Industry Events @ THE GL@ZINE

Rion Launches New Logo and New Wendland Roof at Summer Open Event

Recent Wendland Styal convert Rion Limited – one of the North of England’s leading trade and commercial fabricators – has given existing and potential customers an exclusive taste of the company’s future during a special Open Day.

Rion not only unveiled a new company logo that reflects the diversity of its product range but also showcased a number of key new developments, the most significant of which was its decision to offer its own conservatory roofs, manufactured using the Styal system.

Rion Limited first opened for business 18 years ago, as a trade supplier of windows and doors. Since that date the company has gone from strength to strength and finally diversified into conservatory roofs. In addition to its trade business Rion has recently completed a number of prestigious commercial contracts. The company now employs around 80 staff and sells around 10 conservatories a week.

Rion Limited’s Managing Director Simon Nixon and his management team enjoyed a successful Open Day.

Managing Director Simon Nixon explains the company’s decision to adopt fabrication of the Wendland Styal system:
‘We had bought in our conservatory roofs for years, but were finding it increasingly inconvenient and costly to do so. We began talking with potential suppliers and Wendland struck us as being more interested in genuine partnership than some of the others. We started manufacturing with Styal only a few months ago and have received a frightening amount of new interest in that time. We’ve had absolutely no negative feedback from installers about Styal whatsoever so far – it’s a strong roof, it looks good and even our most perfectionist customers like working with it.’

The Rion Open Day, which took place in August, was seized as an ideal opportunity to introduce the many inherent benefits of the Styal roof to customers. Wendland representatives were on hand to explain the structure and technology of the system and a roof was built in the presence of the 40+ delegates who attended the day. Rion also took the opportunity to introduce a new company logo - which now features an image of a house to summarise the wide portfolio of home improvement products now offered by the company – and a new fully sculptured window.

Wendland Roof Systems managing director Graham Fisher demonstrates the Styal roof system at Rion’s Open Day.

Simon Nixon was delighted with the success of the day:
‘The attendance was great and people were very interested in the new roof in particular. Wendland’s support in helping set us up as a Styal fabricator has been invaluable, and the fact that they were there in force on the day meant a lot to us.’

Tel: 08706 009600
Email: mailto:wendland@cdw.co.uk
Web: http://www.wendland.uk.com

Tee-Time at Freefoam

Freefoam, manufacturer of PVC-U and PVC-UE building products for roofline and rainwater applications, recently invited customers & suppliers to the company’s annual golf outing at Staverton Park near Daventry.

Having enjoyed a hearty breakfast, all players were on par and in full swing for the day ahead. Luckily the sun decided to shine following two days of constant rain, and after a challenging but non-the-less enjoyable round, the players retired to the course hotel for analysis, debate and of course essential refuelling.

The team that emerged victorious with 81 points were Colin Deans of Profoil, Steve Sarsby of Freedom Fascias, Colin Rollason of CPS Coventry and Julien Smith of Freefoam.

Other individual prize winners included David Bridgen of Bridgens Transport and Steve Jones of Redi Plas. Longest Drive was Guvy Dulai of Venture Plastics and Nearest the Pin was achieved by John Randles of GAP, Wirral.

All players were challenged to take on the club professional on the 4th hole. Only two players actually bettered his shot on the green all day, namely Karl Owen of GAP, Liverpool, and Kevin Reed of Freefoam.

On yet another successful Freefoam excursion, Tony Walsh, Managing Director comments, ‘Freefoam is committed to strengthening customer relations and an event like this always reinforces valued partnerships’.

For more information, contact Freefoam directly on 01604 759871 in the UK, 021 4911055 in Ireland, or email mailto:marketing@freefoam.com.

Web: http://www.freefoam.com

Status Golfers Raise Cash Fore Charity

The narrow, tree-lined fairways and lightning fast greens of Moor Hall Golf Course near Birmingham provided both a test of golf and a stunning backdrop for the 2004 Status Systems Golf Day. With more than a hundred customers and suppliers present, the competition for prizes was intense and spectators witnessed a very high standard of golf. Tony Righton of Window Options (Staffordshire) picked up the individual honours, with David ‘cheap as chips’ Dickenson of Warmshield hitting a 312 yard longest drive and Andy Burns of MB Frames claiming the ‘Nearest-the-pin’ prize.

