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Mila takes Another Top Supplier Award: Voted Distributor of the Year at Inaugural G04 Awards

Daventry-based Mila Hardware, the UK distributor of hardware to the window and door industry, has been voted ‘Distributor of the Year’ at the inaugural G04 Awards during a gala presentation evening held in June at Birmingham’s International Conference Centre (ICC). The event was hosted by comedian Jack Dee and hundreds of the industry’s great and good witnessed Richard Gyde, Mila’s managing director, being presented with the GO4 Award by Steve Redman, Event Manager, for Glassex and Glass Processing & Technology exhibitions.

The G04 Awards have emerged as the spiritual successor to the popular Glassex Industry Awards, and have been greeted with enthusiasm by the glass and glazing industry both as a means of promoting excellence with the trade, and as a key social and networking event. Mila also has a direct link with the previous series as it was voted to receive a similar award in 1999.

Richard Gyde was suitably pleased: ‘With the work that we constantly put in to maintain and indeed raise our service and customer satisfaction levels it is fantastic to receive something tangible like this, voted for by the industry. It gives our staff a feeling of great satisfaction and the trophy will join the others in our reception as a reminder of what we have achieved, but also what we must live up to.’

Tel: 01327 872511
Email: mailto:sales@mila.co.uk
Web: http://www.mila.co.uk

KAT Employees get the Cream

KAT UK, the Macclesfield based manufacturer of patio doors and vertical sliding windows, has achieved Investors in People. This commitment to its workforce gives the window industry a quality guarantee for workmanship and consistency in KAT products. It gives KAT a basis for increasing efficiency in manufacturing.

After six years in business, KAT knows that its employees are the most fundamental element of any business. The company has always striven to make KAT a positive working environment. Committing to Investors in People formalises this employee ethos.

‘There is no denying that you get better work out of happier people,’ said KAT director David Richards. ‘The longer you run a business the more you realise that you cannot compromise when it comes to looking after your workforce. They are your single biggest investment. Investors in People was an intrinsic part in the overall evolution of KAT as a company.’

Communication and training were the focal points for KAT employees, which has led to improved long term retention of employees. Employees are encouraged to take ownership of their roles – seeing them as an integral part of the business, rather than just a job of work.

Tel: 01625 439666
Email: mailto:sales@katuk.co.uk
Web: http://www.katuk.co.uk

Trade Frames Direct Achieves BBA Approval

Since taking the helm of Glasgow based Trade Frames Direct in March last year, Gary Fieldman and Michael Bishop have not only increased window and door production by 50% to 500 frames per week, they have also now been presented with British Board of Agrément approval. The award was presented on Synseal’s stand at Glassex.

Gary Fieldman, Joint Managing Director of Trade Frames Direct explains why the company applied for BBA approval, ‘It’s critical for our planned expansion with 40% of our customers in the new build sector – a sector that demands high standards. While we know we provide these consistent high standards, it’s important to prove this to others with third party independent body approval. Throughout the whole process, Synseal has been and continues to be behind us all the way, which is a massive help to a new company in the industry who wants to go places.’

Tel: 01623 443 200

The Duraframe™ Cavity Closer System from Duraflex has been awarded official BBA accreditation. Alan Thomas of the BBA presented Dave Riley, Quality Services Manager at Duraflex with a Certificate for the System during this year’s Interbuild.

Designed for use in conjunction with Duraflex’s high performance Diamond Suite, Duraframe™ acts as a brickwork former, cavity closer and window acceptor to provide a complete PVCu window installation solution for the new build market.

The Duraflex Technical team worked closely with the BBA throughout the design and development process to ensure Duraframe™ meets the very latest thermal efficiency requirements. When used in conjunction with the PVCu Diamond Suite and Low-E glazing the innovative cavity closer system offers full Part L compliance. Taking full advantage of innovations in extrusion technology it is suitable for masonry or timber framed constructions with 75mm and 100mm cavity widths.

