine, we have become more cost
effective. This has allowed us to approach other markets with greater
confidence. We have already had success with local regeneration schemes
and the growth we have witnessed since our investment with Haffner is
very encouraging.’
ADS manufactures a range of quality windows, doors and conservatories
for the domestic, trade and commercial market offering a fast turnaround
with a reliable service promise.
Tel: 01785 814032
Email: dave.thomas@haffnergb.co.uk
Security
Assured with WHS Halo's New Door Hardware
WHS
Halo has announced an improvement to the door handles fitted to its composite
door sets. With additional hardware and cylinder attack tests required
under BS: PAS 24-1: 1999 Enhanced Security Performance Requirements for
Door Assemblies, WHS Halo has upgraded its doors sets to include a cylinder
guard fitted to the lock.
The
inclusion of the cylinder guard requires a change to the handle so that
the wider routing required can be accommodated. The new security feature
handle set is approximately 5mm wider and 38mm longer than the previous
unit.
The composite door range is based around both the company's System 10,
Eclipse and Eclipse esthétique chamfered or sculptured profile
suites - so as to be fully compatible with the company's leading window
systems - and is designed to offer a combination of aesthetic appeal with
the benefits of high security, robustness, low maintenance and weather
performance.
The WHS Halo composite range includes a choice of 12 different door styles,
available in nine colours and two woodgrain effects - giving a total of
132 design options within the range. Through colour skins are employed
for durability, and enhanced protection against casual marking in use.
The door and doorsets are entirely timber free, so the possibility of
rotting, swelling, shrinkage or warping is also totally obviated as no
hydroscopic materials are included in its design.
Necessarily bespoke in size, the doorslabs are 68mm for enhanced thermal
performance, and feature a twin seal 'double rebate' which design provides
enhanced weather performance, ease of manufacture and ease of installation.
The doors meet also Parts M and N of the Building Regulations through
the specification of 4mm toughened glass to BS 6206 Class A and/ or an
ultra-low level threshold.
Tel: 0121 749 3000
Web: http://www.whs-halo.co.uk
Everwhite
Guarantee Boosts Stockist's Growth
Leicester
based stockist Central Building Plastics says Everwhite's 21 year no quibble
roofline guarantee puts it ahead of the pack. Established two and a half
years ago, Central Business Plastics specialises in window and roofline
products and has stocked Everwhite for two years.
John Flanagan, Director of Central Building Plastics, states: ‘Everwhite's
guarantee really puts the company out in front. It reassures both installers
and homeowners and makes selling easier across the board.’
‘We have seen our orders grow steadily,’ continues John. ‘And
Everwhite's quality products and service have played an important part
in the company's success. The brochures are top of the range and our customers
also like the benefits of Everwhite's Registered installer scheme. We
just don't have any problems!’
Tel: 01685 882 447
Web: http://www.everwhite.biz
Equivalent
‘A’ Energy Rating for Mumford & Wood Eco Specification Sliding
Sash Windows
The
majority of Mumford & Wood’s vertical sliding sash windows manufactured
for use in new build, renovation and refurbishment projects are at least
1300mm wide and over 2.15m tall. Window units with this or a greater area,
and using the standard Mumford &Wood frame sections, will achieve
an indicative energy rating of ‘A’, the highest standard available
using BFRC energy analysis tools.
Solar
gain is a significant beneficial element in assessing the overall energy
rating and this ‘free’ heat increases in relation to the larger
glazed surface area available. This heat must be obtained in such a way
that reduces its loss back to the environment.
A low ‘U’ value for the combined glazed unit and frame sections
means reduced heat transfer. The overall energy rating is affected more
by the solar gain than the ‘U’ value of the IGU. Therefore the
more glass area relative to the frame area, the better the result –
hence bigger windows will have better energy ratings and smaller windows
will have lower energy ratings. ('See attached matrix showing the range
that could be expected from our standard sash*'.)
The BFRC rating process uses software that allows accredited simulators
to calculate formal energy ratings. These ratings are established using
a window unit of only 1230mm wide and just 1480mm high. With such a small
glazed area, energy-rating calculations indicate a C rating for a Mumford
& Wood unit if made to this size, which advances to a B rating if
non-standard, thinner frame sections were to be used.
The Mumford & Wood standard specification for their range of vertical
sliding sash windows includes a 4/14/4 double glazed unit using a Low
iron/Low E glass combination with a 90% argon gas fill.