Snooker’s ‘Mr. Maximum’ and self confessed golf nut, Willie Thorne, hosted the presentation dinner and entertained those present with anecdotal humour from his snooker career and colourful private life. After drawing the charity raffle, Willie staged an impromptu auction when raffle winner Alan Rothwell of Rothwell & Patterson charitably returned the Business Micros sponsored prize of a plasma screen TV. Through the generosity of Status Systems and the company’s guests, the raffle and auction raised over a thousand pounds for GM Fundraising and the Hope House children’s hospice.

Barnsley Based Northern Counties Housing Association Cements Long-Term Partnership with Sash

Sash UK Ltd hosted a Partnering workshop with Northern Counties Housing Association (NCHA) and consultants from Knowles Management in July.

NCHA and Barnsley based window and conservatory manufacturer Sash UK Ltd have worked closely for the past 5 years. Up till now the two companies had ‘a good working relationship without any written agreements,’ said Helen Garnett-Spence a Senior Consultant with Knowles Management. ‘In this time NCHA had not been inviting other tenders, as past experience had always shown Sash to be the most favourable. The purpose of the meeting was to formalise the commercial/contractual elements of the relationship and to develop a joint performance-management plan.’

‘Partnerships are the way for the future and an effective way of securing future business that ensures sustainability. It’s very important that all partners work together in an open and constructive manner to make sure both side’s needs are being met in hope that the partnership will continue to be a success’, said David Ruzicka, Joint Managing Director at Sash.

These current developments were initiated by Roger Taylor. Since being appointed to the position of Project Manager at NCHA 12 months ago it has been Roger’s task to investigate better ways to work with partners. He decided to include Sash as part of his partnering pilot scheme. He views this not just as a cost saving process but as a way to build on a good working relationship by striving for constant improvement particularly in areas of customer service and satisfaction.

Currently both companies measure performance individually, conducting very similar evaluations, in many cases repeating work and reports. It was decided that this wasn’t an efficient use of the partnership’s resources. So the decision was made to combine efforts towards a joint performance-management system. In terms of commercial and contractual concerns, an action plan was put together to enhance the service to the end user or resident as well as to improve the payment and accounting processes.

A report based on conclusions drawn from group discussions will now be produced by Knowles Management, which will then be duly implemented with a review proposed by Knowles for six months time.

‘The seminar was a great success but it’s important that all involved don’t loose impetus. There’s still a lot of work to be done. We will be holding quarterly reviews with a final review in 12 months’ commented Roger. ‘As hosts Sash were second to none but we feel a bit snubbed that Prince Andrew pinched our next seminar slot!’ he joked of the recent Royal visit on the 22nd July.

Collection & Recycling of Post-Consumer Window Waste Conference

FREE Event, 04 October 2004, BRE, Garston

This free event, hosted by BRE, brings together the latest development on flat glass and window frame waste recycling. Every year 90,000 tonnes of flat glass waste are generated through window replacement.
Traditionally this has been sent to landfill but with disposal costs escalating and the new Landfill Regulation in place, increasingly this is no longer a feasible option.

WRAP has funded BRE and the window replacement industry to explore the current options for collection, processing and reprocessing of post-consumer flat glass and window frame waste and to investigate potential markets for it. This conference will feature current findings from the project, launch a best practice guide and will include live demonstrations, workshops and presentations from companies who were involved in the WRAP project. There will be opportunities for networking and finding suitable solutions to meet your company's needs.

The conference is aimed at window replacement companies, waste management companies and material re-processors.

Why you should attend
• Receive a best practice guide that will help you better manage your window waste.
• Acquaint your company with solutions and opportunities available to deal with your window waste
• Network with leading players in the replacement window and reprocessing industries

To reserve your place please complete and return the form which you can download as a PDF file here as soon as possible or alternatively you can register on-line at:
http://www.wrap.org.uk/materials/glass/flatglass/news_events/expression_of.html

The 2004 Annual British Glass Health & Safety Conference

The 2004 Annual British Glass Health & Safety Conference will take place on 3rd November at Aston Villa football ground, Birmingham and promises to build on the success of the 2003 event, attended by over 220 delegates.

‘Communicating Health & Safety - getting the message across’ is the theme this year and in her key note speech Jane Kennedy, Minister for Department of Work and Pensions will be updating the glass industry on the Government’s strategy for Health & Safety.