A versatile solution, Duraframe™ has been designed by Duraflex to suit the following applications: Check Reveal, Flat (Self Positioning), 11.5mm Inset and 36.5mm Inset. It can also be used with the new Duraflex Duravent™ overhead vent system, which can be fitted either direct to the head of the window or across the head of the Duraframe™ Cavity Closer. A range of optional ancillaries is also available, including Plasterboard and Window Board Adaptors, to meet different installation requirements.

Tel: 08705 351351
Web: http://www.duraflex.co.uk

BBA News

This month's What's New section of the BBA website features news on on the Queen's Awards presentations for two Certificate holders, an article on Actan GS Primer - the first HAPAS Certificate for a paint product and a statement on DuPont Tyvek.

New Certificates added between 30th March 2004 and 10th May 2004
04/4081 THE SHIELD CONSERVATORY ROOF SYSTEM - SYNSEAL EXTRUSIONS LTD
04/4095 ABBOTT CAVITY FRAME FIX SYSTEMS - ABBOTT GROUP LTD
04/4096 SYNSEAL PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - TRADE FRAMES
04/4098 REHAU PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - WALKER PROFILES LTD
04/4105 SUBFRAME INSULATED PVC-U CAVITY CLOSERS - SUBFRAMES UK LTD
04/4100 HARDIBACKER 250 AND 500 BACKERBOARDS - JAMES HARDIE BUILDING PRODUCTS LTD

Amendments to Existing Certificates between 30th March and 10th May 2004 91/2686 PROFILE 22 PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - DEVONSHIRE WINDOW SYSTEMS
97/3318 WYMAR PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - SLIDING DOORS AND WINDOWS LTD

Lapsed Certificates between 30th March and 10th May 2004
00/3708 OLYMPIC GOLD BAY CAVITY CLOSER/FRAME ACCEPTOR - Speed Frame PVCu Windows Ltd
01/3801 KBE PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - Sperrin Windows
01/3807 BRUGMANN PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - O'Kane Brothers (Woodworking) Ltd, T/A Compass Windows
92/2775 DEEPLAS PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - Professional Windows (UK) Ltd
95/3100 SLOTVENT VENTILATORS - Greenwood Air Management Ltd
99/3578 KOMMERLING OLYMPIC GOLD CAVITY CLOSER/FRAME ACCEPTOR - Speed Frame PVCu Windows Ltd
88/2010 L.B. PLASTICS PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - LB Plastics Ltd
94/3001 REHAU PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - Cordiners Windows Ltd

During this period no reinstatements or suspensions of Certificates or Detail Sheets were actioned.

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

Dutch Designer Wins Bombay Sapphire Global Design Prize

Dutch design student Manon Navarro has been chosen as the US$10,000 global winner of the Bombay Sapphire Designer Martini Glass Competition. US designer, Karim Rashid announced the winner of the international final at Superstudio in Milan during the recent Salone del Mobile design exhibition.

Over 400 guests including international designers, media and the 12 global finalists, gathered for the final judging of the glasses which were displayed within the Bombay Sapphire Designer Martini Glass Exhibition, a celebration of martini cocktail culture launched at Superstudio.

An impressive line-up of high profile international designers assembled to judge the global final, including Italian architect, Fabio Novembre; Orrefors designer, Lena Bergstrom; Nike designer, Scott Wilson; Surface managing editor, Tim Ward and Ken Takeyama, the Japanese winner of last year's competition.

The winning martini glass selected by the judges was a highly creative interpretation of the design brief and a radical departure from conventional martini glass design. The glass, entitled 'Sapphire and Pearls' was inspired by the sensuous way in which oysters are consumed. Manon felt that in the same way as oysters are served sitting on a bed of ice, the martini could be served perfectly chilled in the same way.

Manon described her winning design as 'a glass which combines the sophisticated world of the cocktail with that of oysters and caviar. Like the oyster a Bombay Sapphire cocktail is a delicacy which should be savoured.'
Swedish glass designer, Lena Bergstrom, described Manonðs glass as 'inspirational'. 'She has introduced a new social ritual for drinking a martini. This innovative design based on the creative idea of the oyster shell encourages the martini drinker to take delicate sips of this
precious drink.'

