Glassex Visitor Numbers Lower but Quality is up Again, says EMAP

The organisers of Glassex have released preliminary attendance figures for this year's event, which was held at the NEC from 23rd to 26th March 2003. During the four days of the event, which remains the primary showcase for the UK window, door and conservatory industry after over 20 years, 10,703 visitors filed through the doors, a fall of 15.7% compared to the 2002 event.

The Glazine stand was very busy throughout the show, apart from a lull on Sunday afternoon. It was noticeable that main industry players from companies who were exhibiting had time to wander, and a number of key individuals from companies who chose not to exhibit this year, also came to see us. At the end of the day it's still the best UK event in our industry to see people and pick up new contacts.

The largest drop in attendance on any single day was for Sunday, which accounted for almost half of the lower gate. However, with Sunday traditionally attracting many more casual visitors, this is seen as a direct reflection of the nervous economic and other global conditions that are creating similar changes in many other events, reportedly including The Ideal Home Show which ran at the same time.

Paradoxically, the numbers contributed to excellent trading for most Glassex exhibitors, with few actually troubled by the less populated aisles. 'We are not here for numbers - we want quality and that's exactly what we got at Glassex 2003,' said Tony Marshall, - Director of Sales at Quantal Conservatory Roof Systems. 'It seems that the profile of Glassex visitor is changing - the show is no longer just a shop window for browsing....The level of quality is what really counts for us.'

Dave Beeley, Sales & Marketing Manager for Mila Centralock reflected that sentiment: 'We saw every single one of the most important people in the business.'

Glassex veteran Steve Haines enjoyed a remarkable show with machinery manufacturer Stuga, taking a significant number of orders for products priced at between £50,000 and £250,000: 'This is our fourth consecutive appearance at Glassex and it just gets better and better. We took several orders that came out of the blue - they weren't staged to coincide - and we've had really good enquiries every single day of the show. Less time-wasters and more quality - we're absolutely delighted.'

Nikki Lazenby, Product Manager for Glassex says that numbers have ceased to be a measure of success for modern trade events, but habits die hard: 'The complex market conditions being experienced at all levels of business are extremely difficult to predict. This year's Glassex, according to many who have been involved with the event for years, showed the most dramatic change in visitor profile of any they could remember. It is easy to become distracted by numbers but the key to any event must remain quality. Whilst we use complex marketing tools to attract the right visitor, ultimately it is the exhibitors who will judge. According to the majority of them, Glassex has continued to be a resounding success.'

Visitor registrations are now undergoing further analysis, which will be followed by an independent audit to verify all statistics.

Bohle reaps what it sows at Glassex

New developments and product demonstrations covering all aspects of the glass and glazing industry proved a big hit for Bohle at Glassex and UK Managing Director, Gary Dean, is delighted with the level of interest Bohle's prominent stand generated during the show.

"Although it was agreed that there seemed to be less visitors this year, we took some high quality leads and a significant number of orders on the stand, from machinery to glass tools and accessories. And with an even broader range of products on offer, we were able to attract window fitting companies as well as our traditional customers, which was one of our key objectives this year," comments Gary

Bohle's new Vetro Decorative System, consisting of a collection of hand-made fused glass pieces, received an excellent response, particularly from PVC door panel manufacturers looking to offer exclusive designs and traditional stained glass suppliers. The latest addition to Bohle's Veribor suction-lifting devices, the space-saving Compact-Lift, also generated considerable interest,
together with Shower Door Hinges and accessories - a brand new product line for Bohle.

In addition, this year's show also saw the first timed programme of product demonstrations, such as thick glass cutting, with full commentary. They proved such a success that Bohle has now decided to make them a permanent feature.

It was also a successful show on the machinery side, which has really taken off since it was launched in the UK by Bohle at Glassex 2000. The comprehensive range proved popular with both large and small glass processing companies looking for a cost-effective solution to a wide range of tasks from drilling to edge deletion. The sales team, led by Sales Manager Nelson Graham, reached its target of £100,000 worth of orders, including the highest specified machine sold to date - an L22 Glass Belt Grinder complete with all the optional extras to a glass processor in Yorkshire.

Bruce Bradshaw of Carl F Petersen Comments:

[Having read the Leader Comment in the Gl@zine of 1st April] 'So you did go to the same exhibition as us after all! We found that hard to believe after reading your reviews while the show was on!

'I seem to recall some years ago talking to the then organiser of the show (and what a great job he used to do) and suggesting that Glassex should be in alternate years - hopefully more people will now vocalise this opinion.

'Particularly with Interbuild moving to June (and surely that was best left in November when days were short and builders couldn't work because of inclement weather) it is nonsense for Glassex to be on in the same year.