The afternoon guest speaker is Yorkshire-born David Gunson with his Flight Plan for Entertainment reflecting his 23 years as an Air Traffic Controller at Birmingham Airport.

There will be specialist presentations, again split into two arenas and hosted both by British Glass and the Glass and Glazing Federation, covering a variety of topical issues:

In Arena 1/2
Neuro Linguistic Programming for Safety Practitioners Advancements in Personal Protective Equipment
Stress in the Workplace It Could Happen to You - How Unsafe Behaviour Contributed to an Accident
Friend or Foe - The Role of the Safety Representative Personal Protective Equipment - The Importance of Suitability
Are you Working Safely? - An Ergonomic Approach How to Engage Employees in Health & Safety

One of the main events of the day will be the presentation of the prestigious Glass Charter Awards by the Minister to those individuals and companies from the glass sector which have shown outstanding commitment to health and safety excellence.

Last year’s conference explored ‘Partnerships and Sharing Best Practice.’ A keynote speech by Bill Callaghan, Chairman of the Health & Safety Executive congratulated the glass industry on its: ‘…notable achievement over the last two years in both reducing injury statistics and its approach and attitude to health and safety.’ He further commented: ‘The incident rate for the industry has seen a 5% fall together with a 38% reduction in lost man hours and a 13% decrease in reportable injuries.’

Alison Bettac-Rodgers, British Glass Health, Safety and Employment Manager said: ‘The industry and Glass Charter Members have not sat back since the 2003 conference but have continued to share best practice across the industry. More innovative, proactive initiatives are planned for 2004 and will be announced at another exciting and dynamic conference.’

Early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment and application packs can be obtained by contacting the: Glass Safety Unit, British Glass, 9 Churchill Way, Chapeltown, Sheffield S35 2PY; tel: 0114 290 1850, fax: 0114 290 1851; e-mail: mailto:a.bettac@britglass.co.uk

Tee Off for the 2004 Unitec Golf Safari

For the twelfth successive year Unitec Hardware Ltd is hosting its annual Charity Golf Day, which this year is again at the DeVere Carden Park, Cheshire, on the 17th September 2004.

Following last year’s highly successful shotgun start, labelled by many as the ‘buggy safari’ when a column of over fifty golf carts set off to negotiate the famous Nicklaus course, this year’s record number of entrants will again be on the starting blocks for a great day’s golf.

The Unitec Golf Challenge is now well established as one of the premier fenestration events of the year, with over 120 of the industry’s major manufacturers and suppliers taking part. The Hole-in-One prize this year is a dream holiday for two in Hawaii, plus major prizes on the other par three holes, finishing off with cash jackpot on the popular putting competition. The day is rounded off with a dinner and top after dinner speaker, plus a charity auction, which this year includes a complete stand at Glassex 2005, kindly donated by EMAP.

The whole event is in aid of the children’s Downs Syndrome charity, for which Unitec have raised ten of thousands of pounds over recent years.

Tel: 01908 633 700

Swish Shows at First ever Housebuilding Event

Swish Building Products, a manufacturer of cellular PVC Roofline and Cladding products for newbuild, will be exhibiting at Housebuilding 2004 (Stand M25). This event, which is dedicated to private and social housing newbuild professionals, takes place on 7th and 8th September 2004 at the Business Design Centre, Islington, London.

As well as displaying its products and services Swish will be holding a seminar to demonstrate its supply chain management capabilities and technical support facilities for specifiers and buyers. The Swish Technical Team offers comprehensive support and assistance from conception and design through call off to ordering and installation.

Swish cellular PVC roofline and cladding products represent an alternative to timber in terms of quality, sustainability, desirability and cost. In addition the company has a well-established partnering policy especially designed to meet the needs of both specifiers and contractors.

For the homeowner or tenant, cellular PVC roofline is a modern, desirable material that will require minimal maintenance and look good for many years. The benefits to the house builder include ease of installation, availability of products from specialist approved stockists and the increased 'kerb appeal' and individuality that can be achieved by using the range of Swish decorative roofline products.

Tel: 01827 317200

London Homebuilding & Renovating Show, 10-12 September 2004, Wembley Exhibition Centre, Halls 1&2

Whether you are building from scratch, converting or extending a property or renovating your family home, you will find all the products and services you need all under one roof at the London Homebuilding & Renovating Show.