In the last year, over 2,000 up and coming designers from around the world have been designing and creating martini glasses inspired by Bombay Sapphire and the short-listed entries for the final represented the US, Canada, Japan, Puerto Rico, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Singapore, Taiwan and the UK.

The two runner-up designers, Andrea Dionisio from the US and Frances Rideout from the UK, won US$2,000 and US$1,000 respectively.

Bombay Sapphire is one of the fastest growing premium white spirits in the world. For many years the brand has been a strong supporter of design. Initially Bombay Sapphire commissioned professional designers to create the ultimate martini glass. These have been extensively featured in global press advertising. Designers such as Karim Rashid, Milton Glaser, Adam Tihany, Marcel Wanders, Eva Zeisel and Dakota Jackson have all created fantastic martini glasses inspired by Bombay Sapphire.

The success and interest generated by these glasses was the springboard for Bombay Sapphire to launch the global martini glass competition for up and coming designers and has led to the creation of the Bombay Sapphire Designer Martini Glass Exhibition, which will tour the world during 2004/5. A permanent exhibition of designer martini glasses will be opening at the Bombay Sapphire Experience at Vinopolis in London later this year.

Web: http://www.bombaysapphire.com

Triumph for Trade Plas

Nailsworth based Approved Quantal Fabricator Trade Plas Conservatories won first prize in the inaugural Conservatory Design Competition at Glassex 2004.

The winning entry, in the Conventional Domestic category, featured a double aspect gable conservatory on a bespoke-built Cotswold stone house in Gloucestershire.

The judges felt that the structure 'created an elegant and sensitive addition to the property, whilst offering maximum space and light'. Craig Luff and Richard Phelps, both of Trade Plas, received their award from Gerry Sherwood, Group Marketing Manager, emap maclaren, organisers of Glassex 2004.

‘We are proud to receive this accolade. Innovative design, top quality products and first class service is our winning formula, and we apply it to every conservatory we sell,’ explains Craig.

The company submitted four entries into the competition, which was divided into three categories: Conventional Domestic, Conventional Commercial and Portal.

Trade Plas is part of the Approved Quantal Fabricator Network.

Tel: 01626 836403
Web: http://www.quantal.co.uk

CPD Approval for Freefoam

Freefoam Plastics recently received approval from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) to provide Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to architects, specifiers and other professionals in the construction industry. CPD is an industry-wide prerequisite for leading professionals striving to maintain professionalism and enhance their knowledge within specified areas.

The Freefoam seminar entitled Design and Installation Considerations for the use of PVC-UE for Roofline and Cladding has been assessed and approved as conforming to RIBA CPD guidelines.

This means Freefoam is entitled to deliver CPD seminars to architects and other construction professionals, and to use the RIBA CPD logo in connection with the seminar material and promote it as being RIBA assessed and approved.

RIBA is also promoting the Freefoam CPD seminar through editorial in its RIBA Journal and other trade press, on the RIBA website and intranet, through its assessed material list, and through its annual CPD directory and direct mailings.

‘This is a significant milestone in Freefoam’s development within the professional & specification sectors,’ comments Kevin Reed, Freefoam New Build & Specification Manager. ‘We are progressing towards becoming the brand of choice within the field of specification and the first choice for New Build and housing developers.’

If you are interested in receiving the above CPD seminar, contact Freefoam on 01604 759871 or email mailto:marketing@freefoam.com

Regency Glass wins LSC Award

Wigan company Regency Glass has recently won the Greater Manchester LSC industry award for its commitment to training and quality. The company is owned by Harold Beazant and his two sons Darren and Dean.

Regency Glass is based at Butts street, Leigh, Lancs and has been trading since the early 80s. The company produces double glazed units to British Standards and has a strong customer base. Regency Glass was nominated by Paul Fairhurst from North Lancs Training Group based in Accrington.

Contact: Wayne Fitzmartin ( Factory Manager ) or Dean Beazant
Tel: 01942 262 162

Schüco Scoops Building Awards' Manufacturer of the Year Honour

Window and door systems specialist, Schüco, has won the 2004 Manufacturer of the Year prize at the Building Awards.

