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CWG Choices Ltd Achieves Q-Mark for Enhanced Security Windows and Doors

CWG has achieved certification under the BM TRADA Certification Ltd Q-Mark scheme for Enhanced Security Windows and Doors, based on the requirements of BS7412, BS6375, BS7950 and PAS 23/24. ‘The last to be achieved was PAS 23/24 which was particularly gratifying, since little had to be changed from our standard manufacture to pass the greatly enhanced test,’ says the company.

To achieve BS7950 accreditation, the Kenrick EasiFit locking system was used and which is standard on all CWG windows. This system incorporates the silver chromate die cast centre keep embossed with the 'Choices' brand emblem. To support the hinge-side, the MACO hinge protector was used, which passed with flying colours.

To achieve PAS 23/24 accreditation, the Kenrick cylinder and cylinder guard were incorporated. At the end of the 'assault,' which was carried out by an experienced technician, using a selection of effective 'breaking in' tools from Stanley knife through mole grips to crow bar, the lock showed no signs of giving way.

The customers who are involved in commercial work get a full backup service. This includes such things as design advice to achieve the desired result at the most economic cost and the all important structural calculations, where needed.

'Third-party certification, such as the BM TRADA enhanced security Q-Mark schemes for doors and windows is a requirement of Secured By Design (SBD), the police initiative to reduce crime on housing developments. This is significant for those of our customers targeting the commercial sector. The Q-Mark is also recognised by NHBC.'

Tel: +44 (0)870 626 7510
Web: http://www.cwgchoices.com

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Winkhaus Wins Security Award

Winkhaus has received the prestigious award Best Electro-Mechanical Product 2007 from the Master Locksmith's Association at the recent Security Live Exhibition in Leeds. The company received this award for the AV2 E Electro-Mechanical Multi-Point Locking System. The AV2 E security locking system is also the first Automatic locking system to receive the Owl MarkTM Accreditation for use by the elderly from the Centre for Applied Gerontology at Birmingham University.

The Winkhaus AV2 E lock automatically throws two solid hooks when the door is closed, ensuring a Secured by Design level of security without the need to lift the handle. The locked door can be opened in the usual manner, either from the inside by the door handle or from the outside using a key. If you would like further information on the locking system please contact Winkhaus' Marketing department on 01536 316091.

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EYG's Excellence Recognised in Two Media Awards

Spectus fabricator EYG has reached the finals in two categories of the Hull Mail News and Media Business Awards 2007. The awards provide EYG with an opportunity to be recognised as one of the region's premier companies.

‘When we found out we had been short-listed for the Business of the Year and Customer Service awards we were thrilled!’ says Nick Ward, Joint Managing Director at EYG. ‘Our turnover has grown over the last five years from £16 million to over £20 million in a market place that is getting smaller. This is down to service, price, and having the correct products - all of which are possible with Spectus as our supplier. We win a high percentage of repeat business which makes up 13% of our domestic turnover and 70% of our commercial turnover.’

Duncan Douglas, Sales & Marketing Director says Spectus is behind the EYG team 100%: ‘We will be keeping our fingers crossed at the award presentations in November.’

Web: http://www.eygwindows.co.uk
Web: http://www.spectus.co.uk

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CWG Choices Ltd Achieves Q-Mark for Enhanced Security Windows and Doors

CWG has achieved certification under the BM TRADA Certification Ltd Q-Mark scheme for Enhanced Security Windows and Doors, based on the requirements of BS7412, BS6375, BS7950 and PAS 23/24. ‘The last to be achieved was PAS 23/24 which was particularly gratifying, since little had to be changed from our standard manufacture to pass the greatly enhanced test,’ says the company.

To achieve BS7950 accreditation, the Kenrick EasiFit locking system was used and which is standard on all CWG windows. This system incorporates the silver chromate die cast centre keep embossed with the 'Choices' brand emblem. To support the hinge-side, the MACO hinge protector was used, which passed with flying colours.

To achieve PAS 23/24 accreditation, the Kenrick cylinder and cylinder guard were incorporated. At the end of the 'assault,' which was carried out by an experienced technician, using a selection of effective 'breaking in' tools from Stanley knife through mole grips to crow bar, the lock showed no signs of giving way.

The customers who are involved in commercial work get a full backup service. This includes such things as design advice to achieve the desired result at the most economic cost and the all important structural calculations, where needed.