'Exhibitions are expensive, and I find it hard to believe that any company can really justify the expenditure involved in two major exhibitions within 3 months.

'At present, there is little genuinely new in our industry - cancel Glassex 2004 and we might get a decent show in 2005 - otherwise, if 2003 was poor, 2004 will surely be ****!'

Email: mailto:bruce.bradshaw@carlf.co.uk

Another First for Wendland

Wendland returned to Glassex with a message for conservatory roof fabricators and installers. The launch of the Wendland Registered Installer scheme (WRI) presents conservatory installers with an opportunity to stand out from the competition and win more business. Linked to the DTI's Quality Mark scheme, this latest customer support initiative generated over 100 enquiries at the show.

As a special introductory offer, Wendland is offering free membership of the WRI scheme to the first 250 accepted installers. And to thank those who expressed a genuine interest during the Show, their details were automatically entered into a free prize draw to win a laptop computer. The lucky winner, announced by our own Tony Higgin photographed here with Wendland's MD, Chris Owen, was Steven Kendall of the Hertfordshire Window Company.

In order to become one of Wendland's Registered Installers, a company will need to meet the standards required by the Quality Mark, which is a scheme run by the DTI to identify reputable contractors and outlaw the cowboys in all sectors of construction. Approved contractors are independently inspected by certification bodies on a regular basis, and have their details promoted to consumers in their area via a telephone hotline and website. As an incentive, if installers apply for the Quality Mark through Wendland, their fees will be paid by Wendland as long as they install Wendland roofs exclusively.

Commenting on the new initiative, Damian Battle, Wendland's Director of Marketing says, 'With our new scheme, Wendland is taking the lead to establish a nationally recognised standard for conservatory installation and service. And by removing the financial barriers involved in Quality Mark accreditation, we're opening up a whole host of commercial benefits for Wendland roof installers.' As Wendland Registered Installers, companies will have access to a wide range of exclusive marketing support including brochures, point of sale, practical training, seminars and videos.

Further information on becoming a Wendland Registered Installer and the Quality Mark scheme can be obtained by calling Claire Leadbeater on 01452 726522.

Web: http://www.wendland.co.uk

Phil Freeman of Fab 'n' Fix Glassex Comments:

'I thought glassex 2003 was very disappointing and feel this is bound to happen in a mature industry.

'We exhibit every four years or so when we have new products or something notable to say.

'However, one thing that always irritates me is the car parking charges. The rules and systems change every year. I have 20 staff who visit glassex on average for two days and the cost of parking is very irritating. Even if we get parking passes from exhibitors they have to be handed in as you leave each day so you then have to try and get another for the following day (new this year).....hassle, hassle and more cost...we should make them go to an exhibition in Cologne!!! ZOW even gives free food and drink which I'm sure is built in to the entrance 'one price pays for all' ticket, but makes life at an exhibition very pleasant.'

Email: mailto:p.freeman@fabnfix.co.uk

Stuga at Glassex 2003

This was the fourth consecutive Glassex for Stuga since coming direct to the market as a manufacturer of CNC machinery and the company reports that it was the most successful yet in terms of visitors to the stand, number and quality of enquiries and actual signed up orders that were completely unexpected.

Regular demonstrations of the Flowline Sawing and Prepping Centre proved popular and created considerable interest. Able to cut and prep more than 17 fairly complex internally glazed windows per hour the Flowline was quickly able to create a huge pile of swarf that created a trail all over the show from the many visitors to the stand who walked it around on their shoes.

The long established Autocut Sawing Centre created much interest from those fabricators who have realised that double mitre saws are not necessarily the most efficient way to cut profile. The Autocut not only cuts profile with fewer operators but the accuracy and consistency are also improved with little skill required.

The Ecoline stand-alone Prepping Centre was the newcomer to the Stuga stand and it created interest throughout the four days with fabricators watching demonstrations of the machine using barcode technology to completely take the skill out of all prepping operations on windows and doors.

Tel: 01455 554203
Email: mailto:sales@stuga.co.uk
Web: http://www.stuga.co.uk

Unprecedented Success for K2

K2 reports a fourth successful appearance at Glassex, as the company announced a number of new and complimentary product ranges and had not one stand, but two.

Those visiting K2's 6mtr high double-decker home stand discovered K2's fully sculptured low pitch roof system, L2 in a Pack, and a new self-draining roof vent.

Whilst on the stand visitors also saw K2's displays surrounding the company's new Commercial division and its fully sculptured five chambered window and door system, which forms part of a new K2 Window and Door Systems division.

The highlight of the company's presentation at the show was the unveiling of K2's new division, K2 Glass Ltd.