Schüco beat off stiff competition to claim the prestigious honour. The company won praise from the judges for its innovative, cutting edge building products and enviable training programme.

Schüco supplies a highly engineered range of innovative façade, curtain walling and window systems in aluminium, steel and PVCu. The judges commended the company for its technical know-how and willingness to push technical frontiers. In the judges summary of the award, it said: 'The advancements of the construction industry would, frankly, advance nowhere were it not for those manufacturers of building products that would not only create what we need to build our schemes but also push technological boundaries to make buildings better. Schüco is one such firm.'

'Schüco was delighted to win the award, after being up against such distinguished competition. The company takes pride in its products and people and to be acknowledged by its peers was an honour. Schüco is constantly developing its technical expertise, range of building solutions and ways of working. Its investment in people is of paramount importance and it is totally dedicated to training, as illustrated by the company's state-of-the-art training centre in Milton Keynes.' says the company.

Schüco's constant search to utilise groundbreaking technology is exemplified at the new McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, Surrey, where the company used aluminium wind blades and slim, stainless steel vertical tie-rods to create framework from which 40,000 tonnes of glass is almost invisibly suspended.
In addition to its technical and advisory services the company supplies fabricators with full product training as well as specialist machinery and computer software for design and estimating. Schüco specialists are also involved with the client from initial concept right through to its final realisation by specialised sub-contractors.

The Building Awards is celebrating its 10th anniversary and this year received a record number of entries across all categories. The Manufacturer of the Year Award was slightly different to the majority of the categories with candidates nominated by a panel of specifiers as opposed to entering the award themselves.

The winners were chosen by five panels of judges and assisted by a random survey of leading clients and customers.

Tel: 01908 289115

Alumet Winners Again

Following on from its success of being awarded ‘Business of the Year’ by the West Midlands Construction Forum, full façade specialist Alumet Systems (UK) Limited has now been awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for the company’s approach to the building industry.

The Award recognises Alumet’s innovation, ‘The Avon Dry Wall Beam’, which provides an off-site fabricated inner skin for today’s modern buildings and reduces construction time by over 50%.

‘This is a tremendous boost for the whole company and recognition for the team involved in the design, manufacture and installation of the Avon Beam.’ Says the company.

On 31st March 2004, Alumet also received 'Investors in People'accreditation for its hands-on approach and open door policy.

The Southam based company recently received its largest order to date, a £2.6 Million full façade contract at St James Hospital, Leeds, which pushes this year’s turnover up to over £10 Million.

Contact: Dean Walton
Tel: 01926 811677
Email: mailto:deanw@alumet.co.uk

Apply Now: Otto Schott Research Award 2005

In 2005 the Ernst Abbe Fund will be presenting the Otto Schott Research Award for the eighth time.

The prize will be awarded for outstanding achievements in basic research, technology and applications within the field of materials, especially glasses, glass ceramics, other optical materials or components made of these.

The sum of € 25.000 has been allocated to the award.

Qualified, preferably young scientists are eligible for this award; achievements of individuals and small groups can be considered. Direct applications will also be accepted from the candidates themselves.

Recommendations and personal applications should be sent before May 31st, 2004 enclosing a review of the scientific work on which the application is based, a curriculum vitae and a brief outline of the candidate’s scientific career, to the following address:

Ernst-Abbe-Fonds
c/o Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft
Barkhovenallee 1
45239 Essen (Heidhausen)
Postfach 16 44 60
45224 Essen, Germany

Solarcentury Powers to Double Success

Solarcentury scored a 'double whammy' in the prestigious Interbuild 2004 New Product Awards at the end of April scooping prizes in two categories.

The London-based specialist in solar electric solutions for homes and businesses won the Exterior Product Award for its C21 Solar Roof Tile and the Best Lighting and Electrical Product for the Streetsmart Solar Lighting Solution.

Awards in seven categories plus one for the Best Overall Product were presented at a gala dinner by BBC Breakfast TV's Natasha Kaplinsky at the end of day two of the five day event.