Dream Home Designs
Discover your dream home design from a wide range of leading package build companies. Whether you are looking to build or renovate a townhouse, cottage, bungalow, a mansion or a period house, there are thousands of designs to view.

Find Your Perfect Plot
Find your perfect plot at the London Homebuilding & Renovating Show. Whether you are looking for a fantastic view, a country retreat, or close to the city, Plotfinder, Plotsearch and other land providers will be on hand to help.

Over 180 Exhibitors
Meet suppliers and experts, who will help turn your dream into a reality with information on all the products and services you will need to build or renovate your dream home

Ask The Experts
It’s easy once you know how – from planning to project management through to design and detailing. Come armed with your questions for the Homebuilding and Renovating Magazine expert panel.

Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine
If you’re looking to self-build, renovate, convert, extend or generally improve your home, then the Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine is a must read! At the show you will be able to take advantage of fantastic subscription rates.

Conversion & Renovation Opportunities
Can you see the potential in a house? Are you a budding house developer? Do you fancy a challenge? Do you like to see a project though to the end? View thousands of renovation/conversion opportunities and choose the one that is ideal for you.

Sourcing Your Builder
Don’t know purlins from pointing? Confused by contracts? Baffled by Building Regs? Then ask the experts. The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is Britain’s biggest body for professional builders. Come along to our stand and we’ll put you on the straight and level for your next project

Self-Build Finance
Meet companies offering flexible self-build mortgages to help self-builders & renovators, from buying their plots right through to completion. Information will also be available on warranties and insurance policies.

Create the 21st Century Home
Discover the latest in home automation. From hi-tech sound systems to advanced home security, everything you need to bring your home into the 21st Century.

Fantastic Prizes To Be Won!
Each visitor to the show will automatically be entered into our prize draw with a chance to win one of many fantastic prizes

Free Seminars
The Homebuilding & Renovating magazine’s self-build experts will join other leading experts to cover many areas of self-build and renovation in our unique, daily programme of free seminars.

Don’t miss the London Homebuilding & Renovating Show. It takes place on 10 – 12 September, 10am – 5pm daily, at The Wembley Exhibition Centre, Halls 1 & 2, London.

Advance Ticket Offer - Book Now!
£7 In Advance (£10 On The Door)

Call on 0870 010 9031 or visit http://www.homebuildingshow.co.uk

FREE admission for Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine Subscribers, call the Subscribers Hotline - 0870 010 0218 or visit http://www.homebuildingshow.co.uk

Other Shows Before the End of 2004:
Northern Homebuilding & Renovating Show - 12 - 14 November, at Harrogate International Centre.
South West Homebuilding & Renovating Show - 27 & 28 November, at The Bath & West Showground.

Glass Training Ltd Issues a Second Call for Nominations for the Glass Industry Awards

Glass Training Ltd is issuing a second call for nominations for the glass industry awards which are presented at the Glass Training Limited AGM which will be held on 5th October 2004 at Bibby Sterilin Ltd, Stone.

The Government recognises these awards and they demonstrate that the glass industry is acting responsibly in training and development. 'We need to provide evidence that the industry's training policy has been successful.' says Lisa Cansfield Marketing Manager, Glass Training Ltd.

'We would like to recognise learners as well as those co-ordinating training and learning in companies. Please do your best as we want to remain a voluntary training organisation and we do not want to inadvertently lead ourselves into a statutory levy situation.

'Could you please let me have all nominations by 10th September 2004.' adds Lisa.

Tel: 0114 263 2431

‘Two Trophies’ Dave Hits his Stride at the Ringway

David Offland, Joint Managing Director of Float Glass Industries (FGI) picked up two trophies at the Glass & Glazing Federation North West Region 14th annual Golf Tournament.

Playing off a handicap of 20 at Ringway Golf Club, Altrincham, David won The Rankin Cup for the best Stableford score for handicaps of 20 and under.

He was continuing a family tradition as this cup was previously won by FGI Chairman and Joint Managing Director Roy Offland in 1995 and 1996.

David’s score of 40 also meant that scooped up the Thermovitrine Golf Trophy GGF North West Region for the best overall points score.

FGI is part of the Wright & Offland Group, and the Wright & Offland Group Crystal Edge Trophy for players with handicaps of 21 and over was won by Stephen Barratt of Stephen Barratt Consultants, Bolton.