The formation of K2 Glass Ltd came as a result of K2 Conservatory Roof Systems Ltd acquiring Blackburn based, CCG Ltd, a company known for its expertise in glass roofing products.

The demonstration of K2 Glass Ltd was achieved both on K2's home stand and by a secondary stand located on the perimeter of the exhibition hall.

Coinciding with the launch of K2 Glass Ltd, was the launch of Celsius, a glass designed specifically for conservatory roofs. Celsius's technical capabilities lends the product to a series of features, which include thermal and insulative properties, a subtly tinted blue appearance to reduce glare, reduced sound properties and an easy clean coating.

Celsius's features and benefits were demonstrated through specially designed tunnels located on both stands. Glazed with polycarbonate, double glazed glass units and Celsius roof glass, visitors were invited to walk through the tunnels and experience first hand the extreme differences in temperature, visibility and sound of standard glazing materials in comparison to Celsius.

K2's managing director, Sally Fielding, commented: 'The last four years has seen K2 grow from strength to strength, with this year being no exception. The launch of our latest product innovations and business ventures will enable K2 to further build upon its strong brand position on a global basis.'

Tel: 01204 554 554
Email: mailto:enquiries@k2conservatories.com
Web: http://www.k2conservatories.com

Hectic Time for Evergreen Door at Glassex

Glassex 2003 was a busy time for Evergreen Door, the UK composite door component supplier. Throughout the four days, visitors attended Stand E137 where it displayed its latest ranges, glass designs and services to door fabricators.

'It's been absolutely hectic,' says Managing Director, Robert Benn. 'Many people have commented how busy our stand was constantly, and I would agree! Our new GRP door range also proved very popular with numerous inquiries, culminating in an order being faxed to my hotel from our customer services department.'

Evergreen manufactures and supplies composite door components to specialist door fabricators for use in the home improvement, public sector and newbuild markets. As well as UK fabricators, show staff were also responding to inquiries from Europe and beyond.

Both steel and fibreglass doors can be supplied pre-finished or ready to be stained on site. All doors are fully prepared to customers' hardware and glazing requirements, delivered direct to their premises.

Robert adds: 'It was a big success for us even though it was a smaller show. Glassex 2004 is strongly on the cards!'

Contact: Robert Benn
Tel: 01924 423171

Patiomaster Popular at Glassex

Current fabricator trends for buying in ready-made patio doors were reflected in the interest shown in specialist manufacturer, PatioMaster at Glassex 2003.

The company's range of in-line sliding patio doors and its local network service for fabricators and installers attracted for visitors to its stand throughout the four-day show.

A prize draw gave bike enthusiasts the chance to win tickets to the British Superbikes Championships being held at tracks throughout the UK this season.

Pictured are Joint MD's of Rapid Frame Ltd, Steve Reynolds and Martin Corcoran, with one of the riders, Mark Burr, (left) who presented them with their prize and a signed copy of an action photo.

Since its show debut two years ago, PatioMaster has steadily expanded its UK network of fabricators with the recent launch of Reading-based PatioMaster Wessex.

Product Manager, Richard Parker, comments: 'It was a buoyant event for us with plenty of interest and quality leads to follow up. It's clear that there is a growing trend for fabricators and installers to buy in their patio doors rather than fabricate themselves.

'PatioMaster simplifies the specialist job of installing patio doors by offering efficient production of high quality, ready-made patio doors through an exclusive network of approved regional fabricators.'

Contact: Richard Parker
Tel: 01952 210850

Quantal Soars at Glassex

The suite of product innovations and enhancements that were seen on Quantal's two-tiered stand at Glassex 2003 drew positive responses from visitors to the show.

Glassex was the first opportunity to view product advancements, such as the new aluminium knock-on top cap and rafter bar concept, 32mm polycarbonate glazing option, 25° fixed pitch roof, and new gable lintel. The 'Living Space' zone provided information on the issues of temperature control, ventilation and glazing options. There was also an area dedicated to explaining the benefits of the Quantal Approved Fabricator and Retailer business development packages.

Pride of place was the white Victorian conservatory roof, rotating at eye level.

Quantal took the opportunity to present some of its Quantal Fabricator Network and Quantal Installer Network customers with Regional Fabricator and Installer Awards. Richard Hulbert, General Manager, commented, 'We are very pleased to recognise the hard work of our customers, and thank them for their continued support.'

Tony Marshall, Director of Sales, said, 'Not only has the stand been busy, but we have made a large number of good quality contacts. Response to the new products and business package that were on show has been remarkable.'

The BBA approved Quantal system features a polyester powder coated aluminium external finish, internally clad with PVCu for thermal efficiency. For more information on products or the Quantal Approved Fabricator Network visit http://www.quantal.co.uk or call 01626 832355.

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