Solarcentury Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Leggett said: 'This is an amazing achievement for us. We've still got a long way to go but after just five years and at the first year of the awards, we couldn't have thought that we'd be challenging companies that have been key figures in the industry for many years.

'In this industry we are often put down by people in Government and in the trade because they perceive we cannot compete with the wholesale price of polluting electricity.

'But this success has armed us with an incredibly strong argument where we show those doubters how unfair and misguided that approach to solar photovoltaic products is.

'We have won two construction industry awards - which have nothing to do with energy - and it gives us the ammunition to persuade the Government to support this embryonic industry.'

Other winners on the night were Terry Group Ltd whose Portable Lift took the Disability Access award, Aladdin Auto Vent, which won the Energy Efficiency Award and the SF350 carbon monoxide detector from SF Detection landed the Best Interior Product prize.

Modar took the Best On-Site Product gong for its Base apartment unit while Antec from Interbuild's sister-show Civils won both the Best Civils Product and the Best Overall Product.

Interbuild Event Director Steve Webb was thrilled with the success of the inaugural awards and said: 'Our awards are already being dubbed the 'construction industry Oscars' and that's not surprising considering the number and quality of entries we received.

'It's been a terrific start to the scheme and I'm sure the Interbuild New Product Awards are set to become a firm fixture in the industry calendar.'

Expressions Achieves BS7412 and BS1279 Part 2

Expressions has been awarded the BS 7412 certificate for its frames and BSEN 1279 certificate for its glass units. ‘We wanted these standards so we are not restricted in who we sell to in any way,’ explains Paul Fenty, owner of Expressions.

Expressions owner Paul Fenty collecting his two Kitemark licences: Synseal had ealier collected a BBA certificate

‘Operating in the new build market requires a high degree of professionalism and although we always knew we could deliver, it helps to have an independent body endorsing our products. We fabricate our frames from Synseal’s Shield profile so we were confident they would pass the rigorous welding, security, thermal efficiency and wind tests, and they did. We didn’t have to change the way we worked to achieve the standards but we are more aware of procedures and how to prevent problems before they happen.’

Tel: 01623 443 200
Web: http://www.synseal.com

Ultraframe Announces the Winners of the Ultraframe Best Conservatory Competition

Ultraframe has announced the winners of the Ultraframe Best Conservatory competition at a prestigious awards event in Lancashire. Hosted by Peter Allen, Ultraframe Sales Director, 25 conservatory companies were presented with a distinguished award for their winning installations using Ultraframe roofing systems.

Judged in January by leading trade media editors, the 25 winners were selected from over 500 entries. The entries were judged across five categories and resulted in five entries being awarded winning status in each category. Entries were judged on technical ability, design features and overall effects.

Categories judged were Best small victorian conservatory, Best large victorian conservatory, Best lean-to conservatory, Best commercial installation of a conservatory and Best new build.

For the first time a new category was introduced to the competition. Judged by House Beautiful Magazine editor Kerryn Harper, a special commendation was awarded to one of the five winners across each category for their aesthetic proficiency in use of light and space.

Peter Allen Ultraframe Sales Director said: ‘The awards were a fantastic event. This year’s entries excelled in design and installation using a portfolio of Ultraframe products. The 5 competition categories from simple lean-to design to complex portals brilliantly showcased the versatility of Ultraframe systems across the sector.’

2004 Best Conservatory winners:

Small victorian category:
Glass House Emporium, Artisan Conservatories, Spa Conservatory Village, Posh Windows and conservatories, Orion Windows LTD - Special commendation awarded to Spa Conservatory Village

Large victorian category:
Planet PVC Group, Banburys Ltd, Eddisbury Construction Co Ltd, Glasshouse Emporium Ltd, Barong - Special commendation awarded to Banburys Ltd

Lean-to category:
Guernsey Glass & Window Co Ltd, Inside Outside Ltd, Diamond Home Improvements, Lifestyle Conservatories (SE) Ltd, Nuglas Ltd – Special commendation awarded to Guernsey Glass & Windows