Mike Harris, Technical Director, Mumford & Wood, rightly out that
ratings should apply to window sizes frequently installed in British buildings.
'Premium quality developments and prestigious renovations all take VSS
units at least 2.150m tall. The ‘A’ rating achieved at this
size and above, provides M&W customers with the highest possible combination
of thermal performance, operational efficiency and recognised aesthetics.'
* Source: Approved BFRC Simulator
Tel: 01621 818155
Web: http://www.mumfordwood.com
Doncaster
Company helps Liverpool Prepare for the Spotlight as City of Culture 2008
Doncaster Company Norking Aluminium is now part of another development
of national interest – The Paradise Street Project in Liverpool.
The Project is at the heart of Liverpool - designated City of Culture
for 2008 – and covers 42 acres, with 40 individually designed buildings,
6 districts and 1.6 million square feet of shopping.
Norking’s part in the £950m regeneration scheme is the landmark
building on site 6, the largest project in the UK so far for the Schuco
system Sky line 65.
Over 3,500sq/m of unitised system will be installed, saving precious time
on site with its ready assembled units, as well as 1,300sq/m of traditional
curtain walling.
The building will be part of a dramatic new skyline for Liverpool, for
retail and residential use.
Shaun Whiting, Sales Director of Norking said:
'This really is an exciting project to be involved with and I am proud
that a Doncaster company will be part of it.'
Web: http://www.norking.com
Pilkington
Automotive Purchase of GIMA Aftermarket Business in Hungary and Romania
Pilkington
Automotive, part of the NSG Group, has announced the purchase of GIMA,
a leading supplier of automotive aftermarket glazing with operations in
Hungary and Romania.
Director of Pilkington AGR European Region, Tony Fradgley, said: 'GIMA
is a mature company operating successfully in markets which are evolving
dynamically. Following the EU accession, the economic environment in this
part of Europe is one of opportunity. As well as increased numbers of
vehicles, we are seeing an increase in consumer choice as markets open
up. We have a well established capability and supply chain to complement
this acquisition. The AGR strategy is consistent with the overall strategy
for the Group to grow profitably in emerging markets.'
Director of GIMA, Peter Takács Jr., said: 'We see the acquisition
of the company by Pilkington as a very positive move, in both Romania
and Hungary. It will enable the business to provide quality products to
the customers and to continue to service the growth in these two countries.
It will also mean that GIMA employees are now a part of an international
organisation, which is a great opportunity for our people.'
GIMA will operate as part of the Aftermarket Europe business of Pilkington
Automotive.
Web: http://www.pilkington.com
Father
and Son Roofers Prosecuted for Endangering Themselves and Others
The
Health and safety Executive (HSE) has warned individuals and companies
that failure to ensure the safety of those who work at height and the
public will not go unpunished.
Dean Soley and his father George, trading as D&G Soley, pleaded guilty
to two breaches of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 by ignoring the
obviously high level of danger to themselves and others.
Dean and George Soley were each fined £500 and a total of £1,000
awarded to the prosecution at Kidderminster Magistrates' Court on 4th
October 2007 after failing to ensure that no material or object was thrown
or tipped from height, where it was liable to cause personal injury and
for failing to take measures to prevent any person falling from the roof
where they were working.
On 3rd April 2007, three people were observed working on the roof of a
commercial building in Waterloo Street Kidderminster and standing close
to an unprotected drop while throwing large items of debris into a unprotected
skip, approximately 30ft (10m) below, alongside the pavement where pedestrians
were passing.
The case was brought by the HSE after a prohibition notice had been served
for all roof work to cease. Such was the high degree of danger to the
public and to those working that the prosecution was pursued.
Speaking after the case HSE Inspector Katharine Walker said:
'Each year people continue to lose their lives or suffer injury due to
failure to ensure safe working at height. The risks from falls from even
short distances are well known so those in charge of work at height should
ensure that they, their employees and others are protected. In this case,
it would have been relatively inexpensive to put protective rails on the
roof, a chute for debris and a covering over the skip with surrounded
fencing to protect the public.
'If left to carry on the roof work the court case against the Soleys could
so easily, like many others, have involved a fatality or serious injury.
'It seems incredible that, in this day and age, the dangers were abundantly
clear to concerned onlookers yet those supposedly professionally engaged
in work were willing to flout important safety legislation where they
should have automatically provided suitable protection. The Soleys should
be thankful that the vigilance of bystanders and HSE inspectors did not
allow their practices to end in tragedy.'