'Third-party certification, such as the BM TRADA enhanced security Q-Mark schemes for doors and windows is a requirement of Secured By Design (SBD), the police initiative to reduce crime on housing developments. This is significant for those of our customers targeting the commercial sector. The Q-Mark is also recognised by NHBC.'

Tel: +44 (0)870 626 7510
Web: http://www.cwgchoices.com

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Glory for Top Apprentices at First Awards


Employers from across the UK came together to celebrate the success of outstanding apprentices at the first award scheme held by Proskills, the employer-led Sector Skills Council (SSC) for the Process and Manufacturing sector, within the coatings, extractives, glass, building products, printing, paper and the furniture, furnishings and interiors industries.

Workers within the glass industry held their breath to see if they were announced as being amongst the crème-de-la-crème of apprentices at the prestigious ceremony on Tuesday 25th September. The country’s top employees were recognised by the employer-led UK-wide sector skills council Proskills with awards which acknowledge the quality, enthusiasm and sheer talent of young entrants to the industries represented by the sector skills council.

Terry Watts, Chief Executive Officer of Proskills, said: 'One of Proskills’ key objectives is to encourage more employers in the industries we represent to offer apprenticeships. Apprentices can boost a business by bringing in fresh ideas and allow the business to develop the skilled staff needed for the future. Proskills is therefore continuing to develop apprenticeship frameworks jointly with employers to ensure that they are relevant and business-focussed.'

Training and attracting new recruits are seen as vital for the continued success and prosperity of the industries which Proskills represents.

Terry said: 'Proskills aims to ensure that employers are firmly in the driving seat when it comes to setting the strategic direction of skills and training. Part of the way we do that is to ensure that standards and qualifications will make people more effective in their jobs.

'We decided to hold these first awards to recognise the outstanding contribution being made by invididuals. The fact that our runners-up were snapping at the heels of the winners shows just how much talent there is around. These people - men and women - show how they are helping their industries prepare for tomorrow’s challenges.

'Everyone likes to be first, and being first gives a little bit of an extra-warm feeling to our first award winners.'

Proskills recently celebrated the fact that it had succeeded in its application to establish a National Skills Academy, further strengthening employers’ opportunities to exercise direct influence over both the content and delivery of skills training in their sector.

Terry added: 'The academy is an important step that will drive forward the delivery of skills to the sector, but there are already many examples of people achieving high standards within the process and manufacturing industries and we felt that it was important to have awards like these in place to recognise that individuals have a stake in their industry’s future too.

'These awards show that employers and individuals are already stepping up to the mark, ready to compete in the global economy.

'It is the ultimate aim of becoming a world leader in skills which drove the Government to put in place components to enable industry to drive the skills agenda. Through its response to Leitch, the Government gave SSCs like Proskills more teeth in getting things done and helping employers and the industries it represents to improve their productivity.'

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

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National Award for Alumet

Alumet Systems (UK) Ltd was recently named 'Specialist Contractor of The Year' at the Contract Journal Construction Industry Awards held at The Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane.

Alumet Director Dean Walton receiving the award from Presenter Vicki Butler-Henderson (TV's Fifth Gear), Sponsor Euler Hermes and Contract Journal Editor Emma Penny.

Alumet also made it into the Top 4 for the 'Judges Supreme Award', this was some accolade for the Warwickshire based full-facade specialist that has seen turnover double in the last three years. The judges recognised that Alumet has strong relationships with key main contractors, and has developed long-term supplier partnerships too. Alumet sees innovation as a necessity not just an option, a fact also recognised by the judges who were particularly impressed with Alumet's new off-site constructed ABLE Facade System - a fully glazed, enhanced walling system designed to withstand the affects of a bomb-blast.

Email: dean.walton@alumet.co.uk
Web: http://www.alumet.co.uk

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Refurb-a-Sash wins Green Guardian Award

Refurb-a-Sash has won a prestigious Green Guardian Award for its environmentally friendly approach in helping to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the Royal Borough of Richmond.

The Highly Commended Award for Green Business of the Year 2007 was presented to Graeme Keene, Operations Manager at a glittering ceremony at Teddington’s Landmark Arts Centre on Friday 28th September.

Refurb-a-Sash’s Managing Director Adrian Thompson says - 'our specialist joinery is in a mixed residential and industrial area, we are very aware of our responsibilities to the local environment. This award is great endorsement of all we have done for the local community by our investment in specialist recycling equipment and the manufacturing process itself.'

Refurb-a-Sash recycles its sawdust & waste wood off-cuts to provide heat for the factory. This reduces energy consumption by eliminating the use of fossil fuel, vastly reduces the number of skip lorries thus reducing carbon emissions & noise pollution, and prevents dumping re-usable waste into expensive landfill sites.

Richmond Council leader Serge Lourie commented 'We all have a part to play – Global responsibility starts at a local level - these awards highlight how businesses are putting this into practice around the borough. It is inspiring to see the breadth of activity and sheer enthusiasm for environmental issues'

Adrian concludes – 'not only have we made a contribution to the environment we have made our business more efficient and are well on track to pay back the investment we have made in this technology. British Gas should be congratulated for sponsoring this event.'

Tel: 020 8892 1166
Email: adrian@refurbasash.co.uk

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ISO9001 for NCE Windows

St-Helens based NCE Windows has become the latest REHAU fabricator to achieve ISO9001 accreditation.

The company, which manufactures and installs throughout Merseyside and the north west of England, achieved the award from assessors ISOQAR.

Chris Williams, MD of NCE, says: ‘Product and service quality has always been a key focus here and has enabled us to differentiate ourselves from many of the larger manufacturers. We are delighted to have achieved this independent endorsement of our quality procedures, and we will be doing all we can to publicise our achievement.’

NCE Windows is a trade, retail and commercial fabricator manufacturing around 150 windows per week in REHAU's S706 70mm system at its factory in St Helens. It recently invested in new machinery including a 4-head corner cleaner, compressor, automatic twin cut bead saw and drain slot routing machine to maximise the quality and efficiency of its production and has been rewarded with coveted ISO9001 status.

Web: http://www.ncewindows.com

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CPA Recognises Roofing Installers for Exceptional Customer Service

Insurance-Backed Guarantee and Deposit Indemnity providers the Consumer Protection Association (CPA) has presented two roofing specialists with its Customer Care Award, the first to be proffered to CPA members operating in this sector.

Ian Hudson, managing director of Derby-based Aquarite Roofing Ltd and Rod Heath, owner of Marcus Roofing in Stratford-upon-Avon, were presented with plaques by John Travers, director of the Consumer Protection Association at the company's Bedfordshire offices. Both firms are installers of the RubberBond™ EPDM roofing system, for which distributor Flex-R Ltd offers CPA membership as part of its marketing support.

The presentation of the CPA Customer Care Award recognises the efforts that both companies take to ensure the confidence and peace-of-mind of their customers, which includes CPA Deposit Indemnity and Insurance Backed Guarantees, but also the adherence to protocols that include clear and concise information and quotations, adherence to installation programmes and complete transparency at every stage of the process.

John Travers, for the CPA, said that these companies offered supreme examples of great customer service, whether commercial or domestic: ‘In an industry that is under regular attack due to poor standards of service Aquarite and Marcus are beacons of how customers at all levels should be treated. We are delighted to be able to recognise their efforts and hope that others will use their example.’

Flex-R Sales & Marketing Director Terry Batchelor, a strong advocate of CPA membership, says that the application of clear standards will always bring rewards: ‘Companies that offer exceptional service to their customers will be able to command better prices and margins with a solid core of recommendations. It is all about customer confidence and satisfaction, something that has always been at the core of the most successful companies.’

Both Aquarite and Marcus have been RubberBond specialists and CPA members for a number of years. Aquarite's Ian Hudson says that RubberBond and CPA go hand in hand: ‘RubberBond is a high-end product and the offer of CPA assurance allows customers to commit to what is invariably the best solution to flat roof replacement.’

Flat roof industry veteran Rod Heath of Marcus - who has spent more than 40 years in the roofing industry - says CPA membership can help to separate bona fide installers from those with poorer standards: ‘There are a lot of cowboys in this business and the CPA separates us from those. The lifespan of RubberBond can comfortably exceed the CPA guarantees [up to 20 years] but it gives confidence to the customer that will seal the deal.’

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

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Mighton's Ecotilt™: The First Timber Sash Window to Join Secured By Design

Mighton says that its Ecotilt window system has achieved another industry first - it's joined the Secured By Design (SBD) initiative, making it the only SBD timber sash window available.

Demand for SBD products is rapidly growing in domestic and commercial sectors, partly driven by the New Crime Strategy launched by the Home Office in July which endorses SBD. The strategy laid down guidelines that actively promote the adoption of SBD in private and public developments.

Mike Derham, Managing Director of Mighton, comments: ‘Architects and specifiers are looking for highly secure timber sash windows but until now there simply weren't any on the market. The combination of a rise in the fear of crime and the Government's Crime Strategy means that demand for SBD timber sash windows will keep growing. Our customers will be perfectly placed to take advantage and make future developments more secure.’

Tel: 01223 497097
Email: sales@mighton.co.uk
Web: http://www.mightonproducts.com

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Eurocell Wins Top Business Award

Alfreton based Eurocell Profiles Ltd has won the prestigious Derbyshire Business Awards after beating off competition from dozens of entrants. The winner was announced from a shortlist of four finalists at a gala dinner at Chatsworth House in front of more than 100 people from the local business community.

Photograph shows Patrick Bateman Eurocell Chief Executive Officer (left) and David Leng Eurocell Managing Director (right) receiving the award at Chatsworth House.

Eurocell impressed the judges with the way it has managed to expand its business against the challenges of an ever increasingly competitive market. The company increased turnover by 10 per cent for 2005-6, despite a general downturn in the market of 5.4 per cent which represents a fantastic achievement.

Last year’s performance was founded on 12 years of consistent growth which has seen the company focus on investment, innovation and customer satisfaction. More than £64m has been invested in the business over the last eight years, which has led to improved production capabilities, reduced delivery leadtimes and provided a stream of new product innovations.

David Leng, managing director of Eurocell, who received the award, said: 'We were extremely pleased to receive this award as it recognises the drive, passion and commitment of all the people within Eurocell who have achieved some phenomenal results in a very tough market. Everyone likes to be on a winning team and we are really excited about what the future holds for our business.'

The judging panel assessed factors such as business growth, leadership style, employee involvement and empowerment, strategic alliances with customers and suppliers in addition to new production techniques.

David Leng sums up the award by saying: 'This has been a fantastic result for everyone at Eurocell and shows just how dedicated we are to creating a business that customers keeping coming back to.'

In addition to being presented with a winners trophy Eurocell was also awarded £10,000 worth of professional advice from KPMG, Geldards, DET and Lloyds TSB who are the award sponsors.

For more information, contact Eurocell Profiles Ltd on 01773 842100 or visit the website www.eurocell.co.uk.

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Edgetech Short Listed for 2 More Awards

Hot on the heels of the news that Edgetech has made the short list in two categories of the G07 awards, the company has just learned it has also been short listed for two categories in the Construction Marketing Awards.

'We're delighted to be finalists in the Best Use of PR and Best Use of Direct Marketing categories in these important industry awards for the entire construction sector,' says Andy Ball, Marketing and Business Development Manager of Edgetech.

'These prestigious awards are a highly regarded measure of excellence in construction marketing and business development, so to be selected as a finalist is a real achievement. Our entry for Best Use of PR focussed on the successful launch of our UK manufacturing facility and the sustained lobbying in the press and behind the scenes for the 'Reduce VAT on Energy Saving Windows' Campaign.

'The Best Use of Direct Marketing entry showed we could demonstrate that while offering the highest performance product is crucial, so too is communicating its benefits to our customers so they have the support they need to make the most of market opportunities. It would be great to win on the night, but to be a finalist in one category, let alone two is reward enough for all the hard work Edgetech and its customers have put in this year..

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'Understanding Markets Pays off", says Kestrel, Finalist of CMA 2007

The next generation, cellular building products supplier, Kestrel was announced as Finalist yesterday in the prestigious Construction Marketing Awards.

Specialists in the design and manufacture of no lead, no tin, 100% calcium organic core and skin PVC-UE and PVC-U roofline, cladding and window trim products, Kestrel expressed its delight yesterday, with the news hot off the press that for the first time in its 17 year history, it has been short listed for the Construction Marketing Awards finals.

Tony Crutcher, Sales and Marketing Director of the Kestrel brand comments: 'We are delighted to receive this accolade for our achievement, which we accept on behalf of the entire team. With their support, Paul Neilson, Managing Director, and myself, have worked hard over the last 18 months to engage with customers and re-establish market needs. One of our key challenges has been to understand how as a manufacturer in a highly commoditised sector that appears driven by price, we can offer customers and their customers, product and service that can help them stand out from the competition. Reaching the finals in the 'Customer Driven Approach' category proves we have illustrated to the CMA judging panel how Kestrel has achieved this, across our target audiences of installers, house builders, architects, public sector specifiers, specialist plastic distributors, builders' merchants, and homeowners.

'In many ways, the award entry - on behalf of our customers and their customers who have told us what is important to them - was straight forward. Our communications campaign has been based on USPs which the market told us would help their businesses grow. These include being the only UK based manufacturer to offer the market three shades of white; our vertically integrated UK based manufacturing centre; and our future proofed no lead, no tin, 100% calcium organic skin and core cellular building products.

'But there's no point being the best or biggest manufacturer, if we aren't giving the market what it wants and needs. So with our in house team, and marketing communications agency Lodestar PR, we have based our entire marcomms strategy on the key messages the market told us it required. As a result, there's a real feeling of excitement across Kestrel and our customers at the moment. The belief we all have in the company and markets is tangible. It's all about having people involved in the business who really understand the markets and are fully committed to customers, end-users and specifiers now and in the future. Reaching the finals of these prolific, national industry building awards is a fantastic thank you as a third party endorsement to the team who have worked so hard over the last 12 months to help stimulate the roofline market place and position Kestrel at its forefront..

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Charismatic BBA for Roseview

Plastmo fabricator, Roseview Windows, has just achieved BBA certification on its Charisma vertical slider making the company one of just a small handful of fabricators with this certification.

Roseview has achieved a great deal of success with the Plastmo Charisma vertical slider and the BBA certification is an investment by the company to help further an already strong order book for the product. The Charisma vertical slider has also recently benefited from further development including the option of golden oak and rosewood finishes.

Several high profile contracts have been won by Roseview with the Charisma product as the window style continues to gain popularity in the residential, new build and commercial sectors.

Willie Kerr, managing director of Roseview comments: ‘We are delighted with the BBA certification and it will help develop further sales of the Charisma vertical slider. It's a standard that reflects on the product design and also our specialist fabrication skill and expertise. This is making a real difference for us in the commercial sector.’

The comments were echoed by Robert Thiroff, sales and marketing director of Plastmo Profiles: ‘Roseview is a great business and its investment in BBA certification shows a real commitment to the product and reflects its level of professionalism as a company. Charisma is now arguably the UK's most successful vertical slider and we will continue to make further developments in the product and work closely with key fabricators such as Roseview.’

Tel: 01234 712657
Email: info@roseview.co.uk
Web: http://www.roseview.co.uk

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Rockdoor 'Secures' Latest PAS 24 Pass

Rockdoor, the composite door manufacturer, recently passed the enhanced security certificate PAS 24 with flying colours.

The previous test, (which Rockdoor also passed with ease), has been amended to include a new cylinder vulnerability test. This was a result of a spate of burglaries where the cylinder of a standard door was attacked and entry to property gained in a matter of moments. The new test includes an attack aimed at breaking the cylinder using an axial load. All manufacturers will have to resubmit their products for testing or their certification becomes invalid.

Sales Director Mark Simm comments: ‘Rockdoor passed the test and retains its reputation as the strongest composite door. Rockdoor is the only fully engineered PVC-U door on the market and combines strength, durability and low maintenance as well as being aesthetically pleasing.’

Tel: 01254 662999

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BBA Newsletter

The following is a list of BBA Agrément Certificates awarded for windows and other fenestration related products by the BBA during recent months.  If you would like further information on any of these, please contact Alan Thomas 01923 665382 or athomas@bba.star.co.uk.
 
New Certificates added between 08 May 2007 and 04 June 2007
07/4440
SYNSEAL PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - Younger Homes Ltd

New Certificates added between 05 June 2007 and 09 July 2007
07/4452
DURAFLEX PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - FineLine Windows & Conservatories Ltd

07/4453
REHAU PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - Welch Glazing Co Ltd

07/4446
NORDAN TIMBER WINDOW RANGE - NorDan (UK) Ltd

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