Commercial category:
Keltic Windows Ltd, Clement Windows Group Limited, P&P Glass Limited, Sapphire Double Glazing, Exmoor Fascias Limited – Special commendation awarded to Exmoor Fascias Ltd

New build category:
Howarth Windows and Doors (2 entries), J H Leeke and Sons, Chapel Windows Limited, Fairco McIlhagga Ltd– Special commendation Howarth Windows and Doors

Tel: 01200 452367
Email: mailto:marketing@ultraframe.com
Web: http://www.ultraframe.com

Top Performing Sheerframe Sash Wins Kitemark

The Sheerframe PVC vertically sliding sash window has been awarded Kitemark certification.

Not only does the award winning window now hold BS7412; it passed with the highest possible rating under table 1 of BS7412:2002, withstanding a pressure of 2000 pascals and 300 pascals on air and water. The window also sailed through the operation and strength criteria set out in BS6375 Part 2.

The Sheerframe VS tested featured the new co-ex ovolo sash and the 24mm ovolo bead with the slim bottom sill.

The Sheerframe VS is already popular in both the newbuild and refurbishment markets, and the company says that kitemark accreditation is likely to increase its market dominance.

To add to its appeal, Sheerframe systems company L.B. Plastics has introduced a number of further design features, including an optional opening mechanism to work on the top of the bottom sash. This features a retractable bell finger pull, finished in brass or chrome.

Increasingly, windowmakers are recognising the market potential for the PVC sash, especially in heritage or architecturally sensitive locations. L.B. Plastics, which first launched its fully welded VS 20 years ago, has recently won praise for the quality of the company’s curved sliders on a seafront housing redevelopment in Worthing.

Tel: 01773 852311
Web: http://www.litchfield-group.co.uk

Wright Style Doors Pass Important Fire Test

A Wright Style Md door system has passed a significant fire test, underlining the company's 'absolute commitment to providing the very best and most affordable hollow metal doors on the international market.'

The test was carried out by the Research Engineering Development (RED) laboratories, the only HOKLAS accredited laboratory in Hong Kong.

The double-leaf Md steel door was successfully tested for two hours integrity, to BS476 - providing a high level of fire protection.

This test underlines the versatility of the Md door programme, available in a variety of configurations and formats. With the doors and frames being produced using up-to-date fully automated equipment, they are particularly suitable for applications where a large number of units are required.

The tested door had outer dimensions of 2540mm wide by 2500mm high and incorporated a vision panel to one door leaf and a self-closing fire-damping louvre on the other.

The Md door's high performance characteristics result from its polyurethane core, which provides superior thermal properties while keeping the door weight to an absolute minimum - a particularly important factor in, for example, schools or hospitals.

In addition, hidden channels at the top and bottom ofthe door assembly allows for the installation of smoke seals - providing an effective and potentially life-saving barrier against the passage of either smoke or toxic fumes.

The fully-fabricated Md door range is available in different gauge materials to meet any traffic requirement, or for a comprehensive range of specifications and applications - from offices to hotels and from detention centres to airports.

'Our absolute commitment is to provide the very best and most affordable hollow metal doors to UK market and internationally,' said Denis Wright, managing director of Wright Style.

'That commitment is reflected in a growing order book, as specifiers increasingly recognise the cost, service and performance advantages inherent in a Wright Style product or glazing system,' he said.

The Md door range, alongside Wright Style's newly-introduced Td timber doors, join the company's other steel glazing system products - including curtain walling, roof glazing and internal fire screens, partitions and doors.

Wright Style operates globally through a network of approved licensed fabricators, so that the firm's worldwide experience is always coupled with local service - in every case, providing a cost-effective, high-performance steel glazing or door system solution.

All Wright systems offer safety, aesthetics and ease ofinstallation - a combination that has seen the company expand into more and more markets internationally, through its growing network of local licensed fabricators.

Email: mailto:info@wrightstyle.co.uk
Web: http://www.steeldoorsystems.com
Web: http://www.wrightstyle.co.